Who Can Be Trusted?
Peter said,[…] “Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” […] And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Acts 5:4b, 11 )
It happens all too often. Public officials get elected, promoting squeaky-clean images and touting honorable lives. Then they get caught in a scandal. They try to cover it up. They deny any knowledge or involvement, but evidence proves otherwise. They have lied to the people. They have lied to God. The community has been betrayed. The people are left wondering, “What is the truth? Who can be trusted?”
In Acts 5, Ananias and Sapphira tried to deceive their faith community. But God handled the problem. Death instantly came upon them. While such swift judgment may not come upon all who publicly betray or deceive, do not fear. God will bring about justice.
He [God] will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity (Psalm 98:9b).
Hold to the words of the psalmist,
Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation (Psalm 146:3).
Who can be trusted? God!
Fret not yourself because of evildoers; trust in him [God] and he will act. (Psalm 37:1a, 5b)
God can be trusted!
- Prayers for Carol Mertes (Jewell) family… her daughter Noelle and son Casey both attended and graduated from OSLS. Carol entered eternity on Sunday after a long battle with cancer. We rejoice with her as she has received the crown of life. And again we include Doris Netz’s family as the Lord graciously fulfilled his offer of life everlasting to those who believe. Comfort Norb and her family and all with whom she shared her life and love through the death and the resurrection of Jesus.
- Ed Kraft’s mother, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Initial treatments did not go as expected. We ask for your grace and mercy to her and to her family as she embraces the approach of eternity. Let faith in Jesus and his resurrection give them courage.
- For dads again – this week we include Scott Martens and family as his dad collapsed of a heart attack and a few days later received his crown of glory. Comfort especially his mother, Sandra, as she adjusts to his being gone. We also pray for Cody Strook and family whose father Jack was called home to heaven. Comfort especially his mother, Avhalee, as she remembers her blessings from 62 years of marriage. Assure these families that you have not forgotten them and that their help always comes from the Lord even in such a difficult time as this.
- For successful surgeries for Ron Telega, at the VA Hospital; and Christi Wetzel at St. Mary’s. Comforter of body and soul, help them heal and help those who take care of them to encourage them through their difficulties.
- Tom & Sarah Grisar – close friends of the Gahan family, with three daughters. She has stage 4 colon cancer, which has spread to other internal organs. We ask for a good treatment program with positive results and strength for the road ahead.
Lutheran Schools – Holy Spirit, look with favor on the schools and early childhood centers of our synod as they teach the precious lambs entrusted to their care about Jesus. And as our schools intentionally reach out to non-members bless their efforts so that other lambs and sheep of the Good Shepherd may be gathered into God’s fold in heaven. Amen.