Bless Those Who Curse You

“But I say to you that listen, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28 NRSV

I spent Christmas day driving. I left home about 8 a.m. and by 5 p.m. I had reached the southern portion of lower Michigan on my way to South Carolina. I was hungry and needed to gas up the truck. The only things I had eaten all day were sunflower seeds and pears. I found a gas station and asked the man at the counter if anything in town was open so that I could get something to eat. He said no. I bought a "Slim Jim" and a "Coca Cola" for supper. While I was paying for my "supper," the man was mumbling under his breath something about a woman running around looking for someplace to eat when she should be home cooking for her children. There was no one else in the gas station for him to be talking to; so, I was quite aware that the mumbling was solely for my benefit. Maybe, he was just having a bad day. Maybe, he was upset because he was working and not spending the day with his own family. But, it was a good reminder to me not to be judging people that you know nothing about. How could he know that I would be driving for two days to see my family? How could he know that my children were grown and have families of their own?  Rather than react negatively to his ramblings, I smiled and made sure I said "Merry Christmas" a multitude of times before I left. I prayed that God would bless him by opening his eyes and heart as I continued on my way.

The best way to react to those who would judge or hate you is to bless them and pray for them. Only God can change their hearts.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. The man at the toll booth at the Mackinac Bridge was awesome! His Christmas greeting was so friendly and joyous in spite of the fact that he was working on Christmas day. He was handing out candy canes to those who were crossing the bridge. A little gift like that was a huge gift for me on Christmas Day!

Clean Hearts

"Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me." Psalm 51:10 NRSV

Yesterday was a definite day of rest! Both my mind and body crashed after two days of driving, one of them in bumper to bumper traffic. As it was Sunday and I was not at home to worship with my own congregation, I attended worship at one of those large praise type services with my granddaughter and daughter-in-law. The sermon was pretty good. The music was a little loud for this old Lutheran. But, it did bring back memories of one of my mentors, Pr. Al Goodrich. The opening and closing praise song was something about giving your heart to Jesus. Pr. Al loved it when people would talk about giving their hearts to Jesus. His response would be, "Why would Jesus want that filthy thing! Jesus wants to give you a clean heart!"

Christmas and Christianity is not about what we can give to God; but, what God has already done and given for us. We celebrate because God is indeed willing and able to create in us clean hearts. We are not Christians because of what we have done; but, because of what God has done for us. Thanks be to God for His good and gracious gifts!

Merry Christmas!

God's Peace Pr. J

Merry Christmas!

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NKJV
 

from all of us at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Skanee, MI

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

After the last of my out of town Christmas visits to shut-ins and then a little bit of last minute shopping yesterday, I was exhausted. The visits were great; but, the icy roads were awful. I tried to relax by finding something on the television to watch. The only thing that I found that was worth watching was a rerun of Mother Angelica. She was advising a woman who was trying to distance herself from the family Christmas gathering. This woman found it objectionable that they would sit around the dinner table and talk about sports and argue about politics rather than actually celebrate the birth of Jesus. Personally, I know that feeling and can empathize with the woman. Mother Angelica suggested that she try to bring the conversation around to what they were actually celebrating. She suggested that maybe the woman bring a birthday cake for dessert and have everyone sing happy birthday.

May there be many birthday cakes and much joy as we observe the holy day that is commemorated for the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

The Good Shepherd Watches Over You

"I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep." John 10:14-15 NRSV

The secular world has made Advent into a happy time; a time to celebrate. But, for many it is not so. It is a time when many are drawn to thoughts of loved ones who are no longer with them. The empty chair at the table draws them into even deeper sadness. Many families will take out "Christmas" loans, if they can get one, in order to provide their children with gifts for their children, simply because this is the tradition of the world. They do not want to disappoint their children and so they will go even deeper into debt so as not to disappoint them on Christmas morning. Did I mention the parties? No? Hmmm.... Well, the trouble that comes from all that "Christmas Cheer" speaks for itself. More trouble... More depression... More loneliness... More divorces... More deaths and empty chairs to grieve over during the next Advent and Christmas seasons.

