by Ruth Olsen
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Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he’, and will deceive many (Mark 13:6).
Read Mark 13:1–8
Have you ever been deceived? It is not pleasant, is it? No matter how it happened, there’s betrayal and undermining of trust. We tend to believe what we see, the outer appearance. Like the disciples standing around Jesus being impressed with the magnificent buildings and massive stones, or whatever advert tickles our ears, eyes or feelings, we often do not discern what is being offered. But, as Samuel learned when sent by God to the family of Jesse at Bethlehem to anoint the one God had chosen to replace King Saul, God looks on the heart, our attitudes and motivations (1 Samuel 16:7).
The reality is that if we think we cannot be deceived, we actually are deceived. We are depending on ourselves. We don’t recognise our blind spots, hard hearts, deaf ears, self-pride. We need the Holy Spirit to give us soft, repentant, tender and teachable hearts, willing to humble ourselves, to pray, and to seek the Lord’s face.
There will be strife, wars, nations rising against nations, earthquakes and famines. Jesus describes these as the beginning of birth pains, perhaps to move us to a deeper, wider perspective of what is truly happening. To awaken us to our need of him? Be on your guard because unpleasant things will happen in this broken world! But he doesn’t abandon us. The Counsellor, the Holy Spirit whom the Father has sent in Jesus’ name, will teach us all things and remind us of what Jesus has said. Over time, he draws us into a deeper relationship if we are willing, bringing God’s word increasingly alive to us, enabling us to learn to walk in Jesus’ peace (John 14:26,27). To recognise, discern and yield to God’s ways instead of the ways of our fallen nature.
Holy Spirit, Spirit of Truth, teach and train us to discern the difference between truth and deception. Open the eyes of our hearts to Jesus with us to the deeper things of life, day by day. Amen.
Tough things happen in life for each of us at some stage. Currently, Ruth is on a health-issue journey with Jesus in a ‘winter season’. For helpful insights into seasons, she recommends Pastor Rolly Stahl’s teaching series, ‘Seasons of the Soul’, available on YouTube.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge (Psalm 16:1).
Read Psalm 16
Have you ever received produce in a preserving jar? Perhaps you have relatives who preserve the wonderful fruits and vegetables from their harvest, or maybe you preserve them yourself. If you are familiar with preserves, you’ll notice that they often don’t have a true expiration date, as preserved items are typically safe to eat for a long time.
The first verse of Psalm 16 finds David asking God to preserve his life or to keep him safe. David writes this psalm, perhaps generally asking God for ongoing preservation from enemies and that which would attack his life, as there is no imminent threat mentioned.
It is the same for us when we hear the words of Psalm 16. We, too, call out to God, asking to be preserved and kept safe in his name because we put our hope in him. We can trust in his promises that his love never fails nor ends. By his love, God sent his only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die for our sins so that in his name, we are assured of forgiveness, life and salvation. In all things, we, by faith, take refuge in the living God, knowing that we are his children, and he will keep us safe.
Although the preserved produce mentioned earlier does, of course, finally stop being preserved, we, in God’s care, are preserved, protected and kept – always. We are protected and kept safe from all danger, evil, or lack of food, clothing, family or work – the things that Martin Luther reminded us of when we pray, ‘Give us today our daily bread’. We are loved, cared for, made new in Jesus daily and safe in his loving arms.
Lord, my safety and protection, preserve and keep me this day as I put my trust in you that nothing I will face today will be without you. Please remind me that I am always in your care. Let me see with eyes of faith that I am in the safest place with you. Open my heart to hear your word daily so I may grow in you and know you will never let me go. All this I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father (Genesis 44:33,34).
Read Genesis 44:18–34
Judah comes to talk to Joseph and tells the story so far. He speaks about how the brothers answered truthfully when asked about their father and brother. He reminded Joseph of the request to bring the youngest brother (Benjamin) back, or Joseph would not see them. Judah spoke of how much hurt and suffering his father would face losing his youngest son. ‘Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy’, he says.
