Labor Day 2023

Proverbs 21:25-26 KJV; The way in which we labor ought to glorify the Lord.

Service In The Lord's Army

2 Timothy 2:1-13; All who believe are called to serve in the Lord's Army.

Spirit Filled; Spirit Led Worship

Acts 1:1-11 KJV

Jezebel

 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by to morrow about this time.

                            (1 Kings 1:1-2 KJV)

I have this real vivid picture of Jezebel in my head. Some things you picture you just can't forget. My Grandma Hill was a very strict Lutheran. Now, I have no clue what Jezebel actually looked like but my grandmother seriously portrayed her as a not nice lady of the night. I will never forget her comparing females who wore red lipstick to Jezebel. 

I have never been able to wear lipstick except maybe a little clear gloss one and then. Every time I've even thought about wearing some, I thought about my grandmother and how disappointed she would be and decided against it. Some things we learn never disappear. They are imprinted on our hearts and minds forever.

Other than really judging women who wore lipstick; she was a good, patient, and  a very loving woman. Although, she may seem a little strict by today's standards and even the standards of the sixties I learned a lot from her. She put up with a lot of stuff being thrown at her. Yet, she put up with it out of her great love for others. I witnessed how she cared for her family and her neighbors no matter what trouble they might be stirring up. It was also very evident how very much she loved the Lord.  She was a sinner as we all are. But, in Christ she was a saint!

My hope is that when I am gone from this earth I have lived a life that has been  an example of patient and loving service to others.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

An Example Of Service

He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

                                                                            (John 13: 4-15 KJV)

The followers of Jesus sometimes referred to him as "teacher."  He taught not only with words but by example. 

Before they ate on the night that the disciples had their last passover meal with Jesus he knelt down and washed their feet. Peter thought that was a bit over the top. He felt that kneeling before them and taking hold of their dirty feet was beneath Jesus. Jesus disagreed. 

Jesus, the Son of God, was an example of service for the sake of others. He came to earth to serve humankind. Ultimately he served us by dying on the cross for our sake; for our sins. He saved our lives by giving his own for us.

He is the ultimate example of leading by serving others. Rulers are called to lead by serving others not themselves; not their own egos. 

      

"But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.

But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister:

And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

                                                                             (Mark 10:42-45)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

All Glory And Honor

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chron 29:11 KJV)

Thine is the glory, O Lord!  

It is God and God alone to whom all glory belongs. We often lift up personalities in this world as being savior-like. It is a lie to depend on any man or woman to save us. Only by faith in Christ can we be saved. He has the authority and the power to save. 

As a pastor, I was always a bit leery about lifting up any one person's good works. That is because only God is truly good. It is also because most Christians try to do the best they can to serve God and the community of saints. One individuals' attempted good works is not better than another person!  God gives each of us gifts. We serve according to His will and the gifts that He has given us. So, also, we must be careful about lifting up and showing preferential treatment to those who give materially more than others. The faithful will give according to their ability. Because someone seemingly gives much because they have much does not necessarily mean they are giving generously in proportion to the their actual ability. I refer you to the story of the widow's mite and how Jesus pointed out that though she gave little, she gave everything she had.  (Mark 12:41-44)

Our habit of lifting up individuals for special honor whether they are in the congregation or not is often done to gain personal favors or special favors for the church or other organizations. It is also a very sad form of idolatry. It is important to thank people for their service. But, we are not to be discriminatory in giving that thanks for service rendered by lifting up one individual over another when all that they have done is what they have been called to do. 

Remember, that whatever is done ought to be done for the glory of God not for our own glory and not for the glory of people we have decided to personally hold in high esteem. 

All glory and honor belongs to God. We can do nothing that deserves that glory. St. Paul wrote to the Corinthians: Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. (1 Cor 10:31) 

Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. (1 Chron 29:11 KJV)

Trust in the One who can do all things. Trust in the Lord, your Savior and King!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Do In Remembrance Of Me

Then he took a loaf of bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”   Luke 22:19 KJV

These words of Jesus sometimes cause me to wonder if everyone at the table realize that this is more than a remembrance ritual or a memorial service. I often wonder if everyone who eats of his body and drinks of his blood realize that they are actually receiving the body of Christ into themselves.

