Meet Together Often

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

With Ash Wednesday behind us, we have begun our journey through the Lenten Season to the cross which will culminate at the empty tomb. Who will make this journey with us? Who will gather with us at worship as we struggle with our own crosses as we follow in the footsteps of Jesus to Calvary?

St. Paul admonished the Hebrews, even as we are admonished to not neglect coming together as a community of saints. During Lent many congregations gather together more often (here at Zion on Wednesdays as well as Sundays) to hear God's Word and to worship Him.

May God plant in the hearts of all who would bear the name of Christ the desire to gather more often to worship Him and glorify His Holy Name.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Worship In Spirit And Truth

"God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth." (John 4:24 NRSV)

 

It is not enough to be spiritual as some would say. Personal spirituality can mean a variety of things to a variety of people. It does not tell me anything concrete when someone tells me that they are spiritual. We are all spiritual beings. But, there is only one truth that leads to the Father. What I want to know is if you worship the God who is the truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

 

All these other gods that we concoct for ourselves are not the truth. They will lead us astray. They will divert our path from "The Way." Jesus is the only "Way."

 

Teach us your way, O Lord, that we may walk in your truth; give us undivided hearts to revere your name. Amen (Psalm 86:11)

God's Peace - Pr. J

It Will Be Given You

"Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened." Matt 7:7-8 NRSV

This morning I would really like the Lord to produce a couple of sermons for me. It would be good if I didn't have to focus on writing them; but, that's not how it works. God is not going to send it directly to my printer. I must do some listening, some searching, in order to know what He would have me say at Carol's funeral tomorrow and at worship on Sunday.

God does, indeed, gift us good gifts without our asking. He gave us His only begotten Son without our asking; without our even realizing that we needed him. But, sometimes we must ask in order to for us to be open to hear His word and His will for us. It's not a matter of God not giving them to us freely. It's a matter of whether we are willing to receive them or not.

The older I get, the more I realize that in order to know and do God's will I have to practice the presence of God so that I can hear Him. I have to actively seek Him because my human nature would shut Him out as I attempt to go it alone, without Him. This, I have found, is not a very wise idea. Of course, God is always with me; but, there are times I shut the door on Him and do not listen; do not hear His word or His will. Without Him, I can do nothing good. But, with Him all things are possible.

Search His word and you will find His good will for you and for all people.

"For this purpose he called you through our proclamation of the good news, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ." 2 Thess 2:14

God's Peace - Pr. J

You Are God's Beloved

"But to the one who had told him this, Jesus replied, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” And pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” Matt 12:48-50 NRSV

We had an awesome dinner last night! Brothers and sisters in Christ gathered together to enjoy a simple; but, delicious meal in the church dining area at Zion. After dinner, we, the children of God, gathered in the sanctuary to worship our Lord.

 

I realize that in today's world "family" is not what it use to be. Many rarely sit down for a meal together. So many families never take the time to talk to one another; to listen to their loved ones. These are people we love. Why don't we take the time to fellowship with our families?

 

When you were baptized into Christ; you became a child of God. All who were baptized into the Body of Christ are members of God's family; brothers and sisters; children of our heavenly Father. Let us not neglect to actually be family, in more than name only. 

 

"And let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day approaching." Heb 10:24-25

God's Peace - Pr. J

God Calls Us Beyond Ourselves

I was reminded by a post on facebook this morning how terribly afraid some are of being confronted by God. It is much better to keep the music blaring in our ears and to sleep with the television on than to take a chance that God just might whisper in our ear and call us to follow Jesus. I have often thought that this might also be the reason that there are those who prefer not to worship God by attending worship services even though they claim to be Christians. They may just be afraid that in hearing His Word in the lessons or preaching or even the hymns they may be called to step out beyond their own desires and follow Jesus.

And... we all know where Jesus leads us. He leads us to the cross. He calls us to die to ourselves so that we might live in him and that he might live and reach out to others through us. There is a great possibility that if we take the time to listen to God rather than the world around us that we might just be asked to make a few changes in our lives and no one really wants to do that.

I know that I have quoted Annie Dillard from her book "Teaching a Stone to Talk" in at least a couple of sermons. Thanks to a facebook post, here it is again, especially for those who do not attend worship services because they are afraid that God might call them to a place beyond themselves and they would not be able to return to their old way of living. Yes; indeed, it takes a bit of courage to hear God's Word and actually listen to him.

