Pr. DFD

Monday, September 14, 2015

Holy Cross

Merciful God, Your Son Jesus Christ was lifted upon a cross that He might bear the sin of the world and draw all people to Himself. Grant that we who glory in His death for our redemption may faithfully heed His call to bear the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Time in the Word - Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

Time in the Word September 14-19, 2015 Proper 20

Preparation for next week Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Sunday’s Theme: The Christian and his opposition can be clearly seen in the three main readings for this coming week. In the Old Testament lesson [Jeremiah 11:18—20], Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies. In the Epistle [James 3:13-4:10], opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. In the Gospel, [Mark 9:30-37], Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Christians live in a hostile world, for friendship with the world is enmity to God.

Collect for Proper 20 – O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Pentecost 17 –O God, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

Monday, 14 September 2015—Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015—Psalm 54; key verse, verse 4— It is the Lord who sustains my life. The Psalmist finds his life is threatened, as were Jesus’ and Jeremiah’s, and he finds God as his helper who rescues him from death. In our opposition God does not forsake those who trust in Him.

Wednesday, 16 September 2015— Jeremiah 11:18-20—Jeremiah asks vengeance upon his enemies. Jeremiah feels like a lamb led to the slaughter by his enemies and he asks to see God’s vengeance upon them. Jeremiah cries out for vengeance upon those seeking his life. God informs Jeremiah that his enemies were out to destroy him. Jeremiah felt like a “lamb led to the slaughter.” His enemies were offended by his preaching of judgment, doom, and the captivity of the nation. Like other prophets (Elijah and Amos), Jeremiah experienced persecution: beaten, threatened with lynching, imprisoned, and thrown into a pit to die. Even his family was a part of a plot to kill him. Jeremiah calls upon God not only for protection but for vengeance upon his enemies.

Thursday, 17 September 2015—James 3:13-4:10—Opposition has its source in worldly wisdom. James says the wars, quarrels, dissension, and strife have their source in earthly wisdom. It is a bad spirit that causes opposition. James will contrast earthly and heavenly wisdom. In this lesson James distinguishes between the types of wisdom. Earthly wisdom is characterized by ambition, rivalry, and selfishness. This kind of wisdom provides disorder and confusion. Heavenly wisdom comes from God. This wisdom is “pure, peaceable, gentle,” etc. The heavenly side; do not boast of themselves, but promote peace and reap a harvest of righteousness. The source of fighting and killing each other is the heart which is full of selfish desire.

Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom. Jesus taught that the one to be first must be last as a servant.

To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God.

Saturday, 19 September 2015— Exodus 20:1-17 - The hymn, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law. A good review of the Ten Commandments.

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts – O Lord God Almighty, since You bless Your servants with various and unusual gifts of the Holy Spirit, grant us grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us – Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; 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; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ – Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distress - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Time in the Word - Pentecost 17 - Proper 20

Time in the Word
September 14-19, 2015

Proper 20
Preparation for next week

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost

Collect for Proper 20 – O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.

Collect for Pentecost 17 –O God, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Ho9ly Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts; through Jesus Christ, Your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen

For the Hope of Eternal life in Christ – Almighty, everlasting God, whose Son has assured forgiveness of sins and deliverance from eternal death, strengthen us by Your Holy Spirit that our faith in Christ increase daily and we hold fast to the hope that we shall not die but fall asleep and on the last day be raised to eternal life; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

For those in distressed - Almighty and everlasting God, the consolation of the sorrowful and the strength of the weak, may the prayers of those who in any tribulation or distress cry to You graciously come before You, so that in all their necessities they may mark and receive Your manifold help and comfort; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Monday, 14 September 2015—Psalm 37:5-7, Antiphon, Psalm 37:4 – Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart. No matter what you are up against, trust in the Lord and He will sustain you. He will prove Himself worthy as you read the rest of the appointed readings for the coming week.

Tuesday, 15 September 2015—Psalm 54; key verse, verse 4— It is the Lord who sustains my life. The Psalmist finds his life is threatened, as were Jesus’ and Jeremiah’s, and he finds God as his helper who rescues him from death. In our opposition God does not forsake those who trust in Him.

