For anyone interested, I will post a short daily devotion on this thread which I receive on a daily basis and which I want to share with you. God's Blessings to all.

The Memorial Stone



Morning: Matthew 22:41-46; Evening: Joshua 24:1-2a, 13-18, 25-26



And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God. And he took a large stone and set it up there under the terebinth that was by the sanctuary of the LORD. (Joshua 24:26)



The Memorial Stones, which are actually Thanksgiving Stones – to which the Old Testament gives prominent attention, always make me think of the Hinkelsteine – the prehistoric upright memorial stone from the comics Asterix and Obelix. And if the memorial stones mentioned in the Bible would all be standing today, then in every corner and end of Israel one would be stumbling over them. To set up such stones is a good idea against the forgetfulness of man!



When I think about each time that God gave me something good for my life, or each time that He brought me successfully through something, or each time that I had an opportunity to be thankful – had I erected a Thanksgiving Stone, there would be so many of them that in this new year I would constantly be tripping and stumbling – and I would have no trouble remembering to be thankful and to think about how often I had reason to be thankful and joyful last year. Above all, when I become despondent, when I think that I just cannot go on anymore, when I am sad, when I am jealous as I see the fortune of another, when I accept everything that God has given me for my body and life, soul and mind in a non-appreciative, ho-hum manner – then OUCH! I run into a stone again! Yes, in this past year God continued to lead me. He watched over my health. I prayed and received strength to endure a difficult situation. Had it not been for a Thanksgiving Stone, I almost would have forgotten that. I almost took God’s goodness and caring for me for granted. I would have almost drowned in my self-pity and grumbling.



What would really be a good thing to do to keep that from happening would be if each time I had a reason to be thankful, I would use a bright color and write a little note on the calendar! And then at the end of this year or the beginning of the next, I could look at my old calendar and be amazed at all the notes that I had written! [But, why do I need this? The Fact is that in the services of the church I have the rock itself, Jesus. He comes to me and to you in his body and blood in the Holy Supper. In this supper we remember the great gift of forgiveness and the salvation which he won for us when he died on the cross and took away the stone from the tomb of many who had awaited his coming. Because he is present in his Word and Sacrament in order to forgive us, he will take about the stone from our grave as well. And we will remember this too in his presence in heaven.]



Gracious God, grant me the spiritual gift of being able to remember Your love and Your caring for me so that in this year I will remain thankful and confident. Do not allow me to forget You and Your goodness, and always remind me that You are the living Lord. This I ask through Christ, our Lord. Amen.



Pastor Gert Kelter (Goerlitz, Germany)

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress, Freimund 2008 January 2, Wednesday

Short Daily Devotion for Monday 1-8-08

Oh CHrist, the lamb of God!



Morning: Matthew 3:13-17; Evening: John 1:29-34







“Behold, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29b)







What John the Baptist says here about Jesus is loaded with meaning. Each word is worth making a fuss over, and the whole sentence is such a condensed testimony of Jesus, that the only one who could give such a testimony is one whose eyes of faith have been opened.



At first glance, it seems that this Baptism of Jesus at the Jordan is nothing extraordinary; it's just a man from Nazareth, one of many in a crowd, who participates in the symbolism of John's baptism – preparing for the coming judgment; a baptism of repentance during a time of relentless trial.



But whoever dares to join the steps of Jesus of Nazareth, who dares to hear the unconditional call of God in His words, who dares to go with Him and observe – will perceive the coming of the Eternal One into a world that is changing and dying.



He who takes such a relationship seriously and strives to live a life in accordance with His words, and who continues in conversation with Him, will discover the bright Morningstar to Whom all powers and kingdoms of darkness give way; the One Who will usher in His Kingdom of Light, of which there is no darkness.



Who is joined to God through baptism recognizes that his own worthiness consists in the fact that he was called by God to be His child. Through Christ, God shows His care and concern for us. He is not indifferent to our worries or our joys. And He is not indifferent to the bitter things in our lives, the things that hurt, that cause us misery and disgrace.



Believers in Jesus know that He is the only One Who can heal from a sickness; the only One Who can take away our burdens. He is the innocent One Who willingly took the burden of our sin and guilt upon Himself.



By being near to Jesus, believers will witness the glory of God as did John the Baptist.

God's glory was shone when the Son bore the unbearable burden of sin and guilt, in complete willingness, out of love for God and for us – and thereby achieving for us freedom from sin, death and the devil – something that we can only receive through and from Him.



