“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”  (James 3:17)

My parents taught special education, and many of their students would come to our home years after graduating from high school to visit with my parents and let them know how things were going.  As I came to know those former students of my parents, I came to know how wise they were.

Many a man with a Ph.D. will argue with his neighbors and grumble that they deserve all their woes, yet many of my parents’ students would listen carefully even to a little kid like me and show compassion to the plight of others.  They had no high degrees or credentials, but they had the “wisdom from above” that James describes.

Ultimately, it’s the wisdom that became flesh and dwelt among us in Jesus Christ–it’s the wisdom of the cross!  Pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy—what a blessing if such a life were found in every government, home, school, and neighborhood today!  Such wisdom comes less by learning and more by faith, the faith that welcomes the love of God and cherishes it—and for this faith we pray.

LET US PRAY: Lord, dear wisdom made flesh: make me wise as the magi were wise, kneeling at Your feet in worship and believing in Your reign, that Your own virtue and blessing would work through me for the sake of my neighbors; for You live and reign with the Father and Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau

“O come, let us sing for joy to the Lord, let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.  Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving, let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”  (Psalm 95:1-2)

The joy of the Lord is in knowing your purpose and place in creation.  The Lord offers to those who come to Him understanding.  Come into His presence and walk in the joy of the Lord.  Know the goodness He has brought through salvation.  Be thankful for life, salvation and the promise of eternal life.  He is the rock upon which Your life is built.  Every other place is constantly shifting, but the Lord is forever.  Come to Him and know His peace and goodness.

Lord, this world is constantly shifting, and no matter where I go or what I try apart from You, it is only for a season.  Guide me to enjoy what You give to enjoy, but to know that only in You is there hope and a tomorrow.  Lead me in the way You have established that I may walk according to Your Word and live in the joy that You give.  Fill me heart with praise and thanksgiving.

Lord Jesus, thank You for making the Way possible for all who believe.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I should go this day.  Fill my heart with Your peace and the joy You give that I may simply witness Your joy in this world.  In all I do, may it be a thank you to You for all that You have done.  You are the One through whom all things have their being and apart from You is nothing.  Amen.

CAN WE REALLY BE AT PEACE WITH ONE ANOTHER?
Devotional for September 30, 2018 based upon Mark 9: 50 and Ephesians 4: 31-32

We read about and feel the tone of American politics, the climate in our society, the acts of terrorism and violence all around the world, and the relational dynamics in so many marriages and families, and we wonder, How can we possibly do what Jesus said in our Gospel lesson for this morning? “Be at peace with one another.”

The truth is, we human beings – on our own – are not able to be at peace with one another. Basic human selfishness, self-centeredness, and sin make that impossible. But I believe that the apostle Paul – in his letter to the Ephesians – tells us how God can make us able to do what humanly speaking – on our own – we would never be able to do. Be at peace with one other.

Paul writes, “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.”

The world is full – our society is full – of people who are bitter and angry. Angry at the world because it has not given them enough. Angry at God because they do not feel He has treated them fairly. Angry at their spouses. Angry at their children. Angry at their neighbors. Angry at their job. Here Paul gives us a survival message that says, “If you want to make it, you simply cannot live like that anymore. It will eat you up.” Then he gives us a way to get rid of our anger. To get rid of bitterness, wrath, anger, wrangling, and slander, there are three things we need to do. First, be kind to one another. Second, be tenderhearted. And third, forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

First, BE KIND TO ONE ANOTHER. There are so many people who are just plain self-centered and rude. They are concerned only about themselves. They demonstrate no concern for anyone else. Paul wrote in his letter to his young friend Titus, “We ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.” (3: 3) But then he says, “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” (3:4-5) It is only because of God’s kindness and mercy that we are saved. If God reacted to us the way that we react to one another, He would have given up on us a long time ago. But instead He reaches out to us with love and kindness.

Second, BE TENDERHEARTED TO ONE ANOTHER. The word “compassion” means to feel with. Being compassionate simply means that your feelings are important to me and they have become a part of my life so that I have come to share and understand how and what you feel and what is going on inside of you.

And then, third, FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER. I believe that Paul had a reason to put this one last, because I really do not think that we can forgive somebody until we have first done the other two. Until we have first learned to be kind to them, and until we have become tenderhearted and compassionate towards them and have come to understand what is going on inside of them. But if we have first learned the lessons of kindness and compassion, then forgiveness can follow.

