May 15, 2020

 And I want you to know this, dear brothers: Everything that has happened to me here has been a great boost in getting out the Good News concerning Christ…Somehow my patience has encouraged them, and they have become more and more bold in telling others about Christ. (Philippians 1:12 & 14b TLB)

I was challenged this morning by the words of a fellow pastor.  He asked if, as followers of Jesus, we were focused on survival or on revival.  With all that is going on these past months this could be a great time for revival in America and around the world.  COVID-19 is not just a United States situation.  This could be God setting the stage for a global spiritual awakening. Our faith and calm during this pandemic just might be the spark that draws people to “the glorious gospel of the blessed God” (1 Timothy 1:11 NKJV)

Please pray that God will use this situation and bring multitudes to saving faith in Jesus.

Please pray that God’s church will be united and standing fast on the truth of the Word while seeking to represent Jesus clearly before the eyes of a skeptical world.

Satan wants us to hunker down and go into survival mode.  Let’s frustrate him by stepping out in revival mode!

May 13, 2020

I answered the phone yesterday and the voice on the other end of the call asked, “When will I get to see you again?”  I know the question was about having church services again, but since then I have had an oldies song playing over and over in my mind.  It was 1974, and a trio called The Three Degrees released their recording of “When Will I See You Again?”

When will I see you again?
When will we share precious moments?
Will I have to wait forever?
Will I have to suffer (suffer)
And cry the whole night through?

I know they weren’t singing about being with their church family!  But my church family is who I think about these days.  I miss all of you.  I miss standing at the door and welcoming you.  I miss being together in this building.  I miss singing together and seeing more than a camera and Pastor Joe when I preach.

Our elders met last night and decided that it’s time.  It’s time to offer Sunday morning services again.  We will be sending out more information about the details involved as we strive to do our best to keep everyone safe and healthy.

So, if you are feeling well, if you aren’t struggling with an existing health issue, and if you are comfortable being in a group (though physically distanced) please join us on May 24th for our first Sunday back.  We will still have the service available online for those who can’t or shouldn’t be out yet.

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD!”

(Psalm 122:1)

May 6, 2020

Michael Jordan, in full Michael Jeffrey Jordan, by name Air Jordan, (born February 17, 1963, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.), American collegiate and professional basketball player, widely considered to be the greatest all-around player in the history of the game. He led the National Basketball Association (NBA) Chicago Bulls to six championships (1991–93, 1996–98). (Encyclopedia Britannica)

An advertising campaign produced commercials with the theme, “Be like Mike, drink Gatorade”. You can watch it here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0AGiq9j_Ak&feature=emb_logo .

This morning I read 2 Chronicles 16-20.  I love the story of Jehoshaphat!  He was an amazing King of Judah.  Take time today, or sometime soon, and read chapters 17-20.  Look for some of the “golden nuggets” buried in these chapters. This is a story that ought to encourage our hearts as we continue to navigate COVID-19.  We learn a lot about God, and we learn from the faith and commitment of one of the greatest Kings to ever sit on the throne in Jerusalem.  There is no way I will ever be like Michael Jordon.  But by the power of the Spirit, I can be more like Jehoshaphat…and so can you!

May 4, 2020

“…it was a turn of affairs brought about by God that the Lord might fulfill his word.”  (2 Chronicles 10:15)

Does it really make a difference whether one chooses to believe in a personal God who is involved in the affairs of men?  Does it help to believe that God is always watching and listening?  Does it help to believe that God has a master plan toward which He is working?

A dear friend, Martha Wing, once described her morning devotional time with God as climbing up on God’s lap and snuggling with Him.  I loved that picture of a child finding comfort and safety in the arms of the One who could be trusted completely.  Peace does not come from understanding what is going on.  It comes from being close to the One who can be trusted.

This COVID-19 pandemic has some people scared and others angry.  What is the best way to deal with the fear or the frustration?  How about following Martha’s lead and taking your Bible to a quiet place? As you read and pray, picture yourself safely snuggling on the lap of the One who loves you so very much.