"It is madness to wear straw hats to church; we should all be wearing crash helmets. Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews. For the sleeping God may wake someday and take offense, or the waking God may draw us out to where we can never return."
 
God's Peace - Pr. J

Football and Christianity; Participant or Observer?

Live Life! Live as an active member
of the Body of Christ. 
 

There is a great difference between a member of a team and an observer.

There are a multitude of Green Bay Packer fans in the Upper Peninsula. There are also a few Lions fans. Note the word fans. People who get to an occasional game or sit on the couch and watch them are fans. They are not Green Bay Packers. They are observers. They are not players. They do not actually participate in the game. They are not members of the team. Most would never dream of claiming that they are a Green Bay Packer or a Lion. They are fans.

However, there are a multitude of people who claim to be Christian even though they never get off the sidelines. In reality they are mere observers or fans of Jesus and not members of the team, which is the Body of Christ. Members work together as a team.

In Christ, we become one Body. But, it seems that some of the parts of the Body are missing in action. Your local congregation misses you. Jesus calls you to worship and serve the Lord as a member of the community of saints.

Members of the Body work and play as a team, with one purpose. If you would be a follower of Jesus then get off of the couch, take up your cross, and follow him, participating in a life of worship and service to God and service to one another.

God's Peace - Pr. J

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.

You Snooze; You Lose

It seems that on Sunday mornings my snooze alarm gets hit more often than on any other day. Oh, I still get up before six; but, it is a temptation. Fortunately, I have a snooze alarm so that when I hit the button, I get a second and third chance if it's needed.

God provides us with many chances or opportunities to love, to worship, and to serve Him as well as to love and serve our neighbors. There comes a time; though, in each of our loves that the opportunities will come to an end. We do not know the day or hour when we will breath our last breath. .

When our children and grandchildren were young and didn't want to get up and moving so that they could participate in some activity, my husband would often tell them: "You snooze; you lose."

Wake up, sleeper. God gives us many opportunities to live life in Christ. We are told that He delays His coming so that we all have the opportunity to turn to Him. But, don't delay. The time is now, not tomorrow. Who knows if there will be a tomorrow, here on earth, for any one of us?

May God help us to grab hold of the opportunities to love and serve the Lord with all our hearts, and souls, and minds; even now.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Holy Is His Name

The First Petition.

Hallowed be Thy name.

What does this mean?--Answer.
God's name is indeed holy in itself; but we pray in this petition that it may become holy among us also.
How is this done?--Answer.
When the Word of God is taught in its truth and purity, and we as the children of God also lead holy lives in accordance with it. To this end help us, dear Father in heaven. But he that teaches and lives otherwise than God's Word teaches profanes the name of God among us. From this preserve us, Heavenly Father.

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

His name is holy. It was so revered by the Israelites that they would not even speak it.

His name is holy and those who worship Him and profess His Holy Name pray and strive to ensure that nothing unholy is done among us that would cheapen and profane His Name.

"Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name."  Psalm 27:12

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 15 Seven Bowls of Wrath

Revelation 15 NIV

Now that's a novel idea: God's wrath. It seems to me that many who say they believe; but, lift up other false god's (priorities) and do not actually worship God have kind of discounted God's wrath.

I know that I am accepted by many as long as I say and do everything to please others. But, when I speak a truth that does not condone worshipping other gods, I am not at all accepted by many. If a word of truth that comes from God through me or others who proclaim His Word is not accepted, then how much less is He accepted as He is? God is not to be mocked. He is more than a benevolent spirit. He is who He is and He will do justice. Justice includes judgment. It includes His wrath as well as His mercy.

John's vision of seven angels about to pour out seven bowls filled with the plagues of God's wrath upon the earth reminds us that those who do not worship Him will endure His wrath even while those who have been victorious through the blood of Christ will praise His Holy Name.

God have mercy upon us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 11:15-19 Seventh Trumpet Sounds

Rev 11:15-19 NIV

The second woe is passed and as the seventh trumpet is sounded.

Unknown voices from heaven and the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God are ecstatic as they proclaim the Kingdom of God. The time for judgment has come and all God's people will revere His name.

