Based on Psalm 51

He was three years into his deployment when he reached out to me. He confessed, “Chaplain Horn, I’m really struggled with pornography. And it’s not just me; it’s my wife too. We’ve never been apart this long. And my battle buddies are struggling with it too, and not just the guys. It’s the gals too!” I asked a Sailor here in San Diego about this, and he said, “Oh, yeah . . . pornography runs rampant in our squadron.”

That first individual and his battle buddies recognized this: “This is not healthy for me, for us, for our spouses.” Why did they come to that realization?

They understood that God created us. God gave us the gift of life, our bodies, and our minds. A holy God wants us to have pure thoughts and pure desires. They also understood that God created us to be sexual creatures, and that’s a good thing. He also gave us the gift of sex within marriage.

They understood that pornography corrupts all of it.

Porn creates in us unhealthy desires. It causes us to have unrealistic expectations about our bodies and about sex and about others. Pornography tells the lie that you can do what you want with your body and with someone else’s body.

When someone falls into its web and is caught in it and struggles to cut free of it, the devil uses porn to convince you that what you have done—that you have sought your own pleasure—and the pure things you have left undone—that these sins are so great and the guilt is so obnoxious to God that there is no possible way God could forgive you. How could God look at you any differently than as a disgusting sinner?

But he doesn’t. God doesn’t view you that way. The proof?

I invite you to look at the words of a man who himself was a war fighter, a leader, the top general, the commander in chief. One evening he allowed his eyes to wander, and his mind and heart followed, and he desired what he could not have. He took God’s gift of his body and gift of marriage and sexuality and chose to do what pleased him.

When a friend confronted him about his sin, he repented. He acknowledged his sin. His friend said to him, “You are forgiven. Your sin is atoned for.” Then this man—known as King David—wrote a beautiful song about it. It’s called Psalm 51. He used beautiful words to describe what kind of God he has, the kind of God you have: a merciful God, a God of unfailing love, the just but compassionate judge. If this is the kind of God you have, how will he act toward you and your sin and your guilt, as great as you believe it to be?

My challenge to you is to grab a journal or notebook and read Psalm 51. Write down all the different words and phrases and pictures David uses to describe how God forgives all of it. And as you read it, remind yourself, He means me. The God of unfailing love forgives me. He sees me forgiven. How can he do that?

Because Jesus is the pure one. Jesus is the one with holy thoughts and desires. Jesus is the one whose blameless life God sees, and when he looks at you, he sees Jesus.

Read Psalm 51 and confess with David. Read Psalm 51 and see Jesus like David did. Read Psalm 51 and find your comfort and hope and strength to live and to use your body and mind, to use the gifts of marriage and sexuality, to God’s glory. Read Psalm 51 and believe, These are God’s words to me. These are God’s words for me.

Prayer:
Lord, we confess our sins to you and plead for your mercy. We acknowledge that sin runs too deep in our nature for us ever to rid ourselves of it, but we thank you that Jesus has done what we could not do—washing us clean of every stain. We plead that your Spirit would give us the strength to live a new life, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Based on Hebrews 12:1-3

I’ve read the books, listened to your stories, and even stood on some of the training grounds where your blood and sweat have fallen. But I’ve never gone through it myself. I don’t know if I could have endured it 20-plus years ago. You don’t really know what you’re capable of until you’re in it.

Whether it’s Ranger School, BUD/S, Green Beret selection, or another special operations pipeline, the graduates talk about reaching down into a deep, dark place—a “come to Jesus” moment—when you either dig deep or you’re done. But this isn’t just for the elite. Basic training itself—those dozen or so grueling weeks—can push a recruit not just physically but mentally and spiritually.

And the reality is, the training never really stops. Even after graduation, the grind continues—running, push-ups, planks, sit-ups, fitness tests, weapons qualifications. Meeting the PRT or PFA isn’t a one-time victory. It’s constant preparation.

That’s the same kind of language the writer to the Hebrews uses for the Christian life. It’s not a quick sprint or an easy PT test—it’s a marathon.

“Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

The finish line is heaven. But there’s an obstacle—“the sin that so easily entangles.” You know yours; I know mine. The sins that trip us up, bloody our spiritual noses, and leave us with scraped knees and hands. Jealousy, pride, selfishness—when we focus on those, we drift off course. We lose sight of the goal.

But there’s hope. We don’t run alone.

The author to the Hebrews writes this: “Let us run with perseverance . . . fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:1-3).

Jesus ran the perfect race. Fully God, yet fully man, he faced temptations—power, wealth, pride, and the easy way out. He carried a heavier load than any rucksack—our guilt, our sin, our failures—and he bore them all the way to the cross. His race didn’t end in defeat but in a resurrection from the dead.

And here’s the good news: He didn’t run just to inspire you—he ran to win for you. Every requirement for salvation, he met. Every sin, he paid for. Every mile, he finished perfectly.

So fix your eyes on Jesus. See him at the starting line of your faith, placing it in your heart. See him at the finish line, waiting to welcome you home. When you stumble, when you fall, when you feel the weight of the race, remember—he has already secured the victory.

Consider his race, his endurance, his love. Not so you’ll think, “If he can do it, so can I”—but so you will know, “He did this for me.”

Run your race. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Cross the finish line strong—in Christ alone.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, you are the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. You ran the race before us, carrying the weight of our sin to the cross and winning the victory through your resurrection. Keep our eyes fixed on you when the road is long and the burdens are heavy. Strengthen us when we grow weary, and guard us from the sin that so easily entangles.

As our country remembers National Airborne Day on August 16th, we thank you for the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of all who have served in airborne units. Protect them and their families, and keep them steadfast in faith until life’s race is done. Amen.

Based on Colossians 3:1-11

Whether you’re deployed, stateside, single, or managing life with a spouse and kids—military life demands focus. You know that distractions can be dangerous. The same is true for your faith.

In Colossians chapter 3, the apostle Paul says: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God” (verse 1).

That’s not wishful thinking. This is your reality. If you are in Christ, you have already been raised with him. Through Baptism, your old self died, and your new life began—hidden with Christ in God. So Paul tells us to set our minds on things above—not just on what’s in front of us. Not just on the day-to-day demands. Not just on the deployment cycle, promotion list, or paycheck. But on Christ—he is your identity, your future, your life right now.

Now, Paul also says something very difficult: “Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature” (verse 5). And he then lists those things—sexual immorality, impurity, greed, anger, filthy language, lies. Sound familiar? Those things are all too common in military culture—in the barracks, on the ship or boat, in the motor pool or hangar, on the range, or out at the bar. And let’s be honest—they don’t just live “out there.” They live in us.

