November 22, 2015
Dear friends,
There comes a time to say “enough.” Yesterday I called the director of the local Messiah Choir and told her I would no longer be coming to rehearsals or singing the music. I told her I could no longer understand what she says nor hear the others in my section. I hung up the phone, put my worn Messiah book on the shelf and felt good about it. After sixty years of singing in choirs, it was time to say “enough.” I will still sing, of course, so long as I have a voice for hymns and fun songs, but no longer in a choir. Doing this was difficult.
It reminded me of when my Dad stopped driving. He was 90 and ironically only a few months before had taken his one and only Driver’s Test. He had purchased his first Minnesota Driver’s License seventy years before, at a time they didn’t require a driving test, and since he’d never moved out of the state nor had his license revoked, the state just kept renewing his license. At age eighty-nine he got a ticket and was told he must take a written Driver’s Test. We all hoped he wouldn’t pass, but he did, and with the joy of winning a gold medal!
But then he was hospitalized many weeks. After getting back on his feet, he called my brother and asked if they could go for a drive. Fritz reluctantly sat on the passenger side as Dad slowly drove his trusty Plymouth out of town to the old farm, taking the familiar gravel roads, past neighbors farms now vacant, on a route he could have driven blindfolded. Back in town Dad drove carefully into his garage. Then he handed Fritz the keys and said, “That’s enough.” His old car was still there seven years later when he died.
There comes a time to say goodbye to earthly things we've enjoyed, activities we can no longer do, a time to say “enough” to some things of life we’ve treasured. Some will consider this a very sad time, but others will find pleasure in knowing they no longer need do them, that there are better things yet to come, finer things God has in store for His people.
I am a long ways from ending my driving or singing, but it’s time to modify. No more all-day car trips, no more lifting hundred pound sacks, no more singing Messiah. But instead of cursing my weakness, I’m concentrating on what I still enjoy doing. Seventy is young by today’s standards, although I probably won’t make ninety-seven like Dad did. Nor am I sure I want to.
But I will sing as long as the Good Lord gives me voice and time, and I will drive and work until I know it’s “enough.” Meanwhile, I will look for a little joy every day, especially in trusting God and in seeing my beloved young discover their joys in the world they now experience.
It's time to “Sing to the Lord a new song.” (Psalm 149:1)
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, November 23, 2015
Monday, November 9, 2015
AKIANE, CHILD OF GOD
November 8, 2015
Dear friends,
Last week’s message on heaven sparked quite a few responses. I thought you might like hearing of a young woman who claimed to have seen Jesus in a heavenly vision when she was only four years old.
Akiane Kramarik was born in 1994 in Illinois of a Lithuanian mother and American father. She was home schooled by her atheist parents, but Akiane's "visions" of Jesus at age four, influenced her parents to become Christians. She began drawing at age 4 and turned to painting at age 6. Her best-known work is a painting of Jesus called, “Prince of Peace” which she painted at age 8. You've probably seen it before.
Akiane’s paintings usually involve a likeness of Jesus with children, animals or planets. Although she often gets inspiration from pictures, Akiane said her main inspiration comes from her personal connection with God. She has witness to her faith in Jesus on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN news, Katie Couric and the Craig Ferguson show. By age 12 she had completed sixty large paintings, some of which hang in the US Embassy in Singapore. She has also completed hundreds of poems and published two best-selling books.
Why do I mention this? Because it is incredible to me (but not unbelievable) that a child can produce such fine poetry and artwork at such a young age after having been raised in an atheistic home. And most importantly, that her “visions” of Jesus have helped people come to know Him as Savior, including her parents.
Does this not show God’s hand in a person’s life? And doesn't this also show that our Lord Jesus interjects Himself into our modern world to help people know Him in amazing ways?
I’ve never met the young woman (she’s 21 now) and never will, at least this side of eternity. But despite what we might believe about her, could she be genuine and her visions authentic? What do you think?
Look up her name online and see some of her amazing work. It’s time well spent.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, ONLY GOD…
...can turn a MESS into a MESSAGE
...can turn a TEST into a TESTIMONY
...can turn a TRIAL into a TRIUMPH
...can turn a VICTIM into a VICTORY
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Dear friends,
Last week’s message on heaven sparked quite a few responses. I thought you might like hearing of a young woman who claimed to have seen Jesus in a heavenly vision when she was only four years old.