Christ, Thou Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy upon us. Christ, Thou Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world, grants us Thy peace. Amen.



Pastor Samuel Piringer (Waldenburg, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund, 2007 January 8, Tuesday

ty

Sorry for the delay, I was out of town for 5 days.

WHO FASTS?



Epistle: Romans 12:9-16; Gospel: John 2:1-11; Text: Mark 2:18-22



And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.“ (Mark 2:19)



Each Monday and Thursday, the Pharisees and John's disciples fasted. On these days they renounced their food to show God – We even want to honor and love You with our bodies. And more than anything, we want to confess to You that we are sad about all the sins which we human beings have done against You and against each other.



To be sure, the Pharisees knew of exceptions to this devout custom. If one was invited to a wedding, then one was allowed to eat and drink and happily join in the festivities even if they were on a fast day, because love and faithfulness are significant themes in a wedding where man and woman have been united before God. And this love and faithfulness, which is quite visible at a wedding, can only be responded to with joy.



In regards to this point of love and faithfulness, we have Jesus' attitude towards fasting, for Jesus brings us God's loves and faithfulness. He forgives us our sins. He takes our lives into an incorruptible fellowship with God. Because this is happening during Jesus' ministry, He does not fast with His disciples. In His gracious and giving presence, one can only be happy and celebrate. In His presence, one can only praise and thank Him.



The disciples of Jesus would also have fasted if Jesus, the Bridegroom, had not been with them. And they will fast again after He is taken from them. But this fasting will be somewhat different. It will occur from a deep joy in knowing that the Bridegroom had stayed among us for awhile, and that His invisible presence is still here with us and that He will one day take His Bride, the Church home to be with Him.



Lord Jesus Christ, You bring joy into our lives; joy that is a result of Your divine love and faithfulness. Let us remain in this joy until we may see You at the great feast in Your Kingdom. Amen.



Pastor Friedrich E. Walther (Neuendettelsau, Germany)

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress Freimund, 2007 January 13, Sunday 1st Sunday after Epiphany

"These are the things you are to do: Speak the truth to each other, and render true and sound judgment in your courts; do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this," declares the LORD.
-Zechariah 8:16-17

thine is kingdom and the power and the glory



Morning: John 1:14-18; Evening: Matthew 6:6-13





“For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen.“ (Matthew 6:13)





In the oldest manuscripts of the New Testament, these words are missing. They probably do not belong to what Christ taught His disciples to pray. And that's why Dr. Martin Luther, in his explanation to the Conclusion of the Lord's Prayer in the Small Catechism chose not to write about that, but instead decided to explain what Amen means.



However, the ancient Christian Church had already quite early borrowed this sentence from the praises in John's Revelation to be used as a closing for the Lord's Prayer. With these words, the Church places her entire trust in the authority, power and glory of God, Who can and does hear the prayers of those who are His. This sentence was, so to speak, their Amen put into practice.



With Christians of all times, we confess with these words, first of all our own powerlessness and helplessness. And just as we placed ourselves as children under our Heavenly Father in the salutation of the Lord's Prayer, we also confess in the Conclusion of this prayer that our power and strength, our knowledge and abilities, our ingenuity and genius are not good enough to protect and preserve our life. And that's why we flee to the Almighty and depend upon Him for everything. For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen.



But everything in this world seems to speak against this. However Christ has promised that God will hear the prayers that are in His Name. And with the seer John, we see the Crucified and Risen One, the One Who keeps His Word until the end of time. And that's why we join our voices at the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer, in praise of God's power and glory. In this prayer, we pray against our own doubts and challenges. We pray in opposition to the devil and the evil powers of this world. And we may here already – as well as each week in our church worship – in Word and Sacrament receive a foretaste of this power and glory. We may find out that this is not merely a pious wish, but rather in our worship service an experienced reality if we pray...For Thine is the Kingdom and the Power and the Glory forever and ever. Amen.



Pastor Wolfgang Schmidt (Hamburg, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund, 2007 January 14, Monday

he is close, very close



Morning: Romans 9:31-10:8; Evening: Deuteronomy 4:5-13



For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us whenever we call upon Him? (Deuteronomy 4:7)



[The leader of a Christian denomination] was asked by a journalist if he could not summarize in a few points what the Christian faith is all about. The [leader] replied – Of course one can summarize the faith in a few points. But in doing so, one still has not recognized the crucial point. For the crucial point in Christian belief exists in being invited into a living relationship with God. In order to grasp the Christian faith, one must be called into this living relationship. And that is something quite different than merely listing a number of statements of doctrine.



