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Kurt Steinbrueck March 16, 2020

Blog Faith, Growing in Knowledge, Living out our faith

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Are You A Little Baby?

are you a little baby?

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Peter 1:5-8

Are you growing in your faith-life?

For anyone who has kids or knows kids, one of the exciting things of watching them grow up is seeing them discover new things and become more knowledgeable and capable. They learn to count, then read, and soon they are discovering how the world works around them. They learn to feed themselves, get dressed, and do different kinds of work.

Your life in Christ is similar, you grow!

You are saved by grace through faith. No doubt about that. No works needed for your salvation. Once you receive faith, you are alive in Christ just like a child is alive once they are conceived and born. However, also like a child, you should be growing in knowledge and actions.

This comes by studying the Bible, praying, meeting with other Christians, and putting what you learn into practice. 2 Peter describes this growth as supplementing your faith so that you are effective and fruitful in your knowledge of the Lord.

In other words,

“Great! You know Jesus as Lord and Savior. You are saved. Now, put that knowledge into practice so you see a lot of fruit for the Kingdom of God.”

It’s good to examine ourselves from time to time to see if we are thriving or just surviving. To be clear, this isn’t a matter of checking our life to see if we are saved. Salvation is by grace through faith alone. It’s seeing if we are growing in our knowledge of the Lord and putting those things into practice as people made alive in Christ.

Note: Putting what we learn about God into practice includes being repentant. We’ll never perfectly follow Jesus, but we can learn to come to Him regularly in confession and repentance. That’s a big part of living out our faith!

Take a few minutes and examine yourself.

What are some areas where you could be growing?

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for saving me solely by Your mercy and grace. I could never earn it. Thank You for the new life You have given me in Jesus. Help me to always seek to know You more, put Your commands into practice, and live a life of repentance.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 14, 2020

Blog God Works for Our Good, God's will, Perspective

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Changing Our Perspective

changing our perspective

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

Are you having a good day?

In yesterday’s devotion, we talked about how God has made us His children and will free us completely from the corruption of our sinful world one day. But we don’t have to wait for God to work good in our lives. He’s doing it even now!

He is working through every situation you are in right now for your good. In love, He called you, saved you, and is working in your life for your good.

Sometimes it doesn’t feel like it. We go through some rough days…or weeks…or months. It can seem like God doesn’t like us or has abandoned us.

However, we may just need to change our perspective.

Have you ever worked with a physical therapist? When I’ve worked with physical therapists in the past, there were times I was sure they were only doing physical therapy work because the job of dungeon torturer had already been filled.

In truth, though, they were working for my good. They were pushing me and stretching me and strengthening me so I could have a better life.

When I took my focus off the pain and struggle and considered their real purpose and looked toward the better life I would have, it changed my thoughts about what I was going through at the moment. The stretches and exercises hadn’t changed, but my perspective had.

God is working for your good.

There may be times when things are painful and it’s hard to see the good, but He is working for your good. It can help to take your eyes off the pain and problem and put them on Him. Remember, His purpose and His goodness and think of the better life He is preparing you for, one where you are drawn closer to Him in repentance and faith.

So, peace be with you even in the storm. Yes, it is hard, but God is with you and working through that storm.

Heavenly Father,

You are greater than the storms of my life. Your forgiveness is greater than my sin. Your life is greater than my suffering. You are mighty, faithful, and good. Change my perspective. Help me to focus on You and Your faithfulness rather than my problems.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 13, 2020

Blog Comfort, Faith, heaven, hope, New Creation

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Light at the End of a Dark Tunnel

light at the end of a dark tunnel

“Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” – 2 Peter 1:4

How’s your life going?

Is it perfect or are there some things that aren’t going well, maybe many things which are seriously wrong?

We live in a fallen world corrupted by sin and that leads to all kinds of sin, suffering, and pain. We suffer through abuse, disease, loneliness, financial uncertainty, addiction, sin, and more. Even outside our own lives, we look at the state of our nation or world and it can be scary. At times it may feel like you are in a dark tunnel with no end. However…

There is hope.

Christ has overcome this world. He will not let this go on forever. There is hope in the world around us. Moreover, He makes us His children by faith. There is hope in our own lives. He is the light of the world and He is the light in that dark tunnel.

When we suffer through the corruption of this sinful world, it can be easy to get lost in it, but God reminds us that through Christ we also overcome this world. We may suffer for a while now, but we will be with him in a new heaven and new earth one day with no such corruption and suffering.

Even in the midst of the darkness of this world, God shines His light here and now through His Word and through His people, the church.

In our suffering and the craziness of the world around us, let us remember who we are in Christ and keep our eyes focused on Him and His promises. Let us look to the one who gives peace in the storm. Let us set our hope in Jesus.

Dear Jesus,

This world can be pretty scary at times and seems to be falling further and further away from You. My own life has times of hardship and suffering that can take me to a dark place. Please lift me out of the darkness. Set my eyes on You. Remind me of Your promises and help me to trust them. My hope is in You, Lord.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 12, 2020

Blog Commitment, Faithfulness, God's Faithfulness

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How Committed Are You?

how committed are you?

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” – Deuteronomy 7:9

What is the longest commitment you’ve kept?

Most people have several commitments. Some we keep better than others. Our commitment to lose weight may only last a few months (or days). Our commitment to our job may last years (3yrs on average). Our commitment to our spouse will hopefully last decades.

What about God?

He keeps His commitments forever! He promised a savior after the Fall. Thousands of years later, our savior, Jesus, came and paid the price for our sins. Thousands of years after that, His forgiveness is still here for us for all those who love Him and follow His commands.

What are his commands?

Read John 6:29.

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

To obey His commands is to believe in the one, Jesus, whom He has sent.

Heavenly Father,

You always keep Your commitments. So, I know I can trust Your promises. Thank You for being faithful even when I am not.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 11, 2020

Blog evangelism, Having an Answer, Witness

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The Scary 10 Letter Word!

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,” – 1 Peter 3:15

What do you think when you hear the word, “evangelism?”

For a lot of us, it’s a scary word. We think of people yelling on the street corner or awkward forced conversations. These may have their place, but what we are encouraged to in 1 Peter is more natural and gentle.

1 Peter describes us responding to the question of why we have hope or why we act the way we do. It’s just having an answer when we are asked. You can do that!

We are also told to give that answer in gentleness and respect. We aren’t beating people up with the Gospel, we are kindly telling them of what Jesus did so they can have life. You can do that, too!

Take a few minutes to think about how you would respond if someone asked why you have hope.

Heavenly Father,

You have saved me. You have given me hope and a way to live that shows love to others. When people ask me why, give me the boldness to tell them about You. Give me the words to say and help me to speak lovingly and gently.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 10, 2020

Blog holy, Holy Living, salvation, Salvation is a gift

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Are You Holy Enough?

are you holy enough

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,” – 2 Timothy 1:9

Are you holy enough for God to let you into heaven?

This is a question many people wonder and struggle with. 2 Timothy gives us some important insight into this question.

God saved you and He didn’t do it because you were good enough. He did it for His own purposes and because He is gracious. In fact, He planned your salvation from the beginning of time.

This passage also says that we are called to a holy life, but notice the order. We are saved first, by God’s will, then we are called to a holy life as one who is already saved. In fact, Hebrews 10:10 says we are holy because God makes us holy.

“And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” – Hebrews 10:10

So, the holy life we are called to is a matter of God telling us to live like the holy people we are through Christ. So, yes, if you believe in Jesus, you are holy enough to get into heaven. You are holy enough because God has made you holy apart from anything you have done or avoided doing.

You can also live in that holiness as well!

Dear Jesus,

Thank You for saving me and making me holy. Help me to trust in Your work making me holy rather than my works which do nothing for my salvation. Thank you also for the blessing of being able to live as one who is holy. Help me to live as Your called and chosen child to Your glory.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 9, 2020

Blog Comfort, holy spirit, love others

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Comforted to be a Comfort

comforted to be a comfort

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Are you hurting?

God cares. He not only cares. He actively comforts us. In fact, one of the names for the Holy Spirit is “The Comforter!”

God knows what it’s like to suffer and He knows if you are suffering. He is not callous or unmoved. He doesn’t always remove the suffering, but He loves you and will comfort you in the suffering.

How Does God Comfort Us?

God comforts us in many ways. One of the greatest ways He does this is through His Word. In His Word, God gives us His promises and shows us His love. The Holy Spirit also gives us peace beyond our circumstances and beyond our understanding.

Also, God often comforts others through His people, the church. They share His Word, empathize, care for others, and can even give nice, warm hugs.

Blessed to be a Blessing:

God told Abraham he would be blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What God meant is that He would bless Abraham to have many descendants and that one of those descendants would be be our savior, Jesus. God also blesses us to be a blessing to others, yes, through the love and salvation Jesus gives us, and also through the comfort He brings

He comforts you not only for your sake, but so that you can then comfort others.

