Pastor Bob's Place

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2012-02-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

I hope all who read this will have an enjoyable Valentine's Day. I wish I could give you an accurate history of the original St. Valentine who was martyred in ancient Rome for his Christian faith, but historians say there may have been as many as 14 martyrs during that era named Valentinus. Accounts get rather complicated as historians try to separate one Valentinus from another, as well as explain a little about the churches dedicated to them.

February 14 is set aside to honor St. Valentine, but the date of its first use is also unclear. Early believers "christianized" Lupercalia, a pagan fertility festival on February 15, established to honor Faunus, Roman god of agriculture, as well as Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. At some point February 14 became the date dedicated to Christian love and exchanging expressions of it.

The oldest known written valentine still in existence today is a poem written in 1415 by the Duke of Orleans to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London. His greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of London's British Library. Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois who became his wife. So began a practice still enjoyed today.

Carol came home from two weeks of inpatient physical therapy last week, and it is good to be back together again. Over the years we've learned our home is wherever we are together, whether being in Arizona, Iowa or Colorado, and whether staying in a house, motel or trailer. God gives His people a home, whether single or married, wherever they live in the love and providence He so generously gives.

"Home is where the heart is," we often say. Home for many of us is where we were born or lived our early life, but it can have changed so much it is no longer recognizable. Grown trees make the old house look smaller, and change or decay make it unfamiliar. Home ought to be wherever you are, where you enjoy the blessings of God and the love He gives that you cherish.

Psalm 68:6 says, "God places the lonely into families." I have always treasured that passage because it shows how He cares for us in such a practical manner. God's love is, I believe, very precious and helpful in the Christian family.

I have a special Valentine this year for Carol and I hope she enjoys it.

A FREEWAY INCIDENT

2012-02-06T21:45:00.000-08:00

Do we know what is going to happen to us today? Are we sure we have a plan? Do we even know what will happen in the next hour or two?

It was afternoon when the young man exited the freeway. It had been a busy day at work and he was taking sandwiches to his fellow workers who had missed lunch. The older vehicle in front of him also drove the off-ramp and slowly stopped in the right turn lane at the signal light. The young man waited to proceed when the light changed, but when it did, the vehicle in front did not move. Another light change happened and still there was no movement. After the third light change, many drivers were getting impatient, so the young man got out and approached the vehicle. Its motor was still running, so he tapped on the window.

Opening a car door, the young man caught the elderly driver as he nearly fell out. The young man realized something was very wrong, because there was no response from the driver or the elderly passenger. The young man found no pulse on either of them, and police and EMTs who came immediately pronounced both occupants dead. Somehow the driver had slowed down for the signal light, stopped his car, and died.

A coroner later said the woman had died of a stroke and the driver of a heart attack. He surmised the woman had a stroke first and died in the car. When the driver, her husband, realized she was dead, he suffered a fatal heart attack right there at the signal light. The couple had just left the freeway, car still running, and both were dead. And the young man who found them was very much shaken.

Do you know what is going to happen to you today? Are you sure you have a plan? Do you even know what will happen in the next hour or two?

James writes in chapter 4:13-15, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit'— Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that'." I quoted this verse in my August 31 Weekly Message. No matter how many times I read or study or merely remember these words, I am taught by them.

Life can seem to us like a mist that vanishes, but to God, we are His beloved creatures. That's why He sent Jesus to save us. If we were nothing more than a dying animal on the roadside or a bug headed for a windshield, He would not have gone to such great lengths to create us, forgive us, teach us or prepare an eternal place for us.

God had a reason for the true story above. The young man is still seeking it.

PRAYER CHANGES THINGS

2012-01-30T06:04:00.000-08:00

Prayer surely works, but not all people believe so. I've met people who believe prayer only benefits the one who prays, giving them peace of mind or calming their heart, but not to change anything. They believe God has things already worked out (He does, of course) so prayer doesn't change what He will do. But I believe in the Christian addage, "Prayer Changes Things."

My wife Carol believes it too. After sustaining a complete fracture of her right upper femur last Monday, she had surgery Tuesday to put three pins in to hold the broken leg bone in place. After two more days in the hospital, she was transferred to "Sante of Chandler," a beautiful new facility in south Phoenix for physical therapy. It's located at 825 S. 94th Street Chandler, AZ 85224, if you'd like to send her a card. Or more easily, she can be reached via Email at . She is using our regular address while I use a different one, as you can see from the Email address I am using.

Carol said often last week she felt so comforted that so many were praying for her. The dozens of Emails and many cards and flowers she received helped her know that "Prayer Changes Things." Now, neither she nor I can prove that God did things any different than He might have had no prayers been offered up. But a Christian can know whether she is being blessed by the petitions offered up on her behalf.

Consider what Isaiah 38:1-5 tells us about this: "In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came to him, and said to him, 'Thus says the LORD: Set your house in order, for you shall die, you shall not recover.' Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, and said, 'Please, O LORD, remember how I have walked before you in faithfulness and with a whole heart, and have done what is good in your sight. ' And Hezekiah wept bitterly. Then the word of the LORD came to Isaiah: 'Go and say to Hezekiah, Thus says the LORD, the God of David your father: I have heard your prayer; I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life'."

God changed His plan because of Hezekiah's prayer. Now, you might think God knew Hezekiah was going to pray, and just waited for him to do so, and then did what He was going to do all along. But the Bible is trustworthy, and when it tells us God heard his prayer and added fifteen years to his life, we can believe that is what actually happened. You and I can believe, "Prayer Changes Things" because it really is true.

God answers prayer in several ways, "Yes, No and Wait." He can agree with our prayer and grant our wish, or He can can decide not to grant our prayer for reasons only He knows. God can also answer us by having us wait awhile before granting our request. Parents do this all the time. They hear the child asking for something that may be good, but they know the child is not ready nor capable of receiving it now. One day, yes, that request can be granted, but not now. When it's time, the parent gives the child what (s)he asked for months or years before. Then (s)he is ready to receive and use it wisely.

God is answering our healing prayers for Carol now, but He is also making her wait with rehab and gaining strength. God is making me wait also, because she is not ready to come home yet. Meanwhile, I've had dear and longtime friends visiting with us whose time here was significantly altered. They did less sightseeing and more serving than planned. I thank God they were here, for they helped with tasks around the home and have been good companions. When they leave, my sister and son are coming for awhile. All this was already planned months ago, so God is using our plans to do His will. He does that often, and that in itself is very comforting.

"Prayer Changes Things!"

THINGS CHANGE QUICKLY

2012-01-23T22:57:00.000-08:00

Things surely can take a sudden turn in life when you least expect it. Moses discovered this when he met the Lord in a burning desert bush, and Jonah did when God told him to take a trip to Nineveh. Paul found this out as he was traveling the road to Damascus, and Martin Luther did when he got drenched outside in a raging storm.

Carol and I discovered this yesterday, too. She went to an activity at a friend's house, missed a step, and fell, breaking her leg. She thought it wasn't that badly injured and believed the doctor to be joking when he said it was a complete break of the upper femur that would require surgery and pins. And if the surgery was wasn't successful, she might need a hip replacement.

She laughed when the doctor said this, but he then realized wasn't "pulling her leg." She is scheduled for surgery at the Casa Grande Regional Medical Center today, and life will be different around our home till her leg heals.

I had thought she had a low tolerance of pain, but I was wrong. I am sure I'd have yelled a whole lot more than she did when they moved her to another bed and those broken bones rubbed together. I hope any further moves won't be as bad, and that her days ahead will be blessed with a patient and caring husband.

Things surely can take a turn in life when you least expect it. You plan a fun day outside and wake up to clouds and rain. Or you train for a life occupation and find you dislike the kind of life it brings. Or you plan good family life and end up in the divorce court. Or you plan a winter of activities and break a leg.

Of course, not every unfortunate event carries the same result or requires the same effort to overcome. Legs can heal more easily than marriages, and impatient husbands can learn more easily than dissatisfied students or inept politicians. Even with dear guests at our house, it will surely be quieter there in the coming days until we get back to normal, whatever and whenever that will be.

Last Sunday we said in worship, "I praise You, O Lord, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, and I know this full well." (Psalm 1139:14) We will look for the hidden blessings in this and we accept that this event, too, is a part of God's good plan for us.

Please pray that Carol's surgery is successful and her healing complete.

OH MY GOD!

2012-01-16T21:41:00.000-08:00

Have you ever said, "Oh my God!" and considered what those three words mean? Have you ever thought of that phrase as an expression of gratitude? How do we show our gratitude when we are truly grateful?

Yesterday I viewed a marvelous desert sunset, with vibrant colors on fleecy clouds in a clear and changing sky with its deepening reds, yellows and blues. It was a sight only God could create in such grand fashion. I quietly said, "Oh my God!" because it was so beautiful and so fleeting.

"Oh my God!" I have often been critical when hearing those three words flippantly spoken, yet they can have great meaning. It means something worthwhile has caught your attention, and a connection was made with your person, so much that it caused you to cry out to your Creator, "Oh my God!"

Today for me started out grey, wet and chilly but ended with a warm display of brilliance that is hard to imagine. Today for you and me is a gift, and this very moment is the only gift we have in our possession. Today has such great value to our existence that gratitude should be our appropriate response.

Today you and I have life, our own life and the lives of those around you. Open your eyes and see the sky and the weather moving through it. It is wondrous and ever changing. Look at the faces of the people you meet. They are unique, original, interesting, and you have eyes to see them with. Millions cannot see with eyes like yours, for their world is darkness.

Turn on the faucet and see the clean water coming out, hot or cold, and realize many millions do not have this gift you take for granted. Smile at a friend and realize for just a moment the value of that person smiling back at you. Perhaps they like you, maybe even love you, and what a gift it is when they value you.

If you can count even a few small blessings in your life, then let your gratitude overflow to others around you, and also to your Creator. "Oh my God!"

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

PRAY AND ACT!

2012-01-10T21:01:00.000-08:00

I'm late posting this WEEKLY MESSAGE, because I had a rare bout of "writer's block." It's surprising it should happen today after last Sunday's amazing Bronco's victory, or a New Hampshire primary going on right now, or a couple of recent shooting tragedies. The new year 2012 is barely under way and I had writer's block. Maybe I just don't know which to write about first. Either that or my mind has become a muddle of confusion.

I've been trying to approach this particular new year more positively than I have some in the past. Years from now 2012 will be remembered for various reasons, most of which we do not know. We do know there will be a presidential election, and a few people are anticipating some kind of cataclysmic event this year. Just exactly what all the major news stories will be this year only the Good Lord knows.

I recall once writing a sermon titled, "What Do You Do When You Don't Know What to Do?" I think I wrote it because I didn't know what to preach for my sermon that Sunday. But I remember the answer I put forward - "Pray and Act!" First, pray for God's guidance, then make a decision and follow through with it.

I once accepted a call to another congregation, and when we got there we wished we had stayed where we were. We got there with all our worldly goods packed in a U-Haul truck, and for four days that truck sat in the church parking lot while we looked for a place to live.

Both my wife and I were torn about our decision. What should we do - go back or stay? Amid all the anxiety and newness, an older pastor there gave me some advice. "You'd better pray, and then either unpack that truck or go back where you came from." We prayed and unpacked the truck. That was thirty years ago.

Pray and Act! Another member once told me, "Make your decision and don't look back. Nine out of ten times you'll have made the right one, and the other time will be a lesson you won't forget." A wise man he was, my friend Roy! He's with the Lord now, probably chuckling at me right now.

Pray and Act! I can't tell you how long to pray, but I can urge you to pray for God to show you plainly what He wants. When you pray for that, He is usually quite obvious with His answer. His prophet once told us, "Commit your way to the Lord, trust in Him, and He will act." (Psalm 37:5)

Today I guess He just wanted me to tell you this - Pray and Act!.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I appreciate many things as we begin this year, including your willingness to keep reading WEEKLY MESSAGE. May 2012 be filled with wonderful blessings for you and your loved ones, and may nothing evil happen in our world. Rather like the man who prayed, "Dear God please grant that this new year I will have a fat bank account and a skinny body, not the other way around like last year."

I like Ben Stein. His combination of humor, communication skills, common sense and, uncommon intelligence make him both interesting and worth paying attention to. In his November, 2011, Newsmax article, "Cherish Your Moments," Ben states his main point that, "Of all life's mysteries, the most cruel and unyielding is that the moment, which seems to be permanent and fixed today, passes and is gone forever." He continues, "The only thing I can do about it is to cherish the time I have left." Then he lists those most important to him among family and friends and concludes, "… and to appreciate them while I still have them."

Time does go by so quickly. 1 Peter 1:24-25 says, "The grass withers, the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord remains forever." Psalm 90:12 prays, "Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Moses wrote Psalm 90. We don't know how old he was then, but Deuteronomy 34:7 tells us, "Moses lived to be 120, his eyes undimmed and his vigor unabated." I'm sure that won't happen to us, but time will go by quickly, and we will not pass this way again.

Some people are speculating that 2012 will be a cataclysmic year, that something will happen to change the course of human history. Perhaps that will be so, perhaps not. But if you trust in God for your life, then "No evil shall fall upon you, nor any plague come near your home." (Psalm 91:10) That doesn't mean we will avoid all evil, but that we will not be crushed by it.

So we need to be ready for whatever comes. Jesus assured us in John 6:47, "Whoever believes [in Me] has eternal life." Having faith in Christ is being ready. We don't know the future, only that the Day of the Lord will come when we least expect it. If Christ comes and this world ends, then 2012 will usher in the best life of all for believers, an eternity of peace in the loving presence of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

In the meanwhile, cherish and appreciate your fellow travelers on the road of life.

IN 2012, ALL IS WELL

2011-12-27T14:29:00.000-08:00

As we come to the close of 2011, many people are concerned with what will happen during 2012. Each new year brings such thoughts and concerns, but 2012 appears to be especially important, almost pivotal. World economies, American politics and even doomsday predictions may make us pause to think, and hopefully pray about, what this New Year will bring.

Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick have written a lovely Christmas song, "All is Well." Some of its words are:

"All is well, all is well, Lift up your voice and sing.
Born now is Emmanuel, Born is our Lord and Savior.
Sing Alleluia, sing Alleluia, all is well."

To hear the words of this song at Christmas time is comforting. But some people are unable to absorb the message because their lives are in such turmoil. They've experienced the loss of a loved one, or persistent unemployment, or a reversal in life, or a serious illness or personal depression that will not go away. Their hearts cry out, "All is NOT well, at least not for ME."

This is when a simple understanding the birth of our Savior Jesus can bring light into the midst of our darkness. Jesus of Nazareth was born. He died for our sins and rose again so that we might rise. Despite our complex circumstances, all IS well because Jesus is our Savior and He is with us. We are not alone in our pain or trouble. Christ is here, even now on this mixed-up, confusing earth, beside us as our Friend.

Jesus promises never to leave us (see Hebrews 13:5). He promises that His grace will be sufficient for us (see Philippians 4:19), and He assures us we receive the gift of eternal life by faith in Him when our suffering of life is over (see John 10:27-28).

As you review 2011 and look forward to 2012, remember God's promises and blessings. Perhaps you can agree with the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, who wrote:

"BEFORE ME, EVEN AS BEHIND, GOD IS, AND ALL IS WELL."

Cindy Hess Karper, a writer for OUR DAILY BREAD (available free at: http://rbc.org) gave me the idea for some of the thoughts I have shared with you today. Most of my WEEKLY MESSAGEs are taken from an idea, a story or an event that lends itself to a message for that week. 2012 begins my sixteenth year writing WEEKLY MESSAGE, and I am privileged to continue this ministry for the several thousand people of many nations who receive it each week.

Despite all evidence to the contrary, because Jesus is with us in 2012, ALL IS WELL!

CHRISTMAS GENEROSITY

2011-12-20T05:47:00.000-08:00

I am always amazed at the generosity of American people most any time there is a need, and especially at Christmas. The church, non-profit organizations, and individuals give us so many opportunities to give. Every year millions of dollars in gifts passes hands, and boxes of food and decorated Christmas gifts go to people in need of all ages. Even the media features story after story about young and old sharing with others. All this makes Christmas the most heart-warming time of the year.

Giving and sharing are good anytime, but especially now. I saw this poem in the paper and wanted to share it with you. It's about some people who are… Well, you read it and decide what it's about. This little poem has quite a strong message.

"THE COLD WITHIN" (by James Patrick Kinne)
Six humans trapped by happenstance In dark and bitter cold.
Each possessed a stick of wood, Or so the story's told.

Their dying fire in need of logs, But the first one held hers back,
For, of the faces around the fire, She noticed one was black.

The next one looked across the way; Saw one not of his church,
And could not bring himself to give The fire his stick of birch.

The third one sat in tattered clothes; He gave his coat a hitch.
Why should his log be put to use To warm the idle rich?

The rich man just sat back and thought Of wealth he had in store,
And keeping all that he had earned From the lazy, shiftless poor.

The black man's face bespoke revenge As the fire passed from his sight,
For he saw in his stick of wood A chance to spite the white.

And the last man of this forlorn group Did nought except for gain;
Giving just to those who gave Was how he played the game.

Their sticks held tight in death's stilled hands Was proof enough of sin;
They did not die from cold without -- They died from cold within.

Because God gave us His only Son, Christians are the most generous of all. They understand the coldness of sin and the warmth of their Savior dwelling in their hearts. God grant this Christmas that everyone, whether young or old, families or single people, will have all that they need, including the gift of the Christ child of Bethlehem.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given." (Isalah 9:6)

FAITH AND FOOTBALL

2011-12-13T05:33:00.000-08:00

I have often told people, "God doesn't care two hoots about my golf game." I've usually said that right after making a shot that causes a fellow player to comment, "You must have Someone Up There who likes you." People like to say that to pastors, even retired ones. So I usually respond, "Naw, God doesn't care two hoots about my golf game." And the way I usually play golf, I'm convinced He doesn't.

But this fall I've added, "or pro football." And yet after last Sunday and watching the Denver Broncos pull out another come-from-behind win, winning the 7th of their last 8 games, I am wondering whether or not that's correct. Maybe God does care about pro football and He is telling us something through it this season.

Now, hopefully you won't skip the rest of this WEEKLY MESSAGE, viewing it as just another article on a certain pro quarterback who has received more publicity than he probably deserves. But I would like to examine for a moment whether or not there is anything too small for God to be concerned with.

Articles on this person usually center on whether or not he should be so public and vocal about his faith. I think what he does - taking a knee after a touchdown or pointing to the sky - makes a lot of people uneasy. Most fans would rather just watch the game and then, 1) rehash it to show their knowledge of players and teams, or 2) give their most recent prognostication or the season's outcome, or 3) philosophize on pro football in general, especially on how it used to be, or how they'd fix it if given the chance.

But not some oddball (lucky?) quarterback giving God thanks! Can't a person have just one area of life that avoids God talk? Yes, we all know of a team that "really believed" and somehow lived the dream of the "impossible season." But can't we just leave God out of football? (God is surely not ignored in sports bars - you hear His name mentioned there quite often)

Leave God out of football? Go ahead and do it - you have my blessing. But there is still a part of me that asks, "If we really believe God is almighty and cares about us, is there anything too small or insignificant for Him not to be concerned with?" If He can number the hairs on head or keep track of those irritating dirty little sparrows, might He not also hear us and our prayers, even the ones about the outcome of a football game?

This young quarterback is just living his faith, doing what he's been doing since he was a child and gave his life to Jesus. Somewhere in life he promised to vocally thank Jesus whenever something good happens, and he's kept his promise. Like St. Paul says, "In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Maybe the armchair quarterbacks and those all-knowing sports pundits out there should chill out and let him play his game.

If God does care about every aspect of our life, maybe now's the time to thank Him for making a couple of teams really interesting to watch. By the way, Packer's quarterback Aaron Rogers is also a fine Christian, a man who has also dedicated his life to Jesus Christ. And so far his Green Bay team is undefeated, with a string of wins over two seasons longer than any team in NFL history. Some guys are just less vocal about their faith. I wonder how many other Christian athletes there are?

Maybe God really does care about my golf game - maybe just one hoot?

CONGO ORPHANAGE SUPPORT

2011-12-05T17:12:00.000-08:00

Every year at this time, I have urged readers to make a special Christmas gift to a charity, and this year the one I have chosen is, "OUR FAMILY IN AFRICA." About a year ago, our son and his wife blessed us with an adopted African granddaughter from the DRC, the Democratic Republic of Congo. Chuck and Debbie applied to an orphanage there and Debbie returned with Anaya, now a smiling, energetic and growing sweet girl who will already be two years old in February.

Carol and I decided this year to forego giving adult Christmas gifts and are making ongoing contributions to "OUR FAMILY IN AFRICA," a group that is starting a new orphanage in Kinshasa, the DRC capital. With five million orphans in the DRC, and with 10,000 of them roaming the streets of Kinshasa, orphanages in DRC are badly needed.

The DRC has been at war nearly 15 years, resulting in a high infant mortality rate due to disease, abuse and rape. Existing orphanages there are overwhelmed. While we can't help them all, we have decided we can help some. Furthermore, adoptions from DRC have been nearly closed due to government problems there.

OFA is a group of American adoptive parents working through the United Methodist Church to refurbish an abandoned orphanage in Kinshasa. Debbie and Chuck are supporting OFA, and on their behalf, we are seeking the support of others for this newest Kinshasa orphanage.

The OFA website is: http://www.ourfamilyadoptions.org/. It will give accurate information, as well as buttons to other pages of information, including donations. Please note on your check or PayPal information that your gift is for the "Kinshasa Orphanage Project."

Carol and I are giving an initial gift plus a monthly gift through our credit card. We invite you to do the same, if not to OFA, then to another worthy orphanage charity. There are many, and all are in great need of our gifts.

John 1:12 says, "But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Jesus came into the world that also had a high infant mortality rate. But through the loving care of his birth mother Mary and his adoptive father Joseph, He grew to be our Lord and Savior. When adoption becomes difficult, good orphanages are great blessings to the world and the Church.

May our Lord Jesus move you to share of your gifts this Christmas with orphaned children in need.

ADVENT IS ALMOST HERE

2011-11-29T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today is our 25th wedding anniversary. On November 29, 1986, Carol and I were married on the Saturday morning after Thanksgiving in a happy and memorable ceremony and reception. Last Saturday afternoon we hosted a party for about 80 or more friends and family here at Palm Creek, and I can safely say, "a good time was had by all."

There are so many fine things that can bless a person in life, and a good marriage is right up there with the best of them. Loving family, faithful children, close friends and faith in Jesus Christ are all important blessings to one's earthly life.

This Wednesday (tomorrow) we swing into the season of Advent, the weeks before our annual celebration of Christmas. Advent comes from Latin words meaning "coming" and it centers on the First Advent of Jesus, God's Son, coming into the world some 2000 years ago. Christians also believe in the Second Coming, that Jesus will come again to judge all creation at the end of the world. So today we actually live between the two Advents.

These days Advent is mostly overlooked by a secular society which has become overcome with worries about its economy and politics. Some even think things are really bad in our world, that we are somehow on the brink of destruction. Indeed, 2012 is considered by a few to usher in the end of all things as we know it.

So what if it does? Are we ready for it? Readiness here does not mean having enough stuff or just being in the right place. It does, however, mean believing the right things, that Jesus is our Savior, that He died for our sins and rose again to forgive us and bridge the chasm sin has created between us and God. Being ready for the Second Coming of Jesus is a matter of the heart. "All who believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

It is not easy to keep faith in Christ. Satan and his evil minions try to tear the faith from our hearts. It is easier to ignore God than to ignore the clamor and glitter of secularism around us. We must be vigilant at this time of year. Observing Advent can help us with that vigilance.

