Proclamation: The Mission



Yes, indeed, it is all "for the Lord!"

For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,

“I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
    in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.”

And again,

“I will put my trust in him.”

And again,

“Here am I and the children whom God has given me.”

Heb 2:11-13

 

Today we will gather together at our annual meeting. We will review the past year. Even as we do, may God help us to glean, from that information, insight into how best we can serve our God and all of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

 

As we meet this morning let us not just look back; but, forward, considering the mission which God has called us to. We are not a social club. We are a community of saints called by God to proclaim God's name and what He has done and does do for us.

 

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

 

As we plan for the future serving God and our brothers and sisters in Christ, may God help us to remember our mission. According to the mission statement we unanimously approved at an annual meeting a few years ago: Our mission is to proclaim and teach the true word of God; to nurture members in the Faith; to reach out in witness and service, ministering to the community, and to participate in God’s mission throughout the world.

 

May God help us to be fruitful in the mission He has called us to.

 

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

Christian Fellowship

Do not neglect to meet together for encouragement.

"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." Hebrews 10:24-25 NRSV

We gather together to worship God. As we hear the word and receive the Sacrament, the love of God fills us to overflowing. That overflow pours out into the community around us.

Yet, as we reach out to the community around us with the love of God, there are times that we can be emptied pretty quickly. St. Paul warned in this second letter to the Corinthians (6:14) not to be unequally yoked with unbelievers. That does not mean that we should shun unbelievers; for how will they know the love of God if we do not share it with them? However, it does mean that we should make time to gather together with other believers not just at worship, but as often as possible so that we have the opportunity to encourage and support one another in our faith.

May God bless the fellowship of all the saints.

God's Peace - Pr. J

P.S. This was just a reminder to our local community to remember to join us at our back to school picnic in September to fellowship with your brothers and sisters in Christ.

3 John 1 - Joy

3 John 1 NIV

 

I get so excited when I hear about the faithfulness of members of our Christian community here in Baraga County. It does not matter; old or young, they have become like my own children. With St. John, I can say that "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth." (vs 4)

Today is Pentecost Sunday. Four of our young people are affirming their baptisms through the Rite of Confirmation this morning. All four of them have caused me much joy as I've taught and watched them walking in the truth; by putting their faith into action over the years. Their faith is clearly evidenced by the love and concern that they have for God and for others.

Following worship, I will meet with another couple to discuss the baptism of their baby. I look forward to discussing the baptism of their child (our child) into the Body of Christ. I look forward, with joy, to seeing this little girl at worship and Sunday School as she grows.

May God grant all of our children, young and old, the gift of the Holy Spirit; the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord, the spirit of joy in His presence, now and forevermore.

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 John 1 - Empty the Trash

1 John 1 NIV
Every Sunday, we are reminded during confession that if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. Then following confession, we hear that our sins are forgiven. We are cleansed of our sins by the blood of Jesus Christ. Christians are well aware that we are "simul justus et peccator," both saint and sinner. We do not always do what we know we ought to be doing. But, we also know as we confess our sins that we are forgiven.

It is truly frustrating for me to hear someone's confession and the confession ends up sounding more like they are confessing for someone else. There are some who simply cannot 'fess up. They are always right and everyone else is wrong. They will not confess their own sins. Rather, they end up confessing the sins of others. I'm not sure how they think this is working for them. There are times when I long to be back working within the correctional system again. There they have already been convicted of their sins and many are eager to be absolved of their sins. But, within the community of those baptized into the church, I often see attempts to cover sins committed by blaming someone else or flat out lying about what one did or didn't do. If we truly want to be cleansed of our sins, we first have to admit that we are sinners.

My granddaughter helped me clean the house yesterday. Trash cans were washed. But, before one can be washed; you first have to take out the trash.

"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us." (vss 8-10)

Help us, Lord, to recognize our sin that we might repent; turn to You.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Colossians 1 Life In This World Is Short

Colossians 1 NIV

From my Community of Saints file (2012)... Some of our
awesome young people, for whom I am always thankful,
on a multi-generational 4-wheel trip into the mountains.

