Martin The Lutheran Frog Blog

Orange Circle (The Eighth Day: Inspirations for the Daily Christian Life )

2011-01-14T14:11:00.000-05:00

The orange circle hung low and creamy in the early morning clouds, sending a bit of light tangerine over the rolling snowy white hills, with only the cornstalk stubble giving a texture. The promise of a new day was heavier than the icicles holding down branches below a leaking spout. It was a long cold night, but once again the darkness has to give way and yield to the greater power. The sun seemed to call out like a sentry announcing the supremacy of the one true Light. The Sun is magnificent in its created glory, yet dingy when compared with the clothing of the messengers to the Most High. A new day had dawned.

Yet, it was a dark night and a sluggish morning full of doubts, questioning and too much thinking about all that was wrong. There was no storm, but the one inside my head. It is frightful enough when you see a glimpse of what made the Gerasene Demoniac dash himself against the rocks (Mark 5 text below) inside your own head. They had put him in chains to keep him from hurting himself and others. What a life he must have had until Jesus came along. The was a war going on inside him. Yet, the demons shuddered at the appearance of the Messiah. They begged and bargained for a hasty retreat.

Thankfully, I am not new to spiritual warfare. I have been in ministry long enough to be familiar with phrases like “get behind me Satan” and, “Lord, have mercy upon me.” I know well enough to look for a glimmer of hope that speaks to the depth of my heart and hold onto it for dear life, because that is what it offers. This is the fight against negativity— know what speaks happiness and joy to you, and latch onto it for it is offered and provided by the very creator of positivity and love.

So, a simple, but beautiful sunrise becomes an anchor for a pathetic crumb of faith (which still looks smaller than a mustard seed to me). Morning prayers of thankfulness for blessings and a prayer for strength to meet the day ahead are uttered to build the new chains to freedom. Piping joyful, playful, and praiseful music into my ear drums thankfully drums away the incessant thoughts of failure and not being good enough to pray the fuzz off of a peach.

Come, O, Christ into our doubting minds and hearts. Call us away from our fears. They are only fears in our minds, but you are the Light of All Days and the Beacon of Hope in the darkness.

Mark 5

They came to the other side of the lake, to the country of the Gerasenes. And when he had stepped out of the boat, immediately a man out of the tombs with an unclean spirit met him. He lived among the tombs; and no one could restrain him any more, even with a chain; for he had often been restrained with shackles and chains, but the chains he wrenched apart, and the shackles he broke in pieces; and no one had the strength to subdue him. Night and day among the tombs and on the mountains he was always howling and bruising himself with stones. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.’ For he had said to him, ‘Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!’ Then Jesus asked him, ‘What is your name?’ He replied, ‘My name is Legion; for we are many.’ He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, ‘Send us into the swine; let us enter them.’ So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the lake, and were drowned in the lake.

The swineherds ran off and told it in the city and in the country. Then people came to see what it was that had happened. They came to Jesus and saw the demoniac sitting there, clothed and in his right mind, the very man who had had the legion; and they were afraid. Those who had seen what had happened to the demoniac and to the swine reported it. Then they began to beg Jesus to leave their neighborhood. As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him that he might be with him. But Jesus refused, and said to him, ‘Go home to your friends, and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and what mercy he has shown you.’ And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him; and everyone was amazed.

Clouds

2010-11-19T12:54:00.000-05:00

A current commercial for a computer operating system uses the phrase “to the cloud” to signal the hot new feature that you should want to get to make your life more fun or easy. I am not going to consider the merits of technology and the dangers of our overdependence on the works of our hands. Isaac Asimov’s “I, Robot” and the “Terminator” movie series already did that in a more secular vein. I was thinking of a more “fluffy” topic—clouds. Seriously, how often to we pay them much attention. Unless we have an outdoor event to plan or happen to be driving where the rising or setting sun highlights their existence, I don’t usually give them much attention. I am missing out on a daily source of wonder and inspiration. The formations of the clouds are unique on a daily basis, reminding us that each day is created new and fresh. The clouds roll and ramble above us, whispering in their wispy shapes that we can only live and know what is here and now. No matter what we remember and no matter how hard we try, we cannot bring the past into the present or pull the future any closer to clarity.

Remember when we were younger and we would look at clouds and see animals and shapes that seemed to come alive. Clouds were fun then. They still are. This is another piece of the magnificence of the Creator—clouds are both functional and fun. Approaching the clouds above us and the clouds of life with a sense of childlike curiosity and wonder is a good thing. Christ reminds us, “the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these children.”

Remember who you are and whose you are. Take time today to look at the clouds and rejoice in any shapes that you see.

Rev. Andrew S. Fitch

November 18, 2010

Matthew 19:13-15

Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.’ And he laid his hands on them and went on his way

Too Soon

2010-11-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

Today’s reflection is in response to the untimely deaths of teens, Brandon Bitner and Audrey Loss

Words arriving too soon

Untimely and misunderstood

Sweet in youth, bitter in consequence

Aftertaste of pain and grief —our minds are left to swallow

No easy answers, nor soft remembrances

Judgments against prevention, protection, and providence

Now haunt our deliberations

Words arriving too soon

Life is to be lived out

Lights are to be lit, not snuffed out

Now candles and flowers mark time and place

While our pace is slowed and awkward

Peace comes in the companionship, community, and comraderly

With solace in promises

Words arriving too soon

Tragedy is traumatic in all its contacts

All is out of our hands

Some effects retrace our causing moves or inaction

Pointed fingers are dramatically overtaken and made the fool

Paths of grace already lain in the nail holes of blame through the hands of the already holding

With consolation in new life

Words arriving too soon

Now, Lord, dismiss your servant in peace

Close our eyes to evil and sadness

Let salty waters cleanse and baptismal waters renew

Wake us to your goodness and light

Walk us through forgiveness

Gather us all together where your words first spoke

Rev. Andrew S. Fitch

November 10, 2010

Romans 5:1-11

Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained accessto this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. And not only that, but we also boast in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us.

