Martin Luther on the One Thing Necessary

One thing, and only one thing, is necessary for Christian life, righteousness and freedom.  That one thing is the most holy Word of God, the gospel of Christ...Let us then consider it certain and firmly established that the soul can do without anything except the Word of God and that where the Word of God is missing there is no help at all for the soul.

From "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 220. 

Today is a gift.

Yesterday is history...tomorrow is a mystery...today is a gift - that's why they call it the present.

Anon.

Be A Pointer!

In the last analysis, you cannot pontificate but only point.  A Christian is one who points at Christ and says, "I can't prove a thing, but there is something about His eyes and voice.  There's something about the way He carries His head, His hands, the way He carries His cross - the way He carries me."

Your testimony is your testimony.  People can question or challenge or even dismiss your testimony.  But none of that changes the fact of what Christ has done in Your life. 

So be a pointer - point to Jesus.  Tell others how Jesus picked you up and began carrying you in your baptism.  Tell how He saved you and changed your life with the washing of water and the Word.  Tell what He continues to carry you each day of your life - how His forgiveness picks you up when you are down...how His peace lifts you up and enables you to live each day with joy in spite of tough circumstances.  Tell how He has promised to carry you into eternity.

You and I can't change or convert a person.  But the Holy Spirit can do this work through the Gospel.  It's not our job to persuade.  But we can point.  Be a pointer.  Point people to Jesus.

Above quote from Fredrick Bueckner, "Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC" 

Thank God for the little things

We prevent God from giving us the great spiritual gifts He has in store for us, because we do not give thanks for daily gifts...How can God entrust great things to one who will not thankfully receive from Him the little things.

Dietrich Bonhoeffer 

Retirement is good

It's been a little over four years since I left full-time ministry.  It was a good decision.  I was worn out and felt like I wasn't serving the congregation as well as I did when I arrived in January 2005.

For the first year I relaxed.  Played some golf (badly). Worked on my guitar skills (not much improvement) filled in a few times at St. Mark (thanks to Pastor Sheldon).  And while this was going on, my dear, sweet wife and I purchased a summer home in St. Joseph, Michigan.

This gave us a good five months of being with our two daughters and their families.  We loved being near Lake Michigan.  We watched the grandkids play soccer, basketball, junior golf and attended swim meets.  We attended the local LCMS church and discovered an excellent teacher who led the Sunday morning Bible class.  The move also helped us to escape the hottest part of the summer here in the Valley.

While there I made myself available for pulpit supply.  Unfortunately, there were a number of churches in the area without pastors so I had plenty of opportunities to preach.  While I was there, I came up with the idea to offer to preach regularly at Christ the Redeemer in Phoenix.  Soon, I was preaching every Sunday from October to April.  

At the same time I received a call to see if I would teach the Thursday morning Bible class at Church of the Master in Phoenix.  I jumped at the chance to do so.  While in the parish I taught a Thursday evening class at Life in Christ.  But with all the other duties I has as Senior Pastor I often wasn't able to prepare as fully as I would have liked.  Now, I would have all the time needed to teach as I wanted to.

This is where Sherri says I flunked retirement.  And, in one sense, she's right.  Preparing a sermon and Bible study takes time.  But time is what I have.  And since golf wasn't bringing me any enjoyment, having the opportunity to preach and teach in retirement has been perfect.

I thank and praise God that He has been able to use me in retirement.  Now, if He would only do something to help with my golf game!

Top Ten Signs Your Pastor Needs to Work on his Bedside Manner

Top Ten Signs Your Pastor Needs to Work on his Bedside Manner

10) Spies half-eaten sandwich on a tray and asked, “Mind if I eat that?”

9) Spends entire visit on phone getting reports about his son’s T-ball game

8) Asks the nurse if she thinks “The Pitt” is realistic

7) Asks “This illness won’t keep you from giving your weekly tithe, will it?”

6) Complains about how far away from the hospital he had to park

5) Tells worried member, “Relax, most people don’t recover from this surgery.”

4) Asks, “You have a back problem? That’s nothing! Let me tell you about my back problem.”

3) Says, “Dr. Smith is your doctor? I thought he’d been convicted for malpractice.”

2) Tells member, “Wake up! I’ve only got 15 minutes.”

1) Wonders, “Have you made plans for the funeral yet?” 

Grace is greater than sin

 The cost of your sin is greater than you can pay.  The gift of your God is more than you can imagine.

John Jeske
Connecting Sinai to Calvary, page 27