Read Ezekiel 36
Read James 5
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Monday, June 27, 2011
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Friday, June 17, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Sorry this is late. I scheduled it, but for some reason it didn't post. Arrggh!
Read Ezekiel 24
Read Hebrews 6
Read Ezekiel 24
Read Hebrews 6
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
Right Hand of the Majesty on High
Read Ezekiel 19
Read Hebrews 1
Hebrews 1 is a PERFECT chapter to read right now while in the church season we are in between the time of the Ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost! As we anticipate the Spirit's work in the life of Jesus' disciples (and Church) we first focus on how our Lord is ascended in glory and power and might, and rules over all things.
In Hebrews 1 we read about how this Ascended Lord spoke in person during his days on earth. And we know that he continues to speak today through his Holy Word. We also read about how he is far superior to the angels, how he sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high (therefore ruling over all things), how he is the Only Begotten Son, how he is the exact representation of the Father (we see the Father when we see him), how the angels worship him, how he remains forever, and how he triumphs over enemies. Such rich Christology we find in the very first chapter of the book of Hebrews!
What does it mean for us? His ascension is our ascension. His being lifted up into the glories of heaven assures us who are baptized into him will also be lifted up into the glories of heaven. And while he rules over all things, he rules especially for the good of his Church, that we might safely make the trip from this kingdom of grace to that kingdom of glory.
A great ascension hymn will complete our study today, and serve as our prayer of thanksgiving:
See, the Lord ascends in triumph;
Conqu'ring King in royal state,
Riding on the clouds, His chariot,
To His heav'nly palace gate.
Hark! The choirs of angel voices
Joyful alleluias sing,
And the portals high are lifted
To receive their heav'nly King.
Who is this that comes in glory
With the trump of jubilee?
Lord of battles, God of armies,
He has gained the victory.
He who on the cross did suffer,
He who from the grave arose,
He has vanquished sin and Satan;
He by death has crushed His foes.
He has raised our human nature
On the clouds to God's right hand;
There we sit in heav'nly places,
There with Him in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels;
Man with God is on the throne.
By our mighty Lord's ascension
We by faith behold our own.
(LSB 494:1-2, 5; Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Hebrews 1
Hebrews 1 is a PERFECT chapter to read right now while in the church season we are in between the time of the Ascension of Christ and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost! As we anticipate the Spirit's work in the life of Jesus' disciples (and Church) we first focus on how our Lord is ascended in glory and power and might, and rules over all things.
In Hebrews 1 we read about how this Ascended Lord spoke in person during his days on earth. And we know that he continues to speak today through his Holy Word. We also read about how he is far superior to the angels, how he sits at the right hand of the Majesty on high (therefore ruling over all things), how he is the Only Begotten Son, how he is the exact representation of the Father (we see the Father when we see him), how the angels worship him, how he remains forever, and how he triumphs over enemies. Such rich Christology we find in the very first chapter of the book of Hebrews!
What does it mean for us? His ascension is our ascension. His being lifted up into the glories of heaven assures us who are baptized into him will also be lifted up into the glories of heaven. And while he rules over all things, he rules especially for the good of his Church, that we might safely make the trip from this kingdom of grace to that kingdom of glory.
A great ascension hymn will complete our study today, and serve as our prayer of thanksgiving:
See, the Lord ascends in triumph;
Conqu'ring King in royal state,
Riding on the clouds, His chariot,
To His heav'nly palace gate.
Hark! The choirs of angel voices
Joyful alleluias sing,
And the portals high are lifted
To receive their heav'nly King.
Who is this that comes in glory
With the trump of jubilee?
Lord of battles, God of armies,
He has gained the victory.
He who on the cross did suffer,
He who from the grave arose,
He has vanquished sin and Satan;
He by death has crushed His foes.
He has raised our human nature
On the clouds to God's right hand;
There we sit in heav'nly places,
There with Him in glory stand.
Jesus reigns, adored by angels;
Man with God is on the throne.
By our mighty Lord's ascension
We by faith behold our own.
