Even though you do see Him

 

As I was doing some devotional reading yesterday, I was struck by these words from the Apostle Peter: Though you have not seen Him (the Lord), you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8-9.

How is it that Peter can write with such confidence? How is it that he can be so sure that his readers are filled with such a trusting faith in Jesus?

The explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles' Creed in Luther's Small Catechism remind us that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.

The Holy Spirit works faith in our hearts and gives us the saving knowledge of Jesus as Lord and Savior.  With this faith we can trust Jesus for forgiveness and salvation, rejoice in our new life of faith and find comfort in our Lord in all the seasons of our lives.  With the help of the Spirit, we believe in our Savior even though we do not see Him!

The psalmist Asaph speaks to this same kind of faith.  In Psalm 77, Asaph complains about the difficulties of life.  He has suffered so much and, without any relief, is beginning to wonder if God has forgotten about him.

But then Asaph begins to meditate on God's Word.  He remembers God's mighty deeds.  He recalls God's gracious help and deliverance when the people were freed from bondage.  He writes in 77:19 - Your path led through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters, though Your footprints were not seen.

Faith enables us to know that God is with us even when our eyes can't see Him.  His Word assures us that God will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).  This week offer thanks to the Holy Spirit who empowers you to know and trust Almighty God even when you can't see Him.  God is with you!

One Key to a Happy Marriage

 My dear. sweet wife and I have been married 53 years.  As we prepared to make our vows we struck an agreement.  Any big decision that needed to be made would be done by me.  All small decisions would be made by Sherri.

 It is remarkable that in 53 years we've never had one big decision to make? Lucky me!

Books on the nite stand

One reason I look forward to summer is so I can carve out as much time as I want to read.  This summer I've taken to reading biographies.  So far I've plowed through book about Johnny Carson, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Art Garfunkel, John McEnroe, Norm McDonald, Alice Cooper, Nate Bargatze, Charlie Chaplin and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  I've also read two books written about the 2024 election; one was, to coin a phrase, "fair and balanced," and one which portrayed President Trump in a very negative light while minimizing the weaknesses and making excuses for his opponent.  As I was looking over my list I thought to myself, "It's only July! How many more books can I read before the end of summer?"  We shall see.

Presently I've reading:

"Executive Privilege," by Phillip Margolin.  The author is a former attorney turned author.  A friend of mine who worships at the church I serve during from October to April is an avid reader and is always passing along books he thinks I will enjoy.  This story is about a cover up at the highest levels of US government.  I'm only about half way through and I've found Margolin a clever and enjoyable writer and I'll definitely read some more of the Margolin books my friend gave me.

"To Rescue the Republic," by Bret Baier with Catherine Whitney.  This book tells of the political upheaval that took place in our country following the presidency of Ulysses S. Grant and his work of bringing reconstruction to a divided nation.  I've read two other books by Baier.  He's an engaging writer and easy to read.  Already I've thinking that once I get going with this book it will be hard to sit it aside.

"Law & Gospel - How to Read and Apply the Bible" by CFW Walther.  This book was the first one I read at the Seminary.  How important is it to get Law and Gospel right?  Walther wrote: You many correctly state what the Law says and what the Gospel says.  But when you frame your statement so as to combine both, you produce poison for souls.  Remember, while Law and Gospel are both God's Word, they are different kinds of doctrine."

This edition I'm reading is the Reader's Edition published by Concordia Publishing House about 15 years ago.  I had this book in my library.  I loaned it out and it never came back.  So this summer I ordered a new copy and am rereading the book, something which every pastor should do every few years.  It's been a joy to read!

People who know me are aware of my interest in shopping at thrift stores or going to estate sales.  You never know what you'll find but I consider it a success if I find one more book to add to my library.  Happy reading! 

You did good, God, You did real good.

My dear, sweet wife and I enjoy the Hallmark Channel series, "When Calls the Heart."  The series is somewhat based on the books of Janette Oke and focuses on a school teacher and the community she lives in which is located in the northern Canadian frontier. 

I had read that the tv series deviated quite a bit from Oke's books so I decided to take a look for myself.  I just finished reading the first novel and it was one of those "can't put it down" kind of books.