Friday, 18 September 2015—Mark 9:30-37— Jesus goes to Jerusalem to face his oppressors. Jesus again announces His approaching passion and teaches the disciples the meaning of greatness. On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus announces a second time that He is going there to suffer, die, and rise on the third day. To avoid being detained, he travels incognito. Unlike the first announcement, the disciples do not understand it and are afraid to ask Him the meaning of it. When the group reaches Capernaum, Jesus asked them what they were discussing during the walk. They were too embarrassed to answer, for they had discussed who would be Number One in the coming Kingdom. Jesus taught that the one to be first must be last as a servant. To illustrate He takes a child in His arms, for in that day women and children were considered second-class citizens. Jesus makes the point that the greatest will minister to one like a child in His name, and when He does, He serves both Christ and God.

Saturday, 19 September 2015— Exodus 20:1-17 - The hymn, These Are the Holy Ten Commandments (LSB 581) Recall the Lord’s requirement of faithfulness to His Law. A good review of the Ten Commandments.

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

Saturday, September 12, 2015

Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

Proper 19

13 September 2015

Mark 9:14-29

Even the demons believe and shudder

Lord Jesus Christ, without whose blessing we are not able to please You, mercifully grant that Your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and govern our hearts.

Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace; thank You for Your compassion, which brings You to our world of pain and dismay. Give us faith to overcome our doubts, and help us believe that all things are possible with You.

Jesus descends from the transfiguration. And meets a defiant demon. An anxious father. An astonished crowd. And despairing disciples. Despair threatens to overwhelm our faith too. By pointing out how we fail to change or improve. Suggesting that God neither cares for us nor has power to help. However, Jesus does not linger in the glory of the transfiguration. Graciously He descends to a world of despair and doubt. So that He might deliver you.

It always seems to happen. Especially after a hallowed moment. You spend some time away from it all. From the noise and the commotion. From the chaos and confusion. You find yourself refreshed and renewed. Then Bam! It’s back to reality. After a superb Sunday. Comes…A manic Monday. Followed by a terrible Tuesday!

Peter, James and John had just returned with Jesus. From the mountain top experience of the Transfiguration. A grand and glorious holy moment. But no sooner had they returned. There was the crowed. Witnessing yet another argument. Between the scribes and the rest of Jesus’ disciples. The Master is gone. The experts continue the debate with the other disciples.

Jesus does all things well. That was the statement made concerning His authority of sickness and disease. In the previous miracle. The man was deaf and mute. Today the boy is terrorized by a demon. Who made the boy mute. Similar symptoms. This time, an evil spirit. Today we see the Savior demonstrate His mighty power over the father of lies the devil himself. Yes, the devil himself will acknowledge that God exists. He’s more spiritual then the fellow who has convinced himself, in his own mind, that there is no God. Says, James in his epistle, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” (James 2:19) The devil knows that God exists. Jesus by His exorcism of the boy with an evil spirit demonstrated how far He will go to win for you salvation.

1. Man is powerless with respect to dealing with the devil and his hoard.

The teachers of the law and Jesus’ disciples were drawing a crowd. They were arguing. Again! Someone from the crowd answered him, “Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a – spirit that makes him mute. Wherever it seizes him, he's thrown down, foams, grinds his teeth, becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able.” This desperate man is making a wrong assessment.

Why didn't You help me Jesus? I brought my son to You Jesus. I through Your disciples could help. But they didn't have the power. They had not the strength. He came. Expecting Jesus to be there. Or that His power could come through the disciples.

And there’s the problem. You can’t stifle sin! You can’t legislate morality. You can’t defeat the enemy. Fix my kid! I tried the youth group. It didn’t work. Save my marriage! I asked the preacher. He didn’t solve my problem. My life’s a wreck! The Christian counselor didn’t successfully address our issues. That political candidate promised! To clean up our streets. Fight crime. Curb pornography. Stop abortion. And legislate traditional marriage! He didn’t solve our nation’s ills! “I asked your disciples to cast it out and they were not able!”

Who today can stand against the devil and his wiles? You cannot by your own reason, strength or will. “But a natural man cannot accept the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually appraised.” (1 Corinthians 2:14) “You were dead in your trespasses and sins.”(Ephesians 2:1) “The mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the Law of God, for it is not able to do so.” (Romans 8:7)

By your very nature. You are found to be blind, dead, and enemies of God. Your sinfulness has driven a huge wedge between any significant bond between you and your neighbor. Weighed on the balances of God’s perfect holy Law you have been found wanting. Yet, this power, to defeat the devil. Comes not from legislation. Or from the power of the human will. But from weakness. Through prayer, and fasting.

Transition: Man by his very nature is powerless against the devil. All can see the devil’s mark on this world.

2. The devil can make life a living hell on earth.

With this boy. It had been a long painful struggle. “From childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!”

Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language, we are comfortable saying, “These are demons we must battle”. There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit, will not be a safe place but a dangerous circumstance. For we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival, we might say “I won’t go there” And if we do. A friend might say, “She’s in a bad place.”

The devil had made every attempt to destroy this boy. The demon tried to burn him in the fire. Yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares”. This boy had been attacked. Continuously. The devil had leashed this onslaught upon him. These were not isolated incidents. But constant blows this poor lad had received. And this "gnashing of teeth?" Isn’t this the condition of those cast into outer darkness? Who has the strength and power to slay the enemy? What does this might look like? It looks like death. It’s the image of a man. Suffering on a cross. And its power comes only through prayer.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – Better then you know yourself. Our struggle, says St. Paul “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8)

Transition: Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

3. Jesus once again is able to heal, restore and destroy.

He alone is able to destroy. The spirit shook the young man violently. It threw him into convulsions. It shrieked as it came out. The crowd thought he was dead. As he lay lifeless on the ground. How many thought to themselves – fool, idiot! Serves him right! Turning his son over to that itinerate preacher! But Christ raised him up. Just as He will raise you up. On the last great day. Jesus alone is able to heal. The lad is returned to his father whole.

Christ alone is able to restore. How long had this family had to live not knowing? Not knowing. When the spirit would seize him next. Not knowing. How the spirit would try to destroy him. Imagine. Not knowing what the day would bring. Imagine. Not being able to plan for tomorrow. Because you are so overwhelmed by the circumstances of today! Imagine. Not even knowing there would be a tomorrow. And if there were a tomorrow - How would it turn out to be?

The young man is healed at the Savior’s command – Restored. Redeemed. Forgiven!

Read the next verse. Next Sunday's Gospel. Jesus takes His disciples aside to show them the “big picture”. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men. They will kill him, and after three days, He will rise. (v.32)

That, my friends, is where the victory took place. That is where your redemption was won - for you – at the cross and open tomb. Of course, the disciples couldn’t understand it –and neither can you. Unless you are focused on Christ. The words of Jesus spoken then - are directed to you – “Everything is possible for him who believes!” Kyrie Eleison! Lord I believe! Help me overcome my unbelief!

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Words – 1,500

Passive Sentences –5%

Readability – 80.2%

Reading Level -3.9

Friday, September 11, 2015

Prayers for the occasion of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington DC

Prayers for the occasion of the anniversary of the terrorist attacks

New York City and Washington DC

Prayer for peace in the world: Heavenly Father, God of all concord, it is Your gracious will that Your children on earth live together in harmony and peace. Defeat the plans of all those who would stir up violence and strife, destroy the weapons of those who delight in war and bloodshed, and, according to Your will, end all conflicts in the world. Teach us to examine our hearts that we may recognize our own inclination toward envy, malice, hatred, and enmity. Help us, by Your Word and Spirit, to search our hearts and to root out the evil that would lead to strife and discord, so that in our lives we may be at peace with all people. Fill us with zeal for the work of Your Church and the proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which alone can bring that peace which is beyond all understanding; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for our enemies: Forgive, we implore You, O Lord, our enemies, and so change their hearts that they may walk with us in sincerity and peace; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for the armed forces of our nation: Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty. Grant that in all things they may serve with integrity and with honor; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Prayer for good government: Eternal Lord, ruler of all, graciously regard those who have been set in positions of authority among us that, guided by Your Spirit, they may be high in purpose, wise in counsel, firm in good resolution, and unwavering in duty, that under them we may be governed quietly and peaceably; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns…

Monday, September 7, 2015

Labor Day

A prayer for Labor Day -

Lord Jesus Christ, as once You shared in our human toil and thus hallowed the work of our hands. Bless and prosper those who maintain the industries and service sectors of this land. Give them a right regard for their labors and grant them the just reward for their work that they may find joy in serving You an din supplying our needs;

Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

Time in the Word - Pentecost 16 - Proper 19

This coming Sunday’s theme, “The Faith of a Christian,” is seen in all three of our readings. In the Old Testament lesson: [Isaiah 50:4-10] The Christian faith endures suffering. In the Epistle lesson: [James 3:1-2] The Christian faith is expressed in impartial service. In the Gospel lesson: [Mark 9:14-29] Christian faith is needed when confronting demon possession. As we begin our program year, starting our adult Bible classes and continuing with our Sunday School classes, the Hymn for the Day expresses the hope and desire that all of God’s children, but especially our youth would remain faithful to Christ. The extent to which faithfulness is expressed can be seen in how well the Christian faith is fed and nourished. Thus, a hunger and thirst for the Means of Grace is paramount.