But here’s the good news: that’s your old self. That’s not who you are anymore. Paul says: “You have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (verses 9,10). You’re not cleaning yourself up to be accepted by God. You’ve already been made new. Now you live like who you already are in Christ.

That changes everything. If you’re single—it means your worth isn’t in your relationships or status, or what kind of car you drive or the clothes you wear. Your worth is in your Savior. If you’re married or raising kiddos—it means you don’t need to be perfect. Your family needs you to be faithful. If you lead others—it means leading with humility, compassion, and grace—not pride or performance.

And when you fail—and you will—return to where your new life began. Remember your baptism. Go back to the cross. See that there Jesus died for your sins. You are forgiven! Go to his empty tomb. See that he rose to give you life for eternity and a new life right now! And because he lives, he still walks with you, wherever you serve.

So, set your heart on where you’re headed. Because Christ is your life. And when he appears—you will appear with him in glory. Until that day comes—keep your eyes up.

Prayer:
Risen Savior, thank you for raising us to new life through Baptism. Help us each day to set our hearts and minds on things above. Give us strength to turn from sin and to live as the new person you’ve made us to be. In our work, our family, and our service, help us reflect your love.

Gracious God, we thank you for the United States Coast Guard, established in 1790, whose birthday we will celebrate on August 4th. Bless those who serve to “ensure our Nation’s maritime safety, security, and stewardship.” Grant them courage, wisdom, and protection with your almighty arms. Keep them “Always Ready” to protect, defend, and save. Guide their mission always. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Based on Luke 10:38-42

A busy home can be a messy home. When my wife and I are out and about and someone asks about our family and we share with them that we have five children (and a dog), they usually respond, “Five children! You must be busy!” Yes and no. Yes, we both have full-time jobs. Yes, we have five children, but one of them just got married, another lives in the Midwest, three will be in college, and most of the year we are empty nesters. But yes, we are busy. When the kids are home there are dentist and doctor appointments, paperwork to fill out for school, bills to pay, a house to clean, and a dog to walk.

A busy home can be a messy home—not just physically messy, but emotionally and spiritually messy too. My wife and my kids and I are very well aware of our weaknesses, our failures, how we sin against each other, and how susceptible we are to specific temptations. We feel the guilt of our sins, and that makes for a messy home.

This is true for military homes. You can be single, single with kids, married, married with children and have a busy home, and that’s still going to be a messy home. You know how susceptible you are to certain temptations. You know your weaknesses and your failures when you sin against your spouse, your parents, your co-workers, your friends, and your neighbors. You feel the guilt of your sin. A busy home is a messy home.

We see that today in our reading in Luke 10:38-42. We stand outside a home and peer in the front door and see three main characters: Jesus; a woman named Martha; and her sister, Mary. For some of you this may be the first time you’re hearing this story. For others, if you have heard this story before in a sermon or a devotion, you may have heard (and I have been guilty of saying this too), “Be more like Mary. Don’t be a Martha.” You will not hear that today.

What happens in this story is that Martha is doing what God has called her to do: to serve her neighbor. In this case it’s Jesus and her sister, Mary, and whoever else is in the house, by cleaning, preparing dinner, and serving drinks. This is a good and God-pleasing vocation.

Mary is not helping her sister. She is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to his words. But when Martha approaches Jesus, she gives him a command: “You tell my sister to come help me!” Jesus helps Martha put busyness in proper perspective. He says to her, “You are distracted by a lot of things. But Mary has chosen the one thing that is needed, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Jesus is saying, “It’s okay to be busy. God gives you a vocation. It is a good thing to be busy in your vocations as you serve your neighbor in your home, at your place of work, in your church, in your community.” But where is Jesus in the busy, messy home? He is present. He is giving proper perspective to the busy, messy home. This is what is needed in a busy, messy home: to sit at Jesus’ feet and to listen to his words.

When we are so anxious about all the busyness and messiness of our home, we sit at Jesus’ feet and he says, “Do not be anxious about anything. Come to my Father in prayer because he cares for you.”

When we are stressed out about finances, we sit at Jesus’ feet and he says, “Look at the birds outside your window. Look at the flowers in your yard. Your Father feeds and clothes them. He will certainly feed and clothe you. He will provide your daily bread.”

When we are so overwhelmed by guilt and when we are so aware of our weaknesses, we sit at Jesus’ feet and he says, “My blood covers over your sin. See how I have defeated the devil for you. See how my righteousness covers over your guilt and weaknesses. You are forgiven. You are at peace with me. Here, put on the armor of God, so that you may stand firm against the attacks of the enemy.”

Not only does Jesus give us proper perspective for busy, messy homes, he prepares us for what is to come. Mary and Martha are about to go through a whole lot in their home. Their brother, Lazarus, will become gravely ill. He will suffer. He will die. They will have to bury him and grieve, until Jesus arrives later and speaks to them and raises Lazarus from the dead. But it is Martha who gives a beautiful confession of faith: “I know that my brother will rise again at the resurrection at the last day, because you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” These words can only be spoken by someone who sat at the feet of Jesus in spite of a busy, messy home.

Jesus is right there in the middle of your busy, messy home. He is there to give you proper perspective; prepare you for future difficulties, sadness, and grief; and prepare you for the joys and blessings he plans to give you. Be busy in your vocations. Sit at Jesus’ feet. Know that the one thing needed for busy, messy homes—the words and promises of Jesus—will not be taken from you.

Prayer:
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word. By your Holy Spirit, help us to receive it with joy, and bring forth fruits in faith, hope, and love.

Visit the homes of our military members and drive far from them all the snares of the enemy. As they sit at your feet to hear your Word, do as you promise: preserve them in the one true faith. Let your holy angels also dwell in the homes of our military members to preserve them in peace and safety. Let your blessing always be on them. Through Jesus, our Lord. Amen.

Based on Romans 5:1-5

A few weeks ago, I was admitted to the hospital and spent three nights there for an infection I had in my body. The medical staff is still not sure how it happened or what it was, but the doctors and nurses took good care of me, giving me lots of antibiotics to flush the infection out of my body.

I wanted to share this with you because as you are lying in the hospital for three nights, when they shove you in that MRI machine, and as you’re lying on your back immobile for two hours after a spinal tap, you have a lot of time to think.

