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

1 Peter 3:8-22 Turn To Him; He Died For You

1 Peter 3:8-22
All who sin (and we all do) are called to repentance. "For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him." (vss. 17-22)

Christ died so that all who reject their sinful ways and turn to him are born again into the Kingdom of God, where he reigns. Everyone has this opportunity. None have been excluded. Turn to him and receive this gift of salvation. 

God's Peace - Pr. J

1 Timothy 2 What's A Church To Do?

1 Timothy 2 NIV

"Gathering for the Sake of Others"
Prayer, Praise and Proclamation
for the glory of God
to benefit St. Vincent DePaul
 

What's a church to do? Paul's letter reminds us that "petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (vs 1-4)

God wants all people to be saved. God wants all people to come to the knowledge of the truth. As a church we come together to pray to God, in the name of Jesus, with that purpose in mind. As a community of saints we ought to gather together often to praise God for all that He has done for us and for the world. We come together so that we might hear and be fed by His Word proclaimed so that we might be better equipped to leave our places of worship and proclaim His Word of life to a hungry world.

We congregate in one place often, not for our own sakes; but, for the sake of others; out of love for God who has given himself for us and for all people.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Col 4 - Prayer and Proclamation; Don't forget Praise!

Colossians 4 NIV

Young Evangelists - Youth Choir
Say it! Sing it! Just do it!
Share the Good News!

Prayer, praise, and proclamation; that is my evangelism strategy. As Paul closes his letter to the Colossians he reminds us to be diligent in prayer and proclamation. Devote yourself to prayer. Pray that God will open doors for the message so that mystery of Christ may be proclaimed. We don't need a program. We just need the grace of God in order to do His will.

Years ago, my congregation was involved in a multi-congregation effort to do more evangelism. We met quite a few times to talk about evangelism among ourselves. As I drove home with two of the congregations "delegates" to this consortium, we discussed the fact that we were driving quite a distance and spending an awful lot of time talking about evangelism and not actually doing any evangelism.

The truth be told we had these many meetings and had come to the conclusion that we were not of like minds. Leaders from various congregations did not trust one another; everyone seemed to have different and personal agendas, and we were not working well together. We talked a lot at every meeting; but, we never actually got to the point of proclaiming the mystery of Christ. We never got around to doing any evangelism. We had been too busy trying to figure what kinds of evangelism programs would work best. We agreed on that drive home that evening that we already knew in our hearts what we needed to do.  That we would quit wasting time, energy and financial resources talking about evangelism. We were determined to get back on track and put our time and energy into doing the ministry we had received from the Lord. Rather than just talk about it, we would get on with the business of evangelists: praying, praising God, and proclaiming the Good News through both word and deed. We presented this to the council. The motion was approved. By the grace of God, we continued to grow both in Christ and in numbers.

The growth that happened though, did not happen because of one or two or even three people. In this closing section of Paul's letter; he reminds us that he had many co-workers in the gospel. They proclaimed the Good News with one heart and mind. They served together. There were no special programs. They did not discuss strategies. By God's grace, they prayed that God would open doors and proclaimed the mystery of Christ clearly to the glory of God. And... the church grew both in Christ and in numbers.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ephesians 3 Prayer and Proclamation

Ephesians 3 NIV
St. Paul's ministry was mainly to those who were not God's children, but now through faith became God's children. Paul, a Roman and Jew, had been called and sent by God to brings the good news to the gentiles. Even in his suffering he continued to encourage them; reminding them and us that they and we are heirs of the one true God. They and we are members of one body and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Paul uses many words, both spoken and written, to remind others of God's love for them just as today we should be diligent in proclaiming this good news to those who are both near and far.

But, there is more... Paul not only preaches the good news to those whom he has been called to serve; he prays for them. I have found that sometimes prayer is more effective than all the words I can possibly spit out. Without God, all the words in the world will have no effect on anyone. And... so as pastors and ministers of the Gospel we pray for those we have been called to proclaim the good news to. We pray "that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God." (vs 16-19)

May God grant this unto us all that His name be glorified in the church and in Christ Jesus.

