Daily Devotions

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Meric Pinkerton.

The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ²“Come, go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.” ³So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. ⁴The vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as seemed good to him.⁵Then the word of the Lord came to me: ⁶Can I not do with you, O house of Israel, just as this potter has done? says the Lord. Just like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel. ⁷At one moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, ⁸but if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will change my mind about the disaster that I intended to bring on it. ⁹And at another moment I may declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, ¹⁰but if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will change my mind about the good that I had intended to do to it.

¹¹Now, therefore, say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: Thus says the Lord: Look, I am a potter shaping evil against you and devising a plan against you. Turn now, all of you from your evil way, and amend your ways and your doings. Jeremiah 18:1-11

God has created us in his image. Even though we are beautiful, wonderful creations of God, we sometimes break from His mold and we might say or do things that are not what He created us to say or do. He is always present around us, giving us guidance whether we know it or not. When we stray from His mold He gives us many tools, like family, friends and even strangers to guide us back His correct image.

His guidance can come in the simplest of ways. Sometimes on a busy day we might snap at our children when they are getting rowdy in the grocery store, but when we get home and they give us a heartfelt hug, then we remember that we should be more patient. Other times a complete stranger can be the reminder for us to be more understanding like when we did not let that one car merge into our turn lane and then the very next day, we are running late to work and a kind soul allowed us to merge into his lane. A last example could be when you run in to your local coffee shop and you realize you have left you wallet at home after you placed your order. Then the customer behind you generously offers to pay for your coffee. What a wonderful reminder that giving can come in the smallest of ways.

God is with us at all times and He is there guiding and redirecting us to be the person
He wants us to be. We are touched in the smallest of ways that help us make the biggest changes in our lives. He does this for us because we are so loved by Him.

Let us pray:  Dear Heavenly Father, you have created us in your image. You molded us with your own hands. Sometime in our hectic worlds, we drift away from your mold. Please be with us every day to help guide us back when we drift from the beautiful creation you made us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Margo Faulkner.

⁶And the Lord said to me: Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem: Hear the words of this covenant and do them. ⁷For I solemnly warned your ancestors when I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, warning them persistently, even to this day, saying, Obey my voice. ⁸Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but everyone walked in the stubbornness of an evil will. So I brought upon them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did not. Jeremiah 11:6-8

I have exclaimed many times, “I told y’all someone was going to get hurt if you played like that.”  I am usually saying this over the loud wailing of an injured superhero, or ninja, or pirate, or lately, a WWE wrestler.  No matter how many times I say, “Someone is going to get hurt if you play like that”, my boys will follow the desires of their stubborn hearts, play rough, get hurt, and run to me to bring healing (ice packs and bandaids) and then bring the offending party to justice (my kids would testify to time out being the biggest curse there is). 

Sometimes I wonder, “When will they learn?”  Sometimes I wonder, “Why won’t they just OBEY ME?”  Sometimes I wonder how many times God has asked himself the same thing about me. 

I can fool myself and say, “Well, if God would only speak to me as loud as I speak to my kids, then I would really know how to obey God.”  The simple truth is God calls us to obey him by doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with Him every day.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, thank you for every day that we have which is an opportunity to obey you.  Thank you for grace and mercy that we never deserve and for loving us like the stubborn children we never cease to be.  Give us strength and wisdom today to hear your voice and to choose obedience even when it’s not easy. In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Kristen Krueger.

⁴Now the word of the Lord came to me saying, ⁵“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” ⁶Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.” ⁷But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’; for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and you shall speak whatever I command you, ⁸Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.”⁹Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me, “Now I have put my words in your mouth. ¹⁰See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to pull down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” Jeremiah 1:4-10

“One day you will wish she would be quiet.”

As we waited for our speech-delayed preemie to speak, we heard that phrase often. I would smile and then silently vow to never take her words for granted. And I would remember the story above, that God put words into the mouth of a child.

One year after finishing speech therapy, there are indeed days that I wish for quiet but I do not forget the gift of a child’s words. Each Sunday during the prayers of intercession, Cora and I whisper our own prayers to help her connect to worship.  She prays for rocket ships, bunnies, and our dog Abby. I say prayers of thanksgiving for all the people who worked to help her learn to form those words and express her every thought (even the ones I’m not so fond of).

When God called Jeremiah, God blessed his prophet with the gift of words. In the same way, God gives each of us the things we need to answer our own calls through our conversations that demonstrate our faith to others.

Let us pray:  Dear God, Thank you for the gift of words, particularly the words that come when we do not feel prepared to speak on our own. Just as you equipped Jeremiah when you called him to serve, please bless us with words and actions to share your story. In Jesus’ name. Amen

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Mardi Mayerhoff.