Advent can be a very lonely and depressing time for many. The world thinks we should be happy, happy, happy; so smiles mask the emptiness and sadness; because that is what is expected, by the world around us.

Advent, is indeed a time for hope. But, there is little hope if we expect the world to give us answers. The only hope to be found is in the good shepherd. He is humble and he is kind. He is not full of things of this world. His concern is for you. He will care for you. While the world is busy worrying about "things," Jesus is there for  you. He is with you; watching over you. He loves you enough to lay down his life for you. What greater gift can there be than having someone love you so much they would give their all for you?

May God help us to see as the Good Shepherd sees and to live as he lives caring for others enough to be with those who are hurting; those who are alone; those who are in any need, not just this Advent season; but, all year round.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Thanks - Giving

Kaye bringing offerings
of thanks-giving



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

As my husband and I headed out for worship last night, he asked me when Thanksgiving became a Christian holiday. That was the second time someone asked me this year about the purpose of a thanks-giving service on the eve of the Federal holiday of Thanksgiving. The question kind of floors me when I hear it. If we're not giving thanks to God, then who or what? Of course, if we're giving thanks, we ought to be giving it to God. He has cared for us and provided for us abundantly.

The service was led mainly by the choir with "The Holy City" as they helped us to remember, through both spoken and sung words, the things that God has done for us through Jesus that we might obtain the precious gift of eternal life in the Holy City, in the Kingdom of God.

Our thank offerings for the evening included food for our local food pantry at St. Vincent de Paul's in order that others might receive their daily bread and give thanks to the Lord, who is our provider.  Thanksgiving is about giving thanks and; yes, it is also about giving that which was first given us.

The question when did thanksgiving become a Christian holiday does, in fact, kind of stump me. It has always been a time set aside to give thanks for all that God has given us. I did not give much thought to my response to my husband. I just sort of shook my head and told him, "Well, since so few people want to worship and thank God for the gift of Jesus on Christmas morning, we're going to do it on Thanksgiving Eve." We did. Thanks be to God working through the Zion Choir!

May God bless you in your thanks - giving.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Due to the lack of interest in worship on Christmas morning, Zion, as well as many other Christian churches, do not worship on Christmas morning. The congregation does; however, have candle-light Christmas Eve Service both at 6 pm and 11 pm (ends a little after midnight) in order to fulfill my stubborn desire to worship on Christmas morning.

Hebrews 6 - Move Past Elementary Teachings

Hebrews 6 NIV
We have just passed through the season of Lent and those last days that we call Holy Week. Each day we follow the path that led Jesus to the cross and then we watch him die. Each year, during this season I find myself grieving. I am grieved that there seem to be so few who observe this season and learn from it a more complete picture of what Jesus did for us and for our salvation. Each and every year, I grieve for those who have turned away because as the writer to the Hebrews tells us: "To their loss they are crucifying the Son of God all over again and subjecting him to public disgrace." Note that he writes, "to their loss." And... so I grieve over their loss. I grieve that the one who gave his life for us is loved so little and taken so for granted.

We cannot go from Christmas to Easter without something happening in between. Although both great and glorious events, Jesus did much more than be born to a virgin mother and then be born again from the grave. Jesus had a life between birth and resurrection. Let us move beyond these very elementary teaching so that we might understand all that Jesus did for us and why he did it.