He comes to abide in us through this Sacrament. As we eat and drink we become one in and with the living Christ. When we receive this Sacrament, we receive the living God. Jesus is not dead. He is alive. May he live in and through you so that others may also know of his loving sacrifice for you.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Fear Not: The Kingdom Is At Hand

"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." (John 14:1-3 KJV)

Yesterday, I attended the memorial service for a very lovely and faithful woman. She was quite elderly. Her hope lay in the promise to be received into the heavenly Kingdom as she passed through the gateway called death. 

She is indeed dead to this world. But, in Christ, death has no power over us. All who believe that our Lord Jesus died so that we might be reconciled to God our Father for all of eternity have this hope.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Romans 8:38-39) 

As we look for that day when we see God face to face with our own eyes, let us also remember that God is with us now as well. There is no sense in waiting to be reconciled to Him, to be in a relationship with him. The Kingdom of God is at hand. It is at hand today! 

As I listened to the sermon yesterday, my mind wandered to the life of Brother Lawrence and his endeavors to practice the presence of God in his daily life. We lie and cheat ourselves when we look to those mansions Jesus spoke about as a gift after death for good works we think that we may have done here on earth. We cheat ourselves out of the Kingdom both now and for all eternity.

We walk in Christ Jesus only by faith in the one who died for us; today, tomorrow, and for all eternity.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Help Them!

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. (Phil 2:3-4 KJV)

I often hear that we have to take care of ourselves first to justify not helping our neighbors. We, of course, have to take care of our families' needs. They, too, are our neighbors. But, I do not think that worrying about getting all the trinkets that we desire before making sure our neighbors are eating or worrying about "keeping up with the Jones'" is any where near God's plan for humankind. 

A reminder from excerpts from the Ten Commandments and what they mean from Luther's Small Catechism:  

The Seventh Commandment

You shall not steal.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.

The Eighth Commandment

You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.

The Ninth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s house.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not scheme to get our neighbor’s inheritance or house, or get it in a way which only appears right, but help and be of service to him in keeping it.

The Tenth Commandment

You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.

What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not entice or force away our neighbor’s wife, workers, or animals, or turn them against him, but urge them to stay and do their duty.

We are not called just to look out for our own desires. As children of God we are called to look out for our neighbors' needs and that doesn't mean just refraining of taking what is theirs; but, helping them to keep what they have.

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. (John 13:34)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Serve God! Enjoy Life!

Howard - Photo by John Arthur Photography

"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! 

Well, working on yet another move. Howard has been retired for a few years. It is my turn and the time is getting close. There is only a couple of more weeks before I install the new pastor and leave my present congregation. We closed on the sale of our home in Flagler Beach yesterday and have almost completed the move into the RV which will be our winter home.  It is being accomplished so quickly thanks to family and some really awesome neighbors at Bulow Village.

Just because I am retiring from the position of pastor does not in any way mean that I will stop working. I will be finished at Christ Lutheran. But, as a pastor I am well aware that it does not mean I am finished serving the Lord. Service to God never ends. The call to serve is a life-style and not a job. Serving the Lord should be and is a joy. Through rough times and good times, it is a joy to know that I get to serve him because of the blood of Christ that was shed for me and not just for me; but, for all people. If it were not for Jesus, I would not qualify.

I look forward to this new phase in life. I will hopefully get to spend more time in private conversation with the Lord and more time serving according to his will.

What makes me happy? Serving the Lord!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Shout It Out!

"I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Many sorrows shall be to the wicked: but he that trusteth in the LORD, mercy shall compass him about. Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." (Psalms 32:8-11 KJV)

The microphone was turned a little high last night. I am usually speaking from the pulpit; but, last night I was at the lectern and the mic has been set for people who speak much softer than I do. Following the service, I was told that I don't really need a mic. For most people I don't. However, the average age of my congregation is about 80 and a few would not hear even me if I did not use one.