God's Peace - Pr. J

2 Corinthians 2:1-11 Division Pleases Satan

2 Corinthians 2:1-11
St. Paul urges the church at Corinth to forgive the one who has had to be confronted for their sin. They must, he says, in order that Satan might not outwit them. Forgiveness reconciles us to one another and to God in Christ. Satan is not so keen on us working together for the sake of Christ. His aim is to divide us; to turn us against one another; to keep us from proclaiming the gospel.

Sin causes separation and division. Division switches our focus to things other than the love of God in Christ Jesus. May God help us to forgive our neighbors, our brothers and sisters in Christ that the mission of the church be not hampered by the schemes of the devil.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Acts 11:1-18 Account for Actions

Acts 11:1-18 NIV
There are times when we all have to account for our actions. It helps to dispel rumors and gossip. It helps us to have credibility so that we might continue our mission; rather, than spending time putting out "fires." Of course, there are some who like to start problems and keep us from doing what God calls us to do in spite of the fact that the truth has been told. There is nothing we can do about that except pray and continue to speak the truth.

Peter was called on the carpet by the other believers for visiting that Gentile, Cornelius. He explained to them that it was God who brought them together so that they might hear the message through which they would be saved. Peter's answer was enough. They understood that God intended that the message of salvation was for even the Gentiles.

The message of salvation is indeed for all people. Sometimes, we need to account for our actions so that we might dispel any rumors that might distract us from it. Hopefully, we need only account for our actions once so that we might get on with the mission of proclaiming the Good News to all people.

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 4:31-44 - He Is Risen!

Luke 4:31-44 NIV
Jesus healed the sick and kicked out demons. The demons came out of many people, shouting, "You are the Son of God!" (vs 41) The demons spread the word! Jesus told the people that he was sent to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom of God. Proclamation, that's what we're called to do. We are called to share the Good New of God through Jesus Christ our LORD. Even the demons did that.

It is Easter. This morning our proclamation is that He is Risen! He is risen from the dead so that all who believe in Him might live and not just live, but live in Him.

So, on this Holyday, what will be on our hearts and minds and our tongues? What will God's people be sharing with others? May all God's people share in this proclamation and not just in hearing, but in speaking this truth.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Isaiah 62 - Member Of A Holy Nation; Kingdom of God

"The Lord has made proclamation
    to the ends of the earth:
“Say to Daughter Zion,
    ‘See, your Savior comes!
See, his reward is with him,
    and his recompense accompanies him.’”
They will be called the Holy People,
    the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
    the City No Longer Deserted." (Isa 62:11-12 NIV)

The LORD declares through Isaiah the Savior comes! And... through Him the people will be reconciled to God. Through Him it is as St. Peter wrote: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Peter 2:9-10)

How awesome is that! You are a member of a royal priesthood, a holy nation! You belong to God and because you have been called out of the darkness into His marvelous light, you desire to declare praises of Him! That's what those who have been called into relationship with God, those who have been called into His kingdom, do. They proclaim the Good News! That's what Isaiah did! That is what St. Peter did! That is what all members of that holy nation are called to do. How could anyone who has received their inheritance in the holy nation, the kingdom of God, do otherwise?!

So... question for the morning is: are you proclaiming the kingdom of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord, our Saviour, and our King?

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ecclesiastes 10 - Miscellanous Interesting Verses From Eccl 10

LOL!  You are reading the chapters aren't you? How about verse 2? "The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but the heart of the fool to the left." OK... So I won't go there today... But, I thought I'd at least mention it in the blog for the benefit of my friends on the right. It will make them smile. Remember, too, please, it is Solomon's saying, not mine. I'm not exactly sure what he meant by it, other than maybe he was referring to the right and left hand of God.

In case you're not taking my advice and you're not reading the scripture for each day, here are some other interesting and what I would consider pretty common sense ones:

"There is an evil I have seen under the sun, the sort of error that arises from a ruler:" (Eccl 10:5 NIV)  Has any one not witnessed the folly of some of our leaders? So often leaders, rulers, bosses, even servant/leaders in the church think that they are doing the best thing for the people, even while they are so out of touch with the people that they don't have a clue what the the people really need or want. Even pastors sometimes fall into the trap of thinking that they know what is best for a community, when they haven't the slightest clue... It has always amazed me that pastors will come to the U.P. (Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and think they are going to save us Yoopers from our own folly. They have ended up being very busy at changing our lifestyles, rather than accepting the way we live and work and play. They have worried about the fact that so many of us work hard, long hours and don't have all the riches the world has to offer. We have been considered a little backwards and backwoods by some.

I knew one who ended up spending a lot of time worrying about unionizing the logging industry! A lot of time was spent trying to change the way we think and how we live and very little time was spent proclaiming the awesomeness of the Kingdom given (given freely) to all who believe. I asked this one once what the proclamation of Jesus was. He didn't know. It made me wonder about our overseas missions, especially to those countries we consider third world. When missionaries go to other areas of the world, is their primary mission to bring the good news or is to change the people to think and live like we do in the United States? If you're going to be a missionary to the Massai, do you live in a dung hut alongside them sharing the love of God and the good news of His Kingdom or do you show up when it's comfortable trying to change their lifestyles? Are you more worried about westernizing them or proclaiming God's love and forgiveness for all people? It reminds me of how the church worked so hard with the government to Americanize the Native Americans and how many abuses occurred because of this "good will" gesture. (Another reason to think seriously about keeping church and state separate) Remember, just because we think everyone should be as materialistic as we are, doesn't mean everyone wants or needs to live like us. Just because we think we are right in the way we live, does not make it truth for everyone!

Just wondering... what makes a good leader? Is it someone who can serve people where their needs are (where they are) or is it someone who tries to mold everyone to be people just like themselves. If you're going to help someone, meet them where they are. Quit trying to drag them to the place where you want them to be. I quote St. Paul: " To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some." (1 Corinth 9:22)

"If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success." (10:10)
Anyone who has had to chop firewood to keep warm or cook knows the truth of this one. But, I suppose there are many who have not had to do this and don't know.

"If a snake bites before it is charmed, the charmer receives no fee." (10:11)
This is kind of a "no brainer" and makes me smile. If you're trying to charm a snake (whether a reptile or human) be careful, you may get bit or someone else may get hurt even if it is you who has disturbed the snake.

 ^"Through laziness, the rafters sag; because of idle hands, the house leaks." (10:18)
 If your rafters sag, it is no one's fault but your own. Unless, of course some natural disaster comes along and makes it so. I know about sagging rafters...

The house I presently live in has been almost completely remodeled since we purchased it. We originally bought it for a get-away for me. At the time, I was finding no time for vacations. If I was lucky, I would get 1 or 2 days off a month. There was just no time to pack up, go out of town and then come back the next day to unpack. We had tried it a few times, but the packing, unpacking, and travel time took up so much time there was no time to rest. So I started looking for a local camp on a river so I could set it up and get to it on my days off, with relative ease and without having to spend hours of the day off just to be able to rest for a few hours.

I fell in love with the location. It had a river at the mouth of a bay. It is definitely in the woods. It had a well and a sewer. But, here's the kicker. The rafters of the house sagged. They sagged so badly that there were 6"X6" beams holding up the ceilings throughout the rooms. The house was condemned. My husband was not impressed with the place. Not only was the house condemned, but it's located in wooded wetlands, which he refers to as a swamp. But, I knew this was the place for me. We began working on repairing it to be suitable for a camp that summer. That fall I resigned and we ended up moving in to it. Some of my family and friends were a little aghast that I would be living in a shack... (Thinking I should be like them and want what they want) The following summer, my husband spent a lot of time repairing the rafters and building an addition so that we would have a bit more space to live in. It took a lot of work to repair those rafters. But, they are repaired, the roof no longer leaks, and with God's blessing, the house will stand at least as long as I do. 

You're rafters sagging? Your roof leaking? The answer to a sagging rafters and a roof that leaks is to fix them and if you're neighbor no longer is able to fix their own due to age or infirmity fix theirs for them, as well!

One last verse to give you something to think about this morning:
"As dead flies give perfume a bad smell, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor." (Eccl 10:1)

God's Peace - Pr. J