Thinking about Pastor David Schultz

Sometimes people ask, "Why did you want to become a pastor?" This is my story.

I was in my junior year at Mesa High School. Great things were happening for me - making the basketball team and getting to meet and make a bunch of new friends.  As I arrived home after practice one day I found my parents sitting in our living room with a stranger.  He introduced himself at Pastor David Schultz and explained that he had just been called to serve at Pilgrim Lutheran Church.  He invited our family to worship  that Sunday.

As we talked I made an amazing discovery - he loved sports! I thought that pastors just talked about God all day.  Not only could Pastor Schultz talk sports, he played sports! Later on I discovered that he was a first class fast pitch softball hitter and pitcher and that he was a low handicap golfer.

We did attend church that Sunday and I was impressed.  Pastor Schultz was a fine preacher and, as I later learned, an outstanding Bible teacher.  We all went home that day feeling that we had found our church.

As the weeks went on Pastor Schultz took a real interest in me.  One day I was at home when the phone rang and Pastor Schultz was on the line.  He explained that he had to visit one of our members who had been hospitalized and wondered if I would like to go along with him. You bet! I enjoyed being with him and got to see him working at his vocation.  After that, he called again and again and invited me to go with him and I did.

During those visits I saw Romans 10:17 come alive: "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message and the message is heard through the Word of Christ."

On those visits I had a front row seat and watched as Pastor Schultz used the Word of God to touch and change the lives of others.

We met a woman who had just been dumped by her husband.  The rejection hurt and I felt sorry for her but Pastor Schultz gave her more - comfort through the Word of God.

We met a man who had just been diagnosed with cancer.  Fear came over the man and I felt sorry for him but Pastor Schultz gave him more - peace through the Word of God.

We met some parents who had just discovered that their son's girlfriend was pregnant and their boy was the father.  They were broken up and I felt sorry for them but Pastor Schultz gave them more - hope through the Word of God.

I got a phone call very late one night  Sherri, I and the kids were fast asleep.  It was Pastor Schultz explaining that one of our members, a young wife and mother, had died suddenly and unexpectedly.  Would I come with him?

When we arrived we encountered a family in shock.  Some of them were hysterical.  I was a little frightened.  What could anyone do for this grieving family? Pastor Schultz asked them all to bow their heads in prayer.  When he was finished, he took the young husband and father away to speak with him privately.  I remained with the rest of the family.  There was still a great sadness in the room and tears were being shed. But I realized how that prayer, peppered with God's Word, had brought comfort to them.

I believe all that time I spent with Pastor Schultz was just a meaningful and invaluable as the time I spent as Seminary.  I came to see first hand that faith really does come from hearing the message and the message is heard though the Word of Christ.

Our catechism teaches that the Gospel is the good news of our salvation in Jesus and through the Gospel God gives forgiveness of all our sins; gives us faith to trust and believe in Jesus and all His promises to save and forgive and bless; gives us the hope of eternal life in heaven; gives us the desire to please God with good works of love and compassion to others.

It is such a privlege to share God's Word with others.  That's why I wanted to be a pastor.  I watched my pastor give the Word of God to others.  I wanted to do the same.

What is the first love of the church?  I believe it is the proclamation of God's Word and the sharing of God's gifts of grace, Baptism and the Lord's Supper.  As the church we get to tell and show the amazing love of our beautiful Savior with our neighbors and the world.  The Word gives us hope for daily living.  The Word has the power to relieve guilt consciences.  The Word provides solid direction when it seems there is nowhere else to turn. 

I can count four of five men who have been instrumental in my life, through the example they set and the time and interest they shared with me.  But none of them has been as important in my life as David Schultz - my Pastor.

A sleep that could not be any lighter

From (Luke 7:1-17) and from the son of the widow we should learn to perceive the great power which God, through Christ, will apply to us at the Last Day, when, by a Word, He will recall all men to life and give everlasting salvation to believers...

For here we have the example.  The son of the widow is dead; he has lost the gift of hearing and all other senses.  But when Christ speaks to him, he hears.  This is certainly a strange and wonderful incident.  He that does not hear, hears;and he that does not live, lives. Nothing is done but that Christ opens the mouth and bids him arise.  The single Word is so powerful that death has to vanish and life return.

Before the Lord death is not death at all.  For us it is called and is death when we die. But before God it is a light sleep which could not be any lighter.

Martin Luther, from "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 228.

Be a soldier of the cross!

