Isaiah 43:1 … "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
What’s your name? How many times in our life are we asked that question? I for one have had to spell for first name for everyone and my maiden name and now my married name. When we name our children we want them to be unique, but then come to find out that there are 5 other children with that same name in their kindergarten class. Did you have your child’s name picked out before they were born or did you wait to see what they looked like?
In the 60’s it seemed like the thing to do was to give your kids names that all stated with the same letter. 3 out of 4 of my siblings all start with “S”. The kids in my husband’s family all start with “J”. Now if it wasn’t enough that people would get kids mixed up anyway – now they have the added benefit of names sounding alike.
The Lord knew our name before we were born. We may have one name on our birth certificate, but we probably answer to many other names.
We also have many names for God: Father, Lord, Emmanuel.
But when you boil it all down aren’t we really all the same? Aren’t we all sisters and brothers in Christ? Isn’t it what really matters is that we know that whose children we really are? And I’m sure when we truly see the Lord face to face, we will know our name. He will have his arms stretched wide and will say “Welcome Home, Child of Mine”.
(Inspired by Shawn who passed away last week after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 37 leaving a loving wife and two daughters, ages 5 and 8)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Unexpected
“When the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:4-5
Now there’s something you don’t see everyday? Today on my way home I saw a red helium balloon bouncing it’s way along the side of the road – the temperature was 20 degrees. How did that balloon get there? Doesn’t the sight of balloons just make you smile? Especially when it is freezing outside and the roads are crappy!
This season is the season of “unexpected”. When I was getting our mail, which is across the highway, a car stopped to let me cross the road (remember the roads are crappy). What an unexpected nice gesture! Last week a couple friends surprised me and took me out for lunch to say “thank you”. What an unexpected blessing! This week a friend went out of his way to pick up something at a store for me and delivered it. What a unexpected gift!
What do you think the shepherds thought when the angels appeared to them? “Now there’s something you don’t see everyday?” What do you think they thought when they saw the newborn King in common everyday stall for animals? It certainly wasn’t where the wise men were expecting to find the Savior?
In this season of rushing around, make sure you thank those that have blessed you with their gifts of kindness. And let’s pass on the feeling of the unexpected – help out a friend in need, donate to a charity, hold a door open for someone, and give someone a smile.
Now there’s something you don’t see everyday? Today on my way home I saw a red helium balloon bouncing it’s way along the side of the road – the temperature was 20 degrees. How did that balloon get there? Doesn’t the sight of balloons just make you smile? Especially when it is freezing outside and the roads are crappy!
This season is the season of “unexpected”. When I was getting our mail, which is across the highway, a car stopped to let me cross the road (remember the roads are crappy). What an unexpected nice gesture! Last week a couple friends surprised me and took me out for lunch to say “thank you”. What an unexpected blessing! This week a friend went out of his way to pick up something at a store for me and delivered it. What a unexpected gift!
What do you think the shepherds thought when the angels appeared to them? “Now there’s something you don’t see everyday?” What do you think they thought when they saw the newborn King in common everyday stall for animals? It certainly wasn’t where the wise men were expecting to find the Savior?
In this season of rushing around, make sure you thank those that have blessed you with their gifts of kindness. And let’s pass on the feeling of the unexpected – help out a friend in need, donate to a charity, hold a door open for someone, and give someone a smile.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Unconditionally
Psalm 52: 8-9 “But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God's unfailing love forever and ever. I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good. I will praise you in the presence of your saints.”
Each time I return home, I am greeted by a four-legged bundle of joy. Regardless of whether we have been gone two minutes or several hours, our dog Bristol greets my husband and me with a wagging tail and the happiest look on her face. Her affection for us is unconditional.
I often wonder if God has a similar view of us. When we come to His house for worship, I can imagine God shaking a bit with joy at our entrance. He might not have a big tail or sloppy doggy kisses, but the feeling is the same. God loves us unconditionally.
The first verse reminds us of God’s unfailing love for us. We grow in God’s word each day that we read the Bible and grow in community with other Christians. Having trust in the Lord is important for our spiritual growth.
The second verse is instructions for how we are to live our lives. We are to praise God and hope in God. God is a source of positiveness in our lives. All we have to do is believe in God.
Each day, I am reminded of God’s love for me when I awake, when I see a beautiful full moon, and even when my dog greets me at the door. All I have to do is believe.
Submitted by Kari Murray
Each time I return home, I am greeted by a four-legged bundle of joy. Regardless of whether we have been gone two minutes or several hours, our dog Bristol greets my husband and me with a wagging tail and the happiest look on her face. Her affection for us is unconditional.