May God help us to move beyond just a knowledge and acknowledgement of the glory events and realize the life he lived as true man included a life of loving and humble service. The temptations; the sufferings, the persecution, the execution, he endured were quite inglorious and there was so much more. Let us not subject him to further public disgrace by not moving past the elementary teachings that even the secular world knows.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Romans 15:14-21 NIV Make It Your Ambition To Proclaim the Good News

Romans 15:14-21 NIV
I woke up this morning, mistakenly, thinking that it was Christmas morning. You see, I have a few services to attend today and for me, Christmas day is the day to celebrate Christ's birth. It just seems natural to me to celebrate his birth on Christmas Day. I've never quite adjusted to these early Christmas Eve Services. Something about them just doesn't seem quite right. For one; those who are traveling on Christmas Eve often don't get the opportunity to worship if there are no Christmas Day services. Being the wife of a retired Marine, I, remember many Christmas Eve's traveling and missing out on many Christmas Worship Services because there were none on Christmas Day. Secondly, I've always had the fear that Christmas has become so secularized that people would rather not spend the actual holiday as a Holy Day; but, more in line with the expectations of the world. I've kind of thought that maybe Jesus was taking a backseat on Christmas day.

I, personally, feel like I'm slacking by not sharing the Good News on Christmas Day. For years, I insisted on both an eve and a day service. However, due to lack of attendance; (the organist, usher, and me showed up), I finally acquiesced. Now, I go out and try to visit all of our shut-ins on Christmas Day, so that I am still able to proclaim:

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Isaiah 9:6,7

 

I also insisted that we put in a midnight service to replace the service that had been deleted the following morning. We celebrate Christ's birth at Zion, not only at 6 pm on Christmas Eve; but, also at 11 pm. I have a notion that 11 pm might be closer to the time of Christ's actual birth and the service tends to last into the first minutes of Christmas morning.

Despite my personal preferences, it most probably does not really matter when we actually gather to commemorate Christ's birth. We should all be gathering often not only to commemorate his birth, but his life, his death, his resurrection, and his ascension into the Kingdom that he has prepared for us. In every season and in every place, we should, as St. Paul did, make it our ambition to proclaim the Good News so that those who have never heard will hear and understand. Jesus the Christ was born and lived and died and lives again for you! Enter into his peace.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. As for me, I will celebrate Christ's birth in community today and tomorrow with those who cannot be with us in community this evening. I hope those of you who will gather as community to worship today, will consider doing the same. Merry Christmas!

Romans 15:1-13 Ramblings

Romans 15:1-13
Soon and very soon (like tomorrow night, Christmas Eve) our sanctuaries will be filled with people who have come to praise God. It is a pleasure to see so many "Gentiles" gathered together to glorify His Holy Name.

St. Paul encouraged the followers to lift one another up with endurance; that all would hear what the scriptures would teach us. His hope was that God would give us all "the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice we might glorify God." May it be so, not just on Christmas Eve or Easter morning; but in all times and in all places.

We are given the scriptures so that we might learn who this Jesus is. Hear them. Read them. Study them. We are given the Holy Spirit that we might understand and be empowered to follow this one who came down to earth to save us from ourselves (and each other). Have mercy on one another, as Christ has mercy. Love one another, as Christ loves. Enter this Christmas season with a desire to do go to our neighbors; to live in unity and peace that God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ might be glorified in all that we say and think and do.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Not sure what to title this.... It has been a long night and sadly, I have rambled... Have a peaceful Christmas!

Romans 13:11-14 Son Shine

Romans 13:11-14 NIV
The sun will not be shining here for a couple more hours; but, whether I am ready or not it is time to wake up. I have been sleeping for the better part of the last couple of days. In spite of the antibiotics I don't feel any better this morning than two days ago. Today will be a busy day and I am thinking that after worship, caroling, and a Christmas Party that I might appreciate the light of day a bit more. Maybe, if I got moving in the light of the Son, I will feel better.

The Son shining on and in and through us has a way of reviving us. May God grant that we should all walk in the light of His Son. Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Malachi 1 - Unwanted Fruitcake; God's Offering?