In our evening reading we can't fail to notice that God allows us to come near to Him. He gives us protection and security through His being near us. Moses reminds the people of this special relationship, this space they share with God, this being at home with Him. Here, in such a close relationship with God, the people of God experienced freedom and His help. Here is where God came to their rescue, gave them guidance for their way, protection and security. Each time when the members of God's people came to Him with their special needs, He heard them. And in addition, He gave them help through the Commandments in order for their lives to be successful.



The LORD, our God is the One Who is near to us – with these words of Moses, one can sense how much Moses recognizes that in this nearness, he is home with God. One also gets the feeling from these words that Moses has not forgotten all the times God has shown His help. And Moses also knows, that God is holy and unapproachable. He is and remains our Lord.



Jesus is the One Who has made this nearness with the Lord, our God, possible for all people. Through Him all may find nearness to God. Whoever believes and is baptized may confess with Moses – the Lord our God is near to us – even today, this very day.



True God, we thank You that we may live with You – You, Who is our God and Savior – through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.



Pastor Friedrich E. Walther (Neuendettelsau, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund, 2007 January 15, Tuesday

The Day of Rest is for You



Morning: Galatians 3:15-25; Evening: Mark 2:23-28



And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27)



God created the seventh day of rest for Himself and has guaranteed us the privilege of also having such a day of rest. And so having Sunday off from work is not the result of some wage agreement. And that is great! For Sunday is like a bell. It wants to summon us people, whether rich or poor, from the stress of work which we impose upon ourselves in making a living. We need this break from the treadmill, in order to ponder some things in our lives. Therefore, it's profitable for us if we do not simply waste away God's day, but rather in a relaxed atmosphere, think about God's Word. He wants to guide and advise us on how we can live our lives in a meaningful way.



The idea of experiencing work as drudgery is, in the long run, a mark of fallen creation, a consequence of the Fall of Man, a punishment from God. The sanctification of Sunday, however to a certain extent, makes one free. To be sure, at the time of Jesus and actually through any time period, Pharisees or parents or bosses have tried to restrict this day of meditation and reflection. But Jesus sets us straight on the original meaning of the day – it is a day set aside for human beings on which I, as a Christian, can experience the freedom which God promises in His Word and pledges in His Sacrament.



Whoever lives Sundays without God, devoids them of their meaning, and reaches the point where one day is no different than another and should be determined by negotiations between politicians and labor unions. Let us therefore observe the Third Commandment – Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy – again as it was intended to be – a commandment that directs our lives along the right paths.



Lord, You have created us and the world in which we live. With Sunday, You give us a piece of freedom and dignity. Therefore we want to praise You and to sanctify the holy day. Amen.



Pastor Volker Fuhrmann, (Superintendent, Oldenburg, Germany.)

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress, Freimund 2008 January 16, Wednesday

Who is the one who despises God?



Morning: Galatians 5:1-6; Evening: Luke 16:14-18



“But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.” (Luke 16:17)



“But, certainly, I am not the only one who is divorced! This is accepted nowadays!” Well, it may be that our liberal society thinks that way – and yes, even representatives of the church are tempted to think the same, however, God's Law is clear and unequivocal – “Thou shalt not commit adultery!”



It is crystal clear - Whoever breaks the marriage covenant sins before God and man. God has given us the Sixth Commandment in order to guide and preserve our relationship of living together as husband and wife. In this respect, adultery is not only a disregard of the dignity of the one being cheated on, but also a disregard of God. It is a sin before God. He holds us responsible for it even if we are sinners from birth. As Christians we know – Adultery is not only a crime against society's laws, but it is also an offense against the affected person, as well as a defiance of God's authority. And Christ is quite clear that even lustful thoughts break the Sixth Commandment and are sins before God.



Thankfully, Jesus does not leave us to ourselves with these problems! He shows us the way to God and is joyful over each one who repents – whoever confesses his sin to Him, He does not turn away. He forgives him. However, He makes it clear to him that in the future, he should take a detour around the object of his temptation. He should not merely continue on with life as if nothing had happened, but rather turn around and go another way. [The strength to do this comes from God himself who strengthens us through the Word of the cross which forgives and gives life.]