            The story is told that during the early day of the Civil War a Union soldier was arrested on charges of desertion.  He could not prove that the charges were unfounded and was declared guilty and condemned to die as a deserter.  An appeal was made on the soldier’s behalf and, as fate would have it, the paperwork ended up on President Lincoln’s desk.  The president was moved by the appeal and signed a pardon, freeing the soldier.  Then the man did a most surprising thing.  He reenlisted, returned to service and fought the entirety of the war on the side of the North.  Tragically, he was killed just as the war was coming to its conclusion.  In looking for some identification, found within the breast pocket of the soldier was the signed pardon of the president.

            Some time today, read Romans 5:1-2. In first two verses of chapter five, Paul describes the “not guilty” verdict we have received by being declared “justified by faith.”  God’s pardon of our sins has given us “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Jesus’ victorious battle over sin, death and hell has brought peace for all who trust in the Lord.  We can live life without fear of God’s punishment.  We can enlist in the Lord’s service as soldiers of the cross.  We can arm ourselves for battle with the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s Holy Word.  We can share the Word with those whose hearts are troubled and confused.  May the rich grace of God move you to faithful service as a soldier of the cross of Christ Jesus!

How your pastor will appreciate you

I am reading reading the third book in Katie Schuermann's series, "The Harvest Raise."  She tells the story about a mid-western rural church and its colorful cast of characters.  At the center of the series is a love story between a young woman who has lost her husband and has come to the town of Bradbury to heal.  She connects with Zion Lutheran Church and, over time, the single pastor and she fall in love and marry.  Schuermann portrays there relationship in a sweet way.

One reason I like the series is because she describes what life is like for a parish pastor.  She writes how pastors are often under pressure from the members (some well meaning and some not) and how that pressure comes to bear on family members.

As I'm reading along, the pastor finds his wife at home, obviously discouraged and hurt.  He finally learns that she was treated very unfairly by a spiteful troublemaker. He wants to deal with the person right away but his wife counsels against taking action.  He realizes that she's right; a confrontation would only make things worse.

During a moment of silence, the pastor thinks to himself, "...this was the special cross that pastors and, consequently, their families carried through all of life.  Every time they walked into the church, they had to share space with people who hated them and blamed them and despised them and criticized them and hurt them. It was the very essence of Church Stress, this constant bearing of people's scorn.  The world mocked and spit upon Christ Himself.  It most certainly would do the same to His servants."

My beloved administrative assistant, Connie Kanzler, often tells me how loved I am by my congregation.  And that's a wonderful thought.  But it's not true.

The above sentence in italics resonated with me.  All those things I have experienced and still experience.  The pastor is an easy target.  And since we all are given to believe at one time or another that our problems and disappointments are not our fault, who best to blame? The pastor!

In my own case, I know that the majority of the congregants love and support me.  It's only a few that hate and blame and despise and criticize and hurt.  Oh, but the wounds they cause. 

In my opinion, the greatest gift a congregation can give its pastor is to pray for him every day.  Pray that he would be faithful to his calling...pray that he would receive joy in serving the Lord...pray that the attacks of the old, evil foe would be blunted...pray that he would receive the Lord's strength when faced with stressful days...pray that he would not be distracted by those who want to hurt him and his family and ruin his ministry.

Every October is Pastor Appreciation Month.  But the pastor will appreciate you when you pray for him every day.

What do you say?

I opened up my email and saw the usual junk.  But there was one email marked "urgent."  It was a friend who had suffered a great disappointment and was asking for prayer.

I wanted to respond with some comforting, helpful words.  I couldn't find them.  The Bible had just what I needed.  I'll be preaching at all four services and I'll share with you what I learned.

Today at 5 pm; tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  Hope to see you at Life in Christ!

Can we trust the Bible?

I copied the following quote in my journal from the Christianity Today website.  I believe it was noteworthy to me because it came from a British theologian. Given the apathy among so many Brits toward God, Jesus, and the Bible (just to name a few), I was impressed by this testimony from Amy Orr-Ewing.  What she said was simple, straight forward and true:

The Gospels contain verifiable details about names, geography, culture, architicture, botany, leading us to conclude that the New Testament ought to be taken seriously.

From the article, "Oxford's Unapologetic Female Apologist," Christianity Today website, April 8, 2015

Thinking about Rod Pigg

It was a luncheon invitation.  Rod Pigg and I had never done lunch before.  And usually a free lunch often came either with a complaint about something the church was doing or a pitch for something the church ought to be doing.  Quite often I left the table with a bad case of indigestion.

But this was different.  Rod said, "Pastor, I have no hidden agenda.  But I am concerned about you."

