DEVOTIONAL

LIVING BY FAITH

What does it mean to live by faith? At the Galilee Bible camp in July, our Adult class looked at this question. It was awesome to read the descriptions of God in chapter 1 of Hebrews. He “sustains all things by His powerful word” (Hebrews 1:3a). His “throne lasts forever” (Hebrews 1:8 excerpt). He “laid the foundations of the earth” (Hebrews 1:10), and one day He will “roll the heavens up like a robe---but You remain the same, and Your years will never end.” (Hebrews 1:12).

Along with this awesome description of God, we were reminded that He cares about each of us as His special child. In Hebrews 10: 22, we are invited to “draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings--”.

Faith is God’s gift to us in salvation. This thought was a blessed reminder to me--The God that sustains the universe will also sustain my life and faith.

DISTRICT RALLY INFORMATION

Central Tri-State District
9-17-11
St. Paul's Lutheran in Jewell, IA.
9:00 a.m.(reg., too) no charge.
Ends at 2:00
Todd and Barb Schierkolk will be speaking


Minneapolis District WMF Fall Rally
Sat., 10/29/2011
Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Cokato, MN
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Pastor Jonathan and Tamba Abel will be speaking
"Serving Jesus" Joshua 22:5.
The registration cost will be $3. It includes lunch.


South Dakota District
September 24, 2011
Calvary Free Lutheran Church, Arlington,SD
9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
“Bee-coming more for Christ” Prov. 31:30
Bible Study Leader: Pastor Brian Ricke
Guest speaker: Faith Nelson

FROM OUR WMF PRESIDENT

THANK YOU – FOR HARD LESSONS!

Thank you for your love and concern expressed to me by your prayers, cards, emails, and letters during the time I was in the Crystal Cove Care Center in Newport Beach, California, and now while I am at home. I am still recovering from a broken femur which was suffered in a fall I experienced while my husband, John and I, were on vacation in southern California. Although I was able to travel back to Oregon, I will not be leaving home any time soon as the healing is slow and the recovery process is ongoing.

God has been teaching me lessons He has taught me before and many new things as well. Of course, the lesson of patience is an ongoing one that I am re-learning every day - patience with myself; patience with my family; and patience with the medical personnel who tell me I cannot put weight on my foot yet since it could result in complications with the healing process.

God is also teaching me to forgive myself for deciding to step across the corner of a flower bed that was bordered by a cement curb. (Essentially I was taking an unnecessary shortcut). Missing the other side of the curb is what caused my fall. “You should have known better” is what my mind tells me many times. But then God says, “Forgive yourself and learn from this.”

I firmly believe that one thing God has taught me is that shortcuts aren’t always such a good idea! Whether it’s a route you are taking, a recipe you are following, a method of doing something at work, or even in your devotional life, shortcuts aren’t always wise! For example, I mentioned missing the curb when I was cutting across the flower bed. Perhaps you were out of ingredients for a certain recipe and took a shortcut by making substitutions, or even changed the oven temperature and baking time to get something done more quickly, and things did not turn out as they were supposed to.

Worse problems have arisen from taking shortcuts as well. I’m sure you’ve heard stories about people who took a shortcut while traveling and suffered unintended consequences. Maybe they got lost, or became stuck in deep snow, or even died - because of their exposure to the elements while trying to get out. At work, you may have missed some important information by not following the prescribed method for doing a task you were assigned. That may have caused problems for you and for your employer as well.

But taking shortcuts in your devotional life may be even more detrimental. If you are like me, you often find devotional articles more “fun” to read than the Bible itself. Certainly you may learn something valuable from a well-written devotional. But the problem is that such an article has been written by a human being. It may be “right on” Biblically, and there may be nothing “wrong with it” doctrinally, but it is not the Bible, the inspired Word of God. It is only a “commentary” on the Scriptures.

I don’t mean to sound “legalistic” about this, but the roots of faith are nurtured by the Word of God. Surely we can be “inspired” by a devotional writer’s words. However, the Word of God is what nourishes our spiritual life. God intended the His Word to be our “food” for spiritual growth. While I would never say that devotional articles (or inspirational books) are not good ‘food for thought’ or good for us, they are not the actual word of God.

“Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” Hebrews 5:13-14

The passage above refers to newborn infants and the milk they drink. They need to have milk because they cannot digest solid food. However, if they remain on a diet of just milk children will never become mature adults. They will remain unable to digest solid food and eventually be extremely weak and may even die. As children grow, various foods are added to their diet. And when their teeth develop, they are able to have even more foods that must be chewed in order to be digested.