Let us fall down and worship the Lord our God before the day comes when the Lord call each of us to His judgment seat.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Rev 6:12-17 6th Seal

Rev 6 12-17 NIV


The sky turned black
and the stars fell to the earth.
Photo: John Arthur Photography

The sixth seal is opened and the earth and skies are shaken. The world as we know is devastated in the face of the wrath of God. Not only are the earth and heavens shaken; but, the people are shaken at the knowledge of the coming of the Lord. They would hide if they could beneath the falling mountains. They would rather be crushed to death than to face the Lord God in the day of His judgment.

John's visions are horrifying to those who do not worship the Lord; to those who know that they have turned their backs on God. There is still time. We know not how much time. Turn to the Lord. Love and serve the Lord, your God, with all your heart and soul and mind. The visions of the end can be terrifying for those who do not worship the one true God. But, for those who do, we know that all things are for the good for those who love Him; for the coming of His Kingdom.

God's Peace - Pr. J
 

Hebrews 10 - Gather Together

Hebrews 10 NIV


Photo of a Maundy Thursday Service. Although, some may
consider too much joy at Worship inappropriate; at Zion, we
encourage God's children of all ages to gather together to
worship and serve the Lord that they might know the
peace and joy that only He can give.

During Holy Week this year I was told by a couple of people that people today just don't care to go to church anymore and that it doesn't mean that they are not Christians. You can be a Christian and not gather together with other Christians. Oh, yeah? How is that really working for you? Do you actually know the peace and joy that comes from a relationship with God and with our brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you live in the reassurance that God is with you or do you live in turmoil, chaos, drama? The author of Hebrews writes: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching." (vs 24-25) Why not give yourself the opportunity to be encouraged by other Christians in your journey of faith?
.
Decades ago, I figured out that if I did not attend public worship at least once a week to worship God and to receive Him in the Word and Sacraments I would become a very ugly person by the end of the week. So ugly, in fact, that I could barely stand myself. I am a sinner. I need to hear what the Lord has done for me and for all people. Without Him I can do nothing good. If I avoided corporate worship; gathering with other Christians to hear God's Word and being reassured that I have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus, the world would see how sinful I can really be. I don't think anyone really wants that.

The gathering together of Christians encourages each of us present to continue in "The Way." Christians are not islands unto themselves. We are joined together by the blood of Christ. We are one in Christ. So what would make anyone think that a Christian can live and continue in "The Way" without the rest of the Body?

I pray that you will consider gathering with the Christians at your local place of worship the next time they meet so that you can be reassured that you are a beloved child of God; a child born, by the blood of Christ who loves you and gave himself for you. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

TItus 1:2 - He is Risen

Titus 1:2 NIV
We are to be eager to live lives that reflect our faith. "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good." (vs 11-13)

He is risen! It is Easter morning. I am looking forward to seeing so many at worship this morning. Lent and especially the Great Three Days can be particularly difficult. Throughout the season I am reminded how unworthy we actually are. This Jesus the Christ suffered greatly for us; yet, over and over again we deny him. We turn our backs on him. We find better things to do than worship and praise him; to proclaim the good news. 

Without his death, we would be lost. We would be doomed for all eternity. Yet, do we remember the death? Do we remember the suffering? Or do we remember him only on Easter morning. He is risen! But, in order to be risen, he first had to die. He could have turned his back on us and not faced the persecution and execution. He could have gone the other way. But, he didn't. He did what was good for you and me. He died. And... yet, he lives and because he lives so shall we!

May God bless us with open ears, hearts, and minds so that we might begin to comprehend all that He has done for us and turn, living lives that will reflect our faith in the one who died and yet lives for us.

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

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!

1 Tim 1:1-2 - Grace, Mercy, Peace

1 Timothy 1:1-2 NIV

Falls River, L'Anse, MI

"Hey, dude!" In years gone by one of my granddaughters would greet me like that. I would remind her that I am not a dude. Regardless, "Hey, dude!" was just another way of saying "good to see you." It is always good to see her, too.

Paul generally begins his letters with a blessing. I sometimes wonder how it would change us; how it would change the world if we would all greet one another with a blessing, with words, like Paul used: "Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I often greet people I haven't seen in awhile with the words, "God's peace." The response is usually just a smile. But, sometimes I get a surprised look like "hey, we're not in church, where did that come from?"

The reality is that except for sharing the peace during worship many of us do not share God's peace or pray God's blessing upon others when we're outside of the "designated" times or places. In fact, I rarely hear anyone talk about Jesus even at the church, unless we're in a group that is designed to do just that. Not long ago, the discipleship group at Zion decided that we needed to try to become more intentional about trying to greet others in a way that would bless others; in a way that would remind them who it is that we worship. We get lots of smiles when we greet others, both inside and outside of the church, with "God's peace be with you."