(LSB 494:1-2, 5; Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
He Shall Surely Live
Read Ezekiel 18
Read Philemon
In Ezekiel 18, God shows himself to be extremely just and merciful. He had been accused by Israel of being neither, as we seen in our reading today. But he is truly both. And for that we give thanks today.
God shows himself to be just by bringing judgement and punishment down on the wicked, and by showing grace and favor to the righteous. God will not condemn a son for his father's sins. God will not excuse a wicked father because of the grandfather's righteousness. No, the soul that sins shall die.
But God is merciful, and (as we see in our reading) takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God desires that the sinful should repent and turn from their ways. Then, we are are assured, he shall surely live.
The end goal of this whole chapter is neatly summarized at its conclusion: "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live" (v. 30-32).
And so, Israel of Ezekiel's day is called to repentance. And so are we.
I have much of which to repent. Do you? I like to begin my day with a reminder of my baptism, rising and crossing myself and saying, "In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." It's a good way to start the day, remembering that I am sinful, but I am a redeemed son of God. What an undeserved gift and privilege!
And, friends, always rejoice and ponder the mystery of Jesus Christ. It is because of what he did that we receive mercy. For our just God promises that the soul that sins shall die. Yet, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)!!! Though we deserve death, we hear God's promise in Ezekiel spoken over us: "He shall surely live!" (or She shall surely live)! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains
Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains.
I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of min;
His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured.
(LSB 606: 1, 3; Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Philemon
In Ezekiel 18, God shows himself to be extremely just and merciful. He had been accused by Israel of being neither, as we seen in our reading today. But he is truly both. And for that we give thanks today.
God shows himself to be just by bringing judgement and punishment down on the wicked, and by showing grace and favor to the righteous. God will not condemn a son for his father's sins. God will not excuse a wicked father because of the grandfather's righteousness. No, the soul that sins shall die.
But God is merciful, and (as we see in our reading) takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked. God desires that the sinful should repent and turn from their ways. Then, we are are assured, he shall surely live.
The end goal of this whole chapter is neatly summarized at its conclusion: "Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord GOD; so turn, and live" (v. 30-32).
And so, Israel of Ezekiel's day is called to repentance. And so are we.
I have much of which to repent. Do you? I like to begin my day with a reminder of my baptism, rising and crossing myself and saying, "In the name of the Father, and of the + Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen." It's a good way to start the day, remembering that I am sinful, but I am a redeemed son of God. What an undeserved gift and privilege!
And, friends, always rejoice and ponder the mystery of Jesus Christ. It is because of what he did that we receive mercy. For our just God promises that the soul that sins shall die. Yet, Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor. 5:21)!!! Though we deserve death, we hear God's promise in Ezekiel spoken over us: "He shall surely live!" (or She shall surely live)! Thanks be to God.
Pray:
I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God;
He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load.
I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains
Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains.
I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of min;
His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline.
I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;
Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured.
(LSB 606: 1, 3; Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Vocation
Read Ezekiel 16
Read Titus 2
Whoa! Ezekiel is a bit heavy again today! Actually, there is some good application there. But maybe you'll forgive me for passing that up as I comment on Titus 2...
What is your calling? That is, what is your position and role in life? Don't say you don't have a calling! If you are a brother, sister, mother, father, friend, grandparent, employer or employee (get the picture?) then you have a God-given calling. You can please God greatly in that role as you carry out your responsibilities.
Luther took great pains to stress to the people he taught that you don't have to run off and join a monastery to please God. Rather, by grace through faith we are forgiven our sins through Jesus Christ, and then we Christians made holy by God are set apart for special work! And sometimes that special work is extraordinarily ordinary.
Here in Titus 2 we see some instructions first of all for pastors, that teaching would be sound and faithful, that we would teach and encourage the people, and that we would be models of good works, good examples for the people. I pray for God's forgiveness when I fall short. I pray for God's strength that I might succeed for the good of his kingdom! Would you pray for your pastor (whoever he might be - especially if it's me!) that he would live up to these standards?