As a Christian, I cannot mature without the study of God’s Word. I must spend time “chewing” on it to digest that Word and grow spiritually. This involves reading the Word of God and meditating on it. Then perhaps, I may use a study guide, or even a devotional reading to enhance my understanding. But I must never allow myself to only read the “fun or easy stuff”.

I pray that you will learn from my difficult experience with short cuts. My broken leg reminds me every day that short cuts are often not a good idea! Shortcuts in your devotional life can limit your growth to spiritual maturity. So dig into the Word – grow in Jesus, learn to love Him, and learn to follow Him more closely every day!

DEVOTIONAL

REBUILDING THE RUINS

“They will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” Isaiah 61:4

Tornadoes, tsunami, earthquakes, and floods--- they fill the media with devastation, death, and distress beyond human understanding. Lives lost, homes leveled, businesses destroyed, and whole landscapes changed in an instant. The grief and despair have spread from one continent to another.

But have you been near the ruins of a different kind? Do you know of lives destroyed by alcohol or drug addiction, marriages ended from abuse or infidelity, and people suffering from cancer, depression or other disease? These, too, bring grief and despair of a different kind. Or perhaps your thoughts go to someone you care about who does not have any of those concerns, but is caught in the self-absorption of materialism, worldly pleasures, and the “I am a good person” deception. This is a life in “ruin”, because the life-changing purposes and works of God are not being carried out through a person surrendered to Him.

For all the people in these tragic situations, we ask “Where is their hope?” When Isaiah wrote about “rebuilding the ancient ruins”, he was communicating the power and promises of the Holy God he knew.
David writes in Psalm 62:5, “Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.”, as he flees from his enemies. Peter praises God the Father, “In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living HOPE through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead--.” I Peter 1:3b

The message that gives us HOPE and that we share with others is:
1. Recognize who we are in relation to the holy God and confess our sins to Him.
Psalm 86: 1, 3, 5, 10 “Hear, O Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.—Have mercy on me, O Lord—You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. – For You are great and do marvelous deeds; You alone are God.”
2. Believe in the Savior He sent for us.
Paul says in Acts 16:31 “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved –you and your household.”
3. Trust that He loves us and always will care for our needs.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the HOPE that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
I Peter 3:15

ALASKA MISSION NEWS

Jeremy and Lacey Crowell, Home missions servants in Alaska, are the proud parents of baby boy Malachi Michael, He arrived April 26th, at 4:53 pm and weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz. with 19.5 inches in stature. Pastor Jeremy Crowell graduated from the AFLC Seminary in 2010 and is also a certified and licensed pilot and flight instructor. They join the Swanson’s and the Lee’s with aviation support.

According to the Home Missions website, our missionaries in Naknek, Alaska live in a remote region, a long, long way from any feasible shopping options. Groceries and basic supplies come by barge. The parsonages, the KAKN radio station, and the churches face ongoing needs that donations can help supply.

For example, the radio station where the Lee's and Crowell's live desperately needs a water filtration system for the heavy iron and mineral content. Some newer furniture would also be a blessing, some of the station apartments have furniture from the 50's that is falling apart. Other needs include a dishwasher, full spectrum sun lamps for the dark Alaskan winter days, and dishware for the church. Any gifts to the Alaska Project account will help fund these special needs.

2011 SPRING RALLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Central Tri-State

April 9th

9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Mt. Sion Ind. Lutheran

502 1st Ave.SW, Kasson, MN

Theme verses: Psalm 37:3-5

Speaker: Ben Jore

Minneapolis District

April 30th

9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Hope Lutheran Church

5200 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, MN

Theme: Tending God's Garden

Theme verse: Matthew 13:24

Speakers: Pastor Richard Gunderson

Mrs. Monica Coyle

Southwest Central Minnesota

April 30th

Abiding Faith Free Lutheran

Ortonville, MN

Theme: Experiencing Peace Above the Pace

Speaker Rev. Robert Lee

From Our WMF President

WHAT IS YOUR PASSION?

We hear much about passion these days. There are those who have a passionate love of sports. (We just watched the Super Bowl football game at our house. The passion of the fans was certainly seen in that crowd on television.) There are those who have a passionate love for their children and I’m so thankful for that. There are those who have passion for their daily work. There are those who have passion for the good things of this world. And of course there are also those who have a passion for sin. I believe every one of us is passionate about something – a good cause, a sin we hold onto, a person, a political stance. What is YOUR passion?