May 3, 2020

“The band and chorus united as one to praise and thank the Lord…Their theme was “He is so good! His loving-kindness lasts forever!”

And at that moment the glory of the Lord, coming as a bright cloud, filled the Temple so that the priests could not continue their work.” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14 TLB)

At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon and the Priests led the people in worship.  There were sacrifices and ceremony that I would have loved to witness firsthand.  Just the crowds themselves must have been amazing and the energy had to have been palpable.  Kind of like being in the stands at a Husker game!  But what I was reminded of this morning as I read this was when God showed up.  It was when the music started.  It was when the musicians played, and the singers sang, and the congregation joined in, that the glory of the Lord came to them.  As we worship together while apart.  As we tune into the services at our kitchen tables or in our living rooms, please go ahead and sing as you are able, and may the Glory of God fill your home!  That is my prayer for all of us this morning.

April 27, 2020

Up from Centennial, Wyoming in the shadow of Medicine Bow Peak, some friends from Torrington showed us the site of a long-abandoned gold mine.  The tunnel into solid rock was amazing.  I stood there picturing the long, hard and tedious work involved in their search for treasure.  I remember wondering if they ever found what they were looking for.

This morning in my time with God, I began the long, hard and tedious work of mining 1 Chronicles.  Honestly, I found it so challenging to concentrate that I was tempted to just skip ahead to “the good stuff”.  I am so glad I didn’t!  Near the end of the fifth chapter, in the rubble of names, I found a beautiful statement.

“…for they cried out to God in the battle, and he granted their urgent plea because they trusted in him.” (1 Chronicles 5:20b ESV)

I guess you could call this my gold nugget for the day!

In the rubble of these past few weeks it might be difficult to believe there are any golden nuggets to be found.  Let’s all take some time to sift through and search out the golden blessings we are so prone to miss.  To encourage one another, post a nugget or two in the comment section below.

Me first…due to the temporary shutdown of the flight school, our son James drove home from Indianapolis on the 18th and will be here until at least this Saturday.  If it wasn’t for COVID-19, we might not have seen him for a long time!

Your turn…

April 25, 2020

Heather was just a young teen when I became pastor of Graham Church in Laingsburg, Michigan.  I watched her grow up and was privileged to perform her wedding ceremony.  Just this past week she posted this:

“Mailing 4 sympathy cards today.  3 of them were from covid.  :( Praying for... Everyone.”

If you were in church just before we started doing services online, you heard me confess that I was struggling to “be sensitive and not skeptical” about this virus. I admit that I have continued to waffle between these two positions, depending on the news of the day, the way I was feeling at the time, or who I happened to be talking to at that moment. If I were keeping score it would probably show that “skeptical” was having a slight edge.  That was true until I read Heather’s post.  My heart breaks for anybody who sends three sympathy cards on one day because of COVID-19.

Pray for your Elders as we seek to restart our church gatherings sometime in the weeks to come.  For some of you it may not seem soon enough and for others it may seem too soon.  Pray that we will know when it is not too soon or too late, but when it is just right.

April 24, 2020

“And yet I had no regrets; the life which had been forced on me by circumstances had turned out to be a thing of magical fulfillment.” (All Things Bright and Beautiful, James Herriot)

As I read this today, I realized that this is the attitude I have tried to maintain during this COVID-19 situation.  My desire has been to make the best of a strange and unwanted situation, while maintaining the hope that, in the end, I could look back and find it really did turn out to be “a thing of magical fulfillment”.  Not that I had used those words, or that they had even crossed my mind.  But it is what I might have said, had I the same way with words James Herriot had.  I suppose that is why he sold a gazillion books and I have not sold any.

“I want to report to you, friends, that my imprisonment here has had the opposite of its intended effect. Instead of being squelched, the Message has actually prospered.” (Philippians 1:12 The Message)

Paul was forced into “social distancing” as a prisoner in Rome. Somehow, he managed to keep a positive attitude and then watched God at work. The negatives of it all melted into the wonder of some of the Roman soldiers guarding him coming to faith in Christ!

