Unshackled Hope from the 5:16

Our sermon series called Unshackled Hope continues this Sunday as we focus on James 5:16 - "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." Join us as we explore this promise from the Lord.

This afternoon worship takes place at 5 pm; tomorrow at 8, 9:30 or 11 am.  Join us!

Top Ten Signs Your Pastor Is Wild About Books

Keep your eyes open for these important signs...

10) Can't resist the urge to rearrange the bookshelves of every home he visits

9) A plaque on his desk reads, "Kindles are for sissies!"

8) When asked, "How many books do you need?" his answer is, "Just one more"

7) For troubled members he suggests "bibilotherapy"

6) Can't stop laughing after he tells his pest exterminator to spray for "bookworms"

5) One bookshelf in his office is devoted to his prize collection of 113 pairs of bookends

4) Instantly knows when any of his books are out of order; didn't notice that his dog died

3) His office desk is made up entirely of "Luther's Works"

2) Knocked a picture of his wife and a book from a shelf at the same time. Breathed a sigh of relief when he caught the book

And the number one sign your pastor is wild about books...

1) Names his twin sons, "Barnes" and "Noble!"

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

When I survey the wondrous cross

 On which the Prince of Glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss

 And pour contempt on all my pride

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast

 Save in the death of Christ, my God

All the vain things that charm me most

 I sacrifice them to His blood

See, from His head, His hands, His feet

 Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e'er such love and sorrow meet

 Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine

 That were a tribute far too small

Love so amazing, so divine

 Demands my soul, my life, my all

Don't let people stress you out!

So how do we cope with the unknown future, the fear of how things will turn out, and the fear of how others will think of us? We do it by realizing we have control only over the choices we make in governance of ourselves and therefore focusing our energy on choosing to do what we believe is the healthiest, most reasonable, and most appropriate choice given the information we have at the time in any given situation.

Then - and here are three big keys to reducing stress - we 1) surrender our outcomes to a higher power; 2) evaluate the results and learn from the experience; 3) set other people free to think or feel any way they want about us, accept other's responses as evidence of their character, and make decisions based on the evidence on how we will interact with them in the future.

Timothy R. Jennings, "The Aging Brain," pages 156-157

Thinking about Abbey Road

It was on this date in 1969 that the Beatles released the last album they recorded together, "Abbey Road," named after the street where the EMI recording studios they used were located. 

I remember getting out of school that day and jumping in my car to head home.  Switching on the radio, I heard, "Coming up next - the new Beatles album. and we'll play it in its entirety." I listened to side one while in the car and when the station took a break to switch to side two, I ran in the house, set up a small tape recorder to listen and tape the second side.

I was thrilled with Abbey Road.  It seemed that every time the Beatles released a new album, they had broken new ground, so to speak.  The musical arrangements, the song writing, the artwork - every album better than the last one.  When I finally bought the album, it didn't leave my turntable for a long time.

Sherri and I have had the opportunity to visit Abbey Road twice - once in 2004 and again in 2011.  Here we are making our way along the famous crosswalk - the same one the Beatles strolled across as the made the cover for the album.  I shed my shoes as did Paul McCartney on the original cover.

Representing Jesus Christ

A room-service waiter at a Marriott hotel learned that the sister of a guest had just died. The waiter, named Charles, bought a sympathy card, had hotel staff members sign it, and gave it to the distraught guest with a slice of hot apple pie.

The guest later wrote a letter to the president of the Marriott Hotels. It said, in part, "Mr. Marriott, I'll never meet you. And I don't need to meet you. That's because I met Charles. I know what you stand for...I want to assure you that as long as I live, I will stay at your hotels. And I will tell my friends to stay at your hotels."

I'm not sure where I read this story - I think it came from "Leadership" magazine.  No matter. What's important is this - because of the compassion of a lowly waiter, the Marriott Hotel chain now has a customer for life!

There's a message in this story for each of us. Just as Charles the waiter was a representative of Mr. Marriott, so are believers in Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul calls us "Christ's ambassadors," (see 2 Corinthians 5:20). Every day the Lord gives us abundant opportunities to influence lives, to help a hurting soul, to offer a soothing word to a searching man of woman, boy or girl.

And when we share God's Word with someone, the Holy Spirit works faith to believe and trust God for forgiveness and eternal life. Then, another ambassador for Jesus has been placed in the "field."

Maybe a good prayer today goes something like this: "Lord, make me more like Charles, ready to show and share Your love with people today.  Amen."

A collect for the anxious

Grant that I, Lord, may not be anxious about earthly things, but love things heavenly; and even now, while I am placed among things that are passing away, hold fast to those that shall endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.

From "The Divine Hours - Prayers for Summertime," by Phyllis Tickle

Today's funny - never heard this one before!

      A few minutes before the services started, the townspeople were sitting in their pews and talking. Suddenly, Satan appeared at the front of the church. Everyone started screaming and running for the front entrance, trampling each other in a frantic effort to get away from evil incarnate.
      Soon everyone had exited the church except for one elderly gentleman who sat calmly in his pew without moving, seeming oblivious to the fact that God's ultimate enemy was in his presence. So Satan walked up to the old man and said, "Don't you know who I am?"
      The man replied, "Yep, sure do."
      "Aren't you afraid of me?" Satan asked.
      "Nope, sure ain't," said the man.
      "Don't you realize I can kill you with a word?" asked Satan.
      "Don't doubt it for a minute," returned the old man, in an even tone.
      "Did you know that I could cause you profound, horrifying, physical AGONY... for all eternity?" persisted Satan.
      "Yep," was the calm reply.
      "And you're still not afraid?" asked Satan.
      "Nope."
      More than a little perturbed, Satan asked, "Well, why aren't you afraid of me?"
      The man calmly replied, "Been married to your sister for the last 48 years.

When we pray...

When we pray, we engage with the three persons of the Holy Trinity.  We pray to the Father, we pray together with the Son, and we pray by the power of the Holy Spirit.  What we do when we pray depends entirely on what the Son gives us in His Word and on what the Spirit does with us through our faith in Christ.

John Kleinig, "Grace Upon Grace," page 167

Stacks of Books for Sale!

For the next couple of days our Lutheran Women in Mission ministry will be working to turn our Fellowship Hall into a Book Warehouse!

Each year our LWM hold a big fundraiser.  Monies raised are then used to support outreach ministries in our community and the world.  This year they are selling books.

Apparently, they have thousands of books to display.  Most prices run anywhere from 50 cents to 2 dollars.  Books will be set up according to catagory so if you love to read fiction, you'll easily find that section.  The same is true for the rest of the books.

Additionally, there will be tons of puzzles, DVD's, and CD's for sale too.  Something for everyone!

If you love to read, this is the event for you.  Bring your reading friends! Bring boxes so you can easily carry out your purchases.  And remember, all the monies raised will be used to support those who are sharing Jesus Christ with the searching and lost.

Happy shopping!

Coming to the cross of Christ

Every time I come to Jesus' cross it is with a heavy heart and a burden of guilt weighing me down. I know I have sinned and I know the sentence with which God punishes the sinner. My only hope is to plead for mercy. In an amazing display of love Jesus never turns me away. Nor does He ever tell me I have exceeded my limit for forgiveness. Neither does He demand to see some positive improvements before He can assure me my sins are removed. I come with filthy hands, a blackened heart, and a desperate plea for mercy, and Jesus purifies me from all my sins. It sets my heart soaring to know I can stand before Him deserving only judgment but receiving only mercy.

From WELS Mobile, Daily Devotional, September 16, 2018

I'm going to see Paul McCartney!

Ok, in my last post I mentioned that occasionally I would talk about personal stuff.

Today is that day. I'm going to see Paul McCartney!  Yeah, yeah, yeah!!

Late last week, one of my friends at church, Diana Strahl, sent me a text saying that advanced tickets for a Paul McCartney concert were going on sale Monday morning, Sept. 17.

What concert? I hadn't read or heard of McCartney coming to Phoenix.  It was all news to me, the guy who trolls the internet looking for any McCartney or Beatles news.  I must be slipping.

Then, last Saturday, I see the ad for the concert in the local paper.  I begin trying to figure out how we could get tickets.  They needed to be purchased online and they needed to be purchased fast because this concert is going to sell out fast.  Sherri sat quietly listening to me going on and on about my dilemma. Little did I know...

Yesterday, we celebrated two birthdays - mine and my grandson, Ethan. As we opened presents, a tie box lay before me. A tie? But when I opened the box I found not a tie but a poem.  It read like this:

To my dear, sweet husband:
 To make a baby it takes nine months long
But who would wait such a time to hear a song?
 We know you would travel afar to listen to your fave
And even though he's quite old, millions still rave
 We wonder will this be the last stage call
Of the magical mystery tour of Sir Paul
 I hope these tickets speak to your love language of gifts
And the long wait doesn't cause you to be miffed
 There is lots of time for the anticipation to build
May my prayers for a year of joy and excitement be fulfilled

Then I look at the second sheet and there they are - the tickets! Paul McCartney - The Freshen Up Tour, Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 8 pm.  Wow, oh, wow!

The next question - "how did you get the tickets when they don't go on sale until tomorrow?"

Sherri explained that another of our friends at church, Connie Baker, told her that there was a pre-sale for holders of a certain credit card before Monday.  So, my dear, sweet wife went online and snagged two of the tickets.

In my sermon yesterday, I talked about all the waiting we seem to do each day.  Now, my waiting skills will be put to the test.  Obviously, I'd like to see Sir Paul tomorrow.

Since that won't happen, I'll have to do the next best thing - listen to his new music project!

His first number one album in over 30 years!

Cross Thoughts

I've been at this blog for seven years.  It seemed like it was more than ready for a name.

So, welcome to Cross Thoughts!

When I began to think about what I really want this blog to be about, my first thought was pretty obvious - Jesus.

Jesus...the Way and the Truth and the Life.  Jesus...the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep.  Jesus...the Vine who, through faith, enables believers to bear much fruit.

Jesus, the One who was crucified...nailed to a cross...raised from the dead...for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.

From time to time I'll post some personal stuff.  It's hard not to write about your kids and grand kids. And personal interests like reading, music and sports will pop up on occasion.

But mostly what you'll find on this blog is stuff about Jesus.  All designed to encourage you in your new life in Christ.  God has given you life.  Those who believe have a blessed inheritance that will be received in full in heaven.

But life can also be hard. Lose a job and suffer both embarrassment and a missing paycheck. Lose a loved one and suffer grief and upheaval. Lose a relationship and suffer pain and hurt.

Where can we find encouragement and hope and the will to keep on going in these times of loss?

Jesus...the Cross...His Word...Your Baptism...His Holy Supper.

God uses these means to help and encourage us. My task is to point us to these grace-filled gifts with every entry.

So, again, welcome to Cross Thoughts!

I'd Rather Be Reading

Anne Bogel gets me. She gets the person who would rather read than eat. Who doesn't know the meaning of "just one more chapter." When asked, "How many books do you need," answers, "Just one more." Bogel not only loves to read; she knows how to write as well. In her new book, "I'd Rather Be Reading" she offers 21 short chapters on topics readers often fuss over - the struggle of recommending a book to a friend...dealing with those books on the shelves not yet read...what to do when exhausting all book shelf space...not being afraid of going back to a book that you couldn't find much reason for reading the first time. Having trouble arranging your book shelves? Bogel has some tips. Never read the acknowledgements section in a book? Bogel says it's worth the time. Never heard the term 'bibliotherapy?" Check it out on page 60. I don't seem to find too many friends who enjoy reading the way I do. That's why I like Anne Bogel so much. She gets me. And I was glad to get and read "I'd Rather Be Reading." Book provided for review by Baker Books

Remembering September 11, 2001

On August 30, my dear, sweet wife and I. along with our friends, Dan and Janelle, visited the 9/11 Memorial in New York City.  It was an awe inspiring visit.  This is a reflection of the new World Trade Center #1 standing tall and proud.