I often wonder if God has a similar view of us. When we come to His house for worship, I can imagine God shaking a bit with joy at our entrance. He might not have a big tail or sloppy doggy kisses, but the feeling is the same. God loves us unconditionally.
The first verse reminds us of God’s unfailing love for us. We grow in God’s word each day that we read the Bible and grow in community with other Christians. Having trust in the Lord is important for our spiritual growth.
The second verse is instructions for how we are to live our lives. We are to praise God and hope in God. God is a source of positiveness in our lives. All we have to do is believe in God.
Each day, I am reminded of God’s love for me when I awake, when I see a beautiful full moon, and even when my dog greets me at the door. All I have to do is believe.
Submitted by Kari Murray
Monday, November 17, 2008
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
Last Wednesday the Spiritual Formation youth had the privilege of listening to a presentation by Mr. David Burrier of Hope Ministries and a gentleman by the name of Norman who has been a client with the Ministries for over a year. I came in about a halfway through and they were seated up in front of the sanctuary engaged in an unrehearsed dialogue. Mr. Burrier was leading Norman in a question and answer session which was absolutely riveting to me. Norman spent seventeen of his forty years in prisons for many offenses, but from what I gathered they were mostly drug related. He’s been in prison in Mexico and has spent a lot of time in drug trafficking across the border. Norman said he was an extremely mean and hateful person. He ended up at Hope Ministries weighing 100 pounds, his teeth had fallen out, and he has tattoos over half of his body. He left no question of why he ended up in Des Moines. A self described extremely shy person, he sat in front of our church and spoke boldly and matter of factly, of how Jesus Christ came into his life and made him a new person. What a witness for the young people and the few adults who were there that night. He had a syringe tattooed on his arm which he has since covered up with a tattoo of a cross. I saw great meaning in that, here was a man so controlled by the drugs he was shooting into his body, slowly dying, hopelessly dying, yet covered by the cross, the instrument of death for Jesus Christ, also the symbol of assurance and new life for us. Here is a man who knows what it means to be free.
This reminds me of Romans 6:5-8, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” ESV
I talked to Norman afterward for quite some time. It both amazes me and yet it doesn’t of how openly and boldly that once broken man speaks of God in his life. There is power in the words of the gospel. I feel that people need to see and hear this kind of witness. Norman will be visiting us soon to share his story with others.
Posted by Pat Barnes
Last Wednesday the Spiritual Formation youth had the privilege of listening to a presentation by Mr. David Burrier of Hope Ministries and a gentleman by the name of Norman who has been a client with the Ministries for over a year. I came in about a halfway through and they were seated up in front of the sanctuary engaged in an unrehearsed dialogue. Mr. Burrier was leading Norman in a question and answer session which was absolutely riveting to me. Norman spent seventeen of his forty years in prisons for many offenses, but from what I gathered they were mostly drug related. He’s been in prison in Mexico and has spent a lot of time in drug trafficking across the border. Norman said he was an extremely mean and hateful person. He ended up at Hope Ministries weighing 100 pounds, his teeth had fallen out, and he has tattoos over half of his body. He left no question of why he ended up in Des Moines. A self described extremely shy person, he sat in front of our church and spoke boldly and matter of factly, of how Jesus Christ came into his life and made him a new person. What a witness for the young people and the few adults who were there that night. He had a syringe tattooed on his arm which he has since covered up with a tattoo of a cross. I saw great meaning in that, here was a man so controlled by the drugs he was shooting into his body, slowly dying, hopelessly dying, yet covered by the cross, the instrument of death for Jesus Christ, also the symbol of assurance and new life for us. Here is a man who knows what it means to be free.
This reminds me of Romans 6:5-8, “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.” ESV
I talked to Norman afterward for quite some time. It both amazes me and yet it doesn’t of how openly and boldly that once broken man speaks of God in his life. There is power in the words of the gospel. I feel that people need to see and hear this kind of witness. Norman will be visiting us soon to share his story with others.
Posted by Pat Barnes
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Remembering
Where were you seven years ago? I think most of us can remember that Tuesday morning; images of crashing planes, burning buildings, buildings falling to the ground, fear and sadness in the eyes the witnesses. We remember the phone calls to loved ones, discussions of terror with our coworkers, halted conversations as we tried to explain to our children why someone would do this. It seems like each generation has "that moment" when the little bit of innocence we have is crushed by an act of violence.
But all too often it seems like that first act of violence is expanded by more violence, in retaliation. It seems that all too often politicians, on both sides, use the death of the victims to promote their own ideology, or as an excuse to advance an agenda in a totally unrelated area. In the midst of all the political promotion; and in the midst of the violence and retaliation, Jesus speaks.