April 22, 2020

We make our own plans, but the Lord decides where we will go. (Proverbs 16:9 CEV)            

This was a beautiful day for my morning run. To have a clear blue sky and no wind is always my preference. While jogging along listening to James Seals and Dash Crofts sing “Summer Breeze” my mind took the off ramp to the COVID-19 cancellation of my 45-year class reunion scheduled for this July. Though we had not decided if we would make the trip to Michigan to attend, we now cannot attend.  And for some reason, that just feels wrong.

In the same way, not being allowed to gather as a church also feels wrong. Our elders met Monday evening and started the conversation about restarting Sunday services when our Governor allows. We have begun talking and planning, but we know ultimately it is not up to us. “The LORD decides where we will go”.  Please pray for our elders. We really want to do the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, and only God knows what and when those three will be right.

April 20, 2020

The people of Israel encamped before them like two little flocks of goats, but the Syrians filled the country. (1 Kings 20:27b)

It seems that God wanted the “little flocks of goats” in Israel to realize what really matters is whose “little flocks of goats” they were.  They were children of the living, loving God who wanted them to trust Him.

“I will give all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.” (1 Kings 20:28b)

As followers of Jesus it is easy to feel like we are just a few goats surrounded by a great army of goat-haters looking to have a barbeque at our expense. I Kings 20 is a great reminder to me that I serve a God for whom “nothing is impossible”.  I pray to a God for whom “all things are possible”.

April 17, 2020

As the LORD lives, who has redeemed my soul out of every adversity. (David, 1 Kings 1:29b)

It is no secret that negative thinking is contagious and counterproductive.  We are drawn to it like a pig to mud!  Pretty soon we are covered in the muck of whining and complaining, and the stench of it all is hard to overcome.  I used to raise pigs, and Rachel can attest that showering and changing clothes didn’t completely get rid of the aroma I brought home from the hog barn.

King David didn’t want to be known for the stench of negative thinking.  He chose to focus on God’s goodness in the past.  That set him up to trust Him for the future.  We are being bombarded with opinions about this COVID-19 pandemic.  We can join those who seem to be enjoying the muck of negativity, or we can remind ourselves of God’s goodness in the past and live in hope for the future.  Choose your scent carefully.  It may affect someone else’s opinion of Christians and Christianity.

April 15, 2020

“Amazing Pity, Grace Unknown, and Love Beyond Degree”

A professor at Bible College said that, for a Christian, the two most important books are the Bible and the Hymn Book.  Our Bible is the source of truth.  Our music can be a reinforcement of the truth.  When a song is well written and carefully crafted to include Biblical truth, it can reach our hearts in a special way.  It can also stick with us and percolate in our thoughts all though the day.  The words above are from, “At the Cross”.  Just eight words.  But not just words.  Think about them today and let them minister to you all through the day.

April 13, 2020

This morning as I was basking in the afterglow of Easter and the wonder of the resurrection of our Savior, my thoughts turned to the New Life we have in Him.  As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”  On my drive to the office I suddenly remembered a John W. Peterson song. To be honest, I never really liked the music, but I do love the lyrics.

Brighter the journey each day,
Tho there is much to dismay;
Heaven awaits - Bright pearly gates,
There at the end of the way.

New Life in Christ! Abundant and free!
What glories shine, what joys are mine,
What wondrous blessings I see!
My past with its sin,
The searching and strife,
Forever gone, there's a bright new dawn!
For in Christ I have found New Life!

Take a few moments and let these words sink in.  Let the Holy Spirit apply them to your situation.

April 11, 2020

The term “long weekend” has become a real positive term in America.  The government moved most major holidays to Monday so we could have “long weekends”.  Just the term “long weekend” brings pleasant thoughts of relaxation or activities we enjoy.

