Archive for category: Military Devotions

After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”
I Kings 12:28

Military Devotion – July 22, 2018

Devotion based on I Kings 12:28

See series: Military Devotions

Of all the stupid things to do! This must be near the top of the list. We remember clearly what happened the last time the Israelites decided to worship a golden calf. They had barely left Egypt. Moses was away, receiving God’s law on Mount Sinai. And 3,000 Israelites died because of this idol. Worse yet, the Lord told Moses, “Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them…” (Exodus 32:9). Good thing God relented!

Many years later King Jeroboam decided that setting up some new golden calves was now a great idea. It was not. He should have known better. He listened to bad advice.

The lesson from Sinai was not learned.

With the death of King Solomon, the Nation of Israel broke in two. Only the tribes of Judah and Benjamin remained with the line of David under his grandson, Rehoboam. The ten northern tribes instead followed Jeroboam, a former treacherous official under Solomon.

The new king in the north decided to revise his religion to gain a political advantage. He was more afraid of losing his kingship than he was of defying the holy God.

We understand his fear. Jerusalem was in the southern kingdom. The temple was in Jerusalem. Israelites would want to go to Jerusalem to worship regularly. He might lose control of his people.

We have watched others act this way. Right now, we are watching the ruler of North Korea trying to keep his hold on power by keeping his subjects from contact with the South. Kim Jong Un has much to lose.

So do we. At times, like Jeroboam, we are tempted to set aside God’s will in order to not lose something we treasure. We know what he expects of us. But we sometimes don’t want to pay the price that faithfulness demands. Instead, we look for ways to get around his expectations. We offer alternative answers. We listen to humans instead of to the Lord of angels.

Often, we are inclined to set up our own golden calves.

We may be tempted to make friends, or money, or career, or simply having fun, as substitutes for God. We won’t stop being religious. We will just modify our religion to fit our wishes better.

And if God does not like what we do? Well, he won’t strike us dead, will he? Later on, maybe we can get back into his good graces.

That didn’t work for Jeroboam, and it won’t work for us. The only ones who will give a nod of approval to disobedience are the dishonorably discharged angels assigned to the pits of hell.

The lesson of faithfulness needs to be learned.

Only the Creator is the source of life. Only the Redeemer makes things right. Only the Holy Spirit can bring us real joy. There is no substitute for the Triune God.

The entire history of ancient Israel is a lesson in the justice and mercy of God. Judgment came when mercy was spurned. Listen to his words: “As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that they turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! Why will you die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11)

The same message comes to us: Turn from evil to the Savior God. Forgiveness is full and free. Jesus saw to that. Hope lies alone in the true God of Israel. No substitute can take his place.

Let it be for us a lesson learned.

Prayer: God of grace and glory, too often we stray from your will and way. Too easily we set up rival gods in our lives. Cleanse our minds and desires. Crush our false gods. Forgive our sin. Renew our faith. Teach us, again and again, the lesson of your holy love. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:1,2

Military Devotion – July 8, 2018

Devotion based on Isaiah 43:1,2

See series: Military Devotions

Fear is simply a fact of life. Since the fall into sin, we cannot escape it. It does no good to deny it. It may be dangerous to ignore it.

Pity the person with no fear. Not afraid to put his hand onto a hot stove; willing to reach down to pet a rattlesnake, he is a danger to himself and others.

In love, our Creator has built into us the ability to be afraid. It’s an alarm system. It triggers defensive reactions before danger strikes. In severe circumstances it will automatically activate one of three responses: fight, flee, or freeze.

Some fear is good for us. But fear can become debilitating, gut-wrenching, and life-ruling. Fear for the future can destroy any joy and hope we might have at the present. Fear can become a weapon of the devil.

We come to recognize that there are different types of fear. There is baseless fear. There is faithless fear. And then, there is a fear that flows from the mercy of God.