I don’t know where your passion lies, but I believe the Lord would have all of us who proclaim to be Christians to have a passion that only He can instill in us – a passion for those around us.

What kind of passion does He want us to have? “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37-38) Now this is not something we can do in and of ourselves. This is a love that the Lord works within us. It is only as we trust in Him that He can work that love for Him in our hearts.

The second part of those verses say: “And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Matthew 22: 39) Again, this is not something we can do on our own. It is a love that the Lord can instill in our hearts.

Do you have a love for the people around you? People need to see Jesus in us. Not only do they need to “see” Jesus in us, they need to hear about Jesus from us. We cannot be silent. If we are silent, our time to share Him with others could be lost. This does not mean we “shove it down their throat” so to speak. We must get to know our neighbors first – to befriend them – before they will openly listen to us. When we get to know them and them us, there is a trust built up that will allow them to listen to what we have to say. I pray that you will truly have a passion for those around you.

This old gospel song truly does express the desire of one who loves the Lord and wants others to know Him:

Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord
Author: Herbert G. Tovey

Give me a passion for souls, dear Lord,

A passion to save the lost;

O that Thy love were by all adored,

And welcomed at any cost.

Refrain

Jesus, I long, I long to be winning

Men who are lost, and constantly sinning;

O may this hour be one of beginning

The story of pardon to tell.

Though there are dangers untold and stern

Confronting me in the way,

Willingly still would I go, nor turn,

But trust Thee for grace each day.

Refrain

How shall this passion for souls be mine?

Lord, make Thou the answer clear;

Help me to throw out the old life line

To those who are struggling near.

Refrain

Devotional

What Should We Do?

Is it worth it to take time in our daily lives to attend rallies, prayer meetings or even lobby our representatives? With the climate of our society today, will it matter if we stand in support of those leaders that follow God’s truths? What does God require of us?

Ananias’ had faith to leave his home and meet with Paul, a dangerous man. When God told Ananias, “Go!” he obeyed and left. (Acts 9:10-22) Are we to assume since Ananias is a Biblical character he had no other plans for his day? No, in fact there is no doubt daily routines and chores were numerous and cumbersome in the days where conveniences were unknown.

What does the Lord require of us? Are we required to make sacrifices and burnt offerings to live a life of faith? No, the Lord has told us what is required in Micah 6:6-8. We are to act justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with God. What activities in our lives demonstrate that we love mercy and desire to act justly?

What are we promised? When we follow God’s leading, will things on earth become as we desire? It may not be. For in Hebrews 11:13-16 we are told that our forefathers living by faith did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance.

Most importantly, we are told when we live by faith, God will not be ashamed to be called our God. “And they admitted they were aliens and strangers on earth. People that say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country-a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.”

Are we living by faith? To do so we are to act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God and look to Him to provide what He promises in His time.

From Our President

RESERVE TIME

We have come through the busiest time of the year for many women. The Thanksgiving Holiday and the Christmas Holidays bring much to do for all of us. At this time of year many of us have difficult times because of strained family relationships or because we have simply too much to do (Do we bite off more than we can chew?)! We especially need to reserve TIME to spend in the Word of God and prayer on those busy days.

Do you reserve time to spend with your children? Do you reserve time to spend with your husband? I hope so! But even more important than reserving time for them, is to reserve time to read the Word, let God speak to you through that Word, and pray. Pray for patience to be able to handle the difficult relationships that you might have in your family. Pray for patience and wisdom in planning the work that needs to be done to be ready for the special holidays – whether you spend them at your home or someone else’s. Pray that the sweetness of the Holy Spirit would be seen by those you come in contact with you as you go out shopping, attend various events, and spend time with family and friends.

God has given to us 24 hours in a day. Everyone receives the same amount of time. How we spend that time is up to us. I would pray that you would be sure to spend time with God each day so that the upcoming holidays do not become more than you can handle. As you spend time with Him, He will give you the grace to get through those days with Joy and Thanksgiving.

God bless you as you come into this very blessed time of year. May you rejoice and thank God for the gift of His Son, Jesus, our Savior. Thanksgiving Day is certainly not too early to do that and to remember all of the blessings we have because of Jesus.