For the disciples, their “long weekend” began late Thursday night in the Garden of Gethsemane when the Temple guard showed up and arrested Jesus.  In an instant, fear and uncertainty mushroomed into a thick cloud that totally enveloped them.  I can’t imagine anyone slept as they waited for the sun to rise.  Then Friday proved a total disaster when word came that Jesus was to be crucified.  Their Master who could speak a few words and calm a storm or raise the dead seemed powerless to stop this travesty of justice!  Friday night and Saturday and then Saturday night must have felt like an eternity as the fear and uncertainty continued to dominate everything.  Hiding behind locked doors and windows they must have assumed the soldiers would soon be coming for them.

We look back today, with information they didn’t have, and see there was no need for the disciples to let uncertainty steal their peace.  Jesus knew what he was doing.  God was still on his throne.  This “long weekend” would soon be over and life would be good again.  Life would be better than ever…in fact life would be everlasting!

This COVID-19 thing feels like a nightmare of a “long weekend” filled with lots of unanswered questions and much uncertainty.  For some it is a thick cloud of fear that seems to be enveloping them.  We are surrounded by information and bombarded by theories and opinions that don’t seem to help. 

Jesus said in Matthew 6:27 that worry never changes anything.  So, like the wonderful old hymn says, we should focus on trusting and obeying and staying happy in Jesus.  This “long weekend” will be over one way or another and life will be good again.  Life will be better than ever…in fact life will be everlasting!

April 9, 2020

I have been thinking…

My Christian life has been lived in connection with other Christians through the local church.  My parents were totally committed, and we never missed a service unless we were sick.  Then mom stayed home with the sick one, and dad took the other two of us to church.  I believe gathering with, worshiping with, praying with, studying with and serving with other believers is the ideal.  But I also know we cannot always be with other believers. Church has always been a big part of my life, but it is also a small part of my life.  Big because of its contribution to my spiritual growth and walk.  Small because a week includes 168 hours of which only a few are spent in church.  As a pastor for over 38 years, I have been concerned that we all learn to worship, pray, study and serve on our own.  Not because we don’t need the church, but because we spend so much time not in church.  One thing this being separated has done is take away the comfortable “with” and force us, at least for now, to be “without” the benefits of gathering.  Hopefully you are still thriving in your walk with Christ!  My prayer is that all of us are still worshiping, praying, studying and serving.  When this COVID-19 thing passes and we can gather again, I want to see our church building full to overflowing with people.  But until then, we will all learn if we can spiritually “stand on our own two feet”.

April 8, 2020

In our walks during “self-quarantine” Rachel and I have noticed that many in our neighborhood are using this time to clean, organize and do some ridding in their homes and garages.  It must be positive peer pressure because suddenly we are cleaning, organizing and doing some ridding too.

“Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes…do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty.” (1 Samuel 12:16 & 20b-21 ESV)

Some questions that come to mind:

1.   How often do I “stand still and see” what God is doing?

2.   Am I “following” God without a lot of turning “aside”?

3.   Would God say I am serving Him “with all” my heart?

4.   Are there “empty things” taking up space in my life?

5.   Am I wasting time with things that do not “profit”?

There is no better time than today for some cleaning, organizing and ridding when it comes to our hearts.

April 7, 2020

I grew up with a love for music.  Sunday School, Joy Club, Vacation Bible School, Christian Youth Training Camp and High School Youth Group were all places of singing.  We did mess with the lyrics or tune at times.  In youth group we sang, “Give me gas in my Ford, keep me truckin’ for the Lord”, or we would sing Amazing Grace to the tune of the Gilligan’s Island theme.

I loved hymn singing in church and especially on Sunday evenings when we broke into four-part harmony.  Many of the older songs have older terminology and I must admit that I sang words I really didn’t even know what they meant.  One such song was Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing.  The second verse starts:

“Here I raise mine Ebenezer;
hither by thy help I'm come;
and I hope, by thy good pleasure,
safely to arrive at home.”

What in the world is an Ebenezer?  In 1 Samuel chapter seven the prophet sets up a stone and names it, Ebenezer.  The name means “stone of help”.  The stone was to remind them of how the LORD had helped them in the past.  If God was their help in the past, He would be their help today and in the days to come.

Let’s all gather around our own Ebenezer today and remember times when God has been our help.  Then look ahead knowing our God will always be with us to help us in our times of need.

April 6, 2020

“It is the LORD.  Let Him do what seems good to Him.” (1 Samuel 3:18b)

Eli (Israel’s High Priest from 1107-1067 B.C.) had just received some heart-breaking news about his two sons.  Sounding a lot like Job when he lost his seven sons and three daughters, Eli speaks words of faith.  Faith in who God is…He is the LORD!

I have found it is the times when I don’t understand what God is doing that, I need to focus even more on who He is.  This requires me to be in His Word.  Scripture is His self-revelation.  The Bible is first and foremost a book about God.  He is the Maker of Heaven and Earth.  He is Ruler of Heaven and Earth.  He alone is God.  He alone is good.

I guess we can learn a lot from guys with three letter names!

April 4, 2020

“Go in peace. The journey on which you go is under the eye of the Lord.” (Judges 18:6 ESV)

This verse was part of my time in the Word this morning.  The Levite who said it was obviously not walking with God at the time but what he said was theologically accurate.  The watchful eye of God is always upon us.

“The eyes of the Lord are in every place, keeping watch on the evil and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3 ESV)

My mom could have been called “The Singing Housewife” because she was always singing as she worked.  I think it was because she loved being a wife, mother and caring for her family, but also because she loved God so very much.  One of her favorites we heard over and over was “His Eye Is on the Sparrow”.

Here is a link to Sandi Patti’s version.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8dY8Wv2viqY

So…”Go in peace.”

April 3, 2020

In our Mornings with Jesus devotional today, the author said: “So much of life…is fog. Mysterious. Uncertain. Nebulous. It can be difficult for us Christ followers to navigate.  We never know what is coming next.”

Few, if any of us, use the word “nebulous” in our normal day to day conversations, and most of us would struggle to define it accurately.  But we all know the word “uncertain”.  We not only understand it, we have been experiencing it.  To navigate on the sea or in the air one needs clearly defined, unmoving points of reference.  To navigate through this life, especially now, we need clearly defined, unmoving points of reference.  Without them life will always be nebulous.  I praise God for His Word and for His Son.  He has provided us with clearly defined, unmoving points of reference!

April 2, 2020

It seems my inbox is overflowing with suggestions for pastors and other church leaders ministering to their congregations during this COVID-19 pandemic.  Most of them are about organizing official programs…and there is a place for official programs.  I tend to lean toward a more “organic” approach where people just naturally serve one another out of their love for the Lord that translates into love for each other.  Paul seems to think the same way when he writes, “The whole body depends on Christ, and all the parts of the body are joined and held together. Each part does its own work to make the whole body grow and be strong with love.” (Ephesians 4:16 New Century Version)

I was moved by the following paragraph from the President of Moody Bible Institute:

“God often ministers to us through His people, and we can be instruments of His consolation through kind and encouraging words. As Proverbs 12:25 says: ‘Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.’ Pray for specific opportunities today to use words for others’ good and for the Holy Spirit’s help in saying the right thing.”

If the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind today, please pray for them and then reach out to them and let them know.

April 1, 2020

Yesterday, our President spoke to the media about where we are in this COVID-19 situation.  He warned us all that the next two weeks are going to be very difficult with the continued spread of the virus, the multiplication of those infected and the number of those who die from the complications of the illness.

I want you to know that I prayed for all of you this morning.  I prayed the words of Deborah, recorded at the close of her song of praise in Judges chapter 5. “…let all the people who love you be as strong as the rising sun!” (Judges 5:31b New Century Version)

Please pray these words with me for our families, our church, our community, our state, our country and believers all around the world.

March 31, 2020

Our front window made the Star Herald on Sunday.  I’ve been going to get busy and wash the outside windows for Rachel…guess I should not have put it off for another day!  Rachel had covered the back of our couch with several teddy bears to be part of The Bear Hunt.  Families can spend time during this unusual spring with schools closed walking/biking/driving around looking for bears in the windows. Going on a Bear Hunt can be a fun family activity.

In my Bible reading this morning I came across this verse, “And you have seen all that the LORD your God has done…” (Joshua 23:3)  Sometimes we don’t see and appreciate all that God is doing in and around us because we simply aren’t looking.  How about all of us going on a God Hunt today?  Look for God and His working and blessings.  And when you see Him, post it in the comments section below.  I know if we look for Him, we will find Him.  Let’s go on a God Hunt!

March 30, 2020

My heart sank when I heard President Trump extended the social distancing order through the end of April.  An additional blow was learning of the first official case of COVID-19 somewhere in Scotts Bluff County.  I found myself feeling like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus.  When talking to the stranger about what had happened to Jesus they said, “but we had hoped…” (Luke 24:21).  They had hoped Jesus was going to step up and set Israel free from the Romans and establish them again as a great nation.  But it wasn’t to be at that time.  God had a better plan that included His Son fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant who would die for the sins of the world. (Isaiah 53)

I must admit that I have been hoping this would all blow over quickly and life could get beyond this screeching halt called the Corona Virus pandemic.  I had already prepared my heart for not having Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Easter services, but no services until at least May? Those two going to Emmaus learned from the “stranger” that it is good to trust that God always has a plan, and that He works His plan His way, in His time, for His purposes and for His glory. So, I guess we need to settle in and stay separated and yet connected in every way we can without spreading this virus.  As your Elders and staff, we will do all we can to continue to “be the church,” though we still can’t “go to church” right now.

March 28, 2020

Ten years ago, when we found out about Rachel’s cancer diagnosis, it initially felt like nothing would ever be the same again.  Everything seemed to change overnight. And yet as time passed, we found that though some things would never be what they had been, there was much that stayed the same.

1.       We still had each other “in sickness and in health”.

2.       We still had Jessica, James, Jeaniene and families.

3.       We still had our home and wonderful neighbors. 

4.       We still had our church family and areas of ministry.

5.       We still lived in Nebraska among fantastic people.

6.       We still had Jesus and His amazing mercy and grace.

7.       We still had Scripture, prayer, worship, and purpose.

8.       We still had our Biblical hope of eternal life in heaven.

We all are wondering when COVID-19 will be past, and everything will return to “normal”.  Life may never again be what it was, but from what I know about God, it will be what it should be.  He wants us to trust Him.  I am 2 days and 10 chapters into the book of Joshua.  Several times already Joshua and the people have had to take God at His word and trust Him.  Will you commit with me to trust Him for whatever life looks like in the future?

As the grand old hymn says, “trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.

March 26, 2020

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 1:9)

This verse reminds me why they made me study history in school. Times may change, but they don’t change. There is an ad popping up on my Facebook page for a knob that clamps onto your steering wheel to let you drive with just one hand. How many will think it is a brand-new invention and not simply a recycled idea? I thought they were so cool when I was a kid…now they’re back. A friend posted a newspaper clipping from a century ago that shows me this COVID-19 situation isn’t something “new under the sun”. It is good to know God is the same always and He is here for us no matter how it turns out this time.

March 25, 2020

In school I was taught the 6 W's of a good investigative reporter. Who? What? When? Where? Why? How? (W is in 'How' too.) Right now, most of us are asking versions of these questions about this virus and all the disruptions, delays and disasters. Just watch, listen and read and you will find that there is a plethora of opinions and “answers” out there. As much as I wish I had all the right answers, I just don’t. I did find encouragement this morning in God’s Word.

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV)

I need to read God’s Word so I can “do” what is “revealed”
and I need to trust Him for what is “secret”.

March 24, 2020

Awake this morning at 3:30, my thoughts were for all who are enjoying, as well as those enduring, being homebound as we pray and work to slow and stop the spread of this virus. I then remembered the blizzard of 1978. We were 8-month newlyweds who woke the morning of January 26th to find we were going nowhere unless we trudged through drifts up to our knees (well, Rachel’s knees). We struggled out to the corner store, about a half mile from our house, for some milk we really didn’t need and had fun playing in the snow. The electricity stayed on and the furnace worked perfectly so we were snug and warm, and the change of pace was enjoyable…until we were still homebound on the 28th and on the 29th . Finally, the plow came by on the 30th and we were again free! Whether you see this as enjoying or enduring, let’s do all we can to stay connected as a church. We can call, text, FaceTime, instant message, video message, Zoom and even use email. Shirley Swanson suggested thinking about those who sit in the same part of the sanctuary on Sundays and reaching out to them in some way. Maybe you can turn someone’s enduring into enjoying!

March 23, 2020

And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the LORD your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ (Deuteronomy 20:2-4 ESV)

I know we are not Israel and I am not a priest. But we are the church, and I am a pastor. I also know Israel would be fighting battles where injury and death were very real possibilities. God wanted the priest to speak to the people and encourage them to “not fear or panic or be in dread” and to remember that “God is He who goes with” them. As we continue in this strange battle against the spread of COVID-19 where life is disrupted in so many ways and the future seems so uncertain, I want to encourage you to remember that we serve the same God as Israel and as people of faith in His Son, Jesus, we do not need to “fear or panic or be in dread” for “God is He who goes with” us. Wherever this takes us He is with us, in fact He is already there.

If you, or somebody you know, are already struggling to put food on the table, let me know. Our Deacon’s Fund has purchased some gift cards for Fresh Foods.

March 22. 2020

As I started reading today in Deuteronomy 11, I found Moses encouraging the people to “consider today…”. We have much to consider these days. So much is going on and so much is being said and so much isn’t happening as we spend time at home hoping to “flatten the curve” of infections from COVID-19 virus. This is the strangest Sunday in my 38 years of pastoring. We worked very carefully to have an online worship time today. Please gather around your television, computer, tablet, or phone and join in as we do our best to honor God together while being separate. “This too shall pass” and we will be going to church again. For now, remember we are the church wherever we are, and we can always be the church everyday of every week of every year that we are here.

March 19, 2020

How quickly things can change! One month ago, life was pretty “normal” for most of us. Work, school, church, family, finances…these aspects of life were predictable, if not even boring in their constancy and consistency. Throw a microscopic virus into the atmosphere surrounding this planet on which we live, and suddenly nothing seems to be boring or even close to “normal”. But, let’s not look back at the “old normal” with longing eyes, but ahead to the “new normal” with excited hearts and minds. This could be the prelude to the long-awaited return of Jesus for His bride. This could be a factory whistle calling us to get busy about our Father’s business. This could be the rumble strips along the road of life to wake us from a spiritual nap behind the wheel to focus on the road ahead. This could be the turning of a great corner around which we find a season of spiritual revival in America that spreads to the whole world. Whatever this is, I am confident we will look back someday and thank God for a microscopic virus that made a gigantic difference.

March 19, 2020

Here is Martin Luther, on the responsible course of action during days of plague - be it the Black Death or COVID-19. Luther wrote these wise words that can help inform the way we approach things happening in our world right now...

"I shall ask God mercifully to protect us. Then I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine and take it. I shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and thus perchance inflict and pollute others and so cause their death as a result of my negligence. If God should wish to take me, he will surely find me and I have done what he has expected of me and so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely as stated above. See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy and does not tempt God."

~Luther's Works, Volume 43, p. 132 - the letter, "Whether one may flee from a Deadly Plague," written to Rev. Dr. John Hess

March 18, 2020

Good Morning! I am sitting here having read Scripture (Numbers 26-30) and then spending time in prayer while listening to some amazing piano hymns. Right now, I am hearing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness” played by Chris Rice. What a great reminder that in all the stuff going on and all the changes we are living with, God is still God and He is still as faithful to Himself and His Word as ever. We need to continue to trust Him. We also need to find ways to show those around us that He is real and worthy of our worship.

Serving Him together,

Pastor Gary