Trinity Lutheran of Casa Grande, AZ, observes Advent with midweek services, and I will be leading those again this year Wednesdays at 4:00 & 7:00. I urge you to find a church that observes Advent and worship the Good Lord in those midweek services. If that's not possible, take time to read the Bible and pray to the One who first came to earth as the Christ child, the One who promises He will come again to receive all the faithful to Himself in heaven.

God bless you all this Advent!

GOD IS SO GOOD

2011-11-21T21:32:00.000-08:00

Our earth is an active place. Not only do we have seven billion people living on its surface, underneath the earth's surface there is a whole lot more activity going on than we ever realize.

Earlier this year I discovered a website that gives a day-to-day report on the earth's most recent earthquakes with data from the NEIC, the National Earthquake Information Center, located in Boulder, Colorado. You can find it at: http://quakes.globalincidentmap.com/. It shows just how active our earth is beneath its seemingly hard, yet thin crust. The most dangerous quakes are not necessarily those highest on the Richter Scale, but usually those most close to the earth's surface.

What's surprising is not just the high amount of daily earthquakes that take place on the "Pacific Rim of Fire" (which includes America's west coast), it is also the frequency of earthquakes in the rest of the USA - along the Mississippi, on the eastern seaboard and in New England states. Of course, some parts of South Pacific are rattled nearly every day by deep and powerful quakes, and the people there have learned to live with the ground moving beneath their feet.

There are plenty of reasons for people to fear earthquakes, but there are more reasons not to fear them. This earth that God has given us is our home. It is the best planet in the universe to support complex human life. It is the planet Almighty God has richly blessed. God is watching over us all, and giving us all we need for life, whether we acknowledge Him or not. We people are all blessed by His almighty hand. That is a very good reason to give Him special thanks on Thanksgiving Day coming in a few days.

Last year we felt a slight tremor here in Arizona as a 3.0 quake hit near Yuma, 150 miles west of us. The mini-blinds swayed and our whole home moved just a little. Tremors hit people in many places - a bad health report, losing a job, losing a loved one, experiencing a great disappointment, or perhaps feeling like you're losing your faith in God. Whenever the earth trembles beneath your feet, just remember, "The earth is the Lord's and all that is within it." (Psalm 24:1)

This Wednesday I will lead Thanksgiving Eve services at Trinity Lutheran, Casa Grande (at 4 & 7 PM), with the theme, "God Is So Good." Do you remember the Sunday School song with the simple yet profound words, "God is so good, God is so good, God is so good, He's so good to me"? Trinity congregation will sing that song Wednesday because it reminds us that God is good to us, even during the earthquakes of life.

Everyone experiences earthquakes in life, and God knows when they happen. He will be there to hold us up and bring us through. Whenever any earthquake strikes close to you, remember, "God is so good, He's so good to me." Then praise Him for His goodness!

"Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalms 107:1)

OUR BROKEN BORDERS

2011-11-14T22:44:00.000-08:00

It is a fundamental necessity of civilization that the strong must protect the weak. Whenever the strong neglect protecting the weak, or take harmful advantage of them, then the stronger must be judged harshly. This is true of families and also of governing entities. If the strong harm the weak under their care, this especially worthy of judgment. We saw this graphically in recent events at Penn State.

America is a great nation. It is great because it guarantees basic freedoms and puts in place certain principles that protect its citizens. Whenever its leaders choose to promote self-interest above the good of its citizens, or choose to obey laws only selectively, they no longer deserve to be its leaders. There are, at this time, elected leaders who are ignoring laws with which they disagree.

Most of us wisely have locks on our doors. Without them, we leave ourselves open to lawlessness and injury. The doors and locks of our nation are its laws and the boundaries that protects its citizens, defining who they are and the freedoms they have. We are a nation of immigrants, but we want those who come here to live within the boundaries of law.

Living in Arizona makes one realize the importance of laws and locks, for they are not working here. Every day, a thousand or more people cross into Arizona illegally from Mexico. The locks on our nation's doors are broken, and our elected national leaders are blocking those who are attempting to fix them.

Imagine being told locks are not needed on your doors, or that you should not even close your doors to intruders who would enter your house, and possibly harm you or take your goods. Imagine strangers coming into your home expecting to be fed and clothed, some even telling you they had a right to take your possessions. Imagine being told by your government you it would be better if you gave them your possessions.

Then imagine being considered a terrorist by that government because you owned weapons to protect yourself, or assessed you fines because you tried to keep what was yours. Imagine being threatened with arrest or taken to court because you hired qualified people to uphold laws that your government failed to enforce.

These, my friends, are the realities that produced Arizona's law SB 1070. It was enacted by two thirds of Arizona's citizens to enforce national laws already in place, but which the federal government has neglected to enforce. Arizona is now being sued by that same government elected to protect us.

Our just and loving God says through the prophet in Isaiah 5:18-20, "Woe to those who draw sin along with cords of deceit, who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness." Somehow, we Americans must see that we must be protected not only from our enemies, but also from some of our elected leaders.

Because we all are held to the same standard, we all need forgiveness in Jesus. But no one, no matter how high, is above the Law. "Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers." (Psalm 1:1)

May God move us to protect the helpless and be protected from those who would harm us.

RECHARGED IN PAIRS

2011-11-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Carol and I returned to Arizona over the weekend and found lots of things to do - cleaning, unpacking, shopping, and setting up housekeeping. There were people in the office to see about mail and billing, and park friends to notify we were back. Sunday we worshipped at Trinity Lutheran and greeted our church friends there. It's always fun to get back to our Arizona winter home.

And there are always a few surprises. One was that my golf cart wouldn't run because its batteries were completely discharged. (Did I leave the lights on?) I hooked up my 36 volt charger to get some "juice" back in its six battery system, but found that when all the batteries are dead, the big charger won't work. There needs to be some small amount of electrical charge in the system to make the big charger "kick in."

I asked around and someone suggested I try my regular car battery charger to charge each battery. So I set that charger to "6 volt charge" and tried charging individual batteries, but that didn't work either. Then I found a website that said I should use the 12 volt setting and charge sets of two batteries (six times two still equals twelve).

That worked! After about an hour of 12 volt charging on pairs of two six volt batteries, they all had enough amperage that the 36 volt charger kicked in and got them all up to full charge. By yesterday afternoon, "Old Blue," my 1980 convertible Club Car, was charging down the streets at top speed - 15 mph! And all because its batteries need to get some charge in pairs, but not alone.

It's kind of like our relationship with God. Jesus once said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them." (Matthew 18:20) In Luke 10, He also sent out his disciples in pairs to do His work. Jesus knew that alone we can falter and fade, but in pairs we have more strength.

People seem to work better in pairs. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 says, "Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!"

When it comes to those big batteries, two charge up better than one. And while one person alone can accomplish some good things, but sometimes two people are better together.

Do you suppose that is why God gave us marriage? And good friends?

PHILIP MELANCHTHON

2011-10-31T19:35:00.000-07:00

October 31 is the day Martin Luther began the Reformation by posting his 95 Theses. I would like to introduce you to another important Reformer named Philip Melanchthon, scholar, writer, professor, humble Christian man, and close friend of Martin Luther. He was born Philip Schwartzerd ("black dirt") in 1497 at Bretten, Germany. He was 14 years younger than Luther and grew to be only 4 foot 7 inches tall.

Philip started Latin School at ten, but was enrolled at the University of Heidelberg at 12, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree there at 14 and his Master’s degree from University of Tubingen at 16. His brilliant mind was reportedly able to memorize entire books.

While studying under Erasmus, he changed his name to Melanchthon ("black dirt" in Greek), and became lecturer in the Christian faith and many secular disciplines. In 1518 (age 21), Luther invited him to study the Bible and teach at the “Laecorium,” the new University of Wittenberg.

In 1519, Philip attended the Leipzig Debate with Luther, helping him write parts of his defense against Johann Eck. During the debate, Philip spoke out several times, incurring Eck's anger.

In 1520, now full Professor on the Wittenberg faculty, Philip married Katharina Krapp, the mayor’s daughter. Elector Frederick gave them a house on Collegienstrasse next to the University which is today a museum. They were blessed with two children, Anna and George (died at age two). They adopted Philip's sister's five children when she died, and later adopted Anna's four children at her death.

Melanchthon worked very hard, his usual day being from 3 in the morning until 9 o’clock at night. He and Luther sometimes, though rarely, differed on teachings. He established the first public schools in Germany, and later organized new universities at Marburg, Koenigsberg, and Jena, besides revising courses and textbooks at Heidelberg and Tubingen. Philip valued the Bible most highly, but also urged the study of useful humanist writings.

He was invited by nearly fifty other Universities to be on their faculty, yet stayed at Wittenberg Laecorium the rest of his life. In 1530 he wrote and presented the Augsburg Confession in German and Latin. He also wrote commentaries on Luke, Matthew, Romans and Corinthians, and helped reorganize theology departments at major universities.

Philip got into conflicts with Amsdorf, Flacius and Osiander, and spoke against false doctrine of the Zwickau prophets who said the Bible was no longer necessary, that all should only follow the Holy Spirit. He was 49 when Luther died in 1546, thrusting him into leadership of the Reformation. In 1550, his Katharina died at age 49, and two years later, Luther’s Katie died, also at 49.

In his last years, Philip was saddened by the sorry state of the church with its disputes and weak leadership, but he took refuge in prayer and the Bible. Though some disregarded him due to his size and appearance, Luther said Philip was a giant and his pen made him more beautiful than King David.

Just prior to his death, Philip wrote a sermon in which he said, “In death we shall be delivered from our sins, as well as from the arguments of foolish people.” In early April, 1560, he lectured a few minutes in his classroom and collapsed. Asked on his deathbed if he wanted anything. he said, “Nothing but Heaven.”

Philip Melanchthon died at age 63, the same age as Luther. Both are buried in the Wittenberg Castle Church, Philip the teacher in front of the lectern, and Luther the preacher in front of the pulpit. Philip stands next to Luther and Calvin as a major protestant reformer and theologian. Among his many legacies, he urged the church not to confuse the Law and Gospel.

June 25, Luther’s traditional wedding anniversary, is also Philip Melanchthon Day in the Lutheran Church.

HEARING THE MESSAGE

2011-10-24T21:20:00.000-07:00

I enjoy reading fiction, but one of my favorite non-fiction authors is Deborah Tannen, a Georgetown University Professor of Linguistics. Her book, "YOU JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND," became a 1980s classic due to its excellent explanation of how men and women process information differently. Her premise is true: men and women don't always hear the same message in the same words.

Dr. Tannen has written several other books, and one I am now reading is, "I ONLY SAY THIS BECAUSE I LOVE YOU," in which she explains how our conversation affects our relationships. She writes quite clearly on a topic that could be boring, but is surprisingly interesting and even humorous.

In our conversations, she says we need to realize there is both a message and a "meta-message" The message is what we say out loud. The meta-message is the unstated meaning we glean from what is said. The message is the "word meaning," while the meta-message is the "heart meaning." The meta-message is often what triggers the most emotion.

For example, when a mother begins her conversation with, "I only say this because I love you," the daughter may know immediately she will be criticized, perhaps about her looks or behavior. The mother truly wants to help her daughter to improve and believes her meta-message will be heard. Her daughter, however, focuses on the message itself which comes across as criticism.

Reading good literature on how we relate to each other can help us avoid pitfalls in our relationships, especially those in the family. Looking past the initial words and realizing there may be another message won't eliminate pitfalls, but it can help us avoid them.

It can also help us in understanding God's Word. I often hear people say they don't understand the Bible, that its stories or passages are too difficult. Some parts of the Bible are indeed more difficult than others. But sometimes our inability to understand can come from our experiences or our unwillingness to look beyond the words themselves.

For example, one child hearing Jesus' prayer in Matthew 6, "Our Father who art in heaven…." would envision a wonderful God based on a loving earthly father. Another child, however, might see God as angry or hateful, based on an abusive earthly father.

Many people distance themselves from God's Word due to negative experiences in life. When something reminds us of physical or emotional pain, we naturally will back away from it. Other people, though, find the goodness of God explained in the Bible helps them get past a particular pain they've felt in life.

I urge you to consider how you relate to the Bible and why. Is there something blocking your need to read His Word? Is there a way to remove that block so that you can better hear what He is saying to you?

And in your close relationships, is there an important message you may be missing because you are considering only the words?

Jesus does understand. He gave us His Word because He loves us.

WHO'S AT FAULT?

2011-10-17T20:39:00.000-07:00

(First of all, I want to thank all who responded to last week's MESSAGE about my writings. I have been urged to write books for over a decade, and now that I've started, I hope some will read them. I appreciate your understanding.)

This week I would like to share some thoughts about the current protest demonstrations being staged around our world. Like many of you, I have mixed feelings as I watch the news showing people angrily shouting in the streets against injustice and greed or something written on their signs. I am sure it is exciting to be among those participants, but it is difficult trying to understand them.

One wonders if there is a point to it all, or whether it is protesting merely for the sake of being a protester. Unless people have valid reasons that can be stated and understood, it all seems a waste of time.

Perhaps some modern people feel they must stage angry demonstrations now and then, publicly venting feelings so that somehow wrongs will be made right. Maybe they just want to shout in the streets like they heard was done in past decades. Whatever their reasons are, it would be better if we at least understood them.

Mere ranting and raving accomplishes little. "I don't have enough." "They have too much!" "No one listens to me!" "Why isn't the government doing more?" "Why isn't the world a perfect place?" "Who's fault is it?"

Maybe I can answer that last question, but it won't be pleasing. We are all at fault. Because we are all sinful, that makes us all greedy and selfish and uncaring, etc. Furthermore, we frail, faulty humans can NOT fix everything to make our world a perfect place. It can't be done.

It is the immature child who cries, "Someone has ruined my life and must make me better." That child has not been taught the reality of sin. Our world today is filled with people who have been deceived into thinking we really can make this world into a perfect place. But perfection requires God, not street demonstrations or revolution.

Reality teaches us people of every generation will suffer. God's Word teaches us the only perfection there is comes from God in Jesus Christ. He died to deliver us. He rose again to bring us hope of heaven. Heaven will be perfect and will come only through Jesus.

There will be no lasting political solutions to our imperfect world. Perfection will only come in heaven at God's throne, a gift of God's grace in Jesus our Savior.

Certainly we must try to make things better. But unless we trust in God to help us, unless we place our faith in the One who is Greater and Higher than we are, we are destined to cry in the streets like spoiled children looking for someone to blame.

"For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Rev. Bob Tasler
My Kindle Books:
NEW! "BOBBY WAS A FARMER BOY" (illustrated for children): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TMN95M
"SMALL TOWN PREACHER" (My second church): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0FST2
"COUNTRY PREACHER" (My first church): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" (Daily devotionals): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
"MURDER AT PALM CREEK" (A fun "Whodunnit?"): http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMMBQU

READ MY NEWEST BOOK

2011-10-10T17:56:00.000-07:00

As you may have noticed by my E-mail "signature" this summer, I have written several small electronic books on Amazon Kindle. This has been a fun and interesting experiment, as well as quite successful. So far I have sold around 150 Kindle E-books, as well as many in CD format. You can see all five with their website addresses below. You can click on any of those that are underlined, and you will see the nice way Amazon shows you their content.

My latest E-Book, "BOBBY WAS A FARMER BOY," is a children's book about my youth on our family farm. It is short and contains many simple illustrations. I think it is my best work so far, and costs only $2.99 for those with Kindles. You can look at its Kindle site (free) at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005TMN95M.

I can also send you a computer CD copy to read on your PC. Additionally, I have an audio version for this and two other books as well. For these, you must contact me and I will mail you a CD written or audio copy for $5. I'm sorry, but there are no paper copies of my books. The cost of paper publishing today has become very expensive and risky.

If you do not have a Kindle, you can download a free Kindle Reader for your PC or Mac at this address:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000493771.

If you have a Kindle book or Kindle reader for your PC, I think you will find my Kindle books entertaining and inexpensive. Even if you don't wish to but one, check them out!

Next week I will return to my regular WEEKLY MESSAGE format. Thank you for understanding my periodic and shameless marketing!

Thanks also for being my faithful readers!

THE FUTURE WE HAVE

2011-10-04T09:56:00.000-07:00

People today spend much time planning their future, trying to make it secure. Investment ads and "how-to-retire well" stories are so numerous a first-time visitor here might think that's the whole point to life in America - to retire wealthy. Is your 401k doing well? Good for you! If not, your future is in jeopardy.

Far better that our future is secure because of our faith in Christ. In Philippians 3:7-9, St. Paul said, "Whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him."

A Stock Market gain gives us hope; a loss makes us tense. But the materials things we gather for ourselves in life can be lost in a heartbeat. Knowing and trusting Christ brings a security that loss cannot take away. Faith in Jesus gives a life that goes past all phases of this one and brings us into the eternal presence of God.

I recently watched an interesting program called, "The History of the World in Two Hours" which, of course, started with a "big bang thirteen billion years ago." Oddly, in the program a secular scientist used the phrases, "Let there be light" and "creation of energy," freely borrowing Christian phrases to make his point about the beginning of things. He attempted to show how the earth, that third planet from the sun, Carl Sagan's "insignificant pale blue dot," could accidentally come to support life. As he did, he used biblical phrases without realizing it.

I marvel at how we humans can see everything but the obvious. The more we learn about the intricacies of complex life, the more it should drive us to seek Someone behind it all. But our sinful nature blinds us to God, or even to consider His possibility. We're content to ignore the facts, refuse the obvious, and be damned rather than admitting there is a God behind this marvelous thing called life. To the secularist, the future means knowledge and answers to more problems. Thus, a "secure" retirement becomes of paramount importance.

St. Paul had a good life before he came to know Christ, but lost it all the minute he professed Jesus. No Temple Pension, no Eternal IRA for him. He suffered the loss of all things material so that he could be spiritually ready to meet his Lord. He counted all that stuff as rubbish compared to knowing Jesus Christ.

Christ is the only secure future we can hope for. A financially secure old age is helpful, but it doesn't last long. And if we spend most of our lives amassing funds for the last decade or two, we may miss out on the real fortunes of heaven.

Faith in Christ makes our future truly secure.

WHAT GOOD NEWS?

2011-09-27T07:44:00.000-07:00

THERE IS NO GOOD NEWS THIS WEEK.

This is what the news desk people want us to think. This is what the environmental experts want us to believe. This is what religious skeptics think the Bible really says. This is what many struggling people see around them.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Is there really a lack of good news? Have we come to believe life today should have no troubles? Is God just a construct of our imagination? Should someone else fix our problems?

TIME TO HEAR YOUR ANSWERS.

May you all have a nice day!

TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST!

2011-09-19T21:06:00.000-07:00

In a well-known children's book, someone says: "If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there." Have you heard that phrase before? The principle character from Lewis Carol's classic children's book spoke those words, Alice, from Alice in Wonderland. Then this wise but confused little girl asks, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

This reminds me of the true story about Dr. Albert Einstein who lost his ticket and was searching for it as he rode on the train. The conductor assured him not to worry, that he surely must have bought one, but Einstein kept looking for his ticket. Finally, the conductor said, "Sir, don't worry - we know who you are." Einstein responded quite firmly, "I know who I am also, sir, but I don't know where I am going!" It is possible to be brilliant, yet not know where you are going.

I wonder how many people reading this WEEKLY MESSAGE know where they are going. I say this not in jest or sarcasm, but in sincerity. It seems to me that more and more people in our nation do not really know where they are going. They may have a good idea where they are or what they are doing, but not what is coming, nor whom they should follow. I wonder how many would echo Alice's words, "Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?"

And I wonder who will step up with God's answer: "TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST!"

Ann Graham Lotz, daughter of Rev. Dr. Billy Graham, is in the news again with her straight forward expression of Christian faith. On CBS's "Early Show" on Sept. 13, she said, "I say God is also angry when he sees something like this (the 9-11-01 disaster). I would say also for several years now Americans in a sense have shaken their fist at God and said, 'God, we want You out of our schools, our government, our business, and we want You out of our marketplace.' And God, who is a gentleman, has just quietly backed out of our national and political life, our public life, removing His hand of blessing and protection. We need to turn to God first of all and say, 'God, we're sorry we have treated You this way and we invite You now to come into our national life. We put our trust in You. We have put that we trust You on our coins, and now we need to practice it."

Ms. Lotz' thoughts should be pondered by all believing Christians. She also believes Christ will return "In our generation," although I struggle with this in light of Christ's words of Matthew 24:36, "No one knows that day nor hour, not even the angels in heaven or the Son, but only the Father." Ms. Lotz' warning can remind us all to be ready by faith in Jesus, no matter what the time is.

If I am ready by faith, then I need fear nothing that is to come. I pray this for all of you.

WHAT IS FORGIVENESS?

2011-09-12T19:34:00.000-07:00

"What were you doing when the towers came crashing down?" We've been asked that question often the past few days during the anniversary of 9-11-01. I was constructing the roadside sign for Epiphany Lutheran of Castle Rock, the mission church we had started in 1999. The roofer about 200 feet away called down to me what had happened on the east coast that morning.

What were you doing? A better question might be, "What have you been doing since then?" My pastor in his sermon yesterday spoke of our need to forgive our enemies, asking us to ponder Peter's question to Jesus, "How many times must I forgive my brother when he sins against me?" (Matthew 18:21)

I would like to re-phrase Peter's question: What does it mean to forgive my brother? What must I do when I forgive? What is forgiveness and what is it not? Let me try to help answer.

Forgiveness is giving up one's right of retribution, the right to strike back when evil has been done. Forgiveness is what the offended person does. Forgiveness is the hurt person releasing his/her hold on the one who has done the hurting. Forgiveness does not require repentance from the offender; it requires mercy from the offended. St. Paul showed us this in Romans 5:8: "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Forgiveness requires a change of heart for the offended person. This is why it can be so difficult, but also so liberating. But forgiveness is also necessary. Explaining the Lord's Prayer, Jesus made this clear: "If you do not forgive your brother his trespass, neither will your Father forgive your trespass." (Matthew 6:15) The unforgiving heart needs cleansing.

Withholding forgiveness does not harm the offender, it harms the offended. Consider the enraged parishioner, offended by his pastor or church, who shouts, "Don't give me any of that forgiveness junk!" Not forgiving hurts us and poisons our heart, not the object of our anger. Think about this, and then pray the words of this prayer:

"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. We have killed our unborn and called it choice. We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. We have abused power and called it politics. We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. Forgive us, Oh God, and search our hearts today. Cleanse us from every sin and set us free.

Amen and Amen!

HUMILITY IN LIFE

2011-09-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

Today I have a question for those who are married. Do you recall how your marriage proposal took place? Was it in a staged special event, or did you "pop the question" in a quick and surprising manner? I am sure if all married persons reading this WEEKLY MESSAGE listed the way their proposal took place, I'd have a diverse list of romantic, surprising, glitzy, and even silly ways marriage proposals were made.

I have also heard of some very unique ways. In one case, there was no actual proposal (He: "When would you like to get married?"), no direct answer (She: "How about Thanksgiving?") That proposal occurred 25 married years ago. Another young man simply washed his girlfriend's feet and then proposed. His "modest proposal" showed he understood that humility would be one of the bases for their lifelong commitment.

Humility is significant in human relationships, and today it is often hard to find. St. Paul wrote, "Let nothing be done through selfish ambition" (Philippians 2:3). Jesus said, "Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:4) Who but a true Christian would want to have that attitude in today's world of pride and ambition?

