God Continues to Bless Our Church

            Last month I attended a Circuit Forum meeting of the pastors that make up our circuit in the Pacific Southwest District of the LCMS.  As we gathered in the Fellowship Hall at Shepherd of the Hills in Prescott, we took time to share with each other some of the exciting things happening at our congregations.

            When it was my turn I told my brother pastors how God has blessed the music ministry of our congregation.  I praise God for the growth we seen this year in our Adult choir and Bells.  We are blessed with great leadership from Lori Gray and Ginny McDuffee and the commitment from singers and players is to be praised.  Both the children’s choir and the Sunday school choir have earned kudos from the congregation.  I think folks would love to see the kids sing every week.  I know this grandfather would! And now we have our Worship Ensemble to bless us as well.  It is truly a multi-generational musical group! In just a short time they have really jelled and have added much to our worship.  And, of course, what would we do without Pat Herman and her endless fount of energy? She has given much to our music ministry and we are the better for it.

            I also shared about the many blessings Life in Christ has received from our deaf ministry.  It’s been a slow process and I really have to commend the leaders of that ministry for persevering during this entire process.  The joy and enthusiasm from our deaf worshippers and our signers is infectious.  Taking time at the end of Wednesday worship services to learn how to sign a phrase has been lots of fun.  I know you join me in thanking the Lord for opening this door of opportunity to the deaf community.

            We have been blessed with so much and, in turn, we have so much to share with our friends and community.  Please consider inviting someone to come to Easter worship with you.  We’ll have three services – 6:30, 8:30 and 10:30 am.  Easter breakfast will be served at 7:30 am and a puppet show and egg hunt begins at 9:30 am.  There will be a beehive of activity on our campus as we gather together to celebrate Jesus’ power and victory over death and the devil.  Don’t miss your opportunity to cry out, HE IS RISEN! HE IS RISEN INDEED!

      

I buy books!

The quote is attributed to Erasmus: Whenever I get a little money, I buy books.  And if there's any left over, then I buy food and clothes.

One of my seminary profs was asked by his wife, "Just how many books do you need?" His answer: "Just one more!"

My love for reading began in childhood and there are few things more pleasurable for me than being able to get comfortable in my recliner and get into a good book.  This week I've purchased a couple of books for a worship class I'm teaching in April; an inspirational biography; something on the 1964 World Series (I was 12 but still remember the Cardinals & Yankees facing off and watching the games in the school classroom); three books about the Beatles that were missing from my library.

My kids have not embraced reading like I have.  My fear is that when I'm long gone they'll organize a yard sale and let my babies go for 25 cents to a buck a piece (Oh, the agony of it all!)

Still, I'm a blessed man.  My wife appreciates my joy for reading and patiently lets me indulge in my passion.  My biggest concern right now? When I retire, will she let me bring my babies home with me? Surely she wouldn't make me put them up for adoption, would she?

Are You Passionate?

Neil Young first asked the question back in '02.  I'm asking this Sunday.  What does all this mean? Join us and find out.  Worship at 8 and 10:45 am.  Sunday school, Confirmation, High School Youth and Adult Bible class begin at 9:15 am.  We'd love to see you this Sunday at Life in Christ!

Can God both love and discipline?

Pastor Frank Starr, in his series, "Life for the Way," offers a good answer.

Some Christians maintain that wrath and punishment is inconsistent with a God of love and mercy.  But this view strips God of His holiness, which hates sin and cannot countenance it.  God's grace has made a way for us to escape His wrath by providing Jesus as our substitute.  On our behalf, the Savior on the cross bore the full weight of God's wrath against our sin.

The writer to the Hebrews speaks of the Lord's discipline in chapter 12:4-17.  But the writer offers the greatest reassurance for believers.  We "share in His holiness," that is, God sees us in the righteousness of Christ that we received in our baptism.  But like a loving father, our heavenly Father disciplines us to "struggle against sin."

What is the result of this disciplining work? We "strive for peace" with all those in our circle of friends and with everyone.  In this way others "see the Lord," and God is glorified.

Need a lift?

What is it that gets you down? Ever get frustrated with the lack of progress in your spiritual life? The apostle Paul has got some words that are sure to give you that needed lift of encouragement for daily life.  Come and be lifted up this Sunday at Life in Christ.  Worship at 8 and 10:45 am.  Our new Worship Ensemble will be offering special music at both services.  Sunday school, Confirmation, High School Youth and Adult Bible class is held at 9:15 am.  We'd love to see you this Sunday at Life in Christ!

Put Your Hope in the Lord!

Author Joni Eareckson Tada, in her book, "Overcoming Adversity," wrote about a volunteer at her ministry, Joni and Friends, a high school students named Clay.  Clay cheerfully packed boxes and stuffed envelopes and just generally offered himself and his time wherever it was needed.

However, Joni noted, Clay's passion is running.  During cross-country season Clay didn't volunteer many hours of service.  Every hour he wasn't in school, he was out running.  The folks at Joni's ministry would report seeing Clay out running in the wee hours of the morning, piling up the miles.

When she had the chance, Joni asked Clay a question that had been on her mind for a long time: what is the most difficult part of a long-distance run? She thought it would be either the first mile or so as the runner is getting mentally prepared to run a great distance or at the end, when you're body is exhausted and you feel like you can't run another step.

Clay's answer surprised Joni.  He told her it was the middle portion of the run, "when you're out of range of those cheering voices at the start and finish lines.  It's that long, grey middle distance that saps your strength and your will.

Life has been likened to a long-distance race.  And there are times in our lives, especially when we seem to be in that middle distance, where the race is much more difficult than we could have imagined.  A health problem, financial struggles or self-esteem issues can all seem like reasons for giving up.

If you are in need of refreshment for the race called "life," be sure to read Psalm 42 sometime this week.  Hope in the Lord leads to praise.  Love from the Lord leads to prayer.  Verses 5 and 11 seem like a refrain worth singing: Put your hope in the Lord, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.

Put your hope in the Lord!

Some things are futile

Like trying to go up a down escalator.  In John, chapter 3, the Pharisee, Nicodemus, visits Jesus.  Has he sought out the Savior because he's found it futile to try and live under the heavy burden of perfectly keeping the law and the traditions of the elders? Is there another option? Join us at Life in Christ this Sunday to find out.  Worship at 8 and 10:45 am.  Sunday school, Confirmation, High School Youth and Adult Bible class at 9:15 am.  Hope to see you this Sunday!