A child’s fear of a department Santa Claus is baseless. An adult’s fear that life is controlled by luck is faithless. Fear of God flows from the mercy of God. He plants a conscience within us to alert us to danger spiritual. He provides an alarm system to warn of danger physical. He wants to protect body and soul.

By facing fear, we are able to identify its type and respond accordingly.

To the question, “Of what should I be afraid?” the first answer is: the holy God. Listen to Jesus: “But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after your body has been killed, has authority to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him” (Luke 12:5).

The First Commandment directs us to fear, love, and trust in him above all things.

This is the key to facing fear. We are not at the mercy of threats from tornadoes, car wrecks, diseases, bank failures, and people with weapons. The one who clothes the flowers of the fields and feeds the birds of the air reminds us that he is Lord of all.

He will tell us when to be afraid and when not to. When he tells us, “Fear not!” about something, we should obey in love and trust.

David the warrior king asked, “The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom should I fear?” (Psalm 27:1)

The answer was: no one, no thing, not ever—not if the God of grace and glory was at his side.

Through the prophet Isaiah, God’s people are reminded that they are more than specks on a planet. The Son of God has paid for their life with his blood. Their Savior God knows them by name. He will not forsake them in times of danger.

The words make us think of Israel crossing the Red Sea on dry ground. We remember Daniel in the lions’ den and his friends in the fiery furnace. We know that he can work miracles if that is best for us. We know that, miracles or not, he always will make things work out for our good.

We know that the death of Jesus was not a mistake, not a sign of weakness, and not failure of his mission. It is our passport to glory.

We need not fear fear.

Facing fear is the way we victors live—until fear fades away at eternity’s dawn.

Prayer: Our forefathers sang out their faith in the words of a hymn that carried God’s promise:

Fear not, I am with you oh be not dismayed, for I am your God and will still give you aid;
I’ll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

When through the deep waters I call you to go, the rivers of sorrow shall not overflow,
For I will be with you your troubles to bless and sanctify to you your deepest distress.
(CW 416:3,4)

We remember his promises. We will fear, love, and trust in him above all things. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

The heavens declare the glory of God…
Psalm 19:1

Military Devotion – July 1, 2018

Devotion based on Psalm 19:1

See series: Military Devotions

If the words star-spangled appear, the word banner is bound to follow. We might not be able to quickly define spangle as a small sparking object, but our mind’s eye can clearly see those stars upon the field of blue in our flag. We know what the Star-Spangled Banner is, and we know what it stands for.

There is a reason why we salute our flag, and why our enemies burn it. It is more than a piece of colored cloth. It is a symbol of America. It is a declaration of America’s values and a reminder of America’s might. It stands for what America has done in the past, and a promise for the future.

There is a reason why our flag is called Old Glory. There is a reason why people stream to our shores. There is a reason why the flag is draped over the casket of those who defended it. The bumper sticker says, Freedom is not free. It is bought with blood.

For the Christian American, there is more to the story.

The Christian believes the words, “God shed his grace on thee…” The Christian understands that the strength of America lies not in its arsenal of weapons, but in the mercy of its God. The Christian recognizes that the bounty of America flows only from the goodwill of God. The liberty that Americans cherish begins with the freedom that the holy God has bought with the blood of his Son. It definitely was not free.

As we celebrate Independence Day, we surely do not want to declare freedom from our only source of life and blessing.

We want to remember who the Lord is, what he has done, and what his promise is for the future. We want to catch a glimpse of his greatness and glory. We want to be assured that our future is secure, and no enemy that threatens our eternal life can overcome us.

We want to lift up our eyes to God’s own star-spangled banner.

It is there for us. It is easy to see. It appears even more clear in darkness. The psalmist points us to it with the words, “The heavens declare the glory of God.”

Just as the American flag in distant and dangerous places can lift our spirits, so can the sparkling lights of the sky wipe away gloom and doubt as they testify to the faithfulness of the Savior God and his promise for the future.

