Top 10 Complaints from Church Members

10)If you don’t stop this praise band stuff I’m going to set the guitars and drums on fire!

9) Why in the world did we build a pulpit if you won’t use it? Stand still!

8) I don’t like your attempts at humor on Sunday.  And by the way, I don’t like your haircut either!

7) Do something about the rude ushers.  I’m sure one of them stood over me and wouldn’t move until I put another dollar in the collection plate.

6) How much extra is it costing this church to have the custodian vacuum up all the cheerios left behind by those noisy kids?

5) I have a complaint about the free donuts you serve each Sunday.  I hate Dunkin Donuts. Get them from someplace else!

4) Have you seen the Sunday school rooms? They are a mess! If the children can’t keep them neat and clean, we should just cancel Sunday school!

3) Do you always have to preach from the Gospel lesson every Sunday? There are other people in the Bible to talk about besides Jesus!

2) Can you get the organist to play faster? She sounds like a 45 rpm record being played at 33!

1) I’m tired of all this preaching about evangelism.  You should tailor your preaching to those in the church who pay the bills!

Sanctification is slow

 Justification is instant.  Sanctification is slow.  The moment the Holy Spirit leads a person to faith in Christ Jesus is the moment of salvation.  There is no buffering or prolonged download time when it comes to justification.  It is the immediate and instant salvation that comes through faith in Christ Jesus.

 Sanctification, however, is far from instant.  It is slow and steady progress toward a life of holiness.  Sometimes, though, it is not all that steady; rather, it can be a steady conflict, full of ups and downs, failures and new beginnings.  And it isn't always progress in the modernist sense of getting better and better, onward and upward, as if old people have become more holy than young people.  It is, however, progress in the sense of a journey that is heading somewhere.  Sanctification is the work of God, calling us to our vocations, providentially putting us through experiences that cause our faith and love to grow, and giving the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacrament.  It is not immediate gratification or instant holiness.  It is, however, the beautifully slow and eventful journey of the Christian life.

"Authentic Christianity," Veith and Sutton, page 198

What does love mean?

 

            A group of social scientists asked some children the question, “What does love mean?”  Here are some of the answers: When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn’t bend over and paint her toenails anymore.  So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis too…love is what makes you smile when you are tired…love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well.  And here is my favorite: When they crucified Jesus, God could have sold magic words to make the nails fall off the cross, but He didn’t.  That’s love.

            Of course, we know this to be true.  God could have stepped in at any point and spared His Son the unbearable pain and torturous death that had been planned.  Even Jesus said to the Temple Guard: “Do you not think that I cannot call on my Father, and He will at once put at my disposal more than 12 legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matthew 26:53-54)

            So for God the Father, love means giving up Your only-begotten Son to be Savior of the world.  The apostle Paul put it like this: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this; while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  (Romans 5:8)

            You’ve heard it said, “Talk is cheap.”  Sometimes it is.  People pledge to make changes in their lives but soon fall back into old habits.  Others make promises that are quickly forgotten.  Talk means nothing unless backed up with action.

            God's love IS love in action!  We see love in the Garden of Gethsemane as Jesus prays, “Thy will be done.”  We see love in action at Calvary as Jesus cries out, “It is finished!” We see love at Bethany as Jesus blesses His disciples and then tells them to “Go!” Jesus counts us as His friends, not His enemies, and He gives us the great opportunity of working in partnership with Him in sharing His Word of love and grace with the whole world.

            Sacrificing your life for others…giving up you life so that others might live…giving the very best you have to offer.  That sounds like love, doesn’t it? That’s the meaning of love according to the One who loves you best – your gracious and loving Savior.  Rejoice!

One Man Can Make A Difference

            Can one man really make a difference? The seven million residents of Honduras will answer with a resounding “Yes!”  In fact, they’ll give you the name of the man – American soccer player, Jonathan Bornstein.

            Honduras hoped to qualify to play in the recently concluded World Cup.  But they needed the USA will tie or beat Costa Rica.  The Americans trailed most of the way until Bornstein scored the tying goal.  Because of his efforts, Honduras was in the world’s biggest sporting event.

            Bornstein is loved in Honduras.  One person said, “We love him!”  Another stated, “He will always be remembered.”  The Honduran President offered the soccer player an all expenses paid trip to a Honduran resort.  A reporter for a Honduran television network put it like this: “Bornstein is like our savior.”

            That’s some pretty heady praise.  Because of one goal, Bornstein is hailed as a hero, a savior, by an entire country.  One man can make a difference.

            Followers of Jesus Christ know this truth well.  Jesus is the difference between life and death for all who believe.  The apostle Paul wrote: “There is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all men.”

            A ransom is simply a payment.  A ransom sets a person free who is enslaved or held captive.  God’s Law had us locked up, so to speak.  Since we cannot keep the Law perfectly, the Law condemns us.  It pronounces us guilty before God.

            We needed someone, anyone to rescue us from our dire situation.  That’s what Jesus did.  He is more than someone who is like a savior.  He is our Savior! He gave His life as a ransom for many.  Here’s how the apostle Peter put it: “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver and gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you by your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Jesus, a lamb without blemish or defect.”

            You see, Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection does more than make seven million people happy.  All who embrace Jesus as Lord and Savior are happy to be the people of God.  One day we will lift up more than a World Cup trophy.  We will be given the Crown of Life, won for us by Jesus at the cross.  Yes, one man – Jesus – does make a difference…for you and me.

From August 2010 

The Most Interesting Man in the World

Everything He says...happens.

He walks on water.  By the way, He created the water.

He is fully God and fully man.  That's right, you heard me.

On Christmas, you celebrate His birthday but He gives the gifts.  Actually, He is the gift.  How do you top that?

He loved you enough not to fight for His own life.

His presence often strikes fear in people - must be the nail-scarred hands.

The President of the United States won't give you the time of day.  He'll give you all the time you want.

Thirsty, my friends?  Read John, chapter four to learn how to quench your thirst.

A take-off from the commercial "The Most Interesting Man in the World." From August 2011 

The Importance of Sound Doctrine

 

            “I don’t know how you do the job.  It would be scary to me,” the girl said.  The teacher responded, “Nah.  The word, sacred, is not in my vocabulary.”  Then the girl asked, “What if I swerved?”  The teacher replied in a comforting tone, “I would grab the steering wheel and pull the car back into the right lane.”

            In fact, a Washington Post reporter wrote that the driving instruction, Patrick Norris, had done just that.  Earlier, 16 year old, Meghan Huggins had wandered over the center line and Norris, with a calm, quick flick of his left hand, brought the care back on the right side of the road.

            The newspaper article noted that Norris’ attitude could be summed up like this: “It is the job of the novice driver to make mistakes, be corrected and learn.”  I suppose the same could be said of novice Christians!

            That seems to be the attitude of the apostle Paul as he teaches Titus the finer points of being a pastor.  Paul makes clear that one of Titus’ responsibilities as he served the new congregation is Crete is to teach.  The people there are new to the faith.  They still have much to learn about Jesus’ suffering, death and resurrection and how to live the new life in Christ.

            Titus is to teach sound doctrine so that the Christians know, confess and live out the faith which has enabled them to receive Christ as Savior and Lord.  By showing and sharing the love of God in words and actions they “will make the teaching about God our Savior attractive.”  (Titus 2:10)

            Some mistakenly think that being taught the truths of God’s Word ends at confirmation or adult instruction class.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Brothers and sisters in Christ, let me encourage you to attend Bible class on Sunday or during the week; join a small group; read the Scriptures every day and pray.  Learn sound doctrine while you “wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.”  (Titus 2:13)

How to walk through the darkness of life

            One summer many years ago while on vacation at Camp Arcadia, Michigan, my family was invited to take a nighttime nature walk.  Such activity is not usually my cup of tea but Sherri, Steph and Eric wanted to go and a group of our friends was game for this little excursion so I went along.  We gathered at our assigned spot where our guide told us what we would see and experience.  Then she concluded her presentation by saying, “And all this we will do in the dark – we will not be using flashlights!”

            No flashlights! Was she crazy? I tried not to panic.  It’s just that I’m the kind of guy who likes to see where he’s going.  Who wants to stumble like a fool over some tree root or fall in a hole? No matter what destination I might be traveling, I want to be sure I’m on the right path.  If I have a phobia, it’s the fear of getting lost.

            Well, we survived the trip.  And I’m sure there were more than a few who would have gladly gone again.  It turned out to be real fun! Some folks are brave enough to walk in the woods in the dark.  But very few of us want to walk through life in the dark.  Who wants to trip over the tangled root of temptation…stumble over sinful thoughts and ways…fall into the pit of despair and depression?

            The psalmist assures us that we don’t have to go the way that so many others travel.

Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.  Psalm 119:105

            We learn from this beautiful Bible verse that God’s Word is like a lamp that lightens everything around us.  It shows us Jesus, the Light of the world, and His sacrificial love for us.  It enlightens us so that we might lead God-pleasing lives.  By using this lamp for guidance, it assures us that we walk with Jesus.  The bright light of God’s Word keeps us firmly on the path of faith and righteousness.  It helps us stay away from the slippery slope of self-indulgence or the confusing maze of worldly values.  Even though summer is just around the corner, don’t take a vacation from the Scriptures.  Let God’s Word light up your path and your life! 

Dealing with Noise Pollution

            The lead paragraph from the article caught my attention.  It read, “It can’t be seen or smelled, yet it’s America’s most pervasive pollutant.”  Have any idea as to what kind of pollution the author was referring to?

 

            Would you believe the answer is noise pollution?

 

            We live in a noisy world, don’t we?  We are surrounded with the cacophony of power tools on building sites, sirens blaring on our streets and lawnmowers and gardening equipment droning on across the backyard fence or in the yard next door.

 

            All this can lead to hearing loss, tension headaches and high-blood pressure.  Even worse, with all the noise around us, we might miss what the Lord is trying to tell us.

 

            God speaks to His people today through His holy Word.  But how can we hear when we are surrounded by so much noise?  The advice of the Psalmist is wise: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

 

            To “be still” before the Lord is to receive the assurance of His forgiveness (1 John 1:9) and the promise of His peace (Ps. 29:11).  To find a quiet place to pray and meditate on God’s Word puts you in a spot where you can fully receive the blessings that God gives to His people.  Strengthened through the work of the Holy Spirit in the Word, you can go back out into our noisy world and deal with whatever may come, for you go in the grace and help of the Lord.

 

            Is your part of the world too noisy for you?  Find a quiet place where you can “be still” before the Lord.  “And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:7) 

It was a very good week

Let's see, the week began with me and my dear, sweet wife putting up a banister that had come off its brackets.  Household repairs is not my strong suit.  But, in this case, I watched a couple U-Tube videos that offered some good instruction.  Than, with Sherri's help, we got the banister back in place, attached with new brackets.  It's been on a week and it hasn't fallen off! Wow!

Then on Monday afternoon, our dear friends, Randy and Ellen came for a visit.  They were strong supporters of my ministry at the first congregation I served.  They were faithful worshippers and servants.  Plus, they were just a lot of fun to be around.  We did some sightseeing, attended a concert and enjoyed some good meals.  They left us Thursday but promised to come back next year.

This morning I fixed a shutter that had come off during a wind storm.  It probably took me three times as long as it would have anyone else to do the work but as of this moment, the shutter is still in place! Wow!

This afternoon we will celebrate the birthday of a friend and tomorrow, being Father's Day, we'll have a big bar-b-q at my youngest daughters house.  And if I haven't eaten too much, the grandboys and I will walk down to the basketball court will I will regale them with stories of my exploits during my younger days.  At which point they'll take the basketball and head back home.

A blessed Father's Day to all you guys out there!

Does God need our good works?

"God does not need our good works," Luther said, "but our neighbor does." Our relationship with God is based completely on His work for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.  Although we may speak of serving God, He always serves us.  Justification by faith completely excludes any kind of dependence on our good works for our salvation.  We come before God clothed not in our own works or merits, but solely in the works and merits of Christ, which are imputed to us.  But having been justified by faith. God sends us into the world, into our vocations, to love and serve our neighbors, the actual human beings whom God brings into our lives as we carry out our daily callings.

From "Authentic Christianity," page 165 

God Will Lift Up Your Heads

This morning my dear, sweet wife decided to do her grocery shopping and gave me the task of walking our dog, Jake.  He blesses our lives in a number of ways but perhaps the most important way is exercise.  Jake must be walked every morning.  In his mind there are no exceptions.  Jake has a little mail-dog in him, you know, "neither rain nor sleet..."

When I walk Jake by myself I usually listen to my iPod.  I've got something like 2000 songs downloaded so when I put it on shuffle there's no telling what might come up.  Today I received a pleasant surprise.

The Jars of Clay song, "God Will Lift Up Your Heads," comes from their album "Redemption Songs."  It features a series of hymns with modern pop arrangements.  The song is so encouraging because it reminds us, as we hear in the season of Advent, that we need to watch because we don't know when our Lord will return to gather up the people of His kingdom. The song has a fast beat and is very inspirational.

"God Will Life Your Heads" is adapted from Paul Gerhardt's magnificent hymn, "Give to the Winds Thy Fears."  Gerhardt is a 17th century Lutheran pastor, theologian, and hymn writer.  Today the church still sings many of his hymns, probably best known for "Now Sacred Head Now Wounded."

I don't know how Jars of Clay managed to find Gerhardt's hymn.  Traditionalist will probably be disappointed or even offended by the adaption of the hymn.  I usually am not a fan of those who take the hymns of the church, create a different arrangement, substitute words or create a chorus that repeats 70 X 7.  But there is something about this song that lifts up my heart as I sing.  You can find the song on YouTube.  Check it out.

I'm still mad about it!

I love watching my youngest grandson play on his club soccer team.  He is a very good player; high energy, scores lots of goals.  Since I loved playing sports in my younger days, I get real enjoyment from watching he and his team play.

Last Sunday, his team played a team from out of town.  Didn't know too much about them.  But it became clear just a few minutes into the game that their coach had told the kids to "play hard and rough and keep on until the official cautiones you to stop."

And that's what they did.  They repeatedly fouled our kids.  When one of them was in a position to take a clear shot at goal, the other team tackles, shoved, push, and body checked our player.  The referee, who was a collage age student with little experience, let it go on.  

We counted six times when our kids were knocked down and fouled.  Three times our grandson's coach had to carry kids off the field.  My grandson suffered a severe bruise when kicked by an opposing player.

In spite of all this, my grandson's team led two to one with just a few minutes left in the game.  But then they gave up a goal and when the final whistle was sounded, my grandson's team left the field with a two-two tie.  Poor kids, they were very upset.

Yesterday I learned that one of our kids, who was severely fouled, suffered a broken ankle.  He's having surgery today.  I know that accidents happen.  But it was no accident that he was brought down with such malice. If the referee had been in control of the game it might not have happened.

It seems to me that sports in general, are becoming rougher and rougher.  I can hardly stand to watch the NBA anymore.  The fouling and excessive physical play had turned me off.  Is this having an effect on the young athletes of today?  And are couches encouraging this kind of play?

I don't have any answers to the above questions.  I've just venting my anger and  disappointment.  I'll get back to more encouraging things next time around.

How do you tell someone in church to shut up!?

Yesterday my dear, sweet wife and I had the opportunity to worship at a church we had visited a year ago.  The worshippers there are very friendly, the worship service is done well and the pastor is a fine preacher.  We looked forward to hearing God's Word and receiving Holy Communion.

It started with the beginning of the Old Testament reading.  Two people directly behind us begin whispering to one another.  I couldn't really catch what they were saying but it must have been important because it continue throughout the readings and didn't stop even when the pastor began with his sermon.

My dear, sweet wife and I looked at one another.  We were puzzled.  What was so important that it had to be discussed at church right in the middle of the service? I kept thinking that it would eventually stop.  But it didn't.

What to do? We were visitors.  Is it appropriate to turn around and ask the offenders to be quiet? Would that have become even more of a distraction to the worshippers around us?  In the end we did nothing.  We toughed it out.

When we returned to our seats after communion we purposely sat farther her down the pew and away from the chatterboxes.  As we prepared to leave we took a good look at them - two older women who should have known better - and and made a mental note to sit as far away as possible from them the next time we visit.

In the end Sherri and I agreed that we did get the message the pastor delivered and we receive the Lord's body and blood in the Sacrament.  And we talked about some subtle ways we might "shush" a person the next time it happens.  Worship is too important to have it spoiled by some folks who don't seem to get it.

Justification - the Chief Article

For Lutherans, though, the doctrine of justification is the "chief article" upon the church stands or falls. Justification is the material principal of theology - that is the substantive content - to which the formal principal, the Word of God, testifies...every other teaching of Lutheranism - the Sacraments, Scripture, worship, vocation, the two kingdoms, prayer, the Christian life - has as its keystone our justification by Christ.

From "Authentic Christianity," Veith Jr. and Sutton, page 98, published by CPH

The Friday Funny on Saturday?

 A fellow went to the doctor who told him that he had a bad illness and only a year to live.

So he decided to talk to his pastor.
After the man explained his situation, he asked his Pastor if there was anything he could do.
"What you should do is go out and buy a late '70 or early '80 model Dodge Pickup," said the Pastor.
"Then go get married to the meanest woman you can find, and buy yourselves an old house trailer in the panhandle of Oklahoma."
The fellow asked, "Will this help me live longer?"
"No," said the pastor, "but it will make what time you do have seem like forever."

A very productive day

I've been doing some traveling lately but now getting back on track, so to speak.  Yesterday was one that left me feeling a little exhausted but very satisfied.

Read from the One Year Chronological Bible...prayed Daily Prayer...Listened to the Word of the Lord Stands Forever pod cast (highly recommend)...had a light breakfast...walked our dog, Jake...power washed the gunk from the north side of the house and also the deck (had a bit of trouble getting the thing working but when all was right, I was a master water blaster!)...had a light lunch...watched a great football match, Arsenal vs. PSG...put out all the deck furniture and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon...ate Mexican food prepared by my dear sweet wife...did the dishes (she cooks and I wash)...spend time with our youngest daughter and her family...watched St. Denis Medical (if you liked The Office, you'll like this sit-com)...read for about 45 minutes...then off to bed.  It was a full but productive day. 

Top 10 Hymns of a Lukewarm Church!

1. A Comfy Mattress Is Our God
2. Joyful, Joyful, We Kinda Like Thee
3. Above Average is Thy Faithfulness
4. Lord, Keep Us Loosely Connected to Your Word
5. All Hail the Influence of Jesus’ Name
6. My Hope is Built on Nothing Much
7. Amazing Grace, How Interesting the Sound
8. My Faith Looks Around for Thee
9. Be Thou My Hobby

10. O God, Our Enabler in Ages Past 

Bye-Bye Bible Class

I retired in 2021 and I have to admit that I didn't have a plan for what to do next.  My wife gave me a set of brand new gold clubs.  I began playing and the more I played the worse I got.  I kept the pro shop in business by buying golf balls to replace the ones I'd lost.  I also started taking guitar lessons; I've been playing for years but I thought it would be good to have some proper lessons.  I think my teacher was relieved when I told him I was going to stop.  8 year old kids seemed to be progressing faster than myself.

In time a couple of opportunities opened up that I have thoroughly enjoyed.  I've been teaching a Thursday morning Bible class at Church of the Master in Phoenix.  This is a long-running class and we've had students from four different churches in attendance each week.  I share the class with another pastor.  I do six months and he fills the other six.  This works well for me. It means that I can pour a lot of time preparing for class each week but then take a nice break, refreshed and ready to resume when it's my turn again..

We finished the Acts of the Apostles last week and today we'll take some time to share what we've learned from Peter and Paul and the members of the first Christian church of Jerusalem.  We've taken a good look at some of the heroes of the early church; we've seen how the Holy Spirit had broken down barriers so that the Jews would see that it was God's will that Gentiles would be received in the church; we've watched as Jesus' words in Acts 1:8 were fulfilled by Paul and others by their missionary travels; we've marveled at the faith of Paul as he continually trusted in God's promises, in spite of beatings, shipwrecks' and every other disaster that came his way.

I have especially enjoyed being with the class each Thursday.  They have shown a strong desire Bible study and to "hear them, read, mark, learn and inwardly digest them," (as the old Collect prayer teaches).  They are also fun to be with and, as an added bonus, serve the best table of goodies I've ever seen (and being on a diet since January, I've haven't been able to try a one of them!).

I also wrap up my six months of service this Sunday at Chris the Redeemer in Phoenix.  Leading worship, preaching God's Word and administering the Sacraments has been a blessing and opportunity I didn't imagine I would have.  I will certainly enjoy my time but will look forward to being back in November.  Until then, I'd better stock up on gold balls.  Fore!!

  

A Word for Parents

As parents and grandparents we should never underestimate the influence we have upon our children and grandchildren.  They watch us carefully.  Our words soak deeply into their heads and hearts.  Studies indicate that even our teens watch and listen to us, yes, even when it seems that they have tuned us out.  Our example matters!

I don't know who penned the poetry below but the message is one worth pondering:

To hear my child at prayer, what a thrill it is to me!
There's a sweetness in the moment, as he speaks on bended knee.
And yet my heart is smitten, at this touching moment I see,
Has his faith and trust in prayer, depended much on me?

As I see him fold his hands, and bow his head to pray,
I trust he'll always love the Lord, the way he does today.
Then I hear a voice within me, speak in solemn words and true,
How he lives a life of prayer, depends a lot on you.

So I kneel next to my bed, and lay my hand upon him,
After he has voiced his prayer, I add my own petition
May my son recall one day, that his father daily raised,
His voice to thank the Lord, and make the sacrifice of praise!

Dads and Moms, do you think much about the example you are setting for your kids? Do they see you in prayer? Do they find you reading your Bible? The next time you are tempted to "veg out" in from of the TV, try something different.  Gather the kids together and tell stories.  Talk about a favorite family vacation.  Share the funny story you heard.  Read Bible stories to your kids.  Tell them what Jesus means to you.  Share your faith in God and encourage your kids in their walk of faith.  Most of all, ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and His love so that you might always be that Godly example that your kids and grandkids need to see. 

As I pray dear Jesus, hear me

As I pray dear Jesus, hear me; let Your Word in me take root.

May Your Spirit e'er be near me, That I may bear abundant fruit.

May I daily sing Your praise, From my heart glad anthems raise.

Till my highest praise is given, In the endless joys of heaven.

Lutheran Service Book - #589:4 

We have no corpse!

 A Christian preacher was preaching in the bazaars of India, and a Mohammedan said, "Padre Sahib, we have proof in our religion that you've haven't got in yours.  We can go to Mecca and find the tomb of Mohammed, but when you go to Palestine you can't be sure that you've got the tomb of Jesus."  "Yes," said the Christian preacher, "You're right.  We have no tomb in Christianity because we have no corpse."

E. Stanley Jones, Christian missionary and author

He is not here! He is risen!

 

A prayer for Good Friday

Lord Jesus Christ, I know I will never be forsaken by God the Father because You are my Savior and my atonement - You, who hung forsaken on the cross at Golgotha for me.  Even if I never finish what I ought to do and want to do in thankfulness and love for what You did for me, I can still know that You completed everything, even what I was supposed to do.  You took upon Yourself all my guilt, all my trespasses, and everything I was responsible for.  You took my sin upon Yourself when God saw it and it had to be consumed by the burning coals of His holy fire.  I know I can never thank You enough for what You did out of love for me.  Yet, I know You did it so I would receive it free of charge.  Therefore, I stretch my hands out to Your cross and take hold of it, praying that I may rest under its blessed arms, now and forever.  Amen.

Bo Giertz, from To Live With Christ 

The Devil loses it when...

Christians won't offer forgiveness to those who have sinned against them

Christians who won't seek reconciliation with those who they have sinned against

Christians talk behind one another's backs

Christians won't give one another the benefit of the doubt

Christians who refuse to love their neighbor 

Released from a prison of fear

I've spent some time in prison.  I was there because I put myself there.  It was so stupid.  I couldn't sleep.  I was anxious and distressed.  My heart was restless.  My stomach was tied up in knots.  It was horrible.

I was being held captive in a prison of fear.  Afraid of an individual.  Afraid of the trouble the person might cause me.  Afraid of the hurt the person might cause others.  I didn't want to see the person.  Didn't want to have anything to do with the individual.  I would have been glad if they had just gone away.  But that wasn't going to happen.  And I was going to have to deal with this person.

God had mercy on me, His weak and silly child.  God sprung me from my prison cell.  The key that he used to unlock my cell door was His Holy Word.  I read the words: When I am afraid, I will trust in You.  In God, whose Word I praise, In God I trust; I will not be afraid.  What can mortal man do to me? (Psalm 56:3-4)

In these precious words the psalmist was reminding me that faith trumps fear! There was no reason to pull closed the cell door of my self-imposed prison.  God is greater than my fear.  He is more powerful and wise than any of my adversaries.  According to the psalmist, God had my back, so to speak.  I didn't have to be afraid of the troublemaker.  God was with me.  Praise His comforting Word! How grateful I was to my Lord and Savior for springing me from captivity.

The apostle Peter wrote: Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.  Trust God.  He does care for you.  Tell Him about your adversaries and your problems.  And don't be afraid.  Walk before God in the light of life.  (Psalm 56:13) 

Are you a pro or an amateur?

Here is some good food for thought as it relates to your work or your hobby or anything that you are pursuing.

"Amateurs practice until they get it right.  Professionals practice until it cannot go wrong."  This is what a voice teacher once said to actress Julie Andrews.

Are you a professional or an amateur?

From April 2015

How Great Is God's Love For You?

Philippians 2:5-11 tells us of the great sacrifice the Lord taking on our sin and our punishment.  Only One with a great love for do such a thing for the undeserving.  Learn more this Sunday at Christ the Redeemer, 43rd Avenue and Olive in Phoenix.  The service  begins at 9 am.  Blessings!

CWF Walther on Worship

The sainted Dr. C.F.W. Walther, the first president of the LCMS, offered these thoughts about worship in a sermon...

To (a Christian, Sunday) is the most precious day of the entire week, when he can step back from the daily grind and rejoice.  He would not give up his dear Sunday, when he is permitted rest, for all of the world's goods and money.

On the Sabbath, the true Christian studies God's Word.  He reads it, hears it, considers it, and speaks with others about it.  The true Christian not only hears God's Word with his ears, but he is also sanctified by it, increasing in knowledge, in faith, in love, in hope, in humility, in patience and in all other Christian virtues.  For this reason, he prays to God, going to and leaving from church that he might continue to grow in His Word.

Oh, when the observance of the Sabbath happens in a Christian manner, then each Sunday illumines all other days with its heavenly shine, the pearl and crown of all days, the right Sabbath eve on earth, after which will come the eternal Sabbath in heaven.

What is the essence of faith?

For that is the essence of faith - that we take Christ at His Word.  We really have been redeemed from sin, death and hell.  We really are called to deny self in response to that good news.  We really are called to follow Christ, carrying willingly, even joyfully, the cross He sends out of love for us.

Daniel Deutschlander, The Theology of the Cross, page 89, Northwestern Publishing House 

This is the day the Lord has made!

The Day of the Lord...

A day filled with many blessings from God for His dearly beloved children.

A day in which all our needs will be met and then some.

A day to rejoice in the redemption that is ours by faith in Christ Jesus.

A day for the Holy Spirit to grow and nurture our faith.

This is the day the Lord has made.

Rejoice in it!

How will you respond?

Consider the price of this ransom, look carefully at this captive.  He is the Son of God who is greater than all creation. How will you respond when you hear that such a priceless ransom was paid for your sins?  Will you still want to offer your works done under the law? What is the works of all men, the suffering of the martyrs, and the obedience of the holy angels compared with what the Son of God has given in His death, even death on a cross?

Martin Luther, from "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 155. 

God wants to give us all things

In Romans 8:32 the apostle Paul writes that God wants to give us all things.  Is that really true? This week's Gospel lesson about the Lost Son in Luke 15 may just provide the answer.  Learn more this Sunday at Christ the Redeemer, Olive and south of 43rd Ave.  Join us at 9 am!

Get ready to laugh, It's the Friday Funny!

Mrs. Smartt was fumbling in her purse for her offering when a large television remote fell out and clattered into the aisle.

The curious usher bent over to retrieve it for her and whispered, “Do you always carry your TV remote to church?”

“No,” she replied, “but my husband refused to come with me this morning, and I figured this was the most evil thing I could do to him legally.”

Luther says, It's On You!

Therefore, when you view the nail's piercing through His hands, firmly believe it is your work.  Do you see His crown of thorns? Believe the thorns are your wicked thoughts.

"Martin Luther in His Own Words," page 117

So You Want To Be A Sports Talk Host?

 

So you want to be a sports-talk show host?

I've had the opportunity to listen to the big sports talk station in town this week and I've discovered a few simple steps for hosting a sports talk program.  It's really pretty simple so if you've ever listened to such programs and thought to yourself, "Hey! I could do this!" I urge you to put these three steps into practice and soon you'll be rubbing elbows with Dan Patrick and Bob Costas and, well, probably not.

First, learn to repeat every sentence you say at least three times.

Say something like, "The Suns did not show up to play tonight." Then say it again.  Say it one more time.  Apparently, those who listen to sports talk program aren't very swift so you've got to repeat your points over and over again until the listener gets what you're saying.

(Or maybe the host is not very swift and simply repeats stuff over and over again because they've got no real insight or anaylsis to offer.  Nah - that's couldn't be true, right?) 

Ah, but repetition in and of itself is not enough!

Second, as you repeat every sentence three times, crank up the volume!!

Let me try and demonstrate (you can't hear me so use your imagination, OK?)

"The Suns did not show up to play tonight.  The Suns Did Not Show Up To Play Tonight!  THE SUNS DID NOT SHOW UP TO PLAY TONIGHT!!!!!"

Cranking up the volume proves that you are a passionate sports talk show host and we sports fans are nothing if not passionate about our teams and their performance.

Third, remind your audience over and over again that you were at the game.

I guess this lets your listeners know that you weren't watching the game from the comfort of your living room where with all the good camera angles and instant replay, you can see the game much better than at a seat in the stadium.  You were there at the game! That must lend more creditability to what you say.

So, say something like, "You're right, I was at that game and the Suns did not show up to play.  No way did they play hard.  I was there and the Suns didn't show up.  I was there at that game and the Suns did not show up, no way! I WAS THERE AT THE GAME AND THE SUNS DID NOT SHOW UP!" (a good use of rules 2 and 3).

Now I know that there are only a few sports talk show hosting opportunities out there so maybe you can use these rules where you work.  If you're a pastor, use them in the pulpit: (The devil fooled Adam and Eve.  The Devil Fooled Adam And Eve! THE DEVIL FOOLED ADAM AND EVE!!!)
Or maybe you can apply the rules with your fellow employees: (I was there at the meeting and our benefits have been frozen.  They're frozen! I was there.  I heard it with my own two ears.  I WAS THERE AT THE MEETING!!!)

Of course, should you apply these three rules to your place of work, you might run the risk of having happen to you what I did to the sports talk station.

Tune it out.

A prayer of confession

Back in 1948, Concordia Publishing House printed what they called "The Devotional Bible," a two volume set of devotional readings of the Gospels.  The devotions included a prayer and this particular one seemed to be meaningful for me on the day I read it because I wrote in down in my journal.  The prayer went like this:

O Lord, for Jesus' sake, remake me day after day, creating in me a clean heart.  I confess my sins to You.  They have bruised and wounded my soul.  You alone can blot all these wrongs and transgressions through Christ.  Make me acceptable to You and grant that every word and act of mine may please You.  Then You shall be the praise in Christ Jesus forevermore.  Amen.

Here's the Friday Funny!

A pastor is walking down the street one day when he notices a small boy trying to use the doorbell on a house across the street. However, the boy is very small and the doorbell is too high for him to reach.
After watching the boys efforts for some time the pastor walks across the street up to the little fellow and rings the doorbell.

Kneeling down next to the child, the pastor smiles and asks, "And now what, my little man?" To which the boy replies, "Run!" 

It's time for the big dance!

I am, of course, referring to March Madness, the 64 team tournament to decide the best college basketball team in the country.

Yesterday, I puzzled over my brackets.  I wrote it in pencil so if I changed my mind, I could easily make corrections.  And also to change my picks back to where they were originally if I began to have second or third thoughts.

All season long my dear, sweet wife and I followed Grand Canyon University, led by their fine coach, Bryce Drew.  This is the third consecutive year that he has taken the team to the tourney.  Last year GCU won its first round game and had Alabama on the ropes, so to speak, before losing a close game.  

Again, I expect GCU to do a first round upset of Maryland.  After that, I'm not so sure.  I might pray for their success but I don't really think that God has His own bracket showing GCU winning the national championship.  I'm sure there are more important prayer requests that God must consider.

I've rearranged my office/man cave so that my recliner is set right in front of the TV.  All I need is a glass of iced tea and some pretzels and I'm ready to go.  May your brackets be clean and your wi-fi never go out!

Jesus, our substitute

From John Jeske's wonderful book, Connecting Sinai to Calvary

Because in our place our substitute lived a life of perfect obedience to the holy law of God, God considers us to be people who have given Him the perfect obedience He demands.  Because in our place our substitute died innocently under God's curse, God considers us to have been punished for our sin.

The Parable of the Fig Tree

We sin because we are sinners.  And God has every right to punish us fully and completely.  But the Parable of the Fig Tree reveals how great God's mercy and patience is toward us.  Come and learn more this Sunday at Christ the Redeemer, located at Olive and just south of 43rd Avenue.  God bless your weekend!

You got it...the Friday Funny!

Twin seven year old boys were always getting into trouble. Their parents knew if any mischief was reported in town, the twins were probably involved. Their mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually. The mother sent one boy in the morning, with the other boy to see the preacher in the afternoon. The preacher, a huge man with a deep booming voice, sat the boy down and asked him sternly, "Do you know where God is, son?" The boy made no response, sitting there wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. So the preacher repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God?!" Again, the boy made no attempt to answer. The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD?!" The boy screamed, ran directly home and hid in his closet. When his twin brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?" His brother replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time! GOD is missing, and they think WE did it!" 

Love Isn't Love Until You've Given It Away

            Actress Mary Martin was on the road performing in the musical, “South Pacific.”  Just before going on stage she received a note from a dear friend, lyricist, Oscar Hammerstein.  The short note said: Dear Mary, a bell’s not a bell until you ring it.  A song’s not a song till you sing it.  Love in your heart is not put there to stay.  Love isn’t love till you give it away.”

            One picture of Jesus that the Gospels provide is how His ministry was marked by the love He gave away.

            St. Mark tells us of a leper who was healed by a willing Jesus – the cured man was on the receiving end of Jesus’ love.  A large crowd gathered around Jesus and he had compassion on them by providing a meal from only a few fish and loaves of bread – the crowd was on the receiving end of Jesus’ love.  In spite of the disciples, parents were invited to bring their children to Jesus so that He could bless them – the children were on the receiving end of Jesus’ love.

            As Jesus walked with His disciples on the road up to Jerusalem He explained, according to Mark’s Gospel, that “the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and teachers of the law.  They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over to the Gentiles, who will mock Him and spit on Him, flog Him and kill Him.  Three days later He will rise.”  And then it happened just as Jesus said.  And we – you and I – were on the receiving end of Jesus’ love!

            “Love isn’t love until you give it away.”  Jesus gave His very life for us so that we might be redeemed from God’s wrath and punishment for our disobedience.  Having shed His blood on the cross, Jesus reconciled us to our heavenly Father.  Having become God’s children through faith in Jesus, we receive every blessing that God can give – forgiveness for our sins, peace to sooth our hearts, and love which assures us that nothing can separate us from our Lord.

            Jesus took your sins upon Himself.  He suffered the punishment you deserved.  He gives you credit for His perfect life and makes you righteous and holy before the Father.  If that’s not love, then love doesn’t exist.  To whom can you give the love of Jesus? Your spouse? Your kids? A suffering friend? God has planted the love of Jesus in your heart by the Holy Spirit.  Be sure to joyfully and with thanksgiving give that love away! 

Saints Who Slip

(Referring to Genesis 19:30-32, Martin Luther wrote)

You might ask, "Why did God permit his people, whom He loved, to sink so low?" We shouldn't question God's motives for what He permits.  Still, in this case, we can easily find a probable explanation.  God wants us to recognize our helplessness so that we don't lapse into a false sense of security.  Lot and his family saw the sins of the people of Sodom and condemned them.  But then what happened? Lot's devout daughters disgraced themselves by committing incest.  This was so scandalous that it seldom occurred even among the people of Sodom.

So God's intent is clear.  He wants us to humble ourselves and find comfort in His mercy and kindness.  As far as humans are concerned, no one is better or more holy than the next person.  Thankfully, God protects us from sinning too seriously.  But if her were to withdraw His hand, we might fall into the very same sins.  So this story teaches us to humble ourselves in God's presence and continually pray for the Holy Spirit's guidence.

From "By Faith Alone," March 10.

A Sunday Nugget from Hammer of God

One ought not talk about oneself, it might hide Jesus from view.

page 179

The Showdown in the Desert

It seems that every good western movie ends with a showdown - the good guy in the white hat and the bad guy wearing black.  In Luke 4:1-13 we read of another showdown, one with eternal consequences for you and me.  How does it turn out.  Come and find out.  Worship is at 9 am at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, Olive and just south of 43rd Avenue.  Hope to see you!

Final Basketball Update

My grandson's basketball season is finally over.  But it kept us on the edge of our seats to the very end!

His team won their conference and make it to the first round of the sectionals.  The school they played against was much, much larger than Luke's school.  This team was talented, tall and fast.  It was amazing how they quickly moved down the court for one layup after another.

