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

The Lord Is My Shepherd and King

What's so good about a shepherd king? That was the theme for our Advent Service last night. What's so good about having a king that knows how to lead their flock? Everything. The ability to lead others even through the darkest shadows of the valley of death is a very important trait for someone who would be king or maybe president. The ability to protect and comfort them when times are troubling is an awesome trait for a ruler.

David was a good shepherd and a great king. But, we have one who is even greater. He is the King of Kings. He looks after us as only a good shepherd can. He will reign forever over us.

The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever.

Psalm 23

 

What's so good about a king who is also an experienced shepherd? Everything!

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

The Lord Looks At The Heart

"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.'" 1 Samuel 16:7

When the Lord sent Samuel to anoint the next king over Israel, Samuel saw the stature of Eliab and thought for sure this one must be the one. But, the Lord let him know that He had not chosen the next king of Israel by his outward appearance. In the end, it was Jesse's youngest son, just a shepherd in the field, who was called to be anointed to be the next king.

In the spring when the dandelions begin to bloom, my husband is in a hurry to get rid of them. I see the yellow blossoms as doing no harm. They are a sign of spring and I enjoy their presence in my yard. We each have a different perspective on what we see or hear. We see things differently. My husband sees weeds. I see flowers; a gift from God that are, in fact, consumable.

God see things a whole lot differently than we do. So what does God see when He looks into our hearts? Our neighbors may see our hearts as dark as the night. But, what does God see? Does he see a child in pain who has not yet learned how to deal with life around him? Does he see a heart that is aching for only the peace that He can give? 

No one; but, God, can know what is truly in the heart of another person. Whether good or evil; whether a weed or a flower, only God can know for sure.

Who knows? The next weed that you try to destroy just might be a treasured flower; a beloved and chosen child of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 2:22-47 Change

Acts 2:22-47 NIV
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, the Apostles proclaimed the Good News that Jesus was the Messiah, the one whom David had prophesied would come. Peter warned them to save themselves from the corrupt generation. The multitude heard all of this. Many received the good news of salvation through Jesus and repented of their sins. 3000 were baptized that day.

I have said it myself, even as I have heard it thousands of times: "Change doesn't happen over night." Yet, these 3000 changed in one day. They believed and their lives were turned around. They wanted to lead a new life in Christ. And, so they did... They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. They were filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They met together daily, breaking bread together, praising God, and the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

If we are going to try to change ourselves, without the help of God, it indeed may take a very long time and it may never happen. But, with the help of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can be changed even in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye. Repent and live life as a member of the family of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. Join us in a couple of hours as we break bread together and praise the LORD!

Matthew 26:1-13 - Mary's Anoints the King

I have, on at least one occasion, considered pouring anointing oil over the head of a loved one, when they really frustrated me, thinking that just maybe the "anointing" might have a positive effect. Don't worry, the thought flashed in and out of my mind quite quickly. No one, that I know, would appreciate having oil or perfume poured over their heads. They just wouldn't be able to put such a good construction on it as Jesus did when Mary anointed his head with oil at dinner.

In exuberant love, possibly, maybe most probably, inspired by the Holy Spirit, Mary anoints Jesus' head with very expensive perfume. The disciples reacted, as I would, "why are you wasting money like that?" But, Jesus, loves Mary and he knows that Mary loves him. He receives this gift graciously and tells the disciples: "When she poured this perfume on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial." (Matt 26:12 NIV) This was two days before the Passover, when he would eat his last supper, with his disciples. It was three days before his death and burial. There will be no time for Jesus' body to be anointed for burial as his body will be placed in the tomb quickly before the Sabbath begins on Friday eve. There will be no anointing, after his death, because he will rise from the grave before the women can get there on Sunday morning. So, this is it. This is his anointing for burial. I'm pretty sure Mary did not understand the overall implications of what she was doing. Love had guided her to anoint Jesus. Just as King David, generations before him, had been anointed by Samuel; the one who was least expected to be King; was anointed the King. No one, not even the disciples, that day, could begin to fathom the true Kingship of the one they followed.

Things happen. Sometimes, they don't seem or look right to us. But, remember, always, that God has a plan - a good plan... So be careful when you decide to judge something. Not everything is as it seems.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Matthew 22:41-46 - Figure It Out!

While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?”
“The son of David,” they replied.
He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says,

“‘The Lord said to my Lord:
    “Sit at my right hand
until I put your enemies
    under your feet.”’

