God is jealous for you

Verse for the week:  “You are not your own; you were bought with a price.” I Cor 6.19-20

Prayer for the week:  O Lord, teach us how to pray.  Direct our lives toward our neighbor and unto everlasting salvation, that, surrounded by all the changes and uncertainties of life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Minister’s Desk edition, p.113.)

Bible reading for the day:  Exodus 20.4-6

“You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. ⁵ You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, ⁶ but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generation of those who love me and keep my commandments.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for being jealous for sinners like us, so jealous that you gave your own Son to save us from our commandment-breaking selves.  Thank you! Repent me and your church of not taking your commands seriously; the consequences are generational. Daily resurrect us in Christ rather than in our old selves… that we may love you and keep your commands.  In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47B3AyVcA4I

The Conclusion

What does God say of all these commandments?  He says: “I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments” (Exodus 20:5b-6 ESV).

What does this mean?  God warns that he will punish all who break these commandments. Therefore, we are to fear his wrath and not disobey him. But God promises grace and every blessing to all who keep these commandments. Therefore we are to love and trust him, and gladly do what he commands.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

*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 shall not covet, part II

Bible reading for the day:

The Ninth Commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbor's house.” Exodus 20.17a

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not plot to take our neighbors’ possessions, inheritance, or home, or obtain them through deceptive means, but assist and serve our neighbors in keeping what is theirs. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

The Tenth Commandment: “You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, his workers, or his livestock, or anything that is your neighbor's.” Exodus 20.17b

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not ruin our neighbors’ relationships with their husband or wife, workers, or livestock, or try to lure them away, but encourage them to remain and serve each other faithfully. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

 

“Follow your heart.” How many times have you heard this said? It sounds so touching, so romantic and exciting… and popular. Follow your heart. It is the cry of the self… Proclaiming itself… A cry as old as Adam and eve, listening to the serpent… And a cry sung in a new voice every generation. “Follow your heart” is the song of myself. Better to listen to Jack Ingram when he sings that following your heart, chasing the big time, will end you up, “living like a king in a castle of sand.”  Even better still to listen to Jesus in Luke 12: “Fool! This night your soul is required of you and the things you have coveted and prepared, whose will they be?” 

In the final two Commandments, God protects your neighbors’ property and his relationships from your coveting heart. If you’ve been paying attention, or if you know the Commandments and their meanings by heart, then you might say, “But wait, didn’t God already protect my neighbors’ property and relationships with all the previous commandments?… Particularly with the first, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, Commandments?” Yes, you would be exactly correct. 

With these last two commandments, God seeks to protect your neighbor and end, killing, adultery, stealing, and lying where they start. Coveting starts with your eye, and then follows your heart. Your eye sees something or someone that is not yours, something it wants, something that belongs to your neighbor, and to God… And your heart immediately schemes and plots to get it. As Carson McCullers wrote eighty years ago, your heart is “a lonely hunter”… Always seeking to lay up treasure for itself. So God wants to head off, killing, adultery, stealing, and lying where they start… By keeping your heart from going hunting in the first place.

The truest treasure, your heart could ever have is Christ himself. Well, I’ve got great news: you don’t have to go looking for him, he has already promised himself to you in your baptism. Before he gave the commandments, he gave you himself in a promise: “I am the Lord, your God,” Thank you, Jesus😊. And, if it just so happens that you are not yet baptized, well let us know, and we will arrange a trip to the baptismal font with you😄.

Let’s pray: Gracious and almighty Father, teach us to fear, and love you, so that we don’t desire to get our neighbors possessions by scheming, or by pretending to have a right to them; and so that we don’t try to tempt or coax away from our neighbor, his wife, or his workers, but encourage them to remain loyal. Each day, Lord, teach us to fear, love, and trust you above all else… That we may delight in the property and relationships you have already given us. 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=47B3AyVcA4I

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

Rescue for Big Barn Sinners

Verse for the week: “You are not your own; you were bought with a price.” I Cor 6.19-20

Prayer for the week:  O Lord, teach us how to pray.  Direct our lives toward our neighbor and unto everlasting salvation, that, surrounded by all the changes and uncertainties of life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Minister’s Desk edition, p.113.)