Oke is a wonderful, descriptive writer who transports you into the school teacher, Elizabeth's life.  Elizabeth is sent to the middle of nowhere to teach a community of children.  This "city girl" is determined to adapt to her new lifestyle.  She learns not to fear coyotes or give the mice the upper hand in her home.  Elizabeth also falls in love - with the children she teaches and a certain Mountie where love is truly at first sight.

One of the boys Elizabeth teaches is named Andy.  He is cheerful and well loved by his class.  But he is sickly and suffers from a brain tumor.  The children and community raise the money needs so that Andy can undergo surgery but the young lad does not survive.  

Later, the community comes together for a Memorial Service for Andy.  As they walk out to the cemetery, Elizabeth is overcome with emotion.  And this is how Oke describes what Elizabeth is feeling:

I cried then, the great sobs shaking my whole body.  I remembered the last time that I had wept, and how the little boy in my embrace had reached up awkwardly, and yet tenderly, to brush away my tears.  "You did good, teacher," he had whispered.  And now that small boy had passed beyond - so young to journey on alone.  But then I remembered that he hadn't traveled alone - not one step of the way, for as soon as the loving hands released him here, another Hand had reached out to gently take him.  I tried to visualize him entering that new Land, the excitement and eagerness shining forth on his face, the cheers raising from the shrill little voice.  There would be no pain twisting his face now, no need to hold his head and rock back and forth.  Joy and happiness would surround him.  I could almost hear his words as he looked at the glories of heaven and gave the Father his jubilant ovation - "You did good, God; You did real good!"

I loved her reference to Psalm 23:4 and her description of how God makes all things new for those who enter His kingdom.  Andy would no longer struggle or suffer with his health.  Instead, he would have all eternity to marvel at the goodness of a loving God who keeps His promise that all who believe in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.  And that is our hope too.

When my former church, Life in Christ, was planted, Pastor Vern Trahms would close with the song, “God is So Good.”  Every week we would sing verses like, “He forgives sin,” or “He answers prayer,” or “He’s Coming Soon,” always with the refrain, “He’s so good to me.”

And God’s not done.  Martin Luther told his worshippers to imagine God as being like an ever flowing fountain, never running out of water, always giving more than you could ever handle.  So, God keeps on forgiving sin and answering prayer and promising that He will return again make right what sin caused to go so wrong. 

So as you prepare for worship this weekend, do an inventory of all God has done and is still doing in your life.  And when you're doing you, too, might be moved to pray, "You did good, God.  You did real good!"

Essential or non-essential?

Are you an essential worker or are you considered non-essential?  That’s the big debate these days.  Which workers do we really need to serve us and who are those we can do without?

I’m sure the debate of essential vs non-essential workers will continue for a while.  But be encouraged today - as far as God is concerned you are essential.

Another definition for essential is extremely important.  You are so important to God that He didn’t leave your salvation up to you.  He sent HIs only one Son, Jesus Christ, who lived a perfect life and became the perfect sacrifice for all your sins.  Without Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection we would be lost forever.

You are so important to God that He sent the Holy Spirit to teach and enlighten you to the truth of His Holy Word.  The Bible is like a two-edged sword.  It slices through the clutter of your life so that you might have what is truly essential – faith and forgiveness in Jesus, making use of God’s gifts like Baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and trusting in God’s promise that there is a place in heaven for you.

And you are so important to God that He promises to be there for you whenever you need Him.  God says your prayers will be heard.  You’ll be provided your daily bread.  You’ll receive protection from evil.  You may not be an essential worker.  But you are essential part of God’s family and He cares for you.

We pray: Thank You, O Lord, for the reminder that You consider us extremely important.  Thank you for showing us all what You did to secure our salvation.  May that love move us to serve you more and more each day.  Amen.

Found on a church sign

Honk If You Love Jesus...

Text While Driving If You Want to Meet Him” 

Is yours a "going" church

 Many churches mark their progress by how much they have grown from year to year.  Are weekly offering totals increasing?  Has worship attendance grown from one year to the next?  Is our membership showing growth?

 Last Sunday I led a Bible class on a study of the "Last Words of Jesus," as found in the 4 Gospels and Acts.  We focused on the Matthew text, 28:16-20, and noted that Jesus gave the command to "go!"  Go and make disciples by baptizing and teaching.  

 So I asked the question, "Is your church a "going" church?  Is your church going out into your community, showing and sharing the love of Jesus? What are you doing to attract the community to your church, via VBS, Trunk or Treat, special concerts or services and the like? Are you teaching your members to know how to invite family or friends to visit the church on a Sunday.

 It seems to me that all those things that we consider growth items, i.e. offerings, attendance, membership, will take care of themselves when the church focuses on "going!"

 Rev. Dr. Scott Murray gives an example of what I believe is a "going" church.  He writes in "A Lutheran Perspective of Worker Wellness:" During Hurricane Harvey, which causes so much damage in Houston in 2017, I was on the West Coast.  I didn't arrive back in Houston for another week after its landfall.  While I was gone the people of my parish prepared and served over 1500 meals for those who were stranded, flooded out of their homes, or first responders.  I didn't do a single thing to organize this.  This is just what biblically trained Christians do when there is a need.

 In one of my congregations a member took issue with me when I said that Word and sacrament ministry was the main focus of the church.  He couldn't see that when we place the emphasis where it needs to be, people, motivated by the love of Jesus, will find ways to live out the gift of faith they've been given by going and making disciples by baptizing and teaching.  Pray that your church will focus on going and not just growing.  The one will take care of the other.

The Gospel issues no orders

Rather, it changes people.  It plants love into their heart and makes them capable of all good works.  It demands nothing but gives all.  Should not this fact make us leap for joy?

CFW Walther, "Law and Gospel - How to Read and Apply the Bible," page 20 

The Friday Funny on a Thursday

 Food for thought...Incorrectly is the only word that, when spelled correctly, is still spelled incorrectly.

 Have a happy 4th!

Where the Lutheran Church is growing

 According the the Veith and Sutton book, "Authentic Christianity," there are "reportedly 70-90 million Lutherans in the world."  They go on to write, "But Lutheran church bodies, like those of other theological traditions, come in both liberal and conservative varieties...northern European nations have become highly secularized.  Church attendance is miniscule, though church membership remains high."

 They go on to write, "Today, the real center of Lutheranism is not in its European lands of origin but in Africa and Asia...there are more than 20 million in Africa and more than 10 million in Asia.  The fastest growing Lutheran Church is in India."

 Interestingly, the African and Asian Churches are mostly liturgical in their worship.  There is an emphasis on traditional worship, and utilization of Word and Sacraments.

 What can we learn from these growing churches.  Maybe we don't need "seeker services," modern worship choruses, and pastors so casually dressed that they look like they walked off a beach.  Mainline Lutheran Churches in America are still bleeding members. 

 Perhaps it's time for us to get back to what we do best: let God serve us in the Divine Service, cherish the Liturgy which is nothing more than God speaking to us and we, in turn, speaking back to Him, placing the emphasis on Law/Gospel preaching, singing the great hymns of the church and coming with humble hearts to receive our Lord's body and blood in the Holy Supper.  I wonder what work the Holy Spirit might do if we were to return to what got us here in the first place? 

 

Top 10 Signs the Pastor is Watching Too Much Fox News

10) Church meeting no longer run past 8 pm so pastor doesn't miss Jesse Watters

9) Urges his wife to dress more classy like Martha McCallum

8) Promotes new audio Bible read by Tyrus

7) Upset when church council won't allow books by Greg Gutfeld, Dana Perino and Bret Baier in the church library

6) In nod to popular program, "The Fivem" pastor now calls the sermon, "The 25"

5) Tries to deliver his sermons with the passion of Sean Hannity

4) Replaces coffee and donuts with the Super Beets he saw on Fox

3) Names his new born son, Yingst

2) Now calls the Scripture Readings "Notable Quotables"

And the number one sign your pastor is watching too much Fox News:

1) Ends each sermon with the words, "Still fair, balanced and unafraid!"

Love isn't love until you give 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! 

From April 2021