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. Much more surely then, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be saved through him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more surely, having been reconciled, will we be saved by his life. But more than that, we even boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

YouTube - It Gets Better: Bishop Mark Hanson, ELCA

2010-11-09T13:15:00.000-05:00

It is well past time for us as Christians to speak out compassionately and helpfully to those who have been bullied or are being bullied.

Thank you to our Bishop for such words.

YouTube - It Gets Better: Bishop Mark Hanson, ELCA

I also don't think that it is enough for us to just say "it gets better" and post it on the computer. Step away from the keyboard or touch screen and reach out for a hug or offer warm words to those around you. Someone you know and love may be in turmoil inside their skin. Practice kindness to others and be involved in the words that your children or grandchildren say and the games that they play. Bring them into the faith community where the words of Jesus' radical forgiveness and belonging are repeatedly offered without qualifiers.

Getting Ready for Advent (a post for those who love to wait and earlybirds alike)

2010-10-26T11:29:00.000-04:00

I know that it is really early, but I ran across this yesterday and I wanted to post it. I know some of you all have already done some Christmas shopping. So why not start Advent reflections early, too?

Direct Link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxDedqAG5mM

Funerals and Picketing

2010-10-07T14:36:00.000-04:00

We had a funeral for a beloved member of many years yesterday (Jeanne), and there were no picketers there. I wasn't surprised. We don't have the right kind of media draw for their broadband stream of hate warfare.

If I were a Supreme Court justice (I know its funny to even think of it), I would recommend a quick ruling for the case of Southern Annoying church (Not Really Following the Love of Christ in America) versus the family of a fallen soldier. I would rule that the congregation could practice their right free speech without inhibiting the right of the family to practice their religion, by not picketing within a mile of the funeral and out of view of the grieving family. Ethically, is merely a matte of good order and propriety. Legally, it truly is a matter of the family and the congregation both having the freedom to practice their religion (no matter how upsetting one is to the other), without the State making any laws that would interfere in either. The best course for the state would be to separate them. I would prefer that the State would rule completely against the congregation and give them a good firm talking to about being a congregation that cares rather than hates. That, however, would be unconstitutional. I would settle for the Court ruling in favor of decency and propriety. This society would do well to learn some manners that are more than just "unwritten."

Blessing of the Animals

2010-10-04T18:47:00.000-04:00

Today is Saint Francis of Assisi's Day, and it is raining.
So, to avoid the wetdog smell, I am posting a do at home liturgy so you can snuggle up with your furry friend and give thanks to God.

[Jessie nuzzled my typing arm and plopped down at my feet as if to say - hurry it up]

So, start with a prayer:

O Lord, give us humility to thank You for the creation of animals, who can show affection which sometimes puts us to shame. Enlarge our respect for these your creatures, of whom we are the guardians. And give us a sense of responsibility towards all your creation, for Jesus Christ’s sake, Amen.

Then a reading or two (or all):

Psalm 148:7-14 or Psalm 121
Galatians 6:14-18
Matthew 11:25-30

Then the blessing (if you are uncomfortable doing this say a prayer of thanksgiving for your pet instead):

Bless O God, this your creature, and all who are involved in its care and protection.

Conclude with a hug or head fluffing.

Dancing in the Minefields

2010-07-21T08:37:00.000-04:00

Check out this video:

Sudharman's Death

2010-07-08T10:43:00.000-04:00

As a community we mourn the loss of Joseph "Sudharmen" Fenton from the Integral Yoga Center.

Several of our members enjoyed a good stretch and a relaxing conversation with the gentle voice of Sudharman.

I am saddened by the clarity of evil in this situation, that a disturbed man would seek to kill an innocent man because he was thinking that God was telling him to. I know he is not the first to think such ridiculously reversed thoughts, and there is little chance that he will be the last. However, it is hard not to be angered.

Good neighbors are now wondering what they could have noticed, what they could have done to prevent this from happening.

In Christ alone there is comfort and eternal life.
In Christ alone can the innocent be found.
In Christ alone is there peace in the face of evil.

Thanks be to God!

Review and comments on Iron Man 2

2010-05-12T09:40:00.003-04:00

Well, those of you that know me will know that I enjoy sci-fi movies. I grew up on Star Wars. So, let me say that I was looking forward to seeing Iron Man 2, based on seeing the first Iron Man as well as my appreciation of the whole genre. Overall, the group that I went to see it with all seemed to like it. I thought that "2" was more intense than the first. Which makes complete sense, since at the end of the first, Stark just confidently disclosed his secret identity to the world. The viewer knew that the plot lines would explode for a sequel.

