Daniel Bible Sketch

Who is your wise star?

Do you want to shine like the brightness of the sky above?

 

Reflect the Word—Christ, our righteousness!

Carrying a child is a high honor. Baptism and instruction in the faith are the most important things that can be done for anyone. Grandma reflected Christ to Mom who reflected Him to me, then, I resolve to shine the joy of the Word in my children’s lives. Grandmothers, mothers, and daughters are imperfect women, as are all humans who inherited sin. We must not idolize or unrealistically elevate anyone. All of us fall short of the glory of God. Our Creator lovingly carries and equips His people with faith to share. We thank God for those who’ve passed on their trust in Christ’s compassionate work to forgive and save believers. Of the three sin-tarnished, yet, Spirit-polished women mentioned, I will be next to be called home to a wonderful eternal life with Almighty God!

Light reflected into each generation is from Christ. His gifts are given during worship where Holy Scripture is consistently and faithfully presented in the divine service of the Church. 

Truth for life and peace is in Christ alone. Not approving darkness, Jesus perfectly kept the law of God, unjustly suffered, died, bodily rose from the dead and victoriously ascended to heaven. He defeated sin and death for us. Faith, hope and love are His merciful gifts we want to reflect in our lives with others. God’s created people may humbly turn away from darkness, selfishness, and oppression toward brighter days in the gracious protection of our forgiving Lord.

Daniel 12:3

And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.
Daniel 12:3

Thankfully, Christian moms have the gift of prayer.

We faithfully pray our children, and the children of our friends, grow strong to resist temptations, withstand trials, and let go of doubts which may lead them to fall away and reject their gift of faith. Only in the painful scars of Christ, we look forward to perfect healing and the promise of no more tears in eternal Paradise.

The book of Daniel

“This twelve-chapter book has profoundly influenced how Christians understand prophecies concerning Christ through the rest of the Bible. And its practical message of remaining faithful to God despite the surrounding culture is powerfully relevant for us today.” Three of the Best Commentaries on the Book of Daniel—CPH blog

Bible Studies from KFUO

Introducing the Books of the Bible: Daniel by Bryan Wolfmueller

Pray

Lord, thank You for clarity to see bright stars and help to focus on Your wisdom. Give me stamina to rightly shine the energetic power of Your love. Amen

Ezekiel Bible Sketch

An invitation to turn and live!

 

RSVP before the Last Day.

 

Only God the Father knows when.

 

Special events and party invitations may include a request to respond. Options to consider are: whether or not to plan to participate, plus, whether to reply or to ignore the RSVP. Acceptance requires a change of former plans and routine. Gratitude about the invitation, and the person who sent it, floods the soul. New actions and special efforts are made. When the day of the event arrives, plans have previously been carried out by the one who created the invitation. Trained people may have been called to help organize everything and prepare something to serve all who’ve replied with “Yes, I’m in, and thank you!”. Time together is shared and cherished as life is joyfully celebrated.

For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” Ezekiel 18:32 ESV

 

The special event process described is similar to God’s free gift of faith in Christ as Savior.

The gift is for everyone! Our Creator wants us all to live freely and have the life He designed! He created us as children to love Him, not to control us like robots. Plus, God desires that we love each other like He loves us and that we not expect to to control each other like robots. People receive, decline or ignore God’s invitation.

Life is communion with God who is love. Instructions written on our heart and throughout Scripture enable us to know Him. We are accountable to our Creator to live virtuously.

All of us sin. We should not blame God and others for our own sins. God wants us to turn from rebellion against Him. When we turn our back to God, the only thing He will remember is our sins. Rather than falling into arrogance, God wants us to be honest, get up, turn around, and ask Him to have mercy and cleanse us.

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy. Blessed is the one who fears the Lord always, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity.” Proverbs 28:13-14

“And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” Ezekiel 36:26

God doesn’t want anyone to die rejecting His Holy Spirit. Those who deny Him, are lost, misguided by Satan’s lies, evil in the world, and our own selfish nature… jealously, proudly, deceitfully enticing others to join in rebellion against the Word… fearlessly succumbing to temptations with no remorse or desire to give up or renounce a habit, way of life, false religion, or attitude of entitlement. 

God tells us to turn from sin and humbly ask for mercy in the Name of His Son so that we may have peace that when we leave this dark world, we will rest in the fulfillment of His promise to spare us from the destination of eternal suffering, apart from His glory. Almighty God knows all, is everywhere and has all authority as final judge.