Rod told me about his professional career.  He had been a highly successful insurance executive.  At one time he had managed over 200 agents.  He said, "As you can imagine, it takes a lot of time and effort to lead a sales force like that."

His success came with a price.  "I was working so hard and putting in so many hours that I began neglecting my health," said Rod.  He was certain that the stress of work had led to a couple of heart attacks.

Then Rod said, "Pastor, I see how hard you work.  Please take care of yourself.  Don't be afraid to retire.  I don't want you to do to yourself what I did."

I am blessed with a very supportive congregation.  During my struggles with depression many have reached out to me with their love and support.

But here was a man who I didn't yet know very well who did have an agenda of sorts - his concern for my health.  I left the table that day thanking God for a luncheon that didn't give me indigestion but something much, much greater.

We had more of those lunch time meetings over the past few years.  There was no church business to be done.  Instead, we talked about our families, summer traveling, Rod's golf game (his was so much more interesting to talk about than mine!).  We fought over the check.  Rod would say, "This was my invitation - I should get the check."  But God had given me a wonderful gift - Rod's friendship.  I was glad to pay for our meal.  My little way of saying "thank you" for the special time we had together.

I was shocked when I heard the news that Rod had passed away last Friday.  Since his retirement he was devoted to his health, getting lots of exercise, watching his diet.  It is hard to estimate just how much he will be missed by his dear family and the many friends he had made over the years.

My consolation is Rod's confession of Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior.  Rod and LaVonna, his wife, faithfully attended worship every Sunday.  Rod loved hearing the Word of God read and proclaimed.  He appreciated Jesus' invitation to come to the altar to partake of a meal like none other.  Rod believed that Jesus had saved him from sin and death. Being in the Lord's house was so important to him.

Now, Rod rests in the arms of Jesus.  One day Jesus will come again.  He will raise our lowly bodies and they will be new - no more tears, no more disease, no more depression.  And all those who confessed Jesus will be gathered up and taken into eternity where we will be with the Lord forever. 

The Bible doesn't tell us everything about heaven and what we can expect.  But if I am able, I'll be looking to stand shoulder to shoulder with Rod, singing praises forever to God and the Lamb.

What a reunion that will be!

First things first

You can't get second things by putting them first; You can get second things only by putting first things first.

CS Lewis

It is a good thing to be in the hands of God

            Emmitt and Gloria.  They were members of the church I served in South Carolina.  I visited them every four to six weeks.  They were what we commonly classify as “shut-ins.”  Gloria had been afflicted with a severe case of arthritis.  Emmitt was suffering from dementia.  The two of them faced challenges the likes of which I’ve never seen.  And they faced them together.

            Emmitt and Gloria were a team.  They supported and cared for each other.  Love filled their home.  Although Emmitt couldn’t say the word, “love,” he demonstrated his love for Gloria in many practical ways.  Emmitt cleared the dishes from the table and put them in the dish washer.  He emptied out the dryer and folded and put away their clothes.  He gathered up the garbage cans and put them in the big container out in the garage.

            And it was out in the garage where Emmitt stumbled and fell and broke his right hip.  Off to the hospital he went for emergency surgery.  At that moment, these two loving, caring teammates and lovebirds were separated, never to live together again.

            Emmitt’s surgery went well but he began to experience complications almost immediately.  Gloria kept a full-time vigil at Emmitt’s beside, even though stiff chairs and uncomfortable cots caused her unrelenting pain.  Twice she called me at home.  “The doctor doesn’t think Emmitt has long to live,” she would say.  “Will you come?”  I did and each time Gloria and I were amazed at how Emmitt would bounce back.  And as he did, we would wonder, “What does God have in mind in all of this?  Why is Emmitt still here?”

            We got the answer a few days later.  I had stopped by the hospital to check in on Emmitt.  Gloria and I were talking when suddenly Emmitt grabbed me by my left hand.  His grip was strong.  He pulled himself up to a sitting position, looked me straight in the eye and said in a clear, strong voice, “It is a good thing to be in the hands of God.”

            Gloria and I looked at each other in complete amazement.  I had never gotten more than a “yes” or “no” from Emmitt in the entire time I had ministered to him.  Gloria later told me that she couldn’t remember the last time she had heard a complete sentence from her husband.  That Emmitt has spoken out like that brought Gloria an indescrible joy.  The message ministered to her heart…and to mine.

