Why Jesus came to us?

In our communion liturgy as we consecrate the elements, we say: "Take and drink, this is the new testament of my blood, shed for the forgiveness of all your sins..."

What is new here?

The old testament, or covenant, required the spilling of blood.  Sacrifices were required and blood was shed for the sins of the people.

When Jesus met with His disciples on the Thursday night of what we call Holy Week, Jesus institued a new testament or covenant.  It also required the spilling of blood.  But it would not be the blood of lambs and other animals.  It would be His blood! Jesus would be the once and for all time sacrifice, sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world. 

Jane Fryer captures this idea in the "Today's Light Bible," when she writes, He (Jesus) had to come to us; we could not go to Him.  The old covenant wasn't flawed, we were.  We could not keep God's commandments.  We could not even want to do that.  (page 1671).

So, carrying out the will of His Father, Jesus came down to us from heaven, lived the perfect life we could not and did not want to live, suffered for our sins on the altar of the cross, paid in full for our redemption, and opened the gates of heaven to all who would believe in His one atoning sacrifice.

Makes you want to celebrate Easter that much more, right?

The Fruit of the Spirit

In 1988 our family moved from Mesa to Missouri.  Like any move there are always adjustments to make.  But we didn't realize just how much we would miss fresh oranges.  Fortunately, Sherri's Aunt Jean came to the rescue.

Arriving at our doorstep each December would be a full box of fresh Arizona oranges.  For days afterward the only sound you would hear around our house was, "Mmmmm goooood!" The oranges were a delicious treasure.  Aunt Jean's gift was a blessing beyond compare.

When you arrive at the doorstep of a sick friend to provide a meal; when you stand at the doorstep of a troubled friend to offer compassion and help; when you stand at the doorstep of a mourning friend to give comfort and love, you are demonstrating the fruit of the Christian faith that the Holy Spirit produces in and through us.  God uses you to be a blessing beyond compare to others.  And your faith is the Lord is nurtured as you trust more and more in your Savior God for forgiveness, new life in Christ, and salvation.

Galatians 5:22-23 reads: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Turn to the Lord and pray, "Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, create in me fruit of faith so that I might be a blessing beyond compare to others.  Amen."

A prayer to Jesus

My Lord Jesus, You are the first fruits of those who fall asleep, the first God raised from the dead.  You are the first flower on the tree of a new life.  And You have made us shoots on that tree so that we, too, will blossom like You.

Bo Giertz, "To Live With Christ," page 296

Still celebrating!

The Easter lillies have been taken down but the Easter celebration goes on at Life in Christ.  On the second Sunday of Easter we read of Jesus suddenly appearing before the frightened disciples as they gathered behind locked doors.  Jesus greets the disciples with the words, "Peace be with you."  But there is one disciple who won't be at peace until he sees and inspects Jesus himself.

Come and learn more - today at 5 pm or tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  The 8 and 11 am services include traditional hymns; the 9:30 service features modern Christian songs.  All services are built around the liturgy, God's Holy Word.

Join us this weekend and be a part of our continuing Easter celebration!

The bored meeting

After a long, dry sermon, the minister announced that he wished to meet with the church board following the close of the service.
The first man to arrive and greet the minister was a total stranger.
"You misunderstood my announcement. This is a meeting of the board members," explained the minister.
"I know," said the man, "but if there is anyone here more bored than I am, then I'd like to meet him."

From "Cybersalt" website

One surprise about life

Sometimes what we think we need isn't what we need at all, and what gets thrown in for good measure is that which fills our hearts,

Phillip Gulley, "Home to Harmony," page 16

TBT - A Word to Parents

From Apirl 27, 2012

As parents and grandparents we should never underestimate the influence we have upon our children and grandchildren.  They watch us carefully.  Our words soak deeply into their heads and hearts.  Studies indicate that even our teens watch and listen to us, yes, even when it seems that they have tuned us out.  Our example matters!