“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:27-31)
The world says, "Retaliate!" Jesus says, "Love!" The world says, "Kill!" Jesus says, "Pray." The world says, "Be afraid!" Jesus says, "Have no fear little flock."
I like what the ELCA Church Council states in their response to 911 "Message on Living in a Time of Terrorism",
"Fear generated by the threat of terrorism may be a reasonable response to danger, alerting us to take steps to address it. Yet fear can become part of the fabric of society and make people its captives. Fear then paralyzes, divides people, fosters distrust, and clouds judgments. The Gospel promises freedom from living in debilitating fear. Through Word and Sacrament the Holy Spirit surrounds children, youth, and adults with God’s unfailing love. 'There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear' (1 John 4:18). In faith we may carry on our lives with the confidence that nothing—including terrorism—'will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 8:39). Living from the security of faith in God, Christians in a fearful society may exhibit courage to evaluate soberly the threat of terrorism without ignoring it or becoming all-consumed by it."
"The Gospel also frees us from fear to see others as brothers and sisters for whom Christ died and lives. Believing that God’s love in Christ Jesus extends to all, we are freed to attend to the interests and welfare of those who might be considered 'enemies.' We are better enabled to know and feel the vulnerability of others around the world and to work for a just peace in light of our mutual vulnerability."
Maybe the best memorial we can give to all the victims of 911 is to do as Jesus told us. Love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, pray for those who abuse us, and give to those who need. Now you might respond, "Don't be so naive, Tim, that is not the way of the world." You are right. But, maybe we would be better off in the world if we lived the way of Christ.
But all too often it seems like that first act of violence is expanded by more violence, in retaliation. It seems that all too often politicians, on both sides, use the death of the victims to promote their own ideology, or as an excuse to advance an agenda in a totally unrelated area. In the midst of all the political promotion; and in the midst of the violence and retaliation, Jesus speaks.
“But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you." (Luke 6:27-31)
The world says, "Retaliate!" Jesus says, "Love!" The world says, "Kill!" Jesus says, "Pray." The world says, "Be afraid!" Jesus says, "Have no fear little flock."
I like what the ELCA Church Council states in their response to 911 "Message on Living in a Time of Terrorism",
"Fear generated by the threat of terrorism may be a reasonable response to danger, alerting us to take steps to address it. Yet fear can become part of the fabric of society and make people its captives. Fear then paralyzes, divides people, fosters distrust, and clouds judgments. The Gospel promises freedom from living in debilitating fear. Through Word and Sacrament the Holy Spirit surrounds children, youth, and adults with God’s unfailing love. 'There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear' (1 John 4:18). In faith we may carry on our lives with the confidence that nothing—including terrorism—'will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord' (Romans 8:39). Living from the security of faith in God, Christians in a fearful society may exhibit courage to evaluate soberly the threat of terrorism without ignoring it or becoming all-consumed by it."
"The Gospel also frees us from fear to see others as brothers and sisters for whom Christ died and lives. Believing that God’s love in Christ Jesus extends to all, we are freed to attend to the interests and welfare of those who might be considered 'enemies.' We are better enabled to know and feel the vulnerability of others around the world and to work for a just peace in light of our mutual vulnerability."
Maybe the best memorial we can give to all the victims of 911 is to do as Jesus told us. Love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, pray for those who abuse us, and give to those who need. Now you might respond, "Don't be so naive, Tim, that is not the way of the world." You are right. But, maybe we would be better off in the world if we lived the way of Christ.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Thank You, Harry
Matthew 28:17-20
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (NRSV)
During these last few weeks of summer, I have been finding myself reflecting upon my life and my faith story. This is due to the change that Bette, Allison, and I are facing with Tim being in Tanzania and John at Wartburg College. As I reflect upon God's gift of grace I realize that this is a great medium to write a thank-you letter. Unfortunately, I do not know where the recipient is, or even if he is still alive. So, I would like to write this thank-you letter to all the “Harrys” out there.
Dear Harry,
Did you have any idea what your invitation would create? Did you know how the Holy Spirit was going to work in my life and the life of my family? When you made that first invitation, were you afraid? Were you worried that we would reject you, think less of you, or even worse, laugh at you? Did you fear that you might loose your job for talking about faith at work? Did that even matter to you? Or were you so compelled by Jesus’ call to make disciples, that rejection and embarrassment, and even fear of losing your position would not stop you from your proclamation?
I know that Faith Lutheran was having an invite a friend week, but I don't know if this was the first time you invited anybody, or if this was a normal activity for you. But, on that day, you changed our lives.
Bette and you had worked together for a few months, and you had a good relationship, both of you originally being from North Dakota. Although almost fifty years separated you, you had a good working friendship. One evening, as you stood there with Bette in the men’s accessories department at Dillard’s straightening the ties, somehow the conversation turned to faith. (Was that your intent?) With your eyes glued to your task at hand, you nonchalantly and quietly said, “Maybe you would like to visit my church, Faith, on Spain Road. It’s a Lutheran church and the sermons are pretty good. I think it might be what you’re looking for.” Possibly to your surprise, Bette accepted your invitation and asked about worship times. And that Sunday, she would attend. But she didn't want to ask me. (I had rejected her request to go to church so many times before.) She told you, "If you wanted Tim to attend you had to ask him."
So on your break you walked down to my families store. You would often stop by and visit but this time you had a calling. You cleared your throat, you seemed nervous to me, then you did it. You asked me. "Hey Tim I just invited Bette to join me at church at Faith Lutheran and she said she would love to go, but, she asked me to invite you also. So would you like to come?" How could I say no? Your were such a kind and gentile man. "Sure I guess that would be alright" I answered. With a smile on your face you proclaimed "Great I will see you Sunday" and went back to Dillard's
Over the next few days I tried to think of a way out but Bette would respond, "You told Harry you would go!" So on Sunday she dragged me back to a church. The way I complained you would think I'm was going to my death. In a way I was. Something happened. It could have been looking out the wall of window at the beautiful Sandia Mountains. It could have been the pastor’s sermon on God's grace, forgiveness, and love. It might have been the beautiful piece the choir sang. Or maybe it was the way the people greeted us, like we were truly welcome, like lost children returning home. From that moment on, were knew that’s exactly where we were: home. Whether it was Faith, or Zion, or Holy Trinity, or Our Savior’s, or First, or New Life, we were home. It did not take long until the pastor realized that I knew the bible stories pretty well. Soon, we were teaching 5th grade Sunday School and Bette was singing in the choir. As time went by, we started getting involved more and more. Four years later, we found ourselves at Zion Lutheran, somehow being leaders in this congregation. Education chairperson, stewardship chairperson, youth leader, small group members, called to ordained ministry.
Harry, did you know what the Spirit was going to do? I thank you and all the other “Harrys” out there. People willing to risk embarrassment, relationships, and their position in order to proclaim the Gospel. Harry, thank you for your invitation.
For all you others reading this, is God calling on you to be a Harry in somebody’s life? Take the chance for Jesus. Risk for the Gospel. There are a lot of Tims and Bettes out there just waiting for your invitation.
Amen.
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age (NRSV)
During these last few weeks of summer, I have been finding myself reflecting upon my life and my faith story. This is due to the change that Bette, Allison, and I are facing with Tim being in Tanzania and John at Wartburg College. As I reflect upon God's gift of grace I realize that this is a great medium to write a thank-you letter. Unfortunately, I do not know where the recipient is, or even if he is still alive. So, I would like to write this thank-you letter to all the “Harrys” out there.
Dear Harry,
Did you have any idea what your invitation would create? Did you know how the Holy Spirit was going to work in my life and the life of my family? When you made that first invitation, were you afraid? Were you worried that we would reject you, think less of you, or even worse, laugh at you? Did you fear that you might loose your job for talking about faith at work? Did that even matter to you? Or were you so compelled by Jesus’ call to make disciples, that rejection and embarrassment, and even fear of losing your position would not stop you from your proclamation?
I know that Faith Lutheran was having an invite a friend week, but I don't know if this was the first time you invited anybody, or if this was a normal activity for you. But, on that day, you changed our lives.
Bette and you had worked together for a few months, and you had a good relationship, both of you originally being from North Dakota. Although almost fifty years separated you, you had a good working friendship. One evening, as you stood there with Bette in the men’s accessories department at Dillard’s straightening the ties, somehow the conversation turned to faith. (Was that your intent?) With your eyes glued to your task at hand, you nonchalantly and quietly said, “Maybe you would like to visit my church, Faith, on Spain Road. It’s a Lutheran church and the sermons are pretty good. I think it might be what you’re looking for.” Possibly to your surprise, Bette accepted your invitation and asked about worship times. And that Sunday, she would attend. But she didn't want to ask me. (I had rejected her request to go to church so many times before.) She told you, "If you wanted Tim to attend you had to ask him."
So on your break you walked down to my families store. You would often stop by and visit but this time you had a calling. You cleared your throat, you seemed nervous to me, then you did it. You asked me. "Hey Tim I just invited Bette to join me at church at Faith Lutheran and she said she would love to go, but, she asked me to invite you also. So would you like to come?" How could I say no? Your were such a kind and gentile man. "Sure I guess that would be alright" I answered. With a smile on your face you proclaimed "Great I will see you Sunday" and went back to Dillard's
Over the next few days I tried to think of a way out but Bette would respond, "You told Harry you would go!" So on Sunday she dragged me back to a church. The way I complained you would think I'm was going to my death. In a way I was. Something happened. It could have been looking out the wall of window at the beautiful Sandia Mountains. It could have been the pastor’s sermon on God's grace, forgiveness, and love. It might have been the beautiful piece the choir sang. Or maybe it was the way the people greeted us, like we were truly welcome, like lost children returning home. From that moment on, were knew that’s exactly where we were: home. Whether it was Faith, or Zion, or Holy Trinity, or Our Savior’s, or First, or New Life, we were home. It did not take long until the pastor realized that I knew the bible stories pretty well. Soon, we were teaching 5th grade Sunday School and Bette was singing in the choir. As time went by, we started getting involved more and more. Four years later, we found ourselves at Zion Lutheran, somehow being leaders in this congregation. Education chairperson, stewardship chairperson, youth leader, small group members, called to ordained ministry.
Harry, did you know what the Spirit was going to do? I thank you and all the other “Harrys” out there. People willing to risk embarrassment, relationships, and their position in order to proclaim the Gospel. Harry, thank you for your invitation.
For all you others reading this, is God calling on you to be a Harry in somebody’s life? Take the chance for Jesus. Risk for the Gospel. There are a lot of Tims and Bettes out there just waiting for your invitation.
Amen.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Freedom In Christ
"If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will make you free." John 8:31b-32 (NRSV)
The truth will make you free. Jesus did not free us so that we can do whatever we want. Instead, we are made free by Christ so that we can be who we truly are, children of God. Our freedom comes from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (not from any gift of humans). In this we are free from our sin through the forgiveness Jesus gives us. In this we have eternal life that we live right now as children of God. Sometimes we may feel that we are not good enough or important enough to matter, but each one of us is so important to God that Jesus gave his life so we can live as God's children. All people are important to God. All people are children of God whether they know it or not.
Our salvation, our life, our hope is in Christ alone. There are some who believe that they can save themselves. Many in print, on the radio, and TV tell us that if we try hard enough we can achieve greatness. We can even make ourselves good and be god-like. But, history has shown time and again that when we rely on ourselves, and not on God, when we try to be god-like, we fail miserably. Instead of being free, we become enslaved to the self.
Let's go back to the beginning, to the story of Adam and Eve. In that story the serpent told Adam and Eve that if they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, they would not die but they would be like God having knowledge of good and evil. So they ate the fruit, but they did not become like God; instead sin and death entered creation.
During the time of Exodus, after God had freed the people from slavery, Moses goes up the mountain to receive the law from God. As soon as Moses does this, what do the people do?They become impatient. They don't wait for Moses to return. Instead they turn their back on God. They worship a false god of their own making; one they can control. How soon they forget God's promise to them and their promise to God. Instead, they make a god for themselves, forgetting how God had saved, rescued, and freed them.
God has also saved, rescued, and freed us. Like the Israelites, we did not do anything to merit our rescue, salvation, and freedom. God alone took the initiative. Whether we like it or not, only God can save us. At the right time God sent Christ to die for us. While we were still sinners God sent Christ to die for you and me. We are made right, righteous, we are saved, we are freed to truly be ourselves by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Paul says in Romans 5 that when we rely on our own ability, we run into trouble, we fall short, we fail. But, God showed us true love, for while we were still sinners Christ came and died for us. Jesus is our lifeguard freeing us, saving us, and giving us life through his own life.
How then do we respond to God's free gift of salvation? Do we hide this gift of forgiveness and life, locked away in a vault, so no one can get at it, only taking it out for display on Sunday mornings, then hiding it away until the next Sunday gathering? Are we freed on Sunday only to let ourselves be enslaved again on Monday? Or do we respond to God's saving grace by living as a freed disciple of Christ every day of the week?
Each of us is called on to respond to God's loving grace. Only you can answer your calling from Jesus to be an example of faith through word and action. Others can guide and help us in our response to God, but in the end, each of us are called on to respond. As an individual and in community we are called on to respond to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Today many are lost and drowning in a sea of confusion that is our world. They are pulled in many directions, bounced around from one inadequate philosophy to another. In times of crisis, all they can respond with is hopelessness, despair, anger, and fear, often using some hyped up form of patriotism that forces God to be on our side. All this only causes more hopelessness, pain, and suffering.
But, God calls on us to be beacons of light, love, and peace in a world of darkness, pain, and war. We are callled on to show the one true way of freedom and life, the way of Christ Jesus. This is why God has called us: to be lights in a dark world, to be living examples of the Gospel in action. God calls on you and me to take a stand, a stand for the good news of Jesus, to proclaim to the world God's saving and freeing grace.
Martin Luther writes in his explanation of the second article of the Apostles' Creed. "I believe that Jesus Christ.... Has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil...with his holy, precious blood...He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness." Today we have the opportunity to take a stand, to respond to salvation, to respond to God's forgiveness, to respond to the true freedom we have in Jesus.
Today you and I have the opportunity to share with others the gifts that God has given to each of us, to use those God-given gifts for the benefit of all. Working together as the body of Christ, we can lift one another up, we can proclaim to our community, and to the world that in Jesus Christ there is hope, there is freedom, there is life. That through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ all are offered God's free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. We have been rescued by God and are free indeed. How then will you respond?
Lord Jesus, guide us in being your disciples. Help us to live under the freedom you have given us and to proclaim your love to all the world. Amen.
The truth will make you free. Jesus did not free us so that we can do whatever we want. Instead, we are made free by Christ so that we can be who we truly are, children of God. Our freedom comes from the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus (not from any gift of humans). In this we are free from our sin through the forgiveness Jesus gives us. In this we have eternal life that we live right now as children of God. Sometimes we may feel that we are not good enough or important enough to matter, but each one of us is so important to God that Jesus gave his life so we can live as God's children. All people are important to God. All people are children of God whether they know it or not.
Our salvation, our life, our hope is in Christ alone. There are some who believe that they can save themselves. Many in print, on the radio, and TV tell us that if we try hard enough we can achieve greatness. We can even make ourselves good and be god-like. But, history has shown time and again that when we rely on ourselves, and not on God, when we try to be god-like, we fail miserably. Instead of being free, we become enslaved to the self.
Let's go back to the beginning, to the story of Adam and Eve. In that story the serpent told Adam and Eve that if they ate of the fruit of the tree of knowledge, they would not die but they would be like God having knowledge of good and evil. So they ate the fruit, but they did not become like God; instead sin and death entered creation.
During the time of Exodus, after God had freed the people from slavery, Moses goes up the mountain to receive the law from God. As soon as Moses does this, what do the people do?They become impatient. They don't wait for Moses to return. Instead they turn their back on God. They worship a false god of their own making; one they can control. How soon they forget God's promise to them and their promise to God. Instead, they make a god for themselves, forgetting how God had saved, rescued, and freed them.
God has also saved, rescued, and freed us. Like the Israelites, we did not do anything to merit our rescue, salvation, and freedom. God alone took the initiative. Whether we like it or not, only God can save us. At the right time God sent Christ to die for us. While we were still sinners God sent Christ to die for you and me. We are made right, righteous, we are saved, we are freed to truly be ourselves by Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Paul says in Romans 5 that when we rely on our own ability, we run into trouble, we fall short, we fail. But, God showed us true love, for while we were still sinners Christ came and died for us. Jesus is our lifeguard freeing us, saving us, and giving us life through his own life.
How then do we respond to God's free gift of salvation? Do we hide this gift of forgiveness and life, locked away in a vault, so no one can get at it, only taking it out for display on Sunday mornings, then hiding it away until the next Sunday gathering? Are we freed on Sunday only to let ourselves be enslaved again on Monday? Or do we respond to God's saving grace by living as a freed disciple of Christ every day of the week?
Each of us is called on to respond to God's loving grace. Only you can answer your calling from Jesus to be an example of faith through word and action. Others can guide and help us in our response to God, but in the end, each of us are called on to respond. As an individual and in community we are called on to respond to the love of God in Christ Jesus.
Today many are lost and drowning in a sea of confusion that is our world. They are pulled in many directions, bounced around from one inadequate philosophy to another. In times of crisis, all they can respond with is hopelessness, despair, anger, and fear, often using some hyped up form of patriotism that forces God to be on our side. All this only causes more hopelessness, pain, and suffering.
But, God calls on us to be beacons of light, love, and peace in a world of darkness, pain, and war. We are callled on to show the one true way of freedom and life, the way of Christ Jesus. This is why God has called us: to be lights in a dark world, to be living examples of the Gospel in action. God calls on you and me to take a stand, a stand for the good news of Jesus, to proclaim to the world God's saving and freeing grace.
Martin Luther writes in his explanation of the second article of the Apostles' Creed. "I believe that Jesus Christ.... Has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has purchased and freed me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil...with his holy, precious blood...He has done all this in order that I may belong to him, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in eternal righteousness." Today we have the opportunity to take a stand, to respond to salvation, to respond to God's forgiveness, to respond to the true freedom we have in Jesus.
Today you and I have the opportunity to share with others the gifts that God has given to each of us, to use those God-given gifts for the benefit of all. Working together as the body of Christ, we can lift one another up, we can proclaim to our community, and to the world that in Jesus Christ there is hope, there is freedom, there is life. That through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ all are offered God's free gift of forgiveness and eternal life. We have been rescued by God and are free indeed. How then will you respond?
Lord Jesus, guide us in being your disciples. Help us to live under the freedom you have given us and to proclaim your love to all the world. Amen.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Shelter From The Storm
Psalm 121:1-2
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NRSV)
Last night I was watching the local news in Des Moines and they where showing damage from the tornado that tore through Parkersburg and New Hartford, Iowa last Sunday. Then today my wife sent me a slideshow of the disaster. The damage is immense and overwhelming. I can not imagine what it would be like to see all that I owned smashed and scattered all over the countryside. The electronic items that it seems like we can not do without, the clothing, the books, toys, dishes, keepsakes that remind us of times of joy, and pictures and videos of those great times in the past including pictures and keepsakes of those loved ones that have died. All the things we hold dear scattered and gone.
Even worse is the loss of seven people, whose families have lost far more then things they have lost someone who they love and hold dear. They are missing a smile, a voice, a hug that they will not experience again.
As I looked at the images of that terrible storm I thought of how I take so many things for granted. Today I woke up in my safe bed, which was not crushed under beams of my house. I turned on the morning news; my TV was not smashed and thrown down the road. I said good-by to my family, they were all alive and well. I drove my daughter to school, my car was not wrapped around a tree and her school was not torn apart. I went to our Church to start another day of work; all of its windows were in tact. Just the simple everyday things that those sifting through debris whished they had. How I take so much for granted.
Then I thought of the harsh words that I have said over the last few days and weeks that have ripped through some of my relationships with family and friends. Leaving our relationship and friendship smashed and scattered. All because I perceived that I did not get what I wanted or because of some minor inconvenience that I had to face. How I take so much for granted.
I reflect upon all the brokenness that I have seen, some created by a thunderstorm and some cause by my own storm, and wonder is there any hope? Yes there is, for even in our worst storms our Lord is their. As the tornado ravaged through northern Iowa Christ was there giving hope and comfort to those who lost so much. As I create a storm with my tongue Christ is there nudging me to repent and ask for forgiveness from God and from the ones that I hurt.
As the Psalmist says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” As we look up in our despair God is there. The one who stepped down into creation and who went up on the cross is here bringing comfort, hope, and love to all that are broken. As Paul writes in Romans 8:35-39: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NRSV)
In your hurt, in your loss, in your pain know that Christ is with you and that nothing can separate you for God’s love in Christ Jesus. Jesus gives us shelter from all the storms that we face in life.
God of hope, we pray for those who have lost so much in the storms of this spring. Bring them comfort and hope. Touch them with your healing touch. Help us to reach out to them with prayers and with help. Help us to be your hands in this time of rebuilding. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
(If you would like to help the victims you can give to ELCA Disaster Response. One hundred percent of gifts designated for a specific response will be used for the immediate and long-term response to that disaster. Give through your ELCA congregation, give online at, www.elca.org/giving, or call 800/638-3522.)
I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (NRSV)
Last night I was watching the local news in Des Moines and they where showing damage from the tornado that tore through Parkersburg and New Hartford, Iowa last Sunday. Then today my wife sent me a slideshow of the disaster. The damage is immense and overwhelming. I can not imagine what it would be like to see all that I owned smashed and scattered all over the countryside. The electronic items that it seems like we can not do without, the clothing, the books, toys, dishes, keepsakes that remind us of times of joy, and pictures and videos of those great times in the past including pictures and keepsakes of those loved ones that have died. All the things we hold dear scattered and gone.
Even worse is the loss of seven people, whose families have lost far more then things they have lost someone who they love and hold dear. They are missing a smile, a voice, a hug that they will not experience again.
