Devotion
Draw Near to God
“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus…let us draw
near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water.”
Hebrews 10:19, 22
When was the last time you “drew near to God?” It may have been in a prayer offered just a few
moments ago. When was the last time you considered the magnitude of the act as you drew near to God? Hmm….that
time-frame may be a little longer.
We are, generally speaking, very accustomed to drawing near to God in our prayers and worship. Because of this
familiarity with drawing near to God, we experience the temptation to do so on our terms. Our flesh tempts us to dismiss
the urgency of the moment by saying, “God will always be there…draw near to Him when it is more
convenient.” This conclusion would never arise if only we would remain focused on the magnitude of the gift we
have in being able to draw near to God at all.
On October 31 we observe the anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting of the 95 Theses on the Castle Church
door in Wittenberg. That event is noted as the beginning of the Reformation, though the less dramatic beginnings were
already of long standing. Before being led to the truth of the Gospel, Luther trembled in complete fear to even think
about personally coming to Jesus. Once he understood the righteousness which Jesus gives through faith, Luther drew near
to God with uncontainable joy! Luther drew near to God with great joy because he knew what it was like to believe he
couldn’t dare to come into His presence.
The writer to the Hebrews exhorts us to draw near to God with the full assurance of faith. We draw near to God
through our time spent with His Word, in worship, and in prayer. We are able to do this because Jesus, our High Priest,
gave Himself for our sins. The Son of God gave His life so that we—sinners that we are—may actually draw
near to the almighty and holy God as His dear children. Amazing!
Draw near to God with the full assurance of faith and marvel at the magnitude of what you are doing by
God’s grace.
—Pastor Wayne C. Eichstadt
Family Life in Christ
Encouraging Fathers
Editor’s Note: The following is part one of an essay presented at the
September 2005 Minnesota Delegate Conference. Part two will appear in the next
issue of the Immanuel Home Messenger. The author is Mr. Philip Strike from St. John’s Lutheran Church in Okabena,
MN. The article appears with Mr. Strike’s permission.
I was 15 years old the first time I flew on a commercial airliner. I had seen movies and shows about it so my
first experience of flying was much anticipated. One part that sticks out in my mind to this day is a portion of the
recorded speech with the flight attendant’s charade at the beginning of the flight. In paraphrase: “In the
event of pressure changes in the cabin, oxygen masks will drop down above your heads” (I hoped we wouldn’t
have to use them, but it would have made the flight even more memorable and exciting!). “Hold the mask over your
mouth and nose while securing the straps around your ears” (I wondered if there were others who would need help
with this like children and older people—people who might panic in an emergency). “Secure your own mask
before assisting others” (What? There could be people who need my help! How inconsiderate and selfish! How rude to
be thinking of my own needs when other people could suffer…I’ll be fine!).
The next time I had a similar flight, I was 23. I don’t know if it was during this flight, or during the
one eight years earlier, or somewhere in-between, when I realized the reasoning behind the flight attendant’s
words. I could certainly help others on the plane, but what if something happened to me before I got my own
mask on? Then how much help would I be? I am the kind of person who would want to help, but I would not last
very long if I did not put on my own mask first. This is not being selfish, but rather getting properly prepared so I
could assist other passengers in the best possible way.
And this is exactly where we need to begin this topic. A spiritual leader needs to help himself
first spiritually. This could apply to fathers and families, husbands and wives without children, single men or women,
pastors and their congregations, teachers and their students. In all cases the leader needs to be spiritually prepared.
As the leader learns and grows, the others under his influence benefit as well. This begins with submission to the will
and authority of God. It continues through the diligent use of the Means of Grace—the Gospel in Word and
Sacrament. It only can end when Jesus calls us home to be with Him in Heaven. Will the points that follow be easy to
attain and achieve? Certainly not, but as long as we feel the struggle against sin and deal with it properly, the Spirit
will strengthen us and help us succeed. If we ever feel the battle with sin is easy, “let him who thinks he
stands take heed lest he fall” (I Corinthians 10:12). Quite often it seems that encouragement is all we
need— guidance and help from the Lord and His Word spoken by someone who knows what we are going through or who
can shed a guiding light on our frustrations as from God Himself. “But encourage one another daily, as long
as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13).
I ENCOURAGE YOU, dear friends and fellow Christians, to take care of your own spiritual needs:
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By reading your Bible often, “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the
Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:31).
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By attending church and Bible Classes regularly, “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go
into the house of the Lord’” (Psalm 122:1).
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By praying throughout the day in whatever circumstances come your way, whether things are going well or not.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
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By making full use of opportunities for spiritual strengthening and growth by enjoying the fellowship of
like-minded believers through campouts, retreats, seminars or workshops, even attending Conferences and Conventions.
“But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of
Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin” (I John 1:7).
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By doing whatever it takes in your household to make God number one in your life. “Fix these words
of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your
children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get
up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 10:18-20).