Our loving God provides courage and tenacity for a life of repentance together with Him which He always prefers over death and separation from Him. In the grace-filled life we live right here and now, He offers opportunities to hear His Word. He gives saving faith in Christ. His Spirit leads to self-examination, confession of wrongs, and trust in perfect and gracious Jesus for mercy.

God won’t remember the sins of those who are turned toward Him. 

God wants us to participate where sinners gather to receive His gifts of forgiveness and strength at church. He doesn’t want us to push Him and others away. Jesus is the only Way to eternal life. He shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, He took our punishment. He died for us, rose from the dead and ascended to heaven so we may live. His gift of repentance fills us with His Holy Spirit so we can honor Him with our lives. By grace, I am in. I look forward to seeing faithful believers who’ve gone before me and hope to see you, soon, in the presence of Jesus in celebration of the Last Day!

Throughout the Bible, our loving God commands certain things for our own good and the good of others. He is our refuge and our help comes from Him. Ask, seek and knock are three imperatives for us to respond.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

• About God
  
• Find a Church
• Find a School
• Find a University
• Find a Seminary 
• Listen to a discussion about  Ezekiel 18: The Soul Who Sins Shall Die
• Sing along to hymn In Adam We Have All Been One, LSB 569
• Introduction to Ezekiel
  
• Studies and Conversations about Ezekiel

“Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, You are a God who welcomes the weary. Thank you for giving your children the worship service: a place where we can come with our shaking hands and be steadied by Your certain Word. Thank you for Jesus, who poured Himself out for us, that we may have life in Him. Let His word be our strength and comfort when we are wounded and weary. Care for us, Lord, and make Your love for us overflow to others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Wounded Workers devotion

Lamentations Bible Sketch

Grief, sorrow, regret, mourning, hard times, destruction…

How is it possible to empathize with and forgive someone who is lamenting?

 

Life can be a downer at times.

We live in a broken world where unhealthy choices are made and suffering occurs.

Life’s difficulties may be rare or frequent. Troubles could be momentary or lingering. Torment may be physical or emotional. Consequences may affect few or many. Details may be public or private. Pain, loneliness, suffering, hypocrisy, sickness, and hardships are a part of this crooked generation.

“Is there an answer to the ‘generations of pain’ that continue the cascade of prejudice, violence, sadness, hurt, injustice and confusion? Yes, but the answer does not flow from our own hearts and it will not take effect because of our efforts or outrage. The answer comes from outside ourselves.”—Rev. Michael Newman (read more)

True lamenting expresses sincere regret for one’s own sin and can help rebuild trust. A fake apology may be only a coverup for being exposed and often includes the words but or if.

“Lament allows us to fully face and name our pain, and it creates space for future resolution and hope without glossing over our trauma.” —Whitney Woollard (read more)

Lamentations 3:22-24

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Lamentations 3:22-24

 What are our options?

• Believers receive the faith, lament sins, confess insufficiency to earn salvation, repent of wrongs and are forgiven in the Name of Jesus. With power and strength in Baptism, the Word (Bible) and the the Lord’s Supper, the Comforter mercifully transforms and guides them to trust God’s promise that after earthly death begins eternal life with Jesus in paradise—and there will be no more pain or tears!
• Unbelievers deny the work of Christ as Savior. God’s judgement on those who reject the Holy Spirit results in suffering for eternity in hell.

Jesus took the punishment we deserve. Our only hope is in Christ.

By the faith the Holy Spirit provides, even in suffering, believers praise and rely on God’s grace. His unending mercies remove all sin, guilt and worry. He intercedes for, forgives, patiently holds and encourages those who trust Him.

God sometimes allows affliction to draw people to His compassion and peace.

Don’t push away the hope God gives! Repent. He wants to be merciful, forgive, and be kind to all. Give Him the glory and share the Good News!

“God has a great secret we all need to learn. Do you know what it is? Live one day at a time!”—Rev. Darold Reiner (listen to or read the Mustard Seed Devotion)

Links on Lamentations

• Introduction
• Illustrated overview video 
  
• Bible study, conversations
• Great Is Thy Faithfulness

1. Great is Thy faithfulness,
   O God my Father;
   There is no shadow of turning with Thee.
   Thou changest not:
   Thy compassions, they fail not;
   As Thou hast been,
   Thou forever wilt be.
   Refrain:
   Great is Thy faithfulness!
   Great is Thy faithfulness!
   Morning by morning new mercies I see;
   All I have needed
   Thy hand hath provided;
   Great is Thy faithfulness,
   Lord, unto me!
2. Summer and winter and springtime and harvest,
   Sun, moon and stars in their courses above
   Join with all nature in manifold witness
   To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love. [Refrain]
3. Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
   Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
   Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
   Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! [Refrain]

Jeremiah Bible Sketches

Jeremiah was a bullfrog, says the 70s song.

