Many thanks to LCMC pastor Daniel Ostercamp for his video review of “The Big Relief” by David Zahl.  A link to Daniel’s video can be found HERE.  A link to our You Tube channel, which contains sixty-two reviews of books and videos on topics of interest and importance, can be found HERE.    

Daniel writes – “The Big Relief” is a helpful reminder that our congregations and our lives need to be centered upon the wondrous grace of Jesus Christ.  This difference sets us apart from the cacophony of so many religions and voices that do not set us free from the desires and schemes of our hearts to justify and prove ourselves.

David Zahl is a licensed lay minister at Christ Episcopal Church in Charlottesville, VA.  In 2007, he founded Mockingbird Ministries, an interdenominational parachurch organization that aims to reach out to younger adults who have become alienated from the institutional church.  The endeavor has grown to include a robust website and two annual conferences.

As church people, we may have fewer and fewer opportunities to preserve our heritage.  David Zahl confesses that if he had time to rescue just one thing out of the edifice, “Grace is what I would grab every time.”

“He trusts in God; let God rescue Him now, if He delights in Him; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”  The robbers who had been crucified with Him were also insulting Him with the same words” (Matthew 27:43-44).

If God loves you, He will . . . .  Stop that kind of thinking.  God loves you!  This is what Scripture says.  Therefore, there can be no other conditions.  Sin is in the world, and you have the promise that our Lord will work things out for your good because He loves you and you love Him.  Beyond that, there is sin in the world and sin is destructive.  The hope is not in our situation, but in the truth that nothing created will ever be able to separate you from God’s love.

Heavenly Father, You wonderfully created all that You have made.  You delight in the good creation You have made.  You gave Your only begotten Son, begotten, not made, for the sake of those who would join in the love which You and the Son have.  Love trusts the One loved.  The Son loves You and You love the Son.  What happens in this age does not change that.  Lead me into Your love knowing that nothing can separate me from You.

Lord Jesus, You so loved all of us so much that You willingly paid the price for us to be redeemed.  Help me so that I am not bound by the circumstances of this world but live into the love and life which You offer through the salvation You have purchased from the cross.  Guide me, dear Lord, in this life and help me ignore the taunting and jeers of unbelievers in this age.  Lead me always in Your eternal love.  Amen.

“They have said, “The Lord does not see, nor does the God of Jacob pay heed.”  Pay heed, you senseless among the people; and when will you understand, stupid ones?”  (Psalm 94:7-8)

There are many who rail against the Lord wondering where He is.  He does not do as people imagine a god would do things.  The Lord of Hosts has declared His purpose and you have heard of His law.  You and I are not in a position to rail against the Lord, but only to receive the reality He has declared.  When will we learn?  It is as it has always been.  The Lord is God and there is no other.

Lord, help me to ignore those who do not hear and will not listen.  They are speaking to me all the time and I am influenced by their poison.  Guide my heart to see the truth that You alone are God.  Let me not fall prey to those who rail against You.  Let the meditation of my heart be upon You who has made all things that I may walk humbly in Your sight and live according to Your Word.

Lord Jesus, You have come to rescue as many as would listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit as we are called out of the rebellion of this world and into the light of Your presence.  Guide me this day to walk humbly in Your sight and see the truth of Your grace  as it shines forth in my life.  You are the Savior and I need to be saved.  The stupid ones will always be here in this age.  Help me to not be one of them.  Amen.

“He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. “With a long life I will satisfy him and let him see My salvation.” (Psalm 91:15-16)

The salvation of the Lord is promised to those who turn to Him and accept the invitation to walk in His ways. Come into the Lord’s presence and walk with the One who made you. Know the goodness which He created from the beginning and see how life is to be lived. In Him alone will you find satisfaction, purpose, and the hope which is in your heart. He is the source of life.

Lord, I have wrestled all the days of my life seeking meaning and hope. Guide me, O Lord, in Your ways, for You are the creator of all things. Guide me along the paths of righteousness for Your name’s sake; that I may live into the life to which You have called me. Keep me close to You that I may walk with You all the days of my life and see the salvation You have prepared for those who believe.

Lord Jesus, You are the Savior who has come into the world. You have invited all who hear to come and walk with You along the journey which leads to salvation. Guide me, O Lord, that I may walk in Your ways and know the goodness that has been prepared from the beginning. Abide with me that I may be taught by You this day the way of life which is forever. Amen.

“You will tread upon the lion and cobra, the young lion and the serpent you will trample down. “Because he has loved Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him securely on high, because he has known My name.” (Psalm 91:13-14)

Those who trust in the Lord are trusting in the only One who can save. He will not disappoint you because He knows what is needed. Come to the Lord and be under His protection. Know that the Lord will provide for every time of need and in just the right amount. Be guided by the Lord and His goodness and see that the Lord, Who watches over you, does provide in every circumstance.

Lord, in the ups and downs of this world, I often focus upon the immediate circumstance. Guide me, O Lord, to see in You the hope for all people. Lead me to humbly walk in Your ways all the days of my life. Lead me according to Your goodness that I would now and always live with You as the center of my being. Lift me up to be with You always and in every situation.

Lord, You have come to rescue those who come to You. Lead me, O Lord, according to Your goodness that I would trust in what You have accomplished. Prepare me according to Your will to go where You send me that I would learn from You how to be faithful. Open my eyes to see the hope of glory You have given through grace that my life would be one of praise of You. Amen.