What a change of heart we can hear in the words spoken by Judah. Especially now, to the point of not wanting to return to his father without Benjamin. The desperation in his voice. ‘How can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? No! Do not let me see the misery that would come on my father.’
How good is our God? The brothers who laughed at Joseph’s dream and were jealous of him, selling him into a life of slavery, have changed. When they got rid of Joseph and told Jacob he had been killed by animals, their hearts were far from loving Joseph or their father. They didn’t even think of the suffering this lie would cause. Now, through the circumstances that have unfolded, things have changed. Judah now showed a deep love for his father, not wanting him to suffer. All this is under God’s plan and provision.
In all things, God is working in us, too. In all situations, he shapes our hearts and teaches us his way so that we may walk in his truth. Because God loves us and cares, he doesn’t want to destroy us; instead, he wants to rescue us. He has done this already by sending his only Son, Jesus, to suffer and die in our place so that we might live.
God is always changing our hearts through his word and what we face each day so that we are more and more like Jesus with a heart to love, serve and obey.
Gracious God, teach me your way by your word, so I may always walk in your truth. Teach me to love others and put the needs of others first. Shape my soul each day in your word and through the lessons you provide in my daily life so that I may love others and serve them for your glory. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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But Joseph said, ‘Far be it from me to do such a thing! Only the man who was found to have the cup will become my slave. The rest of you, go back to your father in peace’ (Genesis 44:17).
Read Genesis 44:1–17
Joseph’s brothers have now bought grain for a second time and are returning to the land of Canaan to provide for their families. They have safely taken Benjamin with them and have also been given back their other brother, Simeon, who was left with Joseph after the first visit to Egypt for grain. They were on the way home, all accounted for, but Joseph had put a plan in place.
Joseph had instructed the steward of his house: ‘Fill the men’s sacks with as much food as they can carry and put each man’s silver in the mouth of his sack. Then put my cup, the silver one, in the mouth of the youngest one’s sack, along with the silver for his grain.’
Soon after the brothers had left, Joseph sent his steward after them, accusing them of stealing, including the silver cup of Joseph. The brothers are bewildered, and the silver cup is found in Benjamin’s sack. The brothers are now to be slaves of Joseph, but he says that only the one found with the cup must stay, and the rest must return to their father in peace.
Joseph lives by faith – faith in God – and knows what he will do. He is not planning to punish his brothers for what they had done, but rather in faith to be a servant of the living God who will show his glory and purpose to them all as the story unfolds.
When you have been wrongly accused, fix your eyes on God in faith, and you will see the promises in his word that he is with you always and will never leave nor forsake you. Wait on him, trusting that he always has a plan to bless you and shape you for his purpose and, in the end, to show you and those around you that he is a loving and forgiving God who cares.
O God, when I find myself wrongly accused, help me to turn to you. Please help me to call on your name and trust you. You will always do more for me than I can imagine because you love me. You defend me because I am yours. You have called me by name, and you will keep me safe. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
‘We have also brought additional silver with us to buy food. We don’t know who put our silver in our sacks.’ ‘It’s all right,’ he said. ‘Don’t be afraid. Your God, the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks; I received your silver.’ Then he brought Simeon out to them (Genesis 43:22,23).
Read Genesis 43:16–34
As we continue our Joseph story, we find the brothers back in Egypt with their sacks of silver returned to them, along with more silver to buy grain. We are told that when Joseph sees his brother Benjamin with his other brothers, he asks his servants to prepare a feast. This instils fear in the brothers’ hearts, thinking the worst, perhaps out of the guilt that remains from the sale of Joseph as a slave years before.
The brothers quickly set about explaining what happened on their last trip. They stopped on the way back from Egypt and found the silver they had brought to buy grain was somehow back in their sacks. Joseph had arranged this, and the brothers were afraid. They said they didn’t know who put the silver in their sacks.