I don't know who penned the poetry below but the message is one worth pondering:

To hear my child at prayer, what a thrill it is to me!
There's a sweetness in the moment, as he speaks on bended knee.
And yet my heart is smitten, at this touching moment I see,
Has his faith and trust in prayer, depended much on me?

As I see him fold his hands, and bow his head to pray,
I trust he'll always love the Lord, the way he does today.
Then I hear a voice within me, speak in solemn words and true, 
How he lives a life of prayer, depends a lot on you.

So I kneel next to my bed, and lay my hand upon him,
After he has voiced his prayer, I add my own petition
May my son recall one day, that his father daily raised,
His voice to thank the Lord, and make the sacrifice of praise!

Dads and Moms, do you think much about the example you are setting for your kids? Do they see you in prayer? Do they find you reading your Bible? The next time you are tempted to "veg out" in from of the TV, try something different.  Gather the kids together and tell stories.  Talk about a favorite family vacation.  Share the funny story you heard.  Read Bible stories to your kids.  Tell them what Jesus means to you.  Share your faith in God and encourage your kids in their walk of faith.  Most of all, ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and His love so that you might always be that Godly example that your kids and grandkids need to see.

Loving My Actual Neighbor

"Love your neighbor as your self."  We know this admonition from Christ Jesus.  But sometime we're stumped as to how to put these words into practice.

Alexandra Kuykendall to the rescue!

Kuykendall writes about moving to a new home in a new neighborhood with lots of new people.  She tells of her guilt in failing to reach out to a neighbor who she hasn't even tried to know or help.  Finding her inspiration from 2 Peter, chapter 1, Kuykendall developed seven practices which can provide the help and motivation for anyone who longs to have meaningful relationships with the people closest - the neighbors.

"Loving My Actual Neighbor" makes for interesting reading.  Kuykendall is a good writer who isn't afraid to share stories from her life.  As you read, you'll probably be nodding your head and thinking, "That's me."  And if it is, you'll be blessed by reading "Loving My Actual Neighbor."

Tim Tebow wisdom

The purpose of life is not to be happy.  It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

From "Shaken," page 120

How does God want us to run?

I shared the following quote in a blog post in 2010.  I rediscovered it in a journal this morning and it takes on special meaning as our church "Run the Race" in 2019.

God does not ask us to run the race of survival; He asks us to run the race of faith.

Seminarian Peter Eckardt, from the Lutheran Witness, November 2010, page 21

What the resurrection means?

"He (Jesus) will strike the serpent's head" (Genesis 3:15) means nothing less than that He will destroy the kingdom of the devil.

CFW Walther, "Law and Gospel," page 81

Glorious Weakness

Step one - Buy this book.

Step two - Read this book.

Step three - Give this book to someone who

 Has questioned the presence of God in their lives

 Has suffered mental or physical abuse

 Is dealing with a broken heart due to loss or rejection

 Is suffering from a health setback completely unexpected

 Is living in the darkness of depression and hopelessness

Alia Joy calls herself a "ragamuffin storyteller."  In "Glorious Weakness" she tells many stories about herself, stories that might cause you to weap but also move you to awe and wonder as Joy shows the truth of 2 Corinthians 12:9(b): "Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."  Joy is transparent as she writes about her suffering and weakness.  But always, she points to Jesus as the One who has the power to put the suffering, the broken, the depressed back together through His strong, amazing grace. 

The Great Vigil

So Joseph bought some linen cloth, took down the body, wrapped it in the linen, and placed it in a tomb cut out of rock. Then he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.  Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where He was laid.

Mark 15:46-47

Faith alone justifies

But Christ "committed no sin, and no guile was found on His lips" (1 Peter 2:22). Therefore He owed nothing to the Law. And yet against Him - so holy, righteous, and blessed - the law raged as much as it does against us accursed and condemned sinners, and even more fiercely.  It accused Him of blasphemy and sedition; it found Him guilty in the sight of God of all the sins of the entire world; finally it saddened and frightened Him that he sweat blood (Luke 22:44) and eventually it sentenced Him to death, even death on a cross (Phil. 2:8)...Therefore we believers are free of the Law through Christ who "triumphed over it in Him" (Col. 2:15. 

This glorious triumph, accomplished for us through Christ, is grasped not by works but by faith alone.  Therefore faith alone justifies.

Martin Luther, quoted in "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 526

From the Cross to the Tomb

On Thursday, we sat in the Upper Room and watched Jesus institute the Lord's Supper.  Last night, we heard Jesus' words of agony and victory as He was crucified.

Today at 5 pm, LICL will hold the annual Service of Light.  The service provides a reminder that the darkness of Good Friday will soon be lifted as the Lord had promised.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the risen Jesus and His victory over all that could have seperated us from the Father and eternity.  Services are held at 6:30 (modern Christian music), 8:30 and 10:30 (traditional hymns plus music from our choir and bells).  Easter breakfast is served throughout most of the morning and an egg hunt for children takes place at 9:30.

Come and help us celebrate the most wonderful day of the church year as we exult, "Alleluia! He is Risen!"

Love that will not ever let me go

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
Oh You never let us go

And up ahead, eternity
We’ll weep no more, we’ll sing for joy, abide with me

From Matt Maher's "Abide With Me"

The dog who will have a golden tail

It was a week ago that our church's comfort dog, Scooter Kanzler, passed on to heaven.  I can't describe just how much we shall miss him.

But I expect Connie, his loving mother and master, and Scooter will be reunited again in eternity.  Not every theologian agrees with that thought.

I side with the sainted Martin Luther who, in comforting a child during the loss of a dog, said: Be thou comforted, little dog.  Thou too in the resurrection shall have a little golden tail.

The Wonder-ful Cross

It's a wonder that Jesus would die for someone like me.

It's a wonder that Jesus didn't point His finger at me and say something, "Not for that guy!"  It would have been right and proper for Him to have done so, dirty sinner that I am.

But it's wonderful...

That Jesus would become sin for me.

That Jesus' death would become my death.

That Jesus' life would become my life.

That Jesus' Words, "It is finished!" are just about the best Words I could ever hear (just wait until Easter).

Oh, what a wonderful cross!

Oh, what a wonderful Savior!

Visualize Jesus as He Runs the Race

Our Associate Pastor, Marcus Breitbarth, wrote an excellent and creative article tying together our year-long ministry theme, "Run the Race," with visualizing the events that take place during the passion of the Christ.  Read and be blessed!

Our 2019 theme “Run the Race” is underway!  Pastor Spicer did a great job in the first two sermons in this series getting us focused on how our Christian lives are like a race in the faith. 

This theme is meaningful for me for I was a runner for many years.  I ran throughout middle school, high school, and college.

When I was in high school, our cross-country running team did something kind of different.  Before the section and state championship meets, we had visualization sessions.  The coach had a visualization video that put us in a “state of hypnosis” so that we could visualize the upcoming race. 

With us “Running the Race” in 2019, maybe we should consider some visualization.  Can we imagine our faith and the faith of those in our church growing more and more?  Can we imagine strengthening the Christian love that we share as a congregation?  Can we imagine growing the flock more this year than ever before?  Can we be creative and imagine making a difference for Christ in our neighborhood, community, and world?  What do we visualize?  What steps do we need to take to make positive visions become a reality?  How does each one of us fit into this vision?  We should take some time and reflect.  You and I can develop answers to these questions together!  We each do our part and together God moves His mission forward!

As we move forward, we know where the strength, guidance, comfort, and peace come from.  It comes from the same God who graciously forgives us, loves us, blesses us, and places His Spirit in our hearts!  We visualize that which is the heart of our faith.  Daily through Scripture reading, prayer, devotions, and personal reflection, we visualize Jesus suffering, death, and resurrection! 

For this next part, I invite you to stop after each statement and visualize.  Take time to reflect on Jesus as your Savior and give Him thanks!  First, visualize Jesus sharing His Last Supper with His disciples…Imagine Jesus praying with anguish in the Garden…Visualize Jesus healing Malchus’ ear after Peter cut it off…Imagine Jesus before Pilate…Picture the crown of thorns on Jesus’ head…Imagine the whipping…Visualize the crowd choosing Barabbas…Picture Jesus being so hurt that He could not carry His own cross…Visualize the nails piercing His flesh…Hear the hammer pound!  Feel the nails!  Imagine the crowds gathered around the cross mocking Him…  Picture Jesus struggling to breath…Imagine Jesus crying out with a loud cry and giving up His Spirit…Visualize the curtain tearing in two…Imagine the earth shaking and tombs busting open…  Picture the soldier piercing Jesus’ side and blood and water flow…Visualize the women going to the tomb Easter morning…Imagine them finding it empty and then seeing their Savior!  Picture Jesus appearing to His disciples for 40 days and then ascending back into heaven…Imagine Jesus coming again!  Remember that Jesus did and will do all these things because He loves you!  Fall on your knees, pray, and give Him thanks! 

In this Lent and Easter season, God help us all to visualize our Lord and Savior Jesus and what He did for us and in the process fall deeper and deeper in love with Him.  God help us imagine how we can share the Gospel with others for Jesus died for all and desires that all come to the truth and are saved.

As we “Run the Race”, God will strengthen our faith and equip us to share it with others.  2019 is going to be a great year lived in God’s grace and by His power!

TBT - God Is In the Cup

From April 2014

Lauren Winner, writing in her book, "Girl Meets God," recounts the following:

A Sunday school teacher asked some 5 and 6 year olds, "What's in the big goblet?"

One child answered, "Apple Juice."

Another child said, "Wine."

"I think," said a pensive girl with black corkscrew curls circling her face, "that Mister Milind is pouring God into the cup to drink."

This is what Jesus teaches us, isn't it?

The bread is "His Body."  The wine is "His Blood."

Given and shed for the forgiveness of all our sins.

Worship with us at LICL tonight at 7 pm.  Included in our Maundy Thursday service is Holy Communion.  Join us.  You'll find God in the cup.  He comes to you to bless you, forgive you and give you peace.

Hope to see you tonight.

Psalm 51 - what Jesus experienced

Jesus experienced a broken spirit and a contrite heart on the cross, not for His actions but for our sins, which distance us from our Him.  He wants to forgive us so much that He took our sins on Himself and went to the cross with them for us.  It is when we kneel at His cross in repentance that He lifts us up to life renewed by our repentance and His forgiveness.

Richard Eyer, writing in "Portals of Prayer," April 17.

Where is God when we need Him?

A father whose son was killed in the Korean War in the 1950's asked his pastor, "Where was God when my son was killed on the battlefield/"  The pastor thought for a moment and then answered: "I don't know.  I suppose He was in the same place He was when His Son was killed on Calvary."

John Jeske, "From Sinai to Calvary," page 163

What the Spirit creates in Baptism

Through the washing of water with the Word, the Spirit creates faith's hand to receive Christ's blessings.

Richard Lauersdorf, "As Luther Taught, " page 175

What repentance and faith does for you

Repentance and faith provide the only door into Christ's kingdom, but it is a door that will always open to the one who knocks at it.

Frank Starr, "Light for the Way," devotional

One reason not to kneel at the god called Money

Money makes a very poor God. It has to be locked up and protected and worried about!

Matthew Harrison, "Why Am I Joy:Fully Lutheran," page 13

God's will - Father and Son

The Son's will is to please His Father, not just to save us; and the Father's will is to have all people honor the Son, not just to forgive us.

DA Carson, "Farewell Discourse/Final Prayer of Jesus," page 100

A day of ministry and service...and worship too!

What a wonderful day to Run the Race of faith in Jesus Christ!

This morning, about 20 of us are going over to ASU West to participate in the Walk for Life, benefitting Choices Pregnancy Centers in the Valley.  We're excited to be with others who are committed to speaking out for life - from cradle to grave.

Our LWML ministry is hosting a special event, making mats for the homeless.  Our Fellowship Hall will be filled with people who care about those living on the streets and pray that these mats will provide a bit of comfort.

Then our Children's Ministry will be welcoming kids this afternoon at 2 pm for a VBS style event that will help the children prepare for Easter.  There will be lots of fun activities and the kids will come away with a better understanding of why we celebrate Easter as we do.

And, don't forget...worship this weekend at LICL.  Today at 5 pm and tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  It's Palm Sunday so we will be exploring the meaning behind Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.  This time last year a bunch of us stood at the top of the Mount of Olives, trying to imagine what it was like as Jesus was cheered on by the crowd who shouted, "Hosanna," meaning "Lord, save us!"

I wonder how it will all turn out?

Have a blessed weekend!

The Friday Funny - #408

Mr. Green peered over his fence and noticed that the neighbor’s little boy was in his backyard filling in a hole.

Curious about what the youngster was up to, Mr. Green asked, “What are you doing, Jimmy?”

Tearfully, little Jimmy replied, “My goldfish died, and I’ve just buried him.”

“That’s an awfully large hole for a goldfish, isn’t it?” Mr. Green said.


Patting down the last bit of earth, little Joey replied, “That’s because he’s in your cat!”

TBT - Top 10 Dumb Things Pastors Say

From 4/7/17

As a pastor you're always expected to have a comment, a quip or a word of encouragement for every member.  Try as we do, sometimes our responses are just plain dumb.  Here are the top ten...

10) "Your Aunt Betty's potato salad tasted like something I once ate that made me sick."

9) "I try to avoid speaking about politics.  I simply ask the Lord to send us leaders who will make America great again."

8) "Yes, my birthday is coming up soon.  By the way, did you know that I've never been to the Holy Land?"

7) "I think the men's restroom is the perfect place for Mrs. Johnson's painting of George Washington and Jesus crossing the Potomac." 

6) "I think our pot just ran out of luck."

5) "Any hymn written after the 16th century is not worth singing."

4) "You bought a new boat? I guess you won't be increasing your tithe this year."

3) "Aren't you glad that when you get to heaven you'll have perfect pitch?"

2) "I believe Dr. Dobson has written several books for parents who have out-of-control kids."

And the number one dumb thing pastors say (drumroll please)

1) "When's the baby due?"

Wise words from Proverbs

Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
  and your plans will succeed.

Proverbs 16:3

By the grace of God

Tuesday afternoon I had surgery to remove scar tissue that had formed from a previous in office procedure.

My doctor anticipated that the surgery would take about an hour. 

It lasted 20 minutes.

He was able to remove the scar tissue quite easily.  The other issues he was concerned about were non existent.

I have to admit that coming out of anesthesia I was a little foggy while the nurse tried to tell me how the surgery went.

When she was done my first thought was to pray the Doxology - "Praise God, from whom all blessings flow...."

Praise God, for His healing hands.

Praise God, for skilled surgeons and care givers.

Praise God, for His watchfulness and love.

Praise God, for family and friends and church family who prayed.

My recovery is on track and I hope to be back in the office tomorrow.  I'm reeiving expert care from my dear, sweet wife.  Our dog is attentive too (except when asleep which is often).  It's hard to judge the reaction from the cat.  She's mostly concerned that the food bowl is continually filled.

Two dear friends, Jerry and Connie, came and prayed with Sherri and me.  We were blessed by their presence and concern.

Since I'm "home alone" today, I'll have plenty of time to think about Sunday's sermon.  The first phase of "Run the Race" will conclude on Easter Sunday.  We've gotten off to a good start and I'm working on plans for phase two, beginning on Pentecost.

And, by the grace of God, I'll see you this weekend.  Nothing is better than putting life on pause and gathering around God's Word and Sacraments.

Blessings!

Jesus is...a needle

When God made His covenant with Abraham, He promised that He would "make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky."  Jesus is the needle who sews the children of God who are not direct descendants of Abraham into that nighttime sky.

Lauren Winner, "Girl Meets God," page 248

A prayer after surgery

Thank You, Lord, my God.

Thank You for the gift of skillful hands and minds which have been used for my benefit.

Thank You for the gift of care, kindly administered through nurses and other staff.

Thank You for the gift of medical science that eases my pain and makes me comfortable and helps me recover.

Thank You for Your Son, Jesus Christ, who calms my fears and fills me with joy by His presence.

Grant me a speedy recovery if is Your will.  Strengthen me in spirit as well as in body.

Help me to use the days ahead to grow in my trust of Your goodness, through Your Son.  Amen.

Taken from Lutheran Book of Prayer, page 184

A prayer before surgery

Dear Father in heaven, go with me to surgery. Guide my doctor's hands so that his work may be done skillfully and quickly. As my Great Physician grant that all my trust may be in You and that I may have no fear.

Receive me now as Your forgiven child, and bring me safely through these next hours.  In the name and for the sake of Jesus Christ, my Savior.  Amen.

From "Lutheran Book of Prayer," page 183.

Upside-Down Spirituality

Chad Bird has been a pastor and seminary professor.  Now, he is a truck driver.  His work has led him to befriend all kinds of people.  He's seen both the good and bad in folks and in himself.  He has a graduate degree from the school of hard knocks.  He's not afraid to write about his failures.

His latest book, "Upside-Down Spirituality," comes with the sub-title, "The 9 Essential Failures of a Faithful Life."  In each  chapter he writes at how we fail at life - ourselves, our lives & our churches.  According to Bird, until we see how completely we fail at life, we'll never be the people who completely rely on God for living a faithful life.

But the book was frustrating and, at times, hard to read.  For example, on page 35 he writes: Like the king (Nebuchadnezzar) we are natural born believers (in ourselves).  It's just that we always gravitate toward believing the wrong thing.  We perform quite well in putting our faith in everything but God.

Bird paints with such a wide brush.  You mean that "we always gravitate toward believing the wrong thing?" Is there never a time when the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to lead us to look to the Lord for strength, help and salvation? Do we always put "our faith in everything but God?" When going to the hospital do we always put our faith in the surgeon instead of the Savior? That's not what I find when I make hospital calls.  People are eager to pray for God's protection and healing.  We might pray for the surgeon.  But "our help is in the name of the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth." (Psalm 124:8).

If we are truly the complete failures that Bird pictures, he doesn't seem to explain why this is so.  Surely he is pointing to the original sin in which we are all born. But it seems to me that you don't assume that your readers understand this doctrine.  With that foundation in place, then the rest of what is written makes sense.  Maybe I missed it but I didn't find this doctrine articulated in "Upside-Down Spirituality."  And you need that understanding to really appreciate this book.

It doesn't take a lot of law to show a person how much they need the Gospel of Jesus for forgiveness, new life in Christ and salvation.  CFW Walther, the first president of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod said that where Law and Gospel is preached, the Gospel must predominate.  I didn't find that to be the case with "Upside Down Spirituality."

How is the weekend looking for you?

Working out in the yard? Taking the kids or grandkids to the park? Going to see the "Unplanned" film (you really should).  Passing the time until the Final Four begins?

I hope you've included worship in your agenda.  Today, we offer a 5 pm service and tomorrow you can join us at 8, 9:30 or 11 am.

Imagine how good you will feel when you check "worship" off your weekend "to do" list.  Hope to see you this weekend at Life in Christ!

Dogs who study cats

One of my favorite Far Side cartoons.  I can see my dog, Jake, sitting in on such a class.

Throw back Thursday - 4/4/14

The Day of the Lord...

A day filled with many blessings from God for His dearly beloved children.

A day in which all our needs will be met and then some.

A day to rejoice in the redemption that is ours by faith in Christ Jesus.

