Faithful and Joyful Worship

Worship is to be God focused. We worship God; the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
No man or woman should be lifted up in worship;
but, only Christ alone who was lifted up on the cross for us.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.
                               Psalm 33:1-3 NIV

Thanks be to God, yesterday I had the opportunity to worship with two congregations that were focused on giving thanks and praise to God. These Yoopers definitely know why and who it is that we worship. The preaching was God centered. The music; those old hymns (that so many find so boring) were played and sung as though the people really meant it. It was awesome! Bertha Hommer can make the keyboard at Zion and the pump organ at Aura praise the Lord like you've rarely heard before!

Both Zion Evangelical Lutheran in Skanee, MI (NALC/LCMC) and Aura Lutheran, L'Anse, MI (Independent Lutheran) are small congregations. A Lay Pastor Peter Suomela is a member of Zion and leads the congregation at Aura. Pastors Peter Gunderson and Jimalee Jones are the interim pastors at Zion. Zion is looking for a pastor. I served then for eighteen years and I can tell you for certain that if you are a pastor looking for a call and would like to serve in a spirit-led congregation, you might want to give this congregation consideration. It is ideal for a retired pastor as the congregation itself is very active in ministry. They will not expect you to do everything. In fact, if you think you're going to do it all, they will probably be offended. Their focus is on reaching out to all people in word and deed.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing old friends and neighbors yesterday. I even more enjoyed seeing their love for the Lord in their exuberant worship.

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Bread Of Life

Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 NIV

There are an awful lot of people in this world who are hungry and thirsty. It is not just for food or water that sustains the body that they are in need of; but, for the bread of life, who is Jesus the Christ. They are spiritually hungry and thirsty. Yet, they are not sure what it is that will satisfy this hunger or thirst.

It is up to those who believe to bring to them not only bread and water that will sustain their bodies; but, that which will satisfy their hungry hearts and souls. It is up to us to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God in Jesus Christ that their spirits might be refreshed for all eternity. 

The Kingdom of God is not just for those who believe today; but, for all who would believe.  And, how shall they believe if they have not heard this Good News? According to St. Paul, "Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ." (Rom 8:17)

May God help us to feed all who are hungry, whether it be for physical or spiritual food, that they might turn and believe and live life most fully in Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J