I know there are a lot of you who have been in a similar situation. Some of you have been hospitalized because of injuries related to combat or training accidents—I am thinking of specific individuals who have gone through that ordeal. Some of you have spent time in the hospital, or you’ve cared for others who have been in the hospital. There’s a lot of time to think when you’re in the hospital . . . a lot of time to think about pain and suffering.

There’s only one thing that matters in that situation, and it is not your spouse, your children, your parents, or your friends. What matters most in times of suffering and pain is asking yourself this: What has God promised me in these moments? What happens, at least what happened for me, is that you really have nowhere else to go but to God’s promises. Some of those promises that I went back to during my time in the hospital were words from the apostle Paul in Romans chapter 5 that speak to suffering.

Paul writes: “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). This is what matters most in those moments of suffering—that God has justified you. He has declared you “not guilty.” If you ever doubt that, go to the cross and see Jesus, accused as the guilty one for us so God can declare you and me to be justified, not guilty, innocent of all guilt—through faith in Christ.

The result of that is we have “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This peace is not some kind of manufactured peace, like a show of force in Eastern Europe against our near-peer competitors. This is peace that is manufactured by Jesus, knowing that there is peace between us and God; peace between sinners and a holy, righteous God; and this peace is won by Jesus. We know there is forgiveness for us, and so we have the peace of knowing that we are forgiven. There is peace of knowing we are innocent.

There are more results for us because we are justified. Paul says, “. . . through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand” (Romans 5:2a). There is access to God through our prayers as we lie in the hospital. God hears our prayers. God has access to us through his words of promise. And I really like this consequence of our declaration of innocence: “we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.” This means that no matter what is going on in your life, or in the life of a friend or loved one, you stand in God’s grace, his undeserved love for you. That’s massive—to know that whatever it is you are going through, what it is you are suffering, you stand in God’s grace.

And here’s another result of our declaration of innocence: “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God” (Romans 5:2b). The thing that we can boast about while in our suffering and weakness is the hope of the glory of God. God will reveal his glory in me and through me, through weakness and through suffering. And not just now, here on earth, but Jesus says, “I am going to share my glory with you in heaven.”

Paul then continues to the fact that we are justified, that we have peace with God, that we have access to God, that we stand in God’s grace, that we share in God’s glory. He says this: “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:3-5).

The result of all of this—justification, peace, access to God, standing in his grace, the hope of the glory of God—puts suffering into perspective. God has a purpose for it. He says that your suffering produces perseverance, and perseverance produces character, and character produces hope.

Perseverance is long-suffering. You have a ten-mile ruck march ahead of you, and you have anywhere between 30 to 100 pounds on your back. You will get through it. You know you will because you’ve been there before. This produces the kind of character that says, Yes, I will get through this because I’ve done this before.

When you encounter suffering again, you think: I’ve been down this road before. God has been my comfort. He has been my strength. God has been my hope. He has reminded me again and again that I am innocent in his sight. I have his grace. I have all of these things. And so I am going to get through this.

All of this produces hope. This hope is a sure confidence that God is mine and I am his. His love has been poured into my heart through his Holy Spirit. And I know I have his Holy Spirit and so do you, because he has put his name on you in the waters of your baptism. All these things are true.

Whatever it is you are suffering, go back to the promises God has made to you. And if you are not going through suffering now, my friends, go back to these promises now. Keep going back to these promises, so that when you do suffer—and you will—these are the truths the Holy Spirit will remind you of. This is all that matters in that moment. You have hope in your suffering.

Prayer:
Almighty God and Father, dwelling in majesty and mystery, filling and renewing all creation by your eternal Spirit, and manifesting your saving grace through our Lord Jesus Christ, in mercy cleanse our hearts and lips so that, free from doubt and fear, we may ever worship you, the one true, immortal God, with your Son and the Holy Spirit, living and reigning, now and forever.

This month as our nation’s military raises awareness for post-traumatic stress, we come before your throne and ask you, because you are a compassionate and gracious God, to move those who are suffering silently to reach out and ask for help. Move us and others to open our ears to listen, and then to open our mouths to speak your message of hope through Jesus, who lives and reigns over all things, who comes to redeem and restore all things, yes, even those hearts and minds hijacked by trauma. In your name we pray. Amen.

Based on John 14:23-27; Acts 2:1-21

“When will this happen?” “How will it happen?” “Where will it happen?”

These are the questions asked by war fighters of the Allied Forces in the months and weeks and days leading up to that day we call D-Day: The Day of Days. This is the day of the largest seaborne invasion in history, the day when more than 156,000 troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France, and parachuted from the skies.

The answers to “when” and “how” and “where” were held by men like Churchill, Walter “Beetle” Smith, Montgomery, and Eisenhower. But the answer also depended upon the weather. The invasion could not take place until the time and weather were just right. It was this invasion that turned the war effort against the Third Reich into victory over the enemy.

“When will this happen?” “How will it happen?” “Where will it happen?” These were questions that may have circulated in the hearts and minds of Jesus’ friends. Just before he ascended into heaven, the commander-in-chief of the heavenly armies commissioned his disciples to go and invade the territories of the prince of this world, not with sword or spear, but with the sword of the Holy Spirit, through preaching and teaching and by baptizing. With these weapons they would conquer the hearts and minds of souls held captive by the enemy. They knew the “where”—Jerusalem. But they didn’t know the “how” or the “when.”

Jesus had said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:7,8).

Just ten days later it was D-Day for the disciples—the Day of Days, the day we call Pentecost. On this day Jesus unleashed his Holy Spirit and empowered his friends to proclaim and baptize, to teach and forgive. That day changed the world forever.

And I don’t use that well-worn phrase lightly. Pentecost changed the world forever because Jesus’ commission extends to folks today, people like you and me, to go forth into battle against the forces of this dark world. We are armed with the Holy Spirit to change hearts and minds and lives by sharing with them the good news that Jesus has conquered death and grave by his resurrection from the dead.

If you’re like me, there are people you know whose lives we might describe as a “hot mess.” They have no direction and no firm path for the future, and they continue to make poor choices—not just poor choices in their civic life, but in their spiritual life.

On the other hand, you have people in your life, like I do, whose lives are great. They are in good health, successful in their vocations, and appear not to have a need or care in the world. Except they are missing Jesus and his promises. They are missing out on eternal blessings.

If you’re like me, you’ve established and maintained relationships with these people. You’ve even extended a gentle and loving invitation to “come and see the great things Jesus has done,” but with little to no positive response. And you wonder, “when” and “how” and “where” will the Holy Spirit unleash his power through me as I speak his words?