Yesterday was a very sad day. I had no sooner walked through the doors to officiate at the funeral of one friend and follower of Jesus when I heard that another had just died. I have given thanks and prayed for both of them often over the years. I will miss the fellowship and partnership in the gospel of both. I am consoled only in the knowledge that according to their individual gifts they were both vessels of Christ's love and truth. I am consoled that they were rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into the Kingdom of the Son, through the Son. It was and is a sad day to lose such friends and fellow servants of God. But, even while I grieve, I am most thankful for having had the opportunity to share their lives in Christ; to walk with them on their journey, for a time. 

Yesterday was a sure reminder to me that our time on earth is not permanent. We are temporary residents of this place. We have only a short time to do what we are called to do and then we are called home. When I woke up yesterday morning, the power was off in my home. I reset the breaker switch not knowing what set it off. Following the funeral, my husband and I came home to figure out why the breaker had tripped and why the kitchen light was not working (the bulb was not burned). Close examination revealed scorched areas on paneling and ceiling. What had tripped the breaker switch had been an electrical fire within the wall and ceiling of my kitchen. Somehow the fire had gone out on its own. It burned only a small area; but, there was enough damage that one wall had to be torn out in order to replace wires that had melted. I had slept soundly through the night. It was yet another reminder that life in this world can come to an end when we least expect it and then we go home. But, while we are here we ought to be using our time wisely, doing what God has called us to do; bearing fruit in Christ so that others may know God's grace and also enter into the Kingdom of the Son.

Paul appreciates and is thankful for the work of Epaphras, his fellow servant in Christ, to the Thessalonians. God does not work through Paul alone. He does not work through any of us alone. We serve together faithfully and joyfully, giving thanks for the partnership of all the saints who would reveal the mysteries of God; proclaiming the good news of eternal life in the Kingdom of God, whose doors have been opened for us through His own Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

I give thanks for having been partners in Christ with both Richard and Alta. Let us not neglect to give thanks always for the faithful partnership we have with others in Christ Jesus. May God grant us the time to let them know that we appreciate their walk in the way of the Lord with us.

Life is short - live it well for the sake of the gospel - live it in such a way that others may come to know Christ - live it to the glory of God

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 6:3-13 Love and Affection

2 Corinthians 6:3-13
I have known way too many pastors who have come straight out of seminary ready to serve the Lord in every way possible. They are ready to open their hearts to the entire congregation and the whole community. They think that because they love, they will be loved in return. That is no necessarily so. Many will open their hearts to those whom God has called to love and serve them and the Lord. Others will not. Some pastors will not even make it three years because of this lack of love and affection from people they have opened their hearts to. They will resign from the ministry or they will move on hoping that the next congregation will be more willing to open their hearts.

This is not a new thing. Paul loved the people of Corinth; yet, not all of them loved him. Jesus loved the world so much that he was willing to give his life for all who would believe. Yet, not everyone loved him. His ministry, too, lasted only about three years. Those whom he came to love crucified him. The world hasn't changed that much. Many still do not love him. Even many who  claim to be his followers do not truly love him. Nor, will they all love everyone who follow in his footsteps.

May God open wide the hearts of all believers so that we might receive and give love - a fair exchange.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 1:12-24 Yes

 ^{2 Corinthians 1:12-24}
Sometimes we plan to do way more than we can physically do. I tend to "overbook" myself and end up changing one or more of my plans as to what I will be doing on any given day. I thank God that my congregation and community understands what flexibility is. Sometimes I say yes to something and because a greater priority or emergency arises I will have to change the schedule and say "No, I cannot go," at the last minute.

Paul planned to go to Corinth twice. At first he said yes. But, his travel plans changed and he had to say no. That's the way it is sometimes. Plans change, but God does not change. His plan for us does not change. Sometimes His plan is difficult for our sinful minds to discern. The message of Jesus the Christ does not change. That message is always a yes. Whether we are with you personally or not, the Lord is and He says yes to all who would believe, Yes. you are my beloved child. Come to me all who are weary. Come to me and I will give you rest in my Son, Jesus Christ, your Lord.