Last Saturday I watched the World Track and Field Championships from South Korea. I couldn't help but contrast Jesus' attitude with Jamaican sprinter Hussein Bolt, who, before and after each of his races, puts on such a show of braggardly flaunting that it's difficult even to watch. Another athlete, hurdler Sally Pearson of Australia, shouted and jumped for joy for several minutes after running a flawless race in record time, and that was fun to watch.

There is a huge difference between demonstrating the joy of winning and showing one's prideful conceit and self-promotion. There is an even greater difference between selfishness and humility.
What can you do today to humbly serve the one you love? What can you do today to humbly serve the Lord who, "…humbled Himself to the point of death, even death on the cross." (Philippians 2:8)

Placing someone else's needs before your own is the Christ-like way.

My Kindle Books:
"SMALL TOWN PREACHER": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0FST2
"COUNTRY PREACHER": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
"MURDER AT PALM CREEK": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMMBQU

THE BIG STORM

2011-08-31T18:14:00.000-07:00

Now that we are past the imagined horrors of what Hurricane Irene (fortunately) did not deliver, many people who live on the east coast are deciding what they learned from the episode. I do not intend to demean the potential disaster that could have come from a worse storm, but it was almost painful watching the reporters try to fill in the gaps as the storm got better while they were prepared for it to get worse. Those who had spent days preparing the audience for a show based on things going bad had to scramble for what to do when things started going good.

Perhaps this points to the fallacy of planning our future when we do not have control over so much that happens in life. We may plan and do all the "right" things, get all the needed ingredients in place, and then have it all displaced by something unexpected.

The pastor of my teenage years had saved his funds, made his plans, built his retirement home, and then was run over by a snowplow less than a year after he retired. Another newly retired pastor friend fell over dead while mowing his lawn. Another fellow was building a house, backed up to admire his work and was killed when fell into the basement hole.

The lesson I see in this is that we can plan for some things, but not all things. More of our life is in the hands of God than we think. Some might call this chance and others luck, but I see it as God's plan. We need always to be ready by faith for what the Lord has in store for us.

My sister refers to these things as life's "pieces of the puzzle." We can only see how they fit together after awhile. Life looks like a jumble of puzzle pieces lying on the card table. "Why did this happen now? When will I know? What were we doing? Now what?" Only as the days unfold can we begin to see how this part fits with that part, and the picture begins to take shape.

James the half brother of our Lord wrote in his epistle chapter 4, "Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit', yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

Which part of the puzzle are you working on right now? Which parts are giving you the most trouble? Have you see a few pieces nicely fall into place recently?

Have you given thanks to God for how He has fit the pieces together?

HOT DAYS OF SUMMER

2011-08-22T19:39:00.000-07:00

We are now in the hot days of summer. Some parts of our nation have been excessively hot and dry for weeks, hurting animal and plant food production. Our experience in life would tell us this excessive heat must be because we are closer to the sun in the summer than in the winter, but just the opposite is true. Right now in the summer, planet earth is 4% farther away from the sun, our heat source, than it is in the winter.

Today in the northern hemisphere, we are 95 million miles from the sun. In January, our coldest time of year, we are only 91 million miles away from the sun. So why aren't we hotter in January, since we are closer to the sun than we are now? The answer has to do with the angle of the sun's rays.

Heat is caused by the earth's absorbing the sun's rays directly, not by how close the sun is. When the sun shines more directly on the earth, not being deflected by angle or atmosphere, the heat is at its greatest. In winter, the angle of the sun's rays deflects the heat, and the earth and air are colder as the sun's rays bounce off the earth. In the summer, the sun's rays come at a more direct angle to the earth, allowing the earth to get warmer.

I think we can learn something from this about our relationship with God. Living close to a church, or having been brought up in the church, or even having a few Bibles in our house - none of these will bring us closer to God. We must be looking to God, seeking His will, praying to Him and being open to His blessings in order to get closer to Him. That is why regular worship is important. Worshipping God with other Christians gets us right in line with God's Word and helps our faith become stronger than if we are alone or separate from other believers.

Hebrews 12:2 tells us, "Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith." When we seek Jesus, fixing our eyes on Him and His Holy Word, we have a better chance of receiving His blessings and strength. True, just going to church won't make a person a Christian. But being in Church gives us a better chance of having our faith grow than if we are not there.

When I was young, most of us tried to get a dark tan in the summertime. These days we're warned that too much sun can be harmful, and even cause skin cancer. Conversely, it's extremely rare that we can get too much God, or too much church. The Devil, the world and our sinfulness will keep that from happening. But just as living in the darkness and away from the sun for long periods of time can be harmful, so also we can suffer from too little contact with God.

It's far better to be in line with Jesus and His Word, than in line with the world.

BEAUTY FROM THE SCRAPS

2011-08-15T13:01:00.000-07:00

Carol, my wife, has had a small jewelry business for over 40 years, selling items made by other craftsmen. During that time she has collected quite a number of interesting pieces for herself, many of them made of sterling silver. One such necklace is both attractive and an example of the artist's ability to make something beautiful out of scraps. It is made of random silver pieces soldered together in such a way as to become unique and lovely.

I always find it amazing what a master craftsman can do with what others might view as useless. The leftovers and scraps in the hand of an artist can become a thing of beauty.

This is also how God can work in our personal lives. Our Creator God can take the wasted and broken scraps of our lives and restore them to a thing of beauty. All our bad decisions, poor choices, and even terrible deeds can become the mixture which the Supreme Artist uses to give us great worth and meaning in His kingdom.

This does not, of course, give us license to do evil, but it can and should encourage us that when we do wasteful and foolish things, God can still turn our life into a thing of beauty. He is the Master Craftsman, the potter who molds shapeless lumps of clay into vessels that are both beautiful and useful.

No matter what kind of a mess we have made of our life, God can re-make us good and useful for His purposes. When we confess those sins, and by His Spirit's power change those wrong ways, we will see our brokenness made whole and good.

Jeremiah 18:4 tells us, "That which the potter was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him." God sees what mankind cannot see. He knows what blessings we can become when we submit to Him in faith and allow Him to change us into the people He wants us to be.

Broken lives can become a healed blessing in the hands of the Master.

CONFEDERATE MONEY?

2011-08-08T19:48:00.000-07:00

Very few of us are unaware of Monday's plunge of the Stock Market in the wake of recent decisions made by Washington leaders and Wall Street investors. Standard advice for most investors in such times is this: "Leave your investments where they are, because this will pass and things will get better again." It's wise counsel for most of us.

A long time ago when there was far less wealth among the faithful, Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth told His disciples, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." (Matthew 6:19-20) This advice is as good now as it was then.

Imagine you're alive at the end of the Civil War. You are a Northerner but living in the South. You know the end of the war is near, and you plan to move home to the North as soon as the war is over. While in the South you've accumulated some Confederate money. What should you do with it?

Wisdom would dictate you should cash in your Confederate money for Federal money, which will have the only value when the war is over. But you would still keep enough Confederate funds to meet your needs while you are still in the South. To think your Confederate money will still have value after the war is foolish, because you know everything will be different then.

This analogy has meaning for us today. The Bible says there will be a time of upheaval before Satan is defeated and Christ returns to earth, making all things new. No one knows when this will happen. But we do know that all earthly goods we possess will become meaningless when Christ returns, or when we die, whichever comes first. Either event could happen to us at any time.

I am by no means an earthly investment advisor, and I know nothing of investment timing. But the Lord has given us a few trustworthy financial instruments to use while we still live here in the "South." We trust that the Lord will provide for our needs through them, and for that we give Him thanks and praise.

We all should remember that Jesus' forecast for this earth is bleak. He urges us in His Word to invest in things of heaven: faith, hope, love, sharing goods, and helping those in need. In His Holy Word, He instructs us to transfer our trust from things of earth, which are shakey, to the unshakeable things of heaven. Faith in Christ as our Savior is all we need for eternal life. Such faith is totally dependable, insured by God Himself.

There is nothing wrong with having Confederate money, as long as we realize its limits. Don't forget that its value is temporary. To accumulate earthly treasures that we can't possibly hold on to, is equivalent to stockpiling Confederate money even though we know it's about to become worthless.

Storing up earthly treasures cannot bring us heaven, but faith in Christ can.

Rev. Bob Tasler

My Kindle Books:
**NEW - "SMALL TOWN PREACHER": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005G0FST2
"COUNTRY PREACHER": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
"MURDER AT PALM CREEK": http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMMBQU

EATING BURNT TOAST

2011-08-02T07:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago my WEEKLY MESSAGE was about how we need to use the gifts God has given us. I told of how fixing a part on the sump pump kept my basement dry, and that it's not just our having gifts from God, but how we use them for others that counts.

I had more comments than usual on that story, but one from a friend named Mary was memorable. She wrote, "Thank you for your devotion. I am convinced you could make a devotion out of burnt toast." Well, yesterday morning I did burn the toast, and guess what, Mary? It reminded me of a story I once heard, told by a woman when she was a child. Here's what she said:

"When I was a little girl, my Mom liked to make breakfast at other meals every now and then. I remember one night when Dad came home really tired, and Mom had made us breakfast for supper: eggs, sausage, toast, even orange juice. That evening Mom placed in front of Dad a plate of fried eggs, sausage, and some really burned toast. I remember waiting to see what he'd say or if he even noticed.

"But all Dad did was reach for his toast, smile at Mom, and ask me how my day was at school. I don’t remember what I told him that night, but I do remember watching him smear butter and jelly on that burnt toast and then eat every bite! When I got up from the table, I remember hearing Mom apologize to Dad for burning the toast. I’ll never forget what he said: 'Honey, I love burned toast.'

"Later that night, I went to kiss Daddy good night and I asked him if he really did like burnt toast or was he just being nice. He wrapped me in his arms and said, 'Sweetheart, your Momma put in a hard day at work today and she’s real tired. And you know what? A little burnt toast never hurt anyone!'"

The point this woman was making is that life is full of imperfect things: imperfect homes, imperfect churches, imperfect pastors, imperfect children, imperfect government, and even imperfect husbands and wives! An important part of loving others is learning to accept each others' faults and differences, not the destructive ones of course, but those that make us different from each other. If we expect everyone else to be like us, what a boring and ugly world this would be!

Here is my prayer for you today, that you will learn to take the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of your life and lay them at the feet of our Lord Jesus. And then try to have an attitude of love toward those around you. Because in the end, Jesus is the only One who will be able to give you an attitude where burnt toast isn’t a deal-breaker!

Love and understanding are the true bases for all worthwhile relationships.

My Kindle Books:
COUNTRY PREACHER: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
DAILY WALK WITH JESUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
**NEW -- MURDER AT PALM CREEK: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMMBQU

HOW DOES IT GET THERE?

2011-07-27T07:42:00.000-07:00

I just finished pubishing my latest E-Book, a short novel I've written and called, "MURDER AT PALM CREEK." Palm Creek, AZ, is where Carol and I live in the winter. This fun book (fiction, of course) is now available at Amazon Kindle either by clicking on the website after my name below, or by typing in my name on the Kindle E-Book website.

But my purpose today is more than advertisement. I'd like to apply this to our understanding of God. If you have a Kindle Reader, you can order thousands of books, some free, and most for a small fee. My novel costs $3.99, inexpensive for a book, the cost of a small paperback.

A Kindle Reader is an Electronic Book. The most amazing thing about an E-Book is that when you order an E-Book, it mysteriously appears on your Kindle Reader in less than a minute. It comes through the air, right from New York or wherever Amazon sends it. And it comes into your home with no wires, no phone connection - it just arrives. And it knows exactly where to "land" - in your Kindle Reader. Wirelessly, perfect every time. Do you realize how amazing this is?

How did it know where to go? How did it keep from getting scrambled with the billions of other messages also flying through the air? How did that book, or your cell phone call, or that text message or that TV show arrive in your home in the exact same form as someone sent it? Why didn't it get mixed in the air waves on the way over?

So far I've not had one person explain this successfully. Of course they've tried: It comes electronically (How?) It comes via radio waves (Where are they?) It comes via satellites (From 220 miles up in space?) It comes via short wave, long wave or microwave (Could you point one of those out to me?)

So far, absolutely no one has explained how this can happen to me successfully. I'm not stupid, I just want to see one of those wave, and maybe touch one, too. I doubt anyone will be able to show me, because no one else has seen one either. We just believe these things happen, and we accept the process without even a partial understanding of how it happens!

But of course, we cannot believe in God, though, can we? That's too unreasonable. All the bright people in the world accept without reservation radio waves, invisible gasses, an invisible radiation field, but they can not - will not - believe in God. God is merely a creation, a figment of someone's imagination.

Here's my point: Until someone - anyone - can show me how electronics fly through the air and land in my Kindle Reader in perfect condition, without my touching, holding or seeing those radio waves, I will continue to believe in God who has made our universe perfect enough for complex life.

And until someone - anyone - can fully explain to me how even one human cell can continue living and doing its task well in my body, without anyone telling it what to do, or without any human man or woman being able to create another such cell (from NOTHING because that's what creation is), I will believe in a Creator.

And until someone - anyone - can fully explain to me why God would ever love such sinful, imperfect people who act in such murderous, lying, arrogant, foolish, idiotic, cruel ways, I will believe Jesus Christ came from heaven to save us from our sins.

We're not nearly so smart as we think we are!

MY KINDLE BOOKS:
**NEW -- MURDER AT PALM CREEK: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005EMMBQU
COUNTRY PREACHER: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
DAILY WALK WITH JESUS: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0

THE PERFECT CHURCH?

2011-07-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Too long. Too short. Too big. Too small. Too tight. Too loose. Too much. Too little. All these phrases describe much of the clothing we try on. Finding the "perfect fit" seems at times impossible but we keep trying, trying, trying. The "perfect fit" MUST be out there somewhere!

Finding a church that is a "perfect fit" poses similar problems for many people, but it isn't always the fault of the church. Every church has something that's not quite right. The pastor may not preach up to our standards. The Sunday School teacher may disappoint us or our child. The Church Council may do things too fast or too slow. Our gifts may not be appreciated. Others don't give enough. The music may not be to our liking. Certain liturgies, attitudes, programs or people may make us uncomfortable. Any one of these things, and more, may tempt us to stay away, or to seek another church, or to stop worshipping all together.

There is no perfect church, and we will never be perfect members. We know this, and yet we run from one church to the next, looking for the right size, the exact attitude, the right flavor, the perfect fit. Because we live in the age of Baskin-Robbins and their "31 Flavors," we want to keep looking till we find the right one, with the right taste and texture. Meanwhile, we fail God's Church by not using our talents, or we disappoint our fellow Christians by leaving them for greener pastures, or we weaken the church by our constant search to find the "perfect fit."

Does God want us to stay at a church where we are miserable? Of course not. But why are we miserable? Are we making other people miserable by our attitude? Are we really being the kind of Christian Church Members God wants or expects us to be?

St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 2:21-22, "In Him [Jesus] the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit." That passage means you do have a place God has made for you, and it's time you occupy it.

What do you really want from a church these days? A safe haven? A hiding place? A mutual admiration society? A peaceful valley? A place of perfection? Or a place to be challenged and grow? A place where you can welcome all kinds of people? A group that knows it is weak and frail and needs the Lord Jesus? A small Christian group that needs you or a big church where you can be entertained?

Will you be a building block in your church? Or will you be a stumbling block? What does God want you to be in this life among His people?

Are you willing to become that person?

HAVE IT? THEN USE IT!

2011-07-13T15:17:00.000-07:00

It's not enough just to have life's resources, talents or vision; you also need to use them. Possession is only half the equation; utilization is the other half.

Yesterday it rained where we live. The Weather Service had promised it, but we had no idea it would be so much. It's really green in Colorado this summer, and that's been nice for our lawns or gardens.

At 1:30 PM it started to rain and in just one hour, we'd been drenched by two full inches of rain, plus drifts of marble-sized hail everywhere. The lights flickered off and on, so we unplugged the computers and TV and watched God put on an impressive show with His wind, lightening, rain, hail and thunder.

Storms like this make me uneasy. We live downhill from other homes, and our location has periodically resulted in water in our basement. I've installed a "french drain," doubled the number of down spouts and, best of all, put in a sump pump at a critical location, all of which have kept our basement dry for four years. But at Carol's suggestion during the storm, I headed downstairs to check the sump pump. Not only was it not working, its groundwater container was filling fast and we were soon to have some of God's rain in our basement once again. I pulled out the pump, grabbed a pitcher and bailed water with gusto. I was truly grateful Carol had suggested checking it.

When the rain let up and the bailing brought the water level down, Carol continued while I checked the sump. It needed, not a new pump, but a new electric float-switch to make the pump do its work correctly. A quick trip to Home Depot and a fast repair put the sump back into action. As I look back on last night, I am giving praise to God for our dry basement. A nicely finished basement needs no wet carpet!

As I was bailing, I knew there must be a lesson there somewhere. Then it came: It's not enough just to have something, we must use it correctly. It's not enough just to be blessed, we must pass our blessings along. The pump was in fine condition, in the right place, ready to work. But it was useless if the automatic switch would not turn it on.

You and I might be wonderful, gifted Christian men, women and children, but if we don't pass along the faith gifts God has given us, what good are they? James 2:14 tells us, "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?" Buried talents don't help anyone, only the used ones do.

"So faith without works, is dead." (like the pump, until switched on)

I INVITE YOU to Check out my recently published Kindle E-Bbooks
**NEW - "COUNTRY PREACHER" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005BZL3V4
"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0

NO HOPE BUT GOD

2011-07-05T16:59:00.000-07:00

Today I am sending you a reprint of a devotion I read in OUR DAILY BREAD, a fine daily devotional booklet produced by RBC Ministries. In their June 29 devotional, writer Cindy Hess Kasper wrote an excellent devotion which I'd like to offer this week. Here are her words:

"In his book, "Though the Valley of the Kwai," Scottish officer Ernest Gordon wrote of his years as a prisoner of war during World War Two. The 6'2" man suffered from malaria, diphtheria, typhoid, beriberi, dysentery and jungle ulcers, and the hard labor and scarcity of food quickly plunged his weight to less than 100 pounds.

The squalor of the prison hospital prompted a desperate Ernest to request to be moved to a cleaner place - the morgue. Lying in the dirt of the death house, he waited to die. But every day, a fellow prisoner came to wash his wounds and to encourage him to eat part of his own rations. As the quiet and unassuming Dusty Miller nursed Ernest back to health, he talked with the agnostic Scotsman of his own strong faith in God and showed him that - even in the midst of suffering - there is still hope.

The hope we read about in Scripture is not vague, wishy-washy optimism. Instead, biblical hope is a strong and confident expectation that what God has promised in His Word He will accomplish. Tribulation is often the catalyst that produces perseverance, character, and finally, hope.

Seventy years ago, in a brutal POW camp, Ernest Gordon learned this truth himself and later said, "Faith thrives when there is no hope but God."

"For we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." (Romans 5:3-5)

I can add no more to those excellent Words from the Lord through St. Paul.

TREASURE THOSE RELATIONSHIPS!

2011-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

One day her husband of many years died, and on the clear, cold morning after his funeral, in the warmth of their bedroom, she was struck with the pain of realizing all the things that would be no more - no more hugs, no more special moments, no more phone calls, no more reminders when you didn't need them, not even any more occasional cranky remarks. Now she missed them - and him.

Sometimes what we care about the most - the love, the companionship, the ordinary, even the monotony - gets all used up and goes away, never to return. It can happen when we least expect it, and before we can say "good-bye", or "I love you" one more time.

So while we still have that relationship let's love him, care for her, try to fix what seems broken and heal what seems sick. This is true for marriage, parents, and children with bad report cards, friends, even old pets. We value them because they are worth it, and because we are worth it.

Some things we try to keep, like a best friend who moves away or a sister-in-law after the divorce. There are just some people that make us happy, no matter what. Life is important, like people we know who are special. So let's keep our loved ones close! In life, the good Lord gives us many people who are "keepers." Are one of those? Suppose one morning you don't wake up. Will anyone miss you, or will your friends know you loved them?

This is also true of our relationship with Jesus. Charles Templeton, a once powerful evangelist, lost his faith in Christ because he couldn't reconcile a "loving God when there was so much evil in the world." He admitted he fell from faith because he "could not believe Jesus was the only way to salvation." He did not dodge those who questioned him about his loss of faith, and tried to remain open to God. Just prior to his death he sadly admitted he "missed Jesus." He wished he could have kept the faith and what it gave him. But once he lost faith, he never got it back.

There are some precious relationships that do not last, that go away and leave us. Jesus does not have to be one of those. Christianity is not based on a relationship with a set of beliefs, but with a real person, Jesus Christ who lived, died and rose from the dead. God calls us to trust Him, not a holy book or a doctrinal formula. God calls us to a relationship of faith in a person who truly lived - and still lives, His only Son. When we trust Jesus, no matter how terrible the world or life may seem, He will give us what we need.

Jesus gives us back what we have lost, and it will be so much better than we remember it being.

IN HIS HANDS

2011-06-21T09:42:00.000-07:00

I'm a little late in getting out today's WEEKLY MESSAGE due to some house cleaning chores being tackled this morning. Now before husbands start groaning and wives get to telling husbands, "See, he does it!" you need to know this kind of cleaning is done to avoid spending. Our house is about 25 years old and we've never redecorated the main floor interior. We like it pretty much the way it is, so to avoid the cost of papering, painting, etc, I purposefully give it an annual housecleaning - walls, windows, floors, etc. That's why I'm late today; enough said!

But at least I spread it over a day or two rather than do it all in one day like I used to. It's a basic human trait to take things to an extreme. If a little is good, we think more must be better. If soon is good, quicker must be better. But often we find this leads to doing things wrong. I recall once in haste tossing out a boxful of items that I had to replace for a few hundred dollars. Or getting that day what I could have gotten at half price the next day.

We are encouraged these days to plan ahead, and that only by careful planning can we maximize the best use of our time or resources. But we seldom know all that is coming. We wake up with a list of important things to do and have an auto accident on the way to work. We carefully work out a schedule for the day, then break our ankle walking down some steps. It reminds me of a good poem I read recently. It's called:

"IN HIS HANDS," (by Betty Purser Patten)
We know not what tomorrow brings Although we plan ahead,
For only God alone can know The pathway we must tread.

We cannot know the future, Not one minute nor one hour;
Each circumstance that we must face Lay only in His power.

It's vital that we live by faith From minute unto minute,
And trusting that each step we take He's walking with us in it.

We cannot see the future, Nor the trials we must face;
But in all things, God promised us Sufficiency of grace.

This alone should give us hope, Whatever be our plans,
In knowing that our future lies In His great, loving hands.

The Apostle James (Jesus' half brother) once wrote, "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.' Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that'.” (James 4:13-15) Enough said there, too!

I probably should get back to house cleaning. The rest of today and all our tomorrows are truly "In His Hands." May each of us find time to give Him thanks they are.

"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS", my Amazon Kindle book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
If you do not have a Kindle Reader, you can download a free one for your PC or Mac at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000493771

JUMBLING

2011-06-14T07:34:00.000-07:00

Do you "Jumble?" Every day most newspapers in the comics section will have a list of scrambled words, and the game is to unscramble them. That's called Jumbling, and I do it almost every day now. At first unscrambling even one word took awhile, but with practice I learned to do them more quickly. Most times now I can unscramble all four words in about a minute. Jumbling keeps my mind alert, and Carol says I need that.

Of course, there's that "impossible" word, at least until the solution becomes clear. Then I'm surprised how obvious that word was. It was so simple - how could I have missed it? I've also found that jumbled words are easier to solve if you put the letters in a circle. Little helps can solve big problems.

