Monday, March 31, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Monday, March 31

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

Our grandson loves to play hide and seek.  He especially likes it when his father jumps out of his hiding place and surprises him. Our grandson squeals with glee.

He loves the excitement of the chase and the thrill of the surprise. But as we get older we learn that not all surprises are so benign. There are forces at work in the world that have nothing but an evil intent.
Growing up in this sin filled world, we soon learn the wisdom of avoiding dark alleys. Criminals and evil of every kind seek to do us harm.

The worst adversary is the devil.  All of his work is contrary to the will of God.  While God’s ultimate will for you is to be saved eternally, Satan’s ultimate will for you is to die eternally in hell.

Since we live in such dangerous times, St. Peter directs us to be sober-minded and watchful. God gives us His word as a guide and guard for our lives.  He knows that as soon as we stray from the path laid out for us by His holy law, we will fall pray to the fangs of the roaring lion who seeks to devour us.

But have no fear:

Though devils all the world should fill,
All eager to devour us.
We tremble not, we fear no ill,
They shall not overpower us.
This world's prince may still
Scowl fierce as he will,
He can harm us none,
He's judged; the deed is done;
One little word can fell him.
A Mighty Fortress is Our God, stanza 3

When Christ uttered the word from the cross, “It is finished,” He declared Satan defeated for all time.  Rest secure in the loving arms of your Savior, Jesus.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, your will was that Jesus would defeat the devil for us on the cross. Keep us in the true faith that through His life, death and resurrection, we will join you forever in the life of the world to come. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Sunday, March 30, 2014

Lenten Devotion - The Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 30

(Jesus said,) “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” John 9:5

Those who do not know God and His will are condemned to wander around in the dark. The sin darkened world is a dangerous place. People who are ignorant of God’s word or reject it make decisions that have both temporal and lasting consequences.

From Genesis to Revelation God has revealed to us the spiritual reality behind all that we see. Still, I am often surprised by the number of Christian people who chose to be among those who are ignorant of God’s word.

Over and over again I learn of the anguish of Christian parents whose children have decided that they know more than God about running their lives. Their parents pray fervently that their children would not suffer irreparable harm because of their willful disobedience.

Fortunately, it is never too late to repent and believe the Gospel.  God’s Holy Spirit is willing to do what Luther calls His “alien work.”  It is the work of bringing sin to light.  When God sent the prophet Nathan to David, it was to bring David to repentance.  He had been willfully living in the darkness of his adultery and murder.  To this Nathan declares: “You are the man!” (Read 2 Samuel 12).

Nathan next declares God’s judgment upon David. Then David, by the power of the Holy Spirit, is brought to repentance and restored to faith! Thanks be to God that Nathan had the privilege of announcing to David God’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit was able to do His proper work of producing faith.

In response to this event David writes: “I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,’ and you forgave the iniquity of my sin” (Psalm 32:5).

May the light of Christ and His word shine into our hearts.  Where we have failed to live according to God’s will, may His word bring us to repentance.  When we have come to repentance, may His mercy abound more as the light of the Gospel of forgiveness penetrates our sin darkened hearts.

Prayer: O heavenly Father, cause the light of your word to penetrate our souls so that the Holy Spirit may work there to bring us to repentance and faith. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Saturday, March 29, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Saturday, March 29

(God) desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.  1 Timothy 2:4

Some years ago I met a man whose language was so foul I knew that he couldn’t possibly be a Christian and that there was no hope that he ever would be! But here comes the rest of the story.

A few years later I found myself serving as chairman of a community mental health committee and as it turned out, this man’s wife was the secretary of the committee.  This committee met more or less regularly and through this work I became acquainted with her. As is so often the case, she was the polar opposite of her husband. She was soft spoken and very religious.  I learned that she even was an officer in her church.

Unfortunately as time passed, she discovered that her church supported abortion. In her professional life she was a nurse and worked with mothers and their young children.  She could not accept the fact that the church she had so avidly supported would now take a stand that refused to support the rights of unborn babies.

She was determined to find another church. Since I had worked with her on this committee in our community, she confided all this in me. She then told me that in her search for a new church that she would start with the Lutheran church.  I explained to her our process of adult instruction.  We didn’t want someone to join our church only to find out some months or years later that our teachings are something that they found objectionable.

Then the first miracle happened.  She convinced her husband to attend classes with her. Yes, this is the same man who in my opinion would never be a Christian.  I must admit that I approached those first classes with more than a little anxiety.

The second miracle came when at the end of the course of instruction both she and her husband chose to be confirmed!  Not only that, they eventually became counselors for a Lutheran summer camp!
Some time in the process this woman came to me and exclaimed, “If I would have known what becoming a Lutheran would do for my husband, I would have joined your church long ago.”

