Ripples of Peace

Saturday, November 02, 2013

A Glimpse of the Boy, and a Glimpse of the Man.

I caught a glimpse of the young man my Dad once was when he was 14 years old. It was a treasure to see and one I will forever cherish in my heart. We were able to take a pontoon boat out on Lake of the Woods to go on an excursion that included the Island where my Dad owned and operated a minnow business and a place for fisherman to stock up on supplies needed for a day of fishing on Lake of the Woods.

My Dad was a guide on Lake of Woods for one of the resorts when he was 14 years old. He would take the fisherman out on the launches and guide them to best fishing spots and take care of all their needs while in his care. He worked hard.

My Dad drove the pontoon boat, and as I looked at him in his element, I saw the years melt away, and I saw the spirit of adventure he had. His love for the Lake and the Land showed through and you could see the memories as he retold stories from years ago.

We were shown the spot where my Dad proposed to my Mom so many years ago. The love between my parents is a gift that has grown over the years, and it was a blessing to us to see where it all began.

I love my Dad. He is one of the hardest workers I have ever known. His sense of duty to his family over the years is amazing. He went without so that he could provide for his wife and his children. I do not ever remember my Dad feeling sorry for himself as he sacrificed for us, he just did it. Most importantly, my Dad along with my Mom taught us to always love and trust in Jesus in all things. The lessons I have learned from my Dad cannot be learned from a book or a Professor at a prestigious university. They were learned by watching my Dad love and care for us. Watching Dad trust the Lord in times of joy as well as times of sorrow. It was in the everyday activities of life.

My Dad had and still has a love for adventure. He was planning on going to Alaska before he met my Mom. He never went to Alaska. I have told my Dad many times how thankful I am for all that he did for us. One time stands out vividly in my mind. As I told my Dad how much I loved him, and I thanked him, he looked at me and told me he would do it all over again.

I also had the opportunity to watch Jacob drive the pontoon boat under the guidance of my Dad. What a thrill to handle a boat on such a vast body of water, it was amazing. As I watched my son, I saw a glimpse of the man he will become someday. My heart was overwhelmed with words that are difficult to express.

Jacob has the best qualities of both of his Grandfathers and his Dad. I am filled with wonder as I watch my son grow into the man God has created him to be. I am thankful for this moment in time. I have struggled with how quickly time seems to pass and the knowledge that Jacob will be all grown up before I know it. I found hope and joy in watching him with his Dad and his Grandpa, knowing he will be a fine young man because he has had wonderful examples.

In closing, I would like to share my Dad’s favorite scripture passage. I am also going to include his favorite hymn but I am going to use the version that is sung in Cherokee. My Dad’s Great Grandmother was a Cree Indian. My Dad loves to be outdoors enjoying the beautiful creation our loving God created for us.

^“28Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
    his understanding is unsearchable.
²⁹He gives power to the faint,
    and to him who has no might he increases strength.
³⁰Even youths shall faint and be weary,
    and young men shall fall exhausted;
³¹but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40: 28-31

Footnotes:

Cross references:

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Hope

What do you place your hope in? Hope is defined as a person or thing in which expectations are centered.

I have met many people over the years and what they place their hope in defines how they live their lives.

The following examples are based upon numerous people and stories mixed together.

A young woman based her worth on her intellect. She attended the best schools and received the highest grades and achievements she was labeled a genius. She landed her dream job and pulled in a six figure income before she turned 30 years old. One day while, at work, she suffered a dizzy spell and passed out. Sadly, it was discovered she had a brain tumor and after the surgery she was never the same. She could not remember anything and to follow a simple recipe was even a challenge. All of her years of hard work and study were gone. Her hopes and dreams had dissipated overnight and her life would never again be measured by her intelligence.

A young woman found peace and comfort from always being around her friends. She did not know how to be on her own. She needed people and constant contact. She was put into a situation where she was on her own far away from family and friends. A tragedy left her far away from family and friends. Fear and loneliness knocked at her door in the middle of the night, and she had no one to talk too.

Fame and riches belonged to a young man. Money and power belonged to him. The stock markets crashed, and he lost it all. All of his friends and his wife left him; they disappeared almost as fast as his fortune.

