“[B]ut he received a rebuke for his own transgression, for a mute donkey, speaking with a voice of a man, restrained the madness of the prophet” (2 Peter 2:16).

There is a madness in this generation.  Many listen to their feelings and ignore the will of the Lord.  Do not be deceived.  The Lord is not mocked.  Be guided by the goodness and mercy of the One who created you.  You do not need to figure it all out.  He has revealed the truth to you.  He is truth.  He created all things and knows all that is needed.  Come into His presence and let the madness in you cease.

Lord, You know the repetitions of this age.  The same nonsense may be packaged anew and each generation has those who fall for the same garbage.  Help me see through the madness of sin and gain a contrite heart and willing spirit to come to You, my Maker, and be led to live my life as You have designed it to be lived.  Guide me in the upward way of salvation so that I may grow into the likeness of Christ.

Lord, You will use anyone who is willing to share the truth of the Gospel, even a talking donkey.  Lord, it is not a matter of being used, but of being useful.  Help my willingness so that I may be useful in living a life of love and service as You direct.  Keep me from the madness of this age.  Guide me in the eternal way of life.  Lead me according to Your purposes so that I may humbly walk in Your presence.  Thank You for leading the way, Lord Jesus. 

“[F]orsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15)

Scripture is not talking about those whom we would call purely wicked (are not all sinners?), but about those who follow their own lusts.  We think in terms of people doing what is acceptable in society, but a generation ago, many of the things we now call acceptable would have been considered outrageous.  Let us seek the will of our Father in heaven and live in the truth of the Gospel.

Lord, You know how slippery the slope is that spirals downward.  You have seen it over and over throughout the ages.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way of life You have established from the beginning.  Help me to not take any of the false steps that spiral downward.  Guide me in Your goodness to live according to the principles of love and service You have established.  Lead me to live life as it is meant to be lived.

Help me, dear Savior, to look to You in all circumstances.  Guide me in Your goodness to know that in You is hope.  You have come so that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Lead me in that life to see that in You alone can I overcome what this world throws at me.  In You I can be conformed to the perfect image.  In You I have salvation.  In You I have hope.  Help me look to You always.  Amen.

“[H]aving eyes full of adultery that never cease from sin, enticing unstable souls, having a heart trained in greed, accursed children” (2 Peter 2:14)

There are those who may have decent manners in public but are a bundle of corrupt wickedness in private, seeking whom they may entice into doing evil.  Pride and arrogance do this to the soul.  Jesus came to rescue those who would be rescued, but there are those who will never be rescued.  We may not know who are whom, but do not let this lower your guard for the evil are always on the prowl.  The devil seeks whom he may devour.

Lord, without being either paranoid or uncompassionate, help me to be aware that there are those who will not seek You.  Let me know them by the fruit they bear in order that I may be aware of what others are.  Guide me in Your goodness to seek You with all of my heart and not be led astray through the deceit of the wicked one.  Guide me, Lord, in Your way of living that I may live according to Your purposes.

Lord Jesus, You paid the price so that all who believe might be redeemed to live a new life of love and service.  Guide me in that life so that I am aware of those who, by all appearances, will not live according to Your goodness and mercy.  Lead me, O Lord, in the way You know I need to go and help me to not be hindered by the wiles of the wicked one.  Grant that I would be stable and firm in my faith.  Amen.

“…[S]uffering wrong as the wages of doing wrong. They count it a pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, as they carouse with you” (2 Peter 2:13)

It is not politically correct, nor something people want to hear, but there are those who are wicked and love doing wickedness.  Yes, they are even in the church.  They are everywhere.  Do not think otherwise, because this is what Scripture is telling you and you already know it.  To compromise with the wicked is to compromise with the wicked one who rules them.  Seek purity, rather than “stains and blemishes”, always.

Lord, I find that I do love these people even though they do what is wicked in Your sight.  Help me to see that I do not need to be compromised by them to live faithfully.  Without being standoffish, teach me how to be firm in commitment while always being compassionate with others.  Guide me in the faithful way of living so that I see these things and do not live according to the world, but according to Your word.

Lord Jesus, You have called me out of the mess of this world to learn from You how to live faithfully.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the right way of thinking and living.  Help me to be compassionate and humble, yet always committed to the just and right way of doing things.  Let me not be compromised by those who practice wickedness but live by Your guidance and direction.  Amen.