Often our life can seem jumbled. We can see the parts, but they don't make sense. We may believe there's a solution, but we can't see its purpose or meaning. That's when we need a little help (nd I don't mean a computer "unscrambler"- that's only for emergencies).

A jumbled life makes more sense if we look into the Bible. There the solution becomes more obvious if we will trust Him and His Word. God may not give us a clear answer, but His Word guides us to make more correct decisions or actions. I've found the more I seek God's Word and ways, the more clear life's solutions become.

Some problems are always going to jumble our lives, because they may well be impossible to solve this side of heaven. We will always make mistakes, so we will always need God's forgiveness. The most obedient Christian can still stumble and fall down, usually when (s)he is self-satisfied and least expecting it.

But we don't need to stay down. When we fall, God or His people can lift us up again, dust us off and point us in the right direction if we will let them. That's why the Bible tells us, "God's Word is a lamp for our feet and a light for our path." (Psalm 119:105)

Please show me the way, Lord!

WHAT IS HEAVEN LIKE?

2011-06-07T06:46:00.000-07:00

Christians believe there is a heaven, but most are unsure what it is like. Last week I read "HEAVEN IS FOR REAL," by Todd Burpo, the story of his four year-old Colton who had a near-death experience during surgery, and who later said he had visited heaven. His parents are convinced he really did visit heaven because of three things: 1) His knowledge of what was happening in the hospital during his surgery, 2) His claim that he met a sister he never knew even existed (his mother had miscarried before he was born and had never told him), and 3) His declaration that he met his great-grandfather, a man he'd never met but later identified from photographs of the man at a young age.

What amazed me was that Colton was only four years old when he describes in great detail his visit to heaven. Most four year-olds are just learning to talk in sentences, let alone describe complex scenes. He is certainly a bright child, but there is more to his descriptions than mere intelligence. The other element, witnessed by dozens of medical personnel at the hospital, was the amazing recovery of this boy who was given little chance of survival after living five days with a ruptured appendix.

Needless to say, the book's premise, plus its success (nearly four million sold, three weeks #1 on USA Today's Best-Seller list), has created an enlivened discussion among both believers and skeptics. Even the brilliant physicist Stephen Hawking got into the discussion, saying since there is no heaven or afterlife, the book "...is a fairy story for people afraid of the dark.”

I believe there are only two ways one might approach this: 1) Colton's father invented the story about heaven, or, 2) Colton's experience was real and true. Only this family and the Lord know the full story, but a reading of the book could also spark a discussion about the nature of heaven.

What do you think heaven in like? Can we find reliable information about it from sources other than the Bible? Is heaven for most people a compilation of information and imagination? The question for me is can I believe a child's vision of heaven is true? There is a little skeptic in all adults, yet there are so few reliable accounts of heavenly visions that we must look to what others with experience have to say.

I think the boy's vision is true, and therefore I must accept that he was for those few minutes in heaven. What he described could not have been invented by a four year-old child who had never been previously told what he saw and/or described. But it's doubtful many will believe his story. We adults are more content to accept what we know than what others, especially children, tell us.

Yet it was our Lord Jesus who told us, “Unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 18:13)

I think I will pray for the Stephen Hawkings of this world.

NO ENTITLEMENTS

2011-05-31T07:53:00.000-07:00

The previous week has been fun and busy with family visiting us for the Air Force Academy graduation of our niece, now a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force. For five days Carol and I hosted up to nine family members each night and enjoyed their visits immensely, something rare for us being this far from most of our midwestern family. The events included a big Saturday meal, Sunday Baccalaureate service (and another big meal), Monday Cadet Parade and picnic, Tuesday's host family lunch, Cadet Commissioning and dinner at the Macaroni Grill. It was all capped off with Wednesday morning graduation of 1020 US Air Force cadets, and (of course) a late afternoon lunch. Graduating from the AFA is hard on the waistline!

Sunday morning in the magnificent AFA chapel, we worshipped with a full house, and in his message the Chaplain said. "No matter who we are or what we have achieved, we are entitled to nothing. We are, however, privileged to receive God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ." My niece stated it somewhat the same once when I asked her how her accomplishments at the Academy would affect her future in the Air Force. She said, "Uncle Bob, after graduation I'm at the bottom just like everyone else. What I did here will not affect how I am treated in the future. I'm on a level field with all my classmates."

This attitude is certainly not universal today. Far too many people believe they are entitled to all manner of special things in life just by being alive, whether or not they have done anything to merit them. While we Christians know we can never earn God's salvation, neither are we entitled to His mercy. Mercy and grace are God's gift to us in Jesus, gifts He chooses to give us. God's grace means there is no high or low ranking - we're all on the same level field.

Because of our sin we should all receive nothing whatsoever, and we are surely not entitled to anything special merely by being alive. God in His mercy chooses to give us the marvelous gifts of earthly life here and eternal life there because that's the only way we can have them. To presume we are entitled to anything special in life is a mistake.

In 1 Corinthians 13:10, Paul wrote, "By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not without effect." All people of the world, especially Christians, need to recognize we are what we are because of God's grace. As the Chaplain said, "No matter who we are or what we have achieved, we are entitled to nothing. We are, however, privileged to receive God's grace and mercy in Jesus Christ."

Great words to live by!

"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS", my Amazon Kindle book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0
If you do not have a Kindle Reader, you can download a free one for your PC or Mac at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=kcp_ipad_mkt_lnd?docId=1000493771

FAMILIES GET TOGETHER

2011-05-24T06:45:00.000-07:00

Families get together. The past few days Carol and I have enjoyed having family members stay with us for the graduation of our niece at the US Air Force Academy. Kaylyn, our lovely, bright, committed, talented Christian Minnesota farm girl, graduated 6th overall in her class of 1030 cadets, and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant, her first assignment being Vance AFB, OK, for pilot training. "Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family." (Proverbs 27:10)

Families pray together. The family of like-minded Christians in a congregation often become more than mere friends. Together in the love of Christ, they become like family to us. Their joys and hurts become our joys and hurts, and we pray for their needs as fervently as for those God has given us in our families. "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." (Galatians 6:10)

Families bond together. Sometimes we find extended family at college, in church, neighborhood or even at work. These associations can be as important as our blood relatives. While we usually find the greatest bond with relatives, we can be blessed with a dear friend who can become closer to us than a sibling. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother (sister) is born for a time of adversity." (Proverbs 17:7)

Families rejoice together. Most often we gather for weddings, anniversaries, graduations and reunions. Too often it only is for funerals; too rarely we gather just for fun. Families are a fantastic gift from God. True, not all family members are loving or contented. Families can be torn apart by strife or misunderstanding, but still God has placed us into families, and we must not forsake this great gift. "God sets the lonely into families." (Psalm 68:8)

Families gather together. Is it time to connect with your family? Is it time for you to pray together with your Church family? Is it time to forgive someone in your family, or to stop worrying about a family member and commit them to Jesus? Is it it time to bring someone special with you into your family? Is it time to find a way to show more love in your family? Is it time to thank God for your family?

"For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, 'Peace be within you'.” (Psalm 122:8)

DAILY WALK WITH JESUS - a devotional E-Book

2011-05-16T09:22:00.000-07:00

Do you own a Kindle or other kind of Electronic Book reader? Microchip technology has made it possible to have a whole library at your fingertips in a unit weighing only a pound or two. True, it's not the same as the "feel" of turning the pages of a book, but have a couple of hundred (thousand?) books in one small, light unit is a fascinating and fortunate thing. Like much technology, it can be for you a blessing if used often and rightly.

This past weekend I published my first and perhaps only E-Book on Amazon Kindle. It is called "DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" and can be purchased on Amazon Kindle at: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0050VRJX0 Or http://tinyurl.com/3nvpywj, for $5.99. You should be able to "click" either of these websites and be taken directly to Amazon - no need to copy and paste the URL address.

"DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" contains over 365 daily devotions, one for each day of the year, and is comprised of edited versions of my past fifteen years of WEEKLY MESSAGES. Many of you have asked me to re-send you certain devotions. DWWJ probably has that one, and you can look it up with the finder tool. If you choose to purchase DWWJ, I pray it will be a blessing for you and yours.

A few years back I sent out a similar E-Book free to my WEEKLY MESSAGE reader list, and received back some encouraging responses. This version is more complete, has fewer mistakes, and has a Bible verse or two for each day's devotion and your spiritual edification. Why am I charging for it? Amazon Kindle requires some kind of charge for its downloading services, and considerable time and effort has gone into publishing this newer edition. I greatly appreciate assistance from my friend David Menges, a fellow Amazon Kindle author, who spent hours formatting DWWJ.

Another reason for a modest cost is that people tend to value and use more often that which costs them something. While writing can have many purposes, an author writes in order to be read. I sincerely hope DWWJ will benefit many individuals and families.

Isaiah 30:8 tells us, "Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness." May "DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" be an everlasting witness to the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ.

I hope you find "DAILY WALK WITH JESUS" to be a blessing each day you read it.

WE HAVE IT GOOD!

2011-05-09T20:57:00.000-07:00

As modern Americans, we take so many amazing things for granted. We flip a switch, always believing the lights will come on. We turn on the faucet to get clean, safe water, heated via natural gas or cooled in a refrigerator containing good food easily purchased in well-stocked stores. We take medicine knowing it is safe and consistent with the label content. We slip into comfortable, inexpensive clothing others have made, and sit in an easy chair with a favorite book or TV program. All these things are there for us, and we don't think a thing about them until something doesn't work as planned.

Computers, cell phones, airplanes and comfortable automobiles take us places unimaginable a few decades ago. The things we complain about are minor compared to other nations or times. True, some of us must deal with poor health or floods or bad weather or unemployment or shortages, but these things will pass. We have so much, yet become so easily upset when things go awry. Sewers can clog, people or products can disappoint, and plans may not work out, but all in all, we count on abundant blessings regularly present in our lives.

God has given us a life far better than we deserve. Carol, Brian and I attended worship Sunday and afterwards enjoyed a tasty Mother's Day Brunch at a busy cafe. Far from our minds were those making it all possible: night workers, police, fire and medical personnel, delivery people and truckers, as well as the soldiers, sailors and airmen who protect our nation. It's all part of a life we assume all should wake up to every day.

All these are ours in a nation basically free from tyranny or inconvenience. That's why so many people want to come here to live. There will always be days of sadness, sickness, unfairness and disappointment. But we have so much less evil to contend with than those living in other countries. We have so much more good than bad in our lives.

The next time you complain about a product, a service or a politician, think where you might be living, rather than in the United States of America. And think what life would be like if you did not have the hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord, heavenly hope that makes earthly life worthwhile. All this and God's love, freely given.

Try to remember these words of St. Paul: "Godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it." (1 Timothy 6:6-7)

God really is very good to you!

BIBLES FOR CAMBODIA

2011-05-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

It is now less than two days since one of America's most elusive enemies was killed in a military fire fight. I will add nothing to what has already been said about that event, but I would like to tell you about another person's death, a child of God who died one week before, on Easter day. Her name is Margaret Walther Holz.

On Easter Sunday, Margaret went to eternal glory at the age of 97. She worshipped and received Holy Communion Easter morning with her son and his wife, Rev. Richard and Eunice Holz, had lunch with them at her assisted living home, lay down for a nap and went to be with her Lord. Margaret was a direct descendent of Dr. C. F. W. Walther, a founder of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod, and spent her entire life serving the Lord as she was so very capable.

Her grandson Greg Holz is a missionary to Cambodia, and has set up the Margaret Holz Open Bible Project in her memory. Its dual purposes are to remember Margaret Holz, and to make Bibles available to Cambodians who need one. Information and photos of the Margaret Holz Open Bible Project are available at: http://www.transformasia.us/open-bible-project. Direct donations are easy to make at that site, and I urge you to join Carol and me in doing so, that many Cambodians may have the Word of God and come to know Jesus.

Margaret was a member of one of my former congregations. Her going to heaven on Easter Sunday was a gift only God could have arranged. In her fine family, having a son become a pastor and grandson a missionary made her especially grateful, yet humble and willing to serve the Lord as long as she was alive. It's an honor to be able to give Bibles to the people of Cambodia in Margaret Holz's memory. I hope you will go to the Open Bible website above and give as you are able.

There is a lot in the world to give us cause to be concerned. In the Battambang area where Greg shares the Gospel, political tensions and even gunfire have been increasing. But God is there also, with His holy Word of forgiveness, and so is our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace. God's people are there, also, seeking His mercy, helping His people, sharing hope where it is so badly needed.

Our Lord Jesus said, "Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over." (Luke 6:38) Giving Bibles is a good way to give thanks to God this Easter season!

Thank You, Lord, for all Your faithful servants!

IT'S OVER - NO IT'S NOT!

2011-04-25T22:04:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what the disciples did that first week after His resurrection? There was so much excitement that first Resurrection Day, but the Bible does not mention their activities during the rest of the week. Did they lay low, thinking there was more to come, more arrests, more crucifixions? We know some of His followers went into hiding, but where did they go and what did they do?

On December 17, 1944, 21 year-old Lt. Hiroo Onoda left for the Philippines to join his fellow Japanese soldiers in fighting the Allies. Onoda was given orders to lead his platoon in guerilla fighting, and he was ordered not under any circumstances to surrender or to take his own life. To the last man, he was to command and keep fighting the enemy. Lt. Onoda took those orders more literally than any commander could have given them. When the Japanese surrendered on August 15, 1945, Lt. Onoda refused to believe it and continued guerilla warfare, even when all but a few of his men were killed. In the ensuing years when leaflets were dropped several times saying the war was over, Onoda believed it a hoax and never came out of hiding. Finally, in 1974, 51 year-old Lt. Onodo, lone survivor of his platoon, came out of the jungle and surrendered to his former commanding officer. He was pardoned by Philippine Pres. Marcos for killing 30 people and wounding nearly 100 during his extended warfare. It took Lt. Hiroo Onoda 30 years to believe that World War Two was actually over.

When Jesus said, "It is finished!" His work as Savior was over. Some of His disciples didn't believe it, but in the coming weeks He showed Himself alive to hundreds, including His own disciples, and all were witnesses to His resurrection. They didn't all believe right away, so it took the Holy Spirit's coming in Pentecost to breathe life into that faltering group of followers.

Without His resurrection, we would have no hope for heaven and there would be no Church. "If Christ is not raised, then your faith is futile and you are still in your sins," said Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:17) I urge you to read all of 1 Corinthians 15 to get his full reasoning why Christ's resurrection is so important. Easter is not just a time to be glad after a long winter, nor is it the mere christianizing of a pagan spring festival. It is Jesus rising from the dead and our reason to know He truly is the Son of God whose death sets us free from God's condemnation for our sins.

Easter is the Christian's reason to be glad in the midst of life's struggles, and to know God loves and accepts us as His children. God loves us just the way we are, but He helps us change for the better. He helps us open our eyes to the reality of our sin and our need for His mercy, and then helps us live a new life - for Him!

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed - Hallelujah!

WE ARE CHRIST'S BODY

2011-04-18T22:43:00.000-07:00

Dr. Paul Brand and Philip Yancey, co-authors of, "Fearfully and Wonderfully Made," concluded their excellent book with a story about an English cathedral that was repaired by volunteer German students after World War Two. During the process they attempted to repair a statue of Jesus with arms outstretched bearing the familiar inscription, "Come Unto Me." The statue's hands were missing, so the students decided to leave them off and attached a sign that read, "Christ Has No Hands But Ours." This story has been repeated often, including by Pres. Ronald Reagan at the 1987 National Prayer Breakfast.

Unfortunately, part of the story is incorrect. The statue is located, not in Europe but at Christ the King Church, San Diego, CA, and the hands were broken off, not by war but by vandals in 1980. Instead of repairing the hands, the church decided to put up a plaque that says, "I Have No Hands But Yours," a reference to a poem by St. Teresa of Avila that begins: "Christ has no body now on earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours." The statue is still there without the hands.

This Holy Week we recall the selfless sacrifice of Jesus of Nazareth in giving His life to redeem the sins of the world. Weeks after His resurrection, Jesus the Christ returned to heaven, leaving no body on earth to show God's presence except the faltering, bumbling community of followers who had mostly forsaken Him on Calvary. Jesus did not leave behind a book of doctrines or philosophical statement. He left the Church, a community of people to embody Him and represent Him to the world. WE are what He left behind on earth.

St. Paul tells us, "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it." (1 Corinthians 12:27) He did not say we are LIKE the Body of Christ, but we ARE the Body of Christ. "The Church is nothing but a section of humanity in which Christ has taken form," wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer. But we don't often act like it, do we? It's too easy to condemn the parts we don't agree with, or live as if we are like the rest of the world that denies Christ.

That's because we are still sinful humans in need of God's mercy and forgiveness. Easter should not be a joyous festival only, but also an inward examination of how we are faring as His Body. Easter is a time to renew our belief that we truly ARE the Body of Christ.

Christ is risen!

ALL DONE!

2011-04-12T08:54:00.000-07:00

Throughout the history of mankind, men and women with great ideas have faced opponents. Whether it's creating a nation, an invention, a family or even a career, visionary people have faced roadblocks placed there by those who believe their ideas to be better.

Ken Follett's epic novel, "Pillars of the Earth," is about the struggles to build a cathedral during the Middle Ages. Without modern machinery, everything must be done by hand - every stone quarried, hauled, cut, measured, shaped, lifted and set in place by human hands or crude machinery. Without (sometimes even with) the protection of God or Church, king or nobleman, the builder is opposed by someone who doesn't want the job done. So the cathedral is started then burned, rebuilt then smashed, rebuilt and destroyed, and then rebuilt again. The book's cathedral takes fifty years to build. In reality, some European cathedrals took five hundred years to complete, and in the process they often impoverished the people with conflict and constant financial demands.

Today Lent is almost over. I have been preaching midweek services on the "Seven Last Words from the Cross" and this week will concentrate on, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). When Jesus said, "Tetelesthai!" His work was done. His years on earth, His ministry among the people, His establishing the New Kingdom, His keeping the Holy Law, His taking on Himself the sins of the world -- all these monumental things were over. "It is finished!" meant achievement not defeat, completion not quitting.

A mother who has raised a large family, a man who has finally paid off his house, a doctor who has studied medicine ten or twelve years, a middle aged woman who is finally getting married, or a man who finally retires after working fifty years -- all these know the meaning, "It is finished!" Yet not all is finished. A parent's task is not over, the house needs maintenance, the doctor needs patients, the marriage needs work, the retirement is just beginning.

"It is finished!" for us usually means more to come, but with Jesus His task is truly done. "It is finished!" for Jesus means nothing else is needed for salvation. No human effort, no sacrifice, no obedience, no act of mercy can add to what Jesus has already done. We cannot make His perfection more complete. Our faith will benefit us, but it won't change what Jesus did. He endured the cross victoriously, and in three days, the world would know it. He finished the task, and all people for eternity would be the beneficiaries. "It is finished!"

Give thanks we are His beneficiaries, by faith in Him alone.

EIGHT PRICELESS GIFTS

2011-04-04T21:37:00.000-07:00

Spring is officially here, despite brief snowstorms and other unexpected "gifts" the weather gives us. Spring is the time for graduations, Confirmations and other celebrations, and these mean invitations, open houses and gifts. I have a suggestion for anyone needing to find "just the right gift."

EIGHT FREE GIFTS THAT ARE PRICELESS

1. The gift of LISTENING... Give this to someone in need. No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planned responses - just listen caringly.

2. The gift of AFFECTION... Be generous with your hugs and gentle squeezes. Let your love show.

3. The gift of a NOTE... Whether it's love note or a sonnet on a card, write a note and put it where it will found.

4. The gift of LAUGHTER... Send someone a cartoon or a clever article. Your gift will say, "Let's laugh!"

5. The gift of a COMPLIMENT... "You look nice today" or "Great supper!" can be the best gift to someone today.

6. The gift of a FAVOR... Run an errand, offer a ride, vacuum the floors, or help someone in any way today.

7. The gift of a GOOD CHEER... Be cheerful around those you love. Smile at lots of people today.

8. The gift of PRAYER... Pray for your loved ones and let them know you are praying for them.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you." (Luke 8:38)

It's fun to surprise someone with an unexpected gift!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KJV!

2011-03-28T20:54:00.000-07:00

In our ever-changing and disposable world, some things continue to endure. Consider the King James Version of the Bible, which is 400 years old this year. When King James I commanded that a committee of translators set to work on a new Bible translation in 1604, England was still in religious turmoil. Seventy years before, King Henry VIII had rid England of the yoke of catholicism, and succeeding monarchs adopted new articles of faith which were often rapidly changed, resulting in leaders being in good standing one year and sent to the gallows in the next. The King James Version of 1611 was produced at a moment in history that helped protestantism gain permanent footing in England and other parts of Europe.

The KJV was not the first English translation. The Tyndale Bible was completed in the 1530s even though William Tyndale did not complete an entire English translation before his martyrdom in 1536. He did, however, consult with Luther and Melanchthon in Wittenberg, and, like Luther, translated the New Testament from a new Greek version recently published by Erasmus of Rotterdam.

The KJV today is still revered by many churches and church bodies as the best, or certainly the most preferred, English translation. Since 1611, dozens of English translations have been published especially in the twentieth century. Some pastors and churches seem to regard the KJV to be as divinely inspired as the original texts. Amazingly, the KJV was able to escape Middle Age church arguments, which was no small feat considering that era was filled with bitter disputes.

The English used in the KJV was already slightly outdated in its own day, with "thee" and "thou" starting to pass out of everyday speech. Modern translations have been published because the English language is evolving. Furthermore, many ancient manuscripts discovered since the days of the KJV have helped modern scholars to understand the biblical texts better, resulting in more accurate translations.

Stlll the King James Version of 1611 endures. There is even a "King-James-Only" movement which considers the KJV not just another translation but an indispensable foundation of the Christian faith. In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Evidently some Christians believe our Lord was talking about the King James Version.

The true and everlasting Word of God - Jesus Christ - will always survive translation!

STANDING TALL

2011-03-21T23:40:00.000-07:00

Our first reaction to adversity is fear or sadness. When Judy Robles was just sixteen years old and unmarried, she gave birth to her first child by Cesarean section. In the recovery room she asked what the baby's gender was and if the baby was okay. The doctor said he was a boy and later her parents told her the news: her tiny son had a birth defect and would never walk like a normal child. That night and for many for many more nights after, young mother Judy cried.

But Judy Robles was not crying this past weekend. Her boy Anthony, now a fine athlete and a senior at Arizona State University, became a champion. It was Anthony's last match of his career and he says last of his life. The crowd gave him a standing ovation as soon as his dominating win was complete. "I'd prepared for this moment all year," he said, "and I was scared. As soon as I hit the first takedown, I said, 'Okay, back to business'." He defeated the two-time national champion from the University of Iowa.

Robles has greater upper body strength than most of his opponents, and his style forces them to stay low. "I didn't get into the sport for the attention." he said, "I love the sport and am pleased when I can help motivate others to do things they wouldn't have thought possible." In the medal ceremony he stood tall as he received his award as the NCAA Wrestling Champion at 125 pounds. You see, Anthony Robles was born with only one leg.

Anthony's success is not so much in his overcoming adversity as it was in achieving his goals. Our success in life is not dependant on how we start life, but in how we finish it. Jesus of Nazareth had a fine beginning to His life, but a terrible ending. Yet even death on the cross did not define His life; His resurrection did. His loss of life on Friday was prelude to His regaining it on Sunday. Jesus is not remembered so much for His dying as in His rising again. As He told His disciples, "I lay down my life, only to take it up again." (John 10:17)

May we, too, rise above our struggles, and with the help of God join the Saints in glory.