I would like to share with you a few real life stories of hope. These are people who taught me a lot about faith and hope. I will share them over my next few writings.

The first story I would like to share is in honor and memory of my Grandma Katherine. She went to be with Jesus almost 10 years ago, and I will always miss her.

My Grandma was a young mom with two children when her husband left her for another woman. Pain, shame, poverty, broken hearts, and dreams are all my Grandfather left his family. My Grandma did not sit and feel sorry for herself; she had two young children who needed food and shelter. She went to work and provided for them the best she could. It was difficult and a struggle. My Grandfather was also an alcoholic, and so it made a heartbreaking situation even worse at times.

My Grandmother never held it against my Grandfather. In fact growing up they would both be present at family gatherings, and she was always kind and pleasant towards him. She did not dwell in bitterness. I do not understand from my own human perspective how my Grandma could have forgiven my Grandpa. But I do know , God was with her and He carried her and helped to go on.

My Grandma did not have a lot of earthly treasures. Grandma was one of the most generous people I have even known. She was always helping someone in need, and she loved to give to people.

Grandma found her hope in God. She prayed Psalm 91 every day for all of her family. She put her trust in Jesus.

My Grandma was not perfect, and I am not trying to make her out to be a saint. She would have a fit, if she thought I was making her sound perfect. Grandma was a poor miserable sinner just like me and you. But she put her faith, hope, and trust in the One who was perfect, Jesus. And now my Grandma has perfect peace in the arms of Jesus.

“5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. ²Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. ³Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, ⁴and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, ⁵and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” Romans 5: 1-5

My Refuge and My Fortress

91 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
²I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

³For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler
    and from the deadly pestilence.
⁴He will cover you with his pinions,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.
⁵You will not fear the terror of the night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
⁶nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,
    nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
⁸You will only look with your eyes
    and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—
the Most High, who is my refuge—
¹⁰no evil shall be allowed to befall you,
no plague come near your tent.

¹¹For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways.
¹²On their hands they will bear you up,
    lest you strike your foot against a stone.
¹³You will tread on the lion and the adder;
    the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

¹⁴“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;
    I will protect him, because he knows my name.
¹⁵When he calls to me, I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble;
    I will rescue him and honor him.
¹⁶With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Friday, October 18, 2013

Father Forgive Us

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend or a loved one? The hurt and the disbelief go so deep it takes your breath away and you forget to live your life for a while. Oh, there are days and weeks that go by and you think maybe the pain has gone away, but it comes back again trying to steal your joy like a thief in the night.

Yesterday, the bible study I am in had us focus on Luke 23:34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” In this verse Jesus is hanging on the cross, we cannot even imagine the agony he was feeling at this point. The word crucifixion comes from the word excruciating. We are unable to comprehend the physical, spiritual, and emotional pain Jesus endured for us. The soldiers were casting lots for His clothes, while Jesus the Son of God suffered on our behalf. I could easily stand in judgment of the soldiers, but I cannot because I am no different.

I would like to share the two main thoughts I had about this verse. Jesus is speaking on our behalf. Pleading with God to forgive us because we do not know what we are doing. They knew; I know...what I am doing when I sin....at least I think I do. But I do not always realize the enormity of my sin. How much it hurts God and others. How destructive it is. God used their sin, to accomplish his purpose for us in Jesus. It boggles my mind. The love Jesus has for us even in our wretchedness is hard to fathom because we do not think that way. That leads to my second thought. When I feel someone has wronged me, I often get stuck in my pain over it. I need Jesus to help me say Father forgive them for they know not what they do. We (both parties) get stuck in sin and are unaware of what we have done. I am not able to fix myself or them. When we forgive we our giving it over to God. It doesn't mean that my actions were okay or the actions of the other people were okay; it is only letting it go. And more times than not, I need God to pry it from my hands, because I am not willing to let go of the hurt or the anger.

I do not know your life circumstances or the events that may have caused you pain. God gives us peace and comfort in His Word. Jesus tells us Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me all who are labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

God can take your battered and confused heart and fill it with the joy that can only be found in Him.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

A Tribute to Zig Ziglar

In Honor of Zig Ziglar and how God used him to change my life. I wrote a couple of blog posts a few years back and I am combining them today as a tribute to Zig Ziglar.