“But these, like unreasoning animals, born as creatures of instinct to be captured and killed, reviling where they have no knowledge, will in the destruction of those creatures also be destroyed…” (2 Peter 2:12)

Unthinking, just reacting, believing themselves to have intelligence, there are so many who are just like rats in a maze, not living, but responding with worldly thinking.  The Lord gives us the ability to think and reason that we may come to know Him and not be reactive but love Him with both heart and mind.  Do not follow the way of the world for it shall reach its own end in destruction.  The way of the Lord is salvation from destruction.

Lord, grant me wisdom to see the foolishness of this age.  Guide me in Your goodness to turn to the better way of living.  Help me through all circumstances to know that in You alone there is hope.  You have given me the promise of a future by Your grace.  Let me not just react to this world’s rebellion against You, but instead develop new insight to do what is right in Your sight at all times.

Lord Jesus, You have come that I may have life and have it abundantly.  Guide me, dear Lord, in the way of everlasting life so that I may now and always humbly walk in Your presence and with Your purpose in my heart.  Let me not be led astray by the wickedness of this world, but instead, live into the hope and promise You give through the salvation You have purchased from the cross.  Amen.

“Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord” (2 Peter 2:10b-11).

There are those who are bold in the wicked deeds of the flesh.  They think they are clever, but they reveal where their heart is through their deeds.  Don’t be enticed and led astray by such as these.    Instead, turn your eyes to the Lord and know that He has given you the words of eternal life.  Do not revile the things of the Lord, but rebuke the deeds of the wicked who lead others astray.

Lord, grant me wisdom and understanding so that I may be led by the truth of Your word.  Help me now and always to see that only in you is there hope.  You are the author of life and You know how it should be lived.  Guide me away from the temptations of the flesh so that I may walk humbly with You, my Savior, saying and doing that which is pleasing in the Father’s sight.

Heavenly Father, You have sent Your Son to enable all who believe to walk in His power and become like Him.  Guide me in the way of Christ in order that I may look to You through Him and avoid the wickedness of this age.  Lead me this day to not worry about tomorrow, for You alone know what is coming.  Help me always to look to You, seeking to do what is pleasing in Your sight.  Keep Your Spirit dwelling richly within me.  Amen.

THE PRAYERS, February 19, 2023: The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Exodus 24:8-18 (The 70 elders and Moses on the mountain with God)

Psalm 2:6-12 (You are my Son, today have I begotten you; tremble, O nations, before him!)

            RCL: Psalm 2, complete

2 Peter 1:16-21 (We do not follow cleverly devised myths; we are eyewitnesses to God’s glory in Christ as he was transfigured before us)

Matthew 17:1-9 (The Transfiguration account)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Holy Lord, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, have mercy on us! In the transfiguration of Jesus, we see your glory. And we see what everyone joint to Jesus will be like. Thank you for this “double vision.” Thank you for showing us that Jesus truly is all in all. Thank you for his suffering and death, which transfigures our own. Thank you for the vision of his glory, which he lovingly pours upon all who cling to him in faith.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure your Church. Make it a lamp, radiating your beloved Son’s light and life. Make it a place where sinful mortals eat and drink in your presence, and live. Make it a place where cleverly devised myths are confounded by the glorious truth of the Gospel. Make it a place where all may come to be fashioned into the image and likeness of Christ Jesus our Lord.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this congregation: its people and programs; its decisions and vision; its worship, service, and fellowship. Make our every word and action like clear crystal, through which the radiance of Jesus’ love shines unimpeded upon everyone we meet.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the suffering of your persecuted Church.  Unite it to the death and resurrection of Jesus. Give it grace to speak truth and offer forgiveness to its enemies. Transfigure the ministries of seminaries, missionaries, spiritual directors, so all they say and do points to Jesus.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

 Transfigure the sacrifices of those who for our sake stand in harm’s way. Let their actions shine with honor. Grant them healing when they fall, and joy when they return home.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure this death-shadowed world; its people; and its leaders. Enlighten minds to seek your truth, and purify hearts to delight in doing your will. Turn us from being enemies of you, of one another, and of our own eternal good. Transfigure us into your loyal subjects, sisters and brothers to one another, wise stewards of creation, and lovers of your Beloved.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Transfigure the lives of all who sit in the shadows of suffering and sorrow – especially: {List}. Grant that Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, may rise upon them with healing in his wings. Let sorrow be turned to joy; fear into hope; and despair into faith in your love.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Holy God, holy and mighty, holy and immortal, we bless you because you have transfigured the death of your faithful servants. You have turned their death into life, their sin and pain into holy health, and their limitations into delight in your infinite goodness. We humbly beseech you: transfigure each of us into Jesus’ image. Even now, make him our all in all. Speed the day when we gaze into the faces of your redeemed people, and see Jesus smiling back at us forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

Year End 2022

Dear Friends –

I have been enjoying doing a weekly Bible study based upon the lectionary readings for the following Sunday.  A couple churches post them on their websites and Facebook pages as part of their adult education ministry, and I know of several people who use them either for their personal devotions or as resources for a small group Bible study that they lead.