Akiane Kramarik was born in 1994 in Illinois of a Lithuanian mother and American father. She was home schooled by her atheist parents, but Akiane's "visions" of Jesus at age four, influenced her parents to become Christians. She began drawing at age 4 and turned to painting at age 6. Her best-known work is a painting of Jesus called, “Prince of Peace” which she painted at age 8. You've probably seen it before.
Akiane’s paintings usually involve a likeness of Jesus with children, animals or planets. Although she often gets inspiration from pictures, Akiane said her main inspiration comes from her personal connection with God. She has witness to her faith in Jesus on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN news, Katie Couric and the Craig Ferguson show. By age 12 she had completed sixty large paintings, some of which hang in the US Embassy in Singapore. She has also completed hundreds of poems and published two best-selling books.
Why do I mention this? Because it is incredible to me (but not unbelievable) that a child can produce such fine poetry and artwork at such a young age after having been raised in an atheistic home. And most importantly, that her “visions” of Jesus have helped people come to know Him as Savior, including her parents.
Does this not show God’s hand in a person’s life? And doesn't this also show that our Lord Jesus interjects Himself into our modern world to help people know Him in amazing ways?
I’ve never met the young woman (she’s 21 now) and never will, at least this side of eternity. But despite what we might believe about her, could she be genuine and her visions authentic? What do you think?
Look up her name online and see some of her amazing work. It’s time well spent.
ALWAYS REMEMBER, ONLY GOD…
...can turn a MESS into a MESSAGE
...can turn a TEST into a TESTIMONY
...can turn a TRIAL into a TRIUMPH
...can turn a VICTIM into a VICTORY
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Sunday, November 1, 2015
WE LIVE ON!
Today is All Saints' Day. Since 835 AD, Christian churches have designated November 1 as “All Saints’ Day,” or "All Hallows Day." The day before was called "All Hallows Eve," or Halloween. On All Saints' Day the Church remembers the example of faith set by believers in Christ who have gone before us into God's presence during the past year.
During the past year I've had my share of loved ones leave this life, an older brother, a younger niece, an older cousin and a number of friends. It's always sobering to consider how long it will be before I join the procession of the saints who've gone before.
I've been reading John Burke's Imagine Heaven (subtitled, "Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You.") It is filled with hundreds of stories about personal experiences, as well as dozens of extensive studies about those whose bodies have briefly died but were brought back to life. It is enlightening. I recommend the book, but also warn readers to get ready for some jaw-dropping reports these "NDE people" give.
The list interviewed includes not just Christians, but Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and even a few atheists, all of whom give reports of what they recalled. Most surprising is how they nearly all agree on the basics: a Godly Presence, bright light, wondrous love, vivid colors and glorious feelings that they didn't want to leave. And yes, a large number also felt a darkness that they did not ever want face again.
One is tempted to say they created these experiences in their minds or made them up. But how can persons blind from birth describe vivid colors? Or those deaf from birth describe music? Or how could neurosurgeons explain how they still lived after being declared "brain dead"? Or how can those of non-Christian beliefs (or no belief at all) describe the same loving "God Presence" as the Bible gives us?
I am not abandoning the Gospel in this nor am I espousing something outside the Bible. Space precludes explaining much more, but reading of this has opened my eyes to the witness of not just a few, but thousands of people whose bodies have died briefly but their spirits have lived on. With all the many studies he quotes, author Burke couldn't have made it all up.
There is, I believe, a whole lot more to our existence than our mere four score years on earth.
Reading this has heightened my anticipation of the great reunion Jesus told us about in Matthew 25 and John in Revelation. It has reinforced to me again that people don't just disappear into the dust. We live on, and God has prepared a new place and a new life for all the Saints in eternity with Him.
But it only comes through faith in our one Lord Jesus.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
During the past year I've had my share of loved ones leave this life, an older brother, a younger niece, an older cousin and a number of friends. It's always sobering to consider how long it will be before I join the procession of the saints who've gone before.