Collect for Proper 19 – Lord Jesus Christ, our support and defense in every need, continue to preserve Your Church in safety, govern her by Your goodness, and bless her with Your peace.

Collect for Pentecost 16 – Grant, merciful Lord, to Your faithful people pardon and peace that they may be cleansed from all their sins and serve You with a quiet mind; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Monday, 7 September 2015—Psalm 31:14-16, Antiphon, Psalm 31:24 – Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the Lord! The Psalmist’ faith and trust in the Lord is unwavering; His defense against his powerful enemies is his reliance on God’s faithfulness and discerning judgment. Praise advances to the encouragement of the saints.

Tuesday, 8 September 2015—Psalm 116:1-9; key verse, verse 9—that I might walk before the Lord in the land of the living. Psalms 116 is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for deliverance from death – hence the emphasis on verse 9 as the key verse. It may have been written by a king. Verse 16 is very similar to the writing style of King David; however, they are very close to the events of King Hezekiah who thanked the Lord for sparing his life in Isaiah 38:10-20. As a whole, psalm 116 is song of seven stanzas falling into three main divisions: verses 1-6, verses 7-14, and verses 15-19.

Wednesday, 9 September 2015—Isaiah 50:4-10—The Christian faith endures suffering. Isaiah the prophet endured harsh treatment at the hands of his enemies for speaking the truth and being faithful. For this he had to suffer. Yet, as you read these words think of the One whose entire life was that of suffering. Centuries before Christ was even born, Isaiah, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, was able to predict with great accuracy the events of Christ’s life as they are outlined in the Gospels. Pay particular attention to verses 5-8 and then see their fulfillment in Christ in such places as Luke 9:51; 1 Timothy 3:16, Matthew 27:30 and Romans 8:31-34.

Thursday, 10 September 2015—James 3:1-12—The Christian faith is expressed in a tamed tongue. Because a teacher has great influence, he will be held more accountable. See Matthew 23:1-33. Since the tongue is so difficult to control, anyone who controls it perfectly gains control of himself in all other areas of life as well. This is a lesson each must bear in mind. Gossip, slander, and malice are all deadly.

Friday, 11 September 2015—Mark 9:14-29—Christian faith is needed when confronted by demon possession.

The devil can make life a living hell on earth. With this boy it had been a long painful struggle “from childhood.” How often had his family heard the indictments? “He’s a challenge. There’s something about him. You know, that boy’s not right!” Each of us has struggles and crosses – those areas of our lives where the devil will strike us hard. Even in “secular” language we are comfortable saying, “…these are demons we must battle.” There are those places in our lives where the devil knows we are weak. Places, where if we would visit will not be a safe place but a dangerous place for we can sense his attempt to destroy us. Out of a sense of survival we might say, “I won’t go there,” and, if we do, a friend might say, ‘She’s in a bad place.”

With this young man, the devil tried to burn him in the fire and yet another time he almost drowned. These were not merely “battle scares” this young man had accrued. This was an onslaught the devil had leashed upon him. These were not isolated incidents but continued blows this poor man had received.

Do you know your weaknesses? The devil knows them – better than we know them ourselves. Our struggle, says St. Paul, “is not against flesh and blood but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:16) Know your enemy! “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walks about, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Know your enemy well. Better yet, run to the safe arms of the Savior for salvation and life.

Saturday, 12 September 2015—Isaiah 40:11; John 10:11— Sunday’s hymn of the day is Shepherd of Tender Youth (LSB 864). The only offensive weapon the Christian has is the Word of God. Each generation runs the risk of becoming apostate. How is the faith handed down from generation to generation? It is taught and it is caught.

A Prayer for obedience to God’s Word—O holy and most merciful God, You have taught us the way of Your commandments. We implore You to pour out Your grace into our hearts. Cause it to bear fruit in us that being ever mindful of Your mercies and Your laws, we may always be directed to Your will and daily increase in love toward You and one another. Enable us to resist all evil and to live a godly life. Help us to follow the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to walk in His steps until we shall possess the kingdom that has been prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for God to guide us—Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings with Your most gracious favor, and further us with Your continual help, that in all our works begun, continued, and ended in You we may glorify Your holy name and finally, by Your mercy, obtain eternal salvation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A prayer for education—Almighty God, our heavenly Father, since You have committed the care and nurture of children to Your people, gracious enlighten those who teach and those who are committed to their instruction that they may know the truth and trust in You all the days of their lives; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.