Every Knee Will Bow

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 

                                                                                     (Phil 2:5-11 KJV)

Who would not honor one who saved their lives? I am really not sure why one wouldn't. But, there sure does seem to be a whole lot of people who don't take what Jesus did for us all that seriously. Yes, we can chalk that up to a lack of faith. 

Years ago I was overseeing one of my granddaughters as she was participating in an online history class. The historical Jesus was talked about and yes this was an online public school. She looked at me and said. "Jesus really was real?!" That really floored me. She had been brought up in a church; attending Sunday School and Worship just about every Sunday. I was her pastor as well as her grandmother. Her reaction caused me to wonder where I had gone so wrong that she thought I would dedicate my life to teaching and preaching about something or someone that was nothing more than a nice story; a fairy tale. Until this public school teacher relayed to her that Jesus had been a real live person she simply could not believe any of it.

There are a whole lot of people who do not know or believe that Jesus died for us. There are a whole lot of knees that do not bow at the name of Jesus. But, one day they will. One day they will see him and know that he is not just a myth. One day every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord to the glory of God our Father.

That day will come when he returns in full glory. On that day every knee will bow before the one who gave his life that we might have life in the eternal presence of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Victorious Over Death

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor 15:55-57 KJV)

I have attended many church conferences, retreats, and convocations over the last decades. Some were helpful. Some were not. At one such retreat that I found to be totally unhelpful; the speaker, a pastor and an author, insisted emphatically that we need to remember that the "dead are dead." She was confident that scripture; that the Word of God, would not bring anyone comfort. I beg to differ with her and was amazed that she would profess to be a Christian and a pastor considering her lack of faith in the resurrection of Jesus our Savior. I am not sure what she was suggesting we should do or say to comfort others in their times of grief.

The Word of God is our only real comfort in times like that.. Scripture would remind us that even though we die we shall live. It is a great mystery. We cannot totally understand it; but, those who believe that Jesus died and was risen from the grave are confident that they and all who believe will follow in his footsteps though the gate of death into eternal life. Death does not have the victory over us. Jesus has victory over death. We have been given victory over death through our Lord Jesus Christ.

He is risen and ascended! He lives! So shall we!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Surgery Today!

Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

                                                                           (James 1:13-16 KJV)

Well, today is the day for my husband's heart surgery. He is scheduled for a triple by-pass this afternoon. There has been a lot of praying going on around here. When I left him the other night, I asked him if the chaplain had come by to see him. Of course, he had! Howard is at Advent Health, a faith based health system. On just about every wall in their hospitals are quotes from scripture that remind us that the Lord is with us and for us.

I am just a little anxious; probably being a bit selfish, as I really do not care to be left in this world without him. But, I have confidence that the Lord will be working through the surgeon.

I also, sometimes feel a bit guilty. We have been married for 49 years this year. I have been his pastor for about 25 of those years. I am not sure if it's all that fair to spouses to have their wife or husband as their pastor. While I do not have a problem giving pastoral care to others in times of need as I volunteered as a home health care and hospice chaplain for many years; I'm not so sure that I am doing or saying all that I should or could for my own family. So, thanks be to God for chaplains! Thanks be to God for faith based health care systems!

All of your prayers for him are very much appreciated! Thank you for your prayers!

God's Peace - Pr. J. 

Your Sins Are Forgiven

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

                                                (1 John 1:8-10 KJV)

We are all sinners. There is no getting around that fact. When the guilt lays heavy upon our hearts it behooves us to turn to the LORD, confess our sins, and receive the forgiveness that God has so freely bestowed upon us through our Saviour, Jesus the Christ.

As Lutherans, we are taught that we should daily confess our sins before God. However; sometimes, the guilt lays so heavy on our hearts and minds that it is difficult for us to forgive ourselves. We know that we are not worthy of forgiveness. We don't want to be the one's responsible for the spilling of the blood of Jesus. No one, we might think, should have to die for our sins. But, he did. It is done. It is finished. He loves you that much. You are forgiven.

As a pastor, I was often asked if I hear confessions. Of course! There are some who think that their confessions should be private and only between them and God. No one else needs to hear about our sins. Confession, with your pastor remains private, always. (If it is not - find a new confessor) Private confession is not necessary to receive forgiveness. Confessing directly to God is more than sufficient. However; sometimes, it is necessary, when our guilt seems to overwhelm us and we are unable to forgive ourselves, to be able to speak aloud our sins and hear the declaration that God forgives you. For the sake of His Son, Jesus the Christ, you are forgiven. 

