Rock of Refuge

Psalm 71:1-6, 15, 17

Joni Holeman

This is an Old Testament psalm written by David before he became Israel’s king. David never knew Jesus, but God considered David a good friend because David listened and consulted with God whenever he faced decisions. Well, almost always—David only made terrible choices when he did not ask God for help!

“Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;

Give the command to save me,

For you are my rock and my fortress.”

The heartfelt prose in Psalm 71 has maintained its popularity for centuries.

“You have been my hope, O Sovereign Lord,

My confidence since my youth.”

Looking introspectively, I can discern a few parallels from Psalm 71 in my life. I’ve trusted God and prayed daily since childhood, even through my un-churched years from 16-42 (yep, I was one of those teen dropouts!).

“Since my youth, O God, you have taught me,

And to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.”

God and his Holy Spirit have been a fortress to me, especially since becoming a Stephen Minister. It’s the Spirit who gives me the right words to say. And if I listen carefully, I’ve learned that the Spirit will even shut my mouth when there are no right words.

It’s taken me a surprisingly long time to learn how to pray to Jesus, though. Maybe I’ve had a God-as-authority-figure neurosis going on because of those un-churched years! The wonderful Bible studies we’ve shared here at Christ the King have taught me the healing redemption of Christ. Now I know that I can trust in Jesus, my Savior, every day until eternity. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost!

PRAYER: Father, we use David’s words in prayer: “Who, O God, is like you? Your righteousness reaches to the skies, O God, You who have done great things. Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; Turn your ear to me and save me. Do not cast me away when I am old; Do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” We place our trust in your blessed Son Jesus, Amen.

Eyes For Others

Isaiah 42:1-7

Rob Loesch

Upon my first read, I found these paragraphs very disturbing. They can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on one’s current circumstances and personal objectives. In good times, the passages can lead one toward humility and compassion. In bad times, they could be a call for us to enforce God’s righteous justice through violence and religious warfare.

Pastor Gysan was kind of enough to provide additional information about the context of Isaiah’s writings, as well as a historical understanding. This passage is considered to be one of the four servant songs in Isaiah. He noted Isaiah 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12 to fill in the context. Taken all together, I have a better understanding. In paragraph 2 through 7, guidance is being provided on what our personal mission should be, including our behavior toward others. The idea is to not Lord over others, but to act as a servant to one another, helping each other as Jesus helped us on earth and continues to help us from heaven above.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Please hear the voice of those desiring peace. Please open the minds and souls of those who are blinded by their extreme positions and lead them toward compassion and reconciliation. We pray that all may live free of tyranny and injustice. Amen.

Passion

Isaiah 50:4-7

Adriana Lundgren

In the sight of such great suffering, we find the strength to drink our cup. What that means to me is that no matter what happens, we will have the strength to recover, because God will help us. There are things that happen in the world that are very sad, and God helps us get through them.

PRAYER: God, Please help everyone who is going through a hard time, so they will find the strength to drink their cup.

Entrance

Ezekiel 37:21-28

anonymous

In my opinion, this passage shows Jesus bringing his people, the Israelites, to him. He is proclaiming that they will have one leader and “shepherd” and can come to his sanctuary whenever they feel down and want to pray.

PRAYER: Please God, let us come freely to your house every Sunday and be able to pray. Amen.

Not To Us

John 10:31-42

Jeanne McKinley

In this passage, Christ tries to enlighten a crowd of men who want to stone him. He says that if they don’t believe in him, they could believe in his works that were done for God.

As a professional school counselor, I cannot preach Christ to students at my Fairfax County Public Elementary School. But every day I wear my cross. Sometimes children initiate a conversation, and I can respond fully, lovingly, from a historical perspective. And all I do, I do with love for God in my heart. I pray that everyone might see the reason and know that my God is great because of His love.

PRAYER: Dear God, May our actions always glorify you. May we remember that our talents were a gift from you, so that we could fulfill the purpose you gave us for our lives. Amen.

He Is Eternal

John 8:51-59

Greg Maxwell

In this passage from Saint John, Jesus promises eternal life for those who believe in him and follow him. He even tells the Jews that he existed before Abraham. This is one of the most powerful statements made by Jesus, because it undeniably acknowledges and proclaims his divinity. Jesus not only claims to know Abraham, but uses God's holy name ("I am") for himself. This claim invokes a natural response by the Jews who accuse him of blasphemy and try to stone him on the spot.

Eternity means having an infinite duration. Eternity is characterized by abiding fellowship with God. Eternity continues without intermission and is endless. We humans struggle with eternity. It is so difficult to fathom. In our society, everything has a limit. Our games and sports have a time limit, even a "sudden death" rule. Our careers end, our childhood ends, our innocence ends, our weekends end, our days end, and ultimately our life here on earth ends. In my high school math class, I remember struggling with the concept of infinity, when finally my teacher told me that I just had to accept it and move on. Our faith is a lot like that . . . we just have to accept it and believe in Jesus' promise of eternal life.

Newsweek once had an entire issue devoted to Science versus Religion, and one article featured a debate between a renowned atheist and Pastor Rick Warren, the author of "A Purpose Driven Life." The pastor and the atheist went back and forth trying to prove their position and defeat their opponent. Finally, Pastor Warren stated that one simply has to believe in God and have faith. He closed with saying that if he was wrong it wouldn't matter when he died, but if the atheist was wrong, it certainly would matter when he died! I don't know about you, but I am not willing to take that chance! Are you?

PRAYER: Oh dear Lord, we pray for your support; help us to have faith in you, live your word, and respond to your love. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Promised Heirs

John 8:31-42

David Whelan

Jesus said to Jews who believed in him “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Does each of you know that you are Ministers of Christ the King Lutheran Church? No, the answer is not APRIL FOOLS!! We have all been brought together through many walks of life because we believe in the Word and want to share it with others. We are seeking the freedom to be what God has meant for each of us to be. Jesus promises that when you truly believe in him, when you follow him, hear his Word, and continue in it, a wonderful thing will happen -- "the truth will set you free." I would like to stress the words “continue in it.” Our church needs to grow in its membership, benevolence, and stewardship. Our pastors and church council can only do so much. Each of us is a disciple of Jesus Christ and Christ the King Lutheran Church. What have you done recently, within your own family, business place, grocery store, or neighborhood to be a disciple of Christ? If your answer is “very little”, please take a moment to decide how you can become a better disciple. Try it – you’ll like it!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the first day of April, with spring in full bloom. We realize that you have meant for us to be your disciples, but we also realize that we have not performed as well as we are capable. Please continue to guide and strengthen us daily, through your Word, so that we will know the truth and that the truth will set each of us free. In God’s name we pray. Amen.