Bible reading for the day:  Luke 12.13-21

Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” ¹⁴ But he said to him, “Man, who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” ¹⁵ And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” ¹⁶ And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, ¹⁷ and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ ¹⁸ And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ¹⁹ And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.”’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ ²¹ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for putting all my property and relationships right where they belong through Jesus. Repent me and your church of the covetousness that refuses to be satisfied with what you have provided. Each hour, break in upon big barn sinners like us and teach us that true life consists in the abundance of your love given to us and to our neighbor. 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=9-D_aT8CXyc

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not plot to take our neighbors’ possessions, inheritance, or home, or obtain them through deceptive means, but assist and serve our neighbors in keeping what is theirs.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

*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 shall not covet, part 1

Verse for the week: “You are not your own; you were bought with a price.” I Cor 6.19-20

Prayer for the week: O Lord, teach us how to pray. Direct our lives toward our neighbor and unto everlasting salvation, that, surrounded by all the changes and uncertainties of life, we may be defended by your gracious and ready help in Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  (adapted from Lutheran Book of Worship, Minister’s Desk edition, p.113.)

Bible reading for the day:  Matthew 15.19-20a

For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. ²⁰ These are what defile a person.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for this truth that Jesus speaks and for his rescue of me from the cesspool of my old heart. Stop my ears from listening to the evil thoughts of my own heart. Each day create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me… that I may delight in you rather than in the evil that would spring from my heart and defile me and my neighbor. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acOZB3u5_Gk

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not plot to get our neighbors’ possessions, inheritance, or home, or obtain them through deceptive means, but assist and serve our neighbors in keeping what is theirs. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

*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.  

What your mouth isn't for

 ...and what it IS for.

Verse for the week: “My soul is in the midst of lions;
    I lie down amid fiery beasts—
the children of man, whose teeth are spears and arrows,
    whose tongues are sharp swords.” Psalm 57.4

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, heavenly Father, in your Son you have given the world a pioneer of salvation and made him the true and eternal priest and mediator of his people.  Grant that we may hold fast to him in love, learn obedience in his discipleship, and so be brought into the heavenly sanctuary through him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das Jahr der Kirche, 2^nd edition (Kassel: Johannes Stauda-Verlag, 1948), p. 114.]

Bible reading for the day:  Proverbs 11.9-13

With his mouth the godless man would destroy his neighbor,
but by knowledge the righteous are delivered.
¹⁰ When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices,
and when the wicked perish there are shouts of gladness.
¹¹ By the blessing of the upright a city is exalted,
but by the mouth of the wicked it is overthrown.
¹² Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,
but a man of understanding remains silent.
¹³ Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,
but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for your living voice, Jesus Christ, and for redeeming yackety-yacks like us in him.  Repent me and your whole church of the wrong use of our mouths… such godless chatter and slander ruins our neighbor and brings down the whole city. Each day, give me a new mouth, one that speaks the truth in love and praises you above all.  In Jesus’ name I ask it, amen.

Hymn:  Follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice today’s conversation with the Lord: https://vimeo.com/46203440

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, lie, or gossip about our neighbors, but defend them, speak well of them, and put the most charitable construction on all that they do.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther, ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now to him who by the power at work within us is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. (Eph 3:20-21) 

*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. 

Husbands...

Verse for the week:  “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  Mt 20.28

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, heavenly Father, in your Son you have given the world a pioneer of salvation and made him the true and eternal priest and mediator of his people.  Grant that we may hold fast to him in love, learn obedience in his discipleship, and so be brought into the heavenly sanctuary through him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das Jahr der Kirche, 2^nd edition (Kassel: Johannes Stauda-Verlag, 1948), p. 114.]

Bible reading for the day:  Ephesians 5.25-33

²⁵ Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, ²⁶ that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, ²⁷ so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish. ²⁸ In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. ²⁹ For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, ³⁰ because we are members of his body. ³¹ “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” ³² This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. ³³ However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for Christ’s self-giving love for his bride, the church. Repent us husbands of failing to have the same love for our wives. Teach me to love and cherish my wife the way Jesus does… that your name may be glorified.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

The Sixth Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that in matters of sex our words and conduct are pure and honorable, and husband and wife love and honor each other. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17 

*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. 

 

Protecting Marriage

Verse for the week:  “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  Mt 20.28

Morning prayer:  Lord God, heavenly Father, in your Son you have given the world a pioneer of salvation and made him the true and eternal priest and mediator of his people.  Grant that we may hold fast to him in love, learn obedience in his discipleship, and so be brought into the heavenly sanctuary through him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das Jahr der Kirche, 2^nd edition (Kassel: Johannes Stauda-Verlag, 1948), p. 114.]