There is no shame in confessing our sins. There is only freedom and peace received in the reconciling Word of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Humbly Serve

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. (James 4:10 KJV)

When men and women think too highly of themselves they are bound to be exposed and with exposure they will find themselves naked, out in the cold. There is no sin that will not be uncovered. 

If you are to serve God and God's creation, then humble yourself and remember that you are a servant. You are not God. You are not better than the people that you serve. You are also not better than the people that you serve with.

As a retired pastor, a former substance abuse counselor, a former juvenile corrections counselor, and a former bartender; I've heard enough fake stories and confessions to know that those who lift themselves up over those who they are supposed to be serving or serving with; those who belittle and attack the character of others in order to win the favor of others do so only in order to justify their own sins. 

Know this: the only justification that is to be found for sin is the blood of Jesus. We are all sinners. It would be much wiser to humble yourself and follow in his footsteps rather than the ego which rules your life and attempts to control the lives of others. You think that you are free because you can attack others. No, you are not. You are a slave to sin and you will not succeed at lifting yourself up. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and he shall lift you up." 

There is only one God and none of us are Him. Only He can lift you up out of the muck and mire you've gotten yourself engulfed in.

God bless each of us with tongues that do not falsely accuse others. May He bless each of us with tongues that will inspire peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

JK

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. (1 Cor 13:11 KJV)

My question for the morning: Are jokes that disrespect others actually funny? They appear to be funny; at least to those who still insist on thinking like children. Disrespectful jokes have been my pet peeve for a good many years.

I enjoy a good joke as much as the next person. I use to enjoy watching comedies. Not so much any more. All too often the expected laughter is derived from watching someone be hurt or bullied or just flat out disrespected. Our children see this bullying of others and often emulate it. 

I don't know how many times I've heard a young person say something really inappropriate and when giving them the "eye" or flat out calling them on it they would quickly say "jk," "just kidding," "can't you take a joke?" or something very similar in order to justify the fact that they just debased someone. They told a lie about someone by trying to turn it into a joke. Most of the time, that does not work. It just sounds childish.

It is not just children who tell off-color jokes. After all, they learn this stuff from somewhere. As the only female clergy at a lunch meeting with a group of male clergy, I once listened to anti-feminist (sexual in nature) jokes for about five minutes before I finally asked the male pastor how old he was. He told me (a few years younger than me) and asked me why I wanted to know. I told him that I was wondering if maybe he was going through male menopause since he was so focused on telling inappropriate jokes. The jokes stopped for that day any way. 

Speaking of pastors, there was also that pastor who thought it was a joke to slap me on the backside as he walked by. That is not a joke. That is called sexual harassment. That was over fifteen years ago. I have not spoken to him since.

I am not saying that all jokes are bad. I do like to laugh, myself. Sometimes comedy is used to point out injustices rather than invoke them. That can be a very good thing. Comedians and satirists and just regular people can sometimes best tell the truth about a matter using comedy. But, when comedy is used, it would really be nice if behind the joke there is actually truth. 

Sometimes it is best to "shut up and grow up!" or just "grow up."  Not every joke is funny. Many are hurtful. There are times when we really need to consider whether it might be time to put away childish things. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

He Is Risen!

What a Relief! He is Risen!

Have a blessed Easter!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Happy Birthday U.S. Marine Corps!

Happy Birthday, U.S. Marine Corps!
Live life; but, please, stay out of trouble!

"What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live..." Eccl 3:9-12
Live life!  I can't even begin to count how many times I have told people to live life; enjoy life! I believe some think, "who is she kidding? She's a Christian and a pastor. What can she know about fun?"  My fun may not be like a lot of people's idea of fun; but, I do know about enjoying life; about enjoying the numberless gifts that God has given me.

My husband has retired twice now. He tried to keep working; but, found life can be pretty boring without work so he is still working. I will retire next summer; but, I have a feeling that I will also continue to work at something.

Howard's first career was as a United States Marine.  Recently, we have been spending the Marine Corps Birthday at our son, John's house, as he also served in the U.S.M.C.. The Marine Corps Birthday brings both joys and sorrows. The sorrows comes in remembering the past and so many lost friends as well as the loss of a lifestyle. The Marine Corps was and is truly a family to those who have served and to their families. The joys also comes in remembering all those people of the and all of the good times shared with them as well as opportunities from time to time to see them once again. I will always be thankful for the years spent as a part of the Marine Corps family.