SMALL ACTS, BIG RESULTS

2011-03-15T06:43:00.000-07:00

We never know what effect our small acts of faith may have on others or even on the future. In John 6, Jesus had been teaching to a huge crowd in a remote area, and during a break His disciples told Him He should send them away because they were hungry and needed to find their own food. Jesus said, "You give them something to eat." They were shocked and said they didn't have money enough. All they could find was five small loaves of bread and two dried fish. "But how far will it go among so many?" asked a skeptical Andrew.

You know the rest of the story. That little lunch fed 5,000 people with baskets of food to spare because it was blessed by the hands of Jesus. The now-famous lunch probably came from a small boy who heard the disciples saying they had no food and so offered them what little he had. Lest you think you don't have much to offer Jesus, consider this:

Edward Kimball, a Boston Sunday School teacher, decided to visit a young man in his class to tell see if he knew Christ. That visit led to the conversion of young Dwight L. Moody. Moody became the most famous evangelist of the 19th century, and had a major impact on evangelist Wilbur Chapman. Chapman shared his faith with Billy Sunday who received Jesus, joined his campaign and helped lead thousands to Christ. Sunday launched his own national ministry with great results in cities like Charlotte, North Carolina. At one of his revivals, Sunday was assisted by evangelist Mordecai Ham who invited a young man there to receive Jesus as His Savior. That young man was Billy Graham, the most prominent world evangelist of the 20th Century.

If you think you don't have much to offer, remember Edward Kimball, a teacher who spent an afternoon witnessing to a young man from his class. God has a special way of using our small, even routine, acts of faithfulness to accomplish great things.

What small act for others might you do today?

ASH WEDNESDAY

2011-03-07T14:53:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow among the churches of nearly 80% of the world's Christians, the season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday. This year, I will be preaching for the special midweek Lent services at Trinity Lutheran, 1428 N. Pueblo, here in Casa Grande, AZ (services at 4:00 & 7:00), on the theme, "The Seven Last Words from the Cross."

Since the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, the Christian Church has urged believers to prepare themselves for the Resurrection of Christ on Easter by conducting special services to ponder His suffering and death. In that way, Lent helps us prepare for true meaning of Easter, which is Christ's holy Resurrection.

"Lent" is Latin for "spring", and begins 40 days (not counting Sundays) before Easter. Because Easter is a moveable date based on the date of Passover, Ash Wednesday can be as early as February 4 and as late as March 10. About 20% of the world's Christians do not observe Lent for various reasons.

Tomorrow during the Ash Wednesday service among most Christian churches, ashes will be placed on the foreheads of worshippers. These ashes are usually made from burning palm branches from Palm Sunday the year before and mixing those ashes with olive oil. As the ashes are imposed onto the worshippers forehead, words are spoken such as "Dust you are, and to dust you shall return"(Genesis 3:19), or the one I usually use, "May you be blessed with repentance through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Because Lent is a man-made observance, the Bible does not mention it or Ash Wednesday. But the practice of repentance and/or mourning with ashes is found in 2 Samuel 13:19, Job 2:8, Matthew 11:21 and other places. It is a good practice for followers of Christ to observe. If you have time and there is a Lent-observing church near you, consider worshipping our Lord in a midweek Lent service this spring.

God bless you all through the season of Lent!

AND THE WINNER IS...

2011-03-01T07:05:00.001-08:00

It is a basic human need to want to be loved, respected and appreciated by others. Sunday night I watched a few minutes of the Academy Awards, the annual extravaganza for the movie industry to reward itself. The Entertainment Industry does this often with an ever-growing number of annual award programs. Entertainers make their living pleasing the crowds, and how well they do is important to them.

I've always tended to be a bit harsh in judging entertainers and politicians (who equally make their living acting in front of crowds). St. Paul discourages us from passing judgment on people, that is, deciding on the appropriateness of someone's actions without having all the facts. He says in Romans 14 we should, "...do what leads to peace and to mutual edification." He also says, "Anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval" (Vs. 18, 19).

The sacred and secular are not completely separate. We live with feet in both kingdoms and often seek to please both people and our Lord. There is a place for gentle judgment, however, when we see what is wrong and inappropriate. Then we need to "speak the truth in a spirit of love" (Ephesians 4:15).

Being able to judge right and wrong is part of what makes us human. Secularists tell us there are no absolutes and that all morals are relative, made by humans. To a secularist, the only "absolute" is never to be judgmental. But to declare something right or wrong is not the same as being judgmental.

Calling attention to the rightness or wrongness of an action can be very necessary. To fail to acknowledge wrong and not to try to change it can have serious consequences. Parents find this out quickly as they teach their children. We all need boundaries, just to get along in this world.

St. Paul tells us, "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; The old has gone and the new has come" (2 Corinthians 5:17). I like being entertained, so long as it's done appropriately.

"And the winner is...."

ALWAYS SAY A PRAYER

2011-02-22T07:32:00.000-08:00

We're living in increasingly tumultuous times. Middle East instability, severe weather, earthquakes, impending floods, terrorists, economic tremors, drug wars, political unrest, government shut-down - all these and more make one wonder what's happening to the world and whether or not the end is coming. (It didn't help that I just watched a movie where the world was incinerated.)

Some of you will say, "C'mon, Bob, when things get tough, people have always worried about that." That's true! Historically, whenever disaster or war or pestilence came upon a society, its people thought the end was at hand. Since Christ first spoke of His coming again, people of all ages have wondered whether the time is now.

Someday it will happen, so our Lord Jesus told us to be ready. The world will not last forever, and just as It's wise to remember one's own mortality, so we must not forget the world's mortality. We should live each day as if it might be our last.

How do we do that? What is the best way to live? Do we always need to think about the end? What about the young? Shouldn't they enjoy life and not worry about the end? Of course! All of us should enjoy the life God has given us. One's age should not determine whether one is happy or gloomy.

We often hear that in difficult times we should pray, then act. Prayer is action. Someone recently sent me an Email about the term ASAP. Besides its usual meaning, "As Soon As Possible," my friend said ASAP can also mean, "Always Say A Prayer." That's a good suggestion, because prayer is one of the best actions to do, in good times or in bad.

The apostle Paul urges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "Pray continually." The act of prayer means you trust God, and that you depend on Him. Prayer is an act of worship in which we may praise God, confess our sins, thank Him, or ask His help. We know God answers our petitions in His own way and time.

Prayer makes sense. Talking to God about the troubles around us is good action. Prayer strengthens our faith, calms our heart and lowers our blood pressure. Our prayers are heard by God - all of them. Proverbs 15:29 says, "The LORD is far from the wicked, but he hears the prayer of the righteous."

Are you fearful? Pray! Are you sick? Pray! Worried about someone? Pray! Feel powerless? Pray! Concerned about the End? Pray!

Always Say A Prayer - ASAP!

LOVE ONE ANOTHER

2011-02-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Today is Valentine's Day. Some historians state that this day originated from Valentinus, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up his Christian faith. He died on February 14, 269 AD, the same day that had previously been devoted to love lotteries on the Roman calendar.

There is a legend that Valentinus left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentinus". Other legends say that a man named Valentinus served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius and was jailed for defying the Emperor. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine, who has since been disignated patron saint of lovers. February 14 eventually became the date for sending love cards, messages, poems, flowers or candy to loved ones.

In the United States, Miss Esther Howland is given credit for sending the first Valentine cards, and commercial Valentines were introduced in the late 1800's. The town of Loveland, Colorado, has a very busy post office around February 14. Some local Colorado stores have boxes where people (my wife included) can deposit their Valentine cards which are then sent to the Loveland post office to receive their attractive Valentine's Day postmark. Grade school students usually exchange Valentines, handmade or commercial, with sentimental thoughts and sometimes candy attached.

Jesus urged His disciples in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” It really was a new command, because the prevailing attitude of the day was retribution - if someone hits you, hit him back! An eye for an eye! Jesus showed His followers a new way, one that brings peace among people, not more conflict. God's love for us in Jesus is the best gift we can give or receive on this day.

The greatest love is the willingness to sacrifice one's self for others.

I'M JUST TOO BUSY

2011-02-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

Grandma was visiting her son and his family, and after lunch was playing with her granddaughter Rachel. At one point, Rachel got up from the midst of all her toys and announced she was going outside. Grandma said, “But Rachel, you need to put away your toys first.” Without missing a beat, Rachel replied, “I don’t have time,” and ran through the door and outside.

Rachel had just turned three! She was definitely not running on a tight schedule, so from whom did she learn to say that? From her parents, of course. Maybe she even heard Grandma say it.

I wonder if God might sometimes be surprised when He hears our responses to His requests. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me all you who work and are tired, and I will give you rest.” We, of course, find all kinds of reasons not to. “I’m really busy today, Lord.” “I have so many important things planned.” “This is not a good time.” “I’m sure I’ll have more time later on.”

I wonder what God thinks of our schedules. (Yes, He really does have the ability to see what we do each day – He is God, you know!) If you think about it, He doesn’t really ask that much of us, just an hour or two to worship Him each week, and maybe a little time for prayer. All He’d like is time for us to rest with Him awhile from our busy schedules, a time to pick up our toys and give thanks we have them.

I wonder what God thinks when we leave Him out of our week. Or when we do things that are so bad for us. God says, “Be holy, because I am holy,” and we say, “But I have more fun things to do!” and run outside. Then later on we when get tired of our life, when the aches and pains hurt, or when we wonder what we’ve accomplished in life and life seems so empty, maybe then we think of God.

Remember what Jesus said: “Come to me all you who work and are tired, and I will give you rest.” Maybe His kind of rest is better. Maybe it will last longer, or will make us stronger and refreshed for the coming day. Maybe God really does know more than we do (Is that possible?). I wonder if Rachel eventually came back inside. (or if she eventually picked up her toys!)

Okay, God, I have some time now. What would you like to do?

IS JESUS REAL?

2011-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

Last week Carol and I attended a fine lecture by Dr. Paul L. Maier at Crown of Life Lutheran Church, in Sun City West. About 200 people heard Dr. Maier explain the blessings of having non-Christian "outside" sources which affirm the reality and authenticity of Jesus Christ and the Bible.

He stated that these are challenging times for Christians, since the faith is under fire from religious competitors, critics, sensationalist authors and hostile media producers. These often take delight in unveiling caricatures of Jesus rather than portraying Him accurately.

How are believers to defend the faith in this secular climate? Is it possible to learn more true details about Jesus of Nazareth than are found in the Bible? Are there any other proofs that the New Testament record is reliable?

The news here is good - three other sources affirm Christianity! Geography affirms the authenticity of rivers, mountains, cities and countries mentioned in the New Testament. The Bible is the only religious holy book which consistently speaks of places that do exist or have existed in the past. This is untrue of most other religions such as Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism or Mormonism.

Archeology, while a young discipline, again and again supports the locations, cities and even rulers mentioned in the Bible through the ongoing discovery of artifacts and inscriptions. A third source, historians, also support the truth of the Bible by the mentioning Jesus, His disciples and the Christian faith in manuscripts by such non-Christian sources as Tacitus, Suetonius, Pliny the Younger and Josephus.

But is it necessary, someone asked, that we have such "outside" sources for Jesus to be authentic and real? Dr. Maier stated, no it was not necessary, but it is truly helpful. Because we have plentiful proofs of the existence of the people, places and events in the Bible, we can rest assured the rest of the story of God's redemption through Jesus Christ is real and true.

Thank God for all His blessings, including those from non-Christians!

(Paul L. Maier is a world-famous author of many books about the Christian faith. See them at your favorite library or book seller.)

STATE OF YOUR FAITH

2011-01-25T11:18:00.000-08:00

The US Constitution in Article II, Section 3, states, "The President shall from time to time give to Congress information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their consideration such measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient." We have come to call this speech the "State of the Union" address.

When Pres. Obama steps to the podium tonight, he will be following in the footsteps of Pres. Washington who delivered the very first "State of the Union" speech to Congress on January 8, 1790. Until Pres. Coolidge broadcast his words on radio in 1923, this speech had been delivered only through the newspapers. In 1947, Pres. Truman delivered the first televised address.

Besides giving the President's assessment of national conditions, the "State of the Union" address is also a platform for the president's hopes and plans for the nation. Pres. Washington's words stressed the unity of the states, Pres. Monroe explained what became known as the "Monroe Doctrine" to end western colonization, and Pres. Lincoln told the nation he wanted to end slavery. Such has been the importance of this annual event held the past 221 years.

What is the "State of Your Faith"? How would you assess the condition of your faith in Jesus Christ? What hopes and plans do you have for your relationship with God? Is once a year often enough to do this simple analysis? A great Bible teacher once wrote that studying the Ten Commandments is a good mirror to judge our actions. Considering how often we read the Bible, or pray, or help others in need, or attend public worship, we can, with the help of God, realize the "State of Our Faith."

It is helpful to take a regular spiritual inventory of our life, just as we check our bank account, service our car, or check our appearance in the mirror. Taking a longer spiritual look at ourselves in the mirror of God's Word can perhaps help us see what needs to be done, and with aid of the Holy Spirit, can give us courage to do what is "necessary and expedient" on our earthly journey.

God bless our native land; firm may she ever stand, through storm and night!

BLESSED ARE THEY...

2011-01-21T10:01:00.000-08:00

Living in a retirement community, one sees mostly older folks, the exception being an occasional visiting young family or favored grandchildren. Retired folks like to laugh, even at themselves, and have their own brand of humor. Recently I saw a video of an invocation given by an older person (see website below) whose message and deadpan delivery were hilarious. Near the end of her invocation she quoted a poem by Esther Mary Walker, which goes as follows:

"BEATITUDES FOR FRIENDS OF THE AGED"
Blessed are they who understand my faltering steps and shaky hand.
Blessed are they who know my ears today must strain to hear the things they say.
Blessed are they who seem to know that my eyes are dim and my thoughts are slow.
Blessed are they who looked away when coffee was spilled at dinner today.
Blessed are they with a cheery smile who take the time to chat for awhile.
Blessed are they who never say, "You've told that story twice today".
Blessed are they who know the way to bring back memories of yesterday.
Blessed are they who make it known I'm loved, respected and not alone.
Blessed are they who ease the days of my journey home in loving ways.

I like that poem, especially the line about hearing a story told more than once. With such healthy and active older people these days, it's easy to forget they really do become less able and more frail as they age.

God in His Word honors the aged person, and urges us to do the same in the Fourth Commandment. Besides commanding us to respect our elders, God gives many examples of blessing the world through older people: Hannah, Elizabeth and Sarah gave the world very important children in their advanced age. Abraham, Jacob, and Simeon are examples of old men honored by God in later life.

Leviticus 19:32 tells us, "Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God." Older people cannot demand respect of others, but, like everyone, should seek to earn it. Most older folks truly appreciate it when people are sensitive to their needs. Patience and attention are wonderful gifts to give an aged person.

The older we grow, the more we can see God's abundant blessings!

MAKING WISE CHOICES

2011-01-11T08:02:00.000-08:00

As we consider the sad events of the past weekend, I'd like us to look back at history. In February, 1504, Christopher Columbus was in a bad way. In the course of his fourth visit to the New World, his badly leaking ships left him stranded on today's island of Jamaica. The inhabitants, initially hospitable, had grown hostile at the crew's transgressions, and had threatened to cut off the crew's food supply.

While consulting the Ephemerides, charts that show the positions of astronomical objects at given times, Columbus realized that astronomers had predicted a lunar eclipse that would be visible in a couple of days. The day before the eclipse, he told the local leaders that if they didn't change their minds, the moon would disappear from the sky. They scoffed at his claim, but when the eclipse occurred, just as he had predicted, they relented and gave him food. His ships and crews were rescued and returned to Spain in November, but Columbus never returned to the New World.

Some might call Columbus' actions deceitful, but most would say he did what was needed to save the lives of his crews. We should always seek to do the right, realizing that many of the actions and choices we must take in life involve risk and even deceit. A desperate parent will do things for family that (s)he might otherwise condemn (i.e. Rebekah, mother of Jacob and Esau). Life is not always a clear choice between right and wrong; sometimes it is the lesser of two evils. This is because of our fallen state, the sinfulness of all mankind everywhere. That is why we need a Savior sent by a holy God to rescue us from the tangles we make in life.

The many complex situations we face in the world today - worldwide immigration, the right of self-defense, freedom of speech, and compassion for those in need (to name only a few) - all require wise choices, as well as resources that are often more than we are able to provide. Such complexities should move us to trust in God and seek the counsel of His Word. To rely only on human wisdom at such a time is truly foolhardy. We need God to show us the way.

I pray our civil and church leaders will seek the Lord's guidance as they act, because human wisdom alone will not solve what lies before us. I don't think things are going to get better in this world, so it would be wise for us all to, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near.” (Isaiah 55:6)

Let us turn to the Lord, and He will have mercy on us.

RESOLUTIONS 2011

2011-01-03T19:06:00.000-08:00

My Arizona friend, Pastor Fred, had a great New Year's Day sermon and in it suggested some interesting New Year's resolutions: (1) Eat more - gain 30 pounds if you want - others are doing it, (2) Stop exercising - you won't really do it anyway, (3) Read less and watch more TV - that's what most people really want to do, and, (4) Procrastinate more - in fact, put off all your resolutions until next year.

So, I've decided these four are going to be my New Year's Resolutions for 2011, and I'm starting with #4.

(For these next thoughts, I thank Joe Stowell) Have you ever thought about the value of looking back? Some experts tell us to forget the past and forge ahead, which is usually good advice. But rearview mirrors can be very useful, especially if we use them to see what God has done in our lives. Look at the people He's brought into your life and how they've blessed you! Look at the places you've been and progress you've seen! Consider the resources and talents the Lord has given you. Even some of the pain and difficulties you've had have helped make you stronger.

As we reflect on God's blessings of the past year, you and I can also look forward to His help in the days to come. God has blessed us before, and He will do it again. Psalm 92:4 says, "You, Lord, have made me glad... I will triumph in the works of Your hands."

What happens to us in life is not just a matter of chance (or luck or skill or good fortune, etc.). The Lord has assisted us, directed events of our lives and managed the outcome faithfully. Looking in the rearview mirror this time of year can give us a good picture of God's good work in our lives.

Looking ahead, though, isn't as clear. We're not sure what will come. Sometimes the road ahead seems foggy, twisted and scary. As we move into the New Year of 2011, look again in the rearview mirror of the year gone by. Hopefully you will be able to understand what Jesus meant when He said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you. Thus we can say, The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid." (Hebrews 13:5-6)

With the promise of God's presence and His help in mind, you and I can move ahead into 2011 confident that God will be with us. And in Jesus, He will love us, no matter what.

What resolutions have you made for 2011?

STOP THE NOISE!

2010-12-28T11:57:00.000-08:00

“Prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight a path for Him!” (Mark 1:3) So shouted John the Baptist in the wilderness. There is so much noise in our world, especially in the days that lead up to Christmas: music in stores, children crying, customers' loud voices, ambulance sirens and traffic congestion. If you really want to be heard in the midst of all the noise, there are times when you almost have to shout.

During a typical lunch hour at the University of California - Berkeley, spokesmen for a dozen different causes can be found on the plaza, trying to shout louder than the others. One day a lone figure sat down defiantly in the middle of the crowd and held up a sign which said, "SILENT PROTEST." Someone tapped him on the shoulder and asked, "What are you protesting?" The defiant figure held up another sign which said, "NOISE."

That reminds me of the Salvation Army woman a few years back who was informed by a policeman that a local ordinance prevented her from ringing her bell for contributions. But that ordinance could not stop this inventive bellringer. The next day she did a better business than ever as she waved one sign and then another in the air. The signs said, "DING" and "DONG."

John the Baptizer had to contend with all the noise of his day that drowned his message to be prepared for the coming Messiah. There has always been noise when the God's spokesmen try to speak His message. Perhaps that is one of the reasons John shouted in the wilderness - simply to be heard.

In Psalm 46:10 God says, “Be still and know that I am God.” There is a time for shouting and a time for being still. During the coming year of 2011, may you know the difference, especially in those times you need to wait on the Lord to hear His still, small voice of divine guidance and love.

Do you hear the Lord speaking to you?

NEW LIFE IN CHRIST

2010-12-21T13:23:00.000-08:00

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given." (Isaiah 9:6) What is it that makes us truly human? Besides our eternal soul, what has God given people that He has not given animals? The ability to reason? To laugh? To worship the Creator? To analyze one's life? To give gifts of gratitude?

This time of year is centered on gifts, those we give to each other and God's supreme gift in Jesus. I recall my father giving new plowshares to my uncle for using his tractor and plow. I've witnessed forgiveness given with tears and received gifts of thanks for things long ago forgotten.

A priceless gift is a second chance, the opportunity for a new life. This Sunday I will baptize my grand daughter and witness God's merciful gifts to her of faith and forgiveness. Abandoned in a distant land and her cries bringing rescue by a stranger, Anaya has been given a new chance in life because of God's love. God has an eternal plan for this little girl, and it includes the baptismal gifts of faith and forgiveness in Jesus Christ.

Another baby's cries were once heard in a Bethlehem stable, and they signalled the presence of the Solution to the world's true problem. His cries frightened a king and frustrated mankind's greatest enemy. Despite the message of angels, His mother and foster father did not fully understood what He would mean to this world of sin and separation.

Our life is a gift from God; what we do with life is our gift to Him. As you count your blessings this Christmas, remember the gifts of being born where you are, into the family you are, with the gifts you have, and at this time in history. We, among all people, are assuredly most blessed. What now will we do with the life He has given us?

This Christmas, consider who you are, as well as Whose you are.

MESSIAH TIME

2010-12-14T06:56:00.000-08:00

This time of year is Messiah time. The night before last I enjoyed singing the "Messiah" with the Casa Grande community chorus, again doing the opening tenor solo, "Comfort Ye." As I did, I thought about the circumstances under which George Friedrich Handel wrote his master work, because I'd read about them that afternoon.

Historians tell us Handel been for a long walk on a Sunday afternoon in late August, 1741, and the great maestro was really depressed. Although he'd had a successful career writing operas, things were not going well. At age 41 he'd had a serious stroke and though he had recovered, people stopped buying his compositions.

That afternoon as he returned home from his walk he found a manuscript on his doorstep, left by a friend, Charles Jennens. It was offered as a possible libretto (musical story) about Jesus Christ, His birth, ministry, cruficixion and resurrection, and all started with wonderful prophetic passages from Isaiah. When Handel read Isaiah 40: 1-2, “Comfort ye my people,” he later said the clouds of gloom began to lift and he began that day to compose an Oratorio on the entire life of Christ. Incredibly, in just over three weeks, it was finished. The entire "Messiah" - 250 pages of original musical composition - was written in just three weeks! Truly amazing! It's his gift to the ages.

These days are not just time for Handel's musical “Messiah," but especially for Jesus the living Messiah. Without Him, there is no true winter festival. Hannukah is about the rededication of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, and Kwanzaa was invented in the mid-1960's by an activist to honor African American heritage. Only Christmas gives us joy in the gift of God's Son. Only Christmas is about forgiveness, comfort and peace on earth.

We modern people need God's comfort for unsettling days. We need God's peace to lift us from the doldrums of winter storms, human weakness and bad news. We need God's power to change for the better. We need Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, who gave His earthly life that we might have eternal life. In other words, we really do need the Messiah.

