Pr. DFD

Thursday, January 21, 2016

John of Chrysostom, pastor

O God, You gave to Your Servant John Chrysostom grace to proclaim the Gospel with eloquence and power. As bishop of the great congregations of Antioch and Constantinople, John fearlessly bore reproach for the honor of Your name. Mercifully grant to Your church bishops and pastors who are like John in preaching and fidelity in their ministry of the Word to Your people and grant toat we all be partakers of the divine nature through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

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Wednesday, January 20, 2016

Sarah

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

Monday, January 18, 2016

The Confession of Peter

Heavenly Father, You revealed to the apostle Peter the blessed truth that Your Son Jesus is the Christ. Strengthen us by the proclamation of this truth that we too may joyfully confess that there is salvation in no one else; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

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Sunday, January 17, 2016

Time in the Word - Epiphany 3

Time in the Word

January 18-23, 2016

Preparation for Epiphany 3

A prayer for steadfast faith – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting. .

A prayer for newness of life in Christ – Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal. .

A prayer for Home and Family – Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A morning prayer – Faithful God, whose mercies are new to us every morning, we humbly pray that You would look upon us in mercy and renew us by Your Holy Spirit. Keep safe our going out and our coming in, and let Your blessings remain with us throughout this day. Preserve us in Your righteousness and grant us a portion in that eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

The Theme for Epiphany 3 is “The Purpose of Your Life.” In the Old Testament lesson Ezra the scribe reads the Book of the Law in the presence of the people. Reading from the Book of the Law brought tears to the people. Their purpose was to be directed by the Word of the Lord. In the Epistle lesson Paul reminds us that by the Spirit Christians are members of one body. In the Gospel lesson Jesus finds His purpose in Isaiah’s words. The Hymn of the Day is a prayer asking the Christian to ever walk near to the Lord.

Collect for Epiphany 3 – Almighty and everlasting God, mercifully look upon our infirmities and stretch forth the hand of Your majesty to heal and defend us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday,18 January 2016—Psalm 102:18-22, Antiphon, Psalm 102:13 – You will arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. The antiphon is the centerpiece of the entire psalm. The psalmist’s distress was occasioned by the Babylonian exile. Yet, he sees an appointed time – a time set by God for judgment and deliverance to come. As we pray this prayer, we too look for a time of deliverance to come. We pray that deliverance might come to us now and ultimately on the last great day, that day when we shall live beyond time and space.

Tuesday, 19 January 2016—Psalm 19: (1-6) 7-14; key verse, verse 14—May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. These words are quite familiar – they are often uttered by the pastor before the sermon. By these words the preacher is asking that he only proclaim God’s Words and not his own. By these words the hearer asks that these words of the Lord penetrate the heart and mind so that faith may be strengthened and nourished. May the Word of the Lord give us both direction and encouragement not only this coming Sunday but throughout this New Year.

Wednesday, 20 January 2016—Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10–Notice how the worship practices of Ezra and Nehemiah are quite similar to ours today. Ezra the scribe reads the Book of the Law in the presence of the people. After they heard the word, they responded in two ways. First they feasted. Delicious festive food prepared with much fat. The fat of sacrificial animals was offered to God as the tastiest element of the burnt offering, the fellowship offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering. The fat was not to be eaten in these cases. They also remembered the poor and those less fortunate on these joyous occasions. Likewise, we today respond in two ways. We come to a worship service to hear the Word. We eat the sacrifice of Christ in the Sacrament and then we respond in sacramental living. In service, we worship God. We respond by reaching out to our neighbors and especially to those whose need is great. We respond as the Word of the Lord has taken root in our lives.

Thursday, 21 January 2016—1 Corinthians12:12-31a—The Christian finds his purpose in the body of Christ. By the Spirit Christians are members of one body. The unity of the church is the unity of Christ. We are one in Christ, as members of the body of Christ. Regardless of our differences, Jews, Greeks, bond, or free, we are all one. Last names cease when we enter the church door. We are one in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul will remind us in verse 13, “For by one Spirit we were baptized into one body – and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” The church is not a human institution held together by its leaders and members’ contributions. If that were the case, the church would have died long ago. The Spirit calls, gathers, enlightens, sanctifies, and preserves the church from age to age.

Friday, 22 January 2016—Luke 4:16-30—Many today are seeking self-identity. They are seeking to understand who they are and what their purpose in life is. Many do not have a reason for living. They are confused because they are aimless. They have no goals for life. As Christians who follow Christ in all things, our purpose in life should be the same as Jesus’ purpose. Luke tells us where Jesus came from – He came from God to fulfill God’s promises. He tells us who Jesus is – He is the Messiah, God’s servant – commissioned and called. He tells us what Jesus was to do – preach the Good News.

Saturday, 23 January 2016—-Matthew 16:24; 1 Peter 4:12-13; Matthew 10:38-39; Romans 6:2-5, 8. Sunday’s hymn of the day is Let us Ever Walk with Jesus (685 LSB). The purpose of Jesus’ life was fulfilled by the words of the prophet. The purpose of your life is that the will of God might be fulfilled in us. Thus this wonderful hymn encourages the believer to daily walk with the Lord, to follow Christ’s example and Word that daily we might be conformed to His will and way.

Schnorr Von Carolsfeld woodcuts © WELS permission granted for personal and congregational use

Saturday, January 16, 2016

Epiphany 2

Epiphany 2

1.17.2016

John 2:1-11

Christ is made manifest in miracles – and a little advice from His mother

Three days into the New Year, someone asked me, “So, how many weddings you have this year?” People want to know. Because weddings are huge!

As Jesus entered this world. He came into a family. And to a village. And to a job. And to sweat. And to friends. And to prayers. And to toil. And to tears. And to laughter. The events of Jesus’ life are just as normal and ordinary as your life’s circumstances.

John gives us the account of Jesus’ life as it happened. We can imagine it happening today as it occurred 2,000 years ago. Jesus was invited to a wedding. How many ‘save the date’ post cards do you have on your fridge? Jesus lived a typical life. Very routine. Quite normal. We need not dismiss the miracle accounts of the Scriptures because they occur under ordinary circumstances. Because they occurred under ordinary circumstances make these miracle accounts plausible, possible, probable.

John begins our story as matter of fact. “Now there was a wedding which took place in Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. And Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding.”

I remember about fifteen/twenty years ago, a meeting with the Tabea Society. One of the ladies asked me, “Pastor, what this business about marriage counseling? We didn’t have anything like that when we got married!” Said, another, “That’s right. The only advice I was given was if you had a fight – take a walk!” And without hesitation, another said, “Ya, and in that first year, I must have walked a thousand miles!”

Much advice is given to young person’s entering marriage. But of all the advice one could receive whether you are young or old; newly engaged or married over 70 years – these words are golden – invite Jesus in – This nameless, faceless, couple invited Jesus to their wedding. May Jesus be the ever-present yet unseen guest in every home.

John continues. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine!” “They have no more wine.” It wasn’t as if this family didn’t plan. It wasn’t as if they had little regard for their guests. They considered their guests. They planned ahead. They concerned them. Still. The wine was gone!

Every couple. Every family. Every household. Has their own set of unique circumstances. Life happens. What challenges are in your road? It might be financial. It might be a special needs child. It might be a chronic illness. Or a persistent hardship. It’s an irritation. That won’t go away. It lingers. It can fester.

Mary is consistent. She tells Jesus her problem. She “takes it to the Lord in prayer.” And Jesus’ response sounds almost disrespectful. “Woman. Why are you saying this to me?” Why are you saying this to Jesus? Why trouble the Master? Because your need is great…

Like Mary, turn to Jesus, and "do what He says". When they had no more wine, she turned to Jesus. When you have issues. Where there are challenges. When you are in trouble. What do you do? Turn to Jesus. Do as He says. Jesus has given you His Word. That He will never leave you. And never forsake you.

He has given you His Word of promise. "I am with you always!" There can be no better advice then to follow the words of May. As the Nike commercial suggests. Whatever Jesus says - "just do it!"

Jesus gives in abundance. Jesus commands the servants - take six stone water pots, containing twenty to thirty galleons each, fill them to the brim. Then take some to the master of ceremonies. How much wine? 120-180 gallons! Translation? Jesus does not give you leftovers. He provides in abundance.

He richly and daily provides for all, which you need to support your body and life. He encourages you to prayer only for what you need in the 4^thpetition of the Lord’s Prayer. Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband or wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control. Good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.[1] Daily Jesus provides.

This water. Turned into wine. It is the best. The master of ceremonies, not knowing where the wine had come from, says to the groom, "you have saved the better until now". Jesus gives only the best. He is the miracle worker. He chooses to give you only the best at the cross and empty tomb. When He suffered and died to bring salvation. If He has done this for you. Will He not also give you exactly what you need? Jesus can do none other. He only knows to give in abundance. He only knows to give the best. This is how He chooses to deal with you. He gives you His best. He gives you Himself. That is His promise to you. Today, tomorrow, forever!

The purpose of the miracle -" the disciples put their faith in Him." This is the reason why Jesus delivers only the best. He does this so that we will put our faith and trust in Him. Daily He calls you to trust and follow Him. He has guaranteed that He will help. He can do none other. Trust Jesus today. Honor Him. Serve Him. Follow Him.

John concludes by saying that this was only the first of Jesus' many miracles in which He manifested His glory. Miracles continue to this day. Day by day, He works His will in your life. So that you can know, that Jesus truly is your Savior, Redeemer, Friend. Jesus will continue to manifest Himself in your life. This you can bank on. Christ, the author of all happiness, still works in the lives of people. He was present in the life of Mary, the disciples, this couple and especially in your life. Today is the day for a miracle! Where is this miracle to be found? His miracles are found in certain places. Where He manifests His glory. So that you place your confidence in Him.