My friends, keep calm and carry on. This well-worn phrase that gained popularity some years ago was the content of a series of posters designed by the British Ministry of Information to boost morale during World War II. I believe it has bearing today.

Keep calm and carry on. Keep doing what Jesus has called you to do. Listen to his voice as you open your Bible in your homes and barracks and on your ships and boats. Listen to his voice as you attend Bible study and church with others. Listen and wait. Keep calm and carry on. Open your eyes and ears to friends and coworkers and family members, and then open your mouth to speak in love. Direct their eyes and hearts to the one who has unleashed his power on the devil, on their sin and guilt, and upon death itself. Let the Holy Spirit embark on the largest invasion in history, through you.

Leave the “when” and “how” and “where” up to your commander-in-chief, the Lord Jesus. He knows best when and how and where to change hearts. Keep calm and carry on.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, God and Lord, come to us this joyful day of Pentecost with your sevenfold gift of grace. Rekindle in our hearts the holy fire of your love, that in a true and living faith we may tell abroad the glory of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Merciful Father, on this solemn anniversary of D-Day, we give you thanks for the courage and sacrifice of those who stormed the shores of Normandy in defense of liberty and justice. Grant rest to those who gave their lives and comfort to all who mourn. Preserve us from the evils of tyranny and war, and lead all nations to seek peace. Keep us mindful that true victory is found not in the strength of our military but in Christ crucified. We pray this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Based on Revelation 7:15-17; John 16:20-24

If you are able, save them a place inside you,
and save one backward glance when you are leaving,
for the places they can no longer go.

Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may, or may not have always.
Take what they have left, and what they have
taught you with their dying, and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide, and feel safe,
to call the war insane, take one moment,
to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.

(Written by MAJ Michael Davis O’Donnell, 01 January 1970, Dak To, Vietnam)

This is a poem one of my friends posted on social media with the picture of a headstone of one of his battle buddies killed in action during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Then he posted, “Until we dismount at Fiddler’s Green . . .”

I had to look it up because I wasn’t sure of the reference. Fiddler’s Green is a legendary afterlife for sailors but also for soldiers, particularly cavalrymen, who have used this name for the place you go after death. Fiddler’s Green is a gathering place for rugged professionals, a place of perpetual joy, where the fiddle plays incessantly, where dancers never tire. It’s a place where the weather is always fair and there is a constant supply of friends, family, food, and drink. A place of rest and reward for those who have served honorably.

It sounds a lot like a place the apostle John saw in his revelation of heaven: “They are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. ‘Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat down on them,’ nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’ ” (Revelation 7:15-17).

What John describes is a very real place with real people whose souls have been reunited with their resurrected bodies. They are with their Shepherd, Jesus, who, as the Lamb, laid down his life to redeem all from their sin and guilt, who rose from the dead to die no more, and whose resurrection gives us the sure hope of a resurrection from the dead. He will bring us to a place of perpetual joy, of friends and family members, of an abundance of food and drink, and, yes, there will be music and dancing.
Until then, the poem from MAJ O’Donnell and Scripture itself gives us permission to be sad, to cry, and to grieve. But let Christ’s resurrection give us proper perspective when we stand before graves lined with American flags this weekend.

Listen to what Jesus said to his disciples as he prepared them for his own death: “Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete” (John 16:20-24).

Ask Jesus, the risen and living Lord, to give you proper perspective as you observe Memorial Day. Ask that your sorrow be turned to joy. Ask that your joy may be complete. Find that joy in the good news that Jesus is raised from the dead. Find that joy in the good news that he will raise your loved ones and friends and battle buddies who died in the Lord, never to die again, and we with them.

Until we dismount at Fiddler’s Green . . . until we walk with Jesus in heaven, my dear friends, find your joy in Christ’s resurrection from the dead this Memorial Day.

Prayer:
Almighty Father, strong to save, ruler of nations, we bring our thanks to you this Memorial Day weekend for all the blessings you have given our nation, the United States of America. Help us to know and to acknowledge that freedom, prosperity, and other blessings come from you, and make us thankful.

As memories go back to those who have died to preserve our liberties, make us grateful and humble that others would stand up, raise their right hand for us, serve, and die. Turn our sorrow into joy. Turn the hearts of those who grieve by the power of your resurrection. Use us to share that good news with those who are sad, so they may find their joy in you.

Make us diligent in our prayers for our country and her leaders. Guide them with your wisdom and counsel. Keep us as a nation at peace so that we may carry out our vocations in peace and safety. In your Son’s name, Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Based on John 21:1-14

If you have lived in or around a military installation, you know the power of our military war machine. During my last 20 years as a pastor, I’ve lived near three military installations: Fort Knox, Ky.; an Air Reserve base in Atlanta; and here in San Diego. Miramar is right outside my window. The power of an Abrams M1A2 120mm round that shook our house. The power of a C-130 roaring overhead. I’ve sat behind a .50 machine gun mounted to the top of a Humvee at the range, and the power of that weapon pulsed through my body. I have a friend here in San Diego who texted me, “I almost drove off the road today watching the V22s flying overhead!” The power of our nation’s military is awesome.

When Jesus lived on earth as the God-man, he flexed his divinity from time to time. He healed those with incurable diseases. He provided food for 5,000 men, besides the women and children, with a few fish and loaves of bread. He cast demons out of those imprisoned by Satan. He raised the dead. But the most powerful display of his power was his own rising from the dead on Easter Sunday. No one has done that . . . raised their own body from the grave.

After his resurrection from the dead, Jesus appeared to his disciples to prove that his resurrection power was to benefit them. Some time after Easter Sunday, the disciples had gone fishing on the Sea of Galilee. They didn’t catch a thing all night. As the sun was peaking over the eastern hills, they started for shore and a man on the beach called out across the water, “Did you catch anything?”

“No, sir, not a single fish.”

“Cast your nets on the other side of the boat.”

Immediately the nets were so full of fish they threatened to sink the boats and threatened to break the nets, but they didn’t. John records that the nets were full of 153 large fish. I can’t help but imagine the disciples looking at each other and thinking, Hey, we’ve been here before. About three and a half years prior, Jesus performed a similar miracle. And now, here they were, sitting on the beach with their resurrected Lord Jesus, eating fish. The living Jesus opened their eyes to the power of his resurrection.

That same power is working for you and for your benefit. And I know you don’t always see it, and you don’t always feel it. I don’t either. Especially when finances are tight, and the future of our country is in question. Yet Jesus promises to use his power to provide daily bread for you.

When you feel lonely during deployment, he promises, “I am with you. I will provide others to be with you.”