     We have finally come to the last prophet and the last book of the Old Testament. Next week we will begin to read the New Testament. I am relieved in a sense that the many dire warning from God will cease.  Well, no, they will not actually cease.  We are warned over and over again in the New Testament to turn to the LORD and to give God the glory; but, we will see much more grace as we hear about the God who was willing to die for our sakes. We will hear much more of the Good News of God's reign in the Kingdom inherited by us, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
     That is what Malachi, chapter one is about: sacrifice. God is not at all happy with the sacrifices of the people or the priests. They do not bring the first fruits. They bring defiled food. They bring blemished animals to the altar of the LORD. Can you imagine giving God our left-overs? Of course we can! It's like giving God that fruitcake that we got for Christmas, that we didn't want. So, instead of the trash can, you give it to God. The Good News, that we know, is that God, Himself, will provide the unblemished lamb, His only begotten Son, as a sacrifice for us. What we have failed to do, God has done for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

BTW - I love fruitcake!

Zechariah 5 - Problems/Wickedness

I am on vacation; but, no, I did not take a vacation from this Bible Study Blog. It appears that we are missing the days from December 25, 2013 to January 1, 2014. I wrote them, but I also just moved them back over to Jeremiah. Linnea just let me know that somehow after chapter 4 of Zechariah, I jumped back to Jeremiah 5. Guess, I just wanted to stay with this project a year or so longer...! This, I think, is what happens when one leads three evening worship services, gets home at 1 a.m., sleeps for a very few hours, and gets up to focus on anything. I got lost! Forgive me and thank you, Linnea, for helping me to see the problem!

In Zechariah's vision today, the woman sitting in the basket is a major problem! She is "Wickedness." Two angels (women with wings) carry this basket to Babylon (Shinar) to build a house for it. Wickedness is to reside in Babylon, presumably as a punishment for the captivity of God's people.

We all make mistakes. Some can be fixed quite easily; others not so easily. Often, I find myself praying "Please, LORD, let not my mistakes be the cause of trouble or pain for others." On this New Year's Day, let us consider how we will approach this new year. Will we take care not to make mistakes that will damage others?

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. If you want to see what I wrote since Christmas morning 'till now you will have to go back and start at July 14th. There you will find double entries for some of the chapters of Jeremiah :)

Haggai 2 - God Is With You; You Are Not Alone

"'But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘This is what I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt. And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.'" (Haggai 2:4-5 NIV)

The temple is in ruins. The people are complacent. Nothing seems to be as it should be. Yet, the LORD promises the people the blessing of His presence.

It is almost Christmas. Advent is one of my least favorite seasons. It is a time of darkness for many. The sun rises later and sets earlier. The world is running around putting on their happy faces; while, inside hearts are breaking. There is so much loneliness, so much turmoil, so much fear. We simply cannot live up to the standards (maybe just the U.S.?) the world has set for our lifestyles during the pre-Christmas season. We are expected to spend... spend... spend... We are expected to be happy... happy... happy.... Even as we grieve the loss of loved ones... Even as we figure out how to pay the electric or heating bill or pay the rent... Even as we suffer through divorces or other broken relationships... As I visit our many neighbors and am out in the public more, I get to see - I get to feel - the pain and suffering - the need - all around. Suffering, sadness, loneliness are not the exception; they are the norm during the Advent season. How many tears I have encountered as doors are opened to me, I cannot even begin to tell you. There is really nothing I can do to fix it for anyone, except offer Jesus, share His love for you. Yes, there may be some things the church can do, like helping find a means to keep homes heated or pay the rent or provide food so that families are not hungry. But, that alone will not be enough. That will not help the heart-sickness that so many feel. For that kind of suffering there is only one answer - a trusting relationship with our God. There is nothing that I can do except to walk beside you on your journey through these dark days and remind you that the LORD is with you. Do not fear, but trust in the Spirit of Christ who lives among us. 

Do not fear... God is with you... You are not alone...

God's Peace - Pr. J

Micah 5 - Savior Out Of Bethlehem

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
    one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
    from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2 NIV)

The prophecy of the one who would be born in Bethlehem... The people of God looked for and waited for this savior to deliver them - to bring them peace. He is the one whose birth we celebrate on Christmas morning. The Christ child, Jesus, was born in a stable in Bethlehem as God, through Micah, promised. The savior has come. The bringer of peace is here. He came to bring His peace so that the people of God would be one with God and one with one another. The wall that separates would be destroyed as it has been for all who would live and abide in His name, through His death; His resurrection and His ascension.