Bible reading for the day:  Genesis 2.18-25

¹⁸ Then the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.” ¹⁹ Now out of the ground the Lord God had formed every beast of the field and every bird of the heavens and brought them to the man to see what he would call them. And whatever the man called every living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ The man gave names to all livestock and to the birds of the heavens and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper fit for him. ²¹ So the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. ²² And the rib that the Lord God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. ²³ Then the man said,

“This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh. ²⁵ And the man and his wife were both naked and were not ashamed.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the perfect fit you intend for husband and wife. Repent us of playing around with or breaking your plan for marriage and our families.  Wash sinners like us in your forgiveness and usher husbands and wives at last into that precious, unique oneness for which you have created and redeemed them.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

The Sixth Commandment

You shall not commit adultery.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that in matters of sex our words and conduct are pure and honorable; and husband and wife love and honor each other. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved, classic hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtvxwsiRge4

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17

 

*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. 

Mercy toward your neighbor

Verse for the week:  “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  Mt 20.28

Prayer for the week:  Lord God, heavenly Father, in your Son you have given the world a pioneer of salvation and made him the true and eternal priest and mediator of his people. Grant that we may hold fast to him in love, learn obedience in his discipleship, and so be brought into the heavenly sanctuary through him, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [K.B. Ritter, Gebete fur das Jahr der Kirche, 2^nd edition (Kassel: Johannes Stauda-Verlag, 1948), p. 114.]

Bible reading for the day:  Luke 10.25-37

²⁵ And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” ²⁶ He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” ²⁷ And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.” ²⁸ And he said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.”

²⁹ But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ³⁰ Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. ³¹ Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. ³² So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. ³³ But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. ³⁴ He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. ³⁵ And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ ³⁶ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” ³⁷ He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for loving sinners like us as your own and justifying us in Jesus.  Kill off our old pride which always seeks to justify ourselves and to be the attorney for our own defense.  Kill off that old sinner, Lord, and each day raise me as your new creation… one who loves you with all my heart, soul, strength, and mind… and who loves my neighbor as myself. I ask this in Jesus’ name, 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=eMY3ivdNzwE

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not kill.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17

*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. 

Deadly jealousy

Verse for the week:  “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.”  Mt 20.28

Bible reading for the day:  Genesis 4.1-11

 ¹ Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.” ² And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. ³ In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, ⁴ and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, ⁵ but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. ⁶ The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? ⁷ If you do well, will there not be a lifting up of your face? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, but you must rule over it.”

⁸ Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. ⁹ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” ¹⁰ And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. ¹¹ And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for giving us brothers, sisters, families, neighbors… and for protecting life itself. Thank you most of all for redeeming us from ourselves through Jesus Christ. Repent me and your church of every manner of jealously that subtly creeps in to feed our will… such jealousy is the death of us.  Each day grant that we may fear, love, and trust you more than ourselves… that we may live harmoniously with the neighbors and glorify your name; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. 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=eMY3ivdNzwE 

The Fifth Commandment

You shall not kill.

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do our neighbors no bodily harm nor cause them any suffering, but help and befriend them in every need. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17

 

*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. 

Dad and Mom...

...are you teaching your children the 10 Commandments?

Verse for the week: “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.”  II Cor 5.19

Prayer for the week: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us and laid on him the burden of the cross that we might see and know the glory of your holy love.  Grant that our faith in him may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of it, but that we may ever follow steadfastly the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him, and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [Charles M. Jacobs in Paul Z. Strodach, Collects and Prayers (Philadelphia: Board of Publications of the United Lutheran Church in America; 19350, p.166.

Bible reading for the day:  Deuteronomy 6.20-25

²⁰ “When your son asks you in time to come, ‘What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ ²¹ then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh's slaves in Egypt. And the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. ²² And the Lord showed signs and wonders, great and grievous, against Egypt and against Pharaoh and all his household, before our eyes. ²³ And he brought us out from there, that he might bring us in and give us the land that he swore to give to our fathers. ²⁴ And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God, for our good always, that he might preserve us alive, as we are this day. ²⁵ And it will be righteousness for us, if we are careful to do all this commandment before the Lord our God, as he has commanded us.’