Lesson learned! Never give up on a loved one or friend who seems to be a hopeless case. God desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, may your will be done in our lives and in the lives of those we love.  May the word of Christ’s grace and forgiveness touch the lives of people around me. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Friday, March 28, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Friday, March 28

For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” John 6:40

Luther’s Small Catechism reads:

 Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.

How is God’s will done? God’s will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God’s name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die.
This is His good and gracious will.

I have heard silly questions asked by well meaning Christians. Here are a couple examples of those types of silly questions, “I wonder if it is God’s will for me today to shop at Walmart or Meijer.” “Is it God’s will for me to wear green or red today.” (I admit that I’m making those questions up, but they represent the kinds of things that some Christians fret over.)

God has given us perfect freedom to make decisions in our lives when choosing between none sinful activities.  Some decisions may exhibit a greater or lesser degree of wisdom, but we are free to choose without worrying if we are violating God’s will.

However, it is never God’s will for us to sin! I have actually heard this type of faulty logic: “God wants me to be happy! I can only be happy if I break a promise or commitment that I've made, therefore God wants me to be unfaithful to my promises.”

What is God’s good and perfect will for you?  It is God’s will for you to believe in His Son and receive eternal life and be raised on the last day! Thy will be done!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending Jesus into the world to be my Savior.  Thank you that in the Garden of Gethsemane when Jesus struggled with the prospect of the cross, He declared, “Not my will but Thine be done.” Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Thursday, March 27, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Thursday, March 27

You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. Deuteronomy 4:2

 Determining God’s will in our daily lives can be both difficult and easy. It can be difficult if you listen to television, radio or internet preachers who pretend to have special messages from God.  Who can you believe?  They seem always to be finding things that are new and unusual.  It can be difficult to know whom we are to trust.

Likewise there are many religious people who claim that the Bible is old fashioned and that much of what it says is no longer appropriate for life in the 21st Century.  God’s plan for marriage is prejudiced and irrelevant. The miracles are myths written for a pre-scientific era. We no longer need all the baggage that the Bible brings to the table. It’s difficult to know which parts of the Bible should be tossed out as superstition.

Trying to sort through all these opinions can be difficult. But it can also be easy, if we remember that God tells us not to add to what He has commanded and not to take away from it either.

God’s will is revealed in His holy word as contained in the Bible.  It tells us all He wants us to know about His love for us in Christ.  It tells us of forgiveness, faith and life. God has not kept secret His will but freely shares it with all who are willing to believe.

Prayer: Father, send Your Holy Spirit into our hearts so that we may know and believe your will as revealed to us in the Bible. Help us to see that the entire Bible points to the cross of Christ, our Savior. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Wednesday, March 26

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

Here are some of Luther’s thoughts from the Large Catechism regarding “Thy will be done:”

“If we would be Christians, therefore, we must surely expect and count on having the devil with all his angels and the world as our enemies [Matthew 25:41; Revelation 12:9]. They will bring every possible misfortune and grief upon us. For where God’s Word is preached, accepted, or believed and produces fruit, there the holy cross cannot be missing [Acts 14:22]. And let no one think that he shall have peace [Matthew 10:34]. He must risk whatever he has upon earth—possessions, honor, house and estate, wife and children, body and life. Now, this hurts our flesh and the old Adam [Ephesians 4:22]. The test is to be steadfast and to suffer with patience [James 5:7–8] in whatever way we are assaulted, and to let go whatever is taken from us [1 Peter 2:20–21].

So there is just as great a need, as in all the other petitions, that we pray without ceasing, ‘Dear Father, Your will be done, not the devil’s will or our enemies’ or anything that would persecute and suppress Your holy Word or hinder Your kingdom. Grant that we may bear with patience and overcome whatever is to be endured because of Your Word and kingdom, so that our poor flesh may not yield or fall away because of weakness or sluggishness.’”

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, we live in a world where Your will seems neglected and rejected. Strengthen us in faith that we would learn to love your holy will and seek for it to be fulfilled among us. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus


Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Tuesday, March 25

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17

“Shalom, my friend, Shalom” are the words of a song from my youth.  In the 1960’s we sang this song with gusto and feeling.  With a quick Google search I see that it is still around and even has a Youtube video!

Unfortunately, it wasn't until I had been a pastor for many years that I began to actually understand the Biblical meaning of the world “Shalom” which we often translate as “peace.”  A wise professor once advised that every pastor should make word studies a part of his sermon preparation. Following that advice one day, I took to examining this little word.  On that day my way of thinking changed.