Friday, June 30, 2006

As a young girl in grade school I was outgoing and generally made friends easily. The transition to Jr. High was painful and awkward for me. My sister and I were tall and we were very skinny and so that also meant that we were flat-chested as well. In 7th grade we also had braces and we had worn glasses for a couple of years. Everything seemed to change in relationship to boys and girls. Prior to 7th grade I had been friends with a lot of boys, we all hung out together on the playground and had a great time. Of course there were the secret crushes but that is all that they were for us. We knew that we could not date until we were 16 years old.

I was not prepared for the endless tormenting that I received; I think I heard every flat chest joke that was ever invented. The cruelty of some of the students was almost unbearable at times and the actions of some of the boys would now be considered sexual harassment. At school I became withdrawn and I only really talked to my friends that I trusted. I felt ugly, stupid, clumsy, and inadequate most of the time. I really began to struggle with school and I had no desire even go.

Eventually I learned to survive and even joke about some of the teasing, though it hurt deep inside. My families love for me, my faith in God, and my friends became my anchor for me during that difficult time. At home and with my friends I was very talkative and outgoing but at school I became silent. I felt like I didn’t have anything important to say and I didn’t want to add anything else to endless list of what some of the kids teased me about.

In the spring of my sophomore year I had to take a speech class. I dreaded the thought of getting up in front of my peers and talking. But what they didn’t know and what I didn’t fully understand at that point was that I loved to talk and that it was as natural to me as breathing. Just ask my family….they could tell you a lot of stories.

My twin sister Jimella had done well in speech and of course I didn’t want her to surpass me in one of my favorite pass times.

I prepared for my first speech by rehearsing in front of a mirror over and over again. It was a good thing that we had two bathrooms in our house. I prayed and prayed and that God would give me the strength to be able to talk in front of everyone and that I would not mess up. I felt calm and peaceful and as I opened my mouth to talk it just flowed. I surprised myself, my classmates and the teacher with my ability to talk in front of people.

I even won best speech for the first round of speeches. I was thrilled and it was the extra confidence boost that I needed. The book that we studied for speech class was “See You at the Top” by Zig Ziglar. The book was about the power of positive thinking and I loved it. I would devour the chapters and eagerly write my next speech. For the first time in many years I was finally excelling in one of my classes. I could easily understand what Zig had to share with us and in time it became part of me.

At the end of quarter the class would always vote on who was the most positive person in the classroom. They would receive a copy of the book that we had been studying. I wanted to earn that title and I wanted that book. I prayed about it a lot… but some of my old fears came creeping back. I’m not good enough and I’m not one of the popular kids in school, this is beyond my reach. But then I would remember what God had to say about me and what I was learning about positive thinking from Zig Ziglar.

The big day finally arrived and because I had received the most awards for speaking and quite a few other ones I was an automatically put on the ballot. On the ballot was also one of the most popular boys in the whole school. I knew I had done the best job I possibly could and whatever happened I would be okay.

You cannot imagine the joy that I felt in my heart when I won the award and the class shouted and cheered. The boy I had won against came and told me that he was glad I had won and that he had voted for me because I deserved the award the most.

As I was presented that book I knew deep in my heart that God had helped me achieve this goal to show me that I was special and I did matter. I also decided someday I was going to meet Zig Ziglar and have him sign that book for me.

In closing I would like to share with your this scripture passage: "1 But now, thus says the LORD, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the LORD your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you."

6ne 09, 2006

A few years ago I was surfing the internet and I happened to find an ad that talked about Zig Ziglar. Because of my love for Zig Ziglars’ writings and how he had impacted my life, I immediately clicked on the ad.

It turned out to be a business opportunity in where I would I become part of the Zig Ziglar Network. I had the opportunity to share his books and tapes and a special nutrition line with people.

I met some of the nicest people and I learned a lot about myself; and about building a business. I met Zig Ziglar several times for training and other events the company would have. I was always mesmerized by his speaking ability and his love for Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He seized every chance he had to share the message of God’s love with his audience and the people around him.

We had a contest that summer and if you earned enough points you could earn an all- expense trip to Cancun, Mexico. I was determined to earn that trip. I developed a plan to earn the points that I needed and I worked the plan. I was delighted to have earned the trip and I was so excited to go and spend time with the new friends that I had made.

