LEA Guest Devotion

Guest Devotional Messages

by David Bangert, Greg Becker, and Deborah Hauser

July 27, 2010

LEA Weekly Devotional

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Titans Beware

Bible Reading Psalm 37:23–24

"[The] Stalwart walks in step with God; his path blazed by God, he's happy. If he stumbles, he's not down for long; God has a grip on his hand" (MSG).

This past summer my wife and I had the chance to visit some Mediterranean areas during a once in a lifetime trip. On back-to-back days, we were in Athens, Greece and then the ruins of Ephesus in Turkey.

In both of the cities, we noticed how tall many of the steps were around the ancient temples and amphitheatres. They were a little tough for me at 6’-3,’’ but they were really difficult for anyone less than about 5’-6". I finally asked our guide in Ephesus why they were built like that, since I was under the impression that people of the ancient world were not, on the average, as tall as we are today. His answer was that most of the temples and public areas were built to be ready for a visit from the gods. Both the Greeks and Romans believed their gods to be titans in physical build and the architecture of these spots reflected that belief. So, it wasn’t a big deal if the humans suffered, as long as the gods were accommodated.

In some ways, it’s not that different from how we construct many of our churches. Sensing the imminent presence of God, we have tall, well-adorned steeples and expansive high ceilings. We try our best, no matter the size of the church, to make it inviting and beautiful in a way we think would be welcoming to our God.

Yet, our God is different, isn’t He? Our God does not present himself to us as a titan in the physical sense. He went out of his way to come to us as a human, living through the same messes of life as we have to endure. While the ancient gods only made sporadic "visits" down from their lofty perches, our God found a way and the time to spend a lifetime on this earth.

Ancient civilizations often tried to devise ways to get "closer" to their gods. Some modern religious writers also try to encourage our pursuit of this same closeness. The reality, however, is that it’s not up to us. Our God does the work. Through the love of his Son and the power of his Spirit, He draws us closer to Him, not the other way around.

Our God visits us, just not in a titanic way. He does it every day through the love and power that was instilled in us at our baptism. He chooses the right moment to speak to us through his word and sacraments, through the caring of fellow believers, and through the small, quiet voice that pervades our everyday existence with a message of hope.

It may seem to you and me that at times our everyday life resembles the walk I experienced. Some days are filled with hurdles and steps that appear impassable. The toll on our emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being seems overwhelming at times. Whether it is our own health or that of our loved ones, the tenuous relationships we are involved in with family and friends, or the guilt created by sins of the past and present, the steps can seem all consuming. But, we have a God who walked that same walk, who took our place at the top of a different hill.

There isn’t a day that goes by that you and I don’t face one of these tall "steps." Challenges come out of nowhere, and others never go away. The love of Jesus doesn’t go away either. That’s the incredible Good News that you and I are blessed to be part of and to share with others. Our God turned it around on those early civilizations. He thought us important enough that He (God) would suffer so that we (humans) could be accommodated with everlasting life with Him!

As you deal with the next challenge in your life, I pray that you remember and rejoice in the God who walks beside us each and every day, not as some unapproachable titan, but as a loving friend who cares about us dearly and is there to help us through each and every challenge of our sinful lives.

Dallas Lutheran School

Dallas, Texas

The End Is in Sight. Or Is It?

Bible Reading Matthew 28:20 (NIV)

And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

Last summer I was away from home and decided to go on my regular run. I had gone online and figured out a route that was about two miles out and two miles back. The first two miles went well and then I turned around to head back. Probably, with about a mile to go, I was sure that the end was near (not of me, just the run). I was sure that every hill was the last one until I got to the top and realized there was at least one more. Every turn held the promise of being the one that would finally let me see the finish point. I know that it was a mixture of fatigue and self-doubt that caused me to think the end was in sight, when in fact it was never clear until I actually got back to the starting point.

At this time of the school year there are a lot of us who think the end is in sight. Graduates especially feel the need to move on; to end this part of their life and set their eyes on the next goal. Teachers think the end is in sight as the final assessments are being done and final grades are just around the corner.