I discovered that in the Old Testament, shalom or peace is the condition that results from living in the Kingdom of God. This is the time when God reigns and all of His enemies are defeated.  This is the time when the paradise of Eden is restored and righteousness is fully experienced by all.  When a believer says, “Peace (shalom) be with you,” he means" I want you to have all of the blessings of living in the time when God fully and completely reigns in righteousness and joy."

This time will be completely and fully upon us in the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come.  It begins now when we enter God’s kingdom through Holy Baptism.  It is made real for us by Jesus life, death and resurrection so that we may receive the blessing He won for us on the cross.  Shalom is a short hand way of praying for God’s kingdom to come in all of its fullness.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, send us your Spirit that He may grant to us the righteousness, peace and joy of living in your kingdom. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Monday, March 24, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Monday, March 24

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15

Among the many activities of Lent, repentance must always remain in the foreground. Jesus, John the Baptist and the Apostles all began their preaching with a call to repentance.

When the kingdom of God seems distant, we may tend to believe that we live in kingdoms created by our own desires and decisions. Living in these self-made kingdoms can soon become tiresome and dangerous.

Earthly pleasures soon give way to cries of “I’m bored.” Taking hold of life and claiming the responsibility of becoming a self-made and self-important man or woman can lead to self-destructive behaviors for those who are totally self-absorbed.  We all must deal with the consequences of people who only look out for number one and care little for the lives and feelings of others.

Wars and rumors of wars abound throughout history.  Thefts, carjackings, and muggings fill the news. The world is a dangerous place because of self-made kingdoms of selfishness and power.

When God’s kingdom breaks into this world wonderful things happen: “The blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Matthew 11:5).

Those who wish to enter this wonderful world of Christ’s kingdom are called to repent and believe the Gospel. May the Holy Spirit work repentance in our hearts so that we may always believe in our Savior and receive the blessings that He won for us on the cross.

Prayer: O Father in heaven, thank you for calling us out of the world of sin and darkness into your wonderful kingdom.  Keep us safe and secure in the faith until we join you in eternity with all the saints in your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Sunday, March 23, 2014

Lenten Devotion - The Third Sunday in Lent, March 23

Whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14

In our world there is much discussion about the gap between the rich and the poor, the have’s and have not’s.  I suppose there are a variety of reasons for this.  Some will point to the equity of financial rewards for those who work hard and take risks. Others will point to the inequity of exploitation and discrimination. One thing is sure in our sinful world, there will always be poor people. In fact Jesus tells us that the poor will be with us always (Mark 14:7).

While there is difficult in being financially challenged, there is even a more serious condition of poverty that affects the people of the world. There are  those who do not have the water of life!  It is too easy for us, even Christians, to be so focused on earthly wealth that we miss out on the heavenly treasures of forgiveness, life and salvation that Jesus won for us on the cross.

Concerning our prayer of “Thy kingdom come,” Luther in the Large Catechism reminds us:

“From this you see that we do not pray here for a crust of bread or a temporal, perishable good. Instead, we pray for an eternal inestimable treasure and everything that God Himself possesses. This is far too great for any human heart to think about desiring, if God had not Himself commanded us to pray for the same. But because He is God, He also claims the honor of giving much more and more abundantly than anyone can understand [Ephesians 3:20]. He is like an eternal, unfailing fountain. The more it pours forth and overflows, the more it continues to give. God desires nothing more seriously from us than that we ask Him for much and great things. In fact, He is angry if we do not ask and pray confidently [Hebrews 4:16].”

Prayer: Our Father, who art in heaven, in the midst of so many earthly distractions, help us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and our minds on things above. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Saturday, March 22, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Saturday, March 22

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, 
  and his kingdom rules over all. Ps 103:19

When we pray, “Thy kingdom come,” it is important to remember that we are praying for Christ’s kingdoms of Grace and Glory to come.  We are asking that the Church would grow and that we would be a part of it in time and eternity.

Our Father also rules over His Kingdom of Power.  Like it or not, every one and every thing is subject to God’s reign in the universe and the laws of nature.

It is true that at times God chooses to temporarily suspend or change the laws of nature.  We call those times “miracles.” Jesus turned water into wine, calmed the sea, walked on water, and rose from the dead.  Yet most often we are all bound by the natural laws of the universe that were established and are maintained by God.

Even unbelievers are bound by the laws of God’s Kingdom of Power. The beauty of nature, the majesty of the universe, and complexity of our human bodies all testify to the power and wisdom of God.

Those who claim that there is no God simply ignore the overwhelming evidence for the Almighty.  Yet in His power, His holiness and justice are also implied.  Death is a reality in His Kingdom of Power.
May God’s mighty power and awesome glory move us again to sincere thankfulness for the gift of His only-begotten Son who came to rescue us from the certainty of death.