Old Glory may be spit on and burned. It may be lowered to half-mast. Maybe one day it may no longer wave o’er the land of the free and the home of the brave. We pray this will never happen. We fight to prevent it. But we acknowledge that other great nations have fallen among the wrecks of time. We have no promise from heaven that our country will remain strong and free.

But here are the promises that do stand forever: the strength that flows from the Lord God will never falter. The freedom from sin, death, and the devil will never fail. The glory of the redeemed will never fade.

We thank God for America as we see the stars and stripes fluttering in the wind. We thank God for salvation as we see the stars in the sky.

Both of these star-spangled banners lift up our hearts.

Prayer:  Lord of the nations and only hope for humankind, our flag reminds us of the abundant blessings with which you have showered our nation. We pray that you keep it strong and guide its path. The celestial bodies that fill the sky and lighten the night remind us that your power is unlimited and your mercy unending. We pray that you keep us strong and guide our path. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who live in tents and raise livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who play stringed instruments and pipes.
Genesis 4:20

Military Devotion – June 17, 2018

Devotion based on Genesis 4:20

See series: Military Devotions

The prayer is not, “Our Mother, who art in heaven…” This person of the Trinity is addressed as “Father.”

This is not a putdown of human mothers. It is a notice given to dads. If the almighty God chooses to use the title father for a person of the Godhead, we had better be certain about what he expects a human father to be.

Living in our modern world, we are struck by the repeated biblical phrases that declare that a person lived so-and-so-many years, and then became the father of so-and-so. We ask, what about the mothers?

They are not forgotten. Adah’s name has been read by millions over thousands of years as the mother of Jabal. We can quickly name other noted women in the Bible. But fathers still receive special notice—because fathers have a special load of responsibility.

Fathers and mothers stand equal in the sight of God. They are to love one another and care for their children. God entrusts little ones into their hands. It is an awesome responsibility. Jesus issues the strong warning: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (Matthew 18:10).

Heaven is watching!

Yet, fathers and mothers have also been assigned distinct and different roles in life. Not only are their biological roles different, so are their responsibilities: Mothers and fathers are responsible for the care of their children. Fathers are responsible for the entire family.

It is as if God points his finger at fathers and says, “The buck stops here!”

Sad, if the father is not there. Sad, if the father refuses to take responsibility. Blessed is the mother who then steps up to take charge. But no one else can truly take the place of the father. The best we can offer is a substitute.

Responsibilities may be properly delegated. Maybe the mother is better at handling the finances. Maybe the father will be deployed for months on end. That is not a rejection of a father’s role. That may be love and care in action.

So, from Jabal came people of the flocks and tents. From his brother, Jubal, came musicians. Adah was mother to both, and grandmother to their children.

This was God’s plan. This was God’s way. This is how God brought blessings to those families. This is how God brings blessings to the people of earth.

We look in with reverent eyes as we see the Son of God asking his Father for help. Jesus used the word, Abba. It’s like us saying, Dad.

“Abba, Father,” he said, “everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will” (Mark 14:36). By “cup” he meant suffering and death to rescue us.

We know how the Father answered. The reply was, No!

God the Father did not hate the Son. He loved him beyond all measure. But he also loved us. He loved us so much that he did not spare his own Son.

To define the role of a father, we cannot omit the word, love.

Fathers carry a heavy load of responsibility. But it is also one of the greatest of honors.

It is a gift from heaven to be called, Dad.

Prayer:  Father in heaven, those who bear that title on earth can never measure up to your standards. You have given fathers their children. You have placed great weight upon their shoulders. Be, then, the source of their strength. Enable them to be a blessing. Let them know the joy of being a faithful, loving dad. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
Psalm 139:9,10

Military Devotion – June 6, 2018

Devotion based on Psalm 139:9,10

See series: Military Devotions

The old recruitment slogan read: “Join the Navy and see the world.” Many a young American did just that. Some still do.

Another slogan announced: “It’s not just a job, it’s an adventure!” That one was also successful.

