Gift

Gifts

Yesterday, I was surprised with a gift of a corsage. It was an amazing gift. Darlene picked the flower from her own garden and made it for me. She said that she had heard on the radio that it was pastor appreciation month and wanted to do something to let me know that she appreciates me. I appreciate her; not just for the gift of the corsage; but, because she loves the Lord and she shows it in many ways. I see her often: at Worship; Bible studies, Women of the Word meetings, cleaning the church kitchen and every now and then in her own home. It warms my heart to know how much she loves the Lord and appreciates the sacrifice that he made on the cross so that all who believe in him might live eternally in the Kingdom that he has prepared for us.

May God help us to all appreciate the gift that He has given us in His Son and the gift He has given us in one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. I have been most blessed to serve in Baraga County beside so many faithful stewards of God's gifts.

Faith Formation Begins at Home

II. The Creed

 
As the head of the family should teach it in a simple way to his household.

(http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php)

 

I almost went to the first article of the Apostle's Creed for today's blog. But, then I remembered that I have a week-long confirmation class coming up next month. I will be teaching the Apostle's Creed again this year; but, not to youth who have no prior knowledge as to what it means. No, I am not under the impression that they have already learned what it means at home. Those youth who have faithfully attended worship at Zion already know the Apostle's Creed. Those children who have attended Sunday School faithfully have already been taught the Apostle's Creed and what it means by their fifth/sixth grade Sunday School teacher.

 

Martin Luther wrote the Small Catechism so that parents, particularly the heads of the household, would have a simple resource to use to teach their children. Today, most congregations expect their Pastors to teach the older youth these things. 

 

I am most grateful that at Zion, since our youth have such full schedules, that we have a Sunday School Superintendent and teachers who begin this education process at age 3, when during Lent, the Small Catechism is taught. During the rest of the year, they simply use the Holy Bible as their main resource. We believe that what we believe should be taught at an early age. One should not wait until they are in Jr. High to try to cram their memories full in a couple of years. Learning is a process. It does not magically happen overnight. Since we began this curriculum a few years ago, it has been an amazing experience working with confirmands who already have a knowledge base for the faith that they are preparing to profess and that we can build upon.

 

It is most helpful to our young people's faith formation if the learning begins at home. I am more than happy to provide our members with copies of the Small Catechism or you can go to the link above for an online version. When a positive faith formation process is not in place at home; then, it would be a very good idea to bring your children to the place where it can happen - to your local congregation.

Faith formation should not be started when a child turns 11 or 12. It begins at birth. It begins at home.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

James 3 Teachers

James 3 NIV

Youth praying with and for their teachers.

"We who teach will be judged more strictly." (vs 1) Although, my major was in education, I do not consider myself much of a teacher. It is included in my call; therefore, I teach. I teach cautiously and with the help of God. I pray that I do not damage anyone by teaching falsely. There are many others in my congregation who are more gifted at teaching than I and I thank God for them. This blog is, in a way, an attempt at teaching. However, I also attempt to keep the blogs short. They are mostly the first things that come to mind as I read the scriptures one chapter at a time. I cannot possibly cover everything that is possible to be taught each day in a blog. While they are meant to stimulate the readers thoughts, I am well aware that I have no immunity against making mistakes.

I confess that as this daily blog gets closer to the end of the Holy Bible and closer to the book of Revelation I am getting just a little apprehensive.  Revelation is something quite different. It is a vision and as such is full of symbolism, which should not be taken literally and about impossible to interpret since many of the events have not yet transpired. John's vision has already been interpreted in so many ways. They simply cannot all be right. I do not ascribe to the notion that there are opposing interpretations of  scripture; all equally valid. So, I have been praying for the last month or so, through a couple of books already, that God will guide me and I will more carefully listen through that upcoming and final book of Holy Scripture.

As teachers, we must be very cautious as to what we say and write. We are warned that teachers will be judged more strictly. As we do not wish to offend God or steer others in a way that they should not be going; we will be much more cautious in what we say as well as in what we do that others may come to know the joy of their salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Timothy 3 - Believe Only What Can Be Supported By Scripture

2 Timothy 3 NIV

Paul tells Timothy that "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted..." (vs 12) When I was a young Christian I had a hard time figuring out what this meant. As a much older and hopefully a bit wiser Christian, I now have a better idea. It can be quite a challenge, at times, to live in a society where God is placed on the bottom of the list of his children's priorities, if He's even on that list all. It's difficult to be surrounded by so many people are in love with themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to the parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God - having a form of godliness but denying its power. (vs 2-5) Paul's not talking here about unbelievers. He's talking about those who profess to believe in God. He's talking about some of the Christians at Ephesus. Paul says simply, "Have nothing to do with such people." (vs 5) That can be most difficult as some of those who would teach and believe such lies are our friends, our neighbors, and often our own family. That, sadly, is a reality.