We're seriously hoping it catches on.

God's Peace - Pr. J 

1 Corinthians 14 NIV Good Order

1 Corinthians 14 NIV
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (vs 40)

Although, it has not happened often, I have had people blurt out a question or a story during the middle of a worship service. The incidents have been rare and they really did not interrupt the service. Seemed a bit odd, but nothing that switched our focus from worshipping.

It appears though that St. Paul had to address too much talking in the church; too many interruptions. There were those who were gifted in speaking in tongues who appear to have been monopolizing the service. There also appears to have been women who were constantly interrupting.

Now there is probably nothing wrong with speaking in tongues during Worship if the service is designed to do that and if everyone is aware of it. However, if there is no one there to interpret so people can hear and understand what God has to say then they are just making noise; noise that switches the focus from God to self. As for asking questions; questions are good. But, often we will find that if we listen long enough and intently enough the question will be answered anyway. If not... you can write it down and ask the pastor or speaker or a friend or your spouse what they meant later.

Paul exhorts us to good order when we gather together to worship God. Worship is not about the individual. It's about God. Whenever we do or say something during worship it should glorify God, not us. Speaking out of turn in any language is distracting. It turns the focus away from God to the individual. That goes not just for talking out of turn; but, for things we would add to or take away from the service. I have actually had people question why we pray the Lord's prayer at every service instead of letting the Holy Spirit guide our prayers. They thought the Lord's Prayer was too rote. Some of you may get that question. Some may not. I frankly didn't understand why anyone who professed to be a Lutheran Christian would even ask the question. Not long ago, I worshipped with a mission congregation. The first words in the sermon reminded us to "not mess with the liturgy." The pastor said that we should not mess with the liturgy because even when the pastor totally messes up the sermon (and we surely can at times when our egos or certain personal agendas take over) the liturgy feeds the people because it is the word of God.

So, for us Lutherans, we (most of us, at least) stick with the liturgy. We stick with good order in the service of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Missing You

1 Corinthians 1:1-9
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I will be attending worship at Faith Lutheran in Beaufort, SC. I have had occasion to worship there before. It is a mission congregation of the LCMS. I always try to attend worship when I am not at home. But, even though it is only a couple of times a year that I am away, I always miss my own congregation. The people at Zion who have been called into fellowship with God through our Lord Jesus Christ are warm and welcoming. I have known and served with them for many years. Even as God is faithful to them; they are eager to be faithful to Him.

God's peace - Pr. J

Romans 16:1-16 Greet One Another With A Holy Kiss

Romans 16:1-16 NIV
Paul commends both men and women to the church at Rome; to work with and assist Phoebe in her ministry and to greet other servants of the Lord.

Greet one another with a holy kiss, he tells them. I am a hugger and a kisser. I have gotten pretty good at refraining from hugging people without their permission. I have to admit, though, that on rare occasions I sometimes slip and someone gets hugged who probably prefers that I not invade their space.

I remember when the "sharing of the peace" first became popular during Worship Services years ago. Many people were really put off by this "touching." We have come a long way since that time. Sometimes, I wonder if we've gone overboard. My congregation is filled with very welcoming and loving brothers and sisters in Christ. At Zion, the sharing of God's peace among those worshipping can sometimes take up to five minutes even though we are not a large congregation by any means. There are many holy kisses shared. I wonder, at times, if I should put a stop to it. Not! In these words; "God's peace" or "God's peace be with you" we are asking to have peace continue or in some cases to be restored between us. We are essentially asking for or granting absolution for any sins we may have committed against each other. We are asking that any walls that we may have built, knowingly or unknowingly, between us and others in the community, by our words or actions, be torn down and that we be reconciled to one another in Christ Jesus. The physical action that comes in shaking hands or sharing a holy kiss (or hug) can be likened to tearing down the wall between us even as the void between us is breached. By the time the sharing of the peace is accomplished, I am usually standing at the altar waiting; but, I refrain from stopping this display of Christian love and reconciliation. I remind myself that only God knows who in the congregation may need to be reconciled to one another with the peace of God before they receive the Sacrament of Holy Communion. I trust that He is doing that while I wait trying not to hurry His work along.

God's peace be with you all.
Pr. J.

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