⁵Then the king of Assyria invaded all the land and came to Samaria; for three years he besieged it. ⁶In the ninth year of Hoshea the king of Assyria captured Samaria; he carried the Israelites away to Assyria. He placed them in Halah, on the Habor, the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.⁷This occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lordtheir God, who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods ⁸and walked in the customs of the nations whom the Lord drove out before the people of Israel, and in the customs that the kings of Israel had introduced.  2 Kings 17:5-8

Like the Israelites, who had been rescued from slavery, brought out of Egypt, and led to the promised land, we continue to sin against God, even though he gave us Jesus’ life to take away our sins.  We worship other gods (money, status, overindulgence, risk taking) and the ways of the culture in which we live – TV, movies, passion for sporting events, hero worship of athletes and movie stars who make millions of dollars for what they do. 

We have decided if we are not breaking any man made laws, we are living within the law.  We are captured and deported from the protection, peace, and hope that come when we obey God’s commands.

Let us pray:  Thank you God for your Word that reminds us of the people who preceded us, their successes and failures in honoring you and your commands.  Thank you for your forgiveness as we muddle through life making some of the same mistakes they made in spite of your Biblical examples and teachings.  Help us to come to you for guidance as we live in our world of material wealth where we are surrounded by the message “more makes you happy”.           In Jesus’ name. Amen

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Jennifer Finley.

⁹Then the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice,¹⁰and had commanded him concerning this matter, that he should not follow other gods; but he did not observe what the Lord commanded.¹¹Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Since this has been your mind and you have not kept my covenant and my statutes that I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and give it to your servant. ¹²Yet for the sake of your father David I will not do it in your lifetime; I will tear it out of the hand of your son. ¹³I will not, however, tear away the entire kingdom; I will give one tribe to your son, for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, which I have chosen.” 1 Kings 11:9-13

OK, let’s start this reflection with the fact that Solomon was the son of the man who was “a man after God’s own heart.” I mean Solomon is the son of David and Bathsheba – they knew about God. They knew all about God’s overwhelming mercy and grace on one hand and his impatience with sin on the other. Surely, they passed their faith on to Solomon, right?  Silly Solomon, what were you thinking?!!? Why couldn’t you keep your eyes on God and defeat other temptations, other interests, other things you wanted to do?!!? (Oh wait…I don’t think I’m talking about Solomon any longer)

Our God’s expectations are really not that confusing or difficult to understand, but we are like a car that constantly needs its tires to be aligned. We are always veering off the road with God. We are selfish, short attention-spanned creatures who are always focused on ourselves. And often – that will have consequences. Not often, will it mean the relinquishing of a kingdom, but it can be other things in our life equally as devastating.  Alcohol, drugs, pornography, work, success, “me-time,” there are a never ending list of idols vying for our time and attention. Solomon followed these “other gods” right out of his family’s kingdom. We can learn from this.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, we know that all good things come from you, but we are constantly in a struggle between your will and our own. Please break our wills and form us to be who you created us to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Nancy Caraway.

When David’s time to die drew near, he charged his son Solomon, saying: ²“I am about to go the way of all the earth. Be strong, be courageous, ³and keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his ordinances, and his testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, so that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn. ⁴Then the Lord will establish his word that he spoke concerning me: ‘If your heirs take heed to their way, to walk before me in faithfulness with all their heart and with all their soul, there shall not fail you a successor on the throne of Israel.’ 1 Kings 2:1-4

As a parent, I understand King David’s desire for his children to succeed in life and to give advice.  King David emphasized to Solomon that he should be faithful to God and keep His laws, commandments, and word.  Solomon undoubtedly was very familiar with all of these through formal studies starting as a young boy. 

My youngest daughter, Kristen, started confirmation in 6^th grade to learn more about her faith. From the beginning parents were expected to attend with their child and this format was different from my past experiences.  However, attending confirmation has been a blessing for Kristen and me. It has given me a better understanding of the Bible and the history of the church, an opportunity to get to know other parents and an impetus for Kristen and me to discuss our faith.

Let us pray:  Dear Lord, Thank you for claiming us as your own and may we always keep you in the center of our lives.  Help us to take time to pray, worship and learn about your word and commandments with our children and live in faithfulness to you with all of our heart and soul. Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writers are Ken and Liz Trunnel.

Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron, and said, “Look, we are your bone and flesh. ²For some time, while Saul was king over us, it was you who led out Israel and brought it in. The Lord said to you: It is you who shall be shepherd of my people Israel, you who shall be ruler over Israel.” ³So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron; and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord, and they anointed David king over Israel. ⁴David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. ⁵At Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months; and at Jerusalem he reigned over all Israel and Judah thirty-three years. 2 Samuel 5:1-5

Even though Saul was the King, David led Israel in battle.  The people knew and respected David as their true leader. The Lord had said of David, ‘You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler.’

When all the tribes (their elders and leaders) came to David to anoint him King of Israel they made a covenant with him before the Lord. They were all of one body, just like our Christian community is.