Recent news of several Lutheran schools closing at the end of this year puts the idea of the end in a whole different context. There are many brothers and sisters in ministry who are looking at an unwanted end. Truly a sight they didn’t want to see. There are many hurting families and schools who are forced to confront an end that came when circumstances threw a curve into the road that many never expected.

When Jesus spoke the words of Matthew 28:20, His disciples may have felt the end was in sight—literally. Despite the resurrection joy of just a few weeks ago, they still weren’t sure what was going on. Yet, unbeknownst to them, the challenges of the few years they had with Jesus on Earth would pale in comparison to the challenges that lay before them as the Holy Spirit emboldened them to share the Good News. Jesus knew that, and I’m sure that’s why so many of his words between Easter and Ascension have to do with peace and love. These words are no different. Verse 20 is an attempt by Jesus to share His peace and love by assuring the disciples, and us, of His everlasting presence in our lives.

When has the end seemed in sight for you? Was it the illness you just couldn’t shake? How about the relationship that fell apart and you felt powerless to do anything? Did you lose your job or your school recently? Was it that student that just never seemed to get it? Is it the everyday struggle with sin that never seems to end? "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Life is tough. The seemingly unending series of hills and curves can cause us to gasp for breath as we try and navigate through our time on Earth. As workers called by God, Satan finds us his greatest challenge. We are also his greatest satisfaction when we are frustrated and dejected. Satan continues to make the road long and tough. "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

There are many indications that our lives will not get easier. Frustration will continue to mount and disappointments will gather as we are confronted with hills and curves that shield us from our ultimate goal of an everlasting life with God. "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

As we navigate through life, there really is only one question: Do we believe that Jesus is with us always or not?

The hills and curves are not going away, but neither is the love and peace that are ours in Jesus. He is with us always, not just part of the time. And, He will be with us to the very end, when we find ourselves face to face with Jesus and all believers for eternity.

Right now we may just want this school year to end. Maybe there is some other tough issue in your life that you just want to end. He’s there either way, ready to give you the peace, courage, wisdom, and strength that you need.

One more thing about that run last summer. I knew there was an end. I could even walk if I wanted to, but I knew that there was an end whether it was in sight or not. It’s the same in our lives with God. There is an ending—a great one that God promises us through His love and grace. Join me in continuing to run the race with confidence, knowing that He is with us always—to the very end!

Executive Director

Dallas Lutheran School

Dallas, Texas

Scripture quotations identified as NIV are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.

The Fruit of the Spirit is Self-Control

We can all think of someone else who needs to exercise some self-control: the child at the next table at the restaurant, the hurried driver on the expressway, and the coworker who eats three donuts in the break room. We may even say that if we were in their situations, we would certainly be able to control our actions.

In our Lutheran schools we teach children to make good and wise choices and urge students to exhibit self-control. We may say:

Control your anger. Show love.
Control your tongue. Be kind.
Control your use of time. Use your God-given abilities.
Control your silliness. Have a joy-filled life.

The child may then ask, "Why is self-control so important?" What would your answer be?

Our lives are filled with choices. We need to exhibit self-control in our decision making. Some decisions don’t involve right or wrong: hamburger or hot dog, Disney World or Sea World, poodle or Dalmatian. However, many decisions have a spiritual, moral dimension: church or sleep, generosity or selfishness, mercy or revenge. How can we possibly make God-pleasing decisions or teach our children to exhibit self-control?

In the book of Titus, the apostle Paul gives Titus directions as to how the new Christians on the island of Crete should live. These directions are also for you and the students of our schools.

"For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people,　training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age,　waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,　who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works" (Titus 2:11–14 ESV).

Since we are saved by Jesus, we will live self-controlled lives filled with good works. The words to the people of Crete should also remind us of Ephesians 2:10 (ESV): " For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."

Paul’s letter to Titus has specific instructions for people of all ages as they follow the teachings (doctrine) of God’s Word. Notice how a self-controlled life is a life filled with good works.