If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” No one could say a word in reply, and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.  (Matt 22:41-46 NIV)

They had tried, on more than one occasion, to trip up Jesus. They had tried to catch him blaspheming. But, with no success. Now, it Jesus' turn. "Figure it out, guys! If the Messiah is the son of David, why does David call him Lord?" Why did the Lord say of this descendant of David that all his enemies will be put under his feet? (Psalm 110:1) Why did the Lord promise to make this son of David a priest in the order of Melchizedek? (Psalm 110:4) There was no response from the  Pharisees. Jesus is the Lord!

One thing I can say for the Pharisees: they knew the scriptures and they knew that there was no further place to go in this debate. Reading and knowing the Holy Scriptures is definitely a worthwhile project if we are going to be discussing and debating who or what the LORD is or does or has done.
Happy reading....!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Matthew 21:1-11 - Save Us, We Pray

“Hosanna to the Son of David!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Hosanna in the highest heaven!” (Matt 21:9 NIV)

As I was reading this morning's scripture verses, I wondered what exactly the word Hosanna meant. I know that it is used by us and was used by the people in the story of Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem as a shout of acclamation and praise. But, what does the word actually mean? So, I googled. The definitions included pray and save, which didn't help me much. That just didn't seem to fit in to the context of the acclamations of praise. I finally ran across this [Old English osanna, via Late Latin from Greek, from Hebrew hōshi `āh nnā save now, we pray] at http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hosanna . This ordering of words helped me to understand the word, hosanna, a bit better. "Save now, we pray, Son of David! Save now, we pray, in the highest heaven."

It was within the week that Jesus accomplished this life giving, life giving act of salvation that they people prayed for. It was within that very week that Jesus died for us.

May the God of peace, save us we pray, through Jesus Christ our Lord.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Amos 9 - God's Promise Thru Amos

After many warnings of destruction to those who do not listen to God, Amos ends with a promise.

“In that day

'I will restore David’s fallen shelter—
    I will repair its broken walls
    and restore its ruins—
    and will rebuild it as it used to be,
so that they may possess the remnant of Edom
    and all the nations that bear my name,^'
declares the Lord, who will do these things.

'The days are coming,' declares the Lord,

'when the reaper will be overtaken by the plowman
    and the planter by the one treading grapes.
New wine will drip from the mountains
    and flow from all the hills,
    and I will bring my people Israel back from exile.'" (Amos 9:11:14 NIV)

 

God's awesome promises - the Good News of His Kingdom - is for all nations who will bear His name. Shall we then bear His Holy Name - proclaim it to all people - that all might live in His loving grace?

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 132 - Sing Songs of Joy

We make promises to others from time to time.

David swore an oath to the LORD. He swore to "find a place for the LORD, a swelling for the Mighty One of Jacob." (Psalm 132:4-5) The LORD swore an oath to David, a sure oath that he will not revoke. (132:11 ) He has chosen David and David's descendants. He has chosen Zion. He has promised to bless her faithful people. (vs 16)

 

Notice that the LORD will cause Zion's faithful people to ever sing for joy. It is those who trust the LORD who have reason to sing songs of joy. We sing songs of joy because we know that the LORD is with us and for us. We sing songs of joy because we know the LORD.

 

No matter what you may encounter or where your journey takes you, may you always sing songs of joy unto the LORD in thanksgiving for His presence with you.

 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 72 - Conclusion of David's Prayers

"This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse." (Psalm 72:20 NIV)

Yes!  This concludes the prayers of David.  It's been a reminder that God hears those who are persistent in their prayers.  But, I have to say, I was getting a bit worn by all this begging. As I read the last verse, I was reminded of the story from Luke 18 about the unjust judge and the persistent widow.  She kept going back and begging the judge for justice against her adversary, until he finally relented.  "And the Lord said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night? Will he keep putting them off?  I tell you, he will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 17:6-8)  

David, the son of Jesse, was definitely persistent in his prayers.  The LORD sure has more patience than I do.  I would have gotten tired of him begging for justice long before just so I wouldn't have to listen to him.

But, today is Christmas Eve, and the answer to all the prayers is about to be celebrated!  The King above all kings, the Savior of humankind, God incarnate, born in a stable to answer the prayers who call upon His name.

Have a blessed Christmas Eve and may the peace of the LORD be with you through this Holy Night. Pr. J

Psalm 38 - You Are Forgiven!