Do you recall two versions of Joy to the World?

Three Dog Night’s 1970 hit Joy to the World—“Jeremiah was a bullfrog, was a good friend of mine…these nonsense placeholder lyrics became part of rock history…” (Song facts).

Christians sing about the King of the universe in Joy to the world! the Lord is come! written over 300 years ago and published in 1,762 hymnals (hymnary.org). He rules the world with truth and grace…and wonders of his love! Believers strive to be with the King now and at the end of the world.

Jeremiah 1:5


I chose you before I formed you in the womb; I set you apart before you were born. I appointed you a prophet to the nations. Jeremiah 1:5 HCSB

No matter how well you know someone, there is One who knows him or her better.

God knew our name before His miracle of conception and development in our mothers’ wombs. Birth, also His miraculous event, drastically changed the habitat for our growth. God’s provision and spiritual gifts positively shape each of us mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Each one of us is His beloved work-in-progress, uniquely created. He allows us to participate in life’s process with free will to think and act upon what fills our hearts and souls. 


“What would you do with a brain if you had one?” said Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz

The brain is designed to do awesome, wonderful and helpful things! 

Then sin happened, corruption and death entered the picture; now, all human minds have capacity to…

• forget to pray
• pridefully think one can manage without Jesus
• experience sadness and other unpleasant emotions
• minimize own failings and maximize others’ failings
• blame-shift
• have arrogant self-centered focus
  
• resent
• envy
• disrespect
  
• have apathy toward others’ needs and desires
  
• make unhealthy choices for self and others
  
• shirk responsibilities
• lie to self, others and God
• fall for Satan’s lies and the world’s temptations
• make choices that have negative consequences
• misunderstand and be misunderstood
• be confused
• form manipulative schemes
• presume
• ponder ways to meddle
• forget manners
• hide, deny, or revel in errors of self and others
  
• hold to self-righteousness
• become rigid
• crave power and control
• think unjustly
• dishonor feedback
• demand unrealistic perfectionism of self or upon others
  
• stubbornly refuse to receive or offer grace
• dig up the past—someone else’s and own
• forget past confessions are absolved
• be afraid to live by faith
• avoid being filled with God’s gifts
  

Deeds, experiences, thoughts, decisions, emotions, human relationships or memberships cannot rescue spiritually, nor can science or government. Christ, the final authority, is the only One who gives righteousness and life. Sadly deceived are those who think it is okay to make a choice to willfully cause death. Opposing this idea of so-called choice are citizens who, by inspiration of Scripture, respect God’s creation and timing actions about life. Standing for faithful principles, praying every life would be protected and nourished from conception to natural death, pro-life voters abhor the platform which endorses abortion and immoral behaviors.


The complex human brain is evidence for creation. Research, education, decisions, physical functionality, memories and emotions arise from brain activity. It is heartwarming to reminisce pleasant experiences shared with people parted (deceased or still living). Death or difficult experiences surrounding the point of separation may involve harsh memories as well as sorrow over weaknesses and failures. 


God Almighty sees deeply into every heart and knows exactly what motivates each of us; we don’t always see or admit it ourselves. Help in this fallen world comes only in Jesus. God brings good out of evil. Good happens in relationships within family, church, and community as the Holy Spirit awakens and motivates us to humbly look up to His Son on the cross where, in retrospect, we see a glimpse of what perfect love is. Jesus took our punishment upon Himself to redeem us. Mercifully, God sees us through His Son who took away our sin. God is for us now and, soon, in His New Creation, sin will no longer exist—believers’ pain and tears will graciously cease because of Him! Trusting His righteousness supplies relief. Faith provides repentance to prepare humble believers for Judgement Day. In both good and hard times, the Holy Spirit generates gratitude for the certain hope, forgiveness, and help that is in Christ. God’s Word teaches us how to live forgiven.

Consistent training in and remembering God’s Word is vital for all sinful men, women and children. It is especially helpful during times of doubt, trouble, oppression, abuse and being violated on personal or national levels.