            Looking back on that incident, Emmitt was simply echoing the words of God Himself through Isaiah the prophet: So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

            Where do any of us want to be when our health fails us?  When stress overwhelms us?  When trouble visits us?  We want to know that God is near, that He will wrap His everlasting arms of love around us, to comfort and to help.  According to Isaiah, that’s what God does.  (God) tends His flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.

            That good news was Gloria’s comfort.  A few days later, Emmitt passed into eternity.  His Good Shepherd led him through the valley of the shadow of death to rest in the arms of Jesus until the resurrection of the dead and the life everlasting.

Tears of sadness were shed.  But Gloria’s heart was filled with the peace that passes all understanding, the peace that comes when you know that it is a good thing to be in the hands of God! 

Your mission for this week

Our mission is to be lights in our world, leading in our families, making a difference in our neighborhoods, being an example in the workplace, growing in our relationship with God, using the gifts He has given to do good deeds that will lead people to Him.

From "Imagine 5:16" page 27 

Life Sunday at LICL

Tomorrow at all three services we observe Life Sunday.  We take the time to be reminded that life is a gift from God.  His Holy Word is very instructive regarding how we are to take care of our bodies and how we are to treat all people.  The argument - This is my body and I can do what I want with it - simply isn't true.  God is the creator of all things, included our body and soul, he daily provides and cares for our bodies, thus, He has ownership over us - not the other way around.

Our Life Team has been busy getting ready for tomorrow.  They have found a couple of videos we will show during the services.  They will also have a display set up after each service where more information regarding all life issues can be found.  The Sunday Bible class hour will feature studies on the gift of life for both kids and adults.

Come and join us won't you? Be here at 8, 9:30 or 11 am (or visit our Saturday service at 5 pm). 

Have a blessed weekend!

What the ultrasound can do

Below is an article by Abigail Favale, a one time feminist who recently became a member of the Catholic church. Her change in attitude and desire to join the church was motivated in part through her pregnancy.  I have provided just a small part of an article I found on Tim Challies blog (go to Challies.com and click on Weekend A La Carte to read the article in its entirity).

When I served a church in South Carolina I was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for the Pregnancy Center and Clinic for the Low Country, located on Hilton Head Island. The head of the center asked every month for an ultrasound machine.  She was convinced it would save the lives of babies.  Over time we raised the money to make the purchase.

Each month, as she gave her report to the board, she provided one significant number, the number we all looked for - the number of women who decided to keep their babies after seeing them through the ultrasound we provided them.  I could be wrong but if women contemplating an abortion would wait long enough to have an ultrasound done, more babies would live.

His coming was a cataclysm: Julian, my firstborn. Something I both knew would happen and could never have anticipated.

Even before he came, when his toothpick bones were welding together in my womb, he began to change me. Especially with that second ultrasound, a sustained peek inside his world within me. The first early ultrasound had found a cyst on our umbilical cord, which could indicate a congenital abnormality, so we went in for another ultrasound to see how he was doing.

We were only twelve weeks in, just ten weeks after conception. The last time I had seen him on that murky gray screen, he had been only a lima bean huddled inside a life-giving bubble, his heartbeat a tiny window that opened and opened and opened. He was a baby then, a miniscule human, but I had to stretch my imagination to see it. Here we were, just a few weeks later; I assumed he would be a bean still, only bigger.

But no! He was still small enough that we could see his whole body at once on the screen. He was huddled no longer, but kicking and bucking around, the bubble of my womb his playpen. His head was round and perfect, his brain bloomed like cauliflower as he sucked his thumb and paddled his legs. I was shocked at how quickly he had become recognizably, indisputably human. Still within the first trimester.

His brain in full bloom. His limbs on parade, waving and churning in his amniotic ocean. His heart with its syncopated chambers, an undeniable herald: I’m alive, I’m alive, I’m alive.

In that moment, catching a glimpse of the carnival inside my womb, I began to feel unsure about what I thought I knew. Though I had never been entirely comfortable with the idea of abortion, the first trimester had always seemed like an ambiguous safe zone to me. Later on, yes, it is pretty hard to argue that the unborn fetus is not a human being—but that first third of the pregnancy, that was before the baby was really a baby, right?

Seeing this declaration of humanity on the ultrasound screen only ten weeks after we lit the spark of his existence—this undeniable reality began to erode what I thought I knew.

The erosion intensified the following June, when I was months into new motherhood. Wendy Davis, a state senator from Texas, was making headlines during her eleven-hour filibuster on the senate floor that blocked a controversial abortion bill. I remember sitting on my couch, watching the news coverage, feeling inspired. Twitter was exploding with adulation, feminists raising a battle cry in support of Davis and her pink sneakers, and I was caught up in the excitement, watching a woman make history in her defense of other women.

Tweets started flying from women who had abortions, proclaiming their choice proudly as a way of support. In the midst of the fray, a fellow writer I knew tweeted her chagrin at never having had an abortion, which prevented her from fully joining in the revelry. I read this tweet, just a string of offhand characters quickly lost in the flurry, and my enthusiasm chilled over. I had been pro-choice for years, like any good feminist, but this lauding of abortion as some kind of jubilant rite of passage, a cause for celebration, was a sentiment that stopped me cold. My unborn son at twelve weeks, a thriving tiny human on parade—this image rushed into my mind, a courier bearing a message I did not want to hear, but could no longer ignore.

Every dehumanizing ideology succumbs to the same temptation: to see the undesirable other as a non-person, and thus disposable. In this distorted light, the disposal of the unwanted person becomes not only morally permissible, but meritorious, a praiseworthy act. I have come to recognize that there is never a safe way to draw a dividing line between “human being” and “person.” That line, even when drawn with the best of intentions and the loftiest ideals, leads to gravest evil.

The Friday Funny - #97

The irate customer calling the newspaper offices, loudly demanded to know where her Sunday edition was. "Ma'am", said the employee, "today is Saturday. The Sunday paper is not delivered 'til Sunday."

There was quite a pause on the other end of the phone, followed by a ray of recognition. "So that's why no one was in church today."

Meet my exercise trainer!

This is our dog, Jake, relaxing after a morning walk.  But I'm the one who should be in the chair, catching my breath!

You see, Jake walks me.  He sets the pace.  He chooses the direction.  This was decided early on - by Jake.  I thought that he'd walk with me.  But I moved too slow.  And I wasn't leading him to the places he was interested in checking out.  So, we switched roles.

I've been on a diet and exercise kick since November.  Turns out my exercise coach is Jake.  We usually cover one to two miles each walk.  Even though he's small, he has great endurance.  And when he gets those little legs going, I really have to work to keep up.

As for the diet? Well. I've lost 16 pounds.  Watching what I eat has been important.  I'm counting calories and really don't mind doing so.

But the weight loss? I think it's all due to Jake.  He's a fine exercise trainer.  If you're looking to lose some weight, maybe Jake is your guy.  Payment in pepperoni dog treats will be gladly received!

Pride - the first sin

The old Lutheran dogmatician, Quenstedt, states: "We may assume that pride was the first sin of the angels. We make this deduction...from his (Satan's) perpetual endeavor to transfer the glory of God to himself.

From "Motivation for Ministry," page 49

A Better Way by Rev. Scott Licht

A Better Way by Rev. Scott Licht “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:13-18 ESV) You’ve all seen it. The misguided pro-life zealot who blew up the abortion clinic. The “anti-abortion extremist” who shot and killed the doctor who performs abortions. The members of the church blocking funeral processions for members of the armed forces who gave their lives in service to our country—because the military allows homosexual men and women to serve. The rancorous protests and vicious rhetoric when “physician-assisted suicide” is debated. God, through James’s hand, has a message for those who let their emotions and their own reason take control. Love for God and your neighbor demands a better way of getting your point across. “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13b). That wisdom is described thus: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) OK, but sex out of wedlock is wrong. Abortion is wrong. Physician-assisted suicide is wrong. I can’t condone those things, so what am I supposed to do? When word gets out that an unmarried woman in your area is pregnant, what do you do? Do you call the person in town who knows all “the news” to find out about the father? Do you ignore her in the grocery store? Do you ascribe to her all of the demeaning names and adjectives that society uses? Or do you recognize the fact that she sinned, just as you have MANY times? Her sin may be more visible and may have different consequences, but it’s no more grievous than yours. That sin is just as forgiven as yours. Why not offer to help her in whatever way she might need? Drive her to a doctor appointment, throw a baby shower for her, offer to pick up groceries for her, LOVE her. She is carrying a child of God regardless of how that child was conceived. A friend confides in you that he paid for his girlfriend to have an abortion 10 years ago—what do you do? Remind him that he was an accessory to the murder of his own child? Vow never to talk to him because you would never do “THAT”? Tell everyone else you know to avoid him? Or do you sit and listen, offering comfort and assurance of God’s forgiveness for that sin? Offer him the number for the Word of Hope counseling service (888.217.8679; word-of-hope.org), find a local support group for post-abortive men, share Scripture with him regarding God’s unconditional love, pray with him. An 82-year-old gentleman whose wife died a year ago just found out that he has Alzheimer’s disease. He’s going to lose his driver’s license. He’ll have to move after the last time that he forgot to turn off the stove and nearly set his house on fire. Soon he may need help brushing his teeth, going to the bathroom, and getting dressed. He is sure that he is going to be such a burden on his children, and when they do come to see him, he probably won’t even remember who they are or that they came to see him. Couldn’t his doctor just give him a pill to end it all? If his regular doctor won’t do it, couldn’t he keep looking until he finds one who will? What do you do? Perhaps you could offer to pick him up and bring him to church each week. You could arrange for his friends to visit with him throughout the week. You could stop by to visit and sing some of his favorite hymns (or other songs) with him. You could be patient when he tells you the same thing five times within five minutes. You could just be there for him, reminding him you care and you will always care. “By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” Remember, “meekness” is NOT “weakness.” In the scenarios above, the “meek” actions were often more difficult and required more “strength” than following the ways of the world. Those things are certainly more difficult than doing nothing. But James also tells us that “a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:18). Notice that James doesn’t say that our actions are the cause of our righteousness—that has been won for us by Christ. We are merely to sow in peace in order to benefit from that harvest of righteousness. Prayer: Gracious Father, we give You thanks and praise for the gifts which You have given us. Help us to share those gifts with people who are dealing with life issues—even if it means stepping outside of our comfort zone. Let us always remember Your urging to sow in peace as we share Your love and forgiveness, reflecting the love and forgiveness that You extend to us. Amen. Action: As this New Year begins and you make resolutions of things to do for yourself, consider ways in which you could spend one hour a week helping someone in need—at a crisis pregnancy center, a hospice house, a nursing home, etc. From Lutherans For Life

Need some light?

A number of years ago while vacationing at Camp Arcadia, Michigan, my family and I were invited to take a nighttime nature walk. Such activity is not usually my cup of tea, as they say, but Sherri and the older kids wanted to go on this excursion so I went along.  We gathered at our assigned spot where our guide told us what we would see and experience. She then concluded her presentation by saying, "And all this we will do in the dark - we will not be using our 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 is going.  Who wants to stumble like a fool over some tree root or fall into a hole? No matter what my destination might be, 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. Some 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 or stumble over sinful thoughts and ways or fall into the pit of despair and depression?

Psalm 119:105 is familiar to so many - Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path. The psalmist assures us that we don't have to go the way that so many follow. We learn from this beautiful Bible verse that God's Word is light 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 live God-pleasing lives.  By using this lamp for guidance, it assures us that we walk with Jesus.  This 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 and the confusing maze of worldly values.  Let God's Word light up your path and your life!

Christ, our substitute!

In our 8 and 11 am services today we sang the hymn, "To Jordan's River Came Our Lord."  The final stanza of the hymn struck me in a way it hadn't before:

Now rise, faint hearts, be resolute
 This man is Christ, our substitute
He was baptized in Jordan's stream
 Proclaimed Redeemer, Lord supreme.

A simple definition for substitute is: a person or thing that takes the place or function of another.

For being breakers of God's Law, we deserve God's punishment.  Jesus, our substitute, takes our place and suffers our punishment.  He suffers completely, becoming sin for us.

With our sin paid for, we are free to live as God's people.  But it could never have happened with Christ, our substitute!

The insanity of our sin

When we are unmindful of our special status as God's baptized, it is easy to live in the "insanity" of our sin.  Our days become a meaningless bunch of hours, we lose sight of the acceptance of our relationship with God, and we begin justifying lax behavior and attitudes toward work and those we love.

Kurt Senske, "The Calling," pages 91-92.

The baptism of Jesus

We where nearing the end of our Holy Land visit.  In Jerusalem we had visited the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Upper Room, the Wailing Wall and other sites.  On our own for a few hours to shoe, Sherri and I decided to wander around the area and stumbled upon the only Lutheran church in Jerusalem.  Supported in part by the ELCA, we were fascinated to wander through this austere and impressive building.

The baptismal font was located to the left of the chancel.  Next to the font was a tall cross.  It was the most unique cross I have ever seen.

It pictures Jesus coming out of the waters of the Jordan River.  I could just imagine Jesus lifting His arms toward heaven, hearing the Father say, "This is my Son, whom I love, with whom I am well pleased."  And although we saw so much on our 10 day trip that we'll never forget, seeing this cross was one of those amazing, unforgettable moments.

This weekend we will focus on the Baptism of Jesus.  Some wonder, "Why did Jesus have to be baptized? He never sinned.  He doesn't need forgiveness."  This is true! So, join us this weekend and learn why Jesus' baptism is significant for us.

Worship takes place today at 5 pm and tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  Come and be reminded of the blessing your baptism is to you!

The hereafter

Today's funny...

One day the pastor came to visit me.  He said, "You know, you're getting older.  Are you prepared for the hereafter?"

I replied, "Sure! I'm ready right now."

The pastor exclaimed, "Really? How is this so?"

I explained, "As I walk through my house each day - whether it be in the kitchen, family room or bedroom - I am always asking myself, 'Now, what am I here after'?"

Have a blessed day!

The Mystery Worshiper

I was working at my desk on the day after Christmas, trying to get some last minute details taken care of before leaving on vacation. Our Financial Secretary hands me an envelope and says, "You've got to see this."  Inside the envelope is a slip of paper saying that Life in Christ had been visited by the Mystery Worshiper.

You've heard of 'mystery shoppers?' Stores will often hire people to shop and then tell of their experience, done without the prior knowledge of clerks, management and others.

Our mystery worshiper was working in conjunction with a website called, "Ship of Fools."  They drop in on churches in the US and the UK, rate the church's worship, preaching, music and offer observations of what they saw and heard.

Our mystery shopper, Amanda B Reckondwyth (how's that for a name!), checked out our Christmas Eve service at 7 pm.  And she gave us a pretty positive rating.  She liked the way in which the service was conducted.  She gave my preaching their highest rating (whew!).  She was blessed by the music in the service, including our soloist and bell choir.

Amanda was bothered by the dress of some of the folks who came.  She received only a "Hi! How ya doin'" greeting.  And she wondered why the choir was rehearsing in the sanctuary before the service instead of the music room.

Christmas Eve is always an interesting service.  We see lots of C & E people there (those who come only on Christmas and Easter).  There are those who are only there because other family members insisted they come.  Our attitude is one of thanksgiving - they came to the service, they heard the good news of God's love in the Babe in the manger and we trust that the Holy Spirit is present to lead repentant hearts to embrace that Babe as their personal Lord and Savior.

Amanda rated her overall experience as a seven and mentioned that she might visit again.  If so, I hope she doesn't come as a "mystery worshiper" but will introduce herself.  I'd like to hear her story and what motivates her to go to rate various churches.  I'll bet what she has to say would be interesting.

All this reminds me of the New Testament warning that some have "entertained angels unawares." As a church we need to be aware of how we reach out to those who we don't know, who are visiting on any given Sunday.  After all, any first time guest is a mystery worshiper of some kind. And we want to be sure that we do nothing that would prevent them from making a connection with the One who was born in Bethlehem, died and rose again in Jerusalem and now sits at the right hand of the throne of God and who will one day come to judge the living and the dead. 

A pretty big responsibility for any church, don't you think?

My reading list for 2018

My love for reading started early.  My dad was an insurance man and one of his clients owned a bookstore.  The store had a large section of children's and young adult books.  Over time, I spent hours looking through the stacks of books.  I especially enjoyed reading books about sports and as I grew older I was captivated by the Chip Hilton series written by Clair Bee.

Since then, reading has continued to be an important part of my life, especially so since becoming a parish pastor.

Reading helps to inform my preparation of sermons and Bible studies.  Reading provides a constant encouragement to polish my writing style.  Biographies and histories often provide fine sermon illustration material. 

Most of all, reading is fun for me. It's a great way to escape the stress of my vocation and imagine myself seated at the feet of Dr. Luther or traveling to London or being backstage with the Beatles.

My goal is to read two books a month or 24 for the year.  This year I got through 35 books, one short of last year's 36.  I read a variety of books.  There were those related to my vocation.  I enjoyed getting acquainted with some new writers of fiction.  And I read some new biographies that were quite interesting. 

So, for what it's worth, here's my Top Ten:\

"Martin Luther" by Eric Metaxas.  I though I knew a lot about the Great Reformer.  But Metaxas is a determined researcher and he enlightened me with facts about Luther's life that I did not know.  One of the best books I read last year.

"Our Way Home" by Daniel Paavola.  This was a refreshingly new take on the Lord's Prayer that really blessed me.  Paavola is a skilled writer who incorporated many stories from his life to help illustrate the meaning of each petition of the prayer that never fails.

"The Girl with the Green Sweater" by Krystyna Criger.  I purchased this book at the Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem on the last day of our trip to the Holy Land.  Criger tells a fascinating story of how, through the kindness of one man, she and her Jewish family were hidden from the Nazis.  Couldn't put the book down.