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for giving us the 10 commandments for our own good.  Repent parents of failing to teach them to their children.  Compel us to gladly hear, learn, and teach your Word to our children… for it will be righteousness for us and for them… and without your Word they and we shall die. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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=MimsQtU-ccQ

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT:

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not show contempt for our parents and others in authority, nor provoke them to anger, but respect, obey, serve, love, and honor them. (from The Small Cathechism, 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. 

 

Honor in your household

Verse for the week: “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.”  II Cor 5.19

Prayer for the week: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us and laid on him the burden of the cross that we might see and know the glory of your holy love.  Grant that our faith in him may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of it, but that we may ever follow steadfastly the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him, and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [Charles M. Jacobs in Paul Z. Strodach, Collects and Prayers (Philadelphia: Board of Publications of the United Lutheran Church in America; 19350, p.166.

Bible reading for the day:  Ephesians 6.1-4

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ² “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), ³ “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” ⁴ Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for establishing the family and thank you especially for your lordship over our families.  Repent me and my congregation of denying your lordship and your plan for our families… because such denial invites the collapse of our nation. Right from the start, establish honor in our households and guide fathers especially, to raise their children as disciples of Jesus Christ; I ask this in his name, 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=MimsQtU-ccQ

THE FOURTH COMMANDMENT:

Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not show contempt for our parents and others in authority, nor provoke them to anger, but respect, obey, serve, love, and honor them.  (from The Small Cathechism, 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. 

The Sabbath Day

Verse for the week: “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.”  II Cor 5.19

Prayer for the week: Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us and laid on him the burden of the cross that we might see and know the glory of your holy love.  Grant that our faith in him may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of it, but that we may ever follow steadfastly the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him, and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [Charles M. Jacobs in Paul Z. Strodach, Collects and Prayers (Philadelphia: Board of Publications of the United Lutheran Church in America; 19350, p.166.

Bible reading for the day:  Mark 2.23-28

²³ One Sabbath he was going through the grainfields, and as they made their way, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. ²⁴ And the Pharisees were saying to him, “Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the Sabbath?” ²⁵ And he said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: ²⁶ how he entered the house of God, in the time of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?” ²⁷ And he said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. ²⁸ So the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for a particular day of rest each week and thank you even more for the one who gives us rest from our sin and ourselves: your Son, our Lord Jesus.  Repent us of both breaking the Sabbath and of petrifying it.  On the first six and on the 7^th day, reign over us that we may know the true rest and the true freedom that comes from you alone; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS1LAc5DSCU

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT:

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not despise his Word and the preaching of it, but regard it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it. (from The Small Cathechism, 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. 

III Commandment: Protecting You from yourself

Verse for the week: “In Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them.”  II Cor 5.19

Prayer for the week:  Heavenly Father, you sent your Son to us and laid on him the burden of the cross that we might see and know the glory of your holy love.  Grant that our faith in him may not be shaken by adversity or daunted by the threat of it, but that we may ever follow steadfastly the way that leads to perfect fellowship with him, and so with you; through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.  [Charles M. Jacobs in Paul Z. Strodach, Collects and Prayers (Philadelphia: Board of Publications of the United Lutheran Church in America; 19350, p.166.

Bible reading for the day:  Exodus 31.12-17

¹² And the Lord said to Moses, ¹³ “You are to speak to the people of Israel and say, ‘Above all you shall keep my Sabbaths, for this is a sign between me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I, the Lord, sanctify you. ¹⁴ You shall keep the Sabbath, because it is holy for you. Everyone who profanes it shall be put to death. Whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. ¹⁵ Six days shall work be done, but the seventh day is a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day shall be put to death. ¹⁶ Therefore the people of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, observing the Sabbath throughout their generations, as a covenant forever. ¹⁷ It is a sign forever between me and the people of Israel that in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day he rested and was refreshed.’”

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for protecting the best rest of all: the true rest that comes to us when you put your Word in our ears. Repent us of both endless work and of unholy rest… both of these are the death of us. Each Sunday, establish yourself above all else in our lives… that we may live by every word that comes from your mouth.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to beloved newer hymn that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FS1LAc5DSCU

THE THIRD COMMANDMENT:

Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.

What does this mean  We should fear and love God so that we do not despise his Word and the preaching of it, but regard it as holy, and gladly hear and learn it. (from The Small Cathechism, 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. 