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.." Eccl 3:1

Happy Birthday, United States Marines! Life live; enjoy it to it's fullest!

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Fear Of Death

Old Sheldon Church, Beaufort, SC

At a pastor's conference, years ago, the speaker informed us that everyone is afraid to die, including Christians. I was offended by this revelation. I know many Christians who are not afraid of death. St. Paul certainly was not. He wrote: 

"For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this    will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am   hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you." (Phil 1:21-24 NKJV)

As a pastor and former hospice chaplain I have sat beside more than a few who have been breathing their last breaths in this world. I have indeed witnessed the fear of death in the faces of some. But, I have also witnessed the peace and the joy of those who know that their hope to depart and to be with Christ is about to be fulfilled. In those latter times, I was reminded of St. Stephen's martyrdom.

But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, and said, “Look! I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”

Then they cried out with a loud voice, stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord; and they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul. And they stoned Stephen as he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not charge them with this sin.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

                                                                           (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus. Up until his very last breath, Stephen followed in the footsteps of Jesus to further the gospel as he prayed, even as Jesus had prayed with his last breath, for the forgiveness of those who were putting him to death. 

Not long after Stephen's stoning, St. Paul, who is this same Saul who stood and watched the murder of Stephen, met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus. His whole life changed. He became a willing and ardent follower of Jesus; living his life as a testimony for Christ. He was not afraid of prison. He was not afraid of death. He longed to be with Jesus; yet, he was willing to do whatever God's will was for him. He was willing to be attacked and persecuted in this world if it would advance the gospel.

No, we are not all afraid of death. Those who believe that Jesus lived and died; rose from the dead; and now reigns in the Heavenly Kingdom look forward to the day when we will see the full glory of God even while we understand that it might be necessary for others that we stay here in this world a while longer. 

While we live we will give testimony of all that God has done for us, to His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

No Fear Of Death

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." (Philippians 1:21-24 NIV)

At a pastor's conference, years ago, the speaker informed us that everyone is afraid to die, including Christians. I was offended by this revelation. I know many Christians who are not afraid of death. St. Paul certainly was not.

As a pastor and former hospice chaplain I have sat beside more than a few who have been breathing their last breaths in this world. I have indeed witnessed the fear of death in the faces of some. But, I have also witnessed the peace and the joy of those who know that their hope to depart and to be with Christ is about to be fulfilled. In those latter times, I was reminded of St. Stephen's martyrdom. "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 'Look,' he said, 'I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.' At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.' Then he fell on his knees and cried out, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' When he had said this, he fell asleep." (Acts 7:55-60)

Stephen saw the glory of God. He saw Jesus. Up until his very last breath, Stephen followed in the footsteps of Jesus to further the gospel as he prayed, even as Jesus had prayed with his last breath, for the forgiveness of those who were putting him to death. Not long after Stephen's stoning, St. Paul, who is this same Saul who stood and watched the murder of Stephen, met the ascended Jesus on the road to Damascus. His whole life changed. He became a willing and ardent follower of Jesus; living his life as a testimony for Christ. He was not afraid of prison. He was not afraid of death. He longed to be with Jesus; yet, he was willing to do whatever God's will was for him. He was willing to be attacked and persecuted in this world if it would advance the gospel.

No, we are not all afraid of death. Those who believe that Jesus lived and died; rose from the dead; and now reigns in the Heavenly Kingdom look forward to the day when we will see the full glory of God even while we understand that it might be necessary for others that we stay here in this world a while longer. While we live we will give testimony of all that God has done for us, to His glory.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Office of the Keys and Confession

This Lenten Season we have been going through the chief parts of Luther's Small Catechism. This week, our topic is "The Office of the Keys and Confession." Those of us who have any years in the Lutheran Church behind us probably recall something called the Office of the Keys. It is no longer taught in every Lutheran Congregation. The lack of it's use within the church has subtly eroded the understanding of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. It has led to a widespread false teaching that has many neglecting or refusing to acknowledge that they have sinned against God and against others. They would say that God loves us no matter what we do so we can just go ahead and do it. There is no need for forgiveness because we have not sinned. Without the Office of the Keys in these latter years, many have come to believe that there is forgiveness without repentance. This is purely cheap grace and cheap grace is no grace at all. Forgiveness of our sins came at a great cost. It cost Jesus his life.