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Words- 1,075

Passive Sentences –2%

Readability – 79%

Reading Level-4.0

Sunday, January 10, 2016

Time in the Word - Epiphany 2

Time in the Word

January 11-16, 2016

Preparation for Epiphany 2

Collect for the Baptism of our Lord – Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen

Collect for the likeness of Christ—O God, by the patient suffering of Your only-begotten Son; You have beaten down the pride of the old enemy. Now help us, we humbly pray, rightly to treasure in our hearts all that our Lord has of His goodness born for our sake that after His example we may bear with patience all that is adverse to us; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for steadfast faith–Almighty God, our heavenly Father, of Your tender love towards us sinners You have given us Your Son that, believing in Him, we might have everlasting life. Continue to grant us Your Holy Spirit that we may remain steadfast in this faith to the end and come to life everlasting. .

A prayer for newness of life in Christ–Almighty God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness and put upon ourselves the armor of life, now in the time of this mortal life, in which Your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility, that in the last day, when He shall come again in glory to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal.

A prayer for Home and Family–Visit, we implore You, O Lord, the homes in which Your people dwell, and keep far from them all harm and danger. Grant us to dwell together in peace under the protection of Your holy angels, and may Your blessing be with us forever; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

The Theme for Epiphany 2, “God’s Glory Manifested In Transforming Power,” can be seen in all three lessons for the week. In the Old Testament lesson God marries His people. God will transform Jerusalem from desolation to delight. In the Epistle lesson The Sprit transforms from “Jesus be cursed” to “Jesus is Lord!” Here the gifts of the Spirit will be outlined for us. In the Gospel lesson, the wedding at Cana, Christ transforms water into wine. Here He manifests His glory and His disciples put their faith in Him.

Collect for Epiphany 2 – Almighty and Everlasting God, who governs all things in heaven and on earth, mercifully hear the prayers of Your people and grant us Your peace through all our days; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.

Monday, 11 January 2016—Psalm 36:5:9, Antiphon, Song of Solomon 2:4—The Lord brought me to the banqueting house, and His banner over me was love. See also Numbers 2:2 and Psalm 20:5 – The king’s love for his bride is displayed for all to see like a large military banner. So is the Father’s love for you. Great is His faithfulness.

Tuesday, 12 January 2016—Psalm 128; key verse, verse 5—May the Lord bless you from Zion all the days of your life; may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem. The blessedness of the godly man is the theme for this week’s psalm. It is another word for wisdom concerning hearth and home. The key verse is thought to be a Levitical or priestly benediction or a word of instruction to those assembled from their homes coming to worship at Jerusalem,

Wednesday, 13 January 2016—Isaiah 62:1-5–Isaiah uses the analogy of marriage to express the relationship of Judah to God. He marries His people, His land. It is not the first marriage for God. Like Hosea, He takes His people back again and again. He remarries His people to Himself. What does this say about God’s attitude toward His people? God loves His people “The Lord delights in you” (verse 4). God make His people new – they take, like a bride takes her husband’s name, His name: “You shall be called My delight is in her” (verse 4). God rejoices over His people, “So shall your God rejoice over you” (verse 5). God and His land make a happy couple.

Thursday, 14 January 2016—1 Corinthians12:1-11–Can we be different and yet one? The church has always been threatened with divisions. It happened in the 1st Century; it happens today in the 21st Century. To have peace and unity, must all church members agree and be alike? According to the text, the church is unique in that she can have unity with diversity. This unity is the same Spirit in all, but there is a variety of gifts from the one Spirit. As long as there is one good, sweet spirit in a congregation, it is a blessing for the church to have a diversity of gifts.

Friday, 15 January 2016–John 2:1-1–The custom is to prepare an invitation list for a wedding. The invitation signifies you are important to the one inviting you. It indicates further that you are wanted. The unknown couple in the Gospel put Jesus on their invitation list. And they could be glad they did! Jesus honors them with His presence. He met their needs of wine. He saved the reception from failure. Have you invited Jesus to come into your marriage, your work, your life?

For many, life is empty. Our lives may be as empty as the stone jars. When we come to Jesus, as Mary did, for help, Jesus not only fills us up to the brim, but gives us an excess. The six stone jars provided 120 – 180 gallons of wine! Note, too, the generosity of Jesus in feeding the 5,000 – twelve baskets were left over. Jesus is able not only to meet our needs, but to exceed them.

Just like the Nike commercial, Mary told the servants to do whatever Jesus told them to do. “Just do it!” She had learned to respect His words. If the servants had not obeyed, there would have been no wine out of water. A miracle will take place in our lives when we “do whatever He tells us.” To obey is a test of faith when the command seems illogical and ridiculous. The need was wine and Jesus commands getting water! He has other seemingly illogical demands: “Give and it shall be given you,” “He who loses his life shall find it.”

Saturday, 16 January 2016—Matthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 1:9; John 18:26-27; John 1:29 - Sunday’s hymn of the day is The Star Proclaims the King Is Here (399 LSB). This is yet another wonderful Epiphany hymn. Despite outward conditions, nothing will change concerning God’s dealings with His people. As the Wise Men were directed to find the infant Lord Jesus, so to this day the Lord will make His presence known to you as He comes through His means of grace. This is how He chooses to communicate to you – in tangible ways. Not in myth, not in the spectacular or the supernatural but through simple means. Wise men still seek Him. Look for Him in those places He has promised He will be found.