My grand-children often thought I was hollering at them even when I was not. I just talk that way. I usually speak pretty confidently; although, some may describe it as speaking a little too assertively. I speak loud for many reasons. The primary one is that so many people that I speak with have hearing impairments. It makes no sense to speak to them if they cannot hear me. It would be a waste of my breath and a waste of time on everyone's part.

But, there are others reasons to speak loudly and confidently. I believe what I say; otherwise, I would not say it and so I speak confidently (or assertively depending on one's point of view). I believe that God is our Father and Creator; that God is also the Son who died for our salvation; that God the Holy Spirit guides and empowers me to share the Good News of the Kingdom of God. I believe this and so I speak confidently. 

I believe what I say. I rejoice that Jesus is my Lord and so I would shout it not just from the pulpit; but, from every mountain so that all would hear and by hearing come to faith in Jesus; that all would trust in him for their life and salvation.

"Be Glad in the LORD, and rejoice, ye righteous: and shout for joy, all ye that are upright in heart." Shout for joy so all may hear that Jesus is the Lord of Lord's and rejoice with you!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acceptable to the Lord

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 NRSV)

If you have ever heard me preach then you have most likely heard Psalm 19:14 in some translation or version. It is the verse, that we pray, before the sermon at any and almost all of the Worship services that I lead, whether it is Sunday Worship, a funeral, a wedding, or whatever the occasion.

I begin every sermon with this prayer and I end it with a prayer, as well.  You see, I need God's help.  In fact, I need God to speak through me, because I really don't know what it is that He would have me say to all of you.  I don't need to use a lot of words. A lot of words would most probably come out of my own ego and would not be helpful to too many people. But, God can touch each of us with a whole lot less words.   

Just prior to the beginning of each service; I also usually pray something to the effect of:  "Send your Holy Spirit that your people might hear your Word, your will for them, and not mine." I depend upon the Spirit of God to open the ears of each of the hearers so that everyone one might hear God's word, his will for them. His word, his will and not mine.

One of the rules I try to follow in sermon writing is to never talk politics. I cannot even begin to imagine myself endorsing a candidate from the pulpit! I have been asked about this by a few people as there are  some who seem to think that this is the preacher's job.  However, the pulpit is for preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God.  It is not for promoting a partisan view of the kingdom of this world. In regards to preaching politics, I am confident that it would definitely be my political views that would be expressed and not God's. 

Sharing the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ is not about pleasing man.  It is about pleasing God. In fact; often, people will not be pleased with the message that pleases the person sitting in the pew next to them.  Sometimes the very same sermon that will bring comfort to one hearer, will bring conviction to another.  That, my friend, is the work of the Holy Spirit.  God knows who is going to be at Worship on any given Sunday and He knows what they need to hear.  And, if they have ears to hear, they will hear just what He wants them to hear.  Thanks be to God!

It always amazes me when people tell me after the sermon that they were so moved when I talked about..... (whatever it was they heard).  I don't tell them that I didn't actually say what they heard. If that's what the Spirit wanted to say to them, if that's what they needed to hear, then so be it.  And... the glory belongs to God!

Help us LORD!  May the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts and minds always be pleasing in your sight, O' Lord, our Rock and our Redeemer.

God's Peace - Pastor J.

The Goal

 

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:12-14 NIV)

So much time and energy is wasted striving after things of this world. Of course, we all need to work for basic necessities. St. Paul had written to the Thessalonians, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” (2 Thess 3:10) But, often our focus is so centered on "stuff" that we forget that we are to focus on the Kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. We think that our worship and service can be relegated to one hour per week and the rest of the week is to strive after and, yes, even worship and glorify "stuff" of the world. We lift up powerful people and even sports heroes and musicians and other such celebrities. We envy and strive to be like those who have earned much in this world; after all, they have done so much for themselves and look how happy they aren't! In this world it is a sign of success to have earned much "stuff."