Prayer: O Almighty God, as we see your majesty in nature, move us to seek your grace and mercy in the Gospel of Christ. Send your Holy Spirit into our hearts that we may grow in faith. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Friday, March 21, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Friday, March 21

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age. Matthew 28:19-20

In Luther’s Large Catechism, we read:

“For the coming of God’s kingdom to us happens in two ways: (a) here in time through the Word and faith [Matthew 13]; and (b) in eternity forever through revelation [Luke 19:11; 1 Peter 1:4–5]. Now we pray for both these things. We pray that the kingdom may come to those who are not yet in it, and, by daily growth that it may come to us who have received it, both now and hereafter in eternal life. All this is nothing other than saying, ‘Dear Father, we pray, give us first Your Word, so that the Gospel may be preached properly throughout the world. Second, may the Gospel be received in faith and work and live in us, so that through the Word and the Holy Spirit’s power [Romans 15:18–19], Your kingdom may triumph among us. And we pray that the devil’s kingdom be put down [Luke 11:17–20], so that he may have no right or power over us [Luke 10:17–19; Colossians 1], until at last his power may be utterly destroyed. So sin, death, and hell shall be exterminated [Revelation 20:13–14]. Then we may live forever in perfect righteousness and blessedness’ [Ephesians 4:12–13].”

Here Luther reminds us that “Thy Kingdom Come” is not only a prayer for personal blessings but it is also a great missionary prayer. Let us never begin to believe that Christ’s Kingdom is only for us and not for everyone for whom Jesus died.

Prayer: Father in heaven, may your Holy Spirit work in the hearts of your people to produce a missionary zeal for those who do not yet know the love of our Savior and the gift of eternal life. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Thursday, March 20, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Thursday, March 20

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. John 3:5

God’s kingdom is a marvelous thing. It is there for each of us to enjoy, yet it is impossible to break into.  Our sinful nature creates an impenetrable barrier locking us in the kingdom of the world, the kingdom of death, the kingdom of Satan.

Yet there is a way into God’s glorious kingdom.  It is by the working of the Holy Spirit through word and sacraments.  The Holy Spirit causes our old sinful self to die and our new Christ-like self to be born through the swirling waters of our baptism.

In the Small Catechism, Luther writes:
Thy kingdom come.
What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also.

How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.

Prayer:
Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ!
I have comfort even stronger: Jesus cleansing sacrifice. Amen.
LSB Hymn 594 St. 2a

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Wednesday, March 19

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come.
Matthew 6:9-10

Luther writes in the Large Catechism:
Just as God’s name is holy in itself, and we still pray that it be holy among us, so also His kingdom comes of itself, without our prayer. Yet we still pray that it may come to us, that is, triumph among us and with us, so that we may be a part of those people among whom His name is hallowed and His kingdom prospers.

 “But what is God’s kingdom?”
Answer, “Nothing other than what we learned in the Creed: God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, into the world to redeem and deliver us from the devil’s power [1 John 3:8]. He sent Him to bring us to Himself and to govern us as a King of righteousness, life, and salvation against sin, death, and an evil conscience. For this reason He has also given His Holy Spirit, who is to bring these things home to us by His holy Word and to illumine and strengthen us in the faith by His power.”

We pray here in the first place that this may happen with us. We pray that His name may be so praised through God’s holy Word and a Christian life that we who have accepted it may abide and daily grow in it, and that it may gain approval and acceptance among other people. We pray that it may go forth with power throughout the world [2 Thessalonians 3:1]. We pray that many may find entrance into the kingdom of grace [John 3:5], be made partakers of redemption [Colossians 1:12–14], and be led to it by the Holy Spirit [Romans 8:14], so that we may all together remain forever in the one kingdom now begun.

Prayer: Father gives us Your Holy Spirit, so that by Your grace we believe Your holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Tuesday, March 18

I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.  Ephesians 4:1

Have you chosen to give up something for Lent? If you haven’t, that’s okay.  However, many people do choose to exercise special discipline in their lives during the season of Lent.

One possible negative side effect of exercising special discipline in Lent is forgetting how necessary it is “to walk in a manner worthy” of Christ all year long.  Praying, “Our Father, Who art in heaven, Hallowed by Thy name” all year round can serve as a reminder of the necessity of holy living for the sake of God’s name.

