The Lord Bless You

Read Numbers 6:22-26

The Lord blesses us, constantly!

God, the Father, gives us everything we need for our earthly life: clothes, food, shelter, family, a congregation, among many other things. He also blesses us with talents and abilities so that we can be productive, honor Him, and carry on His work.

Jesus, the Father’s only Son, is gracious to us. He voluntarily gave up His life to defeat death so that we might live with Him forever in paradise. Jesus’ face shines on us every day!

The Holy Spirit, sent by the Father and the Son, gives us peace. The Spirit grants us faith so that we can believe in Jesus and realize God’s grace. We will have troubles, but knowing that we have ultimate peace in heaven can help us have peace here on earth.

We are blessed. We are not worthy of God’s love, yet He loves us. We have smart phones, the internet, enjoyable food, automobiles, vacations and so much more. He loves us so much that He sent His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross as an atoning sacrifice for our sin, so that we have eternal life.

That is the greatest blessing of all!

QUESTIONS:

1. How has God blessed you this year? This month? This week? Today?

2. Given that God richly blesses you daily, what will your response be? What can you do to bring honor and glory to God?

PRAYER:

I pray that God continues to bless His children, both temporally and spiritually. May we realize His blessings and constantly thank Him for them.

Mark Locher

The resurrection shows Jesus is God’s Son

ApriL 20

Read Romans 1:1-6 and reflect on the passage.

The world is full of claims by advertisers, telling us they have a product that will make our life immeasurably better. Some of the claims are true and some are blatantly false. Unfortunately, we often have to try the product to see if a claim is true. “The proof is in the pudding,” as the saying goes.

Throughout history, many men have claimed to be a god or the son of a god. In ancient times, this claim often meant someone wanted to overthrow a king. To the peasant it made little difference if ruled by a human or a “god.” They were still subject to the limitations of earth and their environment. Their king had no “godly” supra-natural power that helped them.

Jesus claimed to be the Son of God and the King of a heavenly Kingdom. Many believed Jesus’ claims; others did not. The doubters needed proof. This proof was given: three days after death, Jesus “rose from the dead.” That might be the most incredible thing that has ever happened on earth. Jesus has supra-natural powers and is truly the Son of God. He is our king!

The proof is in the pudding.

Questions

1. How does knowing that Jesus is your king help you in your daily life?

2. Knowing that Jesus is your king, what little thing can you do to grow His Kingdom or make someone else’s life better?


Prayer

May God grant us the grace to comfort us daily and grow our faith to do the things He asks of us.



—Mark locher

Jesus the servant

28 December 

Scripture Reading

Read Mark 10:42-45 and reflect on the passage.

“Everybody loves a winner,” it is sometime said. We love our sports heroes, some politicians, and even rock stars. It is easy to follow a winner.

When Jesus walked the earth, many people knew Jesus would be a winner. They expected He would be a king and rule the earth. At the very least, He would restore the Davidic Kingdom and bring greatness back to the Jewish nation. Some thought Jesus would be a fun person to follow.

How wrong they were. Jesus is a king, but on earth He came as a lowly servant. He did not command riches, land, and underlings. He would not win humankind over with opulence and greatness, but rather, by humbly helping us.

Jesus served by healing many and feeding thousands. Most importantly, He served us by giving His life to take away our sin.

No earthly king would trade greatness for humility or voluntarily die for his subjects.

Yet Jesus so loved us that He served us by being a sacrifice for what is wrong with all of us. Jesus is the greatest servant ever. Jesus is a winner worth following!

Questions

1.      What does Jesus’ servanthood mean to you?

2.      What can you do today to follow Jesus’ example of service to others?

Prayer

Dear God, thank You for trading Jesus’ life for my sin. Please help me to serve You by serving others. Amen.

—Mark Locher 

God loves righteousness

 December 1

Scripture Reading

Read Psalm 45:4-7 and reflect on the passage.

“That was righteous, dude!” is a compliment that might be directed to someone who did something unusual or difficult. It could be the playing a musical instrument, performing an extreme sport or stating something that we wholeheartedly agree with. We all want to be righteous. We want to do things that win approval from others.