But, the "stuff" that you've been striving after will not save you. "Stuff" will only drag you down. It will require your focus and energy to obtain and maintain. "Stuff" will not save you. The world will not save you. You cannot save yourselves by your own power and might. Only Jesus saves. Put, aside those things which have puffed up your ego and set a new course. Strive for the goal: life in Jesus' presence, in his Kingdom. Press on and take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of for us. Set aside egos and desires of this world. Set aside your confidence in your own flesh to earn anything worthwhile. Spending your life accumulating stuff is a waste of time and energy. Trust Jesus and live life in him!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Becoming Less

They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, that man who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—the one you testified about—look, he is baptizing, and everyone is going to him.”

To this John replied, “A person can receive only what is given them from heaven. You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Messiah but am sent ahead of him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom. The friend who attends the bridegroom waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater; I must become less.”

                                                                                 (John 3:26-30 NIV)

John and Jesus are cousins; most probably friends, as well. They both are called for specific purposes to serve God and humankind. There is no jealousy between the two. There is no competition. John in no way tries to usurp Jesus' authority. When John is about to leave the service of God on earth, by nothing less than death, he is more than willing to become less so that Christ may become not just greater; but, the greatest that has ever walked and served upon the earth.

It would be so awesome if the servants of God on earth today would be so willing to step aside when their time is done so that others that God has called can do the ministry to which they also have been called. But, often they don't. Their egos get in the way.

It should be a joyful thing to see others step up to serve the Lord in faith.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ego Must Die

"For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it." (Matt 16:25 NIV)

Yes, I am talking about egos, again. I do not understand why it is so difficult for so many people to understand that we do not live for ourselves. We are to live to love and serve God and all of God's children. We may not like everything that everyone does or is. But, that does not negate the fact that we are to love others as ourselves. If they are in need; their needs come before our wants.

We do not get to not love people we disagree with. We do not get to persecute people we disagree with or people we want to control. Yes, there are instances where to avoid conflict and greater harm we may need to stay away; but, that does not negate the fact that we are to love one another.

We must in some way come to the understanding that our life here on earth is nothing compared to the eternal life we have in the presence of our Heavenly Father. We must to at least a minimal degree come to grasp that if we cling to life in this world and all that we can grab for ourselves from this world, we will lose our lives; because, in fact, there is no life in us. 

Jesus is the way and the truth and the life. (John 14:6) Without him, there is no life. With him, we will seek to enhance the lives of others without regard to our own.

In order to live life we must live in Christ and Jesus did not put his own ego before the lives of others. He was willing to give everything, even his life, so that we might live. Yes, Jesus died. Yet, he lives and because he lives so shall all who die to themselves to live in him. 

Egos and personal agendas don't matter in the kingdom of God. The only agenda that matters is God's. 

God grant that we not be afraid of death; of either physical death or the death of our egos and self-centered desires in this world so that we might live more fully in Christ according to the will of our Father. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Life Can Be Very Full

Marine Barracks, Rota, Spain 1980-1982 Reunion

I am late today! We just returned from a Marine Barracks, Rota, Spain reunion held in Williamsburg, VA.  No we didn't do any site-seeing; but, we did have an awesome time visiting with people we had not seen in years and some that we had never met. One thing about reunions is that they make me realize that I am old. We were all very young when we were in Rota. We also stopped in at Parris Island on our way to Williamsburg. It amazes me how young Marines really are when I see them. It's a shocker. Were we really that young and out on our own so many miles from families? But, they are not without family. The Marine Corps is family; a family that tends to look out for each other for years after they  have retired or otherwise left the service.

Family is important. The church is family, as well. So it pleased me very much to see that so many of our loved ones from our previous years together are also our brothers and sisters in the family of God.

Family is important. As we headed home, we received some sad news. Our granddaughter's step-father has been missing since November 7, 2017. They found him yesterday in the Portage Canal in the Keweenaw. I did not know him well; mostly through my granddaughter. His family grieves today and will grieve for some time to come.

May God bless them and us all with peace of heart and mind and joy in the knowledge that Jesus is Lord. He is King of Kings.