During this Advent season, we remember how the people longed for this savior to be born. We remember and, as children of God, we prepare for Him to come again in full glory.

Remember always and prepare your hearts for He has come! He is Risen! And... He will come again!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Micah 1 - Mourning For Children

"Shave your head in mourning
    for the children in whom you delight;
make yourself as bald as the vulture,
    for they will go from you into exile." (Micah 1:16 NIV)

Micah, a contemporary of Isaiah, sounds an awful lot like Isaiah. He continues the warning to the people of God that their ways are going to lead them into exile.

It is Advent and at the beginning of every Advent I see depression and other forms of mental illness begin to escalate. Part of that may be due to the lack of sunshine here in the U.P. of Michigan and the fact that the lower temperatures keep people indoors more with much less exercise and sunlight. Part of it; though, I believe is due to the holiday season which does not resemble Holy Days all that much. at all.

As we prepare for Christmas, there is a lot of frustration. People seeking what the world seeks; rather, than seeking a relationship with the Christ, whom we celebrate. There is much financial stress as people feel pressured by society to "buy." There is also much emotional stress as many face a day (season) that is suppose to be cheerful (because the world says so) without a loved one that they have lost and miss grievously. They feel quite alone (exiled) as there is a chair at the table that is empty. There also tends to be a lot more "parties" in December and on into January. For some reason people think they can treat their loneliness and depression with alcohol (or other drugs). Alcohol, my friends, is a depressant. There is only one cure for loneliness and that, my friends is being in a healthy relationship; a relationship with God our Father and our Lord, Jesus Christ and with one another.

Advent is supposedly a time to prepare for the coming of the LORD. But, is that what we do? Or are we busy trying to keep up with the world; ending up depressed; feeling alone and exiled? For many, I am afraid it is the latter.

What are we teaching our children? Where are we leading them? Into loneliness? Depression? Exile from the relationship that God intends them to have with Him and His whole household?

It is probably past time, to join Micah in lamenting for our children. It is past time to start asking ourselves: What have we done? What have we left undone that would have brought them peace?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 17 - Remembering and Fasting

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife." (Prov 17:1 NIV)

Lots of words of wisdom that, if followed, will help us to have peaceful, pleasant lives. Since, it is Holy Week and today is Good Friday, a day of fasting and mourning, I want to reflect a bit on the partying that Christians participate in on holydays. That was not a typo. I intended it. Holidays in many parts of the world are a time for partying, for feasting and not for reflecting what our LORD has done for us throughout the ages.

When I grew up, holydays, like Christmas and Easter were filled with a lot of alcohol and not just in my family, but a good majority of the community celebrated with feasting which ended up in strife. From observation, I have seen that this practice has not diminished.

Yesterday, was Maundy Thursday. We remembered the Passover. We remembered how the LORD delivered Israel. We remembered how the LORD was betrayed and in His last hours gave to His followers the Sacrament of Holy Communion - His Body and Blood. This morning, we remember that Peter, as he sat in the darkness around a fire, denied Him to save His own skin. Today, we remember that Jesus gave His life for us so that we might live abundantly in His presence, eternally. Tomorrow, is the Vigil of Easter, when once again, we remember how God has delivered His people, as we await the celebration of His resurrection.  That is something to be celebrated! Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, are not times for feasting that may well end up in strife. It is a time for celebration as we remember and give thanks to God for all that He has done.

Today and tomorrow, would be well spent, quietly remembering and fasting, with service to God and neighbor. It would be a misuse of the holy days to be indulging and feasting. You might be able to block out the fact that Jesus died for us because we are miserable sinners with alcohol and drugs, but it doesn't change the facts. He died for you. He died for me. He had to. We cannot save ourselves. Jesus' life was given that we might live. Today we honor and give thanks to the one who would give us such a life giving gift.