How Can You Still Love Me, By Lost and Found

Putting life into God's hands

I thank You, Lord Jesus, for showing me that this life is not a struggle for survival, as if I have to constantly keep an eye on the little I have or watch out for others.  Instead, You give me that right and privilege to serve, and every day You give me new possibilities to bring joy to someone else. To wander down Your path and serve for Your sake is a greater fortune than all I could scrape together by toiling, struggling and stressing if I took my life in my own hands. Instead, I put my life into Your hands and I thank You for that.  Amen.

Bo Giertz, "To Life With Christ," page 589

Unshakable Hope

This weekend we begin a new sermon/Bible study series, "Unshakable Hope." Is your hope meter dangling close to the "E?" Do you need to be reminded of where hope can be available for you? Join us at: 

  Saturday - 5pm

  Sunday - 8, 9:30 & 11 am

God's best to you this weekend!

Tim Hawkins is the funniest man on the planet!

Reading Goal Achieved!

Every year I set out to read 24 books.  Two books a month.  Two weeks per book. Sounds easy enough, right?

While on vacation the last couple of weeks I read Thom Rainer's little book, "I Will," which offers tips and encouragement on how a person can be a faithful servant in the church.  When I added that title to the list - viola! That was number 24!

Given that I'm a clergy person, one might expect that all my reading would be of the religious variety. Such titles are on the list.  I've been blessed to read two great biographies from Eric Metaxas - "Martin Luther," and "Bonhoeffer." Dan Paavola's unique presentation on the Lord's Prayer - "Our Way Home" - has greatly enriched my prayer life and DA Carson's "The Farewell Discourse and the Final Prayer of Jesus" shed new light on those last minutes Jesus spent with the apostles according to the Gospel writer, John.

But I've read some good fiction too.  I've become a fan of Diana Galbadon's "Outlander" series of books. She knows how to write a captivating yarn. And I had fun reading "Belgravia," from Julian Fellows, the creator and writer of the "Downton Abbey" television series.

So, here we are in early September.  I wonder how many more books I can read before the end of the year?  I learned about author Daniel Silva, from of all things, a Costco magazine.  He writes thrillers and I'm already hooked on his book, "The English Girl."  And I review books for Baker Books on my blog so I'm sure they will have some titles coming out in the fall that I will want to read.

As I'm sure you can understand, ministry is stressful.  Over the years I've discovered that setting down with a good book enables me to relax and put the concerns of ministry on the back burner, so to speak.  I've got a full day and evening ahead of me.  But if I get home early enough tonight, I'll have but one thought - "Where's that book!"

Giertz on love

In 2009 a couple from our church gave me a copy of a devotional book by Bo Giertz.  I decided to turn back to it this summer and have once again been blessed by his wonderful way of pointing the reader to see, perhaps anew, the lovely Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Here are a few entries from my journey that encouraged me.  Maybe they'll do the same for you.

That's what God's love is. It loves sinners like us, who are hopelessly separated from this divine love. (page 545)

God shows us exactly the thing God's love wants to give us when He sacrificed the dearest thing He had. (page 546)

(Jesus) became one with us when He took our sins upon Himself. His love drowned our sins. (page 547)

God does work all things for our good

My weakness, that is, my quadriplegia, is my greatest asset because it forces me into the arms of Christ every single morning when I get up.  Joni Eareckson Tara, quoted in “Sing,” page 45

My depression, which I hate, forces me to rely and trust Jesus because often it’s often the only thing I can do.

How about you? Is there something painful in your life that could be to your advantage if you would throw yourself in the arms of Christ?

More than just music

Worship isn’t primarily about music, techniques, songs or methodology. It’s about our hearts. It’s about what and who we love more than anything.

Bob Kaitlin, quoted in “Sing,” by Keith&Kristyn Getty

So worship at Life in Christ. — 8, 9:30,11am,