Indeed, God does loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for all people. But, do all people love Him enough to repent of their sins? Do they love Him enough to turn away from their sinful ways and turn to this God who loves us so much? Does the sacrifice that Christ made for us mean so little that we would continue to follow in the ways of the world; in the ways of the evil one; rather than the one who loves us that much?

There have been times that I have been accused of not being very Christian because I take seriously the Office of the Keys as an office held by His Church on earth. The name-calling is just a little thing and it is something I am willing to live with as I cannot say that what is a sin is not a sin. I will not cheapen the sacrifice that Christ made for us in that manner. It is better to serve God than the world.

Please, consider the Office of the Keys and Confession from the Small Catechism as I and many of you learned it in confirmation classes many years ago. . 

THE OFFICE OF THE KEYS AND CONFESSION

 What is the Office of the Keys?

The Office of the Keys is the special authority which Christ has given to His Church on earth: to forgive the sins of the penitent sinners, but to retain the sins of the impenitent as long as they do not repent.

Where is this written?

The evangelist writes, John 20:22-23: “Jesus breathed on His disciples and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; and if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’”

What is Confession?

Confession consists of two parts: one, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the pastor or confessor as from God himself, and in no way doubt, but firmly believe that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should acknowledge ourselves guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not know about, as we do in the Lord’s Prayer. But before the pastor or confessor we should acknowledge those sins only which we know and feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Here consider your own situation according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, employer, employee; whether you have been disobedient, dishonest, lazy; whether you have injured anyone by word or deed; whether you have stolen, neglected, wasted anything, or done any harm."

God grant us such great love for Him that we would turn and follow in the footsteps of Jesus. God's Peace be with you all - Pr. J.

Desire To Depart And Be With Christ?

Safely home means you made it home; but, does not mean you

escaped all trials and tribulations in the getting there.

I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body. (Philippians 1:20-24 NIV)

I have just finished reading Eric Metaxas' Bonhoeffer Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy and highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a very good book to read. In recent years, I have not read much literature outside of the Holy Scriptures for at least a couple of reasons. First, I really haven't found much recent work that was worth reading; and secondly, my poor eyesight requires me to wear bifocals which are a bother and to continually adjust the position of the book in order to see the letters. But, when this book was given to me I felt I should at least try. In the reading of Bonhoeffer I recognized another reason that has probably steered me away from reading too much. That reason is because "good literature" is born out of the human condition and the human condition is not in such a good state. What I see in the world around me today is bad enough without being reminded of even more sorrows.

Bonhoeffer brought me to tears more than once as I read about Dietrich's struggle to discern the will of God and then to do it for the good of the people. He strived to be faithful to God and to his call as a child of God and as a pastor. He was unwilling to serve in the German Army, not because he was afraid of dying; but, because he would not participate in the murder of innocent people. Yet, at the same time he was willing to put his own life on the line as he conspired to assassinate Hitler.

I read with tears over and over again the words from a sermon that he preached while he was pastor in London:

No one has yet believed in God and the kingdom of God, no one has yet heard of the realm of the resurrected and not been homesick, from that hour, waiting and looking forward joyfully to being released from bodily existence.

Dietrich knew and desired to be at home with our Father in the Kingdom prepared for us. Yet, very much like St. Paul, while he lived in the flesh here in this world he was willing to serve God and humankind whenever and however God directed him to serve even if it meant being tortured and executed. Executed; after all, would return him home to our Father.

Yes, I wept much through the reading of the book. I wept to see such great love in a man for our God and for all of humankind.  Such love seems so rare.

God help us to love enough to be willing to sacrifice our personal needs so that the will of God is done through us for the good of others.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Living Life; Enjoying Life!

What gain have the workers from their toil? I have seen the business that God has given to everyone to be busy with. He has made everything suitable for its time; moreover he has put a sense of past and future into their minds, yet they cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to be happy and enjoy themselves as long as they live..." Eccl 3:9-12

Live life!  I can't even begin to count how many times I have told people to live life; enjoy life! I believe some think, "who is she kidding? She's a Christian and a pastor. What can she know about fun?"  My fun may not be like a lot of people's idea of fun; but, I do know about enjoying life; about enjoying the numberless gifts that God has given me.

Among His gifts to us are His people. Yes, there are times I truly prefer to be alone. I prefer to be alone so I can be alone with God and take the time to listen to Him to enjoy His presence. But, I also enjoy being with His people. Often people will ask me what days I have off so they don't call or "bother" me on my day off. What they are not understanding is that I do not work to live, I actually do live to serve. That may be a bad thing to some. It is a good thing for me. I do not mind in the least having someone in crisis call me at 3 a.m.. I would be offended if they did not and I found out later that they didn't want to "bother" me. Other than spending alone time with God, there are very few things that bring me more pleasure than being with and serving God's people. I do know what makes me happy and that is serving others and helping them to know the peace and the joy that only God can give. Ministry is not just a job. It is a way of living life.