Jesus lived a righteous life while here on earth. He loves righteousness and we are to emulate him. Sadly, while our deeds may get approval from our friends, by themselves, these deeds do not emulate Jesus and cannot win God’s approval.

Fortunately, for us, Jesus, who is powerful and just, gives us his righteousness. Crucified on the cross, He traded our sin for His righteousness. What a loving God indeed! What great comfort He brings!

Jesus did it all; we have life in His awesome, everlasting kingdom. There is nothing we need to do, yet, almost paradoxically, we are expected to emulate Jesus by loving others and sharing His Good News. It is only through Jesus’ love that we are able to respond with God-pleasing righteous.

Jesus is our righteousness!

Questions

1.      How did Jesus’ love comfort you in the past week?

2.      What opportunities do you have next week to share Jesus’ love with others?

Prayer

Dear God, may Your presence comfort me and may Your love motivate me to share it with others in the coming days. Amen.

—Mark Locher

Better Than Ice Cream

I love ice cream!

 

When my kids were young and growing up, an almost nightly summer ritual got them very excited. They would hear a bell, and perhaps some music. Immediately they would stop whatever they were doing and come running home, yelling, “The ice cream man! The ice cream man!”

 

I would grab my wallet, and we would all go outside, flag down the truck, and happily enjoy ice cream.

 

Today’s reading is John 1:1-12.

 

Prior to Jesus beginning his ministry, John the Baptist is sent to tell everyone that the Messiah is here. He “came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe.”

 

What an awesome responsibility John had! What a great joy to be God’s mouthpiece to announce the coming of the promised Messiah!

 

The Baptist certainly had a large following. He had to remind his disciples that he was merely God’s mouthpiece, and not the Messiah. He even told them he was not worthy of untying Jesus' sandals.

 

Most of his life must have been happier than my family having ice cream. (Yes, I am sure John did not enjoy his beheading!)

 

My kids announced the coming of the ice cream man. John the Baptist announced the coming of Jesus, the Messiah.

 

We are a lot like John the Baptist. We have an awesome responsibility. We can also be the Church’s, that is God’s, mouthpiece.  

 

John told the world that Jesus is coming and what he would be doing. We get to tell the world that Jesus has come, and what he has done for us. And Jesus has done a lot for us.

 

The forgiveness of sins. Bodily resurrection. Eternity in heaven.

 

It is even better than ice cream.

Not Fortune Tellers and Mediums

Celsus Library, Ephesus 

Today’s reading is Acts 19:11-20. Paul is in Ephesus (in present day Turkey) and God is performing miracles through him so people would believe in Jesus. The sons of Sceva were using the name of Jesus to drive out evil spirits.

 

The problem was that the sons of Sceva did not believe in Jesus. They were using his name to perform “magic tricks”, most likely to obtain money from people in Ephesus.

 

As it turns out, a man with an evil spirit severely beat the sons of Sceva. The sons learned that you will get burned if you play with fire.

 

Some people today want to interact with God and the spirit world. They use séances, tarot cards fortune tellers, mediums and other portals to the spirit world. Their interactions must be on their terms. Little do they know that they may be playing with fire.

 

God has given us the portals we need. He has told us what those interactions are.

 

 He sent the Holy Spirit to us for guidance and counseling. He gave us God’s Word – the Bible – so we will know God’s Will.  Baptism and Communion are very important touch points into God's spiritual world. The Holy Spirit becomes part of us at baptism, and Jesus nourishes us at communion.

 

These are the best ways to find God – and safely I might add!

 

This explains how someone can find God. But what if God is looking for someone?

 

Yes, there is a portal, or touch point, in the this direction too. It is Christ’s Church. God finds his people through Christ's Church. As members of his Church, we represent Christ, spreading His message and looking for his members.

 

The church is a portal into the heavenly kingdom. We are members of the church. People can find Christ in us and in our actions. We can be a portal for someone into the heavenly kingdom.

 

This is why we need to know Christ, Grow in Christ and Go with Christ.

 

The Church is the real portal into the God's World. Not fortune tellers, mediums and tarot cards.

 

He Gave Us Proof -- Believe!