Unfortunately, the trip was in October and for a farmer that is an impossible time to get away. I was disappointed that I would not be able to enjoy going to this exotic and romantic destination with Troy. Troy was very proud of me for earning the trip and wanted me to go even if he could not be there.

My twin sister Jimella had earned most of the trip and so we went together. The Omni resort was breathtaking and the food was divine. I loved visiting with the people that I had been working with over the phone and through the computer.

I had brought my book along so I could ask Zig Ziglar to sign it for me. And so I was waiting for the perfect opportunity to talk to him about it.

One of the nights we had a beach party and they had set up an extravagant meal for us on the beach. It was a beautiful night and moon’s reflection danced upon the water. The scent of the delectable food and the exquisite flowers they had everywhere filled the air. Jimella and I sat with our team and we laughed and shared our dreams with each other. There was a dance and so we all decided to go out and have some fun together. They started off the dance with some familiar favorites; and our group was have a great time together. They started the snowball dance where you would go and ask someone to dance and when the music stopped you would go and pick another partner from the group of people that were not dancing. I saw Zig standing with his wife and I decided that I would go and ask his wife’s permission to ask him to dance. Jean smiled and told me to go ahead and ask. I almost lost my nerve; here is this famous man who has spoken in front of millions of people all over the world. I went over and I told him that I had gotten permission from his lovely wife to ask him to dance. He smiled at me and took my hand and off we went to dance. Of course all of my friends gathered around and danced with him too. In all my dreams of someday meeting Zig Ziglar; I never once thought about dancing with him on the beach in Cancun.

The next morning I saw Zig and Jean eating breakfast. I had my book with me and so Jimella and I went over to talk to him. We both shared with him how his book had changed our lives and how we had enjoyed the course. I told him about winning the book and how I had always hoped to meet him so he could sign it for me. We talked for a long time about faith in God, family and friends. It was a special moment; and I was struck by how humble this gracious couple was towards Jimella and I. They treated us like we were honored guests. The conversation flowed and I knew that it was because we all shared the same faith. We were connected by God’s love; a bond that cannot be broken or destroyed. Zig signed my book and he wrote, “Michelle, God loves you.” And he wrote down a scripture passage, John 14:6 “6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life: no one cometh unto the Father, but by me.” John 14:6 (ASV)

When we meet face- to- face with God’s love it changes us forever. God used Zig Ziglar’s writings to change my life as well as the love of my family and friends.

We all have struggles as we journey through this world and we need to bring them before God’s throne of mercy and grace. We need to leave them there and let God’s love heal us and mold us into the person that He has created us to be

Friday, April 22, 2011

Last night as we were leaving our Maundy Thursday service, I looked over and I saw tears streaming down Jacob's face. I put my arm gently around him and pulled him close. As his Mom I know his tender heart and that he would need to share with me what was troubling him. He shared with me how much it bothered him that Jesus had to pay for his sins and the sins of world by dying on the Cross. I told him it wasn't fair but that I am so glad Jesus did not only consider what we deserved. Jesus knew the only option to save us, was for Him to take our place. We cannot save ourselves and the precious truth is we do have to anymore. Jesus has already saved us. It is done. It is finished.

Today we remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Sometimes I think we say that phrase without remembering what it really means. The word crucifixion comes from the word “excruciating.” To be crucified is the most horrific and painful death a person can suffer. We can only begin to imagine the physical pain that Jesus suffered. Jesus also suffered spiritually and emotionally in a way that we never will. When He cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” it was because at that moment, Jesus was separated from God. Now how could Jesus, who is also God, be separated from God? That has always been a great mystery – even to the greatest of theologians... He, who was without sin, became sin for us all and suffered separation from God. That is the only way we could be saved. Jesus knew what would happen and yet the night before He told His Father, “Not my will, but your will.” Our sins nailed Him to the cross, but His amazing love for you and for me held Him there.

If we would have been standing there that day we would have also heard Jesus say, “It is finished.” Jesus did not only say this, He shouted it out. “It is finished,” is three words in English; but in Greek it is one “Tetelestai” as it would be in Aramaic. And “Tetelestai” is the victor’s shout; it is the cry of a person who has won through the struggle; it is the cry of a person who has come out of the dark into the glory of light, and who has grasped the crown. So, then, Jesus died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips.