No plot spoiler warning here. I won't tell you all that happens. I will touch upon one of the memorable lines-- "technology will save the world." Advancements in technology will save Iron Man 2 from destruction in the hands of his enemies. Technology may even privatize world peace, as Tony Stark boasted in the courtroom he had achieved with the Iron Man suit. Technology will make some things easier, but it will not save us. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico should remind us of the dangers associated with resting our confidences upon technology. Yesterday, Senator Jeff Bingaman compared the spill to the Titanic and other disasters of technology. The Titanic carried with its large name the confidence that the ship was so advanced that it was called unsinkable. The Deepwater Horizon drilling rig was also given a similar confidence as being so advanced that it would not fail or sink. To be fair, we still don't know exactly what happened whether it was technology, human error, or a regulatory cause coupled with a volatile gas blow off. It was likely all the above. Today, we are on attempt number three to slow the gusher on the ocean floor (along with all the other smaller patches). Meanwhile, the balance and beauty of the coast hangs on a tight rope. How long will the damage last?

No, only technology linked up with hubris says it can save us. Technology used with wisdom is the rare combination that leads to better quality of life for the surroundings and people in the long term. Wisdom suspiciously asks technology if is truly prepared for every scenario. Wisdom turns down the use of technology when the risks and benefits don't come close to the costs. Considering the eleven families that lost a loved one in the rig explosion, the ongoing damage to the Gulf ecosystem, and the waste of hundreds of thousands of gallons of oil a day, wisdom would remove confidences from using technology in the same way again.

Iron Man 2, though, is just a movie. Such lines about technology are part of the entertainment in the plot, like the dancers on the stage in the Stark Expo. Iron Man's technology does save the movie from being dull and boring. The effects are interesting and catchy. You secretly wish you could have an Iron Man suit, even if you know it isn't real. My only criticism of the movie is that I wish they would have developed the romance with Pepper a bit more than they did (that would have given a nice balance to the action). I can say that it was much "cleaner" than the hundreds of innuendos and inappropriate scenes/remarks in the Transformers movie. The discretion was appreciated and not distracting.

None of My Business

2010-05-03T09:31:00.003-04:00

I don't generally like to comment too much on other faith tradition's internal ethics, but since it again seems to be getting a lot of attention and discussion in the media, I 'll throw my two cents in. I hope that it will be worth a few more pennies. There are a number of smaller issues connecting around the Roman Catholic Scandals. A few of them go back long before my time to pre-reformation times (which were appropriately addressed by Martin Luther).
The power and primacy of the Pope-- reports that I have been reading are citing Pope Benedict XVI, as being involved in the cover-up and corruption relating to the priests accused of sexual abuse. Luther rightly felt that it was unnecessary for any one person to have too much power, because we are all sinful and all fall short of the glory of God. Even if you change your name, you are still the same human being in need of God's grace. The order of popes is not a sacramental condition that transforms the person into a super-Christian. The more we try to act perfect, the more we show that we are in need of a savior. The number of times the pope has had to issue apologies or corrections since the start of his service should serve as a fitting example of this. We are all saints and sinners. We are better served by having a council or board of leaders, as in the Conference of Bishops in the ELCA that serve as a pastoral leadership to the whole (Which, I think, should be given more clout and power in the ELCA. A simply advisory panel is not strong enough, then their pastoral concerns for the good of the whole can be ignored too easily). Every board needs a head to be a moderator, facilitator and director, but the only supreme leader that we should have is Christ. A stand in or vicar for Christ can not be found among us.
The celibacy of priests-- this is a tradition that finds little support in Scripture and is a burden too great for most to bear. Paul's words have been twisted to mean that being single and celibate is demanded of leaders in the church. Celibacy should be a gift that is brought into the Call, just as a marriage is a gift that is brought into the Call. For me, marriage has been a source of strength, comfort and joy to the degree that I cannot imagine pastoring without it. Yes, the work demands of ministering require a balance if you are married, but I have also know single colleagues that complain that without a family all their time is assumed to belong to the parish. A balance is required in all vocations regardless of relationship status. The real issue at hand is whether sexuality is "bad" and "unholy." Surely, if God thought that sex was wholly unholy, we would procreate by another "cleaner" means. Not that boundaries are not appropriate and needed. Don't misunderstand me. Great levels of intimacy require greater levels of trust and security that can only fully be shown in the commitment of marriage. A good marriage means that both the man and the woman are working faithfully to live in a harmony that God catalyzes. Unfortunately, the reality of the celibacy laws means that there are many that are hiding or are forced to hide under a shadow of secrecy about who they really are underneath the collar. By this I mean that there are homosexuals who are unable to deal with a disparity from the majority. There are also those who are driven quite strongly as heterosexuals which are forced to contain their urges. Over time, these repressions can find fissures the the hiding wall. They usually connect with the weak as their victims. This is certainly not okay and must, by the church as a whole, be avoided at all costs. Paul's words clearly speak to this guarding purpose of marriage--that those who are so driven would find in marriage a great shield from temptation.

Beautiful Girl

2010-04-27T12:02:00.000-04:00

I was listening this morning to a local radio station. They were having a "battle of the sexes" call-in theme. Today guys were supposed to call in and give free advice to women-- what they really need to know. Yesterday, apparently, it was the gals turn. A recap of the call highlights got me up to date. One of the messages from the ladies struck me. Her advice was to never talk about the girl's weight in anyway. This seems pretty reasonable since women don't really need any more pressure. The female radio host agreed that it was rude and hurtful to say anything about their weight. The story of the one caller was that she was weighing herself and told her man to go away. He peeked at the results after she had gotten off the digital scale and said that 122 wasn't too bad at all (or something like that). He didn't say she needed to lose any weight, so that was good, but she didn't like that he said anything, so she kicked him in the shin.
Now, I don't know how tall she is, and it really doesn't matter. The real problem is that women don't hear enough affirmation. They don't love their bodies and they don't think that they are beautiful.
--Men are responsible for loving the women in their lives and respecting their body image.
--Women need to ignore the unrealistic size 0 as a goal for being called beautiful.
--We are all responsible for recognizing that God considers all of Creation good. We all need to raise up our girls to eat healthy, to encourage exercise, and to not expect all females to fit in the same thin picture frame.

