I read an article in a homeschooling magazine a few days ago which described our children as "heavenly treasures". To my own treasures -- Katie, Caleb, Josiah and Julie -- let it be said loud and clear, you are my heavenly treasures!; priceless, good, beautiful and true gifts and blessings of God!
If only we could see all children, both young and old, in this light, how quickly our relationships and dealings with each other would be transformed. It takes faith, of course, to see fallen, sinful people in this light. But surely that was part of the joy that was set before our Lord that enabled Him to endure the cross.
With the power of the cross, all things are possible.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
tagged
I've been "tagged" by Pr. Benjamin Harju, to find the nearest book, turn to page 123, count the first five sentences and then post the following three sentences. Here goes! from Applebee's AMERICA: "Pastor Robert Lewis of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, thinks his big church is getting small. 'I looked up one day and realized I'm like the driver in that little car in Jurassic Park because I feel I'm about to be eaten up by change in the church,' he said. Lewis, a member of the Leadership Network board, is one of a growing number of big church leaders who believe the public is starting to demand a shift in focus -- away from pastors and big glitzy stage shows and back to community-based churching."
Who would have thought?! The day of the small local congregation gathered around Word and Sacrament has not vanished from the face of the earth:)
Who would have thought?! The day of the small local congregation gathered around Word and Sacrament has not vanished from the face of the earth:)
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
good advice for our politicians
From the same 1570 Confession:
Ein Fursten ists die hochste Ehr
Dass er Gott kennt und reine Lehr.
A ruler's highest honor
is to know God and pure doctrine.
Ein Fursten ists die hochste Ehr
Dass er Gott kennt und reine Lehr.
A ruler's highest honor
is to know God and pure doctrine.
Where has it all gone?
At circuit meeting today, skimmed an early copy of the Lutheran Confessions (1570) minus the Formula of Concord, and found this remarkable passage in the introduction (my rough translation from the German!):
Where is the srength of Goliath? Where is the beauty of Absolom? Where is the art of Aristotle? Where is the majesty of Solomon? Where is the pride of Nebuchadnezzar? Where is the wealth of Croesus? Where is the power of Romulus? Where is the lust of Sardanapalus? All is gone, as the Psalm says: as a flower of the field, yes, as a vapor it soon flies away.
Those born from above, whose sins are forgiven through Christ, the word of grace, receive comfort of conscience and eternal life; all of which goodness God shares and sends us through his divine word, are not given comfort and enduring riches alone in this life, rather they endure through trouble in misfortune, in sickness, in death, and after death forever and ever.
Where is the srength of Goliath? Where is the beauty of Absolom? Where is the art of Aristotle? Where is the majesty of Solomon? Where is the pride of Nebuchadnezzar? Where is the wealth of Croesus? Where is the power of Romulus? Where is the lust of Sardanapalus? All is gone, as the Psalm says: as a flower of the field, yes, as a vapor it soon flies away.
Those born from above, whose sins are forgiven through Christ, the word of grace, receive comfort of conscience and eternal life; all of which goodness God shares and sends us through his divine word, are not given comfort and enduring riches alone in this life, rather they endure through trouble in misfortune, in sickness, in death, and after death forever and ever.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Where is God
Several random thoughts today:
A convert to the Catholic church reported that upon attending Mass for the first time she realized the presence of God in a profound way and exclaimed, "So this is where You've been hiding!" As our hymn says so well, 'Beneath these forms of bread and wine, enrich us with Your grace divine.' God hides in, with and under the bread and wine at this altar every Lord's Day. How delighted I would be for everyone to have such a realization!
After losing the game, the coach of a football team asked his players,
"Did you leave it all on the field?" (Little did I know at the time that both the University of Tennessee and our local high school had both suffered suprising and disappointing losses!) To look back at the end of each day, at the end of each life and be able to say, Yes, Lord, I've left it all on the field. No regrets for those who have done their best, with the grace and assistance of the Holy Spirit!
A convert to the Catholic church reported that upon attending Mass for the first time she realized the presence of God in a profound way and exclaimed, "So this is where You've been hiding!" As our hymn says so well, 'Beneath these forms of bread and wine, enrich us with Your grace divine.' God hides in, with and under the bread and wine at this altar every Lord's Day. How delighted I would be for everyone to have such a realization!
After losing the game, the coach of a football team asked his players,
"Did you leave it all on the field?" (Little did I know at the time that both the University of Tennessee and our local high school had both suffered suprising and disappointing losses!) To look back at the end of each day, at the end of each life and be able to say, Yes, Lord, I've left it all on the field. No regrets for those who have done their best, with the grace and assistance of the Holy Spirit!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
keep praying
God's Word, as always, offers the best prescription for post-election stress and trauma syndrome:) "Let hearts rejoice who search for the Lord. Look to the LORD and his strength; seek to serve him constantly. Recall the wondrous deeds that he has wrought, his portents, and the judgments he has uttered." (Psalm 105)
Sunday, November 2, 2008
good shepherd institute
A wonderful trip to Ft. Wayne yesterday, safe travel and gas prices under $2.00/gallon definitely cheers one up. Worship this morning at historic (established 1837)St. Paul's was a feast for mind and eye, body and spirit. If you ever want the opportunity to experience Lutheran worship at its best, this is it. A celebration of All Saints' Sunday (observed) to be remembered for years to come:)
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