In the Large Catechism, Luther writes, “We should pray for ourselves who have God’s Word but are not thankful for it, nor live like we ought according to the Word. If you pray for this with your heart, you can be sure that it pleases God. For He will not hear anything more dear to Him than that His honor and praise is exalted above everything else and that His Word is taught in its purity and is considered precious and dear.”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant to us your Holy Spirit that our lives would be worthy of our calling in Christ. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Monday, March 17, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Monday, March 17 - Saint Patrick's Day

Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16

This winter has been more extreme than most of us are accustomed to. With the wind and ice and snow many people across our country have had to endure days without electricity.

You may have experienced a time in your life when the power went out in the middle of the night and you hadn’t prepared by placing a flash light next to your bed.  Even your familiar house becomes strange and threatening in the depth of darkness that accompanies a power outage on an overcast or moonless night.

This will help you to imagine the spiritual darkness of the world that seeks to live without the light of Christ.  Danger awaits every step.

Into this world of darkness God sent His Son to be the Light of the world. Unfortunately some will reject Jesus because they have been hurt or abused by those who claim to bear His name. God’s name is not holy in the world when Christian people are rude, insulting, offensive or obnoxious.

Jesus has called upon us to let our light shine in the sin darkened world. None of us may ever be referred to as a "Saint" such as Saint Patrick, nevertheless,  Lent is not a time to hide our Gospel light under a bushel but it is a time to brightly illumine the forgiveness, life and salvation that Jesus won for us on the cross.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we pray that the world will see the holiness of Your name through the light that shines forth from the lives of your Christian people. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Sunday, March 16, 2014

Lenten Devotion - The Second Sunday in Lent, March 16

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. John 3:16-17

This Lenten verse should always ring in our ears! “Whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

God’s Name is kept holy when the truth of this verse is taught and believed! We must always fight the false notions that it is good works or giving money or a good character, etc. that brings eternal life.

You may remember that at Jesus’ crucifixion, the passing crowds and even the criminals crucified next to Him hurled insults at our dying Savior. This despicable behavior is hard to excuse.  Yet every time someone proclaims or believes a plan of salvation other than the one described by Jesus in this verse, they hurl insults at the dying Savior.

If there is another way to heaven than through the cross, then Jesus’ death was in vain and a squandering of Jesus’ precious blood. Let us keep God’s name holy by teaching the simple truth of Jesus’ words in John 3.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, let us never condemn ourselves by rejecting the simple and clear message of the Gospel. Grant us the joy of sharing in the holiness of Your name for all eternity because of your only-begotten Son, given for us sinners. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Saturday, March 15, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Saturday, March 15

Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. John 17:17

Today is the Ides of March. On this day in 44 B.C. Julius Caesar was assassinated as result of a conspiracy by many Roman senators. While this may seem to be a footnote of history, it also can teach a valuable lesson.

As we go through life, like Julius Caesar, it is possible to acquire a false sense of invincibility. This is a lie of Satan to keep us away from the truth of the Gospel.  If in fact there is no such thing as sin and its consequence in hell, then there is no need for a Savior.

Satan’s chief tool is the lie.  He lies to us and convinces us to lie to ourselves.  For this reason Jesus prays in His High Priestly Prayer, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

Our holy heavenly Father has given us His holy word for our benefit and blessing. May Jesus’ prayer be fulfilled during this Lenten season as we immerse ourselves in the word.

Let each detail of Jesus’ suffering and death remind us again of God’s great love for us.

Prayer: Lord, Your name is kept holy when Your word of truth fills us and strengthens our faith.  Grant to us a hunger and thirst for your word and righteousness, now in Lent and always.  Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Friday, March 14, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Friday, March 14

Let him who has my word speak my word faithfully. Jeremiah 23:28

A big part of seminary education in the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod is dedicated to helping future pastors speak God’s word faithfully.  So it comes as a surprise to a young pastor that this skill is so little prized among some in his flock.

Pastors are frequently afflicted with comments such as “That’s just your opinion” or “It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere or as long as you are a good person.”  Trying to remain faithful to the whole counsel of God in our preaching and teaching can be a thankless job.

Yet faithfulness to God’s word is not only required of pastors but it is required of all Christians.  When we pray for God’s name to be hallowed, we are praying that it would not be used for lying or inventions.  We pray that in our midst no one would say, “God says,” when God does not in fact say such a thing.

Martin Luther writes in the Large Catechism: “We should pray against whatever opposes and persecutes our Gospel and pure doctrine and would suppress it.”

Luther understood, as we should as well, that for the Gospel rightly to be  taught and believed is the most important task of the Church. Lent is particularly a time to get the Gospel right as we see our Savior nailed to the cross for the sins of the world.