Behind both of the slogans is the message that to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces will enable a person to see places and do things unusual and exciting. What is not mentioned is that the recruits will have little to say about where they will go or what they will do. In the lingo of the Marines, “The head shed decides all of that.”

The phrase, “the wings of the dawn,” points one to the east, where the sunrise spreads itself on the horizon as if it had wings. For the Israelite, “the far side of the sea” was to the west, where the sun sets. The psalmist is saying: “Wherever I go…”

Many who have worn the uniform have seen sunrises and sunsets in far off places. Sometimes they were on an adventure. At other times, they certainly would have not called it that. At all times, there was an element of risk. It came with the job. The job is to protect America, even if it means going to distant and dangerous places.

The writer of this psalm, King David, understood the risk of being a warrior. He spent most of his life at war. His career started with taking down of Goliath. He carried his weapons even into old age. He was a hero.

But he was not self-reliant. He was not cocky. He knew that his life was but a breath that could fade in less than a minute. He understood that the Lord God was king over him, and the source of his strength. Of the Lord, David said, “You shield my head in the day of battle” (Psalm 140:7).

The question every warrior asks as he heads into danger is, “Will my support be there when I need it? Will someone have my back? Will someone cover me when I move into danger?”

David had brave and tested troops under him. He depended upon them. But most of all, he depended upon the Lord his God. The Lord would be there no matter where he went. He would be there to guide him. He would be there to support him. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,” David will write in the 23rd Psalm. “I will fear no evil” he will say. “For thou art with me…” he will explain.

“Wherever I go…” he said. East or west, or anyplace in between—his God will be there.

“Wherever I go…” On mountain tops or in valleys—his God will be there.

“Wherever I go…” In life or in death—his God will be there.

“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” This is the promise of the one who defeated death and gave us life everlasting.

This God is our God. This promise is to us. Our God will be there to guide and support.

Even when we rise on the wings of the dawn.

Prayer: Almighty Father, strong to save. Be with us wherever we go. Guide and support us. Forgive our sins for Jesus’ sake and send the Holy Spirit to keep us from harm to body or soul. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.
Philippians 3:8

Military Devotion – May 20, 2018

Devotion based on Philippians 3:8

See series: Military Devotions

The higher the hope, the greater the disappointment when the hope falls.

The young Marine was to be commended. Every other Sunday he drove some 200 miles to attend a WELS worship service. Sometimes he brought buddies with him. He probably came from a good Christian home. More recently, he had come from Vietnam. It was the early ‘70s.

His car broke down on a trip back to Lejeune, so he visited one of the typical used car lots that are sprinkled around military installations. The next time he showed up, he had big smile on his face. “God was with me!” he gushed. He had found a peach of a car at a bargain price.

Two weeks later, he returned with his “new” car. This time the words, “Pure Trash” were spray-painted on the front plate.

One’s heart had to go out to the hapless Marine. The car was a clunker. But he didn’t have enough money to simply buy another one—and the dealer surely wouldn’t take it back. So, he had to limp along from one repair bill to another for a while.

The peach had turned into a lemon.

The apostle Paul never did buy an automobile, but like this 20th century Christian, he had learned the value of everything apart from his Savior God. He used the word, garbage. He probably would have given a thumb’s up at this car being labeled, pure trash.

In fact, even if it was a brand-new Corvette that the young man found himself in, the apostle would still list it as, no better.

This is not to say that a new car is not an improvement over the clunker. The point is, nothing in this world is everlasting, truly precious, or worth trading one ounce of salvation for. Better to lose everything on earth than to lose the inheritance in heaven.

The nice house cannot be used as collateral against the debt we owe God. Those new clothes will not serve to get us out on bail when we face divine judgment. Nor will friends be able to influence the Judge.

In the court of God, the only thing that counts is the blood of Jesus.

No wonder the apostle treasured “the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” Without knowing Jesus as his Lord and Savior, he had nothing—though he was earthly rich.