God's peace - Pr. J

1 Corinthians 8 What We Eat Or Don't Eat

1 Corinthians 8 NIV
St. Paul said we should not worry about eating food sacrificed to idols. "Therefore, if what I eat causes my brother or sister to fall into sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause them to fall." (vs 13) But, let us consider that not eating meat might also cause them to fall.

Now, I have nothing against a vegetarian diet. I personally prefer only vegetables; but, I do eat meat for convenience sake. No one else in my family has ever been willing to eat only a vegetarian diet and definitely not a vegan diet!

I once knew a woman serving in her pastoral internship. She was a vegan. She served as a mission developer in a remote area. Needles to say, she knocked on more than a few doors and ended up at a lot of tables and community meals where she refused to touch most of what was on the menu. People indulged her; but, they also talked about her. It hampered her ministry and ultimately she did not make it through her internship. Now, some may think that the people who judged because of what she would not eat were petty. But, we also need to understand that she was trying to become one of the community and was acting totally alien to the community; rejecting their culture and ultimately, in their eyes, rejecting and judging them because they ate meat. Her diet kept them from hearing the Word of God. May sound petty, but it is true. They did not listen to her. They shut their ears to her. She was proclaiming the Gospel; but, no one was listening.

Now, this is not to say that vegetarians and vegans have no place in the ministry. There is nothing wrong with a vegetarian diet. It is probably a good thing for many. What we eat or don't eat should have no bearing on our ministry. But, sometimes it does. We have long recognized that it is a good thing for there be some kind of compatibility between the pastor and congregation for mission to be able to occur well. Usually, it is necessary to accept the culture of a community that we are serving before the people of that culture are going to receive us or anything we have to say. Now, I know that this intern did not consider meat to be a false god that just us pagans eat. However, her adherence to such a strict diet was such an issue for her that it appeared to others to sometimes take precedence over the Gospel. Her diet; not theirs, was the false god in the eyes of those she was trying to introduce to Jesus.

"But food does not bring us near to God; we are no worse if we do not eat, and no better if we do. Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (vs 8, 9) So, keep in mind the context of the community that you are called to serve. Since, eating is something that occurs daily, it is a huge part of a community's culture. No two communities are completely alike. Accept them for who they are. God does!

One of my pet peeves pertains to training that churches often have on how to minister to specific ethnic groups. I had attended more than one in my previous denomination. The problem is these classes tend to generalize people. No two people are alike. No two communities are alike. I have served a community on and near an Ojibway Reservation for sixteen years and I can tell you that you cannot get to know what a person or community is like until you get to know them personally. The Ojibway culture is different than other Native American cultures. Someone who lives in the Southwest lives in the different culture than someone who lives in the Midwest; regardless of their ethnic backgrounds. There are similarities, of course; but, no two are so alike that we can take a class and actually know everything. I have also seen pastors of various denominations fall when it comes to serving Finnish Americans. We have a culture all of our own here in the U.P.. I've known pastors who have come here and have actually tried to "fix" us! Doesn't work... You're here to proclaim the Gospel. Jesus fixes. He saves. We don't.

There are no classes that can teach you what someone is like. "We know that 'We all possess knowledge. But knowledge puffs up while love builds up.'" (vs 1) Sit down at the table and eat with those whom you would serve; talk with them and even more importantly, listen! And... please, don't turn your nose up at anything that your host would serve. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 18:18-28 Go Out

Acts 18:18-28 NIV
The message of the kingdom is spreading. Paul is busy going from community to community encouraging disciples so that when he leaves the sharing of the Gospel will continue to grow and edify the church, giving glory to God.


I also heard this story from some of the speakers here at the NALC Mission Festival over the last day. It was a good reminder that some of us are definitely not called to be chaplains to a congregation; but, evangelists. It was a reminder that we are called to go out into the world proclaiming the Good News of the Kingdom in Christ Jesus to all people. If we think that going to Worship on Sundays whether it is in a traditional building or a house church, let us all think again. Being a Christian, is being a follower and disciple of Christ. We need to leave those safe sanctuaries and share the Good News that all might inherit their place in the presence and Kingdom of God.