“We never know when persecution may come, when technology or even access to Bibles and churches may go away. We’re getting a taste of that now in the quarantine time. So, it drives home the point that we need to have Scripture … on our hearts and our minds.” —Chaplain Rev. Sean Daenzer

Try the Memory Verse Challenge.

Jeremiah—God’s messenger of justice and grace. 


Thousands of years ago, hundreds before Jesus, Jeremiah, a priest, warned people about idolatry, urging that they would repent and receive God’s mercy and grace. God-the-Word told Jeremiah what to say and gave him confidence.

Jeremiah 6:16a


This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16a NIV

Prayer is God’s gift to all who are willing to receive it. Faith offers repentance, stirs gratitude for His mercies, and encourages the humble to strive to follow Jesus wholeheartedly.

Jesus told us to pray or meditate on His excellent Lord’s Prayer. He also provides the Psalms, plus, reflective, Scripture-focused prayers authored by Christians. By His grace, we may send up prayers in our own words about many specific things in relation to what we know about Scripture, spontaneously throughout each day. We ask friends to pray for us and ask what type of prayers they want. We pray for enemies because Jesus loves, wants to save, forgive and care for them. The Holy Spirit goes so far as interceding when we don’t know what to pray, helps us pray, and conforms the heart with confidence in our loving God. We pray that all of our prayers would be within His will, fruitful for people around us, and bring Him glory.

The Church is for sinners. If you’re like me, we know we are sinners. 


Christ only saves sinners who repent, believe, and are baptized. Satan works hard to fool us about our total dependence on Christ. The devil’s goal is to deceive us with lies that spending time in God’s Word and attending church are unnecessary. When we fall for those lies, we neglect opportunities worship supplies to keep faith alive. To reject receiving God’s gifts by one’s own choice leads to loss of nourishment and power needed to live within the Holy Spirit’s saving faith. The Bible warns about depending on activity, things, or people, rather than God. Some will not be saved and they want to take others with them. That is a sobering thought. Misery follows the death of an unbeliever when, apart from God, they will suffer forever in hell.

Christians pray for those who

• haven’t heard, don’t believe, or doubt Jesus is the one and only Way to salvation—to receive knowledge and gifts of the faith
• choose absence after formerly being active in the Church—to return for the gifts that they once received and still need
• believe—for strength to cling to gifts of the faith, thanking God for love, rest, protection, and for guidance to joyfully be a light to others

 

Jeremiah 17:7-8


 

“Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8 ESV

The Creator is in control.


“The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: ‘Arise, and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will let you hear my words.’ So I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was working at his wheel. And the vessel he was making of clay was spoiled in the potter’s hand, and he reworked it into another vessel, as it seemed good to the potter to do.” Jeremiah 18:1-4 ESV

God knows everyone is broken and spoiled. 


Our own sinfulness and the sin all around us cause damage and consequences. Water of Baptism makes the pill of discipline possible to swallow. It’s a lifetime prescription with written instructions and always refillable. As we hear God’s Word (actually listen and rest in it) we are healed and molded into Christ’s image to serve and reflect Him in what we think, say, and do. No one can reflect Him perfectly. The Lord patiently keeps on shaping us by His Word of Law and Gospel, as well as forgiveness and strength to live in peace and unity which comes to us in The Lord’s Supper. Solace, security, and genuine love come from Almighty God who gives us eyes to recognize idols in our lives. He offers repentance in His perfect masterpiece, Christ. 

Grace is resistible.

It is possible for humans to forfeit God’s mercy by


1. unbelief (antagonism toward God—Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior)

2. trying to get to heaven by one’s own works (this is same as unbelief)


Only by grace in Christ, we let go of pride. His blessing moves us to pray for those who hurt us. Perhaps not all will, yet, some people do receive the love of God we share. God equips us to joyfully move forward, thrive, and treat others kindly.

Jeremiah 23:29

Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord, and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? Jeremiah 23:29 ESV

 

God sees into the heart and knows all.

The devil tempts us with lies of the world which approve sin (go with it) or lies about earning grace by what you do; these mean despising Truth of God’s Word which is living, active, and trustworthy. We train by the loving Word which…

• teaches how to live in preparation for the next life
  
  • trust and give God the glory
  • flee evil and expose darkness
  • live honestly and ambitiously
  • blush over wrongs and repent
  • gladly receive and offer reconciliation
  • suffer by the grace of God
  • thankfully and gladly work
  • heal in the balm of Christ’s work
  • forgive and pray for others in Jesus Name
  • listen compassionately
  • share truth in love
    

• warns unbelievers of eternal hell

• promises victory in Jesus who rescues sinners and will return and take believers to live in paradise forever with Him 

 

Jeremiah 29:11

 

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ESV

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

 

God’s plan required punishment and correction for our sin. 