A day for the Holy Spirit to grow and nurture our faith.

This is the day the Lord has made.

Rejoice in it!

Plan to see Unplanned!

I won't soon forget seeing the "Unplanned" film last night.

The film is not light-hearted.  It is not two hours of escapist fun.

In fact, in its opening minutes, there is a scene of a doctor performing an abortion.  What takes place is seen via an ultrasound machine.  I couldn't help but walk away believing that abortion is a cruel, barbaric method for bringing a human life to an end.  Sickening!

The film presents the journey of Abby Johnson from a naive college student who gets involved with Planned Parenthood as a way to support women's rights to a person who climbs up the corporate ladder, so to speak, to lead her own Planned Parenthood clinic to a person to is crushed by being a part of the abortion industry and is determined to get out.

Ashley Bratcher plays Abby Johnson in the film.  She does a marvelous and convincing job of portraying a committed worker in the abortion industry who realizes that the women walking in the doors of her clinic are not just carrying a blob of matter but a living human being.  When she finally sees what Planned Parenthood stands for and that its services are not designed for women's health, she breaks down under the weight of guilt and shame.  It was heartbreaking to watch.

It was at this point in the film that I would have liked to have seen Jesus.  Abby's heart needed to hear the Gospel.  She needed to hear that in Jesus there is forgiveness.  She needed to know that her guilt and shame - her sin - had been placed 2000 years earlier on Jesus as he suffered and died on the cross for the sins of the world.  She needed to be reassured that the faithful and repentant are not condemned but loved by God and set free to live for Him.

Nevertheless, the love of God is seen in Abby's mother and father, who keep on loving their daughter in spite of her career choice; her husband, who stands by Abby even though he strongly believes that abortion is the taking of a life, not a painless way of solving a problem; of the life supporters who offer love and understanding even while they pray for an end to the abortions performed at the clinic where Abby works.

I hope I haven't given too much away.  I encourage you to see "Unplanned."  It's not an easy film to watch.  There may be times when you have to look away (as I did).  There may be moments when certain scenes will drive you to tears (as I experienced).  It's a remarkable film, a film you will not soon forget.

Who would you rather preach to?

I have reflected often on this quote attributed to Charles Haddon Spurgeon:

"It's better to preach to a laughing man than a sleeping one."

Motivational speaker and author, Zig Zigler, once said that he built something humorous every two to three minutes into his presentations.  He realized 1) that the attention span of his listeners was not very long and 2) humor has a way of reconnecting with those whose minds have wandered off.

To be sure, a sermon is not designed to be a comedy monologue.  In its simpliest form, the sermon is the opportunity to proclaim the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  But the utilization of humor or visual aids or power point slides (so long as they are not overdone) help the speaker engage his hearers, enabling the message to be better heard.

I agree with Spurgeon - I'd rather preach to a person who is fully engaged than one that I've sent to la-la land!

Joy!

The late pastor and author, Eugene Peterson, was a provocative writer.  I enjoyed digging into his books, often finding a nugget or three that gave me insight into the glorious grace of God.

I copied down in my journal some of Peterson's interesting observations regarding "joy." For example:

Joy is not a requirement of Christian discipleship; it is a consequence...it is what comes to us when we are walking in the way of faith and obedience.

All suffering, all pain, all emptiness, all disappointment is seed; sow it in God and He will, finally, bring a crop of joy out of it.

The joy comes because God knows how to wipe away tears, and, in His resurrection work, create the smile of new life. Joy is what God gives, not what we work up.

So often we believe that joy is something that we must muster up for ourselves. We are led to believe that purchasing a new car or new clothes or season tickets for our favorite team will put a smile on our face and joy in our heart. Such joy, however, is fleeting; when the car breaks down or the clothes wear out or the team goes on a losing streak, our joy pretty much evaporates.

Instead, worship God faithfully, read the Scriptures daily and pray continually.  Walk with God by faith and see if He won't fill your heart with joy this week!