This past week I was preparing a study on the Scriptures for Reformation Sunday.  In the third chapter of his letter to the Romans the apostle Paul makes a brilliant argument showing that God is both righteous and the one who justifies the person who has faith in Jesus (verse 26).  Paul says that we are “now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood effective through faith” (verses 24-25).  I read that verse and I thought of the movement that calls itself Progressive Christianity, which rejects the teaching that Christ died for our sins.

According to this movement, Jesus did not die for our sins.  Instead he died because he opposed the oppressive political power structures of his day.  But God raised him from the dead, showing that love wins, and now we need to join in his struggle against all the oppressive political and social power structures of our day. 

I know of a congregation where the new pastor, shortly after coming, took all the Sunday School material and with a black marker crossed off any reference to Jesus’ dying for our sins.  Then he returned the material to the teachers and told them that they were to use the amended curriculum and make no mention of Jesus’ dying for our sins.  All the teachers quit.  Good for them.

According to so-called Progressive Christianity (which I would say is not Christianity), sin, death, and the power of the devil are not three forces that hold us in bondage and we need someone to deliver us from.  And the main mission of the church is not to tell people of the Savior who loves them and who has broken the power of the forces that enslave them.  Rather, according to this view, the main message and mission of the church is to challenge people and rally people to work against all oppressive political and social power structures.

According to this view, Jesus is not a Savior.  Rather he is just an example and someone who wants to rally us to his cause.

I read the Second Reading for Reformation Sunday, and I contrast it with the main message of so-called Progressive Christianity, and I realize how much is at stake.  With what is going on in the Christian church today, everything is at stake.

I am very grateful for all the people who have told me of how they have read and deeply appreciate my analysis of the recent ELCA Churchwide Assembly.  People have shared that they also are in grief and horror over the way in which –

• The ELCA’s own description of the Highlights and its account of the Summary of Actions from the assembly make no mention of God and Jesus.  There is discussion of greenhouse gases, D. C. statehood, non-disclosure agreements, LGBTQ+ rights, and talk of dismantling racism and white supremacy, but no mention of God and Jesus.

• The Assembly took action to approve a resolution that called for a review of the 2009 human sexuality social statement and reconsideration of the four positions of bound conscience.  What could very likely occur at the next churchwide assembly in 2025 would be a massive breach of trust, as the ELCA breaks its promise to provide a place of respect for traditional views and those who hold them, all while harshly criticizing the U. S. government for breaking its promises to indigenous persons.

• The Assembly also took action to call for a commission for a renewed Lutheran church.  I shudder to think of what this reconstituted Lutheran church will have as a statement of faith and a statement of the mission of the church and the role of rostered leaders.

Yes, everything is at stake.  I am certain that the majority of the members sitting in the pews in most ELCA churches would be horrified if they knew what actually is going on.

The apostle Paul told his young friend Timothy, “Proclaim the message; be persistent whether the time is favorable or unfavorable” (2 Timothy 4: 2).  It is your prayers, words of encouragement, friendship, and faithful financial support that enable us to do that.  Thank you for joining with us in doing what the apostle Paul also wrote to Timothy – fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith (2 Timothy 4: 7).

Please find enclosed a form which you can use to designate a year-end gift towards our regular operating expenses as we work to be a Voice for Biblical Truth and a Network for Confessing Lutherans.  Please also let us know how we can be praying for you.  Thank you for your partnership in the Gospel, especially at this critical time when everything is at stake.    