Compassion, plans and promises are tied together in Jesus Christ whose death and resurrection saves believers. He faithfully sustains people in an imperfect world with forgiveness, healing, restoration, wholeness, protection, and wisdom. God wants us to participate.

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 ESV

Thankfully, Christian discipline is for God’s good purpose. Sometimes God uses sickness, enemies, wars and difficulties to draw us to His Word. Suffering can be one part of God’s plan to intend growth. Christ knows your pain. He faithfully soothes wounds of those who trust Him. All things will be made right at the time God’s loving plan continues at the exact moment of His choosing. Until then, repentant Christians contently persevere, think eternally, and pray that God would forgive, protect, provide, comfort, inspire and bring more people to faith in Jesus. 


“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11). God shows His love even in trials and disciplines that encircle us. Through them He…

• exposes our frailty and need of Him
• teaches lessons He knows will benefit us
• freely offers victory by establishing, sustaining and strengthening the faith
• brings us even closer to Him, turning trust into gratitude
• ignites desire to share His love 


“It has been said there are two ways to open a flower bud. You can force the petals apart and, in doing so, destroy the flower or you can leave it alone until slowly but surely, God unfolds it.” LWML




Jeremiah 31:25

 

For I will satisfy the weary soul, and every languishing soul I will replenish.” Jeremiah 31:25 ESV

 

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for Your mercy, patience, and reminding us You are where our help comes from. It is You who picks us up when we fall. Your extreme love covers our insufficiency, humbles arrogance, breaks down walls of isolation, thaws ice, softens hardness, tenderizes rudeness and forgives cruelty. Help us to see and admit faults. Mend and shape me and each person with repentance and eagerness to love You and pray for others. You desire all people would believe. You were brought low to redeem us. You refine us in unexpected ways far beyond our comprehension. We know You did not create us to be robots and it is a mystery that You allow people to reject Your invitation of faith; we ask that You remember and work in them so they do not put You off until it is too late for them to turn around. Protect and preserve the faith in all who rely on You to restore all things. Stand by and comfort all who fear, love, and trust You above all things. Thank you for rest in Your brilliant love and honorable grace. Amen.

Check out more about the book of Jeremiah

• Overview Video
• Introduction
• Conversations, Studies, Sermons
• Bible Study Comfort and Hope
• Mustard Seed Devotions
  

Thanks for reading my long post inspired by the longest book in the Bible, Jeremiah. By Truth, Grace, Word—Jesus alone—are blessings of contentment and confidence to look forward to eternity. To Him be all glory!

Isaiah Bible Sketches

Good news of redemption

 

God, the Creator of the universe comes to us—a promise of hope and comfort!

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. …his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 7:14, 9:6b

A holy Zygote, then Embryo, then Fetus miraculously grew in Mary who was chosen by God’s grace to become the virgin mother of Jesus Immanuel, born human infant yet remaining fully God! 

Immanuel means God is with us! He bore the sins of the world—took our griefs and sorrows—suffered torment in our place so we can have God’s peace and eternal life. We don’t deserve it. His gift of love covers insufficiency, errors, and delivers from evil. 

1. Together with others in church we confess our sinfulness out loud. Sometimes we take opportunity for counsel and privately confess a specific sin to a pastor. 
2. We are absolved according God’s Word. 

Consequences of our brokenness (emotional pain of neglect, mistreatment, misunderstanding, as well as physical ailments and disease) aren’t guaranteed to disappear in this life which ends in death. However, brokenness may result in

• negative impact fading
• healing
  
• growth in ourselves or others
  
• joy looking forward to eternity with Christ, void of pain and tears

I pray, reader, do not deny this merciful gift the Holy Spirit offers everyone; rather, take hold of true faith which receives Christ wholeheartedly.

Isaiah 1:18b

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18

…no matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can take it out and make you as clean as freshly fallen snow.… Isaiah 1:18 TLB

Let us reason together in the light of the blessing of God’s forgiveness!

God demands purity. He knew we could not justify ourselves. He takes away sin and gives righteousness—perfection in Christ—to pardon and empower people who trust this Word.

