Month: June 2015

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PWTE Daily Devotion

Conquering Fear

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

By clicking on this SoundCloud link you can listen to today’s PWTE devotion

Some of you are breaking out in a cold sweat looking at this picture. You can’t see yourself on this tiny platform clinging to the pole because you’re deathly afraid of heights.

Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado
Lutheran Valley Retreat, Colorado

This is a zip line at Lutheran Valley Retreat.  The line is strung between two telephone poles. To reach this platform you must climb the pole on small rungs. Yes, you are belayed to keep you from hurting yourself should you fall on your way up, but who wants to find out if the belayer is paying attention?

When I made my first journey up the pole I was promised that if I fell I wouldn’t hurt myself. That information did little to stop my hands from sweating and my heart from racing.

“I praise God for what he has promised; yes, I praise the LORD for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 56:10-11 New Living Translation

God has made us a promise. He will not abandon us no matter how fearful life becomes. I don’t know the fears you face. I know mine and at times it is hard, maybe even impossible, to feel God’s presence. But his promise remains whether we feel it or not. He will not abandon us.

Our fear is conquered when, by the grace of God, we trust his promise. His promise is not visible proof of his presence, but the conviction of what we cannot see (Hebrews 11:1).

Even when death confronts us, we need not fear. God has promised his presence throughout eternity.

Maybe one year I will try rappelling the two hundred foot cliff at Lutheran Valley Retreat…ya, I don’t so.

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner

 

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PWTE Daily Devotion

What’s in a Name?

Portland, Oregon

By clicking on this SoundCloud link you can listen to today’s PWTE devotion

This is not an advertisement for Macy’s or any other store (sorry had to use and apostrophe instead of star in the name). I don’t like shopping. I don’t know what makes Macy’s different from Walmart (okay maybe I know a little).

Portland, Oregon
Portland, Oregon

Whether it’s Macy’s or another department store, their names are prominently displayed at the entrance to their stores. Why?  Imagine walking though a mall for the first time and not knowing the store names. You’d probably waste time and never visit that mall again.

Names identify us.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Psalm 20:7 English Standard Version

God’s name stands for everything he is, therefore, his name can be trusted.

In today’s world, and especially our American culture, it sounds strange to say that we trust in the name of someone but lets go back to Macy’s. For those of you who are shopaholics the name Macy’s pictures for you certain products and service. If you hear the name Walmart you think of different products and service. Because of the name you might trust one store over the other.

God’s name can be trusted because his name represents justice, mercy and forgiveness. His name was revealed to us in the physical presence of a man named Jesus.  We trust in his sacrifice. We trust in his resurrection. When we say the name Jesus it represents who he is and everything he has done for us.

 

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner

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Devotional Resources

Devotional Guide: God’s Steadfast Love

VISIO DIVINA – DIVINE SEEING

HEARING God’s Word, SEEING God’s Word, PRAYING God’s Word

The term, visio divina, is Latin for “divine seeing.” The practice of the visio divina is a method of connecting God’s Word with God’s creation using visual arts.

Theme: God’s Steadfast love

"I will establish my covenant with you"
“I will establish my covenant with you”

Psalm 118, Genesis 8:20–9:17, 1 Kings 19:9-18, Isaiah 54:9-17

Suggestions for how to practice the visio divina

  1. Place the name of God on your forehead by making the sign of the cross and saying, “In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”
  2. Pause for a few moments with your eyes closed and take five to ten deep breaths.
  3. Look at the picture and take notice of any figures, shapes, colors or textures appeal to you.
  4. Read on of Scriptures under the picture, beginning with the Psalm. It is helpful if you use the same Scripture for a few of days (there is no hurry to finish the visio divina). Do not read the Scripture for the purpose of study, but let it speak to your heart. Take note of the emotions as well as the thoughts this passage brings to mind.
  5. Connect the Scripture to the picture. Are there common or uncommon elements between the two? Are there godly desires that you find rising to the surface of your thoughts? What is God revealing to you about who you are, about who God is?
  6. Now pray the Scriptures and picture using what you have discovered during this visio divina time.
  7. Finish by saying (if you use the visio divina in the morning), “May God order and direct my day through Jesus Christ according to his word, ” or (if you use the visio divina at night), “Grant me, O God, a restful night in Jesus Christ according to your word.”
  8. Either go about your daily routine, or lay you head on your pillow in peace.

If you like to write, you might consider journaling your thoughts when you are finished (not during) your time of meditation on God’s word.

Click on the picture to view a larger version.

God bless this journey of divine seeing.

Copyright Douglas P. Brauner