When you are afraid, he promises, “I am your strength, your peace.” When others share these same feelings with you and you wonder what to say to them, you know they need Jesus. He is your confidence. Just say the words, his words, and watch the power of his words at work in your heart and in the hearts of others. You will say, “That was awesome!” That’s the power of the resurrected and living Lord Jesus in your life right now.

What I want you to do is this: Allow the power of our nation’s military to serve as a reminder of this truth. Every time you feel the power of the .50 on the range, the roar of the Blue Angels, an aircraft as it is jettisoned off the carrier, the artillery round or patriot missile going downrange, or the Abrams tank or Bradley or the V22s flying overhead, I want you to think of him who has all power, all authority, and who uses it for your good.

Then go to his Word and let the power of his words work on your heart and in the hearts of those you share it with. That resurrection power is for you right now.

Prayer:
O God, by the humiliation of your Son, you lifted up this fallen world from the despair of death. By his resurrection to life, grant your people gladness of heart and the hope of eternal joys.

On May 1 our nation paused to recognize Silver Star Banner Day. We thank you for those members of our military who have been awarded the Silver Star, for those who showed distinguished valor in combat. This day we also recognized the sacrifices of the ill, the wounded, and the dying service personnel and their family members.

Lord, thank you for those who have sacrificed so much for us and for our nation. For both those living and those who grieve the dead, grant them strength, patience, and reliance on you and your power for them. Amen.

Based on Isaiah 49:16; Luke 23:42

I can usually pick you out or figure out who you are without even seeing you in uniform or wearing a baseball cap that says “Veteran” on it. Because you wear it. You wear it not in your emotions, but you literally wear it on your body—that black aluminum bracelet around your wrist. It tells me that you are someone who has served or is serving in our nation’s military, or you are a first responder. That memorial band around your wrist—engraved with names, ranks, and dates—is your way of honoring those who have fallen in the line of duty. It’s a way for you to remember their sacrifice so that you don’t forget.

There are some who, after a loved one or friend dies, will say things like, “They will live on in our memories.” But what happens when our memories fade and we forget? Do those people still live on? What happens when we die, and generations pass? Does this mean that this individual no longer lives on because most have forgotten them?

There is someone in history who, as he was dying, asked another individual to remember him. That’s a lot to put on someone as you are gasping for your final breath, considering that the one to whom he directed his request was also breathing his final breath! But this was no ordinary man he was asking. This was the King of heaven and earth, the God from eternity. He was dying a sinner’s death, dying to make death a thing of the past, dying to make life the new reality for those like that man who made the request to be remembered.

It is likely that most would remember that man as the one who brought chaos into their lives with his criminal activities. He was a man who died a broken, bloody, shameful mess, buried in an unmarked grave for criminals. Not many (if anyone!) would wear any kind of memorial bracelet to remember him.

But one person would remember him. That one person would grant his request: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom” (Luke 23:42). In his answer Jesus was saying to the dying man, “Yes, I will remember you! Because today you and I will die. Our bodies will die and the angels will escort our souls to heaven, and we will be together in paradise! I’ll have to leave you in the care of my Father in heaven while I redeposit my soul back into body and bring it back to life in three days. But I’ll be back with you in paradise in about 40 days after I ascend into heaven. Yes, I will remember you, and so will everyone who hears your story, because it is their story.”

Good Friday and Easter Sunday are the most important days on the Christian church year calendar. They assure us of this: God himself will not forget us but will remember us. After all, he gave us life. He called us by name in the waters of our baptism. He called us to a life in heaven. As he said through the words of Isaiah the prophet, “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:16)!

He remembers those souls whose names you have etched on your wrist. He won’t forget them. He remembers those whose remains rest in an urn or a box. He won’t forget them. They do not live on in our memories, because our memories fade and we die. But for those who die in Jesus, they live on because they live in Christ and in his death and resurrection.

And so, when you die and when I die, eventually we will be forgotten as generations pass, but that’s okay! Because Jesus doesn’t forget. He will remember you as you draw your final breath and mutter, “Jesus, remember me . . .” And he will answer, “Today you will be with me in paradise. See! I have engraved your name on the palms of my hands. I can’t help but think of you when I see the scars on the hands of my exalted, resurrected body. I had you in mind when I hung on the cross and when I rose again from the dead. When I send my angels to gather you on the Last Day, you won’t be forgotten.”

This is our joy and confidence, our hope and comfort this Easter weekend and every day. Say it with confidence: “Jesus, remember me.” And then listen as he responds to you: “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

Prayer:
Almighty God, by the glorious resurrection of your Son, Jesus Christ, you conquered death and opened the gate to eternal life. Grant that we, who have been raised with him through Baptism, may walk in newness of life and ever rejoice in the hope of sharing his glory; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be dominion and praise now and forever. Amen.

Based on Philippians 3:7-14

I have a little collection of military memorabilia growing in my home office: challenge coins, a hand grenade, an American flag handcrafted out of wood, a .50 round, unit patches, military baseball caps, and coffee mugs. Each of these was a gift. Each one of these pieces tells a story. I can share with you who gifted me these pieces of military memorabilia and why they gifted them to me. They are some of my most prized possessions.

When I am invited into your homes—forgive me if I do this—I may snoop around. Those of you who have had me in your homes know that I do this. I love to look at all the military memorabilia you have displayed in your homes: the awards, the unique gifts, the creative ways you showcase each of the duty stations where you’ve lived. Each one of those pieces tells your story. I know these are some of your most prized possessions because you have them on display for all to see.

How would you feel if one day they were all gone . . . lost in a move; wiped away by a flood; destroyed by fire; or crushed by a tornado, hurricane, or cyclone? I know how I would feel. I would feel devastated.

The apostle Paul redirects our attention in his letter to the Christians in Philippi: “But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 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 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith” (Philippians 3:7-10).

The apostle Paul had a lot to boast about. When you read the section immediately before this in Philippians chapter 3, he lists all of his accomplishments and successes. People would listen to him speak and say, “Wow! You really know a lot! You’ve accomplished a lot with your life!” But the apostle Paul said, “Yeah, I consider them all rubbish. I want to know Christ. I want to be found in him. His righteousness is mine. All the places I’ve been, all that I’ve accomplished, they’re garbage. I have Christ’s righteousness. So that when people look at me, they don’t see all of these things I’ve accomplished but rather they see that what Christ has accomplished for me and what he has accomplished through me is what’s most important in my life.”

Then Paul goes on to say this: “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13,14).