God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 6:8-15 Here is Stephen

Acts 6:8-15 NIV
Here is Stephen; one of the faithful men who had been appointed to ensure that the whole community had food to eat. Here is Stephen; full of grace and power, doing great wonders and signs among the people. Here is Stephen; his enemies bearing false witness against him. Here is Stephen; tirelessly proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. Here is Stephen; persecuted; yet his judges behold a Stephen with a face like an angel.

In the midst of it all, Stephen maintains his composure. He is at peace because he knows he speaks the truth. He is at peace because he has confidence in the promises of our Lord, Jesus the Christ.

May God grant that we should be able to stand, by the power of the Spirit, in the day of trial, composed and ready to speak the truth for the good of all people and for the glory of God. Amen.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 6:1-7 Ministry of Word

Acts 6:1-7 NIV
As a lay person, I understood my primary call to be a prayer warrior. I also had gifts that enabled me to serve as a youth leader and was involved in many outreach programs that helped feed people and cared for them according to their needs. As a pastor, I consider my primary call to be not only as a prayer warrior, but also as evangelist; one who proclaims the Word, not only within the congregation; but, in the whole community or wherever I might be in both word and deed. It can be summed up in these three words:  "Prayer, praise, proclamation." We are all given gifts to be used according to the needs of the community; for the good of all. We work together, using our individual gifts, for the glory of God. One person cannot do it all. I thank God for the many faithful disciples at Zion Lutheran who, according to their gifts, serve one another and the whole community.

The apostles began running into problems not too long after the church was born. The church was growing quickly. There was way too much for twelve of them to do. They were busy trying to minister to everyone who was hungry; feeding thing with physical food. Consequently, they found themselves with less and less time for the ministry of the word; less time to feed them spiritually. So that they would be able to give their full attention to prayer and the ministry of the word, they chose seven men who would be in charge of making sure that everyone, including all of the widows, were fed.

May God fill each of us with the Holy Spirit and with wisdom so that we will know how best to use our gifts for the ministry and the power to use those gifts for the good of all and the glory of God.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 10:25-37 Who's Your Neighbor?

Luke 10:25-37 NIV
I have moved around a lot! I have a had a lot of neighbors; some good, some not so helpful. By what degree do I discern whether a neighbor is good or not? Basically, it comes down to a motherly instinct. It comes down to whether my neighbors treated my children or grandchildren fairly.

If you want to irritate me quickly, go up against a child (not just mine, any child). That does not mean that I will not care for you and pray for you. It simply means I will protect those who cannot protect themselves (children, seniors, handicapped, etc..). I think that most mothers are like that and fathers, too. To be a good neighbor treat your neighbor's children with compassion and mercy. Do not hinder them; but, help them.

Love not just your neighbor as yourself; but, your neighbor's children, as well. Remember, it takes a whole community to raise up a child in the way they should go.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Luke 2:41-51 Children Belong In Our Father's House

Luke 2:41-51 NIV
Mary and Joseph went home and didn't realize that they had left Jesus behind in Jerusalem. Like most parents, they were probably pretty panicked when they realized He was not with them. They rushed back to find Him in the temple. He asked, "Didn't you know I had to be in my Father's house?" (vs 49)

Didn't you know? Didn't you know that our children belong often in our Father's house so that they can be loved and nurtured and taught by the community of saints that gathers there? I am always amazed at how many young people gather with us at Zion. For such a small community, about 1/3 of our congregation in recent months has been God's children under the age of 18. Isn't our Father's house the place all of our children should be? Should they not be there not just for required festivals, but as often as they can? Our Father's house is a place where children can learn to be accepted and loved unconditionally (at least I am hoping everyone accepts all of our children unconditionally). Our Father's house is a place where they will learn that when they become adults, they will have a place, a family, to go to when they are all alone, no matter where in the world they might find themselves. May God grant that not only will children be welcomed into every Christian congregation, but that their parents would desire to bring them and be with them.