We as Christians have been welcomed into the new covenant that God made with us through the death and resurrection of Jesus.  We accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  It is all in God’s hands and He is in control, not us.

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father you gave the Israelites a David to lead and shepherd them through their lives. You have given us the tools for the guidance in our lives in the Bible, Pastor Kerry and our Faith community.  Please open our eyes and hearts to hear what you are saying through them.  Let us truly see that all is in your hands and that when we give control to you our lives will be calmer. Give us the strength and courage to live our lives as a reflection of you so that others may find a way to you.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Don Hodde.

²⁷As they were going down to the outskirts of the town, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the boy to go on before us, and when he has passed on, stop here yourself for a while, that I may make known to you the word of God.”  Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on his head, and kissed him; he said, “The Lord has anointed you ruler over his people Israel. You shall reign over the people of the Lord and you will save them from the hand of their enemies all around. 1 Samuel 9:27-10:1a

Have you ever received some startling news, something right out of left field, something you just did not expect to hear?  Perhaps of a new job opportunity, a suggestion to run for political office, or a request to serve in a role for which you don’t feel qualified to undertake?  While in some ways you feel honored to be considered, proud to be recognized for your capabilities, you might also feel apprehensive, a bit insecure in your ability to really do this!

Saul probably felt this way when he encountered Samuel.  Samuel claimed to have a ‘message from God’ for him, a call for him to rule over Israel.  Described earlier in chapter 9 as ‘an impressive young man without equal among the Israelites’, Saul considered himself unfit for such a call!  He too perhaps felt insecure, or perhaps was not wanting to go ‘all in’, to commit to the hard work and effort he knew it would take to succeed.

Sometimes that is what we are called by God to do. To step out of our comfort zone, to take on roles and responsibilities for which we don’t feel qualified, for which we don’t think we have the time it will take to do the job well, for which we feel insecure to fulfill.  For the sake of moving His kingdom forward. 

When God calls, God enables!  When we trust His wisdom, seek His guidance, honor His ‘anointment (of us) as ruler over his inheritance’, with humility and commitment, we can boldly take on with confidence that which God calls us to do!

Let us pray:  Heavenly Father, it is easy for us to make excuses when we feel insecure in our ability to do your work.  To be afraid.  Or perhaps in arrogance, downplay your call as not worthy of our time and effort.  Help us to rely on you in all we are called to do to serve you, trusting in your call of us to move your kingdom forward.  In Jesus name,   Amen.

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Betty Becker.

⁴The Lord said to him, “This is the land of which I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants’; I have let you see it with your eyes, but you shall not cross over there.” ⁵Then Moses, the servant of the Lord, died there in the land of Moab, at the Lord’s command. ⁶He was buried in a valley in the land of Moab, opposite Beth-peor, but no one knows his burial place to this day. ⁷Moses was one hundred twenty years old when he died; his sight was unimpaired and his vigor had not abated. ⁸The Israelites wept for Moses in the plains of Moab thirty days; then the period of mourning for Moses was ended.⁹Joshua son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, because Moses had laid his hands on him; and the Israelites obeyed him, doing as the Lord had commanded Moses. Deuteronomy 34:4-9

During the Lenten season, members of Faith Lutheran Church have written our daily devotions.  Today’s writer is Andy Doe.

So now, Israel, give heed to the statutes and ordinances that I am teaching you to observe, so that you may live to enter and occupy the land that the Lord, the God of your ancestors, is giving you. ²You must neither add anything to what I command you nor take away anything from it, but keep the commandments of the Lord your God with which I am charging you. ³You have seen for yourselves what the Lord did with regard to the Baal of Peor—how the Lord your God destroyed from among you everyone who followed the Baal of Peor, ⁴while those of you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. Deuteronomy 4:1-4 

In our lives we are constantly searching for structure.  Everyday our schedule is interrupted, changed, or completely discarded.  However, God speaks clearly to His people – providing all the structure we really need.  A simple set of 10 basic, essential rules is all any of us need to create a sound, structured life.

As most of us, I am constantly striving to “be a better Christian”.  I see the “Instruction” set that is the Ten Commandments clearly.  However, it is often a far more daunting task to abide by them.  The distractions of the world are constant and infinite.  I find keeping my faith at the center of my life the most essential, and difficult, task in my life.

Do you find yourself thinking that it can’t be that simple?  Shouldn’t being a Christian be far more complex?  Do you ever find yourself in sin and try to create some justification for your acts?

However, as usual, God has provided us with all we need.  We need not find new, or better, ways to live as good Christians – we need only follow those Commandments – letting our Christianity shine, through the support of the structure God provides.

 Let us pray: Dear God, please help me keep the distractions of the world at bay and instead, my eyes fixed on you. Convict me when needed and don’t allow me to justify my actions to myself, others, or to you. Show me ways to live as you have created me to be. In Jesus’ name, Amen.