Prayer: O Father in Heaven, may our preaching and teaching always be faithful so that your name would be kept holy among us. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Thursday, March 13, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Thursday, March 13

You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Exodus 20:7

 The use of language may be one of the greatest challenges for Christians seeking to live the Christian life.  There was a time in our culture when profanity and vulgar speech was something that was recognized as wrong.  It does appear today that foul language has become common even in what at one time we referred to as “polite company.”  Not only do sailors talk like sailors but so do young and seemingly innocent boys and girls.

Of course foul and vulgar language is nothing new.  It has been a problem through the ages. Still when we as Christians engage in this kind of talk, it does reflect poorly on our heavenly Father.  Every family has a reputation that may or not have been earned or deserved.  So also does the family of God. My prayer is that God’s family would not be demeaned through my language or actions.

Even worse than using vulgar speech is using God’s holy name in sinful and repulsive ways. When we pray, “Hallowed by Thy name,” may we again be reminded of the importance of proper speech in the family of God.

Nevertheless, we all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. It is important to remember during this Lenten season that Jesus went to the cross to pay for our misuse of His holy name.  When we thoughtlessly take God’s name in vain, may we return to Jesus and hear him exclaim, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Prayer: O Father in heaven, let your name be holy in my life and among my friends and family.  When I fail to use my words the way I should, bring me to repentance and grant me forgiveness. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Wednesday, March 12

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Matthew 6:9

 Concerning this petition Luther writes in the Large Catechism:

“This is, indeed, somewhat difficult, and not expressed in good German. For in our mother tongue we would say, “Heavenly Father, help us in every way so that Your name may be holy.”

“But what does it mean to pray that His name may be holy? Is it not holy already?”
Answer, “Yes, it is always holy in its nature, but in our use it is not holy.” For God’s name was given to us when we became Christians and were baptized [Matthew 28:19]. So we are called God’s children and have the Sacraments, by which He connects us with Himself so that everything that belongs to God must serve for our use [Romans 8:16–17].

Now, here is a great need that we ought to be most concerned about. This name should have its proper honor; it should be valued holy and grand as the greatest treasure and holy thing that we have. As godly children we should pray that God’s name, which is already holy in heaven, may also be and remain holy with us upon earth and in all the world.

“But how does it become holy among us?”
Answer, as plainly as it can be said: “When both our doctrine and life are godly and Christian.” Since we call God our Father in this prayer, it is our duty always to act and behave ourselves as godly children, that He may not receive shame, but honor and praise from us.”

In the Small Catechism he writes:
What does this mean? God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we pray in this petition that it may be kept holy among us also.

How is God’s name kept holy? God’s name is kept holy when the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we, as the children of God, also lead holy lives according to it. Help us to do this, dear Father in heaven! But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to God’s Word profanes the name of God among us. Protect us from this, heavenly Father!

Prayer: Hallowed by Thy Name. Dear heavenly Father let me never say or do anything that would bring disrespect and disgrace to your holy Name. When I fail, bring me to repentance and grant me forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Tuesday, March 11

See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. 1 John 3:1

And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living” Luke 15:11-13.

You may be familiar with these words.  This is how Jesus begins the story of the Prodigal Son.  Human relationships can be complicated and beyond explanation.  Why would a son who had been given so much by his father abandon his father’s love?  It is hard to know.  Yet you may have seen this story play out over and over again in the lives of people around you.

Sons and daughters are cared for and loved.  They are lavished with gifts from their parents and yet at some point human pride, the sinful world and temptation to evil overcome common sense and moral sensibilities.

Indeed one way or another, each of us has been prodigal in our own way.  Some of us may have gone to extremes and others less so. Yet the comforting truth of this story is found in its conclusion: “While he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.”

Every time we begin prayer with the words “Our Father, who art in heaven,” we can be sure of our Father’s love for the returning prodigal son or daughter.  Let us never doubt the care and love that God has for his children when they return to him in repentance.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven let me always believe that You are my true Father and that I am Your true child, so that with all boldness and confidence I may ask You as dear children ask their dear father. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.





Monday, March 10, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Monday, March 10

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Ps 19:14

Martin Luther had a variety of experiences with prayer before the Reformation. Not all of his experiences were good, right and proper.  In the middle of a thunderstorm, rather than praying to the true God, he asked St. Anne for help. In the monastery, he was exposed to the useless repetition of prayers.

In the Large Catechism he writes, “Let this be said as encouragement, so that people may learn, first of all, to value prayer as something great and precious and to make a proper distinction between babbling and praying for something. For we by no means reject prayer. We reject the bare, useless howling and murmuring, as Christ Himself also rejects and prohibits long idle talk [Matthew 6:7].”

The Psalmist offers a wise prayer, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord.” While we ought not fear that our prayers do not live up to God’s standards when we cry for mercy, it is also important to remember that thoughtless babbling and repeating of meaningless mantras have no place in our prayer life.