Over the last 6000 years many religions have been practiced. Some have been founded by specific people, and others have evolved over the course of time. Some were written down and others came through oral tradition and mythology.

 

Perhaps the best known religious authors are Confucius (Confucianism), Lao-Tzu (Taoism), Gautama (Buddhism), Muhammad (Islam) and Zoroaster (Zoroastrianism).

 

These men defined rules for virtuous living, rules for family living and rules for public interaction.

 

Jesus: Religious Founder Above All Others

These religions defined how one should live today, or in some cases, live for today. It is true that some religions taught the existence of an afterlife, but also taught that the nature of the afterlife depended on how one lived one’s earthly life.

 

None of these religions offered proof of an afterlife or gave proof that a person would go there.

 

Today’s reading is John 20:19-29. Jesus lived a virtuous life, taught many to do the same, came into conflict with the religious and civil leaders and was crucified.

 

Jesus defined rules for living: Love your neighbor as yourself. He followed Gods desire that family should be the primary social entity for humans. He also taught there were times to follow secular rule and times to ignore secular rule.

 

If this was all he did, then he was no better than any of the others who founded a religion before him.

 

Jesus made promises about the afterlife and about our ability to conquer death. In today’s reading, he gave proof that what he said is true.

 

Jesus came back to life!

 

He spoke to his disciples. He commissioned them to continue his work. He gave them the Keys to Heaven.

 

But Thomas was not there. He did not believe the others’ testimony that Jesus was alive. Jesus gave Thomas more specific proof. He had Thomas put his finger through the nail holes in his hand and the spear hole in his side. Thomas saw and believed.

 

Jesus taught us that attaining heaven does not depend on how we live; it merely depends on our faith in him. We will get there. We can be sure what he says is true.

 

He gave us proof!

 

Believe!

 

Soar Like an Eagle

It is hard to fly with eagles during the day if you hang out with turkeys all night.

 

You have probably heard that saying some time in your life. There is some truth in it. If you want to do well, you should be focused on your goals.

There is another lesson in this saying as well. Like it or not, you influence the people you are around, and they influence you. At times we have to gobble with the turkeys.  However, it is better to spend time with eagles so their behaviors rub off.

 

Today’s reading is Hebrews 5:11-6:12. The author is scolding Christian Jews because their spiritual growth has been stunted. As infants require milk for life, these converts only understand the very basic points of Christianity. They are at risk of losing their faith.

 

But who could blame them? They lived in the Roman Empire, and were influenced by its norms, mostly formulated from Greek culture. Greek culture thought homosexuality and multiple wives were acceptable. Unwanted newborn babies were placed on the garbage heap to die of exposure. The Roman Emperors wanted the people to worship them as gods; the local city-state officials desired that the people be loyal to them.

 

It was hard being Christian 2000 years ago. The world was a less than friendly pace for Christians. The recipients of Hebrews were apparently doing little to counter this negative cultural influence. They were spending too much time with turkeys.

 

Things really are not much different today. Our culture accepts homosexuality and intimate relationships outside of marriage. We don’t put newborns in the garbage heap – but we do put pre-borns in the garbage heap over a million times a year. We also live under a government that wants more power and is placing more and more restrictions on churches.

 

Perhaps we do have the same problems as the recipients of Hebrews.

 

There are times we have to hang out with turkeys. But we can also soar with eagles. We need to hang out with Eagles,  and this can include fellowship with other Christians, Communing with the Lord and reading the Word on a regular basis.

 

What are you doing to soar like an eagle?

 

Jesus-is-us

When my kids were young, we often went to toy stores. My kid’s favorite was “Toys-R-Us.”

 

In my usual nit-picking way, I would think to myself, “Toys-R-Us is not toys; they are a store that sells toys.” This does not make sense!

 

Of course, it is a great toy store. They usually had something for my kids. Failing that, they always had something for me!

 

Today’s reading, Acts 4:1-13. Peter and John, two of Jesus “go to” apostles, are before the Sanhedrin. They have just healed a crippled beggar. The Sanhedrin, concerned that a greater power is in their midst, wants to know on what authority they healed the beggar.