Isaiah 5:20

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Isaiah 5:20

“Sin brings the ultimate confusion. God’s counsel condemns human folly and wickedness. • Lord, snap the tethers that hold me back and rob me of genuine freedom in Christ.” The Lutheran Study Bible

Isaiah 6:2a-3

Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: … And one called to another and said:  “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:2a-3

At church, the divine service provides a glimpse of heaven as we sing, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory.” Learn more about the Sanctus and other parts of the Liturgy

Isaiah 30:18

Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore he exalts himself to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for him. Isaiah 30:18

Trust God’s perfect timing. He doesn’t ignore or forget about our needs and prayers. His mercy and grace are for those who seek Him. He works good for those who love and wait for Him to return.

Isaiah 46:4

…I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:4b NIV

even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. Isaiah 46:4 ESV

God has carried us from the very beginning, like a mother carrying her child in the womb. He fills and guides us in life’s experiences and relationships; we mature in the frequent study of His Word. The Holy Spirit gives faith, Jesus, the Source of Light to joyfully live, in truth, now until He carries all who believe into eternal life.

Isaiah 40:31

but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31

We should turn away from putting people and things above God. Unreasonable expectations, resentful attitudes of the heart, controlling actions, heavy worries and griefs over things that need to be set right—the weighty load is lifted only when we trust in God’s power to save, protect and sustain His people. Each detail of the commandments matter. We fall, struggle, and suffer; yet, penitently, we are purified in Christ alone—He is our hope and anticipation. Praise our Savior Jesus!

Isaiah 41:10

fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

After confession and absolution at church, we are reminded we need not be afraid—we don’t carry guilt out those doors when we leave. God has turned on the power of his Light and we are forgiven. Joy and blessings go with us and make us shine! God strengthens and helps all who seek Him. Christ’s righteous faithfulness protectively holds, frees from evil, and tenderly fills our empty hearts with His peace. He grows faith by the Word we hear, speak and sing alongside other believers.

Isaiah 54:8

In overflowing anger for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,” says the Lord, your Redeemer. Isaiah 54:8

We may still grieve or suffer, yet, we need not fear, be ashamed or disgraced. Christ satisfies the Father’s wrath over sin. In mercy, He forgives and always wants to shower us with blessings. May we be open to boldly share His compassionate love story.

Isaiah 54:10

Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you. Isaiah 54:10

Unfailing is a word that describes the love the Lord has for the people He created. Human love pales by comparison and miserably fails more often than most people like to admit.

Isaiah 55:8–9

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8–9

We have thoughts of helplessness, pain, frustration, resentment or anger. Our feeble plans fall through. God’s Word prospers and He accomplishes the tasks which He pleases—kindness, mercy and redemption.

Helpful links on Brokenness to Restoration and the book of Isaiah in the Bible

• Finding Hope: From Brokenness to Restoration
  
• Isaiah archives at KFUO
• Introduction to Isaiah at Issues Etc
• Isaiah at BibleProject
  

Pray

Lord Jesus, I don’t deserve a thing. Thank you for having mercy on me. Your dependable forgiveness, generous care and gentle love are exactly what I need. When I don’t understand changes You allow in my life, You stay with me, strengthen, guide, give patience and generate joy in me through the Light of Scripture. You surround me with faithful dear ones who, glowing in the power of Your Spirit, freely speak honestly of brokenness that can only be healed by Your peace, loving kindness and grace. All glory be to You! Amen

Song of Solomon Bible Sketch

God loves passionately.

The Lord offers genuine relationship sealed with the promise of the Gospel.

Christ has intimate affections for the Church of all believers. 

The imperfect Bride [Church of all believers] is drawn to the perfect Bridegroom [Christ]. She receives the Holy Spirit and is filled with an undeserved gift of faith in the Bridegroom. Christ not only completely loves and wants His Bride, He treats her as a friend—smiles and sings over her! She honors Him, rejoicing in His reciprocate love which flows into and from her as He provides for Her while she serves and worships Him. 

He does not neglect, tyrannize, frighten, contemptuously reject, or condemn His imperfect Bride who loves Him. He protects His Bride from harmful evil snares, quiets her with His calming love, pursues, and fights for her. He gave her breath and gently embraces her for who she is—His created, beloved, fallen creature. He sacrificially gave Himself up in order to cleanse and heal wounds resulting from her own sins as well as from sins committed against her. In their mutual love, she is seen by her Creator through His Own splendidly beautiful Holy perfection which has purified her. 

