An Anxious Sabbath

Matthew 27:57-66; KJV; Holy Saturday

Temptation To Do Or Not Do

James 1:12-18; KJV; 1st Sunday of Lent; There are times when I cannot tell if it is a temptation to do my will or a call from God to do His will.

Harden Not Your Hearts

Psalm 95:1-9 KJV; 3rd Sunday in Lent; Harden not your hearts against the Lord; but, worship Him and rejoice that He has released you from bondage.

Lifted Up On The Cross That We Might Live

2nd Sunday of Lent John 3:1-17 KJV2nd Sunday of Lent John 3:1-17 KJV; Just as Moses lifted up the serpent on the pole; Jesus was lifted up on the cross that we might live.

Without The Law We Would Not Be Sinners

Romans 4:13-17; 2nd Sunday in Lent; Some would do away with the law altogether in or not to feel guilt or shame.

Making Excuses For Our Sins

Genesis 3:1-21 KJV; 1 Sunday in Lent; Adam and Eve tried to cover their sin; but, the attempt only exposed them. We too way too often try to hide our sins from God, from others, even ourselves.

Trials and Temptations For Forty Days

Matthew 4:1-11; 1st Sunday in Lent; Jesus overcame the devil's temptations with the word of God. So should we when we are faced with trials and temptations. Listen to the Word.

The Prophets Foretold

Matthew 11:2-15 KJV; 3rd Sunday in Advent; The prophets foretold the coming of John the Baptist. They foretold the coming of Jesus the Messiah. Many believed. Many did not then nor do they today..

The Gift Of Life

 

Psalm 16 KJV

Preserve me, O God: for in thee do I put my trust.

O my soul, thou hast said unto the Lord, Thou art my Lord: my goodness extendeth not to thee;

But to the saints that are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.

Their sorrows shall be multiplied that hasten after another god: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou maintainest my lot.

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage.

I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel: my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.

I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.

For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.

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On this Holy Saturday we remember that Jesus is the way to life. He is the only way to life in the peaceful presence of God. And... only he can and has shown us the way.

Throughout Lent we have followed him on his journey to the cross. We observed his final earthly entrance into Jerusalem with much fanfare. We grieved when his followers deserted him and one was responsible for betraying him. Our hearts were torn open when we once again heard of his torture and death on the cross for our sakes. Today we wait for the celebration of his resurrection of our Lord and our Savior.

We followed him to the cross and grave with sadness; but, tomorrow our hearts will be filled with joy as we celebrate his resurrection from the dead. We rejoice because we know that in his suffering all who believe in him are forgiven their sins and will receive life everlasting in the presence of Almighty God.

So many emotions have run through our hearts and mins us these last weeks as we remembered his life, his death, and his life now among us as he leads us on the path of eternal life.

With sorrow we know that his suffering and death was rightly our suffering and death. But, we also rejoice for a love so great that he was willing to do that so that we might have and truly live life. 

Let us give thanks to Almighty God this and everyday for the gift of life through His Son Jesus the Christ. Amen!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

To Be Persecuted And Die

And they were in the way going up to Jerusalem; and Jesus went before them: and they were amazed; and as they followed, they were afraid. And he took again the twelve, and began to tell them what things should happen unto him,

Saying, Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes; and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles:

And they shall mock him, and shall scourge him, and shall spit upon him, and shall kill him: and the third day he shall rise again.

                                                                                   (Mark 10:32-34 KJV)

They knew that going into Jerusalem could be dangerous. Jesus let them know that where they were going would lead to his persecution and death. They were afraid; but, they followed him anyway.

They followed him to Jerusalem; but, when it came to his arrest some fled, some kept their distance in order not to be arrested themselves. 

On this sixth Sunday in Lent we are reminded that following Jesus to the cross can be a fearful thing. Those who follow him will be persecuted. In Matthew, Mark, and Luke we hear Jesus telling us that to follow him we must deny ourselves and take up our cross. In order to save our lives we must lose it. 