I've been reading John Burke's Imagine Heaven (subtitled, "Near-Death Experiences, God's Promises, and the Exhilarating Future That Awaits You.") It is filled with hundreds of stories about personal experiences, as well as dozens of extensive studies about those whose bodies have briefly died but were brought back to life. It is enlightening. I recommend the book, but also warn readers to get ready for some jaw-dropping reports these "NDE people" give.
The list interviewed includes not just Christians, but Jews, Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and even a few atheists, all of whom give reports of what they recalled. Most surprising is how they nearly all agree on the basics: a Godly Presence, bright light, wondrous love, vivid colors and glorious feelings that they didn't want to leave. And yes, a large number also felt a darkness that they did not ever want face again.
One is tempted to say they created these experiences in their minds or made them up. But how can persons blind from birth describe vivid colors? Or those deaf from birth describe music? Or how could neurosurgeons explain how they still lived after being declared "brain dead"? Or how can those of non-Christian beliefs (or no belief at all) describe the same loving "God Presence" as the Bible gives us?
I am not abandoning the Gospel in this nor am I espousing something outside the Bible. Space precludes explaining much more, but reading of this has opened my eyes to the witness of not just a few, but thousands of people whose bodies have died briefly but their spirits have lived on. With all the many studies he quotes, author Burke couldn't have made it all up.
There is, I believe, a whole lot more to our existence than our mere four score years on earth.
Reading this has heightened my anticipation of the great reunion Jesus told us about in Matthew 25 and John in Revelation. It has reinforced to me again that people don't just disappear into the dust. We live on, and God has prepared a new place and a new life for all the Saints in eternity with Him.
But it only comes through faith in our one Lord Jesus.
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, October 26, 2015
ORDER TODAY AND ORDER MANY!
This week I am sending everyone on my WEEKLY MESSAGE list an email ad for my three Daily Devotionals. I am sure you will understand its purpose and accept its intent. I send it out now because ordering from the printer at this time will insure prompt and timely delivery for Christmas as gifts.
I began publishing my writings five years ago and have adopted three principles: 1) Write about what I know, 2) Write with a specific purpose, and 3) Write to a specific audience. My devotionals and other works generally fulfill those principles.
There is also a fourth principle. A writer writes for others to read his/her writings. The only way that happens is to "market" one's work, and that can be done at many levels of expense. I have chosen to do my own marketing - by email ads, personal book signing sales, or by word-of-mouth. I am pleased so many friends and family enjoy and recommend my works. Keep it up!
It all started about twenty years ago with the first "WEEKLY MESSAGE" I sent to the members of the congregation I was serving at the time. Except for some minor omissions, there has been a WEEKLY MESSAGE sent out every week to members, friends, colleagues and family since then. Many of those weekly devotions have been included in my three Daily Devotionals. Some also make it into church newsletters, and I think that's great, Keep it up!
Sometimes my devotions have drawn criticism, and I have come to expect that. I do hope, however, that people realize an opinionated person like myself will let his opinions show.
Christians have been doing something like that ever since Jesus told us to speak up for Him and the Gospel. Remember His words: "Let your light so shine, that people may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
So when you open a second email from me this week (and I hope you will open and not just toss it), I hope you will consider ordering copies of one or more of the daily devotionals as gifts to friends and family. Order now and they'll be here in plenty of time for gift wrapping them.
Not only are the prices right, just think how fast your Christmas shopping will get done!
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
I began publishing my writings five years ago and have adopted three principles: 1) Write about what I know, 2) Write with a specific purpose, and 3) Write to a specific audience. My devotionals and other works generally fulfill those principles.
There is also a fourth principle. A writer writes for others to read his/her writings. The only way that happens is to "market" one's work, and that can be done at many levels of expense. I have chosen to do my own marketing - by email ads, personal book signing sales, or by word-of-mouth. I am pleased so many friends and family enjoy and recommend my works. Keep it up!
It all started about twenty years ago with the first "WEEKLY MESSAGE" I sent to the members of the congregation I was serving at the time. Except for some minor omissions, there has been a WEEKLY MESSAGE sent out every week to members, friends, colleagues and family since then. Many of those weekly devotions have been included in my three Daily Devotionals. Some also make it into church newsletters, and I think that's great, Keep it up!
Sometimes my devotions have drawn criticism, and I have come to expect that. I do hope, however, that people realize an opinionated person like myself will let his opinions show.
Christians have been doing something like that ever since Jesus told us to speak up for Him and the Gospel. Remember His words: "Let your light so shine, that people may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
So when you open a second email from me this week (and I hope you will open and not just toss it), I hope you will consider ordering copies of one or more of the daily devotionals as gifts to friends and family. Order now and they'll be here in plenty of time for gift wrapping them.
Not only are the prices right, just think how fast your Christmas shopping will get done!
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, October 19, 2015
THE COLORS OF AUTUMN
(This is the October 19 devotion in Day By Day With Jesus)
While autumn is a favorite season of mine, I can see why some do not like it as much as I do. Its changing lovely colors, crisp blue skies and unique smells are a “rush” on my senses. But they also signal the rapid change from verdant life to the seeming lifelessness of winter.
Each season has its positives and negatives, and I welcome the changes. Living in a tropical climate where there are only two seasons, wet and dry, or living in a Pacific island where the temperature rarely changes 20 degrees during the year would seem uninteresting.
The changing seasons of nature challenge our minds and bodies to adapt to our surroundings. Temperature extremes require us to create things that will help us live and thrive. True, extremes of cold or heat can make us invent heaters or coolers. Or we might move to other areas for a time. But those of us who have lived most of our lives in four seasons enjoy and even look forward to the changes the seasons bring us. Variety in life is a blessing from God.
Variety in worship is also a blessing. Psalm 150 is a song of joy and variety in our worship of God.
“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Note the variety of ways of worship God gives us in Psalm 150. Not all will be included in all church services, but the joy and exuberance noted here show how God appreciates the variety of ways people can praise Him. The means of worship is not as important as faith and attitude of the heart.
What do you prefer in worship? Has your preference changed during your life?
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
While autumn is a favorite season of mine, I can see why some do not like it as much as I do. Its changing lovely colors, crisp blue skies and unique smells are a “rush” on my senses. But they also signal the rapid change from verdant life to the seeming lifelessness of winter.
Each season has its positives and negatives, and I welcome the changes. Living in a tropical climate where there are only two seasons, wet and dry, or living in a Pacific island where the temperature rarely changes 20 degrees during the year would seem uninteresting.
The changing seasons of nature challenge our minds and bodies to adapt to our surroundings. Temperature extremes require us to create things that will help us live and thrive. True, extremes of cold or heat can make us invent heaters or coolers. Or we might move to other areas for a time. But those of us who have lived most of our lives in four seasons enjoy and even look forward to the changes the seasons bring us. Variety in life is a blessing from God.
Variety in worship is also a blessing. Psalm 150 is a song of joy and variety in our worship of God.
“Praise the Lord! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens! Praise Him for His mighty deeds; praise Him according to His excellent greatness! Praise Him with trumpet sound; praise Him with lute and harp! Praise Him with tambourine and dance; praise Him with strings and pipe! Praise Him with sounding cymbals; praise Him with loud clashing cymbals. Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!”
Note the variety of ways of worship God gives us in Psalm 150. Not all will be included in all church services, but the joy and exuberance noted here show how God appreciates the variety of ways people can praise Him. The means of worship is not as important as faith and attitude of the heart.
What do you prefer in worship? Has your preference changed during your life?
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, October 12, 2015
THINGS THAT SURPRISE US
Sometimes things just aren’t what we think they are. A recent Reader’s Digest article poked holes in several “facts” I was sure I knew.
For instance, did you know that an English Muffin is not a muffin and is not from England, but was a biscuit invented in a New York bakery in the 1880’s? Did you know that garlic bread as we know it is not Italian but was first made in Michigan at the request of returning WWII soldiers from Italy? Or that the Fortune Cookie is not from China but was dreamed up a San Francisco tea house in 1914?
This one just about crushed me: German Chocolate Cake is not a cake recipe from Germany, but was first made in 1852 Boston by Sam German who worked at the Baker Chocolate Company. 100 years later it was labelled “German Chocolate Cake” by a recipe printed in a Dallas newspaper!
I suppose the next thing they’ll say is that the Apostle’s Creed was not written by the Apostles! Which, of course, it was not. It does contain the Apostle’s teachings about God, but it was written about 200 years after they’d all died.
But that doesn’t make garlic bread, English Muffins, fortune cookies or German Chocolate Cake any less tasty. Nor does it make the Apostle’s Creed any less an accurate statement of the Triune God.
There’s even a debate over the name of our Lord. Was He known as “Jesus” (Greek) or was it “Yeshua” (Hebrew)? Was His ministry 3 years or 4? And does it really matter?
The truth we know and believe is that God sent His only Son to save us from the destruction caused by our sins. So we call Him Lord Jesus, or Savior, or Redeemer, or Lamb of God. And while these names are different, they all speak of the same God-man who walked the ancient land of Israel 2,000 years ago. And whoever believes in Him will be given eternal life with God in heaven.
“And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Written by Isaiah the prophet over 400 years before Jesus was born.)
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
For instance, did you know that an English Muffin is not a muffin and is not from England, but was a biscuit invented in a New York bakery in the 1880’s? Did you know that garlic bread as we know it is not Italian but was first made in Michigan at the request of returning WWII soldiers from Italy? Or that the Fortune Cookie is not from China but was dreamed up a San Francisco tea house in 1914?
This one just about crushed me: German Chocolate Cake is not a cake recipe from Germany, but was first made in 1852 Boston by Sam German who worked at the Baker Chocolate Company. 100 years later it was labelled “German Chocolate Cake” by a recipe printed in a Dallas newspaper!
I suppose the next thing they’ll say is that the Apostle’s Creed was not written by the Apostles! Which, of course, it was not. It does contain the Apostle’s teachings about God, but it was written about 200 years after they’d all died.
But that doesn’t make garlic bread, English Muffins, fortune cookies or German Chocolate Cake any less tasty. Nor does it make the Apostle’s Creed any less an accurate statement of the Triune God.
There’s even a debate over the name of our Lord. Was He known as “Jesus” (Greek) or was it “Yeshua” (Hebrew)? Was His ministry 3 years or 4? And does it really matter?
The truth we know and believe is that God sent His only Son to save us from the destruction caused by our sins. So we call Him Lord Jesus, or Savior, or Redeemer, or Lamb of God. And while these names are different, they all speak of the same God-man who walked the ancient land of Israel 2,000 years ago. And whoever believes in Him will be given eternal life with God in heaven.
“And His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Written by Isaiah the prophet over 400 years before Jesus was born.)
Rev. Bob Tasler
www.bobtasler.com
Monday, October 5, 2015
LOVING THOSE WHO COME AFTER US
(I dedicate today’s devotion to my niece Jayne Arvidsen who was laid to
rest after a ten year struggle with cancer. Her 35 year career as teacher and
her life as daughter, sister, loving wife, mother and grandmother have encouraged all who knew her)
“I have learned that there is nothing more satisfying than the love of those who come after us,” said Dr. Leonore Goldschmidt, a brave Jewish teacher who defied Hitler.
“I have learned that there is nothing more satisfying than the love of those who come after us,” said Dr. Leonore Goldschmidt, a brave Jewish teacher who defied Hitler.
In 1935 when the Nazis began their policy
of officially persecuting the Jews, most Jewish children were locked out of
German schools. Rather than run or despair, Dr. Goldschmidt began a school of
her own in Berlin with an estate and funds from a deceased cousin. “The Leonore
Goldschmidt Private Jewish School” quickly expanded into four buildings with
over 500 students and 40 teachers. In plain sight of Hitler and the Nazis, it
became a refuge of safety in the midst of systematic Jewish persecution.
With the aid of Walter Huebner, a German
official who risked his career, her school was granted a license by the German
State. Knowing persecution would increase, she insisted all students learn
English to enable them to emigrate to other countries. She got her school
licensed by the University of Cambridge and started a chapter there. When her
school was shut down by the Nazis in 1939, she and her family emigrated to
England with 80 students and teachers. She taught in London until 1968 and died
in 1983, always being dedicated to those who came after her.
All
capable people, especially Christians, need to be dedicated to those who come
after, not just themselves. Our children and grandchildren are those for whom
we work and serve. It is only natural that we should value and love them so
they will come to know Jesus and walk in His ways.
Psalm 127:3 says, “Children
are a heritage from the Lord.” God loves His children and bids us do the same.
Who has shown you
love in your life?
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