She respectfully desires to please her merciful Lord as she seeks Him for wisdom and refuge. He cherishes communication with her, eager to listen to her every praise and prayer. He nourishes her hunger for His strength and satisfies her thirst for His forgiveness. Revealing to her His peace and pleasure, He graciously refreshes, comforts and encourages her within His deeply caring community. He is her only Way. His Word is enriching her Life now and promising her hope of Paradise with Him forever. He guides her to sow His seed—the living and active Word of God which builds up all who believe His Truth.

Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Set me as a seal upon your heart…Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Unquenchable love Christ has for the Church 

The power of the Holy Spirit is poured upon each individual within the Church of all believers. The generous Gift of Holy Baptism provides saving Faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is

• received by water with the Word
• drawing those who receive it to nourishment, growth
• maintaining itself through regular, frequent, study of the Bible and hearing it preached
  
• constantly desiring to bring back ones who neglect, stray from, and reject it
  
• teaching the proper way to live by treasuring the loving fullness of the commandments
  
• encouraging humility which confesses failure, prays for mercy, and asks other believers to pray, also, for positive change
  
• revealing God’s sovereign will
• protecting believers—keeping them safe from being destroyed by threats, trials, tests of faith, even death
• stirring the faithful to live life to the fullest by sharing the love and peace of Jesus
  
• reminding the devoted of strength and contentment that comes with being in the Word rather than conforming to the patterns of this world
• guiding followers to remain set apart in the promise of Grace
• inspiring the congregations to actively worship together in Truth
• answering Frequently Asked Questions about Doctrine
• preserving those who hold onto Faith until the end
• assuring certain hope of everlasting life in Heaven with the risen Savior

The Bible talks about the feast to come in the Old Testament—like an engagement. The feast that has come, mentioned in the New Testament, is in the bleeding dying Christ on the cross and the resurrection on Easter morning. The sacrifice points forward to the Last Day, pictured like the glory of the Church dressed in the righteousness of Christ—two become one—Christ and the Church!

God never changes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (listen) 

1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
   In a believer’s ear!
   It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
   And drives away our fear.
   
2. It makes the wounded spirit whole
   And calms the heart’s unrest;
   ’Tis manna to the hungry soul
   And to the weary, rest.
   
3. Dear name! The rock on which I build,
   My shield and hiding place;
   My never-failing treasury filled
   With boundless stores of grace.
   
4. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
   My Prophet, Priest, and King,
   My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
   Accept the praise I bring.
   
5. How weak the effort of my heart,
   How cold my warmest thought!
   But when I see Thee as Thou art,
   I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
   
6. Till then I would Thy love proclaim
   With ev’ry fleeting breath;
   And may the music of Thy name
   Refresh my soul in death!

John Newton, 1725-1807, Lutheran Service Book ‎524

Helpful links to listen, read and study the book Song of Solomon

• Audio introduction of the Book of the Bible: Song of Solomon
• Videos and workbook for 8-week journey through the Song of Songs

Ecclesiastes Bible Sketches

Living life backwards

Preparing to die will teach you how to live

In the brevity of life, ignorance is not bliss—it only fools us for a time. Ecclesiastes is God’s Word keeping it real. We learn life is not to be lived as for gain but as for the gift of God. Life in Christ is our wisdom which gives life and suffering meaning. The Christian experience understands the vastness of love. The more intensely you love, the more you hurt in loss. The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. 

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? —Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Toil for gain leads to becoming a slave to it—controlled by meaningless vanity, we see weariness, broken mind, discontent, always wanting more—even human wisdom is futile; ambition can be a vice if not in Christ. 

God is the giver of life who provides meaning to it and ability to work for a living. Glory and gratitude to His mercies! Holy Spirit-given faith in Jesus’ work, finished for us on the cross—descent to hell, bodily resurrection and ascension—means grace and victory for repentant sinners.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to keep, and a time to cast away —Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

Cycles of life, from peace and building up to war and destruction, can’t be changed.

Often bad times follow good times; also, often good times follow the bad! Nothing a person does changes these revolving cycles. We know there is more to existence. We try, yet we cannot figure out God’s plans and purposes. By faith given to us, we receive humility to seek Him and ask Him to bless us.

Being caught up in cycles of oppression, envy-fueled labor, worry over wealth, and loneliness add to meaningless of life without God. 

Life is hard and messy; however, this does not mean suffering has no value and meaning. Pain and trouble help give perspective to joy, hope, and solace. Wisdom is gained in getting through it. There are abundant opportunities to grow in wisdom for life when we are confident it is in the Lord’s control through Christ. Christian prayer—giving expression to the fullness of emotion and repentance—gets at the completeness of who we are as creatures of God, brings healing, hope, forgiveness and consolation.