How and when to use God's name

Verse for the week:  Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;

                                    and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!  Is 55.1

Prayer for the week:  Lord Jesus Christ, you walked the way of the cross as the obedient servant of God. Open our ears and teach us by your Spirit, that we may not rebel but walk in the obedience of disciples who have learned from you, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [John W. Doberstein, Minister’s Prayer Book, Fortress Press, Philadelphia, 1986  p.82]

Bible reading for the day:  I Kings 18.17-40

When Ahab saw Elijah, Ahab said to him, “Is it you, you troubler of Israel?” ¹⁸ And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you have, and your father's house, because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals. ¹⁹ Now therefore send and gather all Israel to me at Mount Carmel, and the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah, who eat at Jezebel's table.”

²⁰ So Ahab sent to all the people of Israel and gathered the prophets together at Mount Carmel. ²¹ And Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. ²² Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I only, am left a prophet of the Lord, but Baal's prophets are 450 men. ²³ Let two bulls be given to us, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on the wood, but put no fire to it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on the wood and put no fire to it. ²⁴ And you call upon the name of your god, and I will call upon the name of the Lord, and the God who answers by fire, he is God.” And all the people answered, “It is well spoken.” ²⁵ Then Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose for yourselves one bull and prepare it first, for you are many, and call upon the name of your god, but put no fire to it.” ²⁶ And they took the bull that was given them, and they prepared it and called upon the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, answer us!” But there was no voice, and no one answered. And they limped around the altar that they had made. ²⁷ And at noon Elijah mocked them, saying, “Cry aloud, for he is a god. Either he is musing, or he is relieving himself, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is asleep and must be awakened.” ²⁸ And they cried aloud and cut themselves after their custom with swords and lances, until the blood gushed out upon them. ²⁹ And as midday passed, they raved on until the time of the offering of the oblation, but there was no voice. No one answered; no one paid attention.

³⁰ Then Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that had been thrown down. ³¹ Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name,” ³² and with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench about the altar, as great as would contain two seahs (1 seah equals 7 quarts) of seed. ³³ And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” ³⁴ And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. ³⁵ And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.

³⁶ And at the time of the offering of the oblation, Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel, and that I am your servant, and that I have done all these things at your word. ³⁷ Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” ³⁸ Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. ³⁹ And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” ⁴⁰ And Elijah said to them, “Seize the prophets of Baal; let not one of them escape.” And they seized them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slaughtered them there.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for being our Lord and giving us your name so we can call on you in every need and thanksgiving.  Repent us limping between two opinions, of calling on ourselves or some god of our own making who is busy relieving himself or sleeping… a god who has no voice and pays no attention.  Precisely when the Devil, the world, and our sinful self contend against us, precisely when your altar appears all wet… grant us to call on you that we and all the people may know that you are Lord and God, you and you alone.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF1uBXvQwPI

The Second Commandment

You shall not You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain. (Exodus 20.7)

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously or to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but call upon him in every time of need and in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17

*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.  

How do you use God's name?

Verse for the week:  Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;

                                                and you that have no money, come, buy and eat!  Is 55.1

Prayer for the week: Lord Jesus Christ, you walked the way of the cross as the obedient servant of God. Open our ears and teach us by your Spirit, that we may not rebel but walk in the obedience of disciples who have learned from you, who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, now and forever.  Amen. [John W. Doberstein, Minister’s Prayer Book, Fortress Press, Philadelphia, 1986  p.82]

Bible reading for the day:  Matthew 5.33-37

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ ³⁴ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all, either by heaven, for it is the throne of God, ³⁵ or by the earth, for it is his footstool, or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. ³⁶ And do not take an oath by your head, for you cannot make one hair white or black. ³⁷ Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the evil one.

Prayer (based on TRIP* method):  Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for giving us your name so that we can use it to call on you.  Repent us of using it casually, wrongly, or as a prop for our words. Each hour, defeat the evil one and reign over us in such a way that in our conversations and testimony we may not exaggerate but simply tell the truth. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic which gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MimsQtU-ccQ

The Second Commandment

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold guiltless those who take his name in vain. (Exodus 20.7)

What does this mean?

We should fear and love God so that we do not use his name superstitiously or to curse, swear, lie, or deceive, but to call upon him in prayer, praise, and thanksgiving.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther ©Reclaim Resources, Sola Publishing, 2011)

Benediction:  Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and through grace gave us eternal comfort and good hope, comfort your hearts and strengthen them in every good work and word.  Amen.  II Thess 2.16-17

*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.