“You also turn back the edge of his sword and have not made him stand in battle. You have made his splendor to cease and cast his throne to the ground.” (Psalm 89:43-44)

Those who go against the Lord will come to an inglorious end. No one stands against the Lord and thrives forever. Their gain is fleeting. Those who are in the Lord may experience the trials and travails this world brings, but nothing happens that does not bring about goodness for those who love the Lord. Come into the Lord’s presence and know the blessings He gives to those who love Him.

Lord, each day You are there to guide me. Whether I listen or not, that is another matter. Clear my ears and open my eyes to see this age simply as it is. There are those who will follow You and those who will not. I do not know who they are, but You do. Keep me to the tasks You give me that I would serve You knowing that You are working all things together for good for those who love You.

Holy Spirit, in those times where my mind is conflicted, bring Your comfort. When I am in doubt, bring me to the place where I see Your hand and remember Your provision for all the faithful. Guide me in the way of truth that I may walk the path You have before me in faith and hope, knowing that I am being conformed to the image of Jesus. Lead me this day that I may be faithful. Amen.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 Devotion

“Who have sharpened their tongue like a sword.  They aimed bitter speech as their arrow, to shoot from concealment at the blameless; suddenly they shoot at him, and do not fear.” (Psalm 64:3-4)

The wicked of this world shoot arrows of contempt and lies at those who seek the Lord.  Calling others what is in their heart, they prey on the guilt of sin that is there, while they themselves could care less about truth or what is right.  It has always been this way.  The insensitive prey on the sensitive and blame them to shame them.  Be not one who blames, but one who turns to the Lord in every season.                                                                                                                                                                                                              

Lord, I have been affected by the wickedness of this world.  I have desired what is right, but listen to the voice of the wicked. Guide me according to Your purposes that I may forever hold fast to the truth You have revealed.  Let me not be distracted by those who would seek to destroy me, but to be led by Your Spirit all the days of my life.

Lord Jesus, You are the hope of every person.  You have come to save us from ourselves and the world.  Guide me in the salvation You have given that I may forever hold fast to the truth of Your presence and purpose through grace.  May I now and always look to You first for all things, knowing that You alone are the author and finisher of my faith.  Lead me this day, my Savior.  Amen.

Monday, December 25, 2017 Devotion

“They will be delivered over to the power of the sword; they will be a prey for foxes.  But the king will rejoice in God; everyone who swears by Him will glory, for the mouths of those who speak lies will be stopped.”  (Psalm 63:10-11)

Though the world rage and do its damage, yet the Lord will prevail.  Nothing can thwart the plans of the Lord, for He alone is Sovereign.  Come into the Lord’s presence and know the goodness of His surpassing mercy for those who love.  To them He gives life and the promise is that all who lie, cheat, steal and kill shall pass away.  Come to the Lord and know the true power of eternity.

Lord, all day long there are those who come against me with their wickedness.  I too have succumbed and do not love my neighbor as myself.  Guide me, O Lord, to live into the life to which You have called me that I would hold fast to the promises You give.  Help me see more clearly that You are always there and that Your goodness shall always prevail.  Let me seek You in every time of danger.

Lord Jesus, You know how the wicked of this age put You to death, yet it is what You came for.  There is nothing they can do that You do not already know.  Let me come into Your rest that I would walk humbly with You in the salvation You provide, knowing that only in You is there hope and a future.  Guide me this day to celebrate Your goodness and Your coming for all who believe.  Amen.

“He will send from heaven and save me; He reproaches him who tramples upon me. God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.  My soul is among lions; I must lie among those who breathe forth fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows and their tongue a sharp sword.  Be exalted above the heavens, O God; let Your glory be above all the earth.”  (Psalm 57:3-5)

The Lord’s salvation has come, just as He promised.  It is He who came and became one of us.  He knows our weaknesses and He knows our need.  The Lion of Judah, the One from whom the scepter shall never pass, is the One who offers His hand to each of us.  It is the hand of truth and He shall lead all who follow forever in the presence of the glory of God.

Who fears the Lord but the one who encounters truth.  The Lord is truth and He offers grace and mercy to those who seek Him and humble themselves before Him.  His is the everlasting glory, before all time and forever.  Stand fast in His presence and all else that is passing away will seem of no worth in comparison to what He offers in the way and truth He gives which leads to eternal life.

Lord Jesus, the One who has come to end the warfare for those who believe, lead me this day to rejoice in the true glory of the Father You have revealed.  Guide me not so much to know as to understand that all I need do is follow You all the days of my life.  You are the truth revealed, promised long before and in You is the hope of all generations.  May you be exalted through me this day.  Amen.

“He who sits on the throne will shelter them with His presence.” (Rev. 7:15)

The old sinner in us doesn’t always like the term “shelter.”  Are we so weak that we need someone to shelter us?  Didn’t we cut the apron strings?  Shouldn’t Christians, in particular, be more questing, advocates in the public square for what is good and right and true?  Away with this mild Lord of shelter! (says the old, proud sinner . . . .)

And then 26 believers end up dead in a pool of blood as babies scream, mothers weep, and a nation goes on fighting.  Sudden illness cuts down beloved friends and family.  Opportunists prey on the young and deceive the poor, and an entertainment industry peddles vile myths to corrupt the soul.  Even churches quake with heresy, pressing the faithful into doubt, frustration, and a love of division.  

Come, O Shelter of the faithful!  What strength it takes to shelter others: resolve, compassion, and the willingness to go and seek the lost.  It takes a Man who would even bear a cross to overcome the power of death.  This Man is God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who knows you by name; whose love for you is stronger than death; and who will bring you, with great joy, to the throne that He shares eternally with His Father.  Have no fear, little flock!

LET US PRAY:  Protect, defend, and deliver us from evil, good Shepherd of the sheep.  By Your two-edged sword, that living word, silence the ancient enemy, curb all evil designs, bring us to repentance, and preserve Your Church in perfect peace until the day of Your appearing; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever.  Amen

Pastor Steven K. Gjerde

Zion, Wausau