May all of our Lenten prayers be offered in sincerity, kneeling before our crucified and risen Savior.

Prayer: O Lord, Jesus, may the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight.  Thank you for hearing and answering my sincere cries for mercy. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus.

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Sunday, March 09, 2014

Lenten Devotion - The First Sunday in Lent, March 9

But (Jesus) answered, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Matt 4:4

Today the Gospel lesson recounts Jesus’ temptation and His response to the Devil. Our Lenten season is modeled on Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness following His baptism.

It may seem that after baptism and faith in Christ, spiritual life should become easy.  Yet often just the opposite is true.  During times of special spiritual devotions, it looks as though the Devil works overtime.

During the Divine Service distractions abound.  In our personal devotions and prayers, it can be difficult to focus.  During Lent when you are working harder to pray and read Holy Scriptures, Satan can make our days busier than ever.

Yet it is especially during these times of trial that God’s word and prayer become the most helpful. God declares, “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me” (Ps 50:15).
In fact God may allow these troubles to come in order to help us refocus our priorities.  How wonderful it is that God does not reject us because of our weakness in spiritual struggles but rather promises to hear and deliver us.

Luther writes in the Large Catechism: “We need to know this: all our shelter and protection rest in prayer alone. For we are far too weak to deal with the devil and all his power and followers who set themselves against us. They might easily crush us under their feet. Therefore, we must consider and take up those weapons with which Christians must be armed in order to stand against the devil.”

Prayer: Dear Lord, even Jesus was accosted by Satan and tempted to sin.  When these temptations come our way, hear our prayers and bring us deliverance as you have promised. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus.

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.



Saturday, March 08, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Saturday, March 8

O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. Psalm 139:1-2

We live in a time when words can circle the globe in a matter of moments. Hundreds and thousands of people can know the words we write on Facebook and Twitter. Conversations with distant friends and relatives are possible with smart phones and Skype.

In spite of all our communications devices, no one truly knows our thoughts.  It is sometimes possible to smile and laugh when your heart is breaking. In the most difficult times, you can put a smile on your face and say everything is fine.

Yet with God no hidden thoughts are possible or necessary.  He knows our every thought.  It is the depth of God’s knowledge of our thoughts that makes the truth of God’s forgiveness in Christ so wonderful.  There is no hiding the truth from God.  It is the truth of your sin that moved Christ to go to the cross for you.

Now in Christ, it is a great comfort to understand that your thoughts are known to God.  Your prayers can be elaborate or simple.  They can be spoken in full voice or whispered. They can simply spring from your heart into your mind and God hears and answers.

Prayer: Lord you, you have searched me and have known me. Thank you for the wonderful gift of my beautiful Savior, who knows all my faults and failures and still brings me forgiveness and salvation. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus.




Friday, March 07, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Friday, March 7

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Many of us who have grown up on the shores of Lake Michigan have a deep and abiding love of the water. I remember my parents taking me to our awe inspiring beaches—Cherry Beach, Warren Dunes, Weko Beach, Lion’s Beach and Silver Beach, just to name a few.

Of course as children we begged to go more often than we should have. Playing games in the waves and the sand was always a special treat. While learning to swim, we also learned to dive under the water.

My brothers and sisters would sometimes have competitions to see who could hold their breath the longest.  30 seconds, 45 seconds, 60 seconds and sometimes even longer.  But sooner rather than later we would have to surface to catch a breath.

Prayer is like breathing.  It is something that Christians must do.  Just as it would be impossible to go for hours, days or weeks without breathing, so also would it be impossible for a Christian to go for hours, days or weeks without praying.  Food, water and air are necessary for the life of our bodies. So also are Word, sacraments and prayer necessary for our spiritual life. Consciously or sometimes without even being totally aware, we all must pray without ceasing.

May this time of Lent be a special time for us to intentionally come to our loving Savior in prayer for He is the one who died for us and continually offers up prayers in our behalf.

Prayer: O Christ, the Lamb of God, You take away the sin of the world.  Have mercy on us and receive our prayers.  Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.



Thursday, March 06, 2014

Lenten Devotion - Thursday, March 6

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7

Luther continues in the Large Catechism, “Before we explain the Lord’s Prayer part by part, it is most necessary first to encourage and stir people to prayer, as Christ and the apostles also have done.”

I have arrived at a time in my life that I often qualify for a senior discount. (How did I get so old?)  Some time ago when I was first offered a senior drink at a fast food restaurant, I was somewhat taken aback. Now whenever I have to pay admission or eat at a fast food place, I ask for a senior discount.  It took me a while to get to this point.  At first I found it embarrassing and a bit demeaning to ask but I soon discovered that a senior discount is seldom offered without asking.

