Wednesday, November 30, 2016

Devotion for Wednesday, November 30


I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6)

An accepted aspect of our faith is that God gets what God desires.  I trust this and commit to living within this framework and look to proclaim this promise amidst everyday life.

However, I do not interpret this as being the same as "everything that happens is God's will". I do not believe that when a young family loses a child, when wild fires rage, when war devastates a nation and refugees experience a living hell, when relationships dissolve, or whenever a person unceremoniously loses a job that this is part of "God's will" or "God's plan."

What I believe and trust is that God is powerful and compassionate enough to work God's purposes of love, peace, mercy, and grace amidst all the realities of our fractured and sinful world.

Humans are free to live and choose our destinies.  Thus, we don't always make decisions that are helpful to ourselves or others.  And to be sure, our sin-filled world breeds tragedies and heart-wrenching experiences, many of which are outside of our control.

Like Paul, I am confident that the Lord is working for good in our lives, always.  The Lord can and does and will bring hope in the midst of hopelessness, light in the midst of darkness, new life in the midst of death.  THIS IS WHAT GOD DOES AND WHAT GOD IS ALL ABOUT!

Be confident that the Lord will break the cycles of sin our lives and lead us into faithfulness and peace. Be confident that the Lord does not abandon us to the whims of our broken existence but instead hunkers down with us amidst is all so as to change our lives and bring comfort and strength. Be confident that the Lord will be who He has promised to be! Amen.

Tuesday, November 29, 2016

Devotion for Tuesday, November 29


You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (I Peter 2:9)

One of my favorite verses of scripture. In particular, I appreciate and value the proactive nature of these words.

As the people of God we have been given a wonderful opportunity and one specific role in the world: to share where we see and experience the "mighty acts" of God!

When reconciliation happens, we share it. When healing occurs against all odds, we share it. When we people find hope in the midst of darkness, we share it. When people sacrifice on behalf of others, we share it. When worship is life-giving and inspiring, we share it. When prayer brings comfort and strength, we share it. And so, so much more.

Yes, our role as the people of God is rather straight-forward.  To look for and see where God is on the loose. And as we do, when we do, we are called to proclaim the work of God in our midst.

Keep your eyes open, people of God!

Monday, November 28, 2016

Devotion for Monday, November 28


There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling,one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all (Ephesians 4: 4-6)

At times, Christians of all stripes tend to highlight their differences from other Christians, normally in a way that makes their particular brand look good. And I get it. There is a natural, human if you will, competition between Christians (i.e. my "brand" is really great and therefore I like it better than your "brand"). 

That said, in the end, our Christian squabbles are intramural skirmishes.  We are all on the SAME team.  As Paul writes, "There is one body and one Spirit."

And the defining marks of our Christian life, regardless of "brand", are the deepest common denominator of denominations. 

One hope. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all. 

You and I may disagree about ecclesiastical polity, Eucharistic practice, or doctrinal emphasis.  We may significantly disagree about the role of women in the church, LGBT leadership, or what a faithful Christian response in Israel looks like. We may disagree about Biblical interpretation, worship style, or even the color of the carpet in the sanctuary.  

Regardless, at the end of the day ... One hope. One Lord. One faith. One baptism. One God and Father of all.  

Let us remember what unites us even as we live with what divides us. For in the end it is the there is One body and One spirit.  Amen.

Tuesday, November 22, 2016

Devotion for Tuesday, November 22


Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Yesterday, I used this same text and emphasized the "be still" piece.  Today I would like to emphasize the "know that I am God" piece.

So much is made of doubt as a part of faith. Appropriately so I submit.  As Fredrich Buechner says, "Doubt is the 'ants in the pants' of faith." We all have doubts and struggle with faith from time to time. So, dismissing this would be inauthentic to real lives of faith.

Still, I would also say that the "know that I am God" piece of our faith lives should hold as much weight in our lives as our moments of doubt.  Our faith shines forth through community, through emotion, through times of intellectual insight, etc.  These are actually more prevalent than our doubts I would suggest.  Perhaps we dismiss them too quickly when a tinge of doubt arises.

Yes, doubt appears in our lives. Yet, in those still moments when we reflect on the places and spaces that we have felt the presence of God fully then we begin to see the breadth of God's encounter and the myriad ways that God seeks and searches to touch our heart. 

And whatever doubts we have are no match for the undeniable grace and love of God! Amen.

Monday, November 21, 2016

Devotion for Monday, November 21

Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)

Often, I will come down to the lake here where I live for a time of devotion after dropping the kids off at the bus stop. It is so peaceful and meditative.

Sometimes I read a devotion or scripture. Othertimes I simply sit and pray.