On another note... This is Holy Week. On Thursday we will remember how Jesus celebrated the Passover with His last meal with His disciples. Three of our children will receive their first Communion at this service (after their feet have been washed, of course). Please, join us if you are in the area. Worship is at 6 p.m.. I am cooking and serving lamb stew at 5 p.m.. Everyone is welcome!

God's Peace - Pr. J

Mark 14:1-11 - Get Rid of Him; Betray Him

Mark 14:1-11 NIV
Get rid of them! Yep! That's what you do if you don't like the way someone is or does something. Get rid of them!

Not every who was present when the woman anointed Jesus' head with expensive perfume appreciated Jesus' allowing her to do that. What a waste of money! Judas, as the treasurer, was especially not happy about it. So what did Judas do? He plotted to get rid of him. Jesus did not act or do exactly like Judas thought he ought to be behaving so he went behind Jesus' back and betrayed him.

How often we see this happen! When those whom we have entrusted with leadership positions in the church or community make choices that we would not make, how often are their plots to be rid of them? From what I hear and see, it happens more often than we'd like to think. Don't like what the Pastor or Council or other leaders in the church do because it's not exactly like we want it and we plot to be rid of them.

Jesus did not usually act like society would expect him to. What makes people think that his followers; his servants would act like society expects them to?

Jesus was pretty generous in accepting people as they were and are. I often hear that he was not judgmental. But, how judgmental are we when we refuse to accept Jesus and his followers as they are?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Zechariah 10 - Vacations

I have been on vacation for almost two weeks and I admit it has made me to feel guilty. I have thought, more than once, about passages like the following from Zechariah.

“My anger burns against the shepherds,
    and I will punish the leaders;
for the Lord Almighty will care
    for his flock, the people of Judah,
    and make them like a proud horse in battle." (Zech 10:3 NIV)

I did not go anywhere. Basically, the vacation time was there so I am using it before the year runs out. I have done more than a few visits during this time and have been working on the annual report and statistics at home. I have spent a lot of time in prayer. Yet, there have been moments when I felt I should have, could have, been using the time that God has given me more wisely, more fruitfully.

Ministry, for me, has always been something other than a job. It is a calling. It is a way of life. I know from experience that pastors (I) need time away; time to be alone with God; time to be able to talk to Him; time to be able to really listen to Him; time to be renewed and refreshed. But, I also know that the suffering of the people does not stop when we (I) take vacations. So when trouble happens in the congregation and community; while I am resting; I grieve that I was not there. I find consolation only in the knowledge that the LORD is with us. He is with you (and me) and it is He who will care for His flock when I fall short. The Lord will strengthen us and in His Name we will live securely. (vs 12)

So pray for me and pray for all of our shepherds; that the LORD will strengthen us even as He will forgive our human weakness.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Lamentations 4 - Prophets and Priests to Blame

The lament continues. The people suffer. They are suffering, the lament tells us, because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests.

"But it happened because of the sins of her prophets
    and the iniquities of her priests,
who shed within her    the blood of the righteous." (Lam 4:13 NIV)

What were the sins of the priests and prophets? Simply put, they spoke falsely, in the LORD's name, to please the itching ears of God's people. The consequences were bad... really bad! Don't forget to read chapter 4 of Lamentations today to get a better idea of how bad things got for God's people.

Lutherans, as well as other denominations in the U.S., typically call their pastors. They meet each other; they hear him/her preach; they pray for God to help them discern whether He is calling the pastor to that community to serve; and, then the congregation votes. I cannot begin to tell you how tragic it ends when the people of God do not take seriously this discernment process. They must  listen to this man or woman they are considering calling to see whether they truly proclaim God's Word or if they speak to please the itching ears of those who call. I cannot begin to imagine how many congregations actually listen for and call those who are willing to serve their itching ears before the Word of the LORD. It is not good!

And, a word to the pastors and priests, who are called to serve: consider the consequences to the people that you are teaching falsely. Is your paycheck and retirement really worth the devastation that false proclamations will bring to the people, to the land? Consider the consequences, for all people, of your decision to proclaim the truth or not. Sure, some of them may not like you for speaking the truth. But, speak it anyway so that they might have life!