Lord Jesus Christ, You show us how we can live in good harmony with each other. Let us obey Your commandments. And when we sin, let us find our way back to You again [in your faithful word] . Amen.



Volker Fuhrmann, Superintendent, Oldenburg

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress, Freimund 2007 January 17, Thursday

Thank-you for posting this PCL1988!

Your welcome.

Here is today's devotion.

The Hidden Wisdom



Morning: John 8:12-20; Evening: I Corinthians 2:6-10





But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God... (I Corinthians 2:7a)





It's a sometimes bitter experience when our hopes go unfulfilled. The book which was warmly recommended to us, or the film which “we just had to go see”, turns out to be a flop and not worth the time or expense we put into it. The doctor, who should be so friendly and understanding, treats us like a number, rushing us through and quickly dismissing us.



Some in the congregation at Corinth were similarly disappointed in regards to their faith in Christ. At that time, “wisdom” was the thing that was “in.” Whoever could impress others with new and complicated ideas usually attracted the largest crowds. The Corinthians eagerly wanted to gain this type of wisdom through their faith. In response, Paul came up with the “nonsense” that God would rather suffer and die on the cross than allow us to be lost. Therein lies the secret and hidden wisdom of God. Whoever was looking for an impressive type of wisdom was certainly disappointed. He “only” found a sacrificial, courting form of love.



The question is put to us – from our faith, what do we hope and expect of our God?

If we are hung up on success, if we want to tap into God's omnipotence in order to make more money, have a better reputation, or all our problems solved – then our hopes will often be dashed. God would much rather save us from sin and death, keep us safe and secure and be with us in all situations. He is there to provide us with what we need, day to day. The one who looks to Him in that regard, shall not be disappointed. And even more importantly – Such a person will grasp and experience the secret and hidden wisdom of God.



God, help us to seek from You, that which You want to give us – Your love and mercy; Your help and consolation. Strengthen us through these, throughout our lives. For Your Son's sake, Jesus Christ. Amen.



Pastor Scott Morrison (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund 2008 January 18, Friday

God takes it seriously



Morning: Numbers 6:22-27; Evening: Genesis 6:9-22





And God said to Noah, “....Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” (Genesis 6:13b)



24:18)

The week, which we began with a bright spot- namely the Baptism of our Lord – ends with the rather dreary story of how God wanted to destroy all life on earth, which had gone the way of sinful man. This transition, from the Epiphany star to the Great Flood, from brightness to darkness, should help us get in the mood for the soon-to-begin Lenten season, in which Jesus no longer shines like a Light, but rather the mood is the darkness of the cross.



A part of our getting ready for Lent is that we somewhat change our point of view and contemplate on the not so pleasant things of life, such as our stumblings, our failures, and our unkindness. The Great Flood and its destructive power reminds us of how seriously God takes all of that. He does not overlook it and also does not act as if it had never happened. No, He acts. And His dealing with it shows us that our sins are not without consequences, rather they have grave consequences.



When Noah lived, that meant that people had to pay the consequences with their lives We, however, may be certain that Christ paid our debt in full with His life. He set the cross before Him in His eyes and thereby went into the dark side of life – dark because of godlessness, self-centeredness, spiritual idleness, tears and sorrow and ultimately death. He died for us in order that we ourselves do not have to shoulder the heavy consequences of our sin and guilt. He carried it with Him into death. Because of this, God can assure us, “You are really free from what burdens your conscience. I gladly forgive you.” So you see, God takes our sins quite seriously – He removes them from us.



Gracious God, help us to take our sins seriously and to repent of them. But help us even much more to recognize how seriously You take them – and forgive. Let us live in the strength of your goodness and mercy. Amen.



Pastor Scott Morrison (Kaiserslautern, Germany)

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress, Freimund 2008 January 19, Saturday

¿CEO OR FATHER?



Epistle: I Corinthians 9:24-27; Gospel: Matthew 20:1-16a; Text: Romans 9:14-25



So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, Who has mercy. (Romans 9:16)



Do you agree with these words? Or do you think there could be a contradiction here? Doesn't the basic principle of “Good performance is entitled to an appropriate wage”, have a place in an achievement-oriented society? Who would want to upset the apple cart by claiming something different?



But now and then, doesn't what seems fair on the surface, have a merciless downside to it.? Wages are paid, but grace is not granted. One cannot afford grace and mercy because there is always a price to pay.



Isn't that a pretty close description of how we feel things are between God and us?