Today, as a devotion, take some time to just be. Sit or rest in a place that is peaceful and give thanks for life in its simplest moments. Be still and know that God is with you and loves you always!

Friday, November 18, 2016

Devotion for Friday, November 18 (A Week with Philippians)


Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4: 6-7)

As the people of God we will always have moments that could lead us to uncertainty and worry. Whether it is because of a personal issue, a concern for a loved one, professional struggles, or because of events around our world, it is easy to find a reason to worry, either personally or collectively.

St. Paul invites us to bring IT ALL to God.  Whatever the worry, whatever the concern. No matter how serious or how trivial. Bring IT ALL to God.  I remind people that the point of this is to have our needs changed by prayer not necessarily to get our needs met.  And the most prominent way that we are changed by prayer is when we find peace when it seemed impossible.

The peace that surpasses all understanding comes, however, in realizing which realities are truly worthy of our emotional energy.  The Lord can indeed shape our lives toward something new, an ability to find peace amidst struggle and uncertainty, knowing that our Lord will see us through.

May God bless you this day and grant you peace that will suspend your worry and invite you into His beautiful and blessed hope!


Wednesday, November 16, 2016

Devotion for Wednesday, November 16 (A Week with Philippians)


If then there is any encouragement in Christ, any consolation from love, any sharing in the Spirit, any compassion and sympathy, make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross (Philippians 2: 1-8)

I would invite you all to read and re-read this wonderful passage from Philippians.  All day, throughout the day as the devotion.

These words speak powerfully to the values of Jesus:  compassion, humility, obedience, selflessness, courage.

As we live into these values, we will find that the world will begin to look a little more like the Kingdom of God.

May God bless and keep you my friends!

Monday, November 14, 2016

Devotion for Monday, November 14 (A Week with Philippians)


I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:3-6)

I share this word from Paul today for my congregation. I do thank God for you. I am particularly proud of the Gospel work that you have been about in so many ways.

Yesterday, in the aftermath of a contentious and surprising election, you came together as brothers and sisters and found unity.  This heartens me to no end. I am proud of you. I am humbled by you. I value our work and ministry together for this reason.

After a spirited worship service, you came together to discuss seriously and faithfully our Ministry Spending Plan for 2017. It is a reach, yes, but one that you all have chosen to embrace out of faith. I am proud that you discussed this and with eyes wide open and honest conversation have chosen to move forward in ministry.  So proud!

So I leave this here. I serve with an amazing collection of sinners at Bethel!  We are flawed and imperfect and nuanced. We have squabbles and frustrations and uncertainties. We don't always embrace the best of ourselves. 

Still, we are faithful and humble and authentic. This has allowed us to thrive amidst turbulent waters and bring light in the midst of darkness.  We are not perfect, yet we are perfectly forgiven.

And I thank God for you everyday, and especially today! 


Thursday, November 10, 2016

Devotion for Friday, November 11 (Veterans Day)


As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and abide in his love. I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete. “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends (John 15)

*As we do each year, we will be honoring our Veterans 
with a special moment of recognition on Sunday at Bethel

Those who make the decision to serve, our nation do so with the knowledge that they may one day be in very dangerous situations.  I have always had deep respect for those that begin this journey knowing that is fraught with potential danger, if not, death.

As a nation we take a day each year to intentionally acknowledge and honor those who have taken on the mantle of protecting our nation and our freedoms. I believe that at the heart of this willingness to serve is love.

Love of country. Love of our fellow citizens. Love for the freedoms we enjoy. Love for our democratic ideals and values.

The words of Jesus above speak a similar reality. When Jesus says theses words in the shadow of the coming Cross, in anticipation of coming pain and struggle, he does so out of love. Courage is defined not as being unafraid but by acting amidst fear. 

I am sure that Jesus felt fear, if we believe that He was like us in every way.  Likewise, I am sure that every woman or man who has served has felt fear as well.  

Still the beauty of love is that is conquers fear. Jesus faced His cross, amidst fear, out of unwavering love for all of humanity. And he lost his life. 

Our servicewoman and servicemen face fear and still serve to protect and defend us. And some give their lives in service to this nation and its people.

Just as Jesus' death served to defeat the power of death and sin and bring new life and freedom to humanity, so often the death of those defending us has served to defeat the power of enemies and sustain our way of life and freedom.

Give thanks today for those who have taken on this responsibility among our citizenship, and especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. They deserve our respect and are honored in our midst. And in the end give thanks for their love. 

For as Jesus says, "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friends."     

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Devotion for Wednesday, November 9 (Election Week)



As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; 
for all of you are one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3: 27-28)

(Ed. note:  I am writing this at 1am, so I don't know "officially" who won, so hopefully you will excuse the general tone of the following devotion as I need to get some sleep!)