"And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

And he spake that saying openly. And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men.

And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's, the same shall save it. 

                                                                                       (Mark 8:31-35)

Peter objected to the very thought that Jesus would die. He loved Jesus. In return for wanting Jesus to continue to live in this world and to save this world according to Peter's will, Jesus called him Satan. Whenever I hear or read that verse, I cannot help but smile when I consider what the reaction would be if I called someone Satan when they reject the will of God. I do not think it would be good! 

Even as Jesus was persecuted, his followers will be persecuted. In order to follow Jesus he tells us that we must take up our cross, deny our own will, and follow in his footsteps.

May God grant us the wisdom and courage to follow in his way.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

A Good Purpose In Trials

 

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Rom 8:28 KJV)

We are in the midst of Lent. I have found Lent to be a most challenging time, at least for me. Of all the seasons of the year it seems to me that the devil gets a whole lot busier attacking those who love God during Lent. During this time of reflection and repentance; during this time when we are reminded reminded of Jesus' admonition that we are to take up our crosses and follow him; we know full well that we will fall short. We can try to follow in his footsteps. But, we are not Jesus. We are not gods. We cannot do what Jesus did for us. We can do nothing. But, God can and He does. We can take up our crosses and follow the best that we can; but, it must be with the help of God. We cannot stand or walk alone.

No matter what obstacles are set before you; no matter what trials you are enduring, know that God works in and through all of these trials for the good of those who love Him. God is with you through your tribulations. He will show you the way and walk with you on your journey as you carry your cross to the cross of Christ.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Defile Not His Temple Lent 3 2021

Sacrifice At Least A Little For Others!

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

                                                                                  (1 John 3:16-17 KJV)

In these last few days of Lent we continue to be called to make just a little sacrifice so that others may stay safe and well. It may seem difficult for some. But, it really is just a little thing if we consider what others have given and continue to give so that we might live in safety and with well-being. It is a little thing if we consider what Jesus gave so that we might live and dwell in our Father's house; in his presence, for all of eternity.

So, please, out of compassion and love for others stay at home as much as you can. Do not go to visit your friends or even your family simply because you are bored. Do not go mingle with friends at the beach or a park. Do not take your children shopping or into public places unless you simply must because you have no one to care for them while you are picking up essentials. Use the pick-up stations and windows or home delivery with stores that have them. If you still have work or you go out for anything (like maybe check on or deliver groceries to a neighbor who can't get out), maintain a decent social distance. Have compassion for others and do what you must to keep others and yourself safe. It is just a little thing to be cautious. It is not a major sacrifice.

There are a lot of "do nots" in my blog today. There is also one great "do." Do love your neighbor and have consideration for their well-being. 

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Gather Together Often

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

Even as St. Paul admonished the Hebrews, we are admonished not to neglect coming together as a community of saints. We have a very busy Lenten season fast approaching. The season will present many extra opportunities to gather together in worship and in fellowship. Today, the crafting ladies from Christ Lutheran are having a "Fat Sunday" lunch following worship. I am not sure what all they have planned; but, I am looking forward to the opportunity to be able to spend time with brothers and sisters in Christ.

On Tuesday, Ngaio Carlisle, an author and two-time cancer survivor is the speaker at "Cancer Knows No Boundaries" Workshop at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday.  Another opportunity to be with others and to support one another.

And.. then comes... Ash Wednesday! Beginning with Ash Wednesday and then every Wednesday throughout Lent we will meet together to worship at 5 p.m.. We will be using the Small Catechism and "what does this mean" as the format for our liturgies. After every service (except Ash Wednesday) worship will be followed by a soup supper. And, of course, we will not neglect to gather for worship at the two Senior Living Apartment Complexes each Wednesday. It is good to meet together to provoke one another to love and good deeds.

As Ash Wednesday approaches, we prepare for our journey to the cross which will culminate at an empty tomb. Who will make this journey with us? Who will gather with us to remember and thank God for all that he has done for us through Jesus Christ our Lord?

