Resting Your Trust Where it Belongs

Verse for the week: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125.2

Prayer for the week: “Lord, take us – body, soul, and mind – and make us wholly yours.  So increase your grace in us that not our own desires but your holy will may rule us all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 185). 

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 125 (Psalm 125 is one of the psalms of ascent, sung by families on their way up to Jerusalem to go to church together. It is a prayer song offered up to the Lord.) 

¹Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion,
    which cannot be moved, but abides forever.
² As the mountains surround Jerusalem,
    so the Lord surrounds his people,
    from this time forth and forevermore.
³ For the scepter of wickedness shall not rest
    on the land allotted to the righteous,
lest the righteous stretch out
    their hands to do wrong.
⁴ Do good, O Lord, to those who are good,
    and to those who are upright in their hearts!
⁵ But those who turn aside to their crooked ways
    the Lord will lead away with evildoers!
    Peace be upon Israel!

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, my trust can be so self-protecting; thank you for resting it in the one pearl of greatest value, the true treasure, the only mountain that shall not be moved: Jesus Christ, crucified and raised for our forgiveness. Thank you! Surround me and your church in such a way that we cannot be moved off of you… that our crooked ways are straightened out and our hands do no wrong. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved newer hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=ENtL_li4GbE&t=3m18s&ab_channel=Mick

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver and gold, but with his own holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules for all eternity.

This is most certainly true.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 4.7

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Predestined... yes, you

Verse for the week: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125.2

Prayer for the week: “Lord, take us – body, soul, and mind – and make us wholly yours.  So increase your grace in us that not our own desires but your holy will may rule us all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 185). 

Bible reading for the day: Romans 8.28-39 

²⁸“ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. ²⁹ For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

³¹ What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? ³³ Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? ³⁶ As it is written,

“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
    we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, ³⁹ nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for predestining me and my brothers & sisters to be conformed to the image of your Son. Keep on excruciating us and raising us anew. Let this world’s tyrant rage – let the devil, the world and our sinful selves come against us; they cannot win the day. For nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus, the justifier of the unjust; in his name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSqlaMYexcQ&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, our Lord…”

What does this mean?  I believe that  Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver and gold, but with his own holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules for all eternity.

This is most certainly true.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 4.7

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Letting go to take hold

Verse for the week: “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125.2

Prayer for the week: “Lord, take us – body, soul, and mind – and make us wholly yours.  So increase your grace in us that not our own desires but your holy will may rule us all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 185). 

Bible reading for the day: Matthew 13.44-52 (parable: para “alongside” + bole “to throw”; in his parables, Jesus pitches truth right alongside of life… in order to get past your pride and into your ears.)

⁴⁴“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, ⁴⁶ who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

⁴⁷ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. ⁴⁸ When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. ⁴⁹ So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous ⁵⁰ and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

⁵¹ “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” ⁵² And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for bowling us over with the hidden, surprising message of Jesus and life in your kingdom. Keep on pitching your sweet heat …that we may find ourselves letting go of our kingdoms, treasures, and other pearls…and find ourselves taking hold of the true treasure: you & our calling in your kingdom. I ask this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.      

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uesejz03QVY&ab_channel=AndrewRemillard

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

“I am the Lord your God…

You shall have no other gods.” Exodus 20.2

What does this mean for us?  We should fear, love, and trust God above all things. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 4.7

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.  

You have been chosen

Verse for the week:  “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” Psalm 125.2

Prayer for the week:  “Lord, take us – body, soul, and mind – and make us wholly yours.  So increase your grace in us that not our own desires but your holy will may rule us all in all; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.” (K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das jahr der Kirched, 2^nd  ed. Kassel: Barenreiter Verlag, 1948, p. 185). 

Bible reading for the day:  Deuteronomy 7.6-9 (“Deuteronomy” means “second law.” Here a second, later generation confesses what God has done for them and what it means to be his people.)