"The Aging Brain" by Timothy Jennings.  This books offers hope to those who have had family members suffer from diseases like Alzheimer's and Dementia.  Through things like diet and exercise a person can hold off the onset of memory loss and other related issues.  Very helpful book.

"I Will" by Thom S. Rainer.  A short read, Rainer writes to church members to stress the importance of involvement in the mission of the church and its benefits.

"The English Girl" by Daniel Silva.  A member recommended this author to me and I wasn't disappointed to spend time reading this story of intrigue by Silva.  I'll be on the look out for more of his writings. 

"Sound Pictures - the Life of George Martin" by Kenneth Womack.  I have over 100 volumes in my Beatles collection and I was glad to add this book to the growing stack.  Martin is often called "The 5th Beatle" and Womack explains why.

"Keep the Home Fires Burning" by Simon Block.  My dear, sweet wife and I became big fans of the PBS program, "Home Fires."  Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after two seasons.  Block heard from the huge number of fans following the show and wrote this book to continue to push the story along.

"It's OK not to be OK" by Sheila Walsh.  Walsh is a sufferer of anxiety and depression and her book, in effect, gives permission to those who suffer that they don't have to be ashamed and, in fact, can find help and hope in the grace of God.  A very encouraging book.

"Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey" by William Weedon.  This book gives encouragement to practice spiritual disciplines as found in Luther's Small Catechism.  I filled my journal with insights from this passionate writer.

So, there you have it.  Perhaps you'll find something on this list that catches your fancy, as some say.  I already have a pile of books to read so, if you'll excuse me, I have something to do.

Hello 2019!

God's rich blessings to you in 2019! May the new year bring you new hope, fresh opportunities and a pleasant surprise or two!

We were blessed to have all our family with us.  Katie and her crew were here almost three weeks. My wife and I had forgotten what life is like when you have a five year old and a three year old living under your roof - never a dull moment. The boys were especially taken with our new dog, Jake, and he very patiently let them both crawl all over him!

On Christmas Day we were able to have Sherri's folks with us for a few hours.  Both are suffering from failing health so we felt it was really important to find a way for them to join us. Considering all the commotion  going on as presents were opened, the handled things well and were glad to see the joy of their great-grandkids on Christmas Day.

Two-thirds of the family were also able to spend some time after New Year's Day in California.  We were just a few minutes from the beach in Carlsbad so that's where we spent most of our time.  We've vacationed there before so we have our favorite restaurants to visit and I always enjoy spending time at a great music shop - Spin Records.  I always find a few CD's there that I haven't seen anywhere else.  As I checked out, the owner said, "You've got some classics there."  I responded, "At this stage of my life, I'm a classic!"

Today is my first day back in the office.  I need to hit the ground running, as they say.  We have a special witnessing workshop this weekend and I will also meet with our Life Team to play for Life Sunday on the 20th of the month.  I'm also working on a year long ministry theme that didn't get a lot of attention in December; time to get back to planning the first phase which begins on Transfiguration Sunday.

I think most of us approach a new year with optimism.  What 2019 will bring is unknown.  But what we know if that we have a God who loves us, gives us His very best in His Son, Jesus, and promises to watch over our comings and goings continually.  Perhaps the psalmist says it best for you and me:

But I trust in You, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."  My times are in Your hand...  Psalm 31:14-15a,

Happy new year!

The New You

We're one week into 2019.  Did you make any new year's resolutions? Or do you eschew doing such things because you've failed to keep resolutions in the past?

If you have resolved to improve your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual help, let me point you to a resource that will help you do just that.  "The New You," written by Nelson Searcy and Jennifer Dykes Henson is just the tool you need.

What this effective book does is help the reader make changes by giving permission to go slowly.  So often, when we embark on improving our health by getting more exercise, losing weight and so forth, we look for the quick fix.  As the Searcy and Henson write, "Health related short cuts will only put you farther behind in the long run."  The authors rightly believe that taking small steps toward change will enable a person to make the changes that lead to better health.

The 19 chapters are easy to read and cover the gamut from the importance of drinking water, getting exercise, reforming your diet and making sure you get enough sleep.  Tips are offered on the importance of developing and maintaining good relationships and discovering joy in serving others.  If stress and anxiety are a struggle for you, the authors offer good, practical advice on how to lower stress by practicing positive self-talk.

Throughout the book Searcy and Henson emphasize how the changes you want to make to your life are possible as you cling to the God who created and loves you.  If you want to be a healthier "you" this year, you won't find a better tool for change than "The New You."