2010-03-18T13:58:00.000-04:00

The Sign of Jonah Study Session 5 – About Face

Jonah 3:5-10

⁵And the people of Nineveh believed God; they proclaimed a fast, and everyone, great and small, put on sackcloth.

⁶When the news reached the king of Nineveh, he rose from his throne, removed his robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.⁷Then he had a proclamation made in Nineveh: ‘By the decree of the king and his nobles: No human being or animal, no herd or flock, shall taste anything. They shall not feed, nor shall they drink water. ⁸Human beings and animals shall be covered with sackcloth, and they shall cry mightily to God. All shall turn from their evil ways and from the violence that is in their hands. ⁹Who knows? God may relent and change his mind; he may turn from his fierce anger, so that we do not perish.’

¹⁰ When God saw what they did, how they turned from their evil ways, God changed his mind about the calamity that he had said he would bring upon them; and he did not do it.

Study Notes:

3.5 What was predicted was wrong—“the people of Nineveh believed God…” Ninevites were worse than Samaritans, they can’t be good, or can they?! This is about face of the Good News—the enemy can be loved, they are people, too! It turns out that God actually made them, too. Time and time again, people throughout history have found this truth that God keeps telling us. When our children sneak across the fighting line and fall in love with a person of another race, color, or even creed. The story of Jonah is very appropriate for this global and diverse world.

3.5 “proclaimed a fast” – communal faith and fasting sounds very foreign to us. Is this part of the exaggerated “fish tale” of Jonah. Perhaps fasting was a lot easier when you didn’t have grocery stores and pantries.

3.5 One size fits all is apparently true for sackcloth! Picturing a baby in a sackcloth of repentance seems ridiculous and cruel! Those things are itchy! Imagine—a rough cloth that could be made of camel's hair, goat hair, hemp, cotton, or flax. Burlap is the modern equivalent! It is a wonder that they ever went out of style! They were supposed to be rough and itchy, that was an outward sign that you were itchy on the inside and trying to change. The clothes of absolution or forgiveness are much more comfortable.

3.6 The king in sackcloth and ashes? – This denotes the seriousness and the depth of the conversion. As we all know, leaders don’t always believe that they are in the same “class” as the commoners. Typically, a king would not make such a fashion statement without having personally committed a heinous offense or crime. Such dress would be a signal of a loss of power. It would also have been a sign of humility toward a foreign God and thereby acknowledgement of the weakness of the native gods. This humility is part of the reason why this story is so attractive to Jews and Christians alike. The foreigners “see the light.” Yet, it is also comical because everyone is more faithful than the prophet.

3.7 No one or no beast eats or drinks?! Wow- now that is a communal fast! Interestingly, there is no indication of how long it lasts.

3.8 Even the animals covered in sackcloth, now that is starting to get funny. Picturing a cow (or pick an animal) in a sackcloth is just plain funny. Crying out mightily to God, however is quite serious (unless you imagine the animals talking). “Turning from the evil ways and violence in their hands” –this was the final necessary step for God to see the genuineness of their repentance.

3.9 “Who knows?” – I wish that faithful people would talk more like this. So often we think that if we do this or that, then surely God will relent or heal or give. Honestly, we don’t know what God will do or not do.

3.10 “God changed his mind…” -- God allows for free will to have space and time to work for the good. When it does, then God supports the good and loving acts and choices. Some might believe that God is unchangeable and always the same, predictably far away in some puffy clouds with a long white beard. This is a narrow and unbiblical view of God. God, like a loving parent, wants to be shown good and faithful behaviors so that God can change the punishment accordingly. God is dynamic and alive. God is love and God is action. God creates and calls. God makes us holy and makes us into who we should be.

2010-03-11T11:39:00.002-05:00

The Sign of Jonah Study Session 4 – God of Second Chances

Jonah 3:1-4

The word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time, saying, ‘Get up, go to Nineveh, that great city, and proclaim to it the message that I tell you.’ So Jonah set out and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk across. Jonah began to go into the city, going a day’s walk. And he cried out, ‘Forty days more, and Nineveh shall be overthrown!’

Study Notes:

3.1 “The word of the LORD came to Jonah…” - a very similar description of the call to service, without mention of how the revelation comes to him. Everything has a flavor of the “second time around.” The word, the place, the message all sound similar. What does it mean to actually see and read God interacting with a stubborn prophet a second time very much like the first? Notice, there is no chiding, no correcting, and no punishment. God simply reiterates the initial command. How do you deal with the mistakes and stubbornness of others? What is your “second” response to resistance?

3.2 “Get up” – Jonah was lying or sitting. He was adjusting to the full light of day, wiping the whale vomit off his cheek. We can guess he was stuck there on the beach. He was just soothing his bruised ego and examining his physical bruises in the light of day. A second chance is offered, but there are no more delays allowed. God will not put up with any more procrastination or poor excuses.

