Herrenhuter readings for Friday, the 18th October 2013

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

up the hillYou discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. (Psa 139:3 NIV)

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Phi 4:6 NIV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Political comment: F.W. de Klerk speaking at the 30 Club in London

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

africa mapAFRICA TODAY AND AFRICA TOMORROW

It is a great pleasure for me to be able to address you on “Africa today and Africa Tomorrow”.

It is an important topic – because whichever way we look at it the future of Africa it will, for better or for worse, have a significant impact on people in the United Kingdom and Europe.  Africa could become an increasingly important trading partner and supplier of essential minerals and foods. It could also become a favourite tourist destination and a lucrative market for British and European exports.

However, if the continent fails, it could present Europe with almost insurmountable moral, financial and strategic challenges. The world is still shocked by the deaths of hundreds of Africans – mostly Eritreans – who were drowned when their hopelessly inadequate vessel sank on its way to Italy. But what would happen to Europe’s porous southern borders if there were persistent man-made crises or famines in Africa?

In 2000, at the beginning of the new millennium, South Africa’s President Thabo Mbeki claimed that the 21st century would belong to Africa:

After five hundred years of exploitation and domination by Europe, Africa would finally emerge from the shadows of global affairs and take its rightful place on the world stage.

The World Bank’s response was “Yes, Africa can claim the new century … but this is a qualified yes”. It was “conditional on Africa’s ability – aided by its development partners – to overcome the development traps that kept it confined to a vicious cycle of underdevelopment, conflict, and untold human suffering for most of the 20th century”.

In its lecture to African leaders, the World Bank proposed development strategies that would be focused on:

  • Improving governance and resolving conflict;
  • Investing in people;
  • Increasing competitiveness and diversifying economies; and
  • Reducing aid dependence and strengthening partnerships.

How has Africa fared since then – and is it still on track to claim the 21st century as the African century?

Read full text of speech HERE.

 

Posted in From Africa | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Ephesians 5:19

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

african-childrens-choirSpeaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord. (Eph 5:19 NIV)

Wherever we find this spiritual communication of speaking, singing and making music to the Lord, there a prudent lifestyle reigns. Yet some people are plagued by the delusion that God’s Spirit could dim or even obscure a realistic view and perspective on life. That’s a serious misunderstanding which has no grounding in reality and is not found in sober, pious hearts either. Even if there may be people who sing Psalms and hymns while nurturing strange and even crazy ideas, then that is not a result of a holy and spiritual life – on the contrary. We know from the authoritative mouth of the holy Apostle that a proper, decent and orderly Christian lifestyle is promoted and advanced most beneficially through the Holy Spirit and the most holy practices mentioned in this bible verse Eph.5:19. The first Christians were mutually supportive and most obligated to promote each others upliftment, sanctification and edification.  Whenever they met, they would let melodious Psalms, hymns and songs from the Spirit be heard. This holy music accompanied by strings and other instruments gave voice to their grateful and joyous faith, hope and love. Therefore we should not put down the Holy Spirit wherever he gives rise to such beautiful music and holy tunes. Rather we implore you most earnestly to promote this sanctified practice as a gift of the Holy Spirit, who himself is active and moving in this regard.

Oh Lord Jesus Christ, you are a true master of joy and jubilation too. Fill our hearts with happiness and thankfulness for all the good gifts, which we have received from your bounteous goodness and mercy so that we would continuously sing your praises in Psalms, Hymns and songs of the Holy Spirit thereby edifying the Christian congregation also. Grant that even in misery and hardship we would continue to glorify your wonderful and beautiful name and honour – like Paul and Silas in the prison of Philippi. Grant this in your grace and in fulfilment of your precious promises. Amen.

Sing praise to God, the highest good, The author of creation, The God of love who understood Our need for His salvation. With healing balm our souls He fills And ev’ry faithless murmur stills: To God all praise and glory!

What God’s almighty pow’r has made, In mercy He is keeping. By morning glow or evening shade His eye is never sleeping. Within the kingdom of His might All things are just and good and right: To God all praise and glory!

We sought the Lord in our distress; O God, in mercy hear us. Our Savior saw our helplessness And came with peace to cheer us. For this we thank and praise the Lord, Who is by one and all adored: To God all praise and glory!

He never shall forsake His flock, His chosen generation; He is their refuge and their rock, Their peace and their salvation. As with a mother’s tender hand, He leads His own, His chosen band: To God all praise and glory!

All who confess Christ’s holy name, Give God the praise and glory. Let all who know his pow’r proclaim Aloud the wondrous story. Cast ev’ry idol from its throne, For God is God, and He alone: To God all praise and glory! (J.J. Schütz 1640-1690 tr Frances E.Cox 1812-1897)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Thursday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 359 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Thursday, the 17th October 2013

Posted on October 17, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

Icon of the Lord Jesus ChristGod himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:8 NIV)

God exalted Jesus Christ to his own right hand as Prince and Savior that he might bring Israel to repentance and forgive their sins. (Act 5:31 NIV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

You are the branches…

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

vineConfessional sermon on John 15,1-8: 

Posted in sermonette or devotion | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Ephesians 5:18

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

drunk-man-1874And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Eph 5:18 KJV)

The drunkard is not capable of leading a careful and prudent life as a Christian. You don’t need the Holy Spirit to recognize that a drunkard follows a disorderly pattern that ultimately leads to destruction and despair. All Religions and human reason agree that drunkenness is a vice which destroys mans best qualities especially the clear use of reason and human logic and wisdom. Yet even, where through excessive use of alcohol the good use of reason has not yet been totally ruined, you still find shameful misuse, dissipation  and debauchery damaging both body and soul. Now one should be able to assume that the commandment of such a plain and disastrous sin would be gladly obeyed and followed – especially considering the obvious evil resulting from it. It would seem that it would be quite unnecessary to point out the devastating  consequences of alcohol abuse which brings about so many serious maladies in the individual, but also in society. If even pagans and Muslims can follow the rules of abstinence to avoid the calamities of this abuse, how much more should Christians be able to adhere to a wise utilization of this good gift of God by the power of the Holy Spirit? However our experience shows us otherwise. We are baptized Christians and live under the wholesome influence of God’s holy Word and his blessed Sacraments. There one would assume that the vice of alcohol abuse does not even need to be mentioned. Yet our anniversaries, festivities and parties too often prove the opposite

Oh Lord, our God, be merciful and turn this calamity. Grant a change of heart and lifestyle in our nation and enable us to become quite sober and free from this evil bondage. Help us to live decent and sanctified lives, so that we may avoid all disorderly and messy ways. Let us take good care of our souls and fill them with your Holy Spirit. Protect us in the coming night as we commend ourselves into your fatherly care and blessed protection and safekeeping. Amen.

Christ, mighty Saviour, Light of all creation, you make the daytime radiant with the sunlight and to the night give glittering adornment, stars in the heavens.

Now comes the day’s end as the sun is setting; mirror of daybreak, pledge of resurrection; while in the heavens choirs of stars appearing hallow the nightfall.

Therefore we come now evening rites to offer, joyfully chanting holy hymns to praise you, with all creation joining hearts and voices singing your glory.

Give heed, we pray you, to our supplication; that you may grant us pardon for offenses, strength for our weak hearts, rest for aching bodies, soothing the weary.

Though bodies slumber, hearts shall keep their vigil, forever resting in the peace of Jesus, in light or darkness worshiping our Saviour now and forever. (Latin from the 7th Century tr Alan McDougall 1895-1964)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Wednesday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 358 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Wednesday, the 16th October 2013

Posted on October 16, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

jesus-and-the-adulteress-by-rembrandtSurely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish. In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back. (Isa 38:17 NIV)

Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (Joh 8:10-11 NIV)

Posted in Losung & Lehrtext | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Ephesians 5:17

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

wise-men-magiTherefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Eph 5:17 NIV)

The holy Apostle admonishes the Ephesians to follow the Lord’s will at all times doing what is appropriate and therefore follow his guidance in all things. The apostle knows how often it happens that you have a suitable occasion to do good, but how this is allowed to slip by without the correct response. Therefore it is part of true wisdom that we understand what the right thing is at the respective time. Let’s take note of the apostles doing. He has his eyes fixed firmly on the godly goal and his feet walking on the proper way too. In one hand you have the watch to take time and keep time too, while the other hand is ready to do what is fitting, good and salutary at any given moment on this way to the heavenly home – always keen to understand and practice whatever the Lord’s will is. This is in stark contrast to those people, who just move in self satisfied comfort zones. Even many Christians expect pleasure and satisfaction more than anything else from life – and do everything to attain that. They see religion as a way to achieve gratification and wellbeing. They don’t see life as the opportunity to focus on eternity and to use the time here on earth to understand what the Lord’s will is and to practice this continuously in good works of love and mercy. A life in watchfulness and being constantly alert to opportunities to do good and whatever is pleasing in the Lord’s eyes seems to them to be more of a burden, than a joyful, lovely and precious calling. Yet blessed are those, who are wise and seek always to do the will of the Lord in the time and space available to them. Amen.