So how about you? Have you experienced – have you received – the kindness of God? Have you received His kindness so that then you can go out and share that kindness with other people?

Have you experienced – really experienced – how compassionate and tenderhearted God is towards you? He understands you. He knows and cares about what you think and how you feel. He knows all your worries, concerns, disappointments, and joys. Having experienced His tenderhearted compassion, are you tenderhearted and compassionate towards others?

Have you received and experienced the forgiveness of God? He wants to – and He can – forgive you all your sins. If you have received and experienced His forgiveness, are you now able to forgive others?

It is if – and only if – we have experienced His kindness, tasted His compassion, and received His forgiveness, that we are then able to really be at peace with one another.

Dennis D. Nelson
Director of Lutheran CORE

But the Lord has been my stronghold, and my God the rock of my refuge.  He has brought back their wickedness upon them and will destroy them in their evil; the Lord our God will destroy them.”  (Psalm 94:22-23)

Where is your strength?  Do you depend upon yourself?  Do you depend upon another?  The Lord God, who created all things, is our strength and our shield.  Do not rely upon those who do not trust in the Lord.  Do not dwell on the acts of the wicked.  They will come to nothing.  Look to the Lord who made all things and know that He will lead you and watch over you all the days of your life.

Lord, I become confused and do not see that the ways of the wicked come to nothing.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go.  Help me now and always to look to You, my strength and my shield.  You have spoken Your Word and You have given guidance for the ages.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I may never depart from the way You have established.

Word made flesh, You come to the aide of all of those who come to You.  Lead me in the way You would have me go, knowing that only by Your grace am I able to avoid the ways of the wicked that are all around me.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of grace and help me to establish my life in the truth of the ages that was founded at the beginning.  You are my strength.  Amen.

“When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your consolations delight my soul.  Can a throne of destruction be allied with You, one which devises mischief by decree?  They band themselves together against the life of the righteous and condemn the innocent to death.”  (Psalm 94:19-21)

There is destruction all around me in this world.  The news is filled with horrible things.  Yet, Lord, You are here in the midst of this troubled world.  Unite my heart with You that no matter what happens in this world filled with wickedness, I will walk alongside You and the path You have laid before me.  Lead me in the way I should go and then give me strength to follow.

Lord, You knew before it happened all the things that go on in this age.  You have purpose for allowing these things and I do not understand.  Help me through the pitfalls, most notably my insatiable desire to know all things before I take a step.  Lead me to walk in faith trusting You through all things and above all things.  Guide me to trust in Your Word and what You have taught me.

Holy Spirit, You comfort and guide me.  Help me to listen to You as You speak that I would move through those places where I am afraid or feel trapped.  Guide me to walk the path of the righteous, doing all that You give me to do.  Lead me in Your goodness to choose the better portion and do those things which are pleasing in the Father’s sight.  Help me now and always to be faithful.  Amen.

“If the Lord had not been my help, my soul would soon have dwelt in the abode of silence.  If I should say, “My foot has slipped,” Your lovingkindness, O Lord, will hold me up.”  (Psalm 94:17-18)

We were born with a wandering heart, going to the places of our imagination.  The Lord calls out to all and invites us to journey with Him in truth.  The Lord watches over your going out and your coming in.  He knows who you are and what you need.  Come to the place where your soul is fed by His goodness and mercy.  Know that the Lord will hold you up.

Lord, I need Your guidance, for this world is filled with traps and pitfalls.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way I should go that I would forever dwell in Your presence.  Help me through those places where I slip that I may look to You, the One who made all things.  You are my help in every time and the One who is able to save me from this world that is heading to destruction.

Savior of the world, You have come that all who hear Your voice would rise and walk with You.  Keep me from going down into the pit.  Help me that I may now and always walk according to Your grace and mercy.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and then give me the strength to follow where You lead.  You are my help and strength.  Guide me by Your lovingkindness.  Amen.

“For the Lord will not abandon His people, nor will He forsake His inheritance.  For judgment will again be righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it.  Who will stand up for me against evildoers?  Who will take his stand for me against those who do wickedness?”  (Psalm 94:14-16)

Lord, time and again one can look at history and see that those who abide in Your Word survive whereas those who walk in the way of wickedness come to nothing.  Guide me, O Lord, in the way You would have me go that I would not fall prey to the way of the wicked.  Lead me to see in You the hope of glory and know that Your righteousness shall prevail forever.

Lord, grant me wisdom to see through the plots of the wicked.  Lift me up in Your goodness to see in You the hope of glory for all generations.  May I now and always come to You for wisdom and see clearly that the way of the wicked comes to destruction.  Guide me, O Lord, in Your ways, teaching me how to obey all that You have commanded not out of obligation, but in love.

Lord Jesus, You have come to set the captive free — free from the tyranny of wickedness to do what brings the Father glory.  Teach me this day those lessons You know I need that I would do what is right in Your sight always.  Help me through those temptations that come along that I would now and always choose the way You set before me.  May I abide in You and Your ways always.  Amen.

“The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a mere breath.  Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and whom You teach out of Your law; that You may grant him relief from the days of adversity, until a pit is dug for the wicked.”  (Psalm 94:11-13)

Only the young think they have forever in this life to accomplish their dreams.  The old know that life is fleeting and no matter how much success as this world calls it is achieved, it comes to nothing.  Blessed is the one who comes to the Lord on His terms and walks according to His will and way.  They will live into a life that is everlasting, filled with hope and a sure promise.

Lord, no matter my age, help me to step back and see clearly that Your way is the way of everlasting life.  Help me to see that it is not just about there and then, but about the goodness that You have given throughout the ages to those who walk in the way You have established.  Guide me, O Lord, in Your goodness to walk as You would have me walk now and always.

Teach me, Lord Jesus, by the direction of the Holy Spirit to walk as You would have me walk.  Remove from me those desires that hinder my ability to live obediently in the way You have established.  May I now and always live according to Your Word and see clearly the direction You give.  May my life be spent preparing for the eternity You have promised by Your grace.  Amen.

“He who planted the ear, does He not hear?  He who formed the eye, does He not see?  He who chastens the nations, will He not rebuke, even He who teaches man knowledge?”  (Psalm 94:9-10)

Will not God bring vengeance upon those who rail against Him?  Which nation has survived from times of old?  Which civilization has been able to continue when it does evil and promotes wickedness?  All you need do is look at history to see that the way of the wicked goes down to the dust.  Yet, many will fall for the lie and not see and not hear the truth.  Come to the Lord while you may and live in the truth.

Lord, I have fallen prey to the lies of the wicked in this age.  You who formed all things know and see clearly.  You have caused all good things to remain.  Help me to live in Your goodness and not give in to the wickedness of this age.  Help me to hear and see what is right and true.  Lead me in the way I should go and then help me walk in that way all the days of my life.

Savior and Spirit, open my eyes to see and my ears to hear that I would not walk in the darkness of this age.  Lift me up above the noise of this world to clearly hear the beauty of the truth You have revealed for all to hear.  May I now and always walk humbly in Your presence and live according to Your never-changing Word which was spoken long ago.  Lead me in the way of everlasting life.  Amen.

“Behold, the Lord God helps me; who will declare me guilty?” (Isaiah 50:9)

Look at the late summer flowers waving in the sun, like peasants desperate to catch a king’s attention.  Beneath them grow the stubborn roots of a thousand trees, a hardened defense to any wind that might topple them, and beyond the shores on which they grow, fish frenetically multiply by the thousands, as if they don’t quite trust themselves to live.  Listen to your friend as he tells, yet again, the long story of why he did what he did; witness the stones that won’t budge; ponder the insects that race to build their tiny civilizations—look at that whole sweep of creation, and learn the truth:

The whole world is arguing for its right to exist, as though it senses, deep down, that it doesn’t quite deserve it.

What God’s creative Spirit has written into nature’s cryptic hieroglyphs, He affirms through the prophets: the whole creation has been subjected to frustration, cast under the accusation, “You shall surely die!” But what nature cannot preach, and what the prophets longed to see, His beloved Son has now made known: “This is my blood for the forgiveness of sins.”  The Lord God has come into your flesh through Jesus and visited you in your sin and death.  By doing so, He has promised to you what you don’t deserve: life!  He has justified your existence by His own.

Who could ever declare you guilty?

LET US PRAY: Dear God!  What wonders are found in that blood of Your Son!  Was it really for me?  For me?  Dear God, You are dear, indeed!  Thank You!

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau