Greetings to you in the name of Jesus Christ, our King! Well I officially didn't get anything deer hunting this year. It was a down year. I did get to shoot at one, but missed. However, that was the only buck any of our party even saw. The guys were teasing me that I must have been sleeping and dreaming about it since nobody else even saw a buck. It was still fun to be out in the stand again and I have some free deer meat lined up even without getting one myself.
I am heading home this week to spend some time with family for Thanksgiving. Also, I get to baptize my niece Ava next weekend. I am so excited for that. It will be my first baptism with my first niece. What an awesome opportunity to bring my little darling into the family of God.
This time of year, we always stop to think about all that the good Lord has given us. I especially have so much to be thankful for. Family, friends, an awesome congregation, an amazing place to call home, and just an extremely blessed life. The Lord has not only blessed me, He truly has spoiled me. For all things, including my salvation through His Son Jesus, I will give thanks to the Lord and sing His praises. May this week be a very happy one for all of you as well as you count all of your blessings and give thanks to the one and only God, from whom all blessings come. Happy Thanksgiving in the name of Jesus, our Savior and our Lord. Amen.
Monday, November 23, 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Blessings and Opportunities!
Greetings to you in the name of our Almighty Lord, Jesus Christ. I cannot praise the Good Lord enough. I have seen Him working in my life so clearly lately through many different opportunities. He is teaching the ministry of just being available to people. The past couple weeks I have found myself in multiple situations where simply because of my position in the church and being available for anyone to walk up to and talk to, I have the opportunity to talk with people about their faith. I have had a couple different people simply walk into the church seeking a pastor. Some times those type of opportunities scare me simply because you know nothing about the person's background, faith, or what type of struggles they are going through. However, the last couple have been very positive. Our church does Ruby's Pantry which is a food distribution. It is open for anyone to come partake, but you can tell a majority of the people who come are struggling. It is an awesome chance to give people about hundred bucks worth of food for twenty dollars. I have jumped in and added it to part of my job description. Part of what I do is a prayer with the volunteers and then a devotion with the people who are there to receive food. I have done this the last two months, and both months after my devotions I simply stayed up front to be accessible. I was surprised when both months people would come up and talk to me, ask me questions about the church, and take advantage of me being there. Then this last month, I simply announced that if anyone needs to talk or some special prayers to come see me, and I had a young lady come tell me her story. She was in tears, but it was a chance for me to reaffirm what little faith she had. I also am helping one of the residents of my building who is struggling with some personal issues and needed a favor. The Lord has been opening all kinds of doors for me to use for witnessing opportunity. This has been really good for me, because one of the biggest reasons I wanted to get into the ministry was simply to help people. Whether they are members or not, I have always just wanted to help everyone. Some times, I get so bogged down in my office doing work, I feel like I have no connection to the community or anyone besides the people I see in church on Sunday. However, more and more the Lord has been giving me those opportunities both in and out of church and reassuring me this is exactly what I want to do with the rest of my life.
The other reason I have to give Him so many praises and thanks, is that everything I do, I can see He blesses. I hope that doesn't sound egotistical, because it is supposed to be the exact opposite. I get worried about what I am doing too much. I stress about am I doing enough, am I doing the right things in the right ways. However, He has reminded me time and time again, it isn't about me. And no matter what I do or try, the fact that He is at work through me proves to make it a success. I tried a completely different style of sermon this week. I had a think tank with the people and it was entirely interactive, with the people throwing out suggestions and participating. I was so scared it would be a flop and I would look like an idiot for trying something so stupid. However, it went awesome! All three services got involved and participated. I got a lot of compliments for trying something new and something that got the people so directly involved with it. I know it wasn't me, because I was scared to even try it. God was working through me to doing something different, grab the people's attention, and let His Word be heard and so enthusiastically received by them. I have tried a few other things that some people might have reservations about (including myself), and yet every time He blesses them and works through them. I am humbled and inspired at the same time. So I just want to say thank you Lord. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to serve, love, and witness to those around me. Thank you for giving me the words to speak in those opportunities. Thank you for working through me, giving me the courage to try new things, and blessing those things. Thank you so much that you are such an awesome God, You can work wonders and the love of Your Son even through such a simple man like me. You are good all the time!!! I love you Lord and thank you. May God bless you and give you opportunities as well. Amen.
The other reason I have to give Him so many praises and thanks, is that everything I do, I can see He blesses. I hope that doesn't sound egotistical, because it is supposed to be the exact opposite. I get worried about what I am doing too much. I stress about am I doing enough, am I doing the right things in the right ways. However, He has reminded me time and time again, it isn't about me. And no matter what I do or try, the fact that He is at work through me proves to make it a success. I tried a completely different style of sermon this week. I had a think tank with the people and it was entirely interactive, with the people throwing out suggestions and participating. I was so scared it would be a flop and I would look like an idiot for trying something so stupid. However, it went awesome! All three services got involved and participated. I got a lot of compliments for trying something new and something that got the people so directly involved with it. I know it wasn't me, because I was scared to even try it. God was working through me to doing something different, grab the people's attention, and let His Word be heard and so enthusiastically received by them. I have tried a few other things that some people might have reservations about (including myself), and yet every time He blesses them and works through them. I am humbled and inspired at the same time. So I just want to say thank you Lord. Thank you for giving me so many opportunities to serve, love, and witness to those around me. Thank you for giving me the words to speak in those opportunities. Thank you for working through me, giving me the courage to try new things, and blessing those things. Thank you so much that you are such an awesome God, You can work wonders and the love of Your Son even through such a simple man like me. You are good all the time!!! I love you Lord and thank you. May God bless you and give you opportunities as well. Amen.
Thursday, November 5, 2015
Oh God be not far from me!
Greetings to you in the name of our almighty King and Lord Jesus. One more day! Tomorrow at this time I will be in the deer camp with the guys and then Saturday morning I will be in the stand ready to kill anything that moves. OK, realistically I will be in the stand ready to sit several days in a row hoping a big buck walks by, but it sounds better and more optimistic to be ready to kill anything and everything. There is quite the wolf population in the ground we will be hunting, so that would be pretty awesome to get to see one of those.
The psalm for today was Psalm 38. As I am sure all you know that is one of the seven penitential psalms. David is confessing his sinful state and the pain and agony he is in because of that sinful human state. He uses some powerful imagery to describe his wounds stinking and festering. Now whether this is physical, emotional, or spiritual pain doesn't really matter. The point is sin causes pain and suffering. Human kind being in the sinful state causes this pain and suffering for everyone. And the only answer to that pain and suffering, the only answer to sin is to take it to the Lord in confession and be healed by His grace, mercy, and love. And then David, in His final petition of pleading with God to not forsake him, says, "O my God, be not far from me."
To me this is so powerful because it fits with the imagery. Fortunately, I have never been hospitalized long term for any serious surgeries or injuries. However, knowing human experience, I know when people end up in the hospital for long stays, they want loved ones close by. As they are in pain or discomfort, as they fear and worry, as they dread the next procedure or diagnosis, they want their loved ones by their side. A spouse, a friend, a parent, someone who can be there to hold their hand, to reaffirm everything is going to be OK, someone to just be there for them. As David is suffering and worrying and dreading the next attack of his enemies, the loved one he turns to is his God. He begs his God to be not far from him. He is asking God to remain with him, to hold his hand as he goes through this, to be at his bedside caring and comforting him. Who could possibly be a better person to call on for that job in that moment then the one true God who is control of all things? So the next time sin has you suffering, or worrying, or dreading the next moment to come, be like David. Cry out to your God and beg Him to be not far from you. Plead with the Lord Almighty to be right there by your side, holding your hand, helping you through this tough time. And then trust God not only hears you, but is there with you. The Lord God who sacrificed His only Son for you, will continue to forgive you, love you, and give you the strength and comfort to make it through those difficult times. Oh God, be with us always, but when those extra tough times come along, O my God, be not far from us. Amen.
The psalm for today was Psalm 38. As I am sure all you know that is one of the seven penitential psalms. David is confessing his sinful state and the pain and agony he is in because of that sinful human state. He uses some powerful imagery to describe his wounds stinking and festering. Now whether this is physical, emotional, or spiritual pain doesn't really matter. The point is sin causes pain and suffering. Human kind being in the sinful state causes this pain and suffering for everyone. And the only answer to that pain and suffering, the only answer to sin is to take it to the Lord in confession and be healed by His grace, mercy, and love. And then David, in His final petition of pleading with God to not forsake him, says, "O my God, be not far from me."
To me this is so powerful because it fits with the imagery. Fortunately, I have never been hospitalized long term for any serious surgeries or injuries. However, knowing human experience, I know when people end up in the hospital for long stays, they want loved ones close by. As they are in pain or discomfort, as they fear and worry, as they dread the next procedure or diagnosis, they want their loved ones by their side. A spouse, a friend, a parent, someone who can be there to hold their hand, to reaffirm everything is going to be OK, someone to just be there for them. As David is suffering and worrying and dreading the next attack of his enemies, the loved one he turns to is his God. He begs his God to be not far from him. He is asking God to remain with him, to hold his hand as he goes through this, to be at his bedside caring and comforting him. Who could possibly be a better person to call on for that job in that moment then the one true God who is control of all things? So the next time sin has you suffering, or worrying, or dreading the next moment to come, be like David. Cry out to your God and beg Him to be not far from you. Plead with the Lord Almighty to be right there by your side, holding your hand, helping you through this tough time. And then trust God not only hears you, but is there with you. The Lord God who sacrificed His only Son for you, will continue to forgive you, love you, and give you the strength and comfort to make it through those difficult times. Oh God, be with us always, but when those extra tough times come along, O my God, be not far from us. Amen.
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
Parents!
Glad tidings to you all in the name of our King Jesus! I officially started listening to Christmas music so I am in the holiday spirit. Although, it feels nothing like Christmas time here yet. It is mid-fifties, sunny, and beautiful. I played 9 holes of golf yesterday. I can think of very many times I played golf in November. I am scared it is going to be too warm for deer opening this weekend. I have my permit bought, I have seen the deer "shack" where I will be living for a few days with the guys, and even cleaned out my stand where I will be hunting. I am so excited, and my deer fever is getting stronger each day!
I have been reading through the Large Catechism again as part of my daily devotions. Today I was reading Luther's explanation to the fourth commandment. For those of you who don't remember, the fourth commandment is "You shall honor your father and mother". (Never really been one of my most favorite commandments) However, Luther has quite a bit to say about this commandment. He states that it is fourth because it is first and foremost of importance of the commandments of the second table. The first table is the first three commandments all having to do with our relationship to God. The second table is the last seven which all have to do with our relationships to other people. This one is the most important of all the commandments having to do with other people. It makes sense if you think about it at a bare bones level. As long as the parents are good, godly parents, they will teach you how to properly live in all the other aspects of life and how to properly treat all other relationships. So, if you honor, listen, obey, and learn from your parents first, you will know not to steal, not to lie, not to kill, how to properly use sex, etc. However, Luther takes it ever father. He compares our parents to God using the first article. We say that the Father gave us our bodies and life and takes care of all of our physical needs by providing for us. Well, we can say the same that our bodies and life comes from our parents. They provide for us by feeding us, changing us, and keeping us alive when we would have died a hundred times on our own (Luther's words). I had never made that exact one to one parallel to the first article with God as our Father and our parents doing the exact same thing.
Luther, a wise but practical man, also includes, "Young people [must] revere their parents as God's representatives and to remember that, however lowly, poor, feeble, and eccentric they may be, they are still their mother and father, given by God. Luther understood that there are some strange parents out there and really every set of parents has some sort of quirks or embarrassing characteristics (at least according to their kids). Basically, it doesn't matter how strange, embarrassing, frustrating your parents may be, they are still the ones God has given to you. I suppose I should keep this in mind a little more often.
Luther adds a unique phrase that in my mind is actually backwards. He says, "You are to esteem [parents] above all things and to value them as the most precious treasure on earth." This is backwards to me because most parents think of their kids as their most treasured possession. I am willing to very few teenagers would see it the other way around. But again, you wouldn't be alive to be frustrated, angry, or embarrassed by your parents if it were not for your parents doing everything to keep you alive, safe, and loved.
So, (mom don't let this go to your head), I want to say thank you to my parents for always being there for me, for working so hard to provide a safe, loving home for me. I apologize for the million times I caused you stress, fear, and worries. I apologize for the times I have been a rotten and spoiled kid. I thank you for raising me in a Christian home, and supporting me to get to me to where I am today. Even though you are extremely "eccentric" and at times very frustrating and embarrassing, I do love you and thank you for being pretty awesome representatives of God's love in my life. (This counts as both of your Christmas presents by the way)!
Hopefully, this will make you all think about your relationship with your parents, but also about your relationship with your children as well. And of course, it is a constant reminder that even though our earthly parents have flaws and quirks, our Heavenly Father does not and loves us perfectly and eternally.
I have been reading through the Large Catechism again as part of my daily devotions. Today I was reading Luther's explanation to the fourth commandment. For those of you who don't remember, the fourth commandment is "You shall honor your father and mother". (Never really been one of my most favorite commandments) However, Luther has quite a bit to say about this commandment. He states that it is fourth because it is first and foremost of importance of the commandments of the second table. The first table is the first three commandments all having to do with our relationship to God. The second table is the last seven which all have to do with our relationships to other people. This one is the most important of all the commandments having to do with other people. It makes sense if you think about it at a bare bones level. As long as the parents are good, godly parents, they will teach you how to properly live in all the other aspects of life and how to properly treat all other relationships. So, if you honor, listen, obey, and learn from your parents first, you will know not to steal, not to lie, not to kill, how to properly use sex, etc. However, Luther takes it ever father. He compares our parents to God using the first article. We say that the Father gave us our bodies and life and takes care of all of our physical needs by providing for us. Well, we can say the same that our bodies and life comes from our parents. They provide for us by feeding us, changing us, and keeping us alive when we would have died a hundred times on our own (Luther's words). I had never made that exact one to one parallel to the first article with God as our Father and our parents doing the exact same thing.
Luther, a wise but practical man, also includes, "Young people [must] revere their parents as God's representatives and to remember that, however lowly, poor, feeble, and eccentric they may be, they are still their mother and father, given by God. Luther understood that there are some strange parents out there and really every set of parents has some sort of quirks or embarrassing characteristics (at least according to their kids). Basically, it doesn't matter how strange, embarrassing, frustrating your parents may be, they are still the ones God has given to you. I suppose I should keep this in mind a little more often.
Luther adds a unique phrase that in my mind is actually backwards. He says, "You are to esteem [parents] above all things and to value them as the most precious treasure on earth." This is backwards to me because most parents think of their kids as their most treasured possession. I am willing to very few teenagers would see it the other way around. But again, you wouldn't be alive to be frustrated, angry, or embarrassed by your parents if it were not for your parents doing everything to keep you alive, safe, and loved.
So, (mom don't let this go to your head), I want to say thank you to my parents for always being there for me, for working so hard to provide a safe, loving home for me. I apologize for the million times I caused you stress, fear, and worries. I apologize for the times I have been a rotten and spoiled kid. I thank you for raising me in a Christian home, and supporting me to get to me to where I am today. Even though you are extremely "eccentric" and at times very frustrating and embarrassing, I do love you and thank you for being pretty awesome representatives of God's love in my life. (This counts as both of your Christmas presents by the way)!
Hopefully, this will make you all think about your relationship with your parents, but also about your relationship with your children as well. And of course, it is a constant reminder that even though our earthly parents have flaws and quirks, our Heavenly Father does not and loves us perfectly and eternally.
Sunday, November 1, 2015
All Saints Day!
Greetings and blessings to you in the name of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, on this All Saints Day. The Psalm for today is Psalm 150 and how perfect fitting. The entire psalm is about praising God. I wrote the liturgy for today and threw in a lot of extra singing. We are singing some of my favorite hymns. It is a day all about praising God. Praising God in thanksgiving for all the faithful Christians who have come before us. Praising God in thanksgiving for the Lamb of God who gives us His salvation through His very own blood. Praising God now here on earth, knowing some day we will praise Him before His throne with the great multitude. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, I will say it again, let everything that has breath praise the Lord!! AMEN!
Stop and think! God promised Abraham his offspring would be like the stars in the sky or the sand of the ocean. Too many to count!! In Revelation today we see a great multitude that no one can count! God kept His promise, His children, the offspring of Abraham, are too many to count. You and I are two individuals in that great multitude. So we could say we are just one in a innumerable crowd, or we can stop and realize that God already had billions of children who He brought into the faith and made His own, and yet He decided to choose us as one more. His offspring was not complete without us, He was not satisfied without calling you into the faith. God has called you, He has made you His own, and He has given you eternal life and salvation through the death of the Lamb, Jesus Christ. I think as we remember all of that, it is only fitting we bust out in praise. Let all that has breath praise the Lord. Amen. I hope you praise the Lord loudly on this special day.
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