David is a sinner.  His guilt lays heavy on his heart. He confesses his iniquity.  He is genuinely sorry for his sins against God.

We, too, are sinners. When the guilt lays heavy upon our hearts it behooves us to turn to the LORD, confess our sins, and receive the forgiveness that God has so freely bestowed upon us through our Saviour, Jesus the Christ.

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

I have often been asked if I hear confessions.  Of course I do!  There are some who think that their confessions should be private and only between them and God.  Confession, with your Pastor remains private, always.  (If it is not - find a new confessor) Sometimes, it is necessary, when our guilt seems to overwhelm us and we are unable to forgive ourselves, that we are able to speak aloud our sins and hear the declaration that God forgives you.  For the sake of His Son, you are forgiven. 

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

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 18 - What Faith!

What faith!  What confidence, the writer of Psalm 18 has in the LORD! 

If only we could all trust in Him as David does.  David is totally confident that God is his fortress and his deliverer.  God is his rock!  Trusting in the LORD, David declares all this and what is more, David declares his love for the LORD.  He praises God.

Just wondering what would happen if for just one day, every Christian would stand up and boldly declare their love of the LORD.  What would happen if, for just one day, every one who professes to be a follower of Jesus, would truly trust Him and not themselves for their salvation?  What would happen if we called out in distress, and knew (absolutely knew) that God would deliver us?

We can know this.  But, do we really believe it?  What would happen?  How would this change not only our own lives, but the world?

May the one who can make the earth tremble and shake the very foundations of the mountains, help us to understand and to truely believe that He is the God of our salvation.  There is no other.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 3 - Prayer of Protection

David prays for deliverance from his enemies.  He is confident that the LORD will deliver him.

A confession that I often hear is that someone feels guilty for praying that their enemies be stopped in their tracks, no matter what that entails.  They feel guilty about this kind of prayer.  As we read through Psalms, we're going to find that David, God's chosen, prays this type of prayer quite a bit.

There are a lot of foes that will try to put an end to the work of the LORD through His servants.  It is, I think, quite appropriate to pray for protection that His work be continued through us. 

One thing that I would remind us all of, though, is that even as we might be praying that our enemies might be stopped, they may well be praying that we be stopped in our tracks, as well.  And... God may answer.  None of us are without sin.  Ask yourself, who really is the enemy of the LORD here?  Is it I or those who oppose me?

May God deliver and continue to sustain us both night and day. May His blessing be upon His people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Nehemiah 13 - Giving Way To The Adversary

I remember writing a blog some time ago, titled "Keep Your Friends Close, Enemies Closer."  It was about David's kindness to Mephibosheth from 2 Samuel.  The thing to remember is that keeping them closer is with the hopes of knowing their strategy against you, if they have one, and to maybe open their hearts and minds to another way of being through love and generosity. However, the point is not to let them run you over, control your life, or change your heart and mind.  If mingling with the adversary means that you are going to allow a change in your lifestyle so that God is not honored, that His will is not followed, then you probably should really look at the people you are associating with.

Eliashib, the high priest has given space in the temple courts to the adversary, Tobiah, to live.  Tobiah is not a priest.  He doesn't appear to be a Levite.  Tobiah does everything in his power to thwart the attempts to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.  Yet, he is so close that it is apparent that at least he knows about keeping your friends close and enemies closer.  The Israelites, it appears, are still straying.  They are not keeping the Sabbath!  In fact, they are profaning it. 

But, God has sent Nehemiah, to remind them and, with a firm voice and hand, to guide them in the way that they should be going.  In the end, God's will is done.  But, by compromising with the adversary, all could have been lost. 

The safest way to know God's will is to actually read the Holy Scriptures.  Whenever the priests or prophets would read the scriptures, the hearts of the people would turn once again to God.  If you're going to consort with the enemy, it's kind of good - actually, it is necessary - to know God's will and that, my friend, comes from His Word.  Stand firm.  Be strong in the LORD.  Take up the sword of the Spirit, which is His Word.  (Eph 6:17)

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom to Serve

It wasn't too long ago, that I was at a Bible study trying to recall what happened to the Tent of the Meeting that the Israelites had carried around for so many years.  I just could not remember what happened to it once the Israelites went to their apportioned lands.  My memory has never been too good and isn't getting any better as the days pass.  I just keep studying and praying that I will remember at least a good portion of what I read.