Let us part with a bit of good news: even in our reading today, God promises that the sorrow will pass.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Proverbs 29 - Righteous Thrive; People Rejoice

"When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice..." (Prov 29:1 NIV) " The righteous care about justice for the poor... (Prov 29 7a)"

The lesson from Proverbs today reminds me of a friend. Actually, no matter what I read this morning I would be reminded of her. Susie's funeral was yesterday.  She was/is a wonderful example of one who is righteous in Christ. Her faith was strong. Her faith in Christ led her in her journey here in this world.

After 20 years of following my husband around, he retired in our home community. Of course, I moved with him. It was a lonely and hectic time trying to figure out where we fit in. Susie had a craft and gift shop. I would often stop in just to talk to her. I could talk about anything to her. We often talked about the youth puppet team we were both involved with. No matter what was going on, Susie could help you find the good in it. When I was down, I would walk into that shop and I would find myself rejoicing. She was full of joy. She was full of life. She was full of Christ. She was filled with the righteousness of Christ.

She was always busy helping someone. She particularly loved working with children. Always at peace and with a smile on her face, she spent her life helping and bringing joy to others. She cared about justice for those who were in need.

After moving away, again, I have not seen her much. I would run into her now and then on my rare visits back home and we would spend some time talking. But, I thought about her joy and the joy she brought to others often. She has completed her journey. She will be missed. But, for all of us who find our righteousness in Christ, we have the hope of spending eternity with her in the Kingdom of God. With hope and faith in Christ Jesus we are confident that her joy has been made complete.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Psalm 109 - Vengeance is God's

^"He loved to pronounce a curse—
may it come back on him.
He found no pleasure in blessing—
may it be far from him.
He wore cursing as his garment;
it entered into his body like water,
into his bones like oil.
May it be like a cloak wrapped about him,
like a belt tied forever around him.
May this be the Lord’s payment to my accusers,
to those who speak evil of me. (Psalm109:17-20 NIV)

Vengeance is the LORD's.  I have learned over the years that it is not my place to take vengeance on those who accuse me.  God will take care of me. He will take care of those who are falsely accused or accosted. He will take care of those who falsely accuse or unjustly attack others. No, I am not a pacifist. I definitely will defend others when they are attacked. There are times when we need to defend ourselves. There are times when we need to seek assistance from the law. However, there are also times, I think, that we should step back when it is we who are being attacked and let go and let God, as the saying goes.

Years ago when I was very young, I was selling insurance door to door.  At one home, a man, arrogant and full of deceit attempted to assault me.  I was pretty shaken, but I got away unharmed.  I wanted to press charges.  A co-worker, an older Christian man, talked me into not doing that. The man who had attempted to harm me was pretty well known and liked in the community.  I was a stranger.  He was a local politician. I was an insurance salesman. "Do nothing, he said. Who are the authorities going to believe? Let us pray together and leave the vengeance to God.  Let us pray that the evil he intended upon you return to him." So we did.

Did God answer our prayers?  You tell me.  The following week, while the man was at work, his  wife left him. With his new convertible filled with his precious electronics in the trunk, she and her boyfriend sped away from the house and wrecked his vehicle. It hit the newspapers. The car and the contents were totalled. His wife and her boyfriend were unharmed, but his ego was definitely done in. He was no longer the prideful man he had been the week before.

Sure, there are days, still, when I would like to take vengeance.  But, I learned that day, almost forty years ago, to leave vengeance to God. He will take care of me. He always has. Why would He not continue?

Remember, your curses against others are prayers. Prayers that just might return and turn upon you. Watch what comes out of your lips - prefer blessings to curses - as what you do to others may be done to you.

"He loved to pronounce a curse—may it come back on him." (vs 17)
God's blessings and peace - Pr. J
 

Psalm 90 - Substance Abuse - God Sees Our Secret

"You have set our iniquities before you, our secret sins in the light of your presence." (Psalm 90:8)

Yesterday, I attended a local clergy council lunch.  We discussed substance abuse issues in our county. Baraga County has a reputation for not only being one of the highest in unemployment, but also one of the highest with substance abuse problems in the State of Michigan.

It appears that a Substance Abuse Coalition has been formed in Baraga County. The secret of Baraga County's substance abuse problem has come to light!  That would be funny, if it weren't so sad. Every few years this secret is revealed and then it is swept under the carpet, again... 

 And... that, I think, is partly due to the fact that there is another secret that is still hidden from the eyes of much of the population.  But, it is not hidden from God.  He sees what we would hide.  That secret is who it is that is involved in trying to hide the whole problem.  I don't mean hiding the meth heads...  I mean who is still in the dark and would keep the county in the dark regarding addictions, period.... 

Example:  heavy drinkers who haven't had to face legal consequences promote drinking among our young people.  How many graduation parties have you attended where there are underage drinkers?  Think about it.  There's a few of them, aren't there and not just in Baraga County.

Most people who know me, know that I am somewhat of a prohibitionist.  I do not drink.  I quit completely, years ago, when I realized that people were using me for an excuse to drink.  "Well, Judy, drinks, so it must be ok."  I'm not sure why I should be the morality thermometer, but statements like that were enough to make me want to quit. I did not want to be anyone's excuse for abusing alcohol!

Here's the rub.  There are still many adults (old adults - including church council members and elected officials) in this community and others throughout this country, who are using illegal drugs, or abusing their prescriptions drugs in a manner that makes it illegal. You think it's a secret?  Maybe, not everyone knows you are doing this.  But, there are enough of us.  There are many young people who are using you as an excuse.  "It can't be that bad...  Look, even the _(title of upstanding so-called upstanding citizen) smokes a little recreationally.  It's not recreational if it's illegal.  It is illegal and it is substance abuse.  What an example we make for our young people!  And, then... there is God.  He knows all that we do in secret. 

One more thing...  Those of you who have medical marijuana growing.  Please, quit selling it to your neighbor.  And...  please, keep it secure enough so your children and your neighbor's children can't keep stealing leaves off the plants!

As a former substance abuse counselor, one of the things I learned was that we never have the problem.  It is always someone else who has a problem. As long as someone else stays in more trouble, has a more messed up life than we; we don't have a problem.  As long as someone else can be looked down upon for getting caught in the mess, we can feel good about ourselves.  It's as though we draw an invisible line that if we cross we fear we will have to recognize that we have an addiction.  For example:  I only go to the casino once a week and never spend more than $20.00.  Then it is $50.00.  Then it is $100.00.  Then it's only a couple times a week.  Then what?  You lose your home, your business, your family?  Or... I never drink before 4 p.m.. Then it is before noon.  Then it is only occasionally I'll have a Bloody Mary for breakfast.  And, then there are those who use illegal drugs.  Ever think this one:  as long as I don't use a needle, I'm not an addict. Prescription drugs (including marijuana) are legal. That will be where I draw the line.  Who are you kidding?  Certainly, not God! Be filled with the Spirit of God.  You will never know more peace and joy than that.

Substance Abuse is not a secret.  Even if we choose to pretend it is.  It is time for this county to actually do something about it.  My suggestion is a greater effort in three areas:  Prevention through Education, Law Enforcement, and Treatment.  We need to have a greater understanding of all the dangers of substance abuse so that it might be curbed.  We need to also have real consequences, because often the addict cannot, because of the nature of addiction, recognize that they actually need help until they hit bottom.  We need to have more treatment programs available.  Programs that will not send people away from the community for help, but, keep them here so that they can face the challenges of the community while they grow toward wholeness.  We need more programs that can be tailored to the needs of individual.  One program does not work for everyone.  We are individuals and we all fall and then grow in different ways. All three of these areas are sorely lacking. Approaching one area is not going to do it.

It wouldn't hurt if we actually approached the problem from a spiritual vantage point, as well.  Real wholeness happens when we walk in the presence of God.  It's not advantageous to us to try to hide ourselves and our sins from Him.  He knows all that we do in secret.  There is a life that goes beyond the temporary "highs" and "crashes" in this world.  Live Life!  Carpe diem! as a child of God.

May God help us to show His splendor to our children and may the favor of the LORD our God rest upon us.  (vs 16-17)

God's Peace - Pr. J