Yesterday I got up early to go and vote at my polling station.  I was pleasantly surprised to be waiting in a long line.  I was excited, as I am every time I vote, to see our democracy in action.  Indeed, our nation came out to vote in record numbers and this is a sign that our democracy is healthy and vibrant.

Of course, many are elated today and others are saddened.  This is the case each time we have a Presidential election and perhaps even more so this year after such a contentious election. Friendships have been strained. Relationships have been marginalized.  Acrimony and frustration have been the norm unfortunately.

Yet, we are in this together as Americans.  Perhaps your candidate won. Perhaps your candidate lost. However, today we move forward as citizens.  And we move forward as Christians.

I chose the above text from Galatians several weeks ago. It shares what I want to say fully and completely this morning after the election. Scholars believe that these words from St. Paul were part of the baptismal rite of early Christians.  And notice the tone and tenor of the words.

Instead of focusing on those definitions that separate us from one another (i.e. ethnicity, social status, gender, etc.) we are reminded to find unity amidst our diversity to find community in Christ. I invoke these words for all of us today.

I pray that all of us can find it in our hearts to look beyond our differences and instead find unity in both our citizenship but even more profoundly in our baptism. In our baptism we have been united to one another as brothers and sisters. As Christians, we are called to seek unity with each other. This is what our baptism challenges us to do and what our Lord invites us to pursue.

As we do, when we do, we will find that the many things that divide us are overcome by the One who unites us. And we will find new life, resurrection life, with each other. And this will be the most wonderful blessing we can ever experience!  


Devotion for Tuesday, November 8 (Election Week)



“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” (Romans 13:1)


We are subjects of the government of the land. We are to be under their authority and this means that we should obey those who rule over us, no matter what we feel about them. Martin Luther taught that God has established those in positions of authority as it pleases him and so we ought always to “be subject to the governing authorities."  

I admit that I do not "totally" agree with this.  However, I do believe that God can and does work resurrection life despite and amidst our choices and decisions.  God is powerful enough to do what God wills regardless of what we do. That gives me hope and confidence that no matter what happens today, it will be OK!

Today, we vote.  I just got back from voting early this morning and there was a line out of the door at 6am.  I love this. We are blessed to live in this nation, regardless of whether our candidate wins or not. We are blessed to live in a place where we have this kind of freedom.  So go out and vote. Exercise your God-given right and privilege. 

Trust God and trust the will of the people. Trust that despite it all, God's got this, always, God's got this!

And pray! Pray for our nation. Pray for our citizens. Pray for your friends and family who vote differently from you. Pray for the candidates. Pray!


Monday, November 7, 2016

Devotion for Monday, November 7 (Election Week)

“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, 
and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, 
that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

We may not believe that our elected leaders are doing the best that they can for our benefit and for the benefit of those we care about.  But we are commanded to pray for those who are in “high positions” and that most certainly means praying for governmental leaders and politicians. As inept as they may seem or as corrupt as we might believe they are, this does not relieve us of our responsibility to pray for those who are over us.
I remember praying for Bill Clinton during his presidency, even during the height of his scandal.  I had people in the congregation complain to me about this.  After George W. Bush was elected in 2000 and throughout his presidency I prayed for him almost weekly during worship.  I had people, from time to time, complain about this as well.  
What I found interesting is that the people who didn't like me praying for Clinton had no problem with me praying for Bush.  And the folks who lauded me for praying for Clinton did not like that I prayed for Bush.  My conclusion is that I must have been doing something right!
Regardless of your political leanings, we are called to pray for our "enemies" and we are called to pray for our "leaders."  As people of faith, I believe we are called to a different standard.  So, I am praying for Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, Gary Johnson, and Jill Stein.  I encourage you to do the same.
Guide our leaders, O Lord, and bless them with just, loving, and wise decisions. Amen.

Friday, November 4, 2016

Devotion for Friday, November 4 (Psalm 23 Week)


You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil. 
My cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life 
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever (Psalm 23: 5-6)

My father, Pastor Bob, loves the end of this psalm.  He once told me that he finds the image of sitting at a table feasting in the presence of enemies approaching is an image of absolute confidence in God's reign.  It is as if, he says, in the strength of God's presence and power, we can stare down our whatever life brings our way with an unabashed trust that God is always in control!  I agree!

May you find the power and strength of God to stare down whatever life is bringing your way right now. Do so in the confidence of knowing that God's got this! Amen.

Thursday, November 3, 2016

Devotion for Thursday, November 3 (Psalm 23 Week)


Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; 
for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4)

The reason that this Psalm 23 is so famous is its use at funerals.  The reason we use it in so many funerals is this particular verse.  It also speaks a word of hope for us amidst anything that threatens us in our lives.  