Christians may be hesitant to go to God in prayer. We may either feel it is unnecessary or that we aren't important enough to be heard.  Both of these notions are false. God does indeed know our needs before we ask (Matt 6:8), but He instructs us to ask. You never have to worry whether or not God wants to hear from you.  He always does.  To give you that confidence, He directs you to ask.

Likewise, you may sometimes be paralyzed by fear when coming before someone of immense authority and power (Think of the Cowardly Lion and the Great and Powerful Oz). At these times God wants you to know that He is your loving Father and you may come without fear to Him with all your needs.

Our Father who art in heaven.
What does this mean? With these words God tenderly invites us to believe that He is our true Father and that we are His true children, so that with all boldness and confidence we may ask Him as dear children ask their dear father.

Prayer: Dear Father in heaven, thank you for your overwhelming love for us in Jesus and His cross.  Help me always remember that through my baptism, I have become your child and an heir of grace. Amen.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus


Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Ash Wednesday Devotion

Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” And he said to them, “When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Luke 11:1-2

Martin Luther begins his discussion of prayer and the Lord’s Prayer in the Large Catechism with these words:

“We have now heard what we must do and believe, in what things the best and happiest life consists. Now follows the third part, how we ought to pray. For we are in a situation where no person can perfectly keep the Ten Commandments, even though he has begun to believe. The devil with all his power, together with the world and our own flesh, resists our efforts. Therefore, nothing is more necessary than that we should continually turn towards God’s ear, call upon Him, and pray to Him. We must pray that He would give, preserve, and increase faith in us and the fulfillment of the Ten Commandments [2 Thessalonians 1:3]. We pray that He would remove everything that is in our way and that opposes us in these matters. So that we might know what and how to pray, our Lord Christ has Himself taught us both the way and the words [Luke 11:1–4], as we shall see.”

May we always pray in the way and with the words that please Jesus.

Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.

God's richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus


Download a pdf of all the Lenten devotions here.


Introduction to Pray Without Ceasing -- Lenten Devotions based on the Lord's Prayer

Dear Members of Christ Lutheran,

Pastor Measel and I pray that your Lenten experience with Christ and His word will deepen your faith and prayer life.

As each year passes I am moved to drink more deeply from the wellspring of life that is the Gospel of our Lord. I desire to know more of the depth of the riches and knowledge of God as revealed in Holy Scripture.  Part of this journey is to learn more and more about prayer and conversation with God.
While it is true that even the simplest, sincere prayer of a Christian is heard such as in the cry of the ten lepers, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us” (Luke 17:13),  it is also true that as we grow and mature in the faith, there comes a time to grow a mature in our prayer life. One common misconception is the notion that if prayer is sincere and heartfelt then nothing more is to be gained in learning to pray. Of course this is not true.

Once years ago and again recently, I was confronted by people who believe that praying the Lord’s Prayer is an inadequate expression of our prayer life or an indication of thoughtlessness or carelessness in our prayers.  However, Luther understood the priority of the Lord’s Prayer in Christian devotion.  In the Catechism, he introduces both his Morning and Evening Prayers with these words:

In the morning when you get up, make the sign of the holy cross and say: “In the name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Then, kneeling or standing, repeat the Creed and the Lord’s Prayer. If you choose, you may also say this little prayer:

One of these  individuals declared, “Jesus only meant for the Lord’s Prayer to be a model prayer but not to be used word for word.” He then quoted Matthew 6:9 in which Jesus introduces the Lord’s Prayer with these words, “Pray then like this:” Unfortunately this individual (no matter how well meaning) had neglected to carefully read his Bible.  In Matthew Jesus introduces the Lord’s Prayer to counteract heaping up “empty phrases as the Gentiles do” (Matt 6:7).

An even stronger indication that Jesus expects us to pray the Lord’s Prayer is found in Luke.  In Luke 6:1 one of Jesus’ disciples recognizes his need to grow in his ability to pray and so he pleads with Jesus, “Lord, teach us to pray.”  In response to this appeal, Jesus says, “When you pray, say: ‘Father, hallowed be your name…’” Here Jesus clearly expects that this disciple and all of us will say the words of the prayer He has taught us.

May our Lenten services and sermons along with this devotion booklet help you to grow in your appreciation of our Savior and His love for us through His cross and resurrection.  May they also serve as a catalyst to a deeper and more fervent prayer life for us all.

God’s richest blessings in Christ,
Pastor Philip Quardokus

As you pray the prayers provided each day in this devotion booklet, please consider also praying the Lord’s Prayer.