As I looked at the images of that terrible storm I thought of how I take so many things for granted. Today I woke up in my safe bed, which was not crushed under beams of my house. I turned on the morning news; my TV was not smashed and thrown down the road. I said good-by to my family, they were all alive and well. I drove my daughter to school, my car was not wrapped around a tree and her school was not torn apart. I went to our Church to start another day of work; all of its windows were in tact. Just the simple everyday things that those sifting through debris whished they had. How I take so much for granted.
Then I thought of the harsh words that I have said over the last few days and weeks that have ripped through some of my relationships with family and friends. Leaving our relationship and friendship smashed and scattered. All because I perceived that I did not get what I wanted or because of some minor inconvenience that I had to face. How I take so much for granted.
I reflect upon all the brokenness that I have seen, some created by a thunderstorm and some cause by my own storm, and wonder is there any hope? Yes there is, for even in our worst storms our Lord is their. As the tornado ravaged through northern Iowa Christ was there giving hope and comfort to those who lost so much. As I create a storm with my tongue Christ is there nudging me to repent and ask for forgiveness from God and from the ones that I hurt.
As the Psalmist says, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” As we look up in our despair God is there. The one who stepped down into creation and who went up on the cross is here bringing comfort, hope, and love to all that are broken. As Paul writes in Romans 8:35-39: “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, ‘For your sake we are being killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep to be slaughtered.’ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NRSV)
In your hurt, in your loss, in your pain know that Christ is with you and that nothing can separate you for God’s love in Christ Jesus. Jesus gives us shelter from all the storms that we face in life.
God of hope, we pray for those who have lost so much in the storms of this spring. Bring them comfort and hope. Touch them with your healing touch. Help us to reach out to them with prayers and with help. Help us to be your hands in this time of rebuilding. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
(If you would like to help the victims you can give to ELCA Disaster Response. One hundred percent of gifts designated for a specific response will be used for the immediate and long-term response to that disaster. Give through your ELCA congregation, give online at, www.elca.org/giving, or call 800/638-3522.)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Who Do I Serve?
This is the start of my new blog and I hope you find it helpful in your discipleship walk. If you like what you read and want to discover more about our ministry you can go to http://www.newlifenorwalk.org
Matthew 6:24 & 33-34
“No one can serve two masters; for a slave will either hate the one and love the other, or be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth. But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (NRSV)
In this reading from Matthew Jesus tells us that we will serve something, it is either God or something else that is what God is not. What is it that I serve in my life? If we take a simple inventory of where our resources go that may give us some idea of who or what we serve. We can all ask ourselves, where do I spend my time and my money?
Where do I spend my time? Well this week it has been in the yard and in my gardens. Now this is a great hobby and I truly enjoy my garden time. But, if my desire is to have the best landscaping on the block, a real showplace of a yard, neglecting all else including my time with God in prayer, worship, and scripture, and my time serving others in God's name then my garden is my false god.
The same can be said about my work (lets not mix up church work with God time for they are not always the same). I can even make a false god of my family as Jesus points out Matthew 10:37 "Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." How often have I missed worship because of my child’s soccer or some other sport or event? Even our "family values" can become a distraction from the love of God.
Where do I spend my money? As I look around my office I see a large bookshelf filled with books. Would it no have been better if I did not buy all those books but borrowed some of them and use those funds for others in need? How about all the electronic equipment that I have at home do I really need to up date my computer, TV, or kitchen? How about all those old “obsolete” gadgets that were so bright and shiny but now I see them as just more trash for the already overflowing U.S. landfills, Globally, the 20% of the world’s people in the highest-income countries account for 86% of total private consumption expenditures — the poorest 20% a minuscule 1.3%.. Our unchecked consumerism has taken over many of our lives. Has my desire for newer and faster become my god?
What ever we hold vital in keeping our lives intact may be pulled away at a moment's notice. By November my garden will be gone. All the stuff that I surround myself with is all subject to decay and soon will be gone. My employment and my work in the church will someday come to an end and eventually be forgotten. Even those in our family will be gone and someday be forgotten only a name on a stone. We cannot be assured by things of this world;our time, talent, stuff, even our family will some day be gone.
We cannot be assured by material reality that suffering and deprivation are not immanent. But, God’s grace is eternal. God's compassion for us is like that of a nursing mother toward her infant, (Isaiah 49:15) calling us to the reign of God where we receive faith and are cared for. In this reign of God we are freed from worry over that which is not permanent. We are freed to care for the other to reach out with what God has first given us so that others may have hope.
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for freeing us by your grace, by this same grace empower us to serve others in your name. Through your Holy Spirit guide us in living under your reign, Loving you and loving others. In Jesus name we pray. Amen
In Christ's love,
Pastor Tim
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