⁶ “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. ⁷ It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the Lord set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, ⁸ but it is because the Lord loves you and is keeping the oath that he swore to your fathers, that the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. ⁹ Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your steadfast love and for your commandments… both of which you fulfill for us in Christ Jesus. Thank you! Deliver us from the old slavery of our own boasting or deserving. Keep on keeping your covenant with us, that we may as your chosen people, your treasured possession rather than our own. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKP_XxCBDZY&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

THE FIRST COMMANDMENT

“I am the Lord your God…

You shall have no other gods.” Exodus 20.2

What does this mean for us?  We should fear, love, and trust God above all things. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  The peace of God which surpasses all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Amen.  Phil 4.7

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Not my ways, O Lord, but yours

Verse for the week: “The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.64

Prayer for the week:  O Redeemer and Lord of hosts, the future is in your hands. Remove all fear from us, and keep us mindful that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 119.57-64 (note: these eight verses are an excerpt from the acrostic Psalm 119. Recurring throughout the 176 verses of this psalm is the three-fold reality of the believers’ life: oratio, meditatio, tentatio…prayer, listening to God in scripture, coming under spiritual attack)

⁵⁷ The Lord is my portion;

    I promise to keep your words.
⁵⁸ I entreat your favor with all my heart;
    be gracious to me according to your promise.
⁵⁹ When I think on my ways,
    I turn my feet to your testimonies;
⁶⁰ I hasten and do not delay
    to keep your commandments.
⁶¹ Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
    I do not forget your law.
⁶² At midnight I rise to praise you,
    because of your righteous rules.
⁶³ I am a companion of all who fear you,
    of those who keep your precepts.
⁶⁴ The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
    teach me your statutes!

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you that you are my portion; your rules alone are righteous. When I think on my ways, they are a dead end… a black hole. So, turn my feet to your testimonies Lord and be gracious to me according to your promise in Jesus. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qF4fXnrDiR0&ab_channel=St.PaulLutheranChurchAustin

“Thy will be done.”

What does this mean?  The good and gracious will of God is surely done without our prayer, but we ask in this prayer that it may be done also among us.

When does this happen?  God’s will is done when he hinders and defeats every evil scheme and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful self, which would prevent us from keeping his name holy and would oppose the coming of his kingdom. And his will is done when he strengthens our faith and keeps us firm in his Word as long as we live. This is his gracious and good will. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen.  II Cor 13.14

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Christ's weedy wheat field

Verse for the week: “The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.64

Prayer for the week:  O Redeemer and Lord of hosts, the future is in your hands. Remove all fear from us, and keep us mindful that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Matthew 13.24-30,36-43

²⁴ He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a man who sowed good seed in his field, ²⁵ but while his men were sleeping, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went away. ²⁶ So when the plants came up and bore grain, then the weeds appeared also. ²⁷ And the servants of the master of the house came and said to him, ‘Master, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ ²⁸ He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ So the servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them?’ ²⁹ But he said, ‘No, lest in gathering the weeds you root up the wheat along with them. ³⁰ Let both grow together until the harvest, and at harvest time I will tell the reapers, “Gather the weeds first and bind them in bundles to be burned, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’”

³⁶ Then he left the crowds and went into the house. And his disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” ³⁷ He answered, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. ³⁸ The field is the world, and the good seed is the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, ³⁹ and the enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. ⁴⁰ Just as the weeds are gathered and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of the age. ⁴¹ The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, ⁴² and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ⁴³ Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, Christ is the firstborn of the resurrection, the firstfruit of the your harvest. Thank you for choosing me to be one among your good seed. Even though you have already gained victory over the Devil, he is still at work sowing weeds in the world. Until that day when I shine like the sun with all those redeemed sinners in your harvest and the weeds are thrown into the furnace, keep up your sowing… and keep us awake and vigilant… that the Enemy’s efforts may be hindered. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-_-rXYe_x0&ab_channel=LutheranTV-HymnsfromtheLSB

“Thy will be done.”

What does this mean?  The good and gracious will of God is surely done without our prayer, but we ask in this prayer that it may be done also among us.

When does this happen?  God’s will is done when he hinders and defeats every evil scheme and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful self, which would prevent us from keeping his name holy and would oppose the coming of his kingdom. And his will is done when he strengthens our faith and keeps us firm in his Word as long as we live. This is his gracious and good will. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen.  II Cor 13.14

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Already but yet-not-yet

Verse for the week: “The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.64

Prayer for the week:  O Redeemer and Lord of hosts, the future is in your hands. Remove all fear from us, and keep us mindful that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Romans 8.18-27 (writing from Corinth most likely in 58 AD, Paul articulates the “already and yet-not-yet” nature of life in Christ.)