Oh Lord, our God, grant to your holy Congregation that it will earnestly avoid all that is contrary to your sacred will, yet strive consistently and eagerly to do all that is pleasing in your sight until at last when she’s freed from hardship and strain, she will see you from face to face and thus rejoice in you eternally. Amen.

May God bestow on us His grace, With blessings rich provide us; And may the brightness of His face To life eternal guide us, That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure, And also to the heathen show Christ’s riches without measure And unto God convert them.

Thine over all shall be the praise And thanks of ev’ry nation; And all the world with joy shall raise The voice of exultation. For Thou shalt judge the earth, O Lord, Nor suffer sin to flourish; Thy people’s pasture is Thy Word Their souls to feed and nourish, In rightous paths to keep them.

O let the people praise Thy worth, In all good works increasing; The land shall plenteous fruit bring forth, Thy Word is rich in blessing. May God the Father, God the Son, And God the Spirit bless us! Let all the world praise Him alone; Let solemn awe possess us. Now let our hearts say “Amen!” (Martin Luther 1483-1546 tr Richard Massie 1800-1887)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Tuesday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 357 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Herrenhuter readings for Tuesday, the 15th October 2013

Posted on October 15, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

rembrandt_verlorener_sohnIs not Ephraim my dear son, the child in whom I delight? Though I often speak against him, I still remember him. Therefore my heart yearns for him; I have great compassion for him,” declares the LORD. (Jer 31:20 NIV)

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. (Luk 15:20 NIV)

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Löhe on Ephesians 5:16

Posted on October 14, 2013 by Wilhelm Weber

figsMaking the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Eph 5:16 NIV)

The holy Apostle views the days as evil and therefore they offer little opportunity to do good. The circumstances in our daily life make a holy and sanctified lifestyle more and more challenging. Yet that is the very reason he admonishes the Christians in Ephesus to make the most of every opportunity to do good. He knows and is very confident about this, that the Lord grants enough and surplus opportunities to his saints to practice good and to do good works of love and mercy. That is why the Christians should faithfully watch and pray, so that they will be alert and ready when the suitable opportunity presents itself to do good. Whoever recognizes such a suitable occasion and window of opportunity, but does not make use of it, does not make the most of such critical options. Even today is evil. People go out of their way to make it difficult for us to live faithfully according to our Christian hope. They put obstacles in our way and try to hinder and even stop good progress in the work of the Churches mission amongst all people and on all continents. Many people – even so-called Christians – have accommodated themselves in these bad times, they have established their homes in them and they themselves have become like the times, situations and contexts themselves. Therefore we have to be very careful that we don’t follow the same trend. Rather we should continue along the right way even if it means moving in the smaller crowd – and sometimes even alone. We need to make the most of all opportunities – not opportunistically, but rather faithfully to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ. Watch out that you don’t turn evil, but remain in the good of your Lord. Remain faithful, keep up the hope and practice love and good works! Be as crafty as the snakes, but without evil like the doves. Use every opportunity for good, but not for evil. Remember the Lord’s judgment over the fruitless fig tree, which didn’t bring forth fruit at his time and as he desired?

Lord God, heavenly Father, you give good will, best advice and perfect works. Grant in your goodness peace to your people so that our hearts would cling to your commandments and we make best use of every opportunity for good and promoting what is beneficial in your eyes. Let us lead our days in peace and quietness even in the face of our enemies. We ask this in Jesus Christ’s name, your Son our Lord. Amen.

God’s own child, I gladly say it: I am baptized into Christ! He, because I could not pay it, gave my full redemption price. Do I need earth’s treasures many?  I have one worth more than any That brought me salvation free, Lasting to eternity!

Sin, disturb my soul no longer: I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus’ cleansing sacrifice.

Should a guilty conscience seize me, since my baptism did release me In a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus’ blood?

Satan, hear this proclamation: I am baptized into Christ! Drop your ugly accusation; I am not so soon enticed. Now that to the font I’ve traveled, all your might has come unraveled, And, against your tyranny, God, my Lord, unites with me!

Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes faith’s assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine to make life immortal mine.

There is nothing worth comparing to this lifelong comfort sure! Open-eyed my grave is staring: Even there I’ll sleep secure. Though my flesh awaits its raising, still my soul continues praising: I am baptized into Christ; I’m a child of paradise! (Erdmann Neumeister 1671-1756 tr Robert E. Voelker 1957)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the twentieth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 356 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.

Posted in Meditations by P.Wilhelm Löhe (Translation) | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment