Wisdom from CS Lewis

When you argue against Him (God) you are arguing against the very power that makes you able to argue at all: it is like cutting of the branch you are sitting on.

From "Mere Christianity" 

What's so special about Advent?

I wish I had posted this earlier.  Again, something that I wrote in one of my journals.

This Advent Season it's time to kneel a little closer to Jesus' crib and beneath His cross...there I'll hear the best news ever of how God sent Jesus to bring double payment for my sins.

"Together with Jesus" by Richard E. Lauersdorf, December 3 devotional, Northwestern Publishing House 

Jesus keeps the Law for us

How might we keep the Law and love one another without fail, without holding back? Setting our will to do it or making promises or resolutions has never worked before, and it won't work now.  How might we keep the Law which we've never yet kept before? But putting on the Lord Jesus Christ. That is it.  It is the only way.  It is in being loved, being forgiven, being fed the Holy Supper that not only is sin forgiven but faith is also strengthened.  In that  - those things that God has given for His church, for her faith and life - the Holy Spirit takes up residence and works do follow.  The only way for sinners like us to keep the Law is to have the Law kept for us.

From "God With Us, Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany Sermons" by David H. Petersen.  Page 22. 

Charlie Brown brings the Gospel

What a joy to watch the 50th anniversary of "A Charlie Brown Christmas" last night.  One television critic called the program one that "never gets old."  Perhaps it's a timeless program because it features a timeless message.

Yes, the message.  Charlie Brown wants to know what is the meaning of Christmas.  He can't believe Christmas is all about glitz and glitter, about the fake and the artificial.  It can't be about aluminum Christmas trees and prizes for the best decorated house (or dog house!), Charlie reasons.

Linus has the answer Charlie Brown is seeking.  And in a day and time in which the world seems determined to bury the answer, Linus proclaims it with all confidence.  "For born to you this day in the city of David is a Savior; He is Christ the Lord."

Following that good news message the program ends with Charlie and his friends singing, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."  Although I've sung the hymn more times than I can remember, this time around I was struck by the line, "God and sinners reconciled."

This is the reason for the birth of Bethlehem's child.  Sin separates people from God.  Since all people are sinners, all need to be reconciled to our Maker and Creator.  We needed to be reconciled to God. The problem - we can't do it ourselves.

Who is the person who works to help bring people back together? A counselor.  A counselor helps people work out their differences.

That's Jesus.  Remember Isaiah's prophecy in chapter nine?  "And He shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Jesus reconciles a perfect God with perfectly imperfect sinners.  Our situation was hopeless.  Jesus brings hope.  Like Adam and Eve we were the cast-out ones.  Now we can approach God.  He calls us His own.  We belong to His kingdom.  All because of the forgiveness and new life that Jesus has worked for us.

I pray that "A Charlie Brown Christmas" goes on for another 50 years.  In a world filled with bad news this is one program that delivers the good news that we can use.  We are reconciled to God! Amen! 

How to prepare a turkey (by a 7 year old)

My grandson was given the assignment: how do you prepare a turkey.  Please take note:

Buy a 10 foot live turkey at Walmart.  It should weigh about 11 pounds.  Bring it home from the store.  Name him Max.  Build a barn for him to live in.  You will need to feed him corn.

For Thanksgiving order an extra large cheese pizza from Barros.  Serve with Jelly Beens.

I am thankful for my family and new pet turkey, Max. 

Anita Crawford Memorial Sermom

 

Anita Crawford Memorial

            (Read from a greeting card)  Dear Anita, I have it on good authority that your portrait has a place of honor at the Greeting Cards Hall of Fame.  How many cards did you send over the years? Hundreds? A Thousand?  Sometimes the church believes it must think big to serve its members.  But you took something small – a greeting card – and made it into a big thing.  Making home visits folks would show me some of the cards you sent them.  A couple of people said, “I don’t even know this lady.”  It didn’t matter to you.  You, as you said, were blessed by God and grateful for His promises and so you were motivated to send these cards of encouragement.  We won’t soon forget how you touched our lives, Anita.  Love, Pastor Spicer.

St. Mark 8:28-31 reads: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating.  Noticing that Jesus gave a good answer, he asked Him, ‘Of all the commandments, which is the most important?’  ‘The most important one’ answered Jesus, is this – Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.  The second is this, Love your neighbor as yourself.  There is no commandment greater than these.’

The first command is to love the Lord with all you’ve got, your whole being.  God is worthy of such love.  He gives us everything we need.  He blesses us beyond what we can want or desire.  He treats us as a loving Father who cares for and loves his dear children.  He blesses but he disciplines.  He is always ready to hear us when we come to him with our fears, hurts and concerns. 

Joshua taught Israel that they could love God by doing four things.  First, walking in His ways, living each day being guided by His Holy Word.  Next, we love God by obeying His commands, in which he gives us His will for our lives.  We never need ask, “Lord, how shall I live?”  His commands teach us how. 

Then, we love God by holding fast to Him.  Interestingly, the verb ‘hold fast’ is the same verb found in Genesis 2:24 where a man is to cleave to his wife.”  To cleave to something is to come so close, so tight, that nothing can come between you and that thing or person. Loving God is to let nothing separate you from Him and His Word. 

Finally, we love God by serving Him with heart and soul.  The apostle Paul taught ‘whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.’  That means that whether you are a nurse in the ICU, the accountant for several small businesses, or the altar guild member who prepares the bread and wine for communion, we reflect His love, giving Him the glory and praise.

Love your neighbor.  Give respect and honor.  Provide protection from physical and emotional harm and danger.  Offer a defense when nasty or evil talk takes place.  Make sure your neighbor can keep what they have.  Very practical ways to love your neighbor.

The Scriptures are full of examples of neighbors showing love.  Abraham opened his home to traveling strangers; Ruth who was unwilling to separate from her mother-in-law;  The early church shared everything with one another.

Then there is Jesus’ parable about the Good Samaritan.  The Samaritan had every right to pass by the helpless and beaten man.  But he did not.  He cared for him, made sure he had a place to recover, paid for the cost of his care.  A perfect example of love.

Love God.  Love your neighbor.  Sounds so simple.  But you and I know how impossible it is.

And so, God loved us.  He sent Jesus to lovingly, willingly live a perfect life under the Law and then became the sacrifice for us who can’t keep the law perfectly.  Jesus showed us His great love for dying on the cross of Calvary, and rising on the third day, the perfect payment for our lack of love and sin.

Now, through Christ’s forgiveness and salvation, we are free to love God and love our neighbor.  That’s what Anita did.

No, she didn’t love perfectly.  Who among us can do that great thing.  But by what she said and what she did, Anita demonstrated her love for God and her love for her friends and neighbors.

She loved worshipping the Lord in this house.  She was here every Sunday until her health would let her come anymore.  I can still see her right over there (point to the right).  She sang the hymns, confessed her sins and received absolution, confessed the creed, listened to God’s Word, received the Holy Supper.

            She had a smile for everyone she met.  And she was happy to let people know how blessed and grateful she was to her Lord.  I miss hearing her say that but I won’t forget it.

            And those greeting cards.  What a wonderful way to bless and love your neighbor.  Sometimes those cards were given at anniversaries and special events.  And if it was your birthday, you might get a card mixed in among the best carmel corn known to man and I’ll debate that with anybody.  Was there ever a treat that was better than that?

            Then there were the cards that Anita sent that comforted those who were grieving, offered hope to the sick and suffering and provided encouragement for those who were going through a hard time.  Speaking personally, so often, when I was struggling in some way, one of her greeting cards would show up in our mail.  The cards gave me a lift when I needed it.  And I would guess that there are many here today that would say the same.

            So now we wait for a day when greeting cards will no longer be needed.  We will be gathered up by our Lord who will take us into heaven for a family reunion we can’t begin to imagine.  We will be with Jesus.  We will rub shoulders with our loved ones who proceeded us.

            And you, dear family, will recognize Anita.  You’ll hug each other and rejoice that all the pain and suffering of this life is in the past.  You’ll know each other in a greater way than you ever did before.  Best of all, we will see the One who moved us to want to love God fully and completely and to love our neighbors as we would be loved.

            Praise you, Lord Jesus.  Anita’s Savior and ours.  Amen. 

Our Christmas Movie Watch list

Last night my dear sweet wife asked how many Christmas movies we might watch this year.  We complied a list and here it is.

So in the next four weeks we'll be watching...

"The Nativity Story," a telling of Joseph and Mary's journey to Bethlehem.

"The Holiday" Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslett trade homes for the holidays.  

"Home Alone" While his family is in Paris, a young boy more than survives while outfoxing a couple of bumbling thieves.  Macaulay Culkin becomes a star!

"National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation" I prefer the edited version of this film.  Clark Griswold (played by Chevy Chase) wants to have a good old family Christmas.  The results are disastrous.  

"Love Actually" This is Richard Curtis' best film with a great ensemble cast.

"A Charlie Brown Christmas" The word, "classic" is often overused.  But not in this case.  This is a classic, the best Christmas program you'll watch this season.  The producers did not want Linus to speak, word for word, the Christmas story found in Luke, chapter two.  Charles M. Schultz dug in his heals and insisted.  I'm glad he did.

And I'm sure we'll watch several Hallmark Movies although if you've seen one, it feels like you've seen them all.

Did I miss any? I hope you'll have the time to sit down with your family and friends and enjoy your favorite Christmas films.  Make sure there's plenty of popcorn!

Define "pride"

Define "pride" as the sinful nature to advance one's self.

Nathan R. Pope, "Motivation for Ministry," page 25

A real can of worms!

A minister decided that a visual demonstration would add emphasis to the Sunday sermon.  Four worms were placed in four separate jars.

The first worm was placed in a container of alcohol.

The second worm was put into a container of cigarette smoke.

The third worm was put into a container of chocolate syrup.

The fourth worm was put into a container of good clean soil.

At the conclusion of the sermon, the minister reported the following results:

The first worm in the alcohol - dead.

The second worm in cigarette smoke - dead.

The third worm in chocolate syrup - dead.

The fourth worm in good clean soil - alive.

So the minister asked the congregation what they could learn from the demonstration.

A elderly woman was sitting in the back.  She quickly raised her hand and said, "As long as you drink, smoke and eat chocolate, you won't have worms!

That pretty much ended the service!

From "Lighten Up and Live" by Ken Davis, BroadStreet Books 

Humility is...

True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less.

C.S. Lewis, from "Mere Christianity"

Top 10 Failed Christian Reality Shows

10) "A Healing Service Sent Me to the ER"

9) "American Horror Story - Accordion Praise and Worship"

8) "So You Think You Can Save Yourself"

7) "PU to PLI"

6) "Total Divas - Pastor's Wives Edition"

5) "Say Yes to the Alb"

4) "Gordon Ramsey's Potluck Nightmares"

3) "My Strange Addiction to Communion Wafers"

2) "Keeping Up with the Olsteens"

And the number one failed Christian TV reality show:

1) "Real Housewives of the ELCA"

Top Ten Things Mom Would Never Say To You

10) "You ate the entire cake? That's OK.  I'll just make another."

9) "How on earth can you see the television sitting so far back? Move closer!"

8) "Yeah, I used to skip school a lot, too."

7) "Just leave all the lights on in the house.  It makes the place more cheery."

6) "Let me smell your shirt.  Yeah, it's good for another week."

5) "Go ahead and keep that stray dog, Honey.  I'll be glad to feed and walk him every day."

4) "Well, if Timmy's Mom says it's okay, that's good enough for me."

3) "The curfew is just a general time to shoot for.  It's not like I'm running a prison around here."

2) "Don't bother wearing a jacket - the wind chill is bound to improve."

And the number one thing your Mom would never say to you:

1) "I don't have a tissue with me - just use your sleeve."

Culled from Homiletics Magazine

The Six Hardest Words to Say

It has been said that the six hardest words to say are, "I was wrong.  Please forgive me."  Many find it difficult to say these four words in return: "Yes, I forgive you.'

One of the lessons the little letter of Philemon can teach us is the importance of practicing forgiveness.  I call it "practicing" because a forgiving nature doesn't come naturally.

We can be hurt by the wrongs committed against us.  We might suffer loss.  We might feel pain.  We can be abandoned.  Our reputation might take an unjust hit.

The person inflecting such damage might come to their senses.  With sincerity of heart they approach you to seek reconciliation and forgiveness.  They speak the six hardest words to say.  How will you respond?

Perhaps you very quickly review "every good thing" you have in Christ Jesus.  You remember the humiliation of Christ: His immaculate conception and humble birth; His unjust suffering and His cruel death and burial,  You think of the price your Savior God paid so that you might receive forgiveness for the wrongs you've committed against the Holy God.  You remember the grace of God in your own life.  Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you extend the grace to the person who seeks forgiveness from you.

Reconciliation takes place between you and a friend, just as it did between Philemon and Onesimus.  It will take you less than 10 minutes to read Philemon.  Check it out.

A simple way to motivate your family

The loaded minivan pulled into the only remaining campsite.  Four children leaped from the vehicle and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tent.  The boys rushed to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking utensils.

A nearby camper marveled to the youngsters' father, "That, sir, is some display of teamwork."

The father replied, "I have a system.  No one goes to the bathroom until the camp is set up."

From "Homiletics" magazine, May 2010, page 35

Ever close, Lord, abide with me

 

Abide with me

Abide with me, abide with me

 Don't let me fall and don't let go

Walk with me and never leave

 Ever close, God abide with me


Oh, love that will not ever let me go

 Love that will not ever let me go

You never let me go

 Love that will not ever let me go


And up ahead, eternity

 Weep no more, sing for joy

ABIDE WITH ME!


Thank you, Matt Maher, and others, for a song of comfort and hope.

Speaking of dogs...

Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend.  Inside of a dog, it's too hard to read.

A Groucho Marx quote from a t-shirt I saw for sale at Bookman's.

One Good Reason for Owning a Dog

Humorist Dave Berry provides the answer:

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, "You're right! I never would have thought of that!" 

Top 10 Signs You're At A Bad Voters Meeting

Top Ten Signs You’re At A Bad Voters Meeting

10) The Secretary reads the “hours” of the last meeting.

9) The pastor’s opening devotion: “The Worker Is Worth His Hire or Why I Am Entitled To a Raise”

8) The President announces, “All in favor of approving the budget say “I.” “All those not in favor have five minutes to change their minds.”

7) The Elders budget includes a suspicious entry regarding a “prayer and fasting retreat at the Princess Resort.”

6) The Budget is printed in disappearing ink.

5) Proposed that all future voters meeting be held at Gila River Casino

4) The pastor’s budget includes a $2000 addition marked “Chick-fil-a”

3) It is moved that all voting should be declared at “Yes,” “No,” or “Over My Dead Body”

2) Voters change mission statement, “We Seek People For Jesus,” to “We’re Pretty Comfortable Just the Way We Are.”

And the number one sign that you’re at a bad voters meeting:

#1 No one shows up. 

Let go and let God?

 Pray, and let God take care of you.

Martin Luther, "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 1035

Rest in the Lord

 When we think about the gifts God gives to us, His children, our natural tendency is to focus on the gifts we need the most.  We need God to be reconciled to us and so we give thanks for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed us from slavery to sin and saved us by suffering for our sins on the cross.  We need to lived for God and for others and not for ourselves and so we give thanks to God for the new life in Christ that began at our conversion.  Through Word and Sacraments the Holy Spirit is working to give us a new attitude and new way of living for Christ and for others.  We need to be assured that our death is not the end and so we give thanks to God for the gift of eternal life that is ours through faith in our Savior.

 But there are so many other gifts that God showers upon us for which we are grateful.  Answers to prayers...freedom from guilt...fruit of faith...Christian fellowship...guidance for daily living.  

 And then there is this - rest.  Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Matt. 11:28.

 The cares and problems of this life can seemingly break our backs.  We wonder where we can find relief.  To us, Jesus says, "Come."  He offers to bear our burdens.  He urges us to shed our cares.  The Lord takes the load from our backs and He bids us rest.  We rest in His compassionate love.  We rest in knowing that He cares for us.  We rest in trusting that nothing can separate us from Him.  So, rest.  Rest in your Lord.

It's Time For the Friday Funny!

A women called a pet shop one day and asked, "I need to purchase 10,000 cockroaches."

The proprietor asked, "Why in the world would you need 10,000 cockroaches?"

She replied, "I'm moving from my apartment today and the lease says that I must leave the apartment exactly as I found it!"

Have a nice (and bug-free) weekend!

Preach the Gospel...and use words!

It is St. Francis who is to have said, "Go out today and preach the Gospel...and if you must, use words."  I don't know if he said such a thing but I have a hard time with such a thought.

The Gospel is all about Jesus Christ - His suffering, death and resurrection for the redemption of the world.  The Gospel is good news, the best news anyone can hear.  The Gospel is all about words - words regarding the salvation that is God's free gift to those who believe in Jesus - the way and the truth and the life.

The life that St. Francis is speaking of is one that is motivated by the Gospel.  The love of Jesus changes us and moves us.  We want to be salt and light to the world.  We want to love our neighbor as Jesus first loved them and us.  We want to let our light shine in a world full of darkness and sin so that more and more people will come to know and trust Jesus to be their Savior from sin and death.

In Acts, chapter 8, Phillip used the words of the 5th Gospel - Isaiah - to help the eunuch see and believe in the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world."  Paul wrote to the Romans that the "Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of the world."  The Gospel is all about the Word - Jesus!

By all means, go out today and show the power of God's love at work in your life.  Let people see the difference that Jesus makes.  But also be ready to speak His Gospel of love and forgiveness to those around you.  Preach the Gospel...and use words to do it!

From October 2012

How valuable are you to God?

Life's value is most apparent when I look at the price God paid for it.

Richard Lauersdorf, "Together with Jesus," September 22 devotion

How does God work?

The Word, the Word, the Word."  That is how Martin Luther responded when asked how God works.  He forgives sin by His Word.  He creates faith by His Word.  He sustains faith by His Word.  He heals through His Word.  He raises the dead by His Word and He will raise the dead through His Word.

From "What They Need to Hear" by Klemut Preus, page 152 

Comforting words from Luther

I might have shared this before but I can't help myself.  It's Martin Luther and it's good, comforting news.  From Treasury of Daily Prayer:

Therefore, if consciousness of a great sin weighs you down, comfort yourself with the blood of love...it is solely in the blood of Christ that we have confidence on the Day of Judgment 

Have you exercised your faith today?

John Kleinig, in his wonderful book, "Grace Upon Grace," talks about the fact that faith is an active, living thing.  He writes (on page 44), ...we exercise our faith continually, in our work and in our rest, in the Church and in the world, just as we exercise our eyes by seeing and our ears by hearing...

We exercise our faith by practicing our piety, whether it is going to church or by saying grace before meals, by meditating on God's Word or by praying, by examining ourselves in the light of God's Law or by confessing our sins, by fasting or by presenting our offerings to God...

We are not called to live as practical atheists, people who, theoretically, believe in God, and yet act as if God has nothing to do with their daily lives....

People schedule regular times of bodily exercise each day.  We want to keep our bodies fit.  Do you do the same for exercising faith? Kleinig would have us all put to use the gifts of God in our lives every day so that faith, which is the Lord's gift to us, would continue to keep on trusting in the Lord for forgiveness, for life and for everything.

Hope you find time today for a good workout 

Books on the Nightstand

I counted the tally and was surprised to learn that I read 31 books this summer.  That's a new record for me. Most of the books were historical fiction, popular culture, sports and the arts and a few theology books thrown in for good measure.  Here's what I'm reading at the moment:

"Listening to the Law" by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.  This has been a very intriguing read.  Coney Barrett pulls back the curtain (a little bit) on how the Supreme Court works, how they decide what cases to consider, how the justices get along with each other and what a typical day is like.  I'm only a few chapters in but it's becoming one of those "can't put it down" books.

"The Stolen Life of Collette Marceau" by Kristin Harmel.  The author has become one of my favorites.  She tends to focus on the World War II years and she does a superb job of making the reader feel what it was like to live through those terrifying times, especially if you were Jewish.  The story revolves about an older women who was taught at a young age to be a pickpocket of valuable items like jewelry which were then sold with the proceeds given to help Jewish exiles.  I've only read about a fourth of the book but its becoming one of those "can't put it down" books (wait, I just said that?).

"From Here to the Great Unknown" by Lisa Marie Presley and Riley Keough.  The only child of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie was writing her life story when she suddenly died.  Keough honored her mother's wishes and completed the book, adding her own insights and filling in the blanks.  The book is heartbreaking.  Lisa Marie had a fractured childhood without equal amounts of love and discipline.  Keough is the sole heir of Graceland, Elvis' former home and national tourist attraction.  She seems to have her life together.

For my birthday my kids gave me an Amazon gift card.  What shall I use it for? Books, perhaps?  

The Friday Funny Returns!

There's no one quite like Shel Silverstein...

The fanciest dive that was ever dove
 Was done by Melissa of Coconut Grove
She bounced on the board and flew into the air
 With a twist of her head and a twirl of her hair
She did 34 jackknives, back flipped and spun
 Quadruple gainered and reached for the sun
And then somersaulted 9 times and a quarter
 And looked down and saw

              The pool had no water. 

Does God Really Know You?

Marsha Kaitz, a psychology professor at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, did a test to see how well mothers know their babies.  According to the Associated Press, the 46 mothers chosen for the test had all given birth in the previous five to 79 hours.  They had all breast fed their newborn.

Each mother was blindfolded and then asked to identify which of three sleeping babies was her own.  Nearly 70 percent of the mothers correctly chose their baby.  Most of the mothers said they knew their child by the texture or temperature of the infant's hand.  The woman apparently learned the identifying features during routine contact, said Kaitz, because they weren't allowed to study their babies to prepare for the experiment.

70 percent of the Moms could identify their child.  That's pretty impressive.  Even more impressive is Almighty God's ability to know His children.  It's 100%!

That's the word from the psalmist David.  Read Psalm 139 this week to learn more.  David writes it clearly - God knows you through and through.  From the time your alarm clock goes off in the morning until you switch off the bedroom light at night and hit the sack, God knows what you've done, where you've been and what you've said.  There is no place where you can hide from His Spirit.  There is no darkness that can conceal you.  From the moment of your conception until this very moment, God has you on His heavenly GPS screen.

And that's good! When we're honored for our hard work on the job, God knows and rejoices.  When we pound the pavement seeking any kind of a job, God knows and is with you.  God's searching knowledge of us leads us to put down our guard and be transparently honest with Him.  His Law shows how we have offended the Lord and so His Spirit leads us to repentance and faith.  His Gospel reassures us of the Lord's forgiveness and salvation.  We have His promise - the Lord will lead us in the way everlasting.  May God bolster your faith as you pray Psalm 139 this week.

It was a mighty fine week

We began the week with visitors from Peoria - Todd and Jo.  We hiked Fernwood Botanical Gardens and then sipped a glass of wine at a local winery with great views.  Tuesday we walked the bluff and had some beautiful views of Lake Michigan.  On Wednesday they left and so did my dear, sweet wife.  Sherri attended the Juice Plus conference in Indianapolis.

While she was gone Jake (our sweet dog) and I batched it.  I didn't have a car so we stuck close to home.  Did our mile and a half morning walk, did some "honey do" chores, watched the Arizona Cardinals lose another game they should have won and just took it easy.  Sherri returned on Friday and we binge-watched several more episodes or "White Collar," which is soon to leave Netflix.  Sherri is especially unhappy with this development.

Saturday Sherri attended a woman's retreat at church and I traveled with my youngest daughter and my grandson to Holland Michigan to watch him play in a soccer game.  His team has been together for three years and they are beginning to play like a real team.  Quick movement of the ball on offense with tenacious defense.  They really are fun to watch and they were the victors 5 to 3.

Yesterday we went to Bible class and church.  The Bible class is led by someone who has become a good friend.  He is an excellent teacher and I was pleased that he unpacked Psalm 77, one of my favorites. After church we went out to celebrate his wife's 70th birthday.  I want to say that she is 70 years young because she had a cheerful spirit and caring heart.  We'll miss them when we leave Michigan.

This week we begin packing for our return home.  It had been a wonderful summer but I'm ready to go.  I'll be back in the swing of things, so to speak, by preaching on Sunday at Christ the Redeemer and teaching on Thursday at Church of the Master.  And I'm finally going to start working on the book of devotions that I've talked about for years.  

That was my week.  Hope yours is enjoyable and filled with God's blessings!

How To Size Up A Person

In Matthew, chapter 15, Jesus said to a crowd: Listen and understand.  What goes into a man's mouth does not make him "unclean," but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him "unclean."

The Pharisees, Jesus' self-righteous enemies, considered a person unclean or unacceptable to God by failing to keep their regulations and traditions.  The Pharisees rule book far exceeded the commands of God.  For example, the Pharisees had very specific regulations about when and how a person should wash their hands.  But the people were expected to know and to keep every little rule.

The disciples didn't quite get what Jesus meant and asked him to explain His little parable.  Here's verses 16-20: Are you still so dull? Jesus asked them.  Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of a mouth come from the heart and these make a man "unclean."  For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.  These are what make a man "unclean;" but eating with unwashed hands does not make him "unclean."

Jesus does something very revealing here.  He described the defilement of a person in much different terms than the Pharisees.  The Lord teaches that defilement comes from an impure hearts.  What seperates a person from God is not what they eat but by their sinful and unrepentant ways.

So if you really want to know what a person is made of just listen to what they say and write.  Do their words defend or accuse? Do their words lift up or tear down.  Do their words frame a person's actions in the best and kindest way or is their goal to hurt and ruin a reputation.  Oh, we all need to repent for things we've said and done that failed to keep God's command.  Have mercy on us, O Lord! Still, if you really want to know what is in a person's heart, then do as Jesus advises - hear what comes out of their mouth.

The difference between darkness and light

Darkness is not knowing God and, even worse, not realizing that you are living for Satan.  Darkness is confusion over goodness and evil; it is not really understanding that true goodness can only be inspired by God's grace.  Darkness is looking at death with a big question mark or, more honestly, in complete fear.  Light is the opposite.  A person who stands in the light of Jesus and His revelation of God the Father knows God, flees the devil, loves good, hates evil.  He know that he can face death, for in Christ he has already died and risen again, and that his death is but a continuation of the life he now has but far greater.

from "Gospel Motivation" by Robert J. Koester, Northwestern Publishing House, page 113. 

The Friday Funny

A pastor and a lawyer arrived at the pearly gates.  St. Peter greeted both of them and gave them their room assignments.

"Pastor, here are the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units.  And for you, sir (the lawyer) here are the keys to our finest penthouse suite."

The pastor cried, "This is unfair.  Shouldn't I be given the better place?"

St. Peter replied, "Listen, pastors up here are a dime a dozen, but this is the first lawyer we've seen!"

(Apologies to all lawyers)

Handle with Care!

I received a package the other day with a huge sticker which read, "Handle With Care!" That got my attention. How do we deal with such packages?  We pick them up more gingerly.  We sit them down more carefully.  An ordinary package might get tossed on the kitchen table or in the trunk of our car.  Not so with a "Handle With Care" package.  We want to protect the contents of the package.  We want to make sure that nothing is damaged or broken.  "Handle With Care" packages are special and important.

According to Psalm 121, God sees you as His very special "Handle With Care" person.  Five times in eight verses, we learn that God "watches" over you.  The root of this word in the Hebrew language means "to exercise great care over."  How does God show great care for you?

Psalm 121 tells the story - God gives you His undivided attention.  He is watching you at all times, not just when it is convenient for Him.  Even when you are asleep, God is wide awake, watching and caring for you.  The psalmist makes it clear that there is no trial or trouble that can separate you from your Heavenly Father's protection and care.

Next time you're tempted to wonder if God is really paying attention to you, remember verse eight - "The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more."  This promise is sure and certain and it is for you! 

Excel at greeting guests and visitors

In watching the videos of those who went to church the Sunday following the Charlie Kirk assassination I was cheered to hear so many speak of how warmly they were greeted.  The regular church goer does not realized that one of the most frightening things a person can do is attend a church where you don't know a soul and have no idea what is waiting for you when you arrive.

So, how does your church do in this important work?  If someone were to visit your church for the first time would they grade you church as warm and welcoming?  Would your church receive a passing grade?

Can I make a few suggestions? First, "good morning" is barely a greeting, especially to a newcomer.  With many folks it sounds perfunctory.  If a greeter welcomes someone they do not recognize, say: "Good morning! I don't believe I know you.  My name is ______."

99 times out of 100 the person will respond with their name.  They might even tell you that they are new to the area and looking for a church.  Or they might say that it is their first time attending your church.  With that information you can make sure they receive a bulletin or newsletter.  If your church has some kind of welcoming gift, make sure they receive one.  Help them find a place to sit (visitors usually are more comfortable in the back of the sanctuary.)  If they have children or youth, let them know where their kids might want to go.

When greeters make a good first impression it's that much easier for the pastor to connect with the visitor after the service.  And that goes a long way toward encouraging that person or family to return again.

Excel at greeting guests and visitors.  With everything happening in the world today, you might just come across someone who is seeking hope and peace.  What a privilege to point that person to the giver of lasting hope and peace, our Lord Jesus.

The Charlie Effect

I started watching the videos last night and they're still coming.  One person after another sharing that they had gone to church yesterday.  Some were returning after being away for a few years.  Others attended after being absent for 15 or 20 years.  A few went to church for the first time.

And I was amazed at the number of folks who explained that last week they purchased a Bible.  Others told how they went and found a Bible that had been given to them a few or many years ago and started reading.  Most of those folks had some knowledge of the Scriptures.  A few mentioned that they were introduced to the Bible at Vacation Bible School.  One young lady told of how her family read a chapter of the Bible each night before sitting down to dinner.  When she left home she gave up that practice.  But last weekend she went home and at the family dinner table she read the Bible with her family.

They are calling it the "Charlie effect."  I think it's just another example of God taking something meant for evil and using it for good.  God has a way of doing that.  Just look to the cross.  The evil of the devil and sinful men was trumped by the blood Jesus shed on that cross which covers our sins and make us acceptable to the Father.  I owe my forgiveness and salvation to an evil act which God used for my good and for the good of the whole world.

Does this mean that I'm glad Charlie was killed? Of course not.  Oh, if there was just a way of rewinding time.  We could spare the evil done to Charlie.  He would be home with his amazing wife and children.  He would be planning for future events.  He would have more opportunities to challenge young people to think about what they espouse.  He would continue to be free to witness his faith in and love for Jesus Christ.

Instead, I suspect that there were thousands and thousands, here in America and throughout the world, who attended church for the first time or after an absence of years. I pray that they heard a message rooted in the grace that is found in Christ alone.  And there have been thousands of requests for help in planting new Turning Point groups on High School and College campuses.  

Will all these people return to church next Sunday? Who knows.  I remember how packed churches were after 9/11.  Many of the folks who came to church then stopped coming after a few weeks or a few months.  

Still, I was so encouraged by the videos that I watched.  These people were not pledging to join Turning point or become Republicans.  No, it was church they were returning to.  Looking for direction.  Seeking answers.  Wanting to make sense of faith.  Wanting to learning who Jesus is and what He can do to change their lives.

Isn't it amazing what one man's witness of faith and love for Jesus can do in the world?  

Make heaven crowded

I have to admit that I didn't know much about Charlie Kirk and his Turning Point organization.  I was aware that he was a willing and effective debater and intentionally walked into the lion's den of collage campuses to have civil (mostly civil) discussions with those who disagreed with his beliefs.

Nevertheless, I was shocked to learn of the shooting and his death from an assassin's bullet.  And in the past three days I have been stunned and  dismayed at those who have gleefully celebrated his death.

Shall we be surprised at such an outpouring of hatred and evil?  Jesus taught in Matthew 24:9; 11-13 - Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by many nations for my name's sake.  And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.  And because of lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.

Charlie Kirk has been described as a political activist and a conservative commentor.  And much worse.  But first and foremost he wanted to be remembered as a man of faith, a disciple of Jesus, saved by grace through faith in the shed blood of his Savior on the cross of Calvary who rose from the dead on the third day.

Apparently he often told his wife that his goal was to "make heaven crowded."  I love that phrase.  I recently taught a Bible study on the last words of Jesus.  The Lord taught "Make disciples" by baptizing and teaching; "Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to all creation;" "Be my witnesses."  

And what is the result when the church takes seriously the last words of Jesus? Sinful people are saved.  The lost are found.  Repentance, faith and salvation are worked in the life of a lost soul.

Heaven becomes crowded.

Of course, there is no way that God's kingdom can run out of space.  But you catch Charlie's drift, don't you.  Each time a person confesses Christ Jesus as the one Way, Truth and Life, Satan mourns.  And fumes. But the devil give up or wave a white flag.  The evil one works that much harder and by any means necessary to fill hearts with hatred for God's confessing people.  And from what I have read the past few days on social media, Satan is having some success.

It seems very true - the love of many has grown ice cold.  But we don't despair.  It is only a matter of time before Jesus triumphal return and the devil takes his place in his permanent resident, #1 Burn in Hell Avenue.

Until then, let's contend for Biblical morality.  Let's love our enemy but not give an inch to them.  Let's show and share the Gospel so that more and more have what you and I have been blessed with - forgiveness of sin, power for daily living through the Spirit, and the certain of hope of eternal life.

Let Charlie Kirk's goal be ours as well.  

Make heaven crowded.

Christ's footsteps are so big

I don't have to match Christ's footsteps when it comes to my salvation.  They are just too big and deep for anyone to do that.  And it is not necessary.  When Peter wrote "Christ suffered for you..." He was referring to a done deal.  Christ took that deep step down from heaven, that giant step up to the cross, that horrible step into hell's suffering, and that victorious step out of the grave, He took steps that only God could, and because He did, my salvation is complete.  I don't even have to walk to heaven; the Savior will carry me.

Richard Lauersdorf 

Wisdom from Norman Nagel

It is only because God has come to be our Father that we can pray to Him.  Only because Christ has taken away our sins on Himself and wiped them out by His victorious death can we stand before God, forgiven, His children in Christ. Only as we are bound to Christ can we come before God as His children, for then God sees us in Christ, wearing the garment of Christ's righteousness.  This is the key to a living connection with God our Father.  All contact, all prayer with Him must be in Christ, in the name of Jesus, that is, with faith in Him.

From "Selected Sermons" page 139. 

Top Ten Discoveries Made Around the Church Office

10)       Pastor complains of one sleepless night after another when unable to get the VBS songs out of his head.

9)         Secretary is fed up having to hum the hymns to the pastor each week because “He can’t remember how they go.”

8)         Church custodian feels taken advantage of when told to wax the fellowship hall floors and the pastor’s car.

7)         Pastor discovers there is no place to hide from the head organist.

6)         Church staff refuses to call the pastor, “The Sermoninator.”

5)         The secretary tries to talk the pastor out of his latest outreach idea, “Reverse Offering Sunday” where visitors get to take money out of the offering plate.

4)         Office computers still function poorly even when upgraded to Windows ’98.

3)         Pastor blows a gasket when he reviews the Sunday bulletin and finds that the secretary has placed a “sad face” next to Confession, a “happy face” next to Absolution and a “sleeping face” next to the sermon.

2)         Church staff surprised to learn that the new copier is coin operated; color copies require a credit card.

1)          Pastor practices his “side hugs” on office staff.  Custodian threatens to “punch him out.” 

Today's Friday Funny

Master to dog: No more food! Your dog food bag says 1 cup.

Dog to Master: The Oreo box doesn't say 16 Oreos either so what are we going to do?

Master to dog: Ok, one more cup and that's it!

Dog to master: Oh, sorry.  I ate the rest of the Oreos. 

Forgiveness is the air we breathe

Pastor Frank Starr wrote a  series of devotional book entitled, "Light For The Way."  The books are over 30 years old and out of print.  But I've found them to be a good tool for daily Bible reading.

I have copies a number of Starr's comments over the years in my journals.  I especially appreciated this one on forgiveness:

The Lord's forgiveness and restoration is the air we breathe, and breathing this air inspires us to share forgiveness and restoration with those around us.

"Light For The Way," Book 1, page 72 

The Christian Way

The Christian way is different; harder and easier.  Christ says, "give me all.  I don't want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you... no half-measures are any good. I don't want to cut off a branch here and a branch there. I want to have the whole tree down...Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked - the whole outfit.  I will give you a new self instead. I will give you Myself; my own will shall become yours."

CS Lewis from "The Joyful Christian" 

God is always there to help

Psalm 77 is a favorite of mine.  Verse 19 gives me so much comfort.  You should check it out.

Here is Martin Luther's take on this Psalm:

The 77th Psalm is a psalm of instruction.  The psalmist uses himself as an example of how to find comfort when affliction comes and the conscience is troubled, as if God is angry with it.  He says that he was so troubled that he could not have any sleep or even speak.  But this comfort follows: The psalmist can fight off the thoughts with which he futilely suffered, and he can grasp instead the thought of the mighty works of God in the histories of old.  Here we find that God's work was to help the miserable, the troubled, and the abandoned, and to throw down the self-secure, proud scoffers, for example,when He delivered the children of Israel from Egypt.  

For this reason His paths are called "hidden."  He is there to help when we think that we are totally abandoned.  We should learn this well.  God intends by this psalm to show us and teach us His manner of helping, namely that he never abandons us when things go ill.  Instead, we should wait upon His help at that time with the greatest confidence and not believe our thoughts.


From, "Reading the Psalms With Luther," page 181