Paul is saying, “Instead of fixing my eyes on these things, the things of this world, I fix my eyes on the eternal, not the temporal. For when I fix my eyes on the temporal, I forget about the eternal. I fix my eyes on my true treasure—that God, in Christ, has called me heavenward. That’s where I am going. That’s where I have eternal treasures. That’s my true treasure.”

God is not saying to us today to get rid of all our military memorabilia, the things we proudly display in our homes that showcase the places God has called us to serve and how he has called us to serve. But might there be a way to showcase Christ as our true treasure in our homes? Like a picture of Jesus, a cross, or a Bible verse to say to all who enter our homes, “This . . . this is my true treasure.”

Prayer:
Almighty God, by your great goodness, keep our eyes fixed on heavenly treasures so that we might not become distracted with that which is temporary and fleeting. Make your Word the most prominent fixture in our homes—in our hearts and minds and mouths—so that we may speak true treasure to others.

Lord Jesus, as we celebrate the Month of the Military Child, we know you love children of all ages, for you told your disciples, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” Watch over children of military families. Comfort them when they are sad. Keep them safe when they must move. Help them find good friends. Remind them that you are always with them. In your name we pray. Amen.

Based on Luke 13:1-9

Twenty-two years ago this week, our nation’s military began Operation Iraqi Freedom. Too many of our war fighters returned home in flag-draped coffins. For some, as their remains were lowered into the ground, surrounded by family and friends, members of a church from Topeka, Kan., stood with signs that said, “Thank God for dead soldiers” and chanted, “God is visiting the sins upon America by killing their kids with IEDs.”

This year we will observe the 20-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. When that storm struck the area of New Orleans, some Christian pastors and leaders appeared on national radio and TV to say: “The destruction from this storm is God’s judgment on the United States of America.”

How are we as Christians to respond to this—that natural disasters and war are evidence of God’s direct judgment on a specific nation or a specific group of people?
In the Old Testament we read that God did open the ground and swallow people alive. Fire rained down from the sky and destroyed the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because of their sin. God used the war machine of the nation of Israel to decimate entire populations. In those instances, God clearly explained, “This is my divine judgment on people who have hardened their hearts toward me for so long, that now, sadly, I am giving them what they want: an eternity separated from me and my presence.”

But when we witness natural disasters, accidents, wars, or other unusual ways that people suffer and die, we cannot speak for God and say, “This is his divine judgment.” We cannot speak where God has not spoken.

In Luke 13:1-9, Jesus rejects the popular opinion of his day (and of ours!) that unusual suffering and death comes to those who are worse sinners than others: “Those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish” (verses 4,5).

Jesus teaches us to be ready for our death. It is inevitable. We do not know when, where, or how we will depart from this earth, but we know that because our bodies are so corrupted with sin, they are subject to decay, disease, and death. We will die. But Jesus teaches us that when we see and hear about natural disasters or war or unusual suffering and death, we need to repent.

To repent means to change your mind about your sin; your personal, self-serving desires and passions; and your pride and anger and greed. You then confess: “These offend my holy God. These do harm to my neighbor. And for them I sincerely am sorry.” So repent! Turn away from those sins and turn then to Christ, and see that he is patient, loving, and forgiving. Repent! Turn to Christ and see that his perfect life of love covers over all your sin. Stand before your holy God, no more condemned but pardoned, because of Christ Jesus.

When you see natural disasters, when you hear of people suffering or dying, when you hear about wars and rumors of wars, understand that your patient God is giving you an opportunity to repent. Your patient God is giving you time to think about your death. The when, where, and how it will happen does not matter. What does matter is that you know that you are forgiven. Know that you are loved. Know that Christ Jesus will do what he promised you in your baptism. In Baptism you have already died and have been raised again. You will live, just as he does.

Prayer:
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy, be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast to the unchangeable truth of your Word.

Lord, it is a difficult thing for a Christian to serve in our nation’s military. So much of their time pulls them away from time spent in your Word. So much of the culture entices them away from your life-giving Word. So many carry the guilt of what they have done or left undone. Restore them. Assure them that you are a patient and forgiving God. Point them to your cross and proclaim forgiveness for them. Help Christians who serve in our nation’s military to be a light to those around them, so that others may see and believe and trust in you, the one true God, our Savior. Amen.

Based on Luke 4:1-13

There is a section of Interstate 5 that runs from San Diego County through Camp Pendleton in southern California named after a Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. He was sent to a tiny island in the Pacific during WWII, where for five months he and his fellow Marines were in the fight of their lives. Since this island was a strategic location for the Rising Sun Empire, U.S. forces knew they needed to capture and hold the airfield on Guadalcanal.

For two bloody days this Marine, John Basilone, fought against enemy Japanese forces, above and beyond the call of duty. He not only held his ground but under heavy enemy fire battled his way through enemy lines to supply his men with much-needed ammunition. For his personal valor and courageous initiative, he was awarded the Medal of Honor.

After being recalled to the States, Basilone toured the country, raising money for the war effort. Just over a year later, Basilone received orders to return to the Pacific fight. On February 19, 1945—80 years ago—the first day of the invasion of Iwo Jima, Basilone found himself and his fellow Marines pinned down from every direction. Disregarding the safety of his own life, he courageously and shrewdly worked his way around the flanking enemy position, attacking the enemy with grenades and demolitions, single-handedly destroying an entire enemy stronghold.

Then, Basilone repeatedly exposed himself to the blasting fury of enemy shells while coming to the aid of a U.S. tank trapped in a minefield. He skillfully guided the vehicle through the hazardous terrain to safety. Basilone pushed forward with dauntless courage and determination until he was killed instantly by a bursting mortar shell. For his intrepid initiative, he was awarded the Navy Cross.

This story often feels like my own life. What about you? I’m on a battlefield, where the enemy spiritual forces of darkness relentlessly attack my position. They constantly remind me of how often I have failed in my mission from my commander, which is to love and serve my neighbor and my God more than myself. Some days are better than others, but on most days, it feels as if the enemy has overrun my position and my guilt-laden conscience. I have regret over the sinful, selfish decisions I’ve made, and memories of the good I’ve left undone get the best of me. The enemy is more than willing to remind me of these things. What about you?

There on the battlefield stands a hero. One who stands alone. One who received the same attacks and the same accusations from the enemy, but didn’t have any regrets. No guilty conscience. No good left undone. But he was attacked just the same. The enemy tried with all their tactics and cunning to dislodge him from his secure position. With no regard for his own life, he entered that battlefield and won the war, for you and me.