A person has to live up to God's expectations, and if he does, then he is blessed. And so one is called to live a decent life – personally, vocationally and otherwise.



But – Is God a CEO and we are His employees? Does it say in the Gospels, “God is Love” and “Our Father in Heaven” - or does it say, “God is a good executive”? God has a heart for us. His desire is not that we prove ourselves to be worthwhile or profitable to Him, but rather that we take the love He offers us and let it shape our lives that we may respond to Him and others in a God-pleasing way. Yes, His mercy and compassion had a cost, but He paid the cost with the death of His Son on the cross. He does not give us what we have earned or justly deserve (And we can be thankful for that!), but rather He gives us a share in His Kingdom, in His life, in His glory. What an honor that is for us! That encourages us. And so let's not dwell on our own achievements, or grumble about our wages. To us much more is given than we ever could have wished for or could have gotten through our own efforts. That is a sufficient reason to gratefully accept the fullness of His mercy and not want anything else.



Heavenly Father, we thank You that You have a heart for us and want to win our hearts over to Yourself. Help us to lean upon You and to receive Your love that we may live for You. Through Jesus Christ, Amen.



Pastor Gottfried Naether (Feucht, Germany)

Feste Burg / A Mighty Fortress Freimund, 2008 January 20, Septuagesima Sunday

he chose you



Morning: Luke 19:1-10; Evening: Deuteronomy 7:6-12



It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set His love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you and is keeping the oath that He swore to your fathers... (Deuteronomy 7:7-8a)



If you want to amount to anything in this world, you have to show some sign of success. It's always been that way – in ancient Israel as well as in the church today. Success is looked at as a well-deserved reward for services rendered. I remember hearing many speeches – How gladly one likes to proudly pat himself and others on the back!



It sure is good that God opens our eyes to reality! His people are a minority in the world's population. His church is a minority in society. We are not powerful and influential, rather we are mostly unimportant, little people. God's church lives, not on account of her own cleverness and ability, but rather she exists due to the mystery that God has chosen people to be His own people and He loves them and has given them His Word. To many, that probably means nothing. However, the person who allows God to open his eyes discovers an incredible miracle – out of all the populations of antiquity, tiny little Israel [the Christian Church] is the only one that still exists, and despite all predictions and efforts, Christendom continues to grow! That's reality!



We may realize this without the use of analyses, projections and “strategies”, which the media likes to use today to determine the status and future of the church. The only thing that counts and that is trustworthy in guaranteeing the future of the Church of Jesus is that God has said, “I have chosen you. I have loved you and I stand by My Word which I gave to your forefathers.” That should be sufficient reason to be confident and to thank God daily.



Lord, our God, we thank You for Your Word and we take You at Your Word. Help us to keep Your Word and to build our faith upon it alone. Through Jesus Christ. Amen.



Pastor Gottfried Naether (Feucht, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund, 2008 January 21, Monday

God can change your situation



Morning: Hebrews 12:12-17; Evening: I Samuel 12:18-25



And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” (I Samuel 12:20)



Are you familiar with the following situation? Through either weak faith or arrogance, a person has gotten himself into a situation that cannot be changed. He recognizes that he has gone against God's Will and has offended his neighbor, but nothing more can be done about it. A business transaction, a broken friendship, a decision that has split the family – and it's too late to go back and change it.



That's the way it was back then in Israel. The people wanted to have a king just like the nations around them. They forgot that God was their King. Samuel was angry about the stupidity of the Israelites. With their demand to have a king, they trampled God's lordship under their feet. Consequently, God sent a strong thunderstorm and the people of Israel became frightened. They recognized that they had sinned against God. What should happen next? Sin can never be undone. However, God says, “Do not be afraid, you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart” What's wrong stays wrong. But in His love, God holds His people close to Himself. He forgives. Scars will remain in their relationship with God. But the people of Israel, in their new situation of having a king, can still count on God. A recognition and confession of sins is certainly a prerequisite of that, however. God's grace is also offered to us today, when we recognize and confess our sins. Because Christ bore God's judgment, you may remain as a child of God, and continue to live and work, reconciled with Him.



Dear Father, we thank You that You have borne the pain which we through our unbelief, doubts or pride have caused You. Give us the recognition of our sins and forgive us for Jesus' sake. Let us remain faithful to You and gladly serve You. Amen.



Pastor Markus Mueller (Lachendorf, Germany)

Feste Burg / Mighty Fortress, Freimund, 2008 January 22, Tuesday