Pr. Judy

Gifts for Service

"Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve on another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1 Peter 4:10 NRSV

We have all received gifts from God that can and are to be used to serve God and God's children. The Holy Spirit has not left anyone without at least a gift or two or many to be used for the glory of God and in the ministry of the gospel of Jesus the Christ for all people.

If you are gifted with musical talents; there is always plenty of room to join with others in ministering through music. If you are not afraid of speaking in public, we can use lectors both during worship on Sunday and at Senior Living on Wednesday. We also need people who are not afraid and are gifted in sharing the Gospel on Wednesdays. The Food Pantry that we serve at for two months a year always can use more volunteers. And, then there are also many gifts and talents that some might think have nothing to do with the ministry of the Church. But, you would be wrong. We need people who are willing to take the garbage out to across the parking lot or clean the kitchen cupboards and storage areas. Good stewardship of God's gifts includes the general upkeep and cleaning of the property that God has given to us. The Body of Christ needs people who work well with one another or really enjoy visiting our seniors. There are those of you who cannot serve in any of these manners because they are home-bound. But, you can pray. Prayer is one of the most essential needs of any congregation. We need your prayers. If you are home-bound, you might also reach out to others who may be alone and lonely by making phone calls or write letters can make phone calls. Not one person in the church on earth has been left without gifts or talents to serve one another. Let us use those gifts for the glory of God.

May God help us to joyfully serve the Lord and one another with the gifts that He has so graciously given to each of us.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

Blessed Thanksgiving!

I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my 
    whole heart,
    and I will glorify your name forever."
                                             Psalm 86:12 NRSV

Give thanks for the thorns in our lives. That was the theme for the homily last night at our Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service. God works all things for the good of those who love Him!We often forget to give thanks to God when things are going great. But, we rarely give thanks to God when things seem to be going not so great. We should at all times and in all places give thanks to God for all that He has given us.

We give thanks in many ways. Last night we gave thanks not only with the words of our lips; but, by our thank offerings. The congregation was asked to bring to the altar, as their thank offering, an offering of non-perishable food to be donated to the Food Pantry (Resource Center) in Bunnell, Florida. Thanks be to God for the opportunity and privilege to feed His sheep. Members of Christ Lutheran will serve at the Food Panty in January and July of 2018 distributing food to those in need. This service is something that they are excited about having the opportunity to do year after year as  members of Christian Women United.  

Thanksgiving is about giving thanks to God for all that He has given us. We give thanks that Jesus was willing to give himself as a sin offering for us; that we might be forgiven our sins and be reconciled to God, our Father and to our neighbors. We give thanks for the opportunity to gather around the table with our family and friends; although, we ought to consider that it would not hurt us one bit to gather more often than Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, with them for a meal. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks for the opportunity to serve Him and our neighbors: to pray for and heal the sick; to feed the hungry; to shelter the poor. It is an opportunity and a privilege to serve the Lord. For that, we give thanks.

May the peace of the Lord be with you as you give thanks to God for all that He has done.

Pr. J

Be Prepared!

“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks they can immediately open the door for him. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them watching when he comes. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve, will have them recline at the table and will come and wait on them. It will be good for those servants whose master finds them ready, even if he comes in the middle of the night or toward daybreak. But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what hour the thief was coming, he would not have let his house be broken into.You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Luke 12:35-40 NIV)

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Be prepared! The LORD has called you to be His own. Will you be ready? Or... are you too busy preparing for the next party? The next sports game? The next whatever? And, you do know what I mean when I say "parties." There are parties and then there are "parties." Of course, the LORD wants you to enjoy life and to celebrate at gatherings. There are those parties where we gather together to celebrate someone's birthday or a wedding or even a community picnic. But, then there are those "parties" that include celebrating illegal or immoral behavior. The latter party in no way prepares us to meet the LORD. 

The LORD wants us to enjoy life and all that gifts He's given us. But, the question we must ask ourselves is if these pleasures the number one priorities in our lives? If given a choice, what will you choose: the Kingdom of God for all eternity or immediate pleasure and gratification? Will you choose to sleep through life or will you be prepared for the return of the Master?

"Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning."

God's Peace - Pr. J

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