“Here is the precious thing. Jesus passed through the uttermost abyss, and then the light broke. If we, too, cling to God even there seems to be no God, desperately and invincibly clutching the remnants of our faith, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through. The victor is the person who refuses to believe that God has forgotten them, even when every fiber of their being feels they are forsaken. The victor is the person who will never let go of their faith, even when they feel that its last grounds are gone. The victor is the person who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did.” (William Barclay)

Monday, March 14, 2011

Lent is a time for reflection. A time for us to remember why Jesus had to die on the cross. There are churches where they do not talk about sin; it makes people feel bad about themselves. It is an unpleasant topic. And so they preach about “feel good” topics instead and the people leave the church feeling good about themselves and about the message.

The church I attend practices confession and absolution every Sunday. We confess our sins together corporately and there is usually a time for silence when we can reflect upon our sins. When I was growing up we would say: Oh almighty God, merciful Father, I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto Thee all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended Thee and justly deserve Thy temporal and eternal punishment. But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them, and I pray Thee for Thy boundless mercy and for the sake of the holy, innocent, bitter suffering and death of Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ, to be merciful to me a poor sinful being. After the confession the Pastor announces our forgiveness through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We had a church member leave our congregation because she did not like to say she was a poor miserable sinner. She didn’t think she fit into that category. Now, I am going to say something and for some of you it may sound weird. I find comfort in knowing that I am a poor miserable sinner. No, I am not happy that I am a sinful being. But it is an explanation as to why I fall short, every moment of every day. I am a poor sinful being and I will mess up every day of my life. I will sin knowingly and unknowingly. I will try so hard not to sin and I will fail. I don’t have any grand elusions about myself and when I do it never works out the way I envision it will.

It is a lie straight from the pit of hell to tell someone that when you are a Christian you will not have problems with sin anymore. If that statement is true (which it is not) what would we need Jesus for? If something we can do on our own could save us…why would we need a Savior? There are so many people out there who are miserable because they cannot live the perfect life, no matter how hard they try, they fail. I KNOW I’m not perfect. God knows I’m not perfect. God knows that I could not save myself, no matter how much I wanted too. I do not need to save myself; Jesus saved me when He died for my sins. We should not treat sin lightly. I am not proud that I am a poor miserable sinner. But I find great comfort in knowing that God knows exactly how miserable I am and loves me anyways. I find solace in the knowledge, the blood of Jesus has redeemed me and because of Him I stand forgiven.

I love Psalm 139 and I would like to share it with you in two ways. One is right from scripture and the other is through a song. May you take the time to reflect upon the words. I know it is painful when we realize our sinfulness but it is not the end of the story. Jesus has paid the price for you and for me. We are washed clean in the blood of the Lamb.

1O LORD, you have searched me and known me! 2You know when I sit down and when I rise up;

you discern my thoughts from afar.

3You search out my path and my lying down

and are acquainted with all my ways.

4Even before a word is on my tongue,

behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.

5You hem me in, behind and before,

and lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;

it is high; I cannot attain it.

7 Where shall I go from your Spirit?

Or where shall I flee from your presence?

8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there!

If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!

9If I take the wings of the morning

and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10even there your hand shall lead me,

and your right hand shall hold me.

11If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,

and the light about me be night,"

12 even the darkness is not dark to you;

the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

13For you formed my inward parts;

you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

14I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;

my soul knows it very well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,

intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

16Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,

the days that were formed for me,

when as yet there was none of them.

17How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 If I would count them, they are more than the sand.

I awake, and I am still with you.

19Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!

O men of blood, depart from me!

20They speak against you with malicious intent;

your enemies take your name in vain!

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

I have been absent from my blog for a very long time. I never meant to neglect it. Sometimes life takes an unexpected twist and you find yourself on a path you never planned to take. I have had several unexpected life upheavals take place and I will share bits and pieces of them in time. I have struggled with my health for over three years now. It is hard. I have lost all parathyroid function. My body no longer knows how to process calcium and vitamin D on its own. I take medication to help my body absorb the calcium. This very medication which keeps me from developing kidney stones depletes my body of magnesium and potassium. So I take those supplements. If my body does not receive enough of those vital nutrients my heart races. I feel like a science experiment as we find the proper dosages to keep my body working effectively.

My diagnoses is called hypoparathyroidism. There are days where I feel normal. There are days were I feel so exhausted it is an effort to complete the ordinary tasks of life. There are times when anxious thoughts rob me of precious sleep and there are moments when depression hangs like a dark cloud over my day. It is a challenge because there isn't a pattern to when I feel good and when I will struggle to get through the day. Thankfully I have more good days than bad.

In the midst of learning to deal with my health limitations it became necessary for me to have a hysterectomy. The surgery went fine but post surgery I lost a lot of blood. It took me a few months for my body to recover from the trauma it went through. In the midst of this we are building a home. It is exciting to build a new home but if you have ever traveled that road it can be very stressful.

My husband, Troy, has been a huge blessing through everything. We have learned to take one day at a time. God has brought us through all of the joys and sorrow of this past year. He has never left our side. We remain in His capable hands. We do not know what tomorrow might bring, but we know God holds all of our tomorrows. We have found comfort in God's word and received strength and nourishment in receiving the Lord's supper. God has provided loving family and friends who have loved us through it all. God has provided for all of our NEEDS every moment of every day.

During the season of Lent I am brought back to a memory from my childhood. At the close of every Lenten service our congregation sang, "Abide with Me." I love the words of this beautiful hymn.

I know each one of you have your struggles and have great burdens to bear as well. May you find comfort in knowing the Lord has you in His most capable hands. May God grant you peace, hope, and joy today and always.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

Ash Wednesday

In worship services around the world many will hear the words, “Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”
Let’s take a peak at Webster and a few of the definitions of dust.

1. The ground; the earth’s surface.

2. The substance to which something, as the dead human, is ultimately reduced by disintegration or decay; earthly remains

3. British

a. ashes, refuse

b. Junk

4. a low or humble condition

5. anything worthless

Why would anyone want to be referred to as dust? Why do we need to be reminded, we are worthless?
Is there anything we can do to make ourselves right? Is there anyway we can make ourselves clean again? Unfortunately, the answer is NO there is nothing we can do. There is nothing we have to do. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us and make us whole. Only Jesus can lift us up out of the ashes and refuse of sin, we cannot do this on our own.
On our Church body’s website it states: “This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust-to dustness and remind worshippers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God.”

In order to understand what God has done for us, we need to remember we are poor miserable sinners, who deserve death and eternal damnation. No one would ever want to suffer eternally separated from God, if they truly understood what that meant. And yet, Jesus knew in order to keep us from what we deserve and have earned a thousand times each day. He had to take our place. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross for you and for me. We know the word crucifixion comes from the word excruciating, because of how much pain it inflicts upon the person sentenced to die. Physically the pain would be too much for anyone to bear but the greater anguish for Jesus was that He became separated from God. Jesus experienced the torment of hell when God the Father turned away from His Son. We do not know and understand how it happened. The great theologians cannot fully explain this mystery to us.

So as we kneel at the altar, and we are reminded we are worthless refuse who deserve to suffer Hell. We can joyfully remember we have been scrubbed, cleansed, and purified by the precious blood of Jesus.

In closing, I was going to share selected verses from Romans chapter 8. But I decided to share all of it. It takes awhile to read it but it is worth every moment.

May God fill you with His peace as we begin our Lenten Journey.
Romans 8

Life in the Spirit

1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

9You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Heirs with Christ

12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.

Future Glory

18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

God’s Everlasting Love

31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,"For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Jacob gave this poem at a speech contest last week. He did a great job and we are very proud of him!

Saturday, April 03, 2010

Alleluia! Christ has Risen! He has Risen Indeed! The tomb is empty! Despite the plans of men, God did not fail; Jesus rose victoriously from the grave! Our lives have changed forever.

One of my favorite Easter memories is from the first Easter I spent in Peoria. Because I was involved in the worship service I was part of the processional. The processional Cross was covered with a black hood and the cross on the altar was covered in black as well from the “Good Friday” service. As we started to walk into the sanctuary you could hear the brass boldly and triumphantly playing and as we proceeded down the aisle the black was removed from both of the crosses. It was a representation of the veil of sin and death being removed forever. Jesus had gone to the Father on our behalf and now we too could come before God. It was one of those holy and sacred moments that I will remember forever.

A little later on in the service we were singing “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” and we were singing the fourth verse, “He lives, my kind, wise, heavenly friend; He lives and loves me to the end; He lives, and while He lives, I’ll sing; He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King!” At that moment I looked up at the beautiful statue they have of Jesus on the altar- and for the very first time I noticed the nail scars on His hands. I could not finish the rest of the hymn because I was so overwhelmed with emotion. Jesus, the King of all creation, died for my sins. I put those nail scars on His hands. I knew that I had been redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, even though I did nothing to deserve it. I couldn’t sing the words with my mouth, but I was singing them in my heart.

Can you imagine the joy that Mary felt on that first Easter morning when Jesus first said her name? That Joy is ours because Jesus is calling us by name. He is saying, “(your name) come and walk with me. I have won the victory over sin, death, and the devil for you; your life will never be the same. You will never have to be separated from your heavenly Father; I have made that sacrifice on your behalf. Come and discover all that I have to offer you, come and rest in the Joy, Hope, Love, and Peace that you can only find through me.”

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Alleluia! Christ has Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

Friday, April 02, 2010

Today we remember that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. Sometimes I think we say that phrase without remembering what it really means. The word crucifixion comes from the word “excruciating.” To be crucified is the most horrific and painful death a person can suffer. We can only begin to imagine the physical pain that Jesus suffered. Jesus also suffered spiritually and emotionally in a way that we never will. When He cried out, “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” it was because at that moment, Jesus was separated from God. Now how could Jesus, who is also God, be separated from God? That has always been a great mystery – even to the greatest of theologians... He, who was without sin, became sin for us all and suffered separation from God. That is the only way we could be saved. Jesus knew what would happen and yet the night before He told His Father, “Not my will, but your will.” Our sins nailed Him to the cross, but His amazing love for you and for me held Him there.

If we would have been standing there that day we would have also heard Jesus say, “It is finished.” Jesus did not only say this, He shouted it out. “It is finished,” is three words in English; but in Greek it is one “Tetelestai” as it would be in Aramaic. And “Tetelestai” is the victor’s shout; it is the cry of a person who has won through the struggle; it is the cry of a person who has come out of the dark into the glory of light, and who has grasped the crown. So, then, Jesus died a victor with a shout of triumph on His lips.

“Here is the precious thing. Jesus passed through the uttermost abyss, and then the light broke. If we, too, cling to God even there seems to be no God, desperately and invincibly clutching the remnants of our faith, quite certainly the dawn will break and we will win through. The victor is the person who refuses to believe that God has forgotten them, even when every fiber of their being feels they are forsaken. The victor is the person who will never let go of their faith, even when they feel that its last grounds are gone. The victor is the person who has been beaten to the depths and still holds on to God, for that is what Jesus did.” (William Barclay)

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Do you know how much God loves you? Can you comprehend the love He has for you? Can you even begin to fathom how His love can transform you and how it will have an eternal impact upon your life?

Do you know beyond a shadow of a doubt where you will spend eternity? Are you thinking, I hope to be in heaven?

I know where I will spend eternity, and that is with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. You might think, wow, she is full of herself. What makes her think she is so special that she knows she is going to heaven. My dear readers, I cannot assure my salvation anymore than you can. But I know the ONE who can. I know Jesus, and my salvation is dependent upon Him. I cannot take credit for where I will spend eternity. I didn't earn it. I don't deserve it. I cannot buy it. I cannot even imagine or fathom how wonderful it will be.

All I know is someday this earthly body will take it's last breath and I will close my eyes one final time here on earth and the next time I open my eyes it will be to look upon the face of my Savior.

It is not about what I have done or what I am going to do. It is about what Jesus did for you and for me on the Cross. When Jesus cried out, IT IS FINISHED, it meant the separation between God and His people had ended. It meant the debt has been paid in full. We could never fulfill the debt, no matter how much we want to, we are unable to. God the Father knew we could never make the payment and so He sent His one and only Son to pay the debt for us.

Last week I shared scripture from Romans Chapter 8 and I am going to share some of those verses again. I know too many people who have questions about whether they will be in heaven or not. It breaks my heart when I think of them not being assured of their salvation. And although they might not ever express it to me, I think they might feel I'm arrogant in my absolute certainty of where I'm going when I die.

In Romans 8:1 It states, "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." We are poor miserable sinners each and every day. But Jesus paid all penalties for us. There is nothing we can do to save ourselves. To think we as mere humans could do anything at all to save ourselves is arrogant.

We can live consumed with the guilt of our sin wondering if we will ever be good enough to enter the gates of heaven. The truth is we are not good enough...but in Jesus we have been made clean. Based upon His work for us on the Cross we are saved. There is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus.

At the end of Chapter 8 we hear this blessed promise: "37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."

I hope you will take the time to allow THE WORD to soak into your heart and your soul. Your salvation does not depend upon you or your actions.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

On Saturday I attended the funeral of ,Pastor Freudenburg. It was a celebration of his life but more importantly we were reminded of the One who gave us life. The service was beautiful, in fact, I felt as though I caught a glimpse of heaven. The music and singing were magnificent.

I would like to share with you, Shepherd Me O God, by Marty Haugen.

Refrain

Shepherd me, O God,

beyond my wants,

beyond my fears,

from death into life.

1. God is my shepherd,

so nothing shall I want,

I rest in the meadows

of faithfulness and love,

I walk by the quiet waters of peace.

2. Gently you raise me

and heal my weary soul,

you lead me by pathways

of righteousness and truth,

my spirit shall sing

the music of your Name.

3. Though I should wander

the valley of death,

I fear no evil,

for you are at my side,

your rod and your staff,

my comfort and my hope.

4. You have set me a banquet of love

in the face of hatred,

crowning me with love

beyond my pow’r to hold.

5. Surely your kindness and mercy

follow me all the days of my life;

I will dwell in the house of my God

forevermore.

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Ash Wednesday

In worship services around the world many will hear the words, “Remember: you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

Let’s take a peak at Webster and a few of the definitions of dust.

1. The ground; the earth’s surface.
2. The substance to which something, as the dead human, is ultimately reduced by
disintegration or decay; earthly remains
3. British
a. ashes, refuse
b. Junk
4. a low or humble condition
5. anything worthless

Why would anyone want to be referred to as dust? Why do we need to be reminded, we are worthless?

Is there anything we can do to make ourselves right? Is there anyway we can make ourselves clean again? Unfortunately, the answer is NO there is nothing we can do. There is nothing we have to do. Only the blood of Jesus can cleanse us and make us whole. Only Jesus can lift us up out of the ashes and refuse of sin, we cannot do this on our own.

On our Church body’s website it states: “This ancient act is a gesture of repentance and a powerful reminder about the meaning of the day. Ashes can symbolize dust-to dustness
and remind worshippers of the need for cleansing, scrubbing and purifying. If they are applied during an act of kneeling, the very posture of defeat and submission expresses humility before God.”

In order to understand what God has done for us, we need to remember we are poor miserable sinners, who deserve death and eternal damnation. No one would ever want to suffer eternally separated from God, if they truly understood what that meant. And yet, Jesus knew in order to keep us from what we deserve and have earned a thousand times each day. He had to take our place. Jesus suffered in agony on the cross for you and for me. We know the word crucifixion comes from the word excruciating, because of how much pain it inflicts upon the person sentenced to die. Physically the pain would be too much for anyone to bear but the greater anguish for Jesus was that He became separated from God. Jesus experienced the torment of hell when God the Father turned away from His Son. We do not know and understand how it happened. The great theologians cannot fully explain this mystery to us.

So as we kneel at the altar, and we are reminded we are worthless refuse who deserve to suffer Hell. We can joyfully remember we have been scrubbed, cleansed, and purified by the precious blood of Jesus.

In closing, I was going to share selected verses from Romans chapter 8. But I decided to share all of it. It takes awhile to read it but it is worth every moment.

May God fill you with His peace as we begin our Lenten Journey.

Romans 8
Life in the Spirit
1There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. 3For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, 4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. 6For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. 7For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God’s law; indeed, it cannot. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
9You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
Heirs with Christ
12So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!" 16 The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, 17and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
Future Glory
18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
26Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God’s Everlasting Love
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised— who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written,

"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.