Joseph’s steward brings some comfort with encouraging words, but perhaps they remain unconvinced. ‘Peace be to you, for God, your God, has given you hidden treasure in your sacks, and your silver had been received for payment before.’ The servant brings out Simeon, the brother who had stayed in Egypt held by Joseph.
It is God who provided this. How much comfort do we take when we know it is our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ? It is God who provides for us always in our time of need. Our God has the best timing for all things in his care. Our God loves us and always wants to build us up, encouraging us daily in his word. God cares and will never let you down; he loves you.
Heavenly Father, amid our uncertainty, you provide all we need. You love us and want the best for us always. May I go out each day knowing you give me more than I need so I can share what I have with others around me. Help me to share your love with others day by day. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
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Take your brother also and go back to the man at once. And may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man so that he will let your other brother and Benjamin come back with you. As for me, if I am bereaved, I am bereaved (Genesis 43:13,14).
Read Genesis 43:1–15
Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you think, ‘Maybe I shouldn’t have done that’? Then, those around you say the same thing, ‘You really shouldn’t have done that’. Suddenly, a decision of the past comes back not only to haunt you but to hinder you significantly as well.
We pick up the events today with Joseph’s brothers, who have returned from Egypt after buying grain for their families. On the return journey, Rueben tells his brothers, ‘Didn’t I tell you not to sin against the boy Joseph? But you wouldn’t listen’.
The brothers brought grain back from Egypt but had to leave a brother in prison in Egypt and were told by Joseph – who they did not recognise – that if they didn’t bring back the youngest brother Benjamin, they would not see Joseph again nor have access to him or any further grain.
They are in a dilemma. Their decision to sell Joseph is coming back to make things more difficult. Not only have they had to leave a brother in Egypt, but now they must bring along their youngest brother, Benjamin, as they return for more grain.
In your own life, have you found yourself in situations where your own decisions from the past are now impacting the present? Have you had those times like the brothers where there doesn’t seem to be a way out of the situation?
But in all situations, remember that God works for the good of those who love him. Trusting in God in all things, like Jacob, the outcome is in God’s hands. Praying that God Almighty may give you mercy at the pointy end of that which you are facing, but also that his mercy, grace and love are with you in all things, day by day.
Lord, we often get things wrong. Remind us always that you are God, and you know all things. You sent Jesus, your only Son, to suffer and die for sin in my place so that I might have life and life to the fullest. Make my paths straight in the decisions that bring me to places where there seems to be no way out. Hold me close to you always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he said to his sons, ‘Why do you just keep looking at each other?’ (Genesis 42:1).
Read Genesis 42:1–23
You may have heard before that a ship is hard to steer if it is not moving. Well, it is the same with us. Sometimes in life, we can find ourselves not really moving. We get bogged down in so many things that we end up coming to a standstill. Then, we can find ourselves complaining to God that he does nothing to help us. Other times, we might feel like we are doing a lot, yet we are not moving – just looking at each other.
All this seems logical at first, just as in our own lives. Jacob learns there is grain in Egypt, so he sends his 10 sons, keeping Benjamin at home with him. Yet, God is working in this simple instruction for survival to buy grain to eat in their time of need. Not just to provide for them but to unite the brothers again and bring peace and reconciliation. The brothers had sold Joseph years before into slavery, and now they would meet Joseph, not recognising him as he was now the governor of the land. But God’s plan was about bringing peace, uniting Joseph’s family again and displaying his glory, power and love.
We might think that some of our logical decisions (like going and buying some food) do not have much to do with God. But, sometimes, the people you meet along the way are put there by God to shape you for his purpose. When you trust that God is always at work in your life, you start to move, and God guides and steers you for his work. God cares about and loves you. When you feel unsure about what to do, just start the journey with God, and he will make your path straight. When you look back, you will see the plans he had for you.