The one who stands alone victorious is your commander, Jesus. When the devil tried to tempt him to disbelieve his Father’s promises, Jesus instead stood firm on his Father’s promises. Jesus defeated the devil this way—not to show you how to defeat the devil but to show you he has defeated the devil.

So when your life feels like John Basilone’s—standing alone, fighting the enemy—know that the battle has been won for you. Stand against the enemy. Know that their bullets and mortar rounds fall short. Christ has won for you. He stands alone so you might stand victorious with him.

I encourage you to read Luke 4:1-13 today. Find joy and comfort and safety in the victory Jesus has won for you over the enemy.

Prayer:
Mighty God and Father, our Lord Jesus walked into the wilderness to face the devil’s temptations, but he did not succumb to Satan’s lies or falter in his resolve to save the world from the prison of hell. Bolster our faith by his mighty victory, that we may battle against the forces of evil with courage and confidence.

Today we thank you for men and women who train canines to serve in our nation’s military. Since 1942 our nation’s military has used canines as security patrol, search and rescue, and detection. This week as our U.S. military recognizes Military Working Dogs, we ask that you be with the handlers and trainers of these canines. Use these creatures of your marvelous creation to save and preserve life. In your Son’s name we pray. Amen.

Based on Romans 12:14-21; 13:4

If you currently serve or have served in our nation’s military as a warfighter or a service member, do you know how God describes you in the Bible? He says in Romans 13:4 that you are “agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.”

Because you are employed by our government, God has given the government the sword. In Romans 13, Paul says that the servant of God, the government, does not bear the sword for nothing. You are an extension of God’s hand through the government. You are to bring punishment on evil people, to bring punishment on wicked people, which means you are to be “Army Strong,” to “Ranger Up,” to be “Forged by the Sea,” to “Aim High,” to be “Always Faithful,” to be “Always Prepared,” Semper Fidelis, Semper Paratus. You are to bring punishment on the enemy.

You are also to be a deterrent, which is why we have units and squadrons and battalion stations strategically all over the United States to tell our near-peer competitors, “Listen, if you step out of line, you know what waits for you.”

And at the same time, this is how God talks to us in the same letter to the Romans, in 12:17-21. He says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Some years ago, when I served a congregation that was located near a military installation, I had a U.S. Army soldier come up to me after church and say, “Pastor, I really struggled with your prayer this morning.” This soldier had recently redeployed from the war zone, and I had prayed for our enemies. And as a U.S. Army medic, he had treated the wounded and the dying, his battle buddies, his friends in arms, his brothers in arms. And he had seen what the enemy had done to his friends. So he said, “Pastor, I don’t really pray that prayer. I really stick to the imprecatory psalms.” These are psalms that talk about dashing the enemy’s head against rocks and bathing our feet in our enemy’s blood. King David prayed these prayers.

So how do we reconcile that? Love our enemies. And the job that you are called to do is to serve as an agent of wrath. Look to Christ. Look to Jesus on the cross as he is being put to death, as he’s being murdered at the hands of wicked men, and listen to what he says: “Father, forgive them.” Look to Christ.

When a royal official—a man who worked for a pagan, hedonistic government ruler—went to Jesus because his son was dying, Jesus didn’t question him. He went and he healed his son. Actually, Jesus didn’t even go! He just said the word and this man’s son was healed.

Another time a Roman centurion came to Jesus. This is a company commander of men who knew how to kill. They were agents of wrath, right? He came to Jesus because one of his servants was dying, and Jesus said the word and he healed the servant.

When Roman soldiers went to John the Baptizer, John didn’t say, “Hey, you need to find a new profession.” He said, “Carry out your vocation faithfully and honestly and with integrity.”

Look to Christ when you struggle to reconcile these two truths that seem to contradict each other at times. Go to the cross, and there you will find forgiveness for your anger, for words of vengeance, for thoughts of revenge, for when you have spoken hateful words about other human beings. Bring that all to the cross and know that you are forgiven for that. Then bring that cross with you as you carry out your vocation as a warfighter, so that you know why you were called to do what you do.

Then go carry out your vocation as a warfighter, a service member, a pencil pusher, a support staff person, a grunt, a pilot, an aviator, an officer. And do it faithfully and give glory to God for it in all that you do. Rely on him to be your strength to carry it out.

And if it means that you must go to war, then go do that. Go and carry out your missions and your sorties and do it in good conscience, for God has called you to do it. He sends you to punish the evildoer, to protect the good, to preserve peace.

Martin Luther once said, “If the sword were not on guard to preserve peace, everything in the world must go to ruin because of lack of peace.” Pray for successful missions and sorties. Pray that God would suppress evil people who wish to bring to the world rape and murder and robbery and chaos and terror and destruction and corruption and every other wickedness that threatens peace. Everything that threatens the prosperity and spread of the gospel. Everything that prevents citizens from their ability to earn their daily bread by carrying out their vocations in society.

And at the same time, follow your Savior, pray for your enemies, pray that they hear the gospel, pray that they repent, pray that they come to faith, and pray that they may be saved and not die but live. For that is God’s will too—that all people be saved. That all people come to a knowledge of the truth and not die but live.

So go to war and love your enemies. Be the sword. And if you struggle with that and if you wrestle with that, continue to go to the cross and live in peace knowing that God is at peace with you because of what he has already done. The war has already been won for you in Christ Jesus. So go to war and love your enemies.

Prayer:
O almighty and everlasting God, through your own Son you have commanded us to love our enemies, to do good to them that hate us, and to pray for those that persecute us. We pray that by your divine providence they may be led to true repentance and be of one mind and heart with us and with your whole church.

I also pray for the naval aviators whose aircraft crashed in the San Diego harbor. I thank you that you have kept them safe, that they were able to eject from their aircraft safely. I thank you for the civilian boat in the harbor that was there to pull them out of the water in less than a minute from when they hit the water. I thank you for the Coast Guard that has also come to help. I thank you for those that have contained the oil and fuel that has been spilled into the harbor.

We pray that you be with all pilots and aviators, mechanics, air traffic controllers, and the instructors who train the men and women who dare the eagles’ flight. Send your holy angels to keep them safe, O Lord. In your name I pray. Amen.

Based on Isaiah 62:1-5; Ephesians 5:25-27

What are you looking for in a marriage?

Now, before I lose you, I fully understand that some of you who are reading this devotion are single, and maybe you’re not really looking for a significant other right now. So just hang with me for a second.

Maybe others of you are looking for that special someone and you’re wondering, “What am I looking for in a future spouse?”