Life is not fair, it is corrupted by sin. Don’t set out to search the answer to “why?”—you’ll be disappointed and frustrated. Sin and the devil tries to suck joy from us by tempting us with power. How is it fair that One Man should have to take on the sin of everyone else? 

God has drowned sin to death in Christ. The communion of saints connects us to loved ones here and beyond. Repentance is the way to be satisfied and content, remembering the authority of Jesus never goes away. People who trust Christ crave His Word for cleansing, healing, and release. Christ suffered for us. He goes into death and explodes it. Repentant believers have present joy and certain hope of eternal life with Him.

We shouldn’t live in isolation (inward focus), but in relationship with other people who are in Christ (outward focus). 

It is not always what you speak but how you speak. You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are. Take self-diagnosis—ask yourself whom you spend most of your time thinking about.

We look for relief from fear, angst, sadness. Feelings aren’t our sole source of identity. 

“…Our value is determined by the God who created us and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who redeemed us. Our Heavenly Father is the Master Craftsman Who designed each minute part of us! Whether our hands are strong and firm or arthritic and weak, they can be folded to thank the God who created them. Whether our feet are long or short, narrow or wide, strong or no longer able to support us, they are able to walk in His ways…” Mustard Seed Devotions, August 07, 2021, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

We find joy in faith; Christ’s obedience—love He has for us—let it settle in you. Knowledge about God is not the same as fear, love and trust in God. 

“…if it is peace you seek—true, everlasting peace, then look to Him who has broken down the ‘dividing wall of hostility,’ separating us from God. If it is new life you’re looking for, then believe in Jesus Christ and you will find it…” Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Honesty in the name of love and truth is good.

God knows. Think deeply, speak kindly. Be careful of using many words that don’t say much. Tune in to disordered passions, desires, pride, and spiritual laziness. Realize even wisdom can never attain the control over life we desire. Spiritual arrogance, haughtiness, legalism and demeaning actions leave others feeling damaged, hurt and frustrated. Satan wants us to be in despair when things aren’t going well.

Humility is helpful in all things—especially acknowledging your own sinful weaknesses while using wisdom to help others. We can plant seed, yet only God, the Master over everything we do can make it grow. Look at failure through the lens of Grace which has been given to support what God has given us in life.

Repentance calls us to put away selfish and bad thoughts; it brings us to fill time with prayers—specific petitions in a constructive way. When praying for others

• Focus on thanksgiving for them
• For faith—communion with them
• For wisdom in discernment and reaching out

Worship our Creator and King without letting personal dreams dictate how we approach Him.

• Do not rationalize sins.
• Don’t try to tell God how things should be.
• Remember bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism.
• Don’t go through religious motions without taking it to heart (hypocrisy).
• Don’t bargain with God—this is foolish talk.
• Exercise faith—meditate and pray out loud (there’s something powerful in hearing).
• If we don’t know what to say; pray, read and listen to God’s Word, Psalms, devotional materials, hymns, creeds and prayers written by faithful people, available in person at church, in bookstores and online by streaming radio and podcasts.
• Flow thoughts into prayers which shape the doing and being.
• Reflect the fact we don’t know how to do or understand that which only God knows. Many things are beyond our scope. We don’t know how to predict the future, the weather, or trees falling; exactly how the Holy Spirit works; or, how to guarantee success or avoid failure. 
• Think about the undeserved reward in Christ’s victory

Faith keeps us mindful of who we are and Who is the Giver of all things. 

Experience teaches the difficulties of time where we are situated. God will bring judgement and we live shrouded by death. We have two choices

1. be grumpy about it—as a curse, trying to push it away
2. live in Baptism—in hope, we live in Christ and He lives in us
   

Seeing consequences for the reality of our sinful condition, even in the midst of it all, God’s grace is mightily alive. God preserves the heart of those who trust Him. Confession and absolution cleanses, fills with peace and patience. His Spirit brings contentment even in sadness—helps us hold pain and suffering tenderly and see brief moments of joy. 

He restores our soul. As we put trust in Jesus, we respond with thanksgiving and praise for

• gifts of happiness
• enjoyment of blessings
• the promise of eternity with Him

Deeper into Ecclesiastes

Listen to conversations about Ecclesiastes: KFUO Radio—Christ for you. Anytime. Anywhere.

Bible studies series including Ecclesiastes: Life by His Word: Psalms and Wisdom Set