May God plant in the hearts of all who would bear the name of Christ the desire to gather more often to worship Him and glorify His Holy Name.  

God's Peace - Pr. J

Take Up Your Cross

He called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.  (Mark 8:34)

Ash Wednesday is less than a week away followed by the season that we call Lent. During Lent it is traditional to give up something that we enjoy. We will fast. We will not, with the help of God, break that fast until Easter Sunday.

In these days before Lent begins I would ask you to consider what indulgence you might give up. Many give up certain foods. Others attempt to give up bad habits. How about giving up some of you personal time to serve others; maybe to spend more time at worship or in Bible study with others. Or, how about taking an extra hour or two each day to spend that time in prayer for the church and for all of God's creation?

But, no matter what it is that we give up for Lent, we ought not think of it as a sacrifice. There is nothing that can compare to the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for us.

But; after all our plans are made, if we are honest with ourselves, we will say, "I cannot even pick up my own cross and follow Jesus to his cross." May God help me! And, he will. And, he has. He will be with you no matter how large or small your cross is.

“Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (Matt 11:28-30_

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Take Up Your Cross

Christ Lutheran Church, Bunnell, FL

   But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; for you are setting your mind not on divine things but on human things.”
   Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.                                                   (Matt 16:23-25  NIV)

Years ago, I was serving as a missionary to remote areas of Upper Michigan where there was no or very little church presence.  I led Bible studies at 3 different sites and led Worship at up to 6 sites any given week.  The worship sites included a state park, house church, an historic Lutheran church, an historic Episcopal church, a community center, a youth correctional facility, and sometimes my home.  The area I covered was about 45 miles north and south and 20 miles east and west.  Yes, it was what would be considered in today's world - wilderness.  I carted everything needed for worship between sites.  Packing and unpacking - setting up and tearing down - the same stuff over and over again. We had one of those big gold crosses for the altar, which was included in the stuff I needed to carry with me from worship site to worship site.  On one Ash Wednesday afternoon as I was rushing between Worship sites about 25 miles apart when I panicked thinking that I had left the altar cross at the last site.  So driving down the road while reaching in the back seat to see if I could feel it back there someplace, I heard myself say:  "I am so sick and tired of having to carry that cross with me all the time."  Fortunately, I said it out loud so that the impact of what I had said hit me full on.  What about the cross that Jesus bore for me?  And... this little cross was a bother to me?  If I couldn't carry this little altar cross, what kind of cross was I really willing to carry?  As a reminder to myself of my own hard heartedness and of what Jesus was willing to do for me, throughout that Lent I carried that cross on the seat next to me; not just between worship sites, but every day, every where I went.  While driving from place to place, that cross would remind me of my weakness, of my sin, and I would take hold of it, confessing my sins and thanking God for the cross he bore for me.  For I know full well that the cross I have been called to carry is nothing compared to the one he bore for me.  And I cannot even carry the little one without the help of God.  

Taking up our crosses and following Jesus is not easy. It will mean that our own will may have to be crucified in order for our Father's will to be done through us. May God help each of us to take up our cross to follow him wherever he would lead us.

God's Peace - Pr. Judy

Mary and Martha

Both Marys and Marthas

     As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
     “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”  (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

Prior to worship on Wednesday afternoon, I watched the women in the kitchen preparing the meal that the congregation would share after the service. We have some very dedicated Martha's. They love to serve others. But, these women are also faithful Mary's. They do not neglect to worship. They are with us faithfully to hear the Word of the Lord on Sunday mornings and now during Lent on Wednesday evenings, as well.

We have many Martha's and Mary's at Christ Lutheran and not all of them are female. It is a good thing to serve together. It is a great thing to be able to worship the Lord together. Join us! Everyone is welcome!

Thanks be to God for all of our brothers and sisters in Christ!

God's Peace - Pr. J