Dear God, we sometimes feel like we are just not going anywhere. Please help us take the first steps of the way you have shown us in all things. Let us walk by faith in you, trusting that you have plans for us for your good purpose. Show us day by day through your holy word that you are with us always and will never leave us. Let us give thanks always, especially when we see how things work out in our lives, those things that you planned before we even took our first breath. Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Pastor Mark Gierus
Click here to download your printable verse to carry with you today.
Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything – all she had to live on’ (Mark 12:43,44).
Read Mark 12:38–44
What immediately springs to your mind when you think about giving it all? Do you think about giving 100 per cent of your energy or effort towards something for your work or when you play sport? Perhaps you might be thinking that is the way to live life. Yet do you believe giving it all is about giving up yourself in service of others?
How often have you heard people say if I had more time, I would volunteer in the community to help others? Maybe you hear people say, ‘If I had a million dollars, I would be able to give more money to help others?
Jesus was born to give it all. He gave it all for us on the cross at Calvary. He suffered and died for the sins of the whole world – for you and me – so that we might be forgiven, saved and given eternal life in his name. We are set free, so we can give it all for Jesus as we live each day in service of each other.
When we think of the widow, do we assume it is her fault she is poor and, in contrast, think the rich are good people who have it together? The widow in the reading today didn’t give out of what she had to spare; instead, she gave it all. Others in the crowd put in what they had left over from their wealth.
It is a wonderful gift to each of us that Jesus gave it all so that in our selfishness, in the times we only offer a little of what God has first given us and, in our sin, we can come to him and seek forgiveness and a clean heart to give all for our Lord by giving all to others.
Dear Jesus, forgive us when we fail to give our all to others out of what you have first given us. Help us grow each day in you so we can serve with hearts of love and generosity to bless those around us. Help us never overlook the humble work of others who serve in your name, giving thanks for the gifts they bring to build up those in need. In your name, we pray, Amen.
Pastor Mark Gierus currently serves as a Lutheran pastor in Redland Bay, Alberton and Woongoolba in Queensland. He has three beautiful girls aged 8, 11 and 21, and he enjoys hiking with them, going to the beach, singing and jamming, looking after their pets as a family and going on road trips. Mark prays that God will continue to bless you as you grow in him and come to know him more and more through his life-giving eternal word.
by Carolyn Ehrlich
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I will sing praises to my God while I have my being (Psalm 146:2b).
Read Psalm 146
We began this week with the call to love God with all our heart, strength and soul. Today, the psalmist tells us to sing our praises to God with all our being, loving God with all we have and praising him with the entirety of ourselves.
I cannot sing. I wish I could, but I am completely tone-deaf. I feel absolutely blessed when I hear a church full of people belting out praise to God. It is the most uplifting, wonderful experience. And it allows me to sing that little bit louder because everyone else’s singing drowns out my tone-deafness. How my soul rises within me when I praise my Lord and God!
I was recently blessed to attend the worship services at our Convention of General Synod. One of the things that impacted me the most was hearing the gentle voice of a pastor singing a psalm and the entire congregation singing back. We did not have loud music, although we had musicians. We did not need theatrical lights when we sang. Our souls praised the Lord, and it was stirring. It engaged all my senses. It engaged my whole being.
Melodious, harmonious singing is not the only way to sing our praises to the Lord. How do you sing praises to God while you are on this earth? Thank God loudly and often. Feel your soul resonate with the Spirit of God when you acknowledge and praise him. Take some quiet time today and praise God. Thank, worship and praise him.
My Father, I praise and adore you with all my soul. I will praise you until death. I will sing your praises as I come before you. As long as you give me breath, I will praise you. My life and all things come from you. You created everything. My help comes from you, and you give me all I have. Thank you. Amen.
Carolyn Ehrlich lives in retirement with her husband Wayne in Ipswich, Queensland. Prior to retirement, Carolyn worked as a researcher in the disability and rehabilitation fields. Today, Carolyn keeps busy with hobbies, supporting the Ipswich Lutheran Parish in various leadership roles and supporting her family.