Well, here we find the original tabernacle.  Solomon has gone to the Tent of the Meeting at the high place at Gibeon.  He makes offerings to the LORD and God appears to him, asking Solomon what He should give him.  Solomon asks for wisdom and knowledge so that he might lead the numerous people that God has given him.  God grants Solomon's request and commends him for not being selfish.

This is just an outstanding transition from 1 Chronicles to 2 Chronicles.  In the last chapter of 1 Chronicles we have David bequeathing hundreds of thousands of pounds of gold and silver to the building of God's house and in this first chapter of 2 Chronicles, we have his son, Solomon, not requesting riches or anything else for himself.  Solomon asks only to lead God's people with wisdom and knowledge.  God grants this request; and in addition, blesses him with great wealth and honor.

This is really some good stuff for anyone who is struggling with what stewardship actually is.  Good stewards will understand that the gifts given to us, by God, are not to be for our own glory, but are to be used, by us, in service to both God and others (our neighbors). 

Neither, David or Solomon were without fault.  But, within their hearts ws the desire to serve and honor the LORD and God knew that.  He knows what is in each of our hearts.  May He create in each of us the desire to be willing servants and wise stewards of all that He has blessed us with.

1 Chronicles 29 - Free-will Offerings

Wow!  I know some stewardship/financial people in my congregation who would love this chapter!  David bequeaths 3000 talents of gold and 7000 thousand talents of silver to the building up of the temple.  And.. the leaders of fathers' houses, leaders of the tribe, the commanders of the troops, and officers of the king's work followed David's lead by giving very generous free-will offerings for the work, as well.  And... David and all the people were exceedingly happy because they had given willing, with whole hearts.  Therefore, David blessed the LORD and thanks Him that they are able to give so willingly.  How is it, he wonders, that they are able to give anything to the LORD? After all, isn't everything God's in the first place?  Isn't it He who gives us every good thing?

We have come to the end of 1 Chronicles.  Solomon, David's son, is made king and David dies with honor and dignity at a good age. 

David's life and his reign has had its ups and down.  Tomorrow we will begin to (maybe) understand the wisdom of Solomon and his leadership.

1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions/Committees

Who and when shall they serve?  David is busy organizing the sons of Aaron for service.  He sets up the various divisions. 

We don't have divisions at Zion.  We have committees.  We have found that committees sometimes can actually hinder growth.  They can hinder service to God as they tend to be closed - that is - only a few people are contributing ideas - energy - etc.  So in an attempt to avail ourselves of more gifts of God, our committees, at Zion, have become intentionally open.  Everyone is welcome in service to God.  One does not even have to be a "voting member" to serve on a committee and if you have something you'd like to do that isn't covered by a committee, if you run the idea through me or the council, it usually doesn't take much to get approval, especially if you're going to volunteer to see it through.

 If one has a gift, we hope and pray that they will use that gift for the glory of God, to assist in our service to Him and to all His people.  We try to use every gift of every member of the "priesthood of believers" here in this place to aid in bringing the good news of the Kingdom to all people. 

Committees also come and go at Zion, according to the needs as well as the gifts of the people.  If someone has something to offer, we try very hard to find a way for them to use their gift.  For the summer months this year, I have been asking our children to help me with the prayers of the church.  For those who show up early enough to read through them and want to, they are given prayer petitions to pray during the prayers of the church.  They join me, kneeling at the altar, as we lead the congregation in confessing our faith with the Apostle's Creed, followed by the prayers of the church.  Some of them also offer to receive the offering.  Their request to serve is allowed.

All of God's children are encouraged to use their time, talents, gifts in service to God and to one another.  We're not real organized about it.  We just kind of follow the lead of the Spirit and allow and even encourage spontaneity and change.

1 Chronicles 22-David Prepares Solomon To Serve

Although David is not allowed to build the temple for the LORD, because of all the blood that he has shed; David gathers together workers and supplies so that when he dies his son will be able to begin to build it.  He prepares Solomon to serve the LORD by reminding him that the LORD will be with him in this endeavor, granting him peace and quiet, as he does the will of the LORD.

God has a purpose for each of us.  He gives each of us gifts that His purpose might be completed through each of us.  One gets to clear the way, another gets to build in it, and; yet, another gets to add even more to the beginnings that were made by others.  Life is a journey and it's not just our journey.  The journey was begun by others before us and what was built or begun by them has been added to by others.  All, according to God's good purpose; all for His glory. 