But Luke's school stayed with them.  They trailed by four points at the half.  They stayed within striking distance at the end of the third quarter.  But with a couple of minutes left in the game they missed some easy shots under the basket.  The final score was 63-57.

As I wrote earlier, Luke did not play - he was a JV player.  But the coach thought enough of him and three of his teammates to dress with the varsity.  Luke's dad told me that although he didn't get in the game, he was urging his teammates on, imploring them to "Go to work!"

I haven't talked to him but I'm hoping Luke will continue to dedicate himself to work on his game and attend the regular weight lifting sessions.  He still has lots to learn.  But he made so much progress this year.  If I were wearing a shirt with buttons, they'd be bursting off right now!

Martin Luther on Faith

Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace.  It is so sure and certain that a person could stake his our her life on it a thousand times.

A Prayer for Ash Wednesday

Almighty and everlasting God, You despise nothing You have made and forgive the sins of all who are penitent. Create in us new and contrite hearts that lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness we may receive from You full pardon and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

From "The Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 26

Basketball update

Over the past few weeks I've been providing you with updates on my Grandson's high school basketball team.

Luke played on the JV team.  But when their season ended, the coach called him and three of his teammates up to the Varsity squad.  They were not eligible to play but they were able to practice and travel with the team.

Last Friday, Luke's team played for their conference championship.  It was thrilling to watch as Luke's team took an early lead and then held on all the way to the end.  They ended up winning the game by 8 points.

At the trophy presentation, the team and the students rushed the court, celebrating their first conference championship in 10 years.  And Luke was right in the middle of it! I was so happy for him and hope that the experience will motivate him and his teammates to contend for the championship next year.

Today I learned that Luke's team will be playing tomorrow night in a sectional tournament.  Should they win, they will play against the number one rated team in their division.  Should they chalk up another victory, they would play for a state championship with the game held at Michigan State University.

No matter the final outcome, it has been such a joy to watch our Grandson play, even though we here in Arizona.  I watched a few minutes of the Phoenix Suns the other night and it was BORING!  I'd much rather follow Luke's high school team or Grand Canyon University.  My front row seat at home is pretty sweet!

I've Got the Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy Down in My Heart!

Author Eugene Peterson has some very interesting observations regarding "joy."  For example:

Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence...it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.

All suffering, all pain, all emptiness, all disappointment is seed: sow it in God and He will, finally, bring a crop of joy from it.

So often we believe that joy is something that we must muster up for ourselves.  Of course, we can't produce joy but how often do we fall for the lie that if we do something that makes us feel good (regardless of what God says about it) or if we obtain some new thing, we'll be joyous?

If we care at all about our relationship with God, living outside of His will won't bring a lasting joy.

And stuff can't make us happy.  Stuff breaks down or wears out or fall apart.  How much joy is there in all of that?

Where do we look for joy? Paul wrote to the Philippians: Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!

Our joy is in Jesus.  He puts the bounce in our step, the smile on our face, the joy in our hearts.

Listening to Him in His Word...speaking to Him in prayer...being in His house to receive His gifts...sharing His gifts with the people around us - that where joy is found. 

We can't produce joy.  Jesus gives it as one of His precious gifts.

Worship the Lord faithfully and serve His people lovingly.  Watch and see if He doesn't fill your heart with joy overflowing!

From March 2013

The Friday Funny Cannot Be Stopped!

A young preacher was contacted by the local funeral director to hold a grave-side service at a small cemetery for someone with no family or friends. The preacher started early but got himself lost, making several wrong turns along the way. 

He arrived a half-an-hour late. The hearse was nowhere in sight and the workman were eating lunch. The preacher went to the graveside and saw the vault already in place. Taking out his Bible he conducted the service. As he was returning to his car, he overheard one of the workmen say; “Do you think we should tell him it’s a septic tank?” 

What about us Lutherans?

While going through an old journal the other day I discovered a couple of quotes that I think really capture something about our Lutheran theology and practice. 

While Lutherans also confess that God is almighty, Lutheran theology does not begin with His majesty but with His mercy in Christ.
John Pless, "Handling the Word of Truth" page 101

Lutherans are about faith in Christ and deeds that show Christ's love and mercy.

Matt Harrison, "Christ Have Mercy" page 142 

What 5 Things Did You Do Today?

In order to find out who is working for the Federal Government and who isn't working, Elon Musk asked for a list of the five things that employee did.  Apparently there are thousands of people not showing up for work.  Government buildings sit empty.  So I think it's fine to find out if these workers are doing a lick of work.

My five things today:

Worked on my Bible study for Thursday's class

Met with some church leaders who are dealing with a couple of difficult problems

Consulted on a Memorial Service that I will be conducting soon

Helped to get our oven fixed

Reached out to a friend who is scheduled for surgery tomorrow

I don't think Elon really cares what I'm up to.  But doesn't it make you feel good to be doing meaningful work? Praise God for making it possible.

Have you heard the one about the church and the bar?

A church became very upset when they learned that a bar was going to be built next to their property.  The members of the church opposed the bar and began to pray that somehow God would intervein.  A few days before the bar was to open, lightening the structure and the bar burned to the ground.

The people of the church were pleased - until they received notice that the would-be bar owner was suing them.  The owner contended that the prayers of the church were responsible for the burning of the building.  In a strongly worded deposition the church denied the charges.

A court hearing was held on the matter.  When all was said and done, the judge remarked, "I don't know what my decision will be but this appears to be the situation: the owner of the bar believes in prayer and the church people do not!"