With the certain knowledge that the Son of God paid his debt to God, he was rich beyond all measure—though he had nothing else.

He knew with absolute certainty: those who place their hope on Jesus are never disappointed.

We agree.

Thus we declare in the words of the hymn:
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.

His oath, His covenant, and blood support me in the whelming flood;
When every earthly prop gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the Solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. Amen.
(Christian Worship 382:1,3)

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Yet as surely as the LORD lives and as you live, there is only a step between me and death.
1 Samuel 20:3

Military Devotion – May 6, 2018

Devotion based on 1 Samuel 20:3

See series: Military Devotions

The warning, “Watch your step!” takes on extra weight for those who do foot patrols where IEDs are likely to be placed. When King David said there was only a step between him and death, he may have been speaking figuratively. In modern warfare this is often a reality.

Actually, it is always a reality.

The transition back from a combat zone is seldom easy. Hypervigilant is the term sometimes used to describe the person having difficulty doing this. Reckless is another. So is unpredictable. Warzone thoughts and feelings do not fit well in the back-home peace zone. Adjustments need to be made.

Over time, most make the switch back to normal, or at least to the new normal. But few forget what it was like to live one step away from death.

That’s not necessarily bad. The remembrance pays dividends as life goes on. It reminds us that no matter where we are or how old we are, there is only one step to death’s door.

That honest realization should not terrify us, but it should make us careful. After spending time in distant and dangerous places, we may be tempted to think that if we made it through that, we can make it through anything. We abandon caution.

Or maybe, we are tempted to renew that emotional rush brought on by living on the edge. Defying death with speed down a roadway or with speed in our system can be exhilarating—but surely not wise. Those are deathtraps, and to be avoided.

Tiptoeing through life in fear or racing through life in bravado is not a good way to live a life. It is not God’s way. God’s way involves confident caution.

A troubled Job once asked about his Creator and Lord, “Does he not see my ways and count my every step?” (Job 31:4) The expected answer was: “Yes! Yes, he does!”

Yes, he does see my ways. I am never off his radar screen. He sees what is done in secret. He sees the plans I am making. Camouflage doesn’t fool him. The future doesn’t surprise him.

He counts every step. He knows how tired I become. He knows how many steps away I am from danger or disaster. He watches over my soul as well as my body. He sees the dangers that threaten either of them or both of them.

Some newer cars come equipped with sensors that detect when the vehicle crosses into a different lane without the turn signal activated. It’s there to prevent unintentional drifting into danger. A signal shows up on the dashboard. A vibration is felt in the driver’s seat. The steering wheel is nudged back to the original lane. It can be a lifesaver.

God does this even better. The Creator-God has given us an alerting conscience. His Word points us to the safe path and warns against the dangerous dead ends. As the Savior-God, he has given us forgiveness and redemption. As the Sanctifying-God, he empowers us to follow the road to heaven. We can joyfully live a life of cautious confidence.

After all, it is God who watches our steps.

Prayer: Lord of the nations and Savior of our souls, we live our lives—one step after another—without knowing what that next stride will bring. When we look back over our path, we can now see how close to tragedy we have come at times. When we look ahead, we wonder how we will avoid disaster. But you know. In you we put our trust. Keep watching our steps. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
Psalm 121:4

Military Devotion – April 22, 2018

Devotion based on Psalm 121:4

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes it does not seem that way. Sometimes we aren’t so sure that he is watching over us.

Sometimes we want to join the sons of Korah who shouted: “Awake, Lord! Why do you sleep? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever” (Psalm 44:23).

These were not the words of unbelief. The sons of Korah wrote the psalm that begins, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46). The famous hymn, “A Mighty Fortress” is based upon their words.

These words flowed from confusion and stress—and a bit of doubt.

Their forefathers had flourished under the hand of God. Enemies had been pushed back. Victories had been gained.

“But now” they lament, “you have rejected and humbled us; you no longer go out with our armies.” The result? “You made us retreat before the enemy, and our adversaries have plundered us.” “I live in disgrace all day long…” (Psalm 44:10,15).

We might pass over this lament as just old words from the Old Testament, but the Apostle Paul repeats the thought for New Testament Christians. He writes: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

For many New Testament Christians, the meaning was literal. Many were killed because of their faith in the true and living God. Others faced hard-times, rejection, disappointment, and failure. Many wondered, “Why?”

So might we.

Those who have seen horrible sights in wars; those who have been unfairly judged and punished; those who have seen hopes die and evil triumph—those are the ones who sometimes wonder if God has fallen asleep.

It’s not as if we were expecting only good things in life. We know better. But we tend to set a limit to how much bad the good Lord will allow to come into the lives of his people. When bad gushes in like a flood over a dam, we fear all is lost.

We wonder if God is angry at us. We wonder if he is too busy, too careless, or just too tired to step in to help.

In short, we begin to view God as if he were only human.

He is not.

He is the Creator. He is the Judge who rules all things for our benefit. He is our Savior Lord. He does not lie. He does not treat us as we deserve. Again, and again he tells his sheep, “Fear not!” He has bought us with holy blood. Our doubts are foolish.

The sons of Korah knew that. That’s why they ended their lament with the confident plea: “Rise up and help us; rescue us because of your unfailing love” (Psalm 44:26).

That’s our petition, too. In a hymn we sing: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.” His love will never fail.

He who sent his Son to bleed for us—he is the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, dangers, sorrows, and fears wash over our faith at times. We don’t often see what you are doing to protect us. We read the worst into the cause of trouble in life. We easily doubt your love and your care. Send the Holy Spirit into our lives that faith may replace doubt; courage replace fear; and joy replace worry. Watch over us always and everywhere. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost.
Luke 24:37

Military Devotion – April 8, 2018

Devotion based on Luke 24:37

See series: Military Devotions

Sometimes God frightens us with his presence. Sometimes we mistake him for something bad. We would run from him if we could.

Sometimes we make the same mistake his early disciples made.

This wasn’t the first time they mistook Jesus for something frightening. Once they were caught in a fierce storm in a small boat. They feared they would drown. They panicked when Jesus came to them by walking on the water. This they did not expect. They cried out in terror at what they thought was a ghost.

When Jesus showed himself transfigured in the brightness of glory, Peter stammered out some senseless words about building shelters. In the gospel of Mark, we are told: “He did not know what to say, they were so frightened” (Mark 9:6).

And now we are looking in at the disciples on Easter evening. They knew the grave of Jesus was empty. Angels had told them he was risen. They should have been excited and happy to see the one they called Master. Instead, they were startled and frightened.

We shouldn’t be too hard on those disciples. We are tempted to act in the same way in times of alarm and stress.

Jesus may not appear to us in bodily form, as he did back then. But he did promise that he will always be with us. We know that he comes to us in Word and sacrament. He also enters into our time and space with his loving care. Many times, we aren’t aware of his presence. Sometimes we mistake him for something bad.

Like those disciples, we have expectations of how and when he will show himself in our lives. We look for things like days of joy and success, or recovery from illness, things that lift up hope. We sense the hand of our Savior in such things—and we welcome them.

When dark days dawn, when pain strikes, when a dreadful future suddenly looms—we don’t like what we see. These look like nightmares. We think, “This cannot be God at work.” We become frightened.

Jesus knows that. That’s why he has told us in advance that scary things can happen to his people. His words are: “Fear not!” He is still our Savior God.

To the disciples huddled in fright he said: “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet” (Luke 24:38,39).

We may be a long way from Jerusalem on the first Easter, but we can still do what he says. We can look at his pierced hands and feet. In his Word he shows them to us.

Already in prophecy he had called out, “Dogs have surrounded me; a band of evil men has encircled me, they have pierced my hands and my feet” (Psalm 22:16).

So they did. In the New Testament we receive the details of his anguish at Golgotha. Roman hands drove the nails. Jewish voices called for it.

By means of the Scriptures the Holy Spirit allows us to see this, too.

If Jesus did this for us; if he loved us this much; then we need not be frightened if he startles us by acting in a manner we do not expect or understand.

This is Jesus. He is not some scary ghost.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, our eyesight is dim and our understanding of what is happening to us is often limited and flawed. Teach us to never be afraid of your presence in our lives. With eyes of faith we have seen the nails piercing your flesh. Remind us that this is proof positive that you are on our side. Stay there! Abide with us as we walk the path of life. Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
2 Corinthians 3:12

Military Devotion – March 25, 2018

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 3:12

See series: Military Devotions

To convince his friend that he is telling the truth, the youngster declared, “Cross my heart, and hope to die!”

But he would not really hope to die. The words carried no weight. They were just decoration.

Far different are the words written by a German soldier fighting in the bloody snow around Stalingrad in the Second World War: “They were forever telling us at training camp how to service and use our weapons in order to kill our enemies, and we were trained, and proud to fight for Führer, Volk, and Vaterland, and if necessary, die. But no one told us what you might have to go through before you got killed. Nor that death might not be instantaneous—there are many forms.”

In the bloodbath at Stalingrad almost two million people were being killed. This soldier now wanted to be one of them. He was not the first warrior that hoped to die. He was not the last.

There was reason for his despair. German troops were under-equipped and ill-prepared to take on the Russians. The frozen bodies were piling up. But worse were the pitiful cries of the wounded. Snipers made it almost impossible to pull them to safety.

The soldier wanted the misery to stop. The ancient words were true, “Only the dead have seen the end of war.” He wanted to be among them.

The Apostle Paul was also in desperate straits as he wrote his second letter to the Corinthians. He had been beaten, robbed, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Soon he would face the executioner.

Danger and pain were there. But so was hope. He wrote: “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

His boldness rested upon the powerful mercy of God. He confessed that he looked forward to death. But for as long as he was alive he would carry out his mission on earth. He could not lose. He wrote: “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21).

We wonder if the soldier hoping to die at Stalingrad might have said the same. He had grown up in the Land of the Reformation. Had he been taught that salvation was a free gift of God? Had he sung the words, “A mighty fortress is our God, a trusty shield and weapon”?

Could he recite from memory the hymn that declared his Savior was always by his side? “And do what they will—hate steal, hurt, or kill—though all may be gone, our victory is won. The kingdom’s ours forever.”

Did he believe those words? We hope so.

If so, then when he hoped to die it was because he knew he would live where perfect peace reigns forever.

Then, we can expect to see him there.

We pray the words of the hymn:
Lord, be my consolation, My shield when I must die;
Remind me of your passion When my last hour draws nigh.
My eyes will then behold you, Upon your cross will dwell;
My heart will then enfold you—
Who dies in faith dies well! Amen.
Christian Worship 105:7

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

For Israel and Judah have not been forsaken by their God, the LORD Almighty, though their land is full of guilt before the Holy One of Israel.
Jeremiah 51:5

Military Devotion – March 11, 2018

Devotion based on Jeremiah 51:5

See series: Military Devotions

It isn’t a wish! A least it should not be. It surely is not a command. Who are we to give orders to the holy God? The words are not merely a request for God to pile heaps of good things upon the nation called America. They are something else. They are something more.

“God Bless America” is a prayer. At least it should be. It needs to be a prayer for mercy.

America needs the overflowing, undeserved mercy of God.

If we could look in at America through the eyes of angels, we might wonder why it still stands. Forget a booming economy. Pay no attention to how many ships and planes and warheads we might have. The finger of God could toss all this away as easily as we might flick a piece of lint off of our jacket.

Jeremiah had been describing what was in store for the ancient nation of Babylon. Babylon had impressed the world with its wealth, its culture, and its military might. It walked into the stronghold of Jerusalem, swept away its defenses, destroyed its magnificent temple, and carried home the best of its treasures and people. Babylon was impressive.

God had blessed these people. They took the blessings but rejected the Giver. Consequences would come. Babylon would be cursed.

Located in present-day Iraq, only the hot sand is left of that empire. Babylon was damned. Like a piece of lint, it was flicked off the world stage.

Israel survived. With the fall of Babylon, the survivors were free to return home. Jerusalem was restored. The temple was rebuilt. Some 700 years later Jesus walked within its magnificent walls.

The Holy One of Israel did not abandon these people, though they deserved to be. Only after Israel as a nation rejected and murdered the Son of God was it turned over to its enemies. Roman legions left nothing standing.

And America? The land of pornography and perversion? The place where God is laughed at and his kingdom attacked? Where money is worshiped, and law is dismissed? The land with enemies shouting out: “God damn America!”?

How long will we stand? What hope do we have? Where can we turn for help?

We can beg the Lord God to deal with our nation as he dealt with Israel in the days of Jeremiah. We can ask him to forgive our sin; save our nation.

We can point back to words he once spoke to his people of old: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

This is the blessing we seek.

We will pray for our country.

We will pray: God bless America! Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3

Military Devotion – February 25, 2018

Devotion based on Psalm 141:3

See series: Military Devotions

We must have heard the warning: “Watch your mouth!” So, we must blush in shame at how often we did not.

We know all the excuses. We have used many of them: “I was angry.” “Everyone does it.” “Those are only words. They don’t mean anything.” And worse, “It helps me fit in.”

Yet, deep down we know such words should never come out of our mouth.

It isn’t just the cussing and the cursing; not just the filthy talk, and the frightened talk to make us seem tough; but also, the thoughtless talk; the hurtful talk; and the lying talk that make us sound like agents of Satan instead of what we are: ambassadors of the holy God.

Many will point out that bad language is found not only in military circles—and they are right. But it seems that it is hard to find military settings where this language is not found.

This doesn’t mean that Christian warriors never regret the words, or never fight against the temptation to use them. But many admit it is a hard fight—and often a losing one.

David, the warrior-king, would understand. He waged the same war and knew about that struggle.

Probably, many a time he told himself, “I have to try harder!” “I have to watch my mouth!” But in this psalm, he changes the wording. He asks the Lord God to man the ECP, to control his mouth’s flow of traffic. His prayer is, “Lord, please watch my mouth!”

It’s David’s way of saying, “Savior God, send some help! The enemy keeps swarming by. I can’t maintain control. Please step in!”

That’s a wise warrior. He knows when he is outmatched and overwhelmed. He knows that his weapons are inferior, his line of sight minimal, and breaches in his defense perimeter are many.

This is a warrior’s call for reinforcements. It’s a request sent up the chain-of-command for firepower to pour down from on high. “Send in the angels, Lord!” “As angels once guarded your tomb, Jesus, send some now to guard my mouth.”

Ironically, the guards are not to keep evil from coming in, but to keep evil from coming out. It’s an admission that our very nature fights against the holy God and everything that is good.

The enemy is inside the wire! An ally of Satan lives within us. It wants to turn us into a martyr for the cause of Evil. It wants to use us to hurt others and destroy ourselves in the process.

It’s like a terrorist in a sleeper cell. It wants to use our mouth as its weapon.

We can fight against our sinful nature. We must fight against it. But only the holy God can give us the victory over it.

Prayer: Holy, powerful, and merciful God, you know how weak we are and how easy it is for the forces of evil to control us. Break the satanic grip on our lives. Give us the power and the freedom to live for you and with you. Guard our mouths that they may only be used in the honor of your name and in faithful service for your kingdom. Please, Lord, watch my mouth! Amen.

Written by Pastor Paul Ziemer, WELS National Civilian Chaplain and Liaison to the Military, Cape Coral, Florida.

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. Note: Scripture reading footnotes are clickable only in the web version.