“proclaim to it…” - Jonah will be spoon fed the message. This, however, is common among prophets and their message. Only the best and most faithful of prophets are allowed to creatively embellish and add to the proclamation based upon what they are seeing at the moment. Speaking for God is a dangerous and touchy thing. God wants his Name to be taken seriously and God does not tolerate imposters.

3.3 “So, Jonah set out and went to Nineveh…” - [insert laughter] As if Jonah had any other real option now! Once you have been spewed by a great fish, you tend to be quite obedient. Imagining Jonah with his head and shoulders sunk a bit in a humble shuffle towards Nineveh is probably on target.

“an exceedingly large city, a three days’ walk” - Archaeology digs reveal that at its peak size, the walls of Nineveh were 7 ¾ miles in circumference. So, the “three days’ walk” must refer to the whole district of which Nineveh was the capital. This included four cities with a total circumference of about 60 miles. Another way to count the “three days’ walk” would be to include all the marketplaces, gates, and neighborhoods that he would have to visit with his message (which would also account for the response-- next week). Three is, by the way, a holy number.

3.4 “Forty days more and Nineveh shall be overthrown!” -- the entire prophetic sermon?! Did Jonah say more? Did God trust him with a longer message? Or, was this the gist of a heavily repeated message given in “town crier” format throughout the city? What would you do if the pastor walked around town repeating the same sentence over and over again? How much can you distill a message until it is just air with some consonants breaking it up? Is less, more? How long of a message does God need to get the job done?

2010-03-04T14:09:00.002-05:00

The Sign of Jonah Study Session 3 – Prayers and Whale chow

Jonah 1:17- 2:10

But the Lord provided a large fish to swallow up Jonah; and Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights.

Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the belly of the fish, saying,
‘I called to the Lord out of my distress,
   and he answered me;
out of the belly of Sheol I cried,
   and you heard my voice.
You cast me into the deep,
   into the heart of the seas,
   and the flood surrounded me;
all your waves and your billows
   passed over me.
Then I said, “I am driven away
   from your sight;
how shall I look again
   upon your holy temple?”
The waters closed in over me;
   the deep surrounded me;
weeds were wrapped around my head
   at the roots of the mountains.
I went down to the land
   whose bars closed upon me forever;
yet you brought up my life from the Pit,
   O Lord my God.
As my life was ebbing away,
   I remembered the Lord;
and my prayer came to you,
   into your holy temple.
Those who worship vain idols
   forsake their true loyalty.
But I with the voice of thanksgiving
   will sacrifice to you;
what I have vowed I will pay.
   Deliverance belongs to the Lord!’
Then the Lord spoke to the fish, and it spewed Jonah out upon the dry land.

Study Notes:

1.17 God provided – it is important to note that the fish saves Jonah from certain death. How long can you tread water in open ocean? if you are thrown overboard, could you even hold your breath and swim hard enough to make it back up to the surface?

1.17 “large fish” – this is a literal interpretation. The Mediterranean peoples did not have a word for a whale. Sea monster—yes, whale—no. In this case it is just “fish” which would include all modern designations of an animal. The notion of a whale comes about by describing something that could actually swallow an adult human. There was actually a recorded event of a sperm whale swallowing a man and him surviving for a few days. Scholars note that literally, he could have been in the whale’s large mouth cavity—the original language (Heb.) is not that specific to body parts.

1.17 “swallow up” – just imagining the sights, smells, and sensations of being eaten or digested is horrifying. We are typically on the top of the food chain. Loop holes in the typical order like alligators, boa constrictors or orcas that eat or attack a human are made into scary movies and media frenzies. Then we make them into shoes or put them into a thicker tank and relish our power. Also note the Christian connection to death being swallowed up forever. It is interesting how God can use something that we do with ham sandwiches on a boring Tuesday and turn it into a great salvation, a rich theology, and a deeper understanding of his love.

1.17 “Three Days” -- resurrection connection is obvious to devout Christians. Though, the three nights doesn’t fit perfectly. The “as good as dead” phrase that the sailors and any other witnesses would have thought, however, fits perfectly. Mary, the disciples, and all the onlookers clearly thought that Jesus was dead. You don’t go from whale chow for three days to walking and talking on the beach. You don’t go from bird food on the cross to eating fish with your buddies on the beach three days later.

2.1 “prayed from the belly” – not too much else to do, but he is alive and desperate. Will Jonah finally change his attitude? Will the literal depths of despair be enough to change his judgmental mind?

2.2 – 2.9 his prayer is an original compilation of psalms: 18,66,16, 30, 22, 42, and phrases of a dozen others!

Jonah was not an uneducated prophet. He KNEW better.

Have you ever prayed in a time of distress? What do those kinds of prayers sound like?

2.2 “Sheol” – the dark underground world of the dead, a shadowy place of isolation, but not what Christians would typically consider hell.

2.4 & 2.7 “temple” -- what do you do when you are far from the place of worship? Jonah at least knows that God will hear him.

2.6 “the Pit” -- this is another word similar to Sheol in meaning – deep dark depths of the earth, but with lest poetry and prophetic undertones. There is no scrap of theological connections with such a space. It is the whole big enough for the dead. This is a very Jewish understanding of death.

2.10 “spoke to the fish” -- there is no question of whether Jonah tasted good or not. This is God’s action.

2.11 “spewed” –a lot of force is at play here and a disgusting [but very normal] process is used to jettison Jonah out onto safety.