We live in an age when many who profess to be Christians have heard and believe many false teachings. There are those who profess to be Christian who do not actually believe that Jesus rose from the dead; that He is God. There are those who believe and teach that everyone is saved and that Jesus is not the only way, quite contrary to his word. These denials of the faith must be refuted to protect those who are being led astray by those who would worm their way into homes and gain control over the gullible. We must also pray for those who have been led astray by those who teach and preach to advance their own agendas.

So, what can we do? We can get to know God's word and loving will for us and for all people. Paul encouraged Timothy and the church at Ephesus to "Continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (vs 14-17)

We cannot confront lies unless we know the truth. Be diligent, then, in hearing and studying the Word of God found in the Holy Scriptures. You're odds of hearing the truth on television are pretty slim. You must open your Bibles to find it.

Don't forget to click on the link at the top of this page to read the scripture that this blog is based on. You should not trust even my words, unless they can be supported by scripture.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Timothy 1 - Fan Into Flames

2 Timothy 1 NIV
Paul exhorts Timothy to "fan into flame the gift of God." We all ought to be on fire with zeal for
sharing the gospel.

I have been in many small and large groups when the conversation has turned to lamenting that the government and society are steadily taking away our religious freedom in this country. On a very rare occasion, I might be able to agree with this assessment. Most often; though, my response is more like "how can a government or society take away from us what we have already relinquished?" "It is not the state; but, the church who is responsible."

The burning desire to proclaim the gospel is rarely to be seen in society. Love and adoration of God is only a Sunday morning thing (sometimes). I hear that a root of some of our societal problems is that the Bible has been abolished in schools. Hogwash! Your children and grandchildren can bring their Bibles to school and they can read them on breaks. No one can stop those who have the burning desire to read them at lunch. At Christmas every year, I hear complaints that another nativity scene was not allowed to be placed on a courthouse lawn someplace in the United States. Yet, if I drive by the homes of those who complain, what I will find on their lawns during Advent, is Santa Claus or snowmen - no nativity scenes. I hear complaints that our public schools organize sporting events on Sundays so our children don't show up for worship. I don't get that! Christian children and parents have the right to choose what they will do on Sunday morning. They can worship if that is their priority. We can't blame others for our choices. And, usually, at least here in the U.P., it is not the public schools who are organizing these youth sporting events. The schools allow these parent/community run sporting organizations to use the gym. The parents (many whom are Christian) organize these events to include Sunday mornings. It is not the government or secular society who makes these choices.

Every Christian has the opportunity to decide what they or their children will be doing on Sunday morning. If the church is in decline, it is our own fault for not fanning into flame the gift of God within ourselves. Quit blaming the government. Quit blaming society. Proclaim the good news!

And, once I am on this subject, let me advise anyone who would bring their children to worship with us at Zion. Our main focus will not be teaching your children morality (how to behave). Unless they come to know Jesus, those good works amount to nothing. We unabashedly teach Jesus crucified, risen and ascended in order to fan into flame the gift of God. We believe that the knowledge of God's love in Christ Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit will reveal to all of our children (young and old) His will for us. The Holy Spirit will empower those who hear and believe to do His will. Faith comes by hearing the Word and we will subsequently proclaim the gospel. Good works will naturally (by the power of the Holy Spirit) follow those who know and love the Lord. We will not be ashamed to faithfully witness to His great love publically, no matter where we are or what we are doing at any given moment.

May the Lord our God grant us power, love and self-discipline so that with the fire that burns in our hearts we will witness to the good news of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Use it or lose it!

Ezeiel 20 - Just a Parable or Fairy Tale?

"Then I said, “Sovereign Lord, they are saying of me, ‘Isn’t he just telling parables?" (Ezekiel 20:49 NIV)

Do you want to be like your forefathers? Do you really have to worship false idols? You want to rebel against me and follow in the ways of the world? This, says the LORD, He will not allow to happen. They will be sent into the wilderness. They will be purged of their unrighteousness.

The word of God comes through Ezekiel, the prophet, for the LORD will not allow these rebellious children to speak to Him. Yet, they mock Ezekiel. They ignore the word of God. Saying to Ezekiel, "Isn’t he just telling parables?" (vs 49) Isn't he just telling us nice stories? Very few things frustrate me more than to know that someone claims to be a Christian; yet, thinks that the Holy Bible is nothing more than a good or nice book. We can take out of it those things that will help us live better lives according to the world's standards. But, those things that don't fit the modern world we live in today, can be thrown out. It has, for some, become a book of law with good teaching or laws that we are to follow or not. All it takes is a vote of the church to get rid of what doesn't suit us. I'm afraid it doesn't work that way. The Holy Bible is not just a book which presents a nice outline on how to get along with our neighbor or not depending on the individual or even the generation. It is a book of grace. It brings us the good news of life in the promised land - His Kingdom. And... it is definitely the word of God. We don't get to pick and choose which words are merely cute stories and which ones we might choose to take to heart.  Quit writing God's word off as fairy tales. If we expect God to listen to us, then let us listen to Him.