Often, I hear that older people (especially Lutherans) don't like change.  I find that laughable!  We have members in our congregations who will read this blog on their computers this morning; who grew up in homes without computers or television.  They did not have telephones in the homes they grew up in.  Some did not have electricity or refrigeration (without ice cut from Lake Superior in the winter) in their childhood homes.  Not like change?  That's absurd!  They have seen many changes in their lives.  They know that those changes did not hinder their lives; rather they have welcomed them. 

It is seniors who give me some of the best advise when it comes to changes that we might want to consider in things relating to the church community - changes that will enhance our lives together in Christ - changes that will prepare our children to build on what has been started here in these decades. 

And... so as David prepared for his son, Solomon, to build the temple of the LORD, we prepare for our children and for their future service to the LORD.  We prepare them for building on what has been started here according to God's will; all for His glory.

1 Chronicles 21 - Counting People

David wants a census and there are some pretty dire consequences Israel is facing because of it.  Passages like this cause me a bit of concern.  The visible church counts people!  I'm not sure why we do.  There are a few possible reasons.  They have more to do with this kingdom; rather than the Kingdom of God.
    1.  Various denominations, that we might belong to, require us to turn in our numbers annually so that they can count their growth.
    2.  The states (countries) we reside in may require it as a part of our being registered as non-profit entitites.  Oh, you thought only churches in "other" countries had to be registered?  What would we call it then when we become non-profit entities in our respective states?  Are we not registering - asking permission to be the visible church?  How many building permits and health permits and other permits do we apply for in order to worship and fellowship together?
    3.  To adhere to our constitutions (required by states) we normally have set up guidelines to "count" our voting members.
    4.  And last of all, but not necessarily the least (or the worst excuse) is the fact that we count, we take a census, regularly (most churches every Sunday) in order to measure growth or loss.  If the growth is good - then we might begin to sit back a bit as we laud our "good work."  If instead of growth, we are seeing a loss, we gather together to try to figure out a way to make the census grow.  We come up with grand schemes to do "evangelism," which often isn't evangelism (proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus the Christ); rather we plan gimmicks to help our numbers grow a bit so that our offerings will sustain the visibility of the Christian community (in other words the church building) wherever we are.

I like numbers.  I am a counter.  Often, I feel guilty about it; but, I keep right on doing it.  I try hard not to let the counting effect my ministry, what I do or how I do it.  At Zion, we've intentionally set up a system - sort of (I'm not sure God likes systems or trying to work around what He might not approve of).  We do not focus on making "members" of the congregation.  We focus on discipling.  We focus on sharing Jesus with others.  We focus on feeding God's sheep - whether they are a member of this congregation, another, or no congregation.  We minister to anyone and everyone - inside and/or outside of the church.  We have people who have worshipped with us and have been members of the "Body of Christ" for years, but they have never "legally" joined the church.  We don't care!   It is not about the census.  It is more about being family - children of a heavenly Father, brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ our Lord.  

No matter whether our numbers are up or down, all glory belongs to God.  I think that was a main point in this story with David.  Trust God.  Don't worry about the census.  God provides the growth.  And.. when David counts in spite of advise against it; David and all of Israel receives God's mercy.  Thanks be to God for His mercy is great. 

1 Chronicles 20 - More Bullies

Seems I get to talk about big bullies, again, today. 

There was man of great stature, who had six fingers on each hand and six toes on each foot.  He was descended from the giants.  Just a little intimidating!  David's brother, Jonathan, struck him down when he taunted Israel.

I am only 5'1" and shrinking... Years ago, I had this boss who was an ex-pro-football player.  He was quite intimidating to many, especially to many of the youth at the correctional facility we worked at.  I was told that his stature was quite large.  I always thought he was pretty average.  Others saw him as a larger than life football player.  I never saw him that way (for one thing - I'm not into football).  I always saw him as pretty average.  I remember talking to him about his over-use of assertiveness (he was my boss - but he was also a bully) when dealing with the teenage boys we were suppose to be helping.  He was sitting at his desk.  I was standing in front of it, looking down at him.  He didn't seem so large to me.  His bullishness didn't work for too much longer.  He lost his job not long after that, for excessive use of force with one of the teens.  Bullies really don't win.  They may appear to have the upperhand for awhile.  But, they are really smaller in stature than one would think and they normally lose in the end.

May God help us always to remember that it is not size that matters, but what is right in His eyes.  May God help those who resort to bullying live in peace with their neighbors.