"But as for you, teach what accords with sound　doctrine.　Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.　Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good,　and so train the young women to love their husbands and children,　to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.　Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.　Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,　and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us" (Titus 2:1–8 ESV).

Our students, and we ourselves, will often fall short of the ideal that Paul outlined. Oh, what a wretched bunch we are! But, let me remind you of our Savior Jesus, who in love exercised perfect self-control on our behalf. He grants us daily forgiveness and makes us perfect in His sight.

May all people see the love of Christ in what we do and say. May our schools continue to be places where children learn of the love of Christ that leads to a self-controlled life filled with good works. To Him be the glory!

Principal, Trinity Lutheran School

Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Scripture quotations identified as ESV are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Almost Missing Easter

In Matthew 16:21, Jesus verbally revealed His impending suffering and resurrection to the disciples. Scripture later states that after His resurrection, most of His disciples were stunned. They were stunned that He had to suffer and die at all. They were further stunned that He became alive again. You could say that Jesus’ whole ministry, including His crucifixion and resurrection, was stunning.

I know as a 21^st century Christian that I find Jesus to be the most stunning individual Who ever lived. I base my findings on God’s inerrant Word. Yet I wasn’t an acquaintance of His on Earth, as the disciples were. The disciples lived with Him for three whole years. They listened to every story. They witnessed many miracles. They experienced Him up close and personal. They knew how He knew each of them intimately—as parents know their child. So what stumps me, as a 21^st century Christian, is how the disciples missed it.

How did they almost miss Easter?

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2009. I’m still going through chemotherapy in the hopes that this cancer will be permanently driven from my body. September through April though is a long time to be at home—mostly alone. You think a lot. You read when you’re not too tired. And you privately ask many questions of Jesus. You know you shouldn’t. You know you are grass and that you will fade away someday. You also know God doesn’t owe you a thing, especially an explanation. But you still ask, because, like Job, suffering seems unfair and almost begs for an explanation.

During this time, the one thing I kept coming back to was the book of Matthew. Here are the disciples living, eating, sleeping, witnessing, and experiencing Jesus first-hand for three years. Yet they are devastated and shocked, when His life is required of Him. They are a mass of turmoil. Peter denies even knowing "the man" out of fear. The others, minus John, frantically hide behind locked doors. In short, the disciples panicked and couldn’t recall the words of Jesus.

So, given my personal situation, I began to cut myself some "spiritual slack." When my diagnosis was confirmed, I was afraid. I was not only afraid for myself (like Peter), but I was afraid for my family, my friends, and my work. I was in a crisis, and I knew what was about to happen to me would be permanently life altering. Well that’s how the disciples felt. They felt that their personal crisis, of losing Jesus would be permanent. And somehow, reading how they panicked, gave me permission not to be so hard on myself. After all, if the disciples could panic, I could too. So for a while I did. The great saving news is that the Gospel of Matthew didn’t end at the panic-stricken cross.

Easter morning arrives, and the Marys run to share what they had miraculously witnessed. This time the disciples are in disbelief and still behind locked doors. It really isn’t until Jesus greets them in person that they fully believe. Thomas demanded even further proof—physical proof. He needed to touch the spot where the nails were placed. It wasn’t enough for Thomas to just to see Jesus, as the other disciples had.

We read the Easter story and skim through the words, because we think we know them all so well. At least I did. What we need is to experience them. Cancer encourages that. I now know how tangible the disciples’ fears were. I know how it feels to sweat through fear and feel ashamed for doing so. I know how Thomas felt. I felt that way after I was diagnosed. I needed to know that the tomb was empty—more than ever before. And God in His mercy confirmed that for me through His Word. Even though it was September and April seemed so far away. I still had to get through Christmas, when all I wanted was Easter.

During these months, I was taught that Easter isn’t a story anymore for me. It can’t be. It has to be a solid truth that I carry inside of myself for all of those "September moments" that seek to rob me of "April promises." The disciples’ initial panic and then their subsequent personal sacrifice show us just how much they grew in their faith. Suffering does that.