Some of you have a Christian spouse. Your marriage is firmly built on Christ. It’s kind of like a Navy ship that is out to sea, and you bring it into dry dock quite often to do maintenance and repair or preventative maintenance on your marriage. And even when it goes out to sea and the seas are kind of rough, you do OK in your marriage relationship.

But for others of you, that marriage is like a Navy ship that is out in the middle of sea being rocked this way and that by the storms of life. And you’re not exactly sure what to do. You think, “We should probably bring it into dry dock to do maintenance.”

Still others of you may have a marriage that resembles a Navy ship that has been brought out to sea and has sunk in the middle of the ocean.

I’m here to tell you that no matter what your relationships are like, you have the perfect marriage. In Isaiah 62:5, this is how Jesus speaks about you: “As a bridegroom rejoices over his bride, so will your God rejoice over you.”

You see, this is who you are. You are in a perfect marriage relationship with your God in heaven—with Jesus as the groom, and you and I as his bride, his Church. And I know you may not feel it at times because of the way you’ve treated your relationships here on earth, whether as a single person or as someone who is married or divorced or widowed. Because of the things that you’ve said, the things that you’ve done, the things that you’ve left undone, or the things that you need to repent of.

So rest in this relationship—this perfect marriage relationship that your God has with you. The prophet Isaiah says your God will rejoice over you. How can he do that? Because this is what your husband in heaven has done for you. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians chapter 5 that your husband has loved you, his bride. He gave himself up for you. He has cleansed you. He has washed you with water through the Word in your baptism. He has presented you to himself as a radiant bride, his Church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish. Holy and blameless. That’s who you are.

And knowing that means you can rest in that relationship and all that Jesus brings to it. So as you think about what you might be looking for in a relationship with a future spouse, you know what to look for. Someone who points you to Jesus. Someone who has that solid relationship with God in heaven so that when you do get married, you can continue to remind each other of that perfect relationship that you both have.

And for those of you who are in a marriage that’s on that Navy ship out to sea—which seems to be rocking back and forth and threatened to be capsized—bring it into dry dock. Do preventative maintenance. And both of you get back into the Word of God and remind each other, “Hey, we are in a perfect relationship with our God in heaven.”

So what does that look like? It means there will be love, forgiveness, patience, understanding, healing, and peace. Because you are in that perfect marriage relationship between you and Jesus.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you are the example for single people of all times. Give the single people the strength to live a Christian life. Let encouragement from family and friends sustain them when days are lonely, and give them joy in lives of service to you.

Heavenly Savior, you have instituted and blessed marriage, so also help those who are married to keep you ever in their homes. Forgive them for those times that they have let anger or distrust or unhappiness or lack of devotion harm their relationships. Teach those who are married to turn to you and to talk to each other to get through difficult times and to bring Christ back into the home and to remind each other of that special relationship that you have with us.

Father in heaven, we also ask that you be with all of our warfighters, our active duty National Guard Reserve troops that have been activated, called up to service to our borders here between the United States and Mexico. We pray that you would keep them safe in their missions, to help them to be firm when they need to be firm, and to help them to be loving and compassionate and patient when they need to be loving and kind and patient. Be with them. Keep them safe and bring them back home to their families and friends, in your time and in your way, according to your good pleasure. We ask this all in your name. Amen.

When I was in Okinawa recently, I stood in the location for the final battle of World War II. When the American forces landed on the western side of the island, they did not experience the opposition that they had when they landed on previous islands to engage the Japanese forces. When they rolled up onto the island, they walked around, did some scouting, and didn’t see any enemy forces.

Then three or four days later, the Japanese really let them have it. You see, the Japanese allowed the American forces to land where they did and let them set up camp where they wanted, because then they knew exactly where the American forces would be and where they would be setting up camp. They then had their artillery zeroed in on those locations. They had their enemy forces located in the intricate web of caves, in the cliffs, and in the hills of the island of Okinawa, because they knew exactly where our troops would be so they would inflict heavy casualties on them.

Some days it feels that way, doesn’t it? Our life is kind of like a battlefield. And actually, the Bible describes it that way. And it’s because we are baptized into Christ. Because we are baptized into Christ, we have his name on us. The devil marks us as the enemy, and he knows exactly where to hit us with temptations so that we despair when things come up in our lives and we say, “What is going on?” We wonder where God is. The devil tempts us into false belief. He tempts us into great and shameful sin, and it just seems that no matter where we go, the devil always knows how to get us. We’re baptized into a battlefield.

But you know, my friends, that Jesus was baptized into a battlefield too. The Bible tells us that as soon as Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit led him out into the wilderness to engage with the devil in hand-to-hand combat—spiritual hand-to-hand combat. The devil was tempting him for 40 days and 40 nights, but on that battlefield, Jesus won the battle for us. He won the fight for us so we know that when we are on this battlefield called life—and it oftentimes feels like we’re losing and like the devil has our location zeroed in all the time—we know that the battle has been won, because Jesus has won it for us.

Not only are we baptized into a battlefield, but Galatians 3 tells us that all of us who are baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ (verse 27). Not only do we have Jesus’ name on us as his friend, as his ally, as his brothers and sisters, but we also have been clothed with him in his righteous life. The life that he won when he engaged in battle with the devil—he gives us that. And he doesn’t leave us alone.

When the American forces were on the island of Okinawa, there were times that platoons of Marines were by themselves for a very, very long time, until reinforcements came to relieve them of the battle fatigue and all the things they were going through in that battle on Okinawa.

In that same way, Jesus doesn’t leave us alone. He gives us this promise in our baptism. He gives us this promise in his Word that he will never leave us or abandon us. He also gives us his Lord’s Prayer, especially the Sixth and Seventh Petitions—lead us not into temptation; deliver us from evil.

Those are things the Father promises to do for us when we pray to him. So, my friends, know that, yes, you are baptized into a battlefield, but you are also baptized into Christ.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, at times we tend to despair because of the way that the devil tempts us, the way that he assaults us. It feels like we’re in a fierce battle every single day of our lives, but we also know that we are baptized into your name, and because of that, we have won the victory.

And so also in that same spirit, Lord Jesus, we ask that you be with all of our warfighters who are deployed right now. Some of them are engaged in combat operations and are in harm’s way, and so we pray that you send your holy angels to watch over them. Protect them in body, mind, and soul. And also to be with their family members and friends here in the States. Remind them that they are not alone, but that you are with them. Surround them with good, faithful, Christian friends and neighbors to remind them of these promises too. We ask this in your name. Amen.