It is time to truly live life! Love God and lovingly serve one another!

God's Peace - Pr. J

SIN

Not everyone wants to hear the truth. They will rally against Christian truth-tellers. They will accuse them of being unchristian-like. No one likes to hear that what they do is a sin. Well, Jesus was a truth-teller. He did not condone sin as some would have us believe. He was not a pushover as some would have us think.

Remember the money changer's tables in the temple that he turned over and then drove those making a profit in God's house out of the temple with a whip? (Matt 21:12; Mark 11:15; John 2:14-15) How meek and mild does that sound?

If you think your pastor or teacher is acting in a manner not befitting a Christian because they call a sin a sin; think again, please. When was the last time one of them actually told you to "get behind me Satan" because you rejected the word and will of God? (Matt 16:21-23; Mark 8:31-38) I can just imagine the reaction if I said that to someone. I confess. I am a wimp. I have thought it. I have even implied it. But, never actually had the courage to use those words (except with a person or two very close to me).

And... please, don't bother using the story of the woman who had been brought before him accused of adultery. No, he did not condemn her. But, he not only confronted her with her sins when he told her to go and sin no more; he confronted the sins of the Scribes and Pharisees when he told them that the one who was without sin should cast the first stone. No one cast that first stone. (John 8:1-11) We are all sinners. That doesn't make sin something to be ignored. Jesus did not ignore it. We ought not ignore it in ourselves or anyone else.

Jesus did not ignore sin. He was tough on sin. In fact, he was so tough on sin that he was willing to hang on that cross for us so that sin would have no power over us. (1 Cor 15:56, 57) Bearing the sins of the world; now, that takes courage! (Rom 5:7-9) Jesus was and is no pushover and he does not call his followers to be, either. He spoke the truth. He lived the truth. He is the truth.

Jesus died for our sins; that is true. St. Paul wrote to the church: "What then are we to say? Should we continue in sin in order that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin go on living in it?  Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Rom 6:1-3) 

Let us all remember that before one accuses someone of being unchristian-like in order to justify their own sins; it would behoove them to read their Bible thoroughly so that they would get to know who Jesus really was and is and not just the verses that person might think justifies their own actions. Justification comes only through Jesus' death on the cross for you. It does not come by excusing yourself by pretending that sin is not a sin.

May God grant that we should acknowledge our sins and live so that we might glorify his holy name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

You Snooze; You Lose

This is why it is said:

“Wake up, sleeper,
    rise from the dead,
    and Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit,  speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph 5:14-20 NIV)

I am a morning person. I prefer to get up early, spend some alone time with God and begin my work day before anyone else is up to interrupt it. If I don't get enough time for devotions my day doesn't usually turn out as fruitful as it could. But, lately it seems like I am getting up later and later each day. Don't get me wrong. I am still up and about by 6:30 a.m.; but, my alarm is set for 5 a.m.. The truth is that it is also set for 6:30 a.m. just in case I am tempted to hit the snooze alarm so many times that it quits going off. The 5 a.m. snoozed alarm and the second alarm at 6:30 a.m. give me second and third and even more chances to wake up and to rise and shine.

We are often tempted to pass by opportunities to be fruitful in the Lord: to spend time with Him and with His people. God provides us with many chances or opportunities to wake up and to rise and shine. He provides us with many opportunities to love, to worship, and to serve Him; as well as, to love and serve our neighbors. There comes a time; though, in each of our loves that the opportunities will come to an end. We do not know the day or hour when we will breath our last breath. .

When our children and grandchildren were young and didn't want to get up and moving so that they could participate in some activity, my husband would often tell them: "You snooze; you lose."

Wake up, sleeper. Don't be snoozing your life away. God gives us many opportunities to live life in Christ. We are told that He delays His coming so that we all have the opportunity to turn to Him. But, don't delay. The time is now, not tomorrow to turn to Him. Who knows if there will be a tomorrow, here on earth, for any one of us?

May God help us to grab hold of the opportunities to love and serve the Lord with all our hearts, and souls, and minds; even now. “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.”

God's Peace - Pr. J

Protect The Sheep Or Shake The Dust Off Your Feet?