Then also, see what you can apply to your life from the rest of it. Paul has some specific instructions for older men and women, and younger men and women. The goal is not to pigeon hole someone or to stereotype them, but what Paul is seeking to do is to have the Body of Christ act like a family. The older share their experience, wisdom, and knowledge with the younger generation. The younger are to respect and learn, be self-controlled, and mind their families. And that, of course, is only a brief summary of Titus 2, which, of course is only a brief summary of all that could be said about living out your vocation. The whole of Scripture has much to say on that topic!
Take some time to think about what God says through Paul to you today. Take some time to recall the 10 commandments. Think about your everyday life, and remember that you can (and do) serve God in that vocation. Remember that you have full and free forgiveness in Christ when you mess up (we call it "sin"), and that you have a new start in his mercy and grace.
Remember that you have a Savior who never forgot that his vocation, his calling was to suffer, bleed, and die for you. His calling was to put your well-being over his. His calling was to be cut off from the love of God that you might always dwell in that light and love.
May that Good News of your Savior, motivate you to live out your vocation to the utmost of your energy!
Ask Yourself:
What are my responsibilities in my family life? Church life? Community life?
How have I fallen short recently?
Standing in the strength and forgiveness of Jesus, how can I do better today/tomorrow?
Pray:
Forth in Thy name, O Lord, I go,
My daily labor to pursue,
Thee, only Thee, resolved to know
In all I think or speak or do.
The task Thy wisdom has assigned,
O let me cheerfully fulfill;
In all my works Thy presence find,
And prove Thy good and perfect will.
(LSB 854:1-2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Read Titus 2
Whoa! Ezekiel is a bit heavy again today! Actually, there is some good application there. But maybe you'll forgive me for passing that up as I comment on Titus 2...
What is your calling? That is, what is your position and role in life? Don't say you don't have a calling! If you are a brother, sister, mother, father, friend, grandparent, employer or employee (get the picture?) then you have a God-given calling. You can please God greatly in that role as you carry out your responsibilities.
Luther took great pains to stress to the people he taught that you don't have to run off and join a monastery to please God. Rather, by grace through faith we are forgiven our sins through Jesus Christ, and then we Christians made holy by God are set apart for special work! And sometimes that special work is extraordinarily ordinary.
Here in Titus 2 we see some instructions first of all for pastors, that teaching would be sound and faithful, that we would teach and encourage the people, and that we would be models of good works, good examples for the people. I pray for God's forgiveness when I fall short. I pray for God's strength that I might succeed for the good of his kingdom! Would you pray for your pastor (whoever he might be - especially if it's me!) that he would live up to these standards?
Then also, see what you can apply to your life from the rest of it. Paul has some specific instructions for older men and women, and younger men and women. The goal is not to pigeon hole someone or to stereotype them, but what Paul is seeking to do is to have the Body of Christ act like a family. The older share their experience, wisdom, and knowledge with the younger generation. The younger are to respect and learn, be self-controlled, and mind their families. And that, of course, is only a brief summary of Titus 2, which, of course is only a brief summary of all that could be said about living out your vocation. The whole of Scripture has much to say on that topic!
Take some time to think about what God says through Paul to you today. Take some time to recall the 10 commandments. Think about your everyday life, and remember that you can (and do) serve God in that vocation. Remember that you have full and free forgiveness in Christ when you mess up (we call it "sin"), and that you have a new start in his mercy and grace.
Remember that you have a Savior who never forgot that his vocation, his calling was to suffer, bleed, and die for you. His calling was to put your well-being over his. His calling was to be cut off from the love of God that you might always dwell in that light and love.
May that Good News of your Savior, motivate you to live out your vocation to the utmost of your energy!
Ask Yourself:
What are my responsibilities in my family life? Church life? Community life?
How have I fallen short recently?
Standing in the strength and forgiveness of Jesus, how can I do better today/tomorrow?
Pray:
Forth in Thy name, O Lord, I go,
My daily labor to pursue,
Thee, only Thee, resolved to know
In all I think or speak or do.
The task Thy wisdom has assigned,
O let me cheerfully fulfill;
In all my works Thy presence find,
And prove Thy good and perfect will.
(LSB 854:1-2, Public Domain)
Study with me tomorrow,
Pastor Jon
Soli Deo Gloria!
Monday, June 6, 2011
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
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