As we flood the pews this Easter Sunday, anchor your mind, around the miraculous Easter story. Imagine walking alongside Jesus’ followers, in all their dusty humanity, witnessing first-hand His glorious resurrection, because every one of us will have a "September moment" at some point in our life. The disciples certainly did. Almost all of them died as martyrs. Likewise, each of us clearly needs Jesus, our beautiful Savior, to rise to our desperate occasions, to bring us lasting hope and eternal life. And it is Easter’s truth alone that secures our salvation, which is simply impossible to miss.

Deborah Hauser

Early Childhood Director for Peace Lutheran Church

Saginaw, Michigan

The Excitement of Snow

Bible Reading Psalm 51:10 (NIV)

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Within the last couple of weeks, we in Dallas experienced a record snow fall of over 12 inches in 24 hours. In fact, it’s been a very "wintery" winter here in Dallas. If we get two more inches of snow, this will be the snowiest winter ever. Lucky me, my last winter in Milwaukee was the snowiest winter there too. How many people can claim they’ve been around for that historical event in two separate cities?

What was really fun to see in Dallas was the kids who had never seen that much snow. There were snowmen everywhere and some school-sponsored snowball fights. Most adults who lived in Texas their whole life had never seen that much snow fall at once. Those of you who have read me for years know of my dislike for snow (and shoveling), yet even I enjoyed the quiet and beauty of the snowfall. Even our loss of power for over 15 hours didn’t damper a kind of "renewal" inside me for the joy of a snowfall. True, I really appreciated the fact that all the snow was gone in three days and I never had to shovel. One large snowfall was enough, but I do have to admit I liked it.

This time of the school year is also when educators and students alike may need a renewal. The dreaded length of time between Christmas and spring break has settled in. It seems like school has lost much of its beginning luster and has become a monotonous litany of the same schedule, the same classes, and the same words day after day after day after day….

I realized recently that I have allowed some of my worship practices to follow this same pattern. I need a renewal. Many of the words of worship have become monotonous to me. I have allowed the words to be just words, devoid of the rich blessings God has instilled in them. The very words I used at the beginning of this devotion are words I have sung in many services, yet I wonder how many times they have meant anything to me. Just as I allowed the tediousness of many snowfalls to take the joy away from me, I seemed to have lapsed into the same dangerous situation in my worship practices. I need a renewal of my spirit, and it’s not something I can do. Just as the Psalmist prayed for God to renew his spirit and create a clean heart, I too need that infusion of cleanliness.

The fresh fallen snow covered up the dirt of the earth and gave a glimmer of purity until the dirt and pollution of the world messed it up again. That process is repeated so many times in my own life. God’s forgiveness is ever-present in my life. Thanks to the daily regeneration of my soul, because of my baptism and through His word as well as body and blood offered to me in communion, I am purified on a regular basis. Yet, the sin of my life dirties that cleanliness and affects everything I do. That includes worship, my life as an educator, and every relationship I have.

We are in the Lenten season, which calls us to remember the sacrifice of Jesus made because of our sinfulness. Our worship styles and words are often tempered during these weeks. Yet, Lent always ends with Easter and the joy of our renewal of life in Christ. That is a feeling I don’t want to forget. With God’s blessing and the strength of the Holy Spirit, I won’t. I can be renewed each day. No matter the style or words of worship God’s love is alive in me.

The real key to me is remembering that I cannot cause this renewal. It must come through God. Do you know someone; maybe even yourself, who needs renewal right now? I suggest you pray those same words of the Psalmist, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." Put your name or the name of someone you are concerned about right into this short prayer; it will make it much more personal.

While I was okay with the brief renewal of snow, I’m much more excited about the renewal of spring and warm weather. Spring break and Easter are right around the corner, but the constant renewal that is ours through God is available every day!

David Bangert

Executive Director

Dallas Lutheran School

Dallas Texas

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