The Spirit Moves!

Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12 KJV)

The Holy Spirit was busy moving! Yesterday, I worshiped at Zion Lutheran, Skanee, MI in the morning and then at the Word and Song Festival at Bethany Lutheran, Covington, MI. I have to admit I really didn't feel like attending two services yesterday; but, I went anyway and I am so glad that I did. The Holy Spirit was busy moving! The music was outstanding as everyone sang as if they meant it and from knowing the people, I am quite sure that they did. There were guest preachers at both services and both proclaimed the Good News. Being Lutheran they also reminded us why we need the Gospel. It is because we are sinners. We fall short. We are pretty ungrateful children and turn our backs on Him over and over again. But, God loves us anyway. He loves us enough to have sent His only begotten Son to be tried, brutally beaten, and executed for our sins. That is a loving God.

The Spirit of Christ spoke through His messengers in these places and opened ears and eyes and hearts and minds of those who were present so that we could rejoice in our salvation because of the precious gift of life given for us through Jesus Christ our Lord.

When I served these congregations, the Holy Spirit was moving in mighty ways. The Holy Spirit continues to move among the people of God and always will! Thanks be to God!

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Renews Our Strength

On Eagle's Wings

Life brings us a lot of challenges. There are days when I wonder how I will manage to get everything done that I'm supposed to be doing and to be in so many places at one time. There are so many people in need; so many who suffer; so many who are alone and lonely. How can we help them all? I make a lot of lists. If I don't, by the time I get home, I realize that I have not gotten to someone or something that I had intended to get to.

It can seem overwhelming at times. Lists help to keep me on point. But, more importantly rising early to study God's word and to spend time in prayer is essential if I want to be prepared to meet the day and any challenges the day might bring. I find strength in God's word and in his presence. I need to be able to talk to him and listen to Him and trust Him.

Isaiah reminds us that we are to wait and to trust in the Lord. He will give us the strength to meet the challenges.

"Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,

they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." 

                                                      Isaiah 40:28-31 NRSV 

We all grow weary at times. Trust in and lean on the One who does not grow weary. His strength never fails Him or us.

God's Peace - Pr. J