2.11 “dry land” – what other Biblical story relates to going through a watery dangerous place to comfortable dry land? Yes, dry land is very important to God’s chosen people. If you are a land-lubber, is there anything more comforting than being back on solid ground after a frightful trip? Don’t we all relish the feeling of stepping off of a plane or boat onto ground that doesn’t move and breathing “regular” air?

2010-03-04T14:08:00.002-05:00

The Sign of Jonah: Saved in the Storm Session 2

Jonah 1:4-16

⁴But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a mighty storm came upon the sea that the ship threatened to break up. ⁵Then the mariners were afraid, and each cried to his god. They threw the cargo that was in the ship into the sea, to lighten it for them. Jonah, meanwhile, had gone down into the hold of the ship and had lain down, and was fast asleep. ⁶The captain came and said to him, “What are you doing sound asleep? Get up, call on your god! Perhaps the god will spare us a thought so that we do not perish.” ⁷The sailors said to one another, “Come, let us cast lots, so that we may know on whose account this calamity has come upon us.” So they cast lots, and the lot fell on Jonah. ⁸Then they said to him, “Tell us why this calamity has come upon us. What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” ⁹“I am a Hebrew,” he replied. “I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” ¹⁰Then the men were even more afraid, and said to him, “What is this that you have done!” For the men knew that he was fleeing from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them so.

¹¹Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may quiet down for us?” For the sea was growing more and more tempestuous. ¹²He said to them, “Pick me up and throw me into the sea; then the sea will quiet down for you; for I know it is because of me that this great storm has come upon you.” ¹³Nevertheless the men rowed hard to bring the ship back to land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more stormy against them. ¹⁴Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, O Lord, we pray, do not let us perish on account of this man’s life. Do not make us guilty of innocent blood; for you, O Lord, have done as it pleased you.” ¹⁵So they picked Jonah up and threw him into the sea; and the sea ceased from its raging. ¹⁶Then the men feared the Lord even more, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows.

1.4 Wind – a common usage of God: Creation, speaking to prophets, Judgement, Pentecost

1.5 dumping cargo—shows desperation and self-preservation from certain death (lit. last ditch attempt)

sound asleep—snoring Jonah. Can only a guilty man sleep? [Jesus connection – asleep in another boat]

1.6 Call on your god – Jonah doesn’t admit to the problem yet! – Prayer is often used as what comes after last ditch attempt fails

1.7 Casting lots—probably a special dice, however on a pitching ship—draw straws (?) There are no historical records of what exactly this looked like, but often bones or stones thrown down to fall on a lot or designated lots.

1.8 Apparently he didn’t put much on the guest register or talk to anyone!

1.9 A faithful confession of his stupidity

1.10 Spill it all now! – What exactly did you do? What would be so bad to cause all this?!

1.11 God is forcing an action, God is forcing a new obedience. We don’t wish for a storm, but we do wish for God to make God’s will more obvious.

1.12 The only exit is overboard! Self-sacrifice will appease both Jonah and the sailor’s notion of a god. Will God accept Jonah’s death? If he dies, who will go to the Ninevites?

1.13 Strangely, the sailors don’t want to sacrifice Jonah, a stranger among them. They show him more love and concern than he does for them.

1.14 A fitting and right prayer! We don’t expect outward appearances of “scurvy dogs” to emit such appropriate prayers.

1.15 The actual last ditch attempt with a subsequent conversion. God uses the worst of situations to bring about conversion!

1.16 Sacrifice – what was left on the ship? Vows – to serve the Lord.

Jonah Bible Study Notes

2010-02-18T13:58:00.000-05:00

Notes from

The Sign of Jonah: The Call of Jonah

Jonah is listed as a book of the prophets, but it does not consist of prophetic speeches like the others. Jonah is more about Jonah and his journey away from and back to God. Jonah reads like a satire and a sacred story that we will not outgrow. There is a lot of richness and bite in such a short story.

Jonah 1:1-3

1Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai, saying, ²“Go at once to Nineveh, that great city, and cry out against it; for their wickedness has come up before me.” ³But Jonah set out to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord. He went down to Joppa and found a ship going to Tarshish; so he paid his fare and went on board, to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of the Lord.

1.1 “The word of the Lord” – a prophetic vision or a dream, THE still small voice

How do you hear God?

“Jonah” – means dove, a flighty brainless bird that avoids confrontation and then moans and laments when in distress.

What do run away from?

“Amittai” – means “faithful,” or “truth.” So Jonah was the child of truth.

1.2 Nineveh – see maps- a city on the Tigris river, was the capital of Assyria. Is now a ruin near modern day Mosul, Iraq.

A “great city”—was this before its overthrow and destruction? (dating the time of Jonah – 763-756 was a low point with a jittery people). Later, the narrator says Nineveh WAS a great city (Jonah was probably written after the exile of Israel in 722 B.C.). At the height of its power, it was one of the greatest cities of the world.

The Ninevites were nasty! Assyrians did have a bad reputation and murderous practices to back it up. They were also NOT Israelites.

1.3 Tarshish –see maps – a port on the edge of the known world at that time. It could have been Tartessus (Spain), on the Island of Sardinia, near Carthage (Spain), Tarsus in Anatolia (modern Turkey). It could also have just meant “open sea.”

Any way you slice it, Tarshish was the opposite direction! When have you been going the opposite from where God wanted you to go?