¹⁸ For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. ¹⁹ For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. ²⁰ For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope ²¹ that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. ²² For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. ²³ And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. ²⁷ And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for adopting sinners like us in Christ. As we suffer this present time and groan for the redemption of our bodies, we do not do so as orphans… but already as your beloved sons and daughters. As we wait in our weakness for you, grant us to do with patience and prayer and a loving witness to our neighbor. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen.

Hymn: the rare yet beloved Finnish hymn, “Lost in the Night Do the People Yet Languish” gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord. You can find the lyrics in the Lutheran Book of Worship (#394) and listen to a recorded performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS8U91ud520&ab_channel=RandallSwanson

“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”

What does this mean?  I believe that I cannot, by my own understanding or effort, believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to hum. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith. In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life. This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen.  II Cor 13.14

 

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

The Only Solid Lover

Verse for the week: “The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love; teach me your statutes!” Psalm 119.64

Prayer for the week:  O Redeemer and Lord of hosts, the future is in your hands. Remove all fear from us, and keep us mindful that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Isaiah 44.6-8 (The setting is 6^th century BC. God’s own people had increasingly trusted in themselves… and this landed them in Exile in Babylon, a nearly 50 year disciplinary “time out.” Now the Lord is giving his people a fresh start.)

⁶Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel
    and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts:
“I am the first and I am the last;
    besides me there is no god.
⁷ Who is like me? Let him proclaim it.
    Let him declare and set it before me,
since I appointed an ancient people.
    Let them declare what is to come, and what will happen.
⁸ Fear not, nor be afraid;
    have I not told you from of old and declared it?
    And you are my witnesses!
Is there a God besides me?
    There is no Rock; I know not any.”

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, you alone have the Word of life, you and no other; besides you there is no god. Thank you for not leaving us orphaned, fashioning gods, or worshipping and trusting ourselves. Deliver me and your whole church from all fear and send us you witnesses, speaking the truth of Christ in love… rock-solid love… through the same, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2jPVdl_Bh8&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“I believe in Jesus Christ…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ — true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary — is my Lord. He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature, and has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil, not with silver and gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death. He has done all this in order that I might be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, even as he is risen from the dead and lives and reigns for all eternity. This is most certainly true!  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen.  II Cor 13.14

  

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God. 

Not Reckoned according to Your Flesh

Verse for the week: “Blessed is the one you choose, O God, and bring near to dwell in your courts!” Psalm 65.4

Prayer for the week:  Almighty God, thank you for planting in us the seed of your living Word. By your Holy Spirit grant us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Romans 8.12-17 (writing in 56 AD, Paul declares great news for wretched sinners like himself who cannot deliver themselves.)

So then, brothers and sisters, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. ¹³ For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. ¹⁴ For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons and daughters of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as children, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” ¹⁶ The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, ¹⁷ and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Prayer (based on T.R.I.P. method*): Gracious and almighty Father, thank you: in Christ you rescue and adopt a sinner like me as your own beloved child. Thank you! Still the moribund will of my flesh beckons. So, by your evermore present Spirit, bear witness to and for me that I am your own, not mine… your beloved child and a fellow heir with Christ… suffering unto glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2bhHosLHmI&ab_channel=CUCSacredWinds

What does baptism mean for daily life?

It means that our sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with us all.  Amen.  II Cor 13.14

*The T.R.I.P. approach to prayer is based on the way Martin Luther prayed and taught others to pray.  It was later developed by Walter and Ingrid Trobisch and then adapted by Mount Carmel Ministries (Alexandria, MN).  The method is founded on scripture and easy to remember:
T: thanksgiving
R: regret (repentance)
I: intercession (asking God to take a specific action)
P: plan or purpose
Reading a biblical text and then applying this method gives one a sound, simple way to form one’s prayers...not to mention that it helps one learn how to faithfully reflect on God’s Word and talk to God.