 

Peter replies it is Jesus, and in fact, adds that salvation is found in no one other than Jesus.

 

This is the first recorded miracle that the apostles did after Jesus died. It is the first recorded miracle that the church performed after Jesus died.

 

Jesus delegated his mission to Peter and John. He gave some of his powers to Peter and John. More profoundly, however, Jesus delegated his mission and gave some of his powers to his church!

 

Jesus is counting on his church – and that includes you and I!

 

I feel inadequate, to do Jesus work. Fortunately, there are others who can help me and point me in the right direction. However, Jesus is here, right in front of me, in the form of a Bible.

 

More importantly, Jesus is within me.

 

Jesus and the Holy Spirit are not powers external to me, that work on me. St. Paul tells us that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the Holy Spirit are within me!

 

I may feel inadequate to do Jesus work, but God has given me everything I need in preparation. Better than that, Jesus is within me. I do not have to “go it alone.”

 

Like the toy store, it does not make sense.

 

Nonetheless, Jesus-is-us.

 

All the Right Questions

Jeopardy! is a TV game show I have watched periodically since I was a kid.  Art Fleming was the host when I was younger and Alex Trabeck is the current host. The game is fun to watch because I can see how many of the questions I can come up with as the contestants play.

 

Back in 2004 Ken Jennings won 74 straight games of Jeopardy!.  His streak is the longest in Jeopardy! history and he won over two and half million dollars during this time.

 

Ken obviously is very smart and seemed to always have all the right questions. Alex Trabeck rarely caught him making a mistake!

 

One could say that Jennings is Lord of Jeopardy!

 

Today’s reading is Matthew 12:1-11. The Pharisees had been following Jesus and the disciples. Experts in Jewish Law, they were trying to catch Jesus breaking the Law.

 

It was the Sabbath, the day Jewish people, according to the Pharisees, were not to do any work whatsoever.  The disciples were gleaning in a field to eat some grain. The Pharisees caught Jesus and his disciples working, since gleaning (picking the leftovers after a harvest) was considered work.

 

Jesus responded to the Pharisees' accusation with a question, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry?” Jesus went on to verbally demonstrate the error of the Pharisees’ ways.

 

Later that day, in the synagogue, the Pharisees accused Jesus of working when he healed a man’s shriveled hand. Like before, Jesus responded with a question. “If any of you has a sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will you not take hold of it and lift it out?”

 

Again, Jesus went on to demonstrate the error in the ways of the Pharisees.

 

Like Ken Jennings, Jesus had all the right questions for the Pharisees. Unlike Jennings, Jesus never was defeated, nor will he ever be defeated.

 

Jennings may be Lord of Jeopardy!, but Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath!

Not Just the Son of God

Today’s reading is John 1:35-51. Jesus is gathering 12 men to be his disciples. Andrew and Simon were the first to be called. Jesus then called Nathanael and Phillip.


Jesus gave Simon the Aramaic name Cephas. The Greek name is Peter, which means “rock”.

Peter was anything but a rock. He babbled at Jesus’ transfiguration. He cut off a soldier’s ear. Perhaps worst of all, he disowned Jesus just prior to his crucifixion.



Jesus Revealed as God at the Transfiguration

It wasn’t until Jesus died that Peter understood what being a disciple meant. It was only then that he began to live up to his name. Peter became solid as a rock.

 

Jesus was known by many names and phrases. He was Son of God, Son of Man, King of Israel, Messiah, Teacher, Beginning and the End, Root of David, Light of the World,  the Lamb of God, Bread of Life, Word become Flesh, Good Shepherd, and many, many more.

 

Let’s look at a few of them.

 

Jesus was a teacher. He taught his disciples many things and also taught the crowds that followed him.

 

Descended from King David, Jesus had a right to be called the Root of David.

 

Many at the time liked the name Son of God, a term not unfamiliar to them, or to mankind. Since early civilization, many kings claimed to be the son of some god. Theoretically, at least, potential rivals would not wage war against the son of a god, lest the god destroy the attacker.