"Then the word of the Lord came to me: “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Have you come to inquire of me? As surely as I live, I will not let you inquire of me, declares the Sovereign LORD." (Ezekiel 20:2-3)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Song of Songs 8 - Seek My Beloved

We have come to the conclusion of Solomon's Song of Songs. It is a very good morning! It is finished! I am very relieved to not to have to try to figure out what this love poem has to do with Christ and the Church for another day. It is indeed a beautiful love poem. But, even reading Matthew Henry's Commentary and The Lutheran Study Bible (Concordia Publishing House) notes and study guides on it each morning, it has been very difficult for me to read it as anything but a love poem between a man and a woman or love-struck teens. I hope that you have done better at that than I have.

I would remind you as we prepare to move on to Isaiah tomorrow, that the LORD is our love, our spouse. We have been united with Him in union unlike any union other that can transpire on earth. He wants to hear your voice and all who love Him desire to hear His and to be with Him, always. When one is in love, it simply will not do to stay anywhere but beside our beloved. Our hearts will constantly yearn to walk beside our beloved in that most beautiful garden.

Today, will be a beautiful day! I will seek my beloved in all whom I encounter. I will be visiting shut-ins...

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 24 - Too Much Sleep=Poverty

Hunting Island Lighthouse
 

Sayings 20 - 30 and more...


God provides us with many opportunities. He provides opportunities to do good or not to do good. He provides us with opportunities to work and to build up our houses, as well. He provides us with opportunities to build up our lives.

What will we do with these opportunities? 

"A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest—and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man. "Provers 24:33-34.  

This poverty can be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual.  Most often, I have seen that it can lead to poverty of all of the above. Poverty of any of these, due to sleeping too much, (that would be laziness) can eventually lead to the poverty of all.

There is another thing that I, quite often, hear that people desire and for whatever reason has been eluding them: that is to know what God's will is for them. The Psalms remind us that the word of God is the light which will help us on His way. "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." (Psalm 119:105) Read the Holy Scriptures and you will hear His merciful and graceful word, His will, for you. You will understand the wisdom that He desires for you to hear and live by. "Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off." (Prov 20:14)

"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. 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," (Eph 5:13-15)

Listen!  And... live life!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 119 - Martin Luther and Studying Theology

Wow! I am thinking that if you have read Psalm 119 this morning, as is the plan, that is probably enough for a devotional reading for one morning... Only two chapters after the shortest chapter in the Bible, we have the longest chapter with 176 verses. That is a lot of word to take in and to try to comprehend for one sitting.

As I was going through it, I was imagining using it for one Sunday when Keith (cantor) gets back from vacation. I'm pretty sure that he would tell us that we would have to read it - forget the chanting.

Martin Luther said that he loved Psalm 119 so much, that he would not take the whole world in exchange for one leaf of it. According to Martin, if you wanted to learn how to study theology 119 teaches us three rules to follow when studying the Word. They are prayer (oratio), meditation (meditatio), and testing (tentatio).
This is a blog and to cover chapter 119, it would take way too many of my words for a blog. Martin's are much better than mine. So, if you like to learn how to study theology click on the link: How to Study Theology by Martin Luther

Have a blessed day!

God's Peace - Pr. J

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (vs. 105 KJV, my personal favorite from chapter 119)

Psalm 87 - Zion

God establishes His Holy City.  He decides whose name will be written as a resident of Zion.  He records the names of people who acknowledge Him on the register and they will dwell in His Kingdom. 

The Bible records this city as Zion.  I remember, a great-uncle of my husband's who passed away many years ago.  He was a wonderful character.  In his last years his main topic of conversation was Holy Zion.  He could not wait.  He was anxious to live in that city.  It was kind of amazing to me that not everyone around him understood what he was talking about.  They had no clue what this Zion was. Sadly, these people were Christian.  A Christian without  hope of Zion?  Can that be? 

As I visit many elderly today, often our conversations are directed to that Holy City, Zion, the place of God's habitation, the place that has been prepared for all who believe, no matter who they are or where they are from, through the blood of Jesus Christ, our LORD.  These visits are most pleasant to me.  It is good to hear that I am not the only one who has this hope of eternal life.

Rejoice! Make music and sing aloud for the promise of Zion is for you and for all who would believe!

God's Peace - Pr. J