Fathers have many roles in the home, the greatest of which is being the spiritual leader, and I feel these other
roles go hand in hand with this greatest example.
God has placed fathers in the family first of all as the leaders. This involves not just
providing for physical needs, but more importantly for spiritual needs. The Psalmist refers to fathers in this way when
he says, “O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables,
I will utter hidden things, things from of old — what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us. We
will not hide them from their children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, His power,
and the wonders He has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which He commanded our
forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they
in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep
His commands” (Psalm 78:1-7).
I ENCOURAGE YOU, fellow seekers of wisdom, to take the lead in conducting times of Bible study
and family worship, for many blessings come from this. “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the
soul…making wise the simple…giving joy to the heart…light to the eyes…enduring
forever…altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,
than honey from the comb. By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm
19:7-11).
Make use of the many devotional books available, begin a read-the-Bible-in-a-year schedule, subscribe to
publications such as the Lutheran Spokesman or the Journal of Theology or monthly devotional readings like
Meditations. “For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding”
(Proverbs 2:6).
Spend a certain time each day studying Scripture. Make use of “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).
Not everyone will be able to follow the same routine. Each of you will have to see what works for you and your
family.
Not only is a father to be a leader, however. He is to be secondly a lover. He must love his
wife with an unselfish, forgiving love, a love greater than any other love except the love he has for Jesus Christ
Himself.
I ENCOURAGE YOU, fellow husbands, to put your wife right after your Savior—before
yourself, before your boss, before your friends, even before your children. This idea is Biblical. Paul urges, “Husbands,
love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25).
If love seems to be lacking in your relationship, it is commanded to the husband to love; it is a role set before
him by God Himself. Since you have become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24) with your wife,
devoting yourself to her good will only bless your married life together.
Your children will benefit as well. When your children see your open love and devotion to their mother, they will
have a sense of satisfaction and security that nothing else in this world can provide. Husbands, get to know your wives
by taking time out for just the two of you. You need to continue to have some common ground for later in life just as
you did when you were newlyweds. Too soon the children will be gone, so you need to stay on top of your relationship
with each other. Bring a gift, take her to a quiet dinner, spend time talking about her burdens and cares, be sensitive
to her needs and try to meet them, take over for her and let her get out of the house. Do not argue when the children
are around, rather demonstrate a loving relationship by letting the children see the two of you using Scripture to work
out disagreements.
Do not discount the value of vacation time, even for just the two of you. Find a place for the children and get
away for even just a night. This can be a good time to revamp what is happening at home, gain a better understanding of
each other, and to discuss goals for each of your children. This will be time well spent with your wife, being drawn
closer to each other and in turn to the children. Then return to home life with renewed spirits.
…to be continued.
—Philip R. Strike
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Okabena, MN
Stewardship
From the Pastor’s Desk…
Pastor Paul D. Nolting
Dear Members of Immanuel,
In my opening devotion for our recent Quarterly Voters’ Meeting, I addressed those attending on the basis
of 2 Chronicles 14:8-13. This text tells the story of King Asa. During his reign, Judah was invaded by an enemy army
numbering over one million men—twice the size of Judah’s army. It was a seemingly impossible challenge, yet
that challenge proved to be very good for Asa and God’s Old Testament people. It forced them to evaluate their
situation and use their resources to the best of their ability. It led them to understand their dependence upon God and
to seek His deliverance. Finally, after the Lord’s intervention on their behalf, it gave them an opportunity to
rejoice in both His power and grace. The natural conclusion and theme of that devotion was—“Challenges
are Good for God’s People!”
Immanuel is facing a significant financial challenge at the present time—a deficit in our general fund of
$65,000 after three quarters. It is not a matter of life or death, as was the invasion of enemy armies during
Asa’s day, but nonetheless it is a challenge that has a real potential to affect our ministry in a major and
negative way. This challenge, however, can prove good for us, if what was true of Asa and the believers of his day
becomes true for us as well.
Let us evaluate our situation, remembering the exhortation of the Psalmist David, “Bless the Lord, O
my soul, and forget not all His benefits!” (Psalm 103:2). As a group, we are a single Christian congregation,
which by the grace of God is involved in a ministry, that among other things:
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Provides over 100 worship opportunities each year for its members and the general public and which is privileged
to proclaim the truths of God’s Word, in particular His Gospel.
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Operates a K-12 Christian Day School for its members and others.
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Maintains both a television and radio ministry that reaches people throughout south-central Minnesota.
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Hosts regular women’s conferences and retreats.
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Conducts a weekly men’s breakfast Bible study.
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Encourages the spiritual and social development of children through youth groups and conferences.
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Offers to both young people and adults instruction in the truths of God’s Word in individual and group
settings—Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation classes, adult instruction, and a variety of
additional Bible classes both on-site and off-site.
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Sponsors a number of choirs and musical ensembles.
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Provides biblical counseling upon request.
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Serves approximately 900 members, who have been richly blessed by the Lord in many ways.
As individuals, we are stewards of what God has entrusted to us. The Psalmist David reminds us, “The
earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1). As we
evaluate our individual situations we will want to ask ourselves questions like: Do we have a full understanding of and
appreciation for what God has done for us through Jesus Christ? Are we properly using everything God has entrusted to
us? Are we investing proper proportions of the wealth He has entrusted to us in His kingdom work? Do we realize that our
time of grace and our opportunities for kingdom service are limited and should be well-used? Do we understand that we
are dependent upon our God for success in all areas of our life?
As we approach the challenge of this year’s budget deficit, let us recognize that the solution will only be
found when the Lord graciously intervenes on our behalf. Let us recognize that we are dependent upon His grace and
power. Let us pray for that intervention. Let us pray that He will instruct us individually regarding our roles and
responsibilities; that He will move us to get involved personally and to contribute joyfully and generously to His
kingdom work; and that He will lead us out of a love for our Savior to strive always for faithfulness in all areas of
our lives! Our God is fully capable of helping us achieve the financial goals necessary not only to sustain our joint
ministry, but to expand that ministry into those additional areas in which God would have us serve in the future.
I am bringing this matter to your attention through this letter at this time for a number of reasons. In general,
past deficits have been addressed by our members during the final five weeks of the calendar year—Thanksgiving
through New Year’s Eve. This year, however, both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday. There
will be no separate Christmas Day or New Year’s Day services. These services have typically provided additional
opportunities for our membership to contribute to the financial support of our overall ministry. Let us use the entire
two months remaining in our fiscal year to address this challenge. Let us do so thoughtfully, prayerfully, and
humbly—trusting that our God will guide us and move us to respond with courage as did the armies of Judah long
ago. Then in January we will be able, like Asa and the believers of old, to praise His powerful and gracious
deliverance!
Serving Christ together,
Pastor Paul D. Nolting
Christian Education
The Education of My Child
More than anything else in the world I treasure this gift of God. He has created in me a parental love for this
my flesh and blood and created in it implicit trust in me its parent. To provide for it is my pleasure; to see him grow
is my reward, for his well-being I am ready to sacrifice all I have. Were he sick I would spare neither time nor money
for his recovery.
My child is a gift of God. Through him He blesses me. Nothing on earth can gladden my heart more than to have a
child who is dutiful and obedient. When I have grown old, nothing can make me happier than to find him considerate,
grateful, and loyal. To know he is eternally safe in the arms of Jesus is my life’s aim.
God has given me to my child. No one can take my place in his life. What I neglect to do for him now can never be
made up by others later. The one-third of his life that my child spends under my roof will mold his body, mind, and soul
for all later years and possibly for eternity. Experience has taught me that where parents neglect such parental duties
or delegate their responsibilities to others, the family ties are usually strained, the home disrupted, and the children
weakened against the temptations with which the world is filled. God in His eternal wisdom has given children to parents
and parents to children. There can never be a workable substitute for this divine order.
God tells me that my child has been born with a spiritual disease, which will destroy body and soul eternally. My
child is sinful, but my loving Father has saved him through Baptism, cleansed him from sin, and has given him a saving
faith. To keep him from relapsing into this fatal disease, I must feed him with the food prescribed by God Himself. He
must have this food early, constantly, and graduated to his growing needs. As a true Christian parent I am ready to
provide this, my child’s needs. God has led me know and possess the Gospel of Jesus Christ whereby I can supply
those needs. He has given me fellow Christians in my church who with me are anxious to provide for our God-given
children a God-given bringing up, a bringing up that trains body and soul for life and eternity.
…to be continued
—Pastor G. W. Fischer
From the archives
Overseas Missions
Pastor Bruce Naumann and Larry Hansen, both members of the CLC Board of Missions, departed for Nairobi, Kenya on
Monday, October 24. If you would like to read more about this trip you can go to: www.clclutheran.org and click on “October
2005 Mission Trip” in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
Please keep Pastor Naumann, Larry Hansen, and Missionary Koenig along with our brothers and sisters in Christ
whom they will be visiting and encouraging with the Word in your prayers.
Especially for Children….
A number of web pages are now on the CLC site that will keep you involved with the missionary trip to Tanzania.
Go to www.clclutheran.org and click on “October 2005 Mission Trip.” There is a Webquest
that takes students through the task of preparing to be a missionary helper. Another link on the page is an introduction
to Pastor Bruce Naumann. The last link is titled “Trip.” This page will feature diary entries from Pastor
Naumann. Pastor Naumann has asked that children and adults address questions to him so that he can explain further the
work that is going on there. To join in the online conversation, please email your questions to beth.kranz@ilc.edu. We
encourage students of any age to join in this online experience.