 

As the Lamb of God, many Israelites of the time knew that Jesus would be their sacrificial saviour, their Messiah. Unfortunately, when he was called King of Israel, many thought that Jesus would set up an earthly kingdom and restore Israel to greatness.  Jesus is King of the Jews, but, he did not, nor will he ever, rule an earthly kingdom. As Jesus told the Roman official Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world.”

 

Peter had trouble living up to his name. Unlike Peter, Jesus lived up to all of his many names. He was all this and more.

 

Jesus is not just the Son of God; He is God!

We Know Jesus' Voice

Today’s reading is John 9:39 – 10:18, the bulk of which is “The Good Shepherd and His Sheep.” Jesus likens himself to a shepherd, and the Church as a flock of sheep. He reminds us that true believers, sheep in the story, know Jesus and will follow only him. We know Jesus' voice.


But many will come, trying to deceive us with a false voice. This is concerning.

 

Verse 10:10 tells us that, “The thief comes only to steal and destroy.” There are many who tried to turn God’s people away from God, when Jesus was alive and prior to his birth.

 

Today there are many religious leaders who try to turn Christians away from the Church and God’s Word. Some put other books above the Bible. Some teach there are ways to heaven other than through Christ. Some even dare suggest that humans have what it takes to earn their way to heaven.

 

Political leaders, too, try to lead Christians astray. There are some, claiming to be Christians, who support abortion and alternative definitions of marriage. Throughout the world, some of these leaders have turned people away from Christ with the goal of a controlling government.  Communism, for instance, was introduced in parts of Latin America with the support of both political and religious leaders.

 

Yes, Jesus’ church is under attack. The thieves are here today.

 

The same verse continues, “I have come that they [my sheep] may have life and have it to the full.” Jesus’ church is under attack.  Sure, our adversaries will sometimes win a battle, but Jesus  protects us.  Our souls are secure. He also ensures that we will win the war. We will have life in full when we ascend to heaven. That is reassuring.

 

Verse 9:39 tells us Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world”. Jesus assures us that those who attack the church will be judged. Those who are not in his fold will be judged.

 

We will find satisfaction in knowing that good prevails over evil.

 

Concerning. Reassuring. Satisfaction. All because we know Jesus' voice.

 

We will find satisfaction in knowing that good prevails over evil.

 

More Powerful than Water

Water is powerful. A flood can destroy your house in a second. An unchecked drip can rot your house over a several year period. Besides being powerful, water also brings something powerful.

 

“Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

 

Peter spoke these words, from today’s reading, Acts 2:29-41, in Jerusalem during Pentecost.

 

What a blessing baptism is. Water and the Word of God: a common liquid coupled with profound wisdom that transcends human understanding. Baptism.  Simple, but effective.

 

The Lord saved the Jews from Pharaoh’s army about 3400 years ago. The Jews were slaves in Egypt, and Moses was God’s instrument to afflict the Egyptians with 10 plagues. Eventually Pharaoh relented and released the Jews. However, Pharaoh changed his mind and sent his army to crush the Jews. God parted the waters of the Red Sea allowing the Jews to cross. With the Egyptians still on the sea bed, God released the water and the army drowned.

 

God used water to save the Jews from its enemy.

 

When we are baptized, Satan, can no longer touch us. Sure, he can wreak havoc in our lives, but our souls belong to God.

 

God uses water to save Christians from its enemy.

 

Joshua led the Jews through the Jordan River to Canaan. Out of water, the Jews came to their Promised Land.

 

Our baptism ensures us eternal life with God. Out of water, Christians come to their promised land, Heaven.

A theologian would say baptism Justifies us. That is, baptism makes us right with God.

 

Baptism is more than that. Peter tells us the Holy Spirit enters us on our baptism.

 

The Holy Spirit allows us to have faith and be aware of, if not fully understand, God’s Plan and Christ’s Mission. In addition, it equips us with the skills necessary to carry out that Mission, the Mission of the Church.

 

Baptism also Sanctifies us. It allows us to reach out to others.

 

Baptism: Justification and Sanctification!

 

Yes, water brings the Holy Spirit, more powerful than water itself!

People of Action

Lights Camera Action!

Like God, in the form of a pillar of smoke, led the Israelites through the desert for 40 years, Jesus came to earth 2000 years ago to lead us.