I have found that the image of "your rod and your staff" to be a helpful one.  I like to see this as a reminder of the "law and gospel" message of scripture.  The "law" (rod) is comfort because it speaks truth to us in the midst of our sin and convicts us.  The "gospel" (staff) is comfort because it speaks a word of forgiveness and grace.  

I also like that both the "rod" and "staff" are used to by the Shepherd (God) to keep the sheep (us) away from trouble -- either to fight off enemies (rod) or pull us back from a dangerous cliff (staff). 

May this day be a day to thank God for watching over us, protecting us, and loving us. Amen. 

Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Devotion for Wednesday, November 2 (Psalm 23 Week)


The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. 
He makes me lie down in green pastures. (Psalm 23: 1-2)

This most famous of psalms is one that I have grown to love even more over the years. I have preached on this reading many times and probably used it for a devotion many more.

The psalm begins with a wonderful image of a sheep lying in a green full pasture. Knowing that sheep eat grass, then the image is one of being fully satiated and satisfied.  Only a sheep who is full would be lying in a green pasture.

This image is one that seeks to let us know that God can so satisfy our life that we will be like the fully fed sheep amidst a lush, green pasture.  This is the promise of God, this is the power of God, and this is the forever hope of a relationship with God.  

May you be satisfied fully this day by the overwhelming grace and mercy of God!  

Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Devotion for All Saints Day - November 1


Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, 
let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, 
and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)


Let me tell you about John Kovac. 

John was a member of the church I served in Cincinnati, Gloria Dei Lutheran.  He and his wife Liz were longtime members and John was a lifelong Lutheran.  

John was always at Gloria Dei.  Either coming by to fix something, or by coming to drop something off in the office, or coming to worship, or coming by to just talk, or by showing up to all of my Bible studies, even if it was only he and one other person.  This meant so much to me as a young pastor, the support that he gave me.  In fact, John was at Gloria Dei so much I would joke that he was at church "more than Jesus." 

He and Liz grew up in Pittsburgh. They moved to Cincinnati in their early 30's.  They lived there for over 50 years. And he NEVER stopped being a Steelers fan! In fact, I took him to a Bengals-Steelers game once and he was cheering like you wouldn't believe as they beat up on the Bengals.   

John was generous and loving. When we were beginning a capital campaign in 1998, John had saved money to buy a personal computer but decided to give the money to the campaign instead.  He said, "Instead of going for the "www - world wide web" we will go for the "wwjd - what would Jesus do." I still remember that phrase. Another parishioner was so moved by this that they got John and Liz a computer as a gift. Such was the love that others had for John.

He and Liz came with Heidi and me, and many others from Gloria Dei, on a trip to Germany in 2000. I still remember him putting down a few beers on the last night and dancing with my mother-in-law, the waitresses, our tour guide, and others as his wife Liz looked on and laughed with the rest of us as John was overjoyed at being the "life of the party."  

When John turned 90, he held a party and took all of his family and closest friends out to dinner.  He wouldn't let us pay because he wanted to "celebrate all of us" at this special time. I remember thinking that if I can only make it to 90, I will do the exact same thing.  As I think of John Kovac, I find that there are many things that I will seek to do exactly like him.

He was a regular at the 8:30 early service.  This was a wonderful service with a consistent group of 30-40 who came every week.  Often many of them would go out for breakfast.  They would talk about the sermon or discuss the issues of the day.  John and Liz were the only Democrats and would often take ribbing from their dear Republican friends. Still, they all loved John and Liz because they knew that their heart was so big because it was often so broken.

John and Liz have three children.  Their youngest child, a son, struggled with mental illness and often made their life difficult.  However, John would go above and beyond for his son. Both he and Liz gave so much to help their son. It did not end up well many times. Still, they would take their experience of pain and struggle and use it to be there for those who were most in need, especially orphans, the homeless, and those on the margins. 

John modeled many things for me. He modeled the meaning of "showing up" and seeking God in all manner of ways -- worship, serving others, bible studies, etc.  He modeled the importance of thinking of others before yourself.  He modeled being a wonderful husband and father. He modeled staying true to your "childhood" teams.  He modeled reaching out in friendship and remaining friends with those who do not always agree with you. He modeled a willingness to try new things, even at an advanced age.  He modeled generosity, openness, conviction of ideals, and commitment to faith.  In fact, I came very close to naming my first child, Noah, after him instead.     

On this All Saints' Day I encourage you to take time to consider the people, like John Kovac, who have modeled the faith for you. Because they are a true gift from God, the saints of God in our lives!