In Christ,

Dennis D. Nelson

Executive Director of Lutheran CORE

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THE PRAYERS, February 12, 2023: 6^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (I set before you life and death; choose life; obey my commandments)

Psalm 119:1-8 (Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the Lord)

1 Corinthians 3:1-9 (Paul chides Corinthians for childish quarreling; he, Apollos and others are     ALL Christ’s servants, working together; Church is God’s field and building)

Matthew 5:21-37 (Hard words about anger, lust, and divorce)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Dear Father, you set a high bar before us! You want us to be like Jesus. Thank you for joining us to him through Baptism. Thank you that he has “cleared the bar.” Help us to not dangle lazy arms or drag objecting feet, as he carries us over that bar with him! By your Spirit, grant that what Jesus has done for us is shown in us, to your glory and for the good of your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Build the Church into a holy temple, filled with your Spirit, with Christ as the cornerstone. Give it faithful pastors, bishops, theologians, teachers, and other leaders.  Help them plant and water the seed of faith, to which you alone give growth. Make the Church set before the world the way of life; and grant that many should choose it.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause quarrels, angry words, and hurt feelings to cease in this congregation. Unite us in a common purpose: planting and tending the seed of faith in one another, in our children and grandchildren, and in our friends, neighbors, and community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Jesus spoke hard words about anger, adultery and divorce. Help us take them to heart. Bring your forgiveness and healing to those wounded by hurtful words and deeds. Give each of us wisdom and grace to comfort, challenge, and encourage loved ones who strive to remain faithful; who struggle to repent of offenses they have caused; and who agonize over how to forgive those who have betrayed their trust.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We pray for our sisters and brothers in the faith who suffer persecution and death on account of Jesus. Set before us their example of faithful obedience to your Word. Help us to assist and defend them. Turn their tormentors from the paths of death and toward your light and life.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Set before the rulers of nations the path of life and of death. Give them the desire and strength to choose life for themselves and for the people in their care. Conform each of us to your will, so that we may truly live together as your people.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We lift before you the needs of everyone afflicted by suffering, sin, or sorrow, especially: {List}. Deliver them from evil; grant them refreshment, hope and healing; and restore them to fellowship with all who love them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Dear Father, keep in your tender care all who have died trusting in your promises, especially those whose loss we grieve most deeply. Give us grace to comfort one another. Make us abound in gentleness, forbearance, self-control, and faithfulness. Help us to choose those good things which please you. Grant us the joy of joining the whole company of the redeemed. And let us praise, adore, and glorify you forever!

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

THE PRAYERS, February 5, 2023: 5^th Sunday after the Epiphany

Isaiah 58:3-9a (The fasting God requires is justice and refraining from evil)

Psalm 112:1-9 (God’s blessing to the righteous and those who remember the poor)

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (We preach Christ crucified; God’s wisdom, given through the Spirit,             contrasted with “wisdom of the age”)

Matthew 5:13-20 (You are to be salt and light; Christ came not to abolish but to fulfill the Law    and prophets)

Let us pray that the light of Christ may shine upon the Church, the world, and all people according to their need.

A brief silence

Heavenly Father, your Word is challenge, command, and marching orders for us. How often we stumble, fall short, or go AWOL in fulfilling it! Thank you for Jesus, who fulfilled your Word and who IS your Word. Thank you for planting his grace, mercy, and obedience in our hearts. For his sake, make us like him: salt and light, hope and holiness, so others may turn to him and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause your Church to constantly preach Christ, crucified for the forgiveness of sin unto everlasting life. Keep it from being conformed to the desires and whims of the world.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bless the people and ministries of this congregation. Fill us with your Holy Spirit. Let everything we say and do glorify you and help our neighbor, especially the poor, lonely, and distressed people in our community.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Father, being a disciple means being a student of Jesus. Give us teachable hearts and minds! Lead your “apprentices” in paths of devotion and holiness. Form them into “journeymen” who walk with those whose path is hard and lonely. Use them to bring hope, encouragement, and Jesus’ love to those who need it most.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

We remember before you our persecuted sisters and brothers. Make them into lamps shining in dark places. Bring them justice and deliverance. Soften the hearts of their enemies so they may turn to you and live.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Cause the rulers of all nations, especially our own, to heed the words of the prophet: to do justice tempered with mercy, and to care for the poor. Help every one of us not only to refrain from evil, but actively pursue righteousness, and strive to live in peace.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Bring healing and hope to everyone burdened by sin, sorrow, and suffering. Especially we pray for: {List}. Shine the light of Christ upon them, and upon all who care for them.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

Heavenly Father, we thank you for our beloved dead, especially those who were salt and light in our lives. Keep us in your care throughout our earthly pilgrimage. Kindle your Spirit in us, and help us to encourage one another along life’s way. For the sake of your beloved Son, who gave himself for us, bring us into your eternal Kingdom, where with all whom he had redeemed, we may gaze upon his face and adore you forever.

Lord, in your mercy, please hear our prayer.

All these things, and whatever else you see that we need, grant to us, dear Father, for the sake of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.