 

Jesus lived a perfect life, withstanding Satan’s temptations.  He took our sins upon himself, and defeated death with his ascension so that we might also live with God for eternity.

 

Jesus, of course, did much more. He taught us how to live. Unlike many hypocrites of the day (and today!) he walked the talk. He fed thousands and healed many of the sick.

 

Jesus was a man of action!

 

Today’s reading is James 2:14-26. James, the brother of Jesus, explains that, “faith without deeds is useless.”

 

Does that mean that deeds will earn us eternal life in heaven? No, only faith, a gift from God that comes to us by the Holy Spirit, can do this.

 

I cannot see the wind, nor can I see your faith. I know when the wind is blowing by looking at a flag. Similarly, I know you have faith by watching your deeds. Deeds reveal who we are.

 

Although we are imperfect, Jesus instructed us to do the things he did. We are to worship God, we are to love our neighbors and we are to tell the world who Jesus is.

 

We, people of faith, are to be people of action!

 

Jesus Takes a Victory Lap

It is May, the month that my favorite racing event occurs: The Indianapolis 500.

 

For about 3 hours, thirty-three cars travel at speeds of up to 220 mph, making 200 laps around the 2.5 mile oval. In most years there are accidents. In some years the race is close and in some years a slow pit stop (where the driver fills up his gas tank) costs the driver a race. There is one thing in common with all the races, however.

 

 

The winner travels makes an extra lap – the victory lap.

 

The victory lap gives the car’s engine a chance to cool down a bit. It also is a “just in case” lap, as in “just in case” someone made an error in counting and the winner only went 199 laps. Finally, the extra lap lets the crowd know who the winner is.

 

Today’s reading is 1 Peter 3:18-4:7. Peter tells us who Jesus is and what he did for us. He continues by stating how we ought to live, our response for the love Jesus showed us.

 

Peter says, “He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit, through whom also he went and preached to the spirits in prison…”

 

This is an obscure passage, yet is important to our faith. Jesus descended into hell, in spirit form, before going to heaven, where he had his resurrection, or glorified, body.

 

Jesus lived a perfect life. He survived 40 days of being tempted by Satan in the desert. He taught, he healed and he performed miracles. Most important, he took on all our sins so that we would be credited with none. The perfect lamb was truly a sacrifice for our wrong doings.

 

So what was Jesus doing in hell?

 

He wasn’t preaching the gospel, for we know that once you die your fate is sealed.

 

Jesus defeated death, the grave and Satan. He beat Satan on earth, and here, he defeated Satan on his own turf, hell.

 

Jesus was celebrating his life. He was letting everyone know who the winner was.

 

Jesus was taking a victory lap!

Eyes on the Prize

We live in a busy, crowded society.

 

Our jobs, for those that have one, may require more than 40 hours a week. Those with jobs requiring less than this may have two jobs simply to make ends meet.

 

Raising kids takes a lot of time, and not just one-on-one time. We spend a lot of time driving to soccer games, piano lessons, ballet practices and swim meets. 

 

In all the bustle, we try to treat our fellow man decently and attempt to make it to church frequently. We may even attend a few church meetings and activities.

 

Uggghh! It would be easier if we did not spend so much time in church activities.

 

Today’s reading is Romans 8:18-30. Paul explains the primary benefit derived from our faith. It is beneficial to occasionally review the hope we have.

 

Paul writes

“… but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we are saved … For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

 

 

We have First fruits of the Spirit. Other passages (Ephesians 1:14, e.g.) tell us that we currently have but a portion of the Spirit and that the remainder will be given to us in Heaven.  There is more, much more, to come.

 

We will be adopted sons (and daughters!). Jesus is God’s natural son, and we will be adopted by God. As adopted children, we will have the same rights that Jesus has.

 

We will be conformed to the likeness of God’s natural son. We will be siblings of Jesus.

 

Jesus died, rose from the dead and ascended to Heaven. We can expect the same. Jesus had a new body after death, and so will we.  Jesus was glorified, and so will we. Jesus lives with God, and so will we!

 

This is great Joy!

 

In all the hustle and bustle of life, it can be helpful to take time out and keep our eyes on the prize!