1.3 Joppa – is a very important port city for the Mediterranean Coast. Jonah was headed to a refuge of commerce and trade to the open sea. Hiding among crowds or out in relative solitude to quiet the voice of God is never going to work.

“He paid his fare…” – we learn that he was not poor, perhaps that was the problem. How much would you pay to escape your problems or shy away from the service that God calls you to?

A New Pad Link added

2010-02-03T14:09:00.000-05:00

Check out this site: The Painted Prayerbook

I really like the reflection posted for January 31 which connects this coming Sunday to the Feast Day for St.Brigid. I also like the use of art and Word with reflections.

How are you open to cast out in the opposite direction from the way you have been going?

Hait Relief Effort

2010-01-28T11:32:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest blog which gives us a little peak into the relief efforts of Lutheran Disaster Response without being in the way.
http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/

Thank you to those of you that have shared your prayers and your monetary support of the relief. You continue to be a source of hope and help for very troubled people.

2010-01-20T11:23:00.002-05:00

https://community.elca.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=538

Haiti

2010-01-19T14:48:00.001-05:00

Please continue to pray with me for the Haitian people.

Please also conitnue to support the Lutheran Disaster Response (consistently one of the most faithful and efficient of all relief agencies).

Thanks be to God for all those who are serving there already and helping to rescue and provide care!

Our prayers of consolation go out to those families who lost loved ones in the earthquake.

PEACE

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

2010-01-19T14:42:00.001-05:00

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

The New Berlin Food Pantry currently needs:
Canned Meats
Soups
Canned Fruit
Dry Pasta
Mac and Cheese box
Hamburger Helper type boxes
Instant potatoes
Dry milk
Rice
Packaged Deserts
Any hygeine items

All donations can be dropped off under the porch at the church (please call ahead so that we can be sure it is put away quickly - 966-2815)
Monetary donations can be sent to Church address - PO Box 246 New Berlin
Check should be made out to MELC Pastor's Discretionary Fund

Thanks!

Symbols of the Season (part I)

2009-12-16T14:42:00.000-05:00

As I look around in the malls and in my house it is interesting to look at the different symbols of the season.

Some point to winter. Some wish blessings and others a "Merry Christmas." Some showcase the Incarnation of the Trinity.

Symbols stand in the place of something else that is larger or can't be shown in such a snapshot. Symbols point to a reality that we can no longer or not yet see. So, when you look at symbols, they are the most useful when they are accurate.

If you are to look at a Nativity scene, what should you see? Let me focus only on how the people are portrayed. The Holy Family should, in dress or adornment, stand apart yet also look rather ordinary. They were after all quite ordinary in appearances. The use of a halo is often used to illustrate who is divine, or sacred in such portrayals. The halo, however was not originally Christian and is often used on angels without being added to the Holy Family (the halo was pagan-- a disk of light or a crown of feathers to symbolize connection to the sun-god; or just simply a disk to protect a statue from bird doo-doo). If it is used, I think one of the best usages is the cruciform halo for the Christ Child. A cruciform halo looks like a regular halo, but with three arms of the cross visible behind His head (the fourth is behind His neck). A cruciform halo, especially in a nativity scene helps us to see that the Incarnation is but the beginning of the wonders, miracles, and good news. It helps to show the purpose of this birth that we so repeatedly celebrate with drinking and revelry. In this way, it sobers us to the truth and glory of it all. The glory of the birth is not crowned with gold, frankincense and myrrh, but with a death that cannot hold this grown-up God-Man.

2009-12-15T14:07:00.000-05:00

My apologies for not posting in so long. The lily pad with the laptop drifted away from me.

Veteran's Day and the tragedy at Fort Hood compelled me to swim over to the keyboard, then it fell in before I could complete this post!

Anyway, I saw a feature story on a news program about a father that refused to have his son (killed in combat) memorialized in his town without the plaque reading "murdered by muslim terrorists." The small town council felt that such a reading was too harsh for the small number of muslim families living within their borders. The father felt that it was a corrective necessary to reduce some of the political correctness that he felt was softening the memories of September 11, 2001 and subsequent war deaths.

A similar contention is being raised about the officer that killed and injured many. It is now clear that he had militant fundamentalist Islam ties. Without questioning who is to blame for letting him remain at his post, isn't it time that we as Americans embrace the middle (I am not just saying it because I am there). The middle of Islam (I am told) appreciates us as Christians. The middle of the debate is often where the truth exists. The middle of our relationships is where we should focus our time. The middle of the sandwich is the best part...

2009-05-28T10:02:00.006-04:00

I have been asked from time to time about which Bible version is the best, so here is my Platinum Bible Buying Guide (concise edition):

Intro:

First you must understand that any English Bible is a TRANSLATION of a Hebrew/Aramaic Old Testament and a Greek New Testament.

Actually, in the translation process, even more languages are consulted to be sure that the English is faithful to the text. This is especially true in sections that were damaged or lost.

Bible means "library" or collection of books. So, the Holy Bible is the Holy Library. This also means that each book, and even parts of books in some cases are translated from different original sources.

If you have had any traveling experiences outside of the town you are in right now, I am sure you are aware that to understand or describe something in another language is a challenge. If you have to use the restroom it becomes even more urgent that you say it precisely. Even more so, when translating words that point to the Almighty or are from the Almighty, you have to get it right.

Often where translations differ is the way complex meanings or awkward wordings are handled.