George Friedrich Handel, like most of the great musicians during the golden age of music, were dedicated Christians. Martin Luther once said that next to the Gospel, music is God's greatest gift to humanity. On a plaque I saw once were these words: "BACH gave us God's Word, MOZART gave us God's laughter, BEETHOVEN gave us God's fire, GOD gave us music that we could pray without words." I guess I'd add, "HANDEL gave us God's Hope."

May each of us have God's hope and joy this Christmas!

LIFE ON ANOTHER PLANET

2010-12-06T21:03:00.000-08:00

This December 7 marks sixty-nine years since the Pearl Harbor invasion, and I was tempted to write once again about the sacrifices of those brave men and women attacked on a Sunday morning. But something caught my attention this past week - a story about the discovery that an additional element, arsenic, that can be part of the formula for human life. This bit of info produced many media stories, including several which speculated about the potential of life on other planets.

I happen to believe there has been life on other planets, and so do you. Forty-one years ago, on Sunday July 20, 1969, astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed on the moon at 3:17 EST. The moon is a satellite of earth, and is large enough to be considered a minor planet in our solar system. That day and for the next three and a half years, a total of twelve astronauts walked on the moon. During those years we can say without doubt there was intelligent life in another location of our solar system.

The Apollo Eleven moon landing has been celebrated and examined in great detail. But one aspect usually overlooked is that Buzz Aldrin had Holy Communion when he was on the moon. Aldrin's church had given him a small packet containing consecrated bread and wine, and during the radio blackout when the Eagle was out of contact with earth, he ate and drank the elements of Holy Communion 235,000 miles away from the nearest church. After he did, Aldrin read John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches. Whosoever abides in me and I in Him will bring forth much fruit."

NASA kept this act secret for two decades because it was already embroiled in a legal battle with the athiest Madelyn Murray O’Hare over the Apollo Eight crew's reading from Genesis while orbiting the moon at Christmas. Aldrin said he prayed aloud after communion that day, giving thanks for the intelligence and spirit that had brought two young pilots to the moon's Sea of Tranquility. It is interesting and heartening to realize that the first food and drink consumed on the moon were the elements of the Sacrament of Holy Communion.

Aldrin's memoirs were the center of Tom Hanks' 1998 HBO mini-series, "From the Earth to the Moon," and in it the audience was made aware of this act of Christian worship. This year I am assisting Trinity congregation here, in Casa Grande, AZ, with midweek Advent services under the theme, "The Prophets Speak." It's a Trinity custom to celebrate Holy Communion during these services. This Wednesday I intend to remember those astronauts and the intelligence, humility and faith they showed that day on another planet in our universe God created.

"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge." (Psalm 91:4)

GIVE THEM A HAND

2010-11-30T07:34:00.000-08:00

This time of year finds many people helping others who need it. From Salvation Army bell ringers to needy Christmas gift organizers to food basket gatherers to used clothing sorters, all kinds of people around our great country seek to help others in all kinds of ways. Certainly the root inspiration for this kindness is our heavenly Father who gave His only Son to forgive the sins of the world. Helping others at Thanksgiving and Christmas is part of what makes our nation strong and our people good.

Americans show their goodness in many and various ways. Sara Tucholsky, a softball player for Western Oregon University, hit her first college home run in a game against Central Washington, but she nearly didn't get credit for it. As the ball sailed over the fence, Sarah rounded first base, and in her excitement, missed it! When she skidded to a stop to go back, she twisted her knee so badly, she couldn't even crawl back. By rule, unless she touched each base, she could not get credit for her home run.

Though the rules said she could not be assisted by her own teammates, Mallory Holtman, first baseman for the opposing team spoke up, "Would it be okay if WE helped her touch the bases?" After conferring, the umpires agreed. So long as her own teammates didn't help her, the opposing team could do so if they wished. So Mallory and another teammate made a "chair" with their arms, picked up Sarah, and carried her around the bases, helping her to touch each one. By the time they got her to home base, many from both teams were crying at this selfless act of compassion, and Sarah was awarded her first college home run.

When our fellow Christians stumble and fall, we need to follow the example of those ballplayers. We need to reach out, lift them up, and sometimes even carry our struggling neighbors along. Christmas is a wonderful time to "Minister [God's love] to one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." (1 Peter 4:10) Whenever we help someone, we mirror the love of God for all people in Christ Jesus.

Who can you hold up, even carry, at this time of year?

THANKS A LOT!

2010-11-23T06:52:00.000-08:00

A shopper on "Black Friday" (the day after Thanksgiving) needed a break. She'd found many specials and could hardly carry them all. She went to the Food Court, bought herself a little bag of cookies and a cup of coffee, and sat down at one of the crowded tables to sip her coffee quietly. Across the table a man was reading a newspaper. After a moment she reached out and took a cookie. As she did, the man seated across the table reached out and took one, too. She was a bit startled, but she did not say anything. A few moments later she took another cookie. Once again the man took a cookie. She was getting a bit uneasy at him eating her cookies but did not say anything.

After another sip of coffee she took another cookie, and so did the man again! Now she was a bit upset, especially since there was only one cookie was left. The man also saw the one cookie left, and before she could say anything, he broke it in half, offered half to her, and proceeded to eat the other half himself as he walked away. She glared at him and left the table. "What a jerk!" she thought, "Some men think they're so smart!" She picked up her purse, and underneath it discovered her own cookies in their unopened bag. She'd been eating his cookies the whole time!

I like that story - it is rather like how we treat God when He provides us with so much, and we think it's all ours. How often don't we act as if we own everything, and that it's all purely because of our efforts? Perhaps we ought to memorize the words the Old Testament reading: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land He has given you." (Deuteronomy 8:10)

It's human nature to believe that all we have is ours, and that it comes through our own efforts. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us all we have is from God, things we may work to get, but nonetheless things that come to us from God's gracious hand. Every National Day of Thanksgiving is meant to show us it is God who gives us what we have. A line in a contemporary song says, "Thanks a lot! Thanks a lot! Thanks for all I've got!" We've all got "a lot," and I hope we'll all remember where it came from.

I'll be leading Thanksgiving Eve services tomorrow ( Weds, 4 & 7 PM if you're in the area) here at Trinity Lutheran in Casa Grande, Arizona, under the worship theme, "Count Your Blessings." It will be interesting to see how full the pews will be. There are so many winter residents here and being retired they are just so busy!

May God give us grateful hearts this Thanksgiving and always!

NO MORE TEARS

2010-11-15T20:17:00.000-08:00

A woman was making a major change in her life. She was retiring after working for the same employer for over forty years. Some of her co-workers had been with her for much of that time, and as she hugged them, she frequently said, “Sorry about the tears.”

Why do we often feel the need to apologize for weeping? It might be tears of happiness at a wedding (I cried when our son was married), tears of farewell at a funeral, (a dear friend of ours died this afternoon) or even tears of relief at hearing good news after a long wait (happened to me a time or two) - whatever the case, we often feel we must apologize for our crying.

There is a time and a place for tears, but not all agree when that is. I once mentioned to a group of pastors that I was uncomfortable with pastors “breaking down” during a sermon and several agreed with me. I was surprised, though, at how many thought pastors should let such emotions show, even during a sermon. I’ve always felt that few people are comfortable seeing a leader weep while speaking.

Our positive emotions are God-given. God grieves. In Genesis 6, God becomes sorrowful (and angry) about the sin of His people. Scriptures record Jesus weeping at least twice, at Lazarus’ tomb (John 11:35) and later as He entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:41). Jesus is God in the flesh, and He often joined his friends in their tears of grief or joy. I can think of no greater example than Jesus.

One day when we get to heaven there will be no more tears - of sorrow or separation or pain, for “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:4) In the meantime, tears may often flow. And no apologies are needed.

Thanks, Lord, for tears that clear our eyes to see You (and others) more.

A SECURE FUTURE

2010-11-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

(I am pleased to report that Debbie and our newest grandchild came home to Phoenix last Thursday night. Nine month old Anaya from the Congo took her place with five year old Micah and three year old Emily, also adopted by son Chuck and Debbie. At nine months old, Anaya is healthy, sleeping most of the night and smiling at everyone. If you would like a photo, tell me and I will send you one. Thank you for all your prayers. God is good!)

About thirty years ago my wife and I were driving in the hills of southern Germany when we came upon a large flock of sheep moving across a winding country road. The lone shepherd had two dogs who were helping him direct his flock from the winter lowlands to summer pasture. We pulled our rental car to the side of the road while the flock swirled around us, and watched them until all had crossed the road.

As a Christian shepherd, I was amazed at how calm the flock was around our car, and I wondered, "Do sheep fear change, or movement, or new places?" Those sheep surely looked undisturbed as they moved past our smoky, noisey little car to new places.

Like most older folks, I like the "fold," the old familiar places, and even though we live each half year in two states, we enjoy seeing old friends in both places. But it seems so much is shifting and changing in the world today. Politically and economically, we are being led into new surroundings and into a vast unknown. What new tests will come our way in the days ahead? What new and untried paths must we go down?

Jesus said of the Good Shepherd in John 10:4, "When He has brought out all His own, He goes on ahead of them, and His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." Life may cause us some dismay as we see change swirling around us. We may lie awake at night wondering what life will bring us tomorrow. In such times we need to trust that our Shepherd knows the way, and will guide us there if we will follow Him.

Our Good Shepherd knows our limits. He loves us and will not forsake us. He will not lead us down paths too dangerous or too difficult where He cannot help us. He knows the way to green pastures and cool waters. All we need do is follow Him.

Our unknown future is secure in the hands of our all-knowing God.

BUMPS IN THE ROAD

2010-11-02T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last week I asked you to pray for Debbie and Anaya, my daughter-in-law and her newly adopted African baby, that they could return to America safe and soon. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and good wishes. At this time Debbie and Anaya are still in the Congo, but will begin their flight home early tomorrow morning. She will travel through Ethiopia, Rome and Washington DC, planning to arrive in Phoenix late Thursday. The trip will take at least 35 hours.

Last week Debbie received Anaya's Visa from the US Consulate, but the Congo Exit Letter was delayed. That finally came late Monday, but only after someone called the authorities on her behalf strongly urging they get the letter done. Debbie attempted to get on the return flight this morning (Tuesday), but was unsuccessful. So, God willing, tomorrow morning the journey home will begin.

These last four weeks have been difficult with so many delays. When I asked our son Chuck yesterday if Debbie was upset, he said they consider the delays as bumps in the road, and that God is with them on the road. Carol and I know there is purpose behind it all, and perhaps one day we'll know what it is. Bumps are sure to happen on any road of life. We need to expect them and not fear or become too angry over them.

I've learned much about prayer in all this. About a year ago, I began praying daily for three specific causes, two of which God has answered in wonderful ways. The third, a successful adoption trip, is almost answered. I've learned that when we pray for God to do certain things for us, He does not ignore us or make light of our fears, even though it may seem that way. I've learned again that God's answers are best. I've also learned that taking requests to God on a daily basis can change your life.

When St. Paul urged us in 1 Corinthians 5:17 to "Pray constantly," it's because God wants to hear from us. He does answer our prayers, and gives us circumstances that can move us to pray. If you or I didn't see our need to pray every day, we'd never try it. The bumps come along on the road of life can force us to fold our hands.

Grandparents often wonder what their purpose might be later in life when their family seems to need them less. "Pray constantly" might be that purpose. It takes little time or effort, and no one can tell us how or what to pray for, or stop us from praying. Prayer is a calming privilege and strengthens our faith. You don't need to be a grandparent to "Pray constantly," but if you are, try it and see its blessings.

Remember, those are bumps on the road, not mountains.

PRAYER WORKS!

2010-10-24T20:11:00.000-07:00

My daughter-in-law Debbie, whose birthday is tomorrow, has been in the Democratic Republic of Congo two and a half weeks, attempting to bring back their newly adopted infant daughter Anaya. She left Oct. 7 and was to return Oct. 30, but now a government passport mistake could force a delay. I would like to ask that all who receive this WEEKLY MESSAGE pray for her. You can use this prayer if you wish: "Dear Lord, please help Debbie and baby Anaya come to America as soon as possible. Keep them safe and healthy. Your will be done, Lord Jesus, Amen."

I will give an update next week. Three plus weeks is a long time to wait in this chaotic African nation. Many of the adoptive parents with her have been complaining, but Debbie has decided to use this time to observe and write about the Congolese way of life, so she one day will be able to describe to Anaya a little of what her homeland was like. Public photos there are illegal, so she can use only words to describe what she sees.

Due to ongoing war, there are over 5 million orphans in the Congo. There is great poverty, but still a spirit of joy and hope among the Congolese that's especially evident in their Christian worship. Accompanied by drums, a plastic whistle and a chorus, the people sing to God with their whole hearts. Despite the squalor and lack of necessities, they are kind towards each other, especially the children, and have learned to face each day with determination.

The oppressive heat and lack of creature comforts are overlooked. As they have for centuries, people walk everywhere and carry most things in baskets on their heads. Those who run the orphanages must depend on the goodness of fellow citizens to donate food, beds and clothing. They must face the daily challenges of having a hundred or more children to feed without any government support, and they make this their life's work. Time is much slower there. Something that would take a half hour in the states may take all day in the Congo.

Debbie met a government official in worship Sunday who promised to help her get the papers she needs to return home on time. We can only hope and pray he can and will do what he said. But however long it takes, Debbie will help Anaya and the rest of us know that God answers prayer.

If today you experience struggle or delay, pray rather than complain. Pray for yourself and for those around you. Trust and believe that God is watching over you. May God continue to bless us with patience towards all those annoying little things that may have an eternal purpose for us and those we love.

"Dear Lord, help Debbie and Anaya return home quickly, amen!"

WITH US IN THE PIT

2010-10-18T22:00:00.000-07:00

Last week most of the entire civilized world watched the rescue of the 33 trapped Chilean miners. It was emotionally moving to see each of them come to the surface and immediately show their relief and gratitude. Most of the world, however, missed the fact that each miner emerged wearing a shirt that said, "Thank you Lord" on the front, and on the back, "To Him be the glory and honor." On one sleeve of each shirt was the name "Jesus."

It's obvious all these miners were grateful to God for saving them. One of them told a reporter, "God and the devil were fighting over me and God won." Another said, "I always knew they would get me out. I always had faith in the professionals here in Chile and in the Great Creator." Another miner, when he came to the surface, knelt down to pray and pointed to heaven, giving thanks to God. The youngest miner, 19-year-old Jimmy Sanchez, had written a letter that was sent up to the surface prior to their rescue that said, "There are actually 34 of us, because God has never left us down here."

It doesn't matter that the press didn't report this, but we can be sure that faith in Christ surely was the center of life for those 33 men as they endured the 68 days of being trapped a half mile underground. Being no fan of the deep underground, I can hardly imagine how they would have gotten through those days without trusting in Christ.

There are many times in life when we are faced with forces beyond our control. Waiting for government to act, waiting for help to come, or struggling to find a solution that eludes us, we must rely on help from the One who has the whole world in His hands. Sometimes help comes quickly, but however long it takes, we must wait and trust in God's best solution and in His best time.

Psalm 31:15 says, "My times are in Your Hands; deliver me from my enemies and from those who pursue me." We truly give thanks when people are rescued from disaster by brave and resourceful people such as we saw in Chile. May we, like Jimmy Sanchez, also realize there is another One with us when we feel trapped, One who will never leave us nor forsake us, One who will bring us to the surface and to the Light.

To Him be the glory and honor!

SPIRITUAL RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

2010-10-11T21:09:00.000-07:00

My ignorance of biology is almost embarrassing, so I've begun reading some good books on the subject. In one such volume, Fearfully and Wonderfully Made, by Philip Yancey and Dr. Paul Brand, the authors not only explain the human body, they compare it to the Body of Christ in fascinating ways.

In Chapter 22, Dr. Brand describes the problem of rheumatoid arthritis. While the cause of this disease is unknown, we recognize it by what it does. Rheumatoid arthritis produces a hypersensitivity within the cells of joints. A joint becomes flooded with enzymes that normally occur when bacteria or abnormal cells are present and call into action the body's defensive mechanisms. But in this disease, there is no apparent "enemy" present, only the body's perception of one.

In rheumatoid arthritis, a healthy joint turns cannibalistic, destroying parts of itself. Yet when the joint is opened for examination, no "enemies" are found, only the body's defensive cells attacking healthy cartilage and ligaments. It's like a civil war has broken out in there and the defensive mechanism itself has become the disease.

The authors liken this pathology to some activities in the Christian Church. Members become hypersensitive, taking offense at real or imagined criticism, and their dignity or position becomes more important than the harmony of the group. An individual or a small group may grab a minor doctrinal or practical issue and make agreement on it the essential factor for unity - or else!

The lesson is obvious, but needs to be recognized. Is there friction and tension in your church or church body? Could it have resulted from righteous indignation against perceived wrongs? Could "righteous" anger be causing more damage than the "wrongs" which anger some people?

We may think Christians should be less susceptible to friction in the body because we believe in Jesus and His eternal ideals and goals. However, sin is always present to cause irritation, create friction, and make resulting tensions cause damage. Some folks may want to "do it right" so completely that all the good accomplishments get damaged by anger and harsh words.

Faith in Jesus Christ does not give us immunity to conflict. There's no innoculation against sin, no matter who we are. But there is One who gives us His eternal aid. Jesus brings us the spiritual medicines of forgiveness and reconciliation. He brings us peace and harmony on earth, and promises a life of no conflict in heaven.

The authors write, "The human body goes to incredible lengths to prevent friction, and the Body of Christ should be as careful to lubricate itself against possible conflicts as we move in common activity." (p. 182) I highly recommend this book for both its biological and spiritual insight.

Are you contributing to tension around you or working to overcome it?

MAJORING IN MINORS

2010-10-04T21:18:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder why maps of the whole world have funny shaped edges, or why they make some countries bigger than they are on a Globe? Cartographers have found there's no perfect way to draw a round surface on a flat map, so they distort the shape of certain areas in the north and south, for example, making Greenland look bigger than Australia.

Christians can have problems with distortions as well. When we try to understand spiritual truths within the limitations of a sinful world, we can end up exaggerating the minors while minimizing the majors. Not all spiritual teachings have equal importance. The liturgy of worship, for example, is not as important as the doctrine of Jesus Christ. How we pray is not as important as to Whom we pray.

Distortion can also happen in what we consider to be sin. When confronted with what science says about certain actions, we may be tempted to believe some wrongs are no longer wrong. What we've always believed to be right can be placed in doubt by popular notions disclaiming what is right.

The New Testament addresses distortions that come when the teachings of popular teachers become more important than the teachings of Jesus Christ. Sound biblical teaching does not distort the basics found in the Bible, nor does it divide the church. Rather, it unites believers and builds up the body. "New" teachings can often be old sins in a new disguise.

Attempts to explain God and His will fully and completely are usually inadequate. Those who think they can explain all the mysteries of God usually end up distorting our priorities, confusing our thinking, and flattening our understanding of what it means to be a child of God. What's really important is what we believe about Jesus Christ.

St. Paul may have had this in when he wrote 1 Corinthians 5:1-5, "When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness and fear, and with much trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on men's wisdom, but on God's power."

Relying on Jesus Christ can keep us from distorting the truth.

WE WILL HAVE ENOUGH

2010-09-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

Maybe you've seen the photo - an old woman sitting in an alley near an overturned garbage can. She is eating some food she'd found in the garbage - and she is smiling. Most of us won't eat food we accidentally drop on the floor, but this woman didn't care who touched it last. She was hungry and had found food. We hear daily warnings about obesity and the need to eat right, and yet this woman seems satisfied with her few mouthfuls of someone else's food.

There is much talk now about our struggling economy and the cost of living going steadily higher. Many people are anxious about their livelihood, and job notices, even the most humble, are leading hundreds of people to apply. Economists cite statistics on foreclosures and bankruptcies, and, of course, Washington politicians promise to fix it all for us.

Is it possible, in the midst of gloomy times, to heed the words of our Lord in Matthew 6:25, "Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on"? Can we really have that kind of faith? Our Lord is not telling us we don't need to work, nor are we to be unconcerned with what we eat or wear. He was warning against letting money or possessions rule us instead of trusting Him for our needs.

When Jesus said, "Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33), He is urging us to recognize that no matter how much effort we expend to make a better life for ourselves and our families, true contentment comes from knowing it is the LORD who provides for our needs. And since God is our Heavenly Father who truly does love us, we will have enough!

"Lord, I believe - help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24)

GIVING IT ALL AWAY

2010-09-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

What does a person do when he's made a billion dollars and owns part of the American dream? What does he do next? In one man's story, he gives it all away, because he found all his wealth and achievments didn't matter as much as his relationship with God.

In 1985, Tom Monaghan had everything a man could want or imagine. He was wildly rich, owning Domino's Pizza, an enormous collection of classic cars, several Frank Lloyd Wright houses, an entire island in the Great Lakes, boats, planes, several smaller companies, and even the Detroit Tigers baseball team.

But something changed Tom Monaghan's heart and moved him to sell all he had and give his money away. Today he is a devout Christian who heads a religious foundation that distributes his former wealth to many human needs. He has built a half dozen churches in Central America, a Christian University, and supports conservative Christian causes however he can.

When he was four and his father died, Tom began life an orphanage, foster homes and even a juvenile detention center. He finished last in his High School class, and served in the Marines and barely made it through college. In 1960 he borrowed money from his brother to buy a pizza place in Ypsilanti, Mich. This single store ultimately grew into Domino's Pizza and propelled Tom to power, possessions and prestige. But with all his successes and influence, Monaghan became a prideful and demanding man. After reading C. S. Lewis's Mere Christianity, he decided to give up his worldly goods and rededicate himself to God.

Repentence is a powerful force that changes people. Few people will ever achieve the worldly success of Tom Monaghan, but all of us can be eternally blessed by repentence. Jesus died for the sins of all, young and old, rich or poor, and the Holy Spirit can re-make us into new people.

Praise God that He loves us enough to change us for the better!

CHOOSING WHAT'S BEST

2010-09-14T07:45:00.000-07:00

During the past week, tragic events may have given us cause to look at our own life. The anniversary of 9-11-01, as well as the nearly two hundred homes destroyed by fires in Colorado and California should make us consider what we value. Houses, skyscrapers and even nations can be rebuilt, but not lost human lives.

In southern Germany near Heilbronn is the city of Weinsberg whose main attraction is the ruins of a medieval castle, named "Weibertreu." How this ancient castle got its name is a true story of courage, love and understanding of what is important.

In AD 1140 the Weinsberg Castle was besieged by the army of King Welf, and the Staufers who possessed the castle eventually had to surrender. According to recorded history, the king planned to kill all the Staufer men, but he granted the women and children of the castle free departure, and they were allowed to take with them whatever they could carry on their backs. Although the castle contained great riches, when the castle gate opened, the conquering army saw the women of Weinsberg carrying, not jewels and gold on their backs, but their men.

So moved was the King by the sight of these women carrying husbands, brothers and neighbors, that he adhered to his word and let them pass. These women became known as "treue Weiber" ("loyal wives"), and the castle ruins of Weibertreu are still today a reminder of those who value human life above riches.

If a wild fire was coming and you had only a short time to leave your home, what would you take with you? What would pack in your car? Hundreds of people recently had to make such decisions. In these shakey times of terrorism, unemployment, shakey economy and political chaos, each of us ought to take stock of what is important in our life, and give thanks for it.

Thanks be to God that we have the unshakeable things of God that cannot be taken from us - His grace, faith and forgiveness. Thanks be to Jesus Christ that He carries us on His back past our enemies and into a life of peace and joy with Him.

"O Give Thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever." (Psalm 107:1)

HIS ANSWERS ARE BEST

2010-09-07T07:01:00.000-07:00

How does prayer work? Does God answer our specific prayers? What did Christ really mean when He said, "All things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive"? (Matthew 21:22)

James Gilmour, a missionary to Mongolia, was once asked to treat some wounded soldiers. Although he was not a doctor, he did have some knowledge of first aid, so he felt he could not refuse the request. He dressed the wounds of two of the men, but a third had a badly broken thigh bone. The missionary had no idea what to do for such an injury. Kneeling beside the man, he prayed, asking the Lord for help. He didn't know how God would answer his prayers, but he was confident that God would supply his need.

He couldn't find any books on physiology in the primitive hospital there, and no doctor was near. To complicate matters, a crowd of beggars came to him asking for money. He was deeply concerned about his patient, yet his heart went out to those ragged people. Hurriedly he gave them a small gift, plus a few kind words of spiritual encouragement.

A moment later he stared in amazement at one weary beggar who had remained behind. The half-starved fellow was little more than a living skeleton. Gilmore suddenly realized that the Lord had brought him a walking anatomy lesson! He asked the man if he might examine him. After carefully tracing the femur bone with his fingers to learn how to treat the soldier's broken leg, he returned to the patient and was able to set the fracture correctly. Years afterward, Gilmour often related how God had provided him with a strange yet sufficient response to his earnest prayer.

When we raise our petitions to the Lord, we, too, can be certain that He will help us -- even though the answer may come in a way we might least expect. Not all prayer will be answered the way we think it should be; and in fact, most will not. But God does hear all our prayers and answers them in His best way. Jesus told His disciples, and also us: "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)

God's answers are always best!

THINGS UNSHAKEABLE

2010-08-30T22:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know that the Lutheran Church teaches separation between Church and State? Our Doctrinal statements teach that while the power of the Church and State are both ordained by God, they differ from each other radically. Here are a few of those differences:

THE STATE...
- has authority over all its citizens
- rules its citizens by civil laws
- preserves external peace in the community
- is interested in the earthly affairs of its citizens

THE CHURCH...
- has authority only over its members
- rules its members by the Word of God
- offers God's blessings and internal peace
- is interested in the salvation of its members

There is to be no Church-State or State-Church. This is true of ANY religion or church that may seek to rule our nation. No religious body has any right to rule American people, or to enact or enforce its own laws. Let me repeat: No religion has the right to force its laws on the citizens of America.

The fact that governments are ordained by God does not mean the State must govern according to the tenants of any religion or its book. Any religious book is meant to have authority only in that religion, and not in American civil government. It is an open fact that at least one world religion is seeking to rule our nation, and all nations, by the rules of its book. We must never let that happen here in America.

Our nation was founded on Christian principles, and we have a right to retain them, for they are the core of what makes America great. We abandon our foundations at our own peril. God has given us this great nation, and we will never be defeated by an outside enemy. Any defeat will happen because we have caved in to the forces of evil within our borders.

Those forces are knocking at our doors today, so what should we do? We should pray constantly that God will give us fearless and loyal leaders who will stand for what is right, not just what is popular. We should support those candidates and policies that will keep our nation sovereign and safe. We must ever be vigilent to keep the forces of evil from undermining our nation.

Our nation has been shaken to its economic and social core, but we must remain unshakeable. Hebrews 13 tells of a time when our present world will be shaken, so that the unshakeable things of God in Christ may remain. May we all be ready, by faith and prayer to Christ, for such a time.

"Since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful." (Hebrews 13:28)

YOU ARE MY SUNSHINE...

2010-08-24T09:17:00.000-07:00

In this time of economic struggles, it's tempting to place money on a higher pedestal than it deserves. True, we need it, but of itself, money doesn't satisfy. There is a lot more to a good life than possessions. I just finished a book about a beautiful, wealthy woman who killed herself because she was abused as a child. Her money and financially successful life meant nothing compared to the pain she carried with her. It was a tragic way to end a sad life.

It reminds me of another story, a much better one. A small boy admired a colorful old vase his mother had. She told him it had come from her Great grandmother, so it was one of her dearest treasures. He knew it was special, so he wanted to hold it and "feel" the colors. It was high up, just out of his reach, but he tried to get it down anyway. He didn't realize his little hands couldn't hold it, and it crashed to the floor. And the small boy began to cry.

His crying started with sobs and turned to loud wails, as his mother came rushing into the room. She stopped when she saw him sitting on the floor, broken shards all around. She knew immediately what he had done, and he cried even louder when he saw her looking at him. "I b'oke .... your vase," he sobbed and bent over, hiding his tear-filled face.

But rather than anger or a lecture, his mother gave the small boy a precious gift. With a look of relief, she said, "Oh thank heavens - I thought you were hurt!" And she got down on the floor, held him close, and began to sing, "You are my sunshine, my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey. You'll never know, Dear, how much I love you..." The small boy grew up, but his mother's song is a gift he still carries in his heart.

I love that story. It didn't happen to me, but it could have, because that was one my mother's favorite songs. She gave all five of us kids gifts of love that are with us still. If you are in a time of hardship, please remember that our real treasures of life can't be put in the bank, only carried in our hearts.

A mother's love is much like Jesus. No matter how old we are, we still break our vases and break out in tears. And Jesus still gets down on the floor with us amid our broken lives and dreams and loves us. Jesus doesn't always bail us out of our troubles. Rather, He stays with us through them, and gives us courage to see the more important dreams and to live the truly meaningful life on faith and grace. And He helps avoid those troubles the next time.

"...Please don't take my sunshine away."

LEFT TO TELL

2010-08-17T07:54:00.000-07:00

Why should we forgive? What's the point of forgiveness? We understand our need for forgiveness from God. but did God HAVE to forgive us? If so, there where is His choice in the matter? If not, then why did He require us to forgive, for He said, "If you do not forgive your brother his sins, neither will God forgive your sins." (Matthew 6:24-25)?

In her book, LEFT TO TELL, Immaculee Ilibagiza survived the 1994 Rwanda genocide by hiding 90 days in a 4 x 6 bathroom with 7 other women. Immaculee's "sin" was that she was a Tutsi, one of Rwanda's educated minority, hunted by the majority Hutu people in the 1994 Rwandan rebellion. Immaculee's parents and two brothers are among the nearly one million killed in 100 days during a savage and brutal war of extermination. Amazingly, her benefactor was a Hutu pastor who hid the women in his own tiny bathroom, whose own adult children did not know they were there.

A Christian, Immaculee survived by prayer and faith. When she emerged from her tiny cell, she had lost 50 lbs, weighing only 65 lbs. A kindly UN officer gave her the chance to face those Hutu neighbors who killed her family, and Immaculee forgave them. The officer was livid, angry she did not curse them or at least spit on them. She said no, she forgave them because she did not want them to hinder her from living the rest of her life.

Commentator Francis Louise writes of LEFT TO TELL, "It is Immaculee's trust in her Lord and Savior that gives her the ability to forgive and move forward in life. Actually, it is not her faith that allows her to forgive; it is God who gave her the ability to forgive. Her seeking Him by constant praying allowed her to see Him work in her life."

Immaculee is a sinful human as we all are. The beauty of the Christian faith is that the Holy Spirit can triumph in us over our sins and weaknesses.

Could we be as forgiving as Immaculee? We can be grateful for her example and encouraged to seek God in prayer, and joyfully look for His good in our future. God will bring us through our troubles. He will bring us joy once again. True, there may be sorrow and pain, but God will heal us and give us a hope and a future in Christ.

Forgiveness releases us from the pain of the past. Forgiveness is both for others and for ourselves. God has forgiven us for our benefit. When we forgive others, it is for them, but especially for us. God's gifts go to both sides, for both of us need His blessings.

Read LEFT TO TELL. You will find it strengthens your own faith.

MAKING LIFE ADJUSTMENTS

2010-08-10T15:54:00.000-07:00

Someone has said, "The only thing we can be sure of in life is that things will change." Of course, I believe there are many other more important things a person can be sure of (i.e. We're sinners, God loves us, Jesus is Lord), but as paradoxical as it may sound, change is a constant. And with change must come life adjustment.

I experienced two such changes this week, and though both certainly are not important, both required some adjustment. Yesterday I awoke feeling great and by 10 AM I felt horrible. Now I don't get ill often, but this one required some major adjustment. It literally knocked me down, causing me to sleep most of the day, having chills and being so weak I could barely walk. After a night of misery (also for Carol) I went to the doctor this morning, got some meds, and they are working - praise God! The adjustments were to my daily life, and taking new medicine, if I'm going to survive this illness.

The second change may make you chuckle. In retirement I enjoy horseshoes. I even put up a set of pits in the back yard and practice with them often. However, last winter my right shoulder started giving me trouble, probably from an old High School injury, and this caused me to stop pitching due to increase of pain. Again my doctor came to my rescue, and after an MRI and rehab, there is far less pain now.

But if I am to continue painless horseshoe pitching, now I must use the lightest regulation set reserved for teens, women and injured old guys. Today my set of GXL 1.8 pound horseshoes arrived - baby blue, no less - and throwing them will require a lot of adjustment. After all, the old ones were 2.5 pounds! But my shoulder won't hurt, if I make the adjustment.

Christian repentance is making important life adjustments. I used to teach my Confirmation students, "Repentance is realizing what your doing is wrong, asking God to forgive you and start doing what is right." And if they did, the Holy Spirit would give them strength to do it!

In Matthew 3:8, John the Baptizer told the Pharisees, "Produce fruit in keeping with repentance." By this he meant make the life adjustments you need to make so you will avoid sinning. I need to do that often every day, and so do all of us. None of us is without sin nor the need for life adjustment. May God the Holy Spirit give you strength to see what's wrong in your life, ask for forgiveness and then do what needs to be done right.

I need a nap - this writing has worn me out. Maybe tomorrow I'll try out my new horseshoes.

DRIVING THE AUTOBAHN

2010-08-02T17:44:00.000-07:00

2017 will be the 500th anniversary of Luther's posting of his 95 Theses, statements he hoped would lead the church to be more faithful to the Bible. In Wittenberg they are planting 500 mature trees to commemorate the event. City officials are asking tourists to return home and plant trees there also. Luther once said if he knew the world would end tomorrow, he would still plant a tree today.

No trip to Germany is complete without a drive on the autobahn, 18 inches of smooth concrete and only a rare speed limit sign. Autobahns make for rapid and efficient travel and racing hearts. As I became accustomed to driving our rented VW on the A-4, I wanted to go faster. I easily went around a truck at 100 kph (63 mph) and moved to the center lane and up to 120 kph (80 mph). I like that speed on the Interstate back home, so why not here?

A car came up behind me rather fast, so I increased to 140 kph (90 mph). What a great drive! After calculating that 160 kph would be only 100 mph, I bumped it up again. I remembered as a youth I'd always wanted to go 120 mph, so I edged the VW up to 180 kph. Cool....

But whoa! What would happen if we'd have blown a tire? A note on the dash said “Max 210 kph” (140 mph!) and this turbo diesel with 6 gears could easily do that. Just then a BMW went around me like I was standing still! It was doing at least 150 mph, and weaving slightly. So I settled back to a relaxed 100 mph and felt safe, even smug!

All this is not unlike our tendency to experiment with sin. We try out something new here and there, and the thrill makes it exciting. But soon we need more thrill, and for others it leads to addiction. Most will settle into a "safe" mode of sin, convinced we're not as bad as others, certain we'll be safe. A few forge ahead, oblivious to all dangers.

But sin carries results, and the Bible says the Big One is death. We need forgiveness through faith in Jesus, and we also need the Spirit's help to rein us in to keep sin from destroying us. Without Christ, there's a horrific flaming end waiting out there. We must continually pray for God's mercy, ever being watchful of our weaknesses that move us away from God.

Jesus Christ came to save us from sin and from ourselves. He is our eternal life preserver, our safety net, the Holy One who slows us down saves us from destruction. "Never will will leave you, never will I forsake you," our Lord tells us (Hebrews 13:5). And we can be sure He will guide us on the right path.

Slow down! Plant a tree to honor Martin!

LUTHERLAND, THIRD EPISTLE

2010-07-26T08:26:00.000-07:00

Living in Germany for two weeks gives you a far different perspective than one day stopovers on a tour. Tour buses are great if you want to see many things quickly and not worry about getting lost. But staying the same place for a longer time has its special blessings.

People: friends among discussion groups or hotel staff, people you'd like to know in back home. Sounds: church bells tolling quietly at night, rapid footsteps, speeding bicycles, and horse hooves on cobblestone streets. Places: picturesque cafés, historic churches, and yummy ice cream parlors! Food: tasty soups, noodles and stroudels. Worship: energized Christians singing “A Mighty Fortress” with pipe organ power and Lutheran gusto!

Meeting Christians from all over the world is best. Saturday night after leading worship at St. Mary's, Luther's Church for 22 years, I spoke with a group of Hawaiians. As Americans, they joined Christians I met from 18 or more nations around the world over the past two weeks. God's people come here in all colors, sizes, languages and customs, and I can see how God could love them all. Most come here, weary and humbled at being where God did wonders through the Reformers. Saturday night held an unexpected fireworks display outside our hotel window, lignited from the Castle Church plaza and lighting up the City Church sky - fireworks made in Germany!

One of our last places to visit here was Wittenberg's Schmetterling Park, where we and family guests saw dozens of lovely, brilliant butterfiles in a jungle-like atmosphere and foliage, with caterpillars and cocoons awaiting their brief life as God's delicate creatures.

During this trip I've been reading Lee Stroebel's "The Case for Faith," where he quotes experts of all the disciplines who clearly see the hand of the Almighty Creator around us. In one chapter he quotes a scientist as saying if we cannot even understand the science of how a caterpillar changes into moth, how can we ever believe our world is the result of evolutionary chance? Stroebel, an expertly trained and bright investigative reporter, cites scientist after scientist as coming to believe an Intelligent Creator has made the universe. As my Dad would say, "Good for them!"

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1)

LUTHERLAND, SECOND EPISTLE

2010-07-20T08:37:00.000-07:00

Carol and I come to you again from Lutherstadt Wittenberg (Luther's city by the White Hills) where Martin, Katie and their reformer friends lived and worked. It's where world history was changed because people chose to stand fast to God's Word so they could live in religious freedom rather than under the rule of tyrants. Luther, Melanchthon, Bugenhagen and others discovered the Gospel of Christ buried under centuries of tradition, and decided to build their lives upon it. The road of faithfulness to the Gospel of Jesus is never easy to travel.

We've had good friends visit us here a few days, and expect some family this weekend. After overcoming small problems (with sleep, prayer, mosquito lotion), life here is slower and cooler. In my first three devotionals in the small chapel, we had about sixty visitors from ten nations who have sung “A Mighty Fortess” in majestic voice. We praise God for sending us these pilgrims, whether Lutherans or not.

Last Saturday I led worship in the Castle Church and preached in the pulpit directly above Luther's grave. I hope he didn't roll over at my message. Around 80 attended, though about 50 from a Wisconsin tour group left after singing "A Mighty Forrtress" - schedule to keep I was told. Afterwards I answered questions of those remaining and it was a very memorable experience.

Last week the Lutheran Church on earth swung even further to the political right with new leadership in the LCMS. Maybe it will be good, maybe not - only the Lord knows. Did you know some early Lutherans broke off into several groups right after the Reformation began? Some felt the Holy Spirit did everything, so why read the Bible? Others believed the sacraments were only symbolical, and still others came to church bearing weapons out of fear. Luther had his hands full. So does the church of today.

When Luther got married, it was a blessing, despite losing two of their six children in childhood. God's people often forget how important the family is, and how the Gospel can be lived and taught in it. Prior to the Reformation, priests did not marry, so when the Reformers decided a married priesthood was best, they invented the “parsonage” and actually changed home life all across Europe.

Carol and I are making our home at the Luther Hotel here and today decided to do some hand washing of laundry. Luther Hotel would wash our clothing, but we calculated the cost, piece by piece and it came to about $60. Today our hotel room looks like a house where the washer broke down, but Luther would feel at home sharing the beer we've drunk while doing it. Tomorrow I start afternoon devotions again in the small chapel and Saturday will conduct worship at St. Mary's, the Town Church where Luther was pastor 22 years.

May God always give us the courage to stand fast to our biblical convictions!

HERE IN LUTHERLAND

2010-07-14T23:08:00.000-07:00

Carol and I have begun two weeks here in Wittenberg, Germany, conducting devotions and worship services for the English speaking tourists and residents here. We experienced again lugging too much luggage, reminding me we need to shed some of the stuff we carry around in life. We're also experiencing some authentic "Luther life," as Wittenberg is in a heat wave, and there is no air conditioning in this town! None - nowhere, except in cars. We wanted to know what life was like back then, but not this way!

It is best to travel light. A few years back I went to an estate sale taking place in a large building filled with stuff, very little of it valuable. The sale manger told me, "You should have seen it before we hauled away those other five dumpsters full!" I think they quit too soon. Those folks had amassed quite a collection and now it just sat there, unwanted.

Most of us need to lighten our loads. We need to think of God more and self less. "He must increase, but I must decrease," said John about Jesus (John 3:30-KJV). We busy our lives filling our new barns, forgetting about what's really important. We fret about today, tomorrow and yesterday, but can do nothing about two of those days. Tomorrow hasn't yet come, and yesterday is gone forever. Only today is within our reach to deal with. When troubles of life threaten to overwhelm us, we need get the essentials of Jesus back into our lives.

We also need to use the mind God gave us. When Luther married Katie, he was paid only once a year. The first year they were married, he picked up his pay and by the time he got home half of it was gone, given it to beggars along the way. After that, Katie picked up his pay from Elector Frederick of Saxony. Katie became financial head of the house, using the talents God gave her. Luther later wrote she amazed him every day. He would have agreed with David, "Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope." (Psalm 16:9)

I'd guess even Luther would say this humid town needs air conditioning!

THREE AMERICAN PRINCIPLES

2010-07-05T10:54:00.000-07:00

No one doubts that we face stressful times. Changes swirl about us, making us wonder what will happen next. A small but vocal group of naysayers broadcast that America is crumbling. But make no mistake, we are still a strong nation. Though distrust of elected officials is high, though our economy is shakey, though our enemies may mock us, we are still a strong nation.

News commentator Dr. Dennis Prager recently stated why he believes in America's strength. He cited three things, all of which we find stamped on our coins: 1) "E Pluribus Unum," 2) "In God We Trust" and 3) "Liberty." He calls them the American Trinity, though I prefer to call them the Three American Principles.

First Principle: "E pluribus Unum" - "Out of Many, One." America's strength has always been our ability to absorb diverse groups of people and mold them into a single nation. No matter where they come from, our immigrants eventually become Americans. We have never closed our doors to legal immigrants because we need them, and they are part of makes America strong. Out of many peoples, America makes one people.

Second Principle: "In God We Trust." Though some have tried to erase this motto, though some have denied it, most Americans still trust in God. We have not always trusted God well, but when trouble comes and the enemy attacks, Americans trust in God. And it's not just any god, but the God of the Holy Bible, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Despite what some may say, America still trusts in God.

Third Principle: "Liberty." Liberty is different from freedom. Freedom is the ability to live without others controlling us and is enjoyed by individuals. Liberty is sum total of our freedoms, and is granted to citizens by their government. A person can be free and not be a citizen, but liberty comes with citizenship. Despite attempts to make us subject to others, Americans continue to enjoy most individual basic freedoms and, as citizens, liberty. These Three Principles are what I believe Americans hold dear, and what makes America strong.

The next time you pick up a penny, look for these Three American Principles which remind you why we are still a strong nation. Though America may be shaken, it has never lost its basic strength. God has made America the strong nation it is. Our Constitution is a wonderful gift from Him through our Founding Fathers; may it always hold us together.

No foreign army, no politician, and no modern movement will be able to bring down this nation, but citizens can forfeit what we have. We can forget who we are and whose we are. Abraham Lincoln said in 1838, "If destruction be our lot, we must ourselves be its author and finisher."

May Americans continue trusting in God, and may God never stop blessing America!

YOU'VE GOT THE JOB!

2010-07-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

Back when telegraph was a common means of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator. He entered an office with a telegraph clacking away, and several men were seated, obviously applicants awaiting an interview. A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed applicants to fill out a form and wait until summoned . The young man completed his form and sat down. After a few minutes, the young man stood up and walked into the office. The other applicants perked up. Why was he so bold? He hadn't been called in!

A few minutes later the young man emerged from the inner office escorted by the interviewer who said, "Gentlemen, thank you for coming, but the job has been filled by this man." One applicant grumbled, "No fair! He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed." The interviewer responded, "Gentlemen - all the time you've been sitting here, my telegrapher has been ticking out a simple message in Morse Code that said: `If you understand this message, come right in.' Evidently none of you understood it, but he did, so the job is his."

Christians hear the voice of God and respond. They bear fruit that shows their faith. God the Father sent His only Son Jesus that we might be forgiven. God the Holy Spirit directs us to listen to God the Son and trust Him for salvation. The Triune God - Father, Son and Holy Spirit - is the only true God, the One we trust for life here on earth and eternal life there in heaven.

Trust in God, my friends, and let the Holy Spirit bear fruit in your lives. Proverbs 3:4-5 tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on what you think you know. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

May we all trust God that much!

LET GO AND LET GOD

2010-06-21T22:23:00.000-07:00

We do not always know the effect we have on other people, and we certainly do not know what the future holds. But we can be sure of this: God has a plan for you, and it's a good plan. His plan for your life may involve some struggle, but it is for your benefit. You will need to trust God, and let Him do His work. As the saying goes, we should "Let go and let God", meaning stop trying to do everything yourself and let God do the amazing things in your life that only He can and will do.

In 1850 John Egglen went to church in a hard snowstorm. He was the newly elected deacon in his rural England church, so he went to open the building. But it had snowed so much that only about a dozen people showed up. Even the pastor was snowed in and couldn't come. The few people there talked of going home, but John said, no, they'd come for worship and so he would lead it.

John had never led worship before, so he had them sang a hymn or two. John then read from the Bible and talked about Jesus. In the group was a fourteen year-old boy named Charles. Deacon John preached only about 10 minutes and didn't quite know how to end his message, until he finally looked right at the boy and said, "Young man, look to Jesus. Look, look, look to Jesus!" Later as an adult that boy wrote, "I did look, and a cloud on my heart lifted, the darkness rolled away, and at that moment I saw the sun."

That boy was Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who became England's greatest preacher. Did Deacon John knew what he did? No. Did God know what He was doing? Yes! God had a plan, a good plan. Spurgeon's life wasn't easy, but his powerful sermons about the Lord Jesus changed the hearts of many thousands, perhaps millions of people during his lifetime. Praise God that He does such things among ordinary men.

Let go and Let God!

WELCOMING STRANGERS

2010-06-14T19:55:00.000-07:00

Do you have a recent immigrant among your family or friends? As part-time resident of Arizona, and also son of an immigrant mother, I have strong opinions about immigration. I am also grandfather to an adopted legal baby girl born of illegal parents, and, God willing, soon will be grandfather to an adopted legal immigrant baby girl. All this has made me consider how God wants us to relate to immigrants, both legal and illegal.

It's tempting to think answers about immigration are all simple, but that's just not true. On the one hand, God's Word speaks to us about the need to welcome and care for the stranger and alien, "For yourselves were once aliens in the land." (Deuteronomy 10:19) On the other, it also says, "Everyone must submit to the governing authorities." (Romans 13:1) Do Christians have one mindset relating to legals and another for illegals? How should we deal with this conflicting problem?

Immigration will happen in our time just as it has always happened. People move so their needs are met, whether for food, fields or freedom. It all began when Adam and Eve moved from the Garden after rebelling against God. People will also move where workers are needed. Europe and the Americas today have such a low birth rates that workers must move in from other people groups. Europe is being filled by Muslim workers and America mostly by Hispanics. Do these people bring only potential problems, or are they also opportunities to show God's grace and share the Gospel?

This spring I've led two Bible studies relating to immigration, and tensions always arise quickly as we discuss issues. We are concerned about our nation. We want our homes and loved ones to be safe. We don't always see the inevitability of migration or the national need for more workers. It is too easy to let our emotions control the conversation because of our vested interests.

I have some questions for you: (1) Is immigration necessary for America because our birthrate is too low to support future economic needs? (2) Who would you rather have crossing our borders, whether legally or not: Hispanics or Muslims? (3) How should we consider those who come: as potential friends and workers or as enemies? (4) What would Jesus say if He were talking to us today about this?

Solutions will be complex and will take time. Our government leaders certainly won't have all the answers. Opinions we hold today may need to change tomorrow. Let's not have our emotions guide the whole discussion. The reality of immigration, whether legal or illegal, will be with us for a lifetime. May God's grace and mercy guide us in word and deed.

"I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." (Jesus speaks in Matthew 25:35)

RUNNING WITH JESUS

2010-06-08T07:21:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I was reading about Jonah, one of those guys we love to use as an example of all that is bad in us. He ran away from his responsibilities, gave excuses, felt sorry for himself, and complained. He was generally bitter about life, and his jumping overboard seems more acceptance of fate than being courageous. When Jonah finally obeyed God, he became angry that God was merciful. We don't name our children Jonah because he isn't much of an example to follow.

Yet Jonah wasn't the only person to run. There is an impressive list of important people of the Bible who were runaways. Jacob ran from Esau, Moses ran from Pharoah, David ran from Saul and Elijah ran from Jezebel. Peter and the other disciples all ran away the night Jesus was arrested. It all began when Adam and Eve ran to hide when they heard the voice of God in the Garden. We might even make a case for Luther running away from life when he joined a monastary.

We all run at some point in our life, but I'm not referring to those who run to keep in shape. Around here I see quite a few people doing that, especially on Sunday morning. I prefer walking to running. A person can think better while walking and avoid twisting an ankle in potholes and pebbles. If you're walking away from your troubles, it's a shorter distance back home.

What are you running from right now? Are you fleeing a stale marriage or a stack of bills? Are you running in circles at your job, running from church to church, or chasing the illusion of a perfect house? Is your new car or RV purchase really just another search for happiness in something you can buy?

Jesus is the Savior of all runaways. He understands our frustrations and feelings. He runs with us while we're searching for happiness and is there waiting with open arms when we come back home. But do we really trust Him? Do we believe Christ's words that we are forgiven?

A recent daily devotional had a prayer: "Jesus, forgive me for my past, walk with me in my present, and keep my safe and secure in the future you have in store for me." I encourage you to pray those words often, because they will help your faith.

If you're running, maybe it's time to slow down, check the course you're on, and run with Jesus!

REMEMBERING....

2010-06-01T08:08:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day was a time to remember, and like many of you, I did remember with gratitude all the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who have made sacrifices for us. I also remembered some of my ancestors who are buried in a cemetery somewhere. I even took a little time to remember things of days gone by, days of youth when we didn't worry about immigration, oil spills, deployment or health insurance.

Do you remember when we played hide and seek at dusk, and ate Mom's fresh carmel rolls or warm buttered bread and jelly and didn't feel guilty? Do you recall playing with cousins, running through sprinklers, catching lightening bugs, sitting on the porch with friends and playing Cowboys and Indians? Do you remember penny candy, hopscotch, push lawn mowers, doing the chores, eating liverwurst sandwiches, or playing dodgeball? Did you lick the egg beaters when Mom made a cake, or watched a car audometer turn over at 100,000 miles, or laughed so hard at your friends' silly jokes that your stomach hurt?

I can remember when nearly everyone's Mom was at home after school, a quarter was a decent allowance, and everyone picked up a penny. I can also remember country school, gathering eggs and licking green stamps. It doesn't seem long ago that gay meant a good time, Mom made dish towels out of 50 lb. flour sacks, laundry detergent came with a free glass inside, or it was a great privilege go to a restaurant with your parents. I actually do recall the last time someone filled my car with gas, washed the windshield and checked the oil! I can still feel the fear of being sent to the principal's office, but that was nothing compared to getting a switch from my Dad!

Memorial Day this year brought back memories. Of course, we have also forgotten all the flies, sweat, cleaning barns, race riots, flat tires, and snowy TV. We have replaced our fear of atomic bombs, being drafted and polio with fear of AIDs, terrorists and school shootings. Pastors are no longer the final word on the Bible, and Congress is no longer the final word on anything.

But we do not live in the past and we should be glad for it. God is so very good to us today, with blessings unimagined a few decades ago. Today we are blessed with living longer and more leisurely, and we take for granted cheaper and better clothing, better communication, better roads, wonderful medicines and fine homes. Despite the cynacism of academia, it's a joy to read of intellects acknowledging God. Despite some churches adopting teachings contrary to the Bible, more laymen are reading God's Word and finding eternal life in its pages. And for all this, I say:

"O Give thanks to the Lord, for He is Good; His love endures forever."

GOD'S WILL AND GRACE

2010-05-24T21:52:00.000-07:00

There is an email of encouragement making the rounds that says, "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you." No one seems to know who wrote this, and though this saying is not in the Bible, its intent surely is. This saying is about (a) God's will and (b) God's grace.

The will of God refers to what God wishes for His creation. Since God knows the future, He also has a plan, a Big Picture that encompasses all He wishes for the human race, and for each of us individually. "God's will is that all people are saved and come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 2:4) The will of God would never take you away from God, nor lead you into temptation, for the Bible says, "God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. " (1 Corinthians 10:13)

The grace of God is God's love which we do not deserve. Grace is the love He shows to sinful people, we who are unworthy of His love, yet still receive it. "God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) That's true grace! His grace grants us eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. "By Grace you are saved through faith." (Ephesians 2:8)

Thus, it is true: "The will of God will never take you where the grace of God will not protect you." I found some further sentences that help make this saying more clear. Their author is also unknown:

1- "The will of God will never take you, where the grace of God cannot keep you, where the arms of God cannot support you, where the riches of God cannot supply your needs, where the power of God cannot endow you."

2- "The will of God will never take you, where the Spirit of God cannot work through you, where the wisdom of God cannot teach you, where the army of God cannot protect you, where the hands of God cannot mold you."

3- "The will of God will never take you, where the love of God cannot enfold you, where the mercies of God cannot sustain you, where the peace of God cannot calm your fears, where the authority of God cannot rule over you."

4- "The will of God will never take you, where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears, where the Word of God cannot feed you, where the miracles of God cannot be done for you, where the omnipresence of God cannot find you."

5- "Everything happens for a purpose. We may not see the wisdom of it all now, but trust and believe in the Lord that everything is for the best."

It takes great faith to believe such Godly concepts as these.

TRUTH AND LIES

2010-05-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Do you always tell the truth? I've been working on my summer Bible studies, brief topics to use when I am doing Sunday Pulpit/Bible Class supply. One topic I'm working on is, "Truth vs. Lying" which is filled with ethical questions, such as, Is lying ever the right thing to do? Is telling the truth ever wrong? It seems to me lying is gaining more acceptance among young and old today. Whether it's in business, school, politics, sports or even in the courtroom, lying is becoming more prevalent, and it is weakening our society.

Martin Jay, author of "The Virtues of Mendacity," (Mendacity is the tendency to be untruthful) says there are moments when lying is okay if it serves a higher purpose. As an example, Jay refers to a situation in which a peasant is asked by the Nazis whether or not there are Jews hiding underneath his floorboards. The peasant tells the truth, and the soldiers come in and shoot them. Author Jay said it would have been morally justified in that instance to lie. Dietrich Boenhoeffer, martyered Christian apologist during WWII, might agree with that situation when such evil is involved.

Yet this seems to contradict what Jesus tells us about the Truth. In John 8:44, He says about Satan, "When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies." And again Jesus tells us in John 8:32, "The truth will set you free." Paul tells us in Ephesians 4:15 to "Speak the truth in love." Judging from the dozens of negative biblical references about lying, as well as the equal amount of positive references about telling the truth, it is clear God favors the truth.

Psychologist Alan Hilfer says we all tell "white lies" and in doing so are not necessarily being irresponsible. Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy and the Easter Bunny are examples of "benign" lies which stoke children's imaginations and make for happy memories. Our ability to tell white lies may actually start when we are young children and are coaxed to spare the feelings of others: "Tell grandma how much you love the book she sent you."

Truth is always best. Our Christian life is filled with choices, some of them between the lesser of two evils. It takes faith to tell the truth, faith that God will protect us and bring about the good He desires. When we assume the right to lie, even to protect someone else, we also assume the risk of where it will lead. In our everyday speech there is a good axiom to follow: "Tell the truth and you'll never have to remember what you said."

God forgives our sins of weakness and rebellion, including our telling lies, for whatever reason we may have. God's people always need to remember, though, that the truth does set us free, free to serve God and free to love His people in the best way.

Do we need to go cold turkey on white lies and learn to value the truth?

Rev. Bob Tasler (LCMS, Emeritus)
Read past WEEKLY MESSAGEs at my BlogSite: http://pbtsplace.blogspot.com
(Please respond if you no longer wish to receive WEEKLY MESSAGE)

TIMES THEY ARE A-CHANGIN'

2010-05-10T16:11:00.000-07:00

In 1964, in his third album, Bob Dylan sang, "The times they are a-changin'." While that's always been true, lately times seem to change faster. I know my body isn't cooperating like it used to. Life is no longer the way it was before, not with eyeglasses, hearing aids, daily meds, new aches/pains, and a fading memory (or have I already mentioned this?)

No one said life wouldn't be without change. Today our house is being painted, and for the first time, I'm not doing it. The hired crew is doing a great job, but an old shoulder injury keeps me from swinging a brush like I used to. These guys are caulking, scraping, priming, spraying, brushing and doing it far better and faster than I ever did. "The times they are a-changin'."

Politics, economics and legalities are changing also, and sometimes these changes make their way into the church, for better or worse. During such changing times we give thanks to God for what doesn't change. In the winter Carol and I attend an LCMS congregation in Casa Grande, AZ. It's a sleepy church, primarily due to so many winter residents, but we delight in always hearing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. No matter what else may happen, whatever new hymns, liturgy or special music may come, the Gospel of Jesus is always heard. That's also true of our home church in Colorado.

Hebrews 13:8 says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." I like that verse. His church may change, and His people may change, but Jesus Christ remains what He is and always has been, our Lord who loves us. He gave His life that we might have eternal life. He remains at heaven's gate with open arms, awaiting our arrival. As Henry Lyte wrote in 1847 in his famous hymn, "O Thou who changest not, abide with me."

I do wish life wouldn't surprise us with changes I'd rather not see, and I won't rehearse them here. I hope amid the changes we see in society that God will still have a place of honor, especially in His church. I pray that God's forgiven people will not abandon the Gospel or lay aside the essentials of the Christian faith. Times may be a-changin', but we don't want that kind of change.

Praise God the truth of Jesus Christ remains changeless!

TUNING UP FOR LIFE

2010-05-03T18:21:00.000-07:00

I like to sing. Ever since I was a child, I've enjoyed singing, whether for myself, in church, or to entertain others. I learned early that "the urge to perform does not guarantee talent," so I've practice often to do it well. I tried learning the piano for accompaniment, but discovered I didn't play well, so I taught myself to play the guitar. It was easier and far lighter to carry around than a piano.

Back in the 1970's I bought two guitars, a twelve-string Conn and six-string Yamaha. Both have served me well, and though I like the full sound of the Conn, tuning 12 strings has always been a challenge. Last week I discovered something I should have had long ago - a guitar tuner. I've always thought I could tune it myself well enough, but I should have had a tuner from the start.

That old Conn sounds better now than ever because it's finally in tune. It's older but better - something we all like to hear! With correct tuning it's even easier to play, and all because I used a tuning standard, a musical yardstick to measure how it should sound. It works better than when I tuned it by myself.

Some things in life take awhile to learn. Instead of doing everything my own way, I have found life is better when I follow something better than my own standards. The Bible's standards of behavior are always better than one's own. Psalm 119 verse 105 speaks to this: "Your Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path." I once broke a toe walking into a heavy chair one dark night. Two weeks of pain would not have been necessary if I'd have turned the lights on.

God's Word is our Light. It tells us there's forgiveness for trying to live our own way. Jesus gives us a chance to start over. He forgives our sins and helps us do better the next time, but not if we don't reach out to Him. My tuner won't correct those guitar strings all by itself - I need to pick it up and use it. If you and I read and use the Bible, life can be better. If we ask the Lord Jesus, He'll help us do better the next time.

I think I'm going to enjoy that old Conn now more than ever!

HIKING LIFE'S TRAIL

2010-04-26T16:44:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow we'll be back in Colorado again after six months in the Arizona desert. It's been a long winter in snow country. I am sure people there are eager for warm weather, especially after the spring snowstorm they received last weekend. They're eager for green leaves and grass after months of bare trees and brown lawns.

I'm sure many folks there are already making plans to hike mountain trails and camp out under the stars. But many, especially those who come to vacation in Colorado, have no idea what they are doing. They show up on the trailhead in sandals, shorts and T-shirts, carrying a water bottle and little else as they head up the trails. They have no map, no compass and no rain gear. If so, they are headed for trouble.

Volunteers for Alpine Rescue tell stories of tourists rescued from certain death after wandering off a trail or getting caught unprepared in a deadly summer lightening storm. Regardless of circumstances, Alpine Rescue always responds to a call for help. Not once have they lectured hapless tourists, saying, "Well, since you ignored the rules of the wilderness, you'll just have to bear the consequences." Their mission is rescue, and so they pursue every needy hiker, no matter how undeserving.

The central message of the Bible is one of rescue. The apostle Paul says none of us "deserve" God's mercy, and none of us can save ourselves. Like a stranded hiker, all we can do is call for help. Paul says in Romans 3:10, "There is none righteous, no not one; there is none who understands; there is none who seeks after God."

The Good News is that, in spite of this, God seeks after us, and He responds to our every plea for help. God is in the rescue business. What do you do when you need spiritual rescue? To whom do you turn? Do you fear you are too bad or too unimportant for God's rescue?

In Psalm 50:15, God our Rescuer tells us, "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." God will always answer your prayer. He won't lecture you, and will always help you, because He is in the eternal rescue business.

Happy hiking on your trail of life!

EXERCISING OUR FREEDOM

2010-04-19T21:24:00.000-07:00

An elderly lady had finished her shopping, and upon returning to her car, found four young men in the act of getting into the vehicle. She dropped her shopping bags, drew a pistol from her purse, and shouted, "I have a gun, and I know how to use it! Now get out of that car!" The four men got out and ran like the wind. The lady, somewhat shaken, loaded her shopping bags into the back seat and tried to insert her keys in the ignition. She tried and tried, but couldn't, and then realized why. A few minutes later, she found her own car parked four or five spaces farther down. She had been trying to get in the wrong one! She drove to the police station, and told the sergeant, who pointed to another room where four pale young men were reporting a car jacking by a crazy old woman carrying a large handgun. Fortunately, no charges were filed.

Great story, but it also tells us something about how we see the world. If we are expecting bad things, we will see bad things. If we are fearful of life, life will frighten us. Fear can cause us to see, say and do things that may be out of step with the truth. That lady was prepared for the worst, so she saw the worst. She also did not see her own actions as being wrong, as least not at first.

I've always been a supporter of Second Amendment rights. Recently Arizona became the only state in the union where a person can carry a concealed firearm without any sort of permit or registration. About the only thing this new law requires is that the gun owner tell police that (s)he is carrying a weapon if stopped. We hope this new law will help the citizens of Arizona, since we're in the midst of huge drug and illegal immigration problems.

I do think, however, that guns don't belong in church, a trend I've been hearing about recently. Perhaps a large church might believe it needs to train and arm some of its staff, but common sense must prevail. A house of God needs honor and respect and I'm not sure having firearm there is appropriate. Those who have a firearm at home should make sure the young or uninstructed can't get their hands on it. Every freedom or privilege comes with responsibility, and common sense needs to prevail.

I once preached a sermon entitled, "Just Because You Can, Doesn't Mean You Should." It was based on 1 Corinthians 6:13, where St. Paul wrote, "Everything is permissible for me, but not everything is beneficial." Many people today believe that any freedom can be exercised anywhere, but no freedom is absolute. Our freedoms must be treasured and protected, but they must also be exercised for the good of all, not just one person's preference.

"Be careful that the exercise of your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." (1 Cor. 8:9)

TENACIOUS PRAYER

2010-04-12T23:44:00.000-07:00

I've been praying for a certain thing for several months now, and it hasn't happened yet. Every night I pray for it, and every day I think about it, wondering whether today will be the day when my prayer is answered. But so far it hasn't yet happened. It reminds me of a conversation I once had about prayer, specifically whether it really helps to ask God's help for specific situations. My friend thought it was best just to let God do it in His own good time, and not to bother Him with small things.

Jesus once told a story about a poor woman who went to a judge and asked him to fix a problem she had. The judge told her not to bother him, but she kept going back again and again with the same request. Finally the judge said, "I really don't care about this woman or her situation, but if I don't do something she will drive me crazy." So he did what she requested.

Jesus finished His story, saying, "And will not God bring about justice for His chosen ones, who cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off? I tell you, He will see that they get justice, and quickly. However, when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:7-8)

There's something about Jesus comparing Himself with a cranky old man that's bothersome. But the point of His story is what's important - God eventually does answer our prayers, either yes or no. We just need to keep asking. You see, God's not a vending machine. You can't just pop in a prayer and out comes the answer. God's answers can also a way God teaches us patience and faith.

Those last words haunt me. "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Prayer takes faith. Prayer means trusting God can do anything, even take time to answer our "little" needs.

Remember that lame man who lay by the pool of Bethesda for 38 years, hoping to get into the water in time so he could be healed? Each time the angel stirred the waters, someone else got there ahead of him, but he kept going back anyway. Finally Jesus healed him while His disciples watched. That's why it took so long - so he could be an example of faith for all the ages to see.

I know God will answer my prayer, but I hope it won't take 38 years.

FOR THIS YOU HAVE JESUS

2010-04-06T23:41:00.000-07:00

In Hebrews 13:5, God reminds us, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." In an evangelistic meeting in Ireland years ago, the speaker was explaining what it meant to abide in Christ and to trust Him completely. Concluding his message, he repeated several times, "It means in every circumstance you can keep on saying, 'For this I have Jesus'."

The meeting was then opened for testimonies. One young woman said, "Just a few minutes ago I was handed this telegram. I reads, 'Mother is very ill; take train home immediately.' When I saw those words, I knew that tonight's message was meant just for me. My heart looked up and said, 'For this I have Jesus'. Instantly a peace and strength flooded my soul."

Weeks later the evangelist received a letter from this woman. It read, "Thank you again for the message you gave that day. Life has become an uninterrupted Psalm of victory, for I have come to realize that no matter what life brings, 'For this I have Jesus'." (Taken from "Our Daily Bread", April 6, 2010)

That believer in Christ had found in her Savior the One who would be with her in all her trials. No matter how old or young you are, no matter how rich or poor you may be, no matter if you're a faithful Christian or a babe in the Faith, you still will have troubles in life. For all your troubles, you have Jesus.

"For this I have Jesus." Learn to speak it several times a day. We Christians don't often speak of a "mantra," for it suggests a pagan religion. But a Christian "mantra," a true phrase repeated often, can remind us who will give us strength and direction in our time of difficulty. So, no matter what trouble comes your way....

For this you have Jesus!

Rev. Bob Tasler, Emeritus Lutheran Pastor
Read past WEEKLY MESSAGEs at http://pbtsplace.blogspot.com
(If you are getting doubles or wish your name removed, please notify me)

A HAPPY ENDING

2010-03-29T22:48:00.000-07:00

Jimmy was a sick little seven year-old. Despite the best care and medicine, his health was not improving. His mother and father tried hard each day to bring him a little joy. They taught him about Jesus and the Bible and how Jesus went through struggles and great sadness during Lent. Then one Sunday his mother said, "Lent will soon be over, Jimmy. The sadness of Lent will soon come to a happy ending with the joy of Easter. And to celebrate, you're getting a puppy!"

Jimmy was so excited! He could hardly sleep the night before they went to the pet shop. The next day he was all smiles as he looked and looked at the puppies in the pet shop window. "Have you decided which one you want?" asked his Daddy several times. Finally Jimmy said, "Yes!" and pointed to one near the glass that was enthusiastically wagging its tail. "I want that brown one with the happy ending. I"m going to call him EASTER!" "Happy ending? Easter?" his Dad puzzled. Jimmy explained, "Mom said Easter is a happy ending, and that puppy's back end looks happiest of them all!"

I am sure that was an unforgettable Holy Week for Jimmy and his parents - a first puppy is always a wonderful time. But not everyone will be happy this Holy Week and Easter. There will be plenty of tears over sorrow, disappointment, poverty, war and tragedy. People, whether faithful Christians or not, will experience sadness, stress and struggles as Easter approaches. We all look forward to Lent's happy ending with Easter Day.

We need to remember that Easter is a happy ending to the sadness of sin. On the cross Christ has forgiven us. His glorious resurrection can turn our tears of sadness into tears of joy. Tears on Easter? Yes, tears of a happy ending to all the suffering, pain and death in the world.

Those who have known great sadness can best say HAPPY EASTER and mean it!

SURPRISE REUNION

2010-03-22T14:46:00.000-07:00

Have you ever met someone you weren't expecting, and it was a wonderful event? I have a great story to tell about how this happened to me the Friday before last.

Carol and I were on a short trip with another couple. Instead of driving it in one day, we decided to take two days, staying overnight along the way. Fellow traveller Dan booked us into a motel and said he'd pay for both rooms since we were driving our car. Dan checked us in so I didn't talk to the motel receptionist.

Later that night, he spoke with her in the computer room and discovered she was from Minnesota -- Windom, in fact. When he told her I was also from Windom, she asked my name and nearly fainted. It was my cousin Jodi behind the counter, and we had not seen each other in 25 years. She was living with her sister Bev, so we cousins had a mini-reunion and spent the evening reminiscing. And we did it just in time, since Jodi was moving to another city in a few days.

There were lots of "ifs" here -- if we'd have made the whole trip in one day, if Dan had chosen another motel, if he hadn't gone to the computer room, if we'd have come a few days later, if Jodi had that day off -- if, if, if. But the Lord brought us together after all those years. He really can be a God of surprises.

I often wonder if we'll be surprised at whom we'll see in heaven. Will we be shocked or pleased? Will others be as surprised to see us as we are to see them? Or will any of these earthly concerns even matter then? I believe heaven will be a wonderful reunion, and we'll be only pleased at who is there. Heaven will have none of the pettiness like this earth, and we will be surrounded by the greatness of God's mercy and joy.

It was also a joy to hear Jodi speak of her Christian faith. We even spoke a Bible passage together, Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." I don't recall us talking to about God when we were young, but our faith now gives us a bond we didn't have before.

I hope Jodi and I can meet again soon, and one day be in heaven together!