"Better a dry crust with peace and quiet than a house full of feasting, with strife."

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 96 - Praising God For Completed Annual Reports

"Sing to the LORD, praise his name!" (vs 2 NIV) 

Today is a marvelous day.  January tends to be one of the most tiring months for me. There is so little sunlight up here and it is usually really cold.  But, so far we haven't had any frozen water pipes.  Thanks be to God! 

January is that full month after the Advent and celebration of Christmas and before we begin Lent.  One would think we would slow down and take a break at the church.  One would think that I might get to hibernate - like an old bear - crawl into a hole and hibernate for a couple of weeks.  But, no.  January is tends to be even busier and more hectic than either Advent or Lent.  It is the month that all the annual reports have to be done.  They are due to the congregation this Sunday.  And... here's the good news!  I am down to filling out the total expenses for the year 2012 in the Budget Report.  Then that's it.  The office secretary will finish it up on Friday and everyone will have them on Sunday morning when the come to Worship.  Thanks be to God!  I sing to the LORD and praise His name for it is almost finished for another year!

It is not the annual meeting that is difficult. We always have an awesome turn-out for the meeting and for the pot-luck fellowship following.  It is the preparation for the meeting that is so very time consuming. I am a very poor proof-reader so I am constantly wondering what it is that I am missing.  Thanks be to God for a council secretary who is a great proof-reader and has a better memory than mine!  She is able to catch my and everyone else's mistakes and omissions before they go to print.

Today, I give thanks to God and praise His name, for my part of these reports will be done before noon. No matter what the season, there is always something to be thankful for.  God has given us many precious gifts to enjoy even in this world.  So sing always to the LORD, praising His Holy Name. "Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among the peoples." (vs 3)

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Psalm 43 - Grief

"Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?" (vs 2 NIV)

Have you ever felt totally depressed and can't really figure out why?  Grief comes in lots of forms and for many reasons.  The most common reason for grief is the death of someone we love.  But, there are lots of other reasons.  One, which we often fail to recognize, is the loss of a relationship.  Sometimes, that loss is through a divorce.  Thanks to that wonderful thing called denial, we don't often recognize the depression that we sink into as grief.  After all, are we not better off?  The marriage, the relationship, was broken.  It was totally dysfunctional.  Shouldn't we be relieved? 

Children are left grieving the loss of family when parents separate.  Divorces are not the only broken relationships that leave us grieving.  It could be that we've had a major disagreement with a close friend - a disagreement that leaves us not speaking to one another. And... there is a whole list of other things, besides family and friends, that, when gone, will leave us in grief.  The loss of a job, our home, safety, as well as any material object can leave us grieving and in many cases we won't even realize that we grieving for them  But, the loss will leave us feeling depressed, lost in the darkness, and alone.

We are coming into the season of Advent as we prepare for Christmas.  For those who are already experiencing grief, this season does not help.  While the world expects everyone to be happy, happy, happy; those grieving either retreat into a shell or put on a happy face for their family and friends, while they feel like they are dying inside.   

There are many reasons that one might be grieving. It is not something we should be ignoring. The first step is to recognize that, in fact, you are very sad over your loss or maybe it is someone whom you love that you need to recognize is grieving and allow them to share, to talk about their grief with you.  I have found it all too common, that after the funeral or divorce, nobody wants to hear, nobody will listen.  There is nobody to share your burden with.  Unfortunately, for some, in this world, that is a reality.  There is no place to turn except to Jesus.  He can be trusted with you burden.  He already has.  We may not always understand why or what we are grieving.  But, we can always trust in the LORD to help us through, one day at a time.

"Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (vs 5)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Job 22 - Search Our Own Heart

Eliphaz makes some very good points here.  But, we don't know Job.  Even if we were there, we wouldn't truly know Job. Like Eliphaz, it's not our place to figure out why Job is enduring such hardship, but to help him in his time of need.  It not our place to judge Job.  We can't know Job, what is in his heart.  But, we can know ourselves.  Do we demand interest from our relatives, adding hardship to hardship?  Do we leave the hungry without food and the thirsty without water?  How are we treating the widow and orphan these days?  How are we helping?  How are we hindering?

At Zion, our annual Toys 4 Tots Concert will be held on the last Sunday of October.  We have so much fun at it - bringing toys and raising funds so that all of the children of Baraga County (one of the counties with highest unemployment in the country) will receive gifts this Christmas.  This will be our 10th Concert for the children.  In all that time, I have never seen or heard of any strife coming out of the concert or in the organizing of it.  It is, for those who participate (the music is great!) and attend, a joy to be able to reach out and give to the children. 

As we search our own hearts, and maybe our pasts.  When was it that you were most happy?  In giving?  In reaching out to others?  Or in serving yourself? It is not in our job descriptions to judge our neighbors.  We can only search our own hearts and following in the footsteps of Jesus reach out to our neighbors in need.

"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."  (Matt 35:36 NIV)

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Days for Reviewing and Remembering

Deuteronomy 16

Moses reviews the various celebrations and festivals that are to be kept in chapter 16.  Everyone was required to attend these festivals and some of them lasted for many days. 

Yesterday, I reviewed with some of our members the ritual that we have been keeping of "chalking the door" at the beginning of the New Year.  It will not be taking place on Epiphany simply because that festival is largely ignored in the church.  Epiphany lands on a Friday this year.  Now how many Lutherans do you think are going to show up for worship on a Friday?  So, we "chalk the door" and ask God to bless the sanctuary on the Sunday prior to Ephiphany, which just happens to be New Years Day this year.  I've also never quite understood how it has happened that in so many places we give gifts on Christmas day rather than on Epiphany in remembrance of the gifts that the wise men brought to Jesus.  Now, of course, none of these things have been required of us, by God, to be observed.   However; that being said, all these festival and holy days in the church year are reminders, opportunities to review, and to celebrate and give thanks for all that God has done for us. 

The church (at least in the U.S.) over the years has largely forgotten the church year and what each holy day is all about.  During Advent, we sing Christmas carols, forgetting that Advent is a time of waiting and preparation for the Lord's coming.  Our attendance at Worship on Christmas Eve, sky rockets as people make what they consider one of the 2 annual obligations to worship.  But, for the last couple of years, the council voted to not have a Worship Service on Christmas Day because other than me, only those who are serving during worship were attending.  This year we will have one service (rather than 2) on Christmas day because it lands on a Sunday. Christmas, I am told, is for families.   In speaking with our Sunday School children a couple of weeks ago, it was decided that we should celebrate Jesus' birthday with a birthday cake after Worship on Christmas Day this year to celebrate our brother, Jesus', birthday.  Children know how to have parties and so we will celebrate "family style" with a birthday cake. 

Easter is the other big holy day, which people tend not to neglect.  But, again, the season preceding Easter is often neglected.  During Lent, as well as Advent, we have Worship also on Wednesdays.  Attendance on Wednesdays is usually the same faithful people who gather to remember and thank God for all that He has done for us on Sundays.  I thank God for these faithful children of God.  But, during Holy Week, very few come to hear the story of Christ's passion.  It always causes me to wonder how small the remnant might actually be.  I wonder what people are really celebrating on Easter morning if they haven't been with us to review the events of at least Good Friday. 

So, I find myself often reminding people what these various holy days are all about.  I particularly love Trinity Sunday when I pull out the Athanasian Creed.  I think it is important for people to remember what it is that we, as Lutheran Christians, believe.  We need to remember who God is.  As it seems, it is not only I who has the short memory. 

May God bring to your remembrance where you have been.  May He help you to always remember that He is the one that has brought you out of bondage and given you new life through Jesus Christ, our Lord by the power of the Holy Spirit.