Is there someone you know who you could comfort, today?

Heavenly Father,

Praise be Your name for You show us great compassion. Please comfort me as I go through…

(pray over anything you are suffering through)

As You comfort me, help me to also be a comfort to others, especially bringing the comfort You give through Your Word and Spirit.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 7, 2020

Blog Faithfulness, God is Faithful, Plans, Seeking God

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Those Great Plans I Had

Add Your Heading Text Here

“Lord, you are my God;
I will exalt you and praise your name,
for in perfect faithfulness
you have done wonderful things,
things planned long ago.” – Isaiah 25:1

What are you doing next weekend?

How about next year?

We often make plans. Sometimes we do them. Sometimes not. I’ve been planning to fix-up the paint on some of the walls in my house…for about 2 years now.

When God makes plans He always follows through and He has made some awesome plans!

How wonderful to consider that when God blesses us, He planned that a long time ago and He faithfully followed through. He always does.

Do we need to worry? Nope. God knows the plans He has for us…and they are awesome! So, you can rest.

Heavenly Father,

You know the plans You have for me. They are good. Thank You for loving me and caring for me. Thank You for following through on all Your plans and all Your promises.

Amen!

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 6, 2020

Blog Focus, Priorities, Set Your Heart on God, Time

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So, Whatcha Up To, Today?

whatcha up to, today?

“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” – Deuteronomy 6:6-7

What do you focus on?

What takes up a lot of time in your day?

We have a lot of things vying for our time. Generally, you can tell what is most important to you by what you spend your time on. Do you spend your time working? Do you make time for your family? Do you spend time in nature?

But, I don’t have time!

People often talk about things they wish they could do…if they only had time. The truth is, though, that they usually do have time. They are just spending it doing something else.

I used to go hiking and camping several times a year. Now, however, I don’t think I’ve done either for years with the exception of my family’s summer vacation. Sometimes I lament that I don’t have time to do it. However, it struck me the other day as I saw on Facebook yet another hiking trip a friend was going on. I realized that it wasn’t that I didn’t have time, it’s that I chose to use my time in other ways.

How do you spend your time?

I may not be hiking much, but that’s not to say that what I spend my time on is bad. They are, at least mostly, good things. So, it’s not necessarily a question of good against bad. It’s often a question of what is most important to you.

Here’s Moses is telling Israel (and God telling us) that God should be foremost on our minds and saturate our time. It’s not that we can’t do other things, but God should be a part of them. We should also always look for ways to spend time with Him in Word and prayer and talk about Him with others, especially our kids.

In the end, all the other good things we do will perish. Only God is eternal. The time we spend with Him and sharing Him with others will have eternal consequences.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the many good things You have blessed me with. Help me, however, not to get lost in all these good things and forget to spend time with You. Help me not only to set time aside to be with You but to see You in all the things I do and to talk about You in all the things I do.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck March 5, 2020

Blog Courage, Fear, Joshua, Strength

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Be Strong and Courageous

Be strong and courageous

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

When was a time when you have lost your nerve and that prevented you from doing something?

Fear is something we all have to deal with. The Israelites had to deal with fear, too. In the passage above, Joshua delivers that message the second time the people of Israel were at the entrance to the Promised Land. The first time, they all (except Joshua and Caleb) let fear overcome their trust in God.

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, ‘We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’

But the men who had gone up with him said, ‘We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are.’ And they spread among the Israelites a bad report about the land they had explored. They said, ‘The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size. We saw the Nephilim there (the descendants of Anak come from the Nephilim). We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.’” – Numbers 13:30-33

So, this time, Joshua keeps repeating, “Be strong and courageous,” and “the Lord your God will be with you.”

It’s a good message for us, too. Why be strong and courageous? How? Because God is with us. When we follow Him, even into scary situations, we have nothing to fear. He is with us.

Is there something you’ve been holding off on because of fear?

Heavenly Father,

There are times I am afraid. Sometimes that fear prevents me from doing things I know I should do. Sometimes fear prevents me from obeying You. Give me strength and courage that I may follow You and have peace.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Blog

are you a little baby?

changing our perspective

light at the end of a dark tunnel

how committed are you?

The Scary 10 Letter Word!

are you holy enough

comforted to be a comfort

Add Your Heading Text Here

whatcha up to, today?

Be strong and courageous

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL