"This chicken weighs one pound more," he announced. The woman pondered her options and then said, "OK, I'll take them both!"
From "Faith Alone," August 3 devotional reading
Don't know where I found this but I really like the thought:
How beautiful it is - to love a dog
for all their life,
and remember them
for all your life
1) No one asked me to go
From "Becoming a Person of Influence," page 155
For the more violently the world rages against the Gospel, the better the position of the Gospel is.
This should be a very pleasant comfort for us. For it is sure that the world hates and persecutes us for no other reason than that we present the truth of the Gospel. It does not accuse us of being thieves, adulterers, murderers, etc.; but what it despises in us is solely this, that we teach Christ faithfully and purely, and that we do not forsake the heritage of the truth.
Life is never hopeless when you are standing on God's Word and promises. Trust in the Lord. Your hope is in Him!
I have a ton of respect for Tim Tebow. His immense football talent was so often overlooked by his unapologetic confession of Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior. Tebow faced his critics head on by giving credit to God for the gifts that enabled him to be an athlete that accomplished so much. He won the Heisman Trophy as the best college football player while playing at Miami and he led the Denver Broncos to an exciting playoff run in 2011.
I enjoyed reading his book, "Shaken," and copied down a couple of quotes that rang true:
"Bitterness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die." Page 100
"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." Page 120
The delight and pleasure of God are in His beloved Son, and that is where we are too. What is ours is His; what is His is ours. So God delights in us too. If our hearts would take this in, Martin Luther said, that would burst for joy into a hundred thousand pieces. In a world that is given over to sin, death and the devil, there is one point where the delight of God dwells. "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." That is where we are in solidarity with Jesus. With Jesus there is God's delight. God, Christ, you - all together like one thing.
From "Selected Sermons of Norman Nagel" page 44
Only when we hear the bad news that makes us cry out, "Lord, have mercy," are we able to hear the Good News of "It is Finished!"
RJ Grunewald, "Reading Romans with Luther," page 52
1) Keeps reminding you that is was 65 degrees where he vacationed
From "Selected Sermons" page 139.
"To the extent we are Christians, we stand above the law and sin. Christ is the Lord of the law. He is present and locked in our hearts, just as a precious stone is firmly mounted in a ring. When the law accuses us and sin terrifies us, all we need do is look at Christ. When we have taken hold of Him in faith, we have the victory over the law, sin, death and the devil...Because Christ rules over all of these, we won't be harmed."
From "Faith Alone" devotional, July 14
1) Consultant suggests that the pastor change his name to "Max Lucado."
Those of you who regularly read the blog know that I am in the process of having a book of devotions published. This has become a more arduous and stressful task than I imagined.
I thought I would submit my manuscript and it eventually would come back to me in book form. Not so fast!
First, the manuscript went through the "content department." I'm working with a Christian publishing company and they have certain guidelines regarding how a few words can be used or not used. The manuscript came back with a some of these words highlighted. They were easily corrected. I thought we were on our way.
Instead, I received an email informing me that it would be best if I had a line by line edit of the manuscript. The cost of the service is based on the number of words included in the manuscript. My cost would be nearly $1000!
I was shocked. This was money that I hadn't expected to pay and my review of the corrections they were proposing didn't seem all that important. I was more than a little frustrated to say the least.
So I reached out to Jim, a good friend of mine and a published author. I respect his opinion and wanted to get his perspective. He responded with some very good insight about the importance of having another set of eyes taking a critical look at the manuscript. Yes, this service would bring about additional costs, Jim wrote, but it would be worth it if spelling errors, grammatical errors and the like were caught.
Jim helped me gain some perspective and enabled me to see that a line by line, word by word, edit would ensure that the book was as polished and attractive as possible. His advice and counsel made sense.
Isn't it a blessing to have good friends you can count on for compassionate help and wisdom. Jim provided that for me. I hope you have that good friend you can count on too.
Selected verses from Psalm 37.
"His Word will be that sharp-edged sword that will convict you when pride puffs you up, or be that soft blanket that comforts you when pain leaves you feeling wounded."
Joni Eareckson Tada, from "Joni and Ken - An Untold Love Story," page 179
1) Regrets that he named his first born son, "Tiger."
Please excuse Jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the Sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it was Monday, we thought it was Sunday.
A number of years ago I came across a poem that seemed to capture the frustration that sometimes comes when serving on a committee. Maybe you can relate. It went something like this:
"He is no fool who gives up that which he could never keep to gain that which he can never loose."
Jim Elliot
But Jesus says He is coming. When He does, it will not be as a judge to strike terror into my sinful heart. He comes as the "Son of Man," a term Jesus loved to use of Himself. That expression directs my eyes to a manger of straw, a cross of pain, a grave of victory. He's the One who came earlier to shoulder my sins, die my death, fill my grave. That's my Savior who's coming.
"Together With Jesus," November 26 devotion
In going through some old blog posts I discovered that back in 2015 I posted a number of Top Ten Lists - kind of like David Letterman's Top Ten Lists. So, for the next number of Friday's I'll be reprinting some of the lists.
10) Choir director: "We thought a country-western version of 'A Mighty Fortress is Our God' would go over well."
9) Fellowship chairperson: "I thought everyone would like liverwurst on a stick."
Becky Brown is a friend of mine. I got to know her through one of our former members at Life in Christ.
When a grandchild was born with numerous health issues her world was rocked. She spent much time in prayer and devouring the Scriptures. Through study and prayer she says God gave her insight into this challenge.
In an email she wrote: "The Lord doesn't waste opportunities for growth (and I am praying that I don't either). There are always purposes behind what we go through."
God doesn't always reveal why He allows the problems and disappointments that take place in our lives. But He promises to be with us and that nothing can separate us from His love.
Where do you see opportunities for growth in your life?
While going through one of my journals this morning I came across this good advice from former NBA basketball coach Jeff Van Gundy: Do not take criticism from people you wouldn't take advice from.
Every four years it rolls around. It captures the attention of the world. Even America is learning to love soccer ("football" every where else in the world)!
This year's World Cup started with 48 teams with countries from all over the world. The USA, Canada and Mexico served as hosts. The first match began on June 11 and the tourney finally reaches its conclusion tomorrow. Spain and Argentina will vie to raise the cup in front of their multitude of fans. Both countries will be well represented.
Spain are the favorites. They feature one of the best players in the world in Rodri and one of the best young players in Lamine Yamal. And Argentina has the GOAT (Greatest Player of All Time), Leo Messi. Any team that features Messi cannot be counted out. I won't be surprise if Argentina finds a way to victory. They would be the only team in decades to lift the trophy in consecutive World Cups.
I fell in love with soccer in 2005. I suppose I was like most Americans - I thought soccer is boring, no team ever scores, all they do is kick the ball back and forth, etc. But then I started watching more closely. I discovered that these athletes are in amazing condition - some run 13 to 15 miles in a single match. How they can control the ball by using their hands is a marvel. To watch a team move the ball down the pitch, utilizing short, accurate passes until the ball is passed in the box and kicked into the net is a marvelous thing to see.
Tomorrow I preach two services and conduct a Bible class in Paw Paw, Michigan. When the last hymn is sung, my dear, sweet wife and I will head back home, change clothes and celebrate my Son-in-Law's birthday. And we'll sit right in front of the tv and watch Argentina beat Spain 3-2!
Well, I can dream, cant' I?
"Thus before our Lord God, death is not death but a sleep. For us, when we die it is and is termed death, but before God is it but a sleep and a very light sleep at that."
Martin Luther, as quoted in "Thank, Praise, Serve, Obey" page 158
The word, "confess," means to speak the same thing as God does about our sin.
William Weedon, "Thank, Praise, Serve and Obey," page 75
Faith can transform reason, but nothing can be as unreasonable as unbelief.
Frank Starr, "Light for the Way," book 4, page 20
In the spring I reached an agreement with Westbow Press to self-publish my first book - "Hope Upon Hope - Encouraging Words When Your Life Needs a Lift."
Westbow has very specific instructions for self-publishing; I didn't know there would be so much detail - size of book, size of font, cover work, inside design and the list goes on and on.
First stop for the book is the Content Department; they will make sure that the material I've wrote is in keeping with their editorial guidelines. From there it will go to Design and when they have put together a mock up of the book, I'll get a chance to review and make sure I'm satisfied with what they've done. After that the book gets printed and the finished product will land on my doorstep. I must say, I can't wait to see how all this turns out.
Westbow has an online store from which the book can be purchased. There is a possibility that the book will be available on Amazon. I'll know more about distribution in a few months.
I thank the Lord for this opportunity and my dear, sweet wife for her belief that I should move forward with getting my book published. I'll keep you friendly readers posted on its progress.
Thank you God, through Your dear Son
That with the Spirit, three in one
You kept me safe all through the night
And I awoke to see the light
Be with me throughout the day
Let nothing evil pass my way
This life on earth, I live for You
My soul and body and all things
I trust to You, You are my King
Your holy angels keep me near
The evil one I will not fear
Amen.
Note: I haven't been able to confirm that Luther actually wrote the above prayer. It may be that someone else took Luther's Morning Prayer, found in the Catechism, and wrote a simple version that children could memorize and use.
1st Commandment, paragraph 41
"Therefore, there is no nobler prayer to be found upon earth than the Lord's Prayer. We pray it daily (Matt. 6:11) because it has this excellent testimony, that God loves to hear it. We ought not to surrender this for all the riches of the world.
Martin Luther, "Large Catechism," part 3, para. 23, "Concordia, The Lutheran Confessions"
"Let our Father be in heaven; join Him there through your words. Defy gravity and stand beside Him. That's the action of God in prayer."
The sainted Daniel Paavola, "Our Way Home," page 37
I will be taking a little break from the blog for the next 10 days. I'll be doing some traveling - fulfilling a bucket list item for my dear, sweet wife.
The good news is that I have finished all the work on my book and I'll will be forwarding everything to the printer and hope to receive some kind of timeline on when they might have the book ready.
Looking forward to reconnecting with you on July 1st. God's blessings!
The delight and pleasure of God are in His beloved Son, and that is where we are too. What is ours is His; what is His is ours. So God delights in us too. If our hearts would take this in, Martin Luther said, they would burst for joy in a hundred thousand pieces. In a world that is given over to sin, death and the devil, there is one point where the delight of God dwells. "This is my beloved Son with whom I am well pleased." That is where we are in solidarity with Jesus. With Jesus there is God's delight. God, Christ, you -- all together like one thing.
"Selected Sermons of Norman Nagel" page 44
The difference between a professional and an amateur?
If you are looking for family friendly entertainment look no further than the film, "The Breadwinner," and I encourage you to see it this weekend.
The film stars Nate Bargatze who also wrote the film. He plays Nate Wilcox, a car salesman, who suddenly finds himself as "Mister Mom" when his wife, played by Mandy Moore, invents a product, finds an investor on "Shark Tank" and needs to leave Nate in charge of their three daughters while she travels to promote her invention.
Bargatze is clueless as a father. He has no idea where his kids go to school. He is hopeless in the kitchen. He hires the worst roofer in town. He tries to run the household like a car dealership and chaos ensues. Clearly he is not cut out to be in charge of the household.
If you like Bargatze's style of humor then you'll like the movie. He is extremely likable. Some of the scenes in the picture are based on his stand up comedy. He often fails in the "Mr. Mom" department but his character is sincere, wants his wife not to worry about the family, and shows love and understand for his daughters (the three actors do a fine job).
My dear, sweet wife gave the movie 4 stars; I give it 31/2 stars. Some of the scenes fall a little flat. Still, I think it's a good first effort from Bargatze. This kind of family oriented entertainment is rare. So, if you've got some free time this weekend take 90 minutes and see "The Breadwinner."
From To Live in Christ, page 323
"Like the Law, the Gospel is also necessary; unlike the Law, the Gospel doesn't make any demands. The Gospel makes only promises"
RJ Grunewald "Reading Romans with Luther" page 49
n England, on the base of a statue of Jesus with arms outstretched were the words, "Come unto me." After the war, an artist was hired to restore that statue, shattered by German bombs. But he couldn't find Jesus' hands. So he left the statue without them and changed the wording on the base to read, "Christ has no hands, but ours."
We learned this morning that Mikayla Anderson, daughter of our dear friend, Grace Keedy Anderson, suddenly died this morning. She was the recipient of a heart transplant three years ago. A number of weeks ago she suffered a heart attack and had to be resuscitated several times. Over the past couple of weeks she seemed to be improving, baby steps they called it, and her future looked hopeful. News of her passing has left Sherri and me shocked and saddened.
There are no words that we can speak but the Commendation of the Dying includes this prayer: O God, the Father, fountain and source of all goodness, we give thanks that You have kept Mikayla in the faith and have taken her to Yourself. Comfort Grace and her family by your Holy Word and give them strength that when their last hour comes they may peacefully fall asleep in You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prof. John Pless hits the proverbial nail on the head:
While Lutherans also confess that God is almighty, Lutheran theology does not begin with His majesty but with His mercy in Christ.
From Handling the Word of Truth, page 101
Erasmus
But when we make church about us, we can expect two things: shallow friendships and shallow faith.
Sharon Hodle Miller, "Free of Me," page 117
The original sin in a man is like his beard, which, though shaved off today so that a man is very much smooth around his mouth, yet grows again by tomorrow morning...Just as original sin remains in us and desires itself as long as we live, but we must resist it and always cut off its hair.
Martin Luther (as only he could describe it)
from Trevor Sutton, "Being Lutheran," page 3
We were blessed to reconnect with our dear friends, Dan and Janelle, who have relocated to a suburb north of Indianapolis. They live in a beautiful home (Dan's man cave is going to be spectacular!) and are within driving distance to most of their kids. We ate and drank too much and it was wonderful! And our dog, Jake won over their affections.
Today I'll watch the UEFA Champions League finals with PSG to take a narrow victory over Arsenal. Then we'll meet our friends Terry and Tom for dinner and see the "Breadwinner" movie starring our favorite, Nate Bargetze. Tomorrow I'll do pulpit supply and in the afternoon watch our youngest grandson play soccer. Next week I'll keep working on providing the materials to Westbow Press so that my book project keeps moving forward.
Hope your weekend is full of blessings!
Jess Spurgin and I worked together for years in the radio broadcasting business. When I returned to Phoenix in 2005 to serve as pastor of Life in Christ in Peoria, Jess offered me a time slot to write and record a weekly devotional program. It was called "Wake Up With the Word," and since the program aired at 7:25 am the title was spot on.
Over a period of five years I wrote several hundred devotions. Even after the program ended I continued to use the devotions to open Bible classes, ministry organizations meetings, and incorporating them into sermons. The feedback I received was positive and it led me to consider putting some of them into book form for others to read.
First, with the help of my Administrative Assistant, Connie Kanzler, we put a simple book together. It was fun to give them away and many folks said they found the devotions to be very encouraging.
Now, in retirement I decided to take the next step and have the devotions self-published and I signed the contract this week.
Westbow Press is a subsidiary of Thomas Nelson/Zondervan which assists authors to self-publish their works. There is much more involved in publishing a book than I imagined but I have a contact who has promised to walk me through the process every step of the way (I wonder if the guy knows what he's gotten himself into?)
I've set a deadline of October 1st to have the book completed. Lots of decisions to be made in the meantime - Book title, cover design, page layout to name just a few.
For years I've wanted to write a book. These devotions are the perfect vehicle for such an idea. From time to time I'll keep you posted on my progress. Now it's time to get to work!
If Christ is risen, nothing else matters. And if Christ is not risen, nothing else matters.
Jaroslav Pelikan in "Unparalleled" page 160
If one follows the New Testament, we will come to recognize that the cross is actually a revelation of the depth of human sin and the depth of divine love.
"Martin Luther-In His Own Words"
As a pastor (Paul Gerhardt) who suffered persecution for his faith and endured the death of his wife and even some of his children, he understood the tenson of the life of the Christian that having been baptized into Christ's death and resurrection, we will share both in His suffering and His glory.
"The Choir Immortal" page 194
Let that miracle at Cana remind us! Jesus' first miracle was not to stop a pain or heal a disease but to make wine at a wedding, as a reminder that our needs, big and little, are seen and satisfied by Him.
Richard Lauersdorf
Philip Melancthon, the great reformation theologian, once said to his friend, Martin Luther, "This day you and I will discuss the governance of the universe." What Luther said in reply was unexpected: "This day you and I will go fishing and leave the governance of the universe to God."
"Our Daily Bread" March-May 1996
10) Plays Beatles tunes for the postlude
9) Expects the sermon to last at least 20 minutes so he can make a Starbucks run
8) Thinks if the organ sounds like a calliope it would liven up the service
7) Won't play any hymn that starts with the letter "L"
6) "Pianos are for sissies!"
5) Complains that he isn't paid enough
4) Plays while playing in top hat and tails
3) Insists on being shown on the big screen in the sanctuary while playing so he "gets his due"
2) Stood on the organ bench and shouted "I am the king of the world!"
1) Still complaining that he isn't paid enough
God has given us Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar and Absolution to bring Christ very close to us, so that we can have Him not only in our hearts but also on our tongue, so that we can feel Him, grasp Him and touch Him.
Martin Luther, "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 301
How like Noah and his family are we, kept safe by God within the confines of the Ark, kept safe from the destruction without. Our Ark is His church, where we are sheltered from the wrath of God by the covering of the righteousness of Christ.
Frank Starr, "Light for the Way," book 1, page 9
I feel there are especially necessary for me in this life without which its miseries would be unbearable. Confined here in this prison of the body I confess I need these two, food and light. Therefore, You (O Jesus) have given me in my weakness Your sacred Flesh to refresh my soul and body, and You have set Your Word as the guiding light for my feet. Without them I could not live aright, for the Word of God is the light of my soul and Your Sacrament is the Bread of Life.
Thomas Kempis, in "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 243
O Lord, for Jesus' sake, remake me day after day, creating in me a clean heart. I confess my sins to You. They have bruised and wounded my soul. You alone can blot all these wrongs and transgressions through Christ. Make me acceptable to You and grant that every word and act of mine may please You. Then You shall be the praise in Christ Jesus forevermore. Amen.
From To Live With Christ, page 618
From The Large Catechism
(Regarding the story of the Widow of Nain in Luke, chapter 7)
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 His mouth and bids him arise. The single word is so powerful that death has to vanish and life returns.
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, quoted in "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 228
You'd rather negotiate with terrorist than the organist
A church picnic is no picnic
You've ever wanted to fire the church and form a congregational search committee
You've ever wanted to give the sound tech some feedback of your own
You've ever wanted to lay hands on a deacon and you weren't thinking about praying for him
You often feel like you're herding mules rather than shepherding sheep
You've wanted to use the children's message to send a message to the congregation
You've wanted to announce your vacation with the words "Hasta la Vista, Baby!"
You've love a shock device to use to wake sleeping ushers
You've wanted to impeach the congregational president
From Adventures in Preaching
I've had the opportunity to listen to the big sports talk station in town this week and I've discovered a few simple steps for hosting a sports talk program. It's really pretty simple so if you've ever listened to such programs and thought to yourself, "Hey! I could do this!" I urge you to put these three steps into practice and soon you'll be rubbing elbows with Dan Patrick and Bob Costas and, well, probably not.
First, learn to repeat every sentence you say at least three times.
For there is nothing on or in a person that can do both greater and more extensive good or harm in spiritual and in temporal matters than the tongue. This is true even though it is the least and weakest part of a person (James 3:5).
From "Treasury of Daily Prayer," page 220.
Yesterday is history...tomorrow is a mystery...today is a gift - that's why they call it the present.
Anon.
Above quote from Fredrick Bueckner, "Wishful Thinking: A Theological ABC"
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
It's been a little over four years since I left full-time ministry. It was a good decision. I was worn out and felt like I wasn't serving the congregation as well as I did when I arrived in January 2005.
For the first year I relaxed. Played some golf (badly). Worked on my guitar skills (not much improvement) filled in a few times at St. Mark (thanks to Pastor Sheldon). And while this was going on, my dear, sweet wife and I purchased a summer home in St. Joseph, Michigan.
This gave us a good five months of being with our two daughters and their families. We loved being near Lake Michigan. We watched the grandkids play soccer, basketball, junior golf and attended swim meets. We attended the local LCMS church and discovered an excellent teacher who led the Sunday morning Bible class. The move also helped us to escape the hottest part of the summer here in the Valley.
While there I made myself available for pulpit supply. Unfortunately, there were a number of churches in the area without pastors so I had plenty of opportunities to preach. While I was there, I came up with the idea to offer to preach regularly at Christ the Redeemer in Phoenix. Soon, I was preaching every Sunday from October to April.
At the same time I received a call to see if I would teach the Thursday morning Bible class at Church of the Master in Phoenix. I jumped at the chance to do so. While in the parish I taught a Thursday evening class at Life in Christ. But with all the other duties I has as Senior Pastor I often wasn't able to prepare as fully as I would have liked. Now, I would have all the time needed to teach as I wanted to.
This is where Sherri says I flunked retirement. And, in one sense, she's right. Preparing a sermon and Bible study takes time. But time is what I have. And since golf wasn't bringing me any enjoyment, having the opportunity to preach and teach in retirement has been perfect.
I thank and praise God that He has been able to use me in retirement. Now, if He would only do something to help with my golf game!