"But when the Jews in Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, some of them went there too, agitating the crowds and stirring them up. The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible."  Acts 17:13-15

It appears that no matter where Paul went the agitators, against him and more importantly against the Word, showed up. He spent a bit of time in prison because of them. At other times, he simply left the area.

In the U.S., we can't be thrown into prison or beaten or flogged for sharing the truth about the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. Yet, we see many pastors who flee communities that they have been called to serve because of the agitators. Sometimes, it may be necessary because the agitators (antagonists) have managed to switch the focus from Jesus to things of much less importance; in fact, to things that cause division and not unity.

Sometimes, pastors simply find it almost impossible to preach the Gospel due to this conflict and leave to go to a community that is willing to hear and willing to serve the living God rather then their own egos. It was actually one of Jesus' directives to leave if the people are unwilling to hear the word of God; the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus.  In Matthew we read: "If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet." (Matt 10:14)

So, please consider this: if your congregation is one that is having to look for a new pastor every two or three years; maybe, it is time to find out if there is someone(s) running these pastors out of the area and if the congregation somehow is supporting this person or persons by ignoring the agitation that they are causing; allowing them to switch the focus away from the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ. It may not always be the best choice to flee an area; but, on the other hand as we are called to proclaim the Gospel; sometimes, we need to go where the people will hear it.

Unfortunately, whether they realize it or not the question and the dilemma for many pastors today is as it was in Paul's day:

     Shall I stay and protect the sheep? or, Shall I shake the dust off my feet?

God's Peace - Pr. J.

P.S. Today's blog is edited from one that I previously wrote for "In The Wilderness"

Jesus Wept

Jesus Wept

When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
   When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in spirit and troubled. “Where have you laid him?” he asked.
   “Come and see, Lord,” they replied.
   Jesus wept. 
                                      (John 11:32-35 NIV)
                                                                                                              
The shortest verse in the Bible is but two words: "Jesus wept." Upon seeing Mary's grief over her brother's death, Jesus wept. Surely he was not weeping for Lazarus as he knew full well he would be raising him from the grave very shortly. He wept to see such sorrow in Mary and Martha. His relationship with the sisters and their brother Lazarus had been a very close relationship. He loved them and he wept for and with the sisters. His heart went out to these two women who loved their brother so.

There is very little that warms this old pastor's heart more than hearing a member of my congregation or a friend talking about Jesus with tears in their eyes. To hear and feel their love for our Lord brings tears to my own eyes. It fills my heart to overflowing to know that those whom I shepherd love him that much.

Jesus loved Mary and Martha so much that he felt their pain. He had compassion for them. He loved us so much that he was willing to take upon himself the pain of our sins. He had compassion for us and was willing to take upon himself the penalty of our sins that we might also be raised from the dead.

May God help us to have a love for one another that we too might know the pain and suffering of the people around us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Confess And Be Forgiven

CONFESSION

How Christians should be taught to confess.

What is Confession?

Confession embraces two parts: the one is, that we confess our sins; the other, that we receive absolution, or forgiveness, from the confessor, as from God Himself, and in no wise doubt, but firmly believe, that our sins are thereby forgiven before God in heaven.

What sins should we confess?

Before God we should plead guilty of all sins, even of those which we do not know, as we do in the Lord's Prayer. But before the confessor we should confess those sins alone which we know and feel in our hearts.

Which are these?

Here consider your station according to the Ten Commandments, whether you are a father, mother, son, daughter, master, mistress, a man-servant or maid-servant; whether you have been disobedient, unfaithful, slothful; whether you have grieved any one by words or deeds; whether you have stolen, neglected, or wasted aught, or done other injury.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

 

No, the confessional has not been done away with in the Lutheran church. Yes, we confess our sins corporately and receive absolution every Sunday morning at Christ Lutheran Church. Yes, I am available to hear private confessions whenever you feel the need. I assume that all Christians are aware that they are able to confess their sins directly to God. However, I am also aware that many Lutherans are not aware that private confession with their pastors is also available. I do not hear many private confessions. Mostly, the ones I have heard from younger people.

Some of us are so troubled by our consciences that we need to be able to put voice to our sins and hear with our ears and believe these words: "You are forgiven. God forgives you all your sins." There is no need to be burdened by the sins that trouble your conscience in such a way that it disrupts your ability to serve God or neighbor. Confess your sins so that you might be reassured that you have been forgiven and reconciled to God our Father, through Jesus the Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J