In a black and white world of words, there are two options: translate for the clearest meaning for a modern American, or translate for the truest rendering of word for word. In the real world, this expands into a spectrum from paraphrase to literal.

Of course, then there is the balance in translating for less, "What did she say?!"

In the ancient languages used in the original texts of the Bible, word order and phrasing was not usually what you now see in an English translation. So, READABILITY becomes a big issue for most people.

You want a Bible that is a faithful translation, but you want to be able to read it and understand it.

I often will flip to a few favorite texts to see how they read (it does help if you know at least a few by heart). If you are completely new to the faith, turn to Psalm 23 or Genesis 1.

How are you going to USE it?

This is the next big question!

If you are going to use it for intense study- go for a more literal or word for word version.

If you are going to use it for devotional or small group reading-- go for a more thought for thought version.

BIASES - yes. I know, it is hard to believe, but check the publisher information and introductory

pages of the Bible to see who put together the translation. There are denominational biases and some of them are not true to the most ancient and most reliable original texts. If you belong to a denominational church, they will likely have a translation that they recommend or typically use.

MY RECOMMENDATIONS:

For Worship: NRSV

For Intense study: 1st - Interlinear

2nd - ESV

For Devotional/ shake things up:

1st - CEV

2nd - Message (sparingly)

THEN pick color, size, binding type, cover type, etc.

2009-05-01T09:54:00.004-04:00

I heard on the news this morning that the CDC determined that the H1N1 ("swine flu") is missing a key protein in its genetic material. The good news is that it might therefore mean that it has a weakness in its ability to replicate. It is too early to say exactly, but could it mean that all the hype and panic will die down.

I pray that the researchers will continue to zero in on the most effective methods to fight against this virus.

In a connecting thread-- last night as I was waiting to bring my daughter home from an excellent dance studio, I was listening to one mom talk to another about the negatives of vaccinations. She was specifically talking about the chicken pox vaccine with a lot of suspicion. Granted, this vaccine is "optional" in my book and not all pediatricians are now saying it is a definite need. In many cases it seems that getting the actual pox is the best course. This is particularly true, in my opinion, because the pox very rarely leads directly to death. Okay, I was with her on this point (although the argument for time out of school and such is not without its own strengths). Then she began to say that vaccinations are the cause of autism. This is where I disagree. I am not a doctor, but my brother-in-law is. Not just according to him and all of his research, but according to the overwhelming majority--there is no basis for this fear.

I wonder if she would use a H1N1 vaccine if it were available.

This is the human factor of pandemics. Many could get confused and wait too long to acquire the very thing that can pull them out of panic. Many others could not have the affluence to purchase it before the supply runs out.

Our responsibility is to communicate and educate others on the proper and ethical uses of precautions. Our task as Christians is to ensure that our neighbors are able to receive the necessary medicines to prevent the spread of any life-threatening diseases.

In contrast, more people die every day from a lack of clean water than from viruses/diseases. What does that say in the midst of our fears and anxieties?

2009-04-16T11:32:00.008-04:00

Lawlessness and Pirates

Does it take the capture of an American crew and the dramatic story of the captain turning himself over for the sake of the crew to gain the public's attention to the growing piracy problem?

It seems so.

This has been occurring off the coast of Africa for quite some time now.

The International Maritime Bureau reports attacks dating back into the mid '90's.

The conditions now have been really ripe, though. A number of factors have increased the prevalence of piracy: (1)Following the end of the Cold War, major world powers allowed their fleets to reduce in size (2) increase in international trade encouraging larger ships with smaller crews (3) increase in number of cargo ships leads to slower speeds through straits and channels (4) lawlessness.

Lawlessness is not unknown to parts of Africa. Piracy is not new to such parts of Africa. History tells us again and again that if we do not learn from its stories, we are likely to repeat it.

To learn from piracy is to learn what happens when we take what is not ours and when we let others take what is not theirs because it is not ours.

The English "pirate" is derived from the Latin term pirata and that from Greek πειρατής (peirates) "brigand," --ultimately from πεῖρα (peira) "attempt, experience." The meaning implies "to find luck on the sea." The word is also related to peril.

Why would you try to chase down a several million dollar oil tanker with your uncle's speedboat and some smuggled assault weapons? I am not them, but judging by where they live and what I know of the region, they are most likely hungry mixed with angry and some vengeance upon rich people as icing on top.

Taking the most recent story from April 8th, 2009 and the following days, the Pirates captured a humanitarian aid vessel. They didn't know what it was carrying, they just saw the fat cat's flag and figured that they could get a pretty ransom. Ironically, the autonomous region of Puntland in Somalia that they came from is one of the areas of the world that desperately needs aid. The news stories gave a lot of attention to the safety of the American Captain, but how much have you heard about the liberated cargo that will now be able to reach its destination of hungry mouths and needy families?

Here is the ugly part, we can't just send in a couple dozen more Navy Seals to bust up the pirates' strongholds. The government in Somalia is already hanging by a thread and the fragile balance in nearby Somaliland is likely to be affected by any action against Puntland.

Restoration of peace on the seas and Africa will occur only once we understand that the stealing on the seas is not romantic and is occurring out of desperation and the large cashes that are feeding the greed for more. Political and military actions must take place to curb as much as possible to protect the innocent (those at sea and those on land who might be mistaken to think piracy is a solution). At the same time, the international community must also continue to attempt to feed the starving and give assistance as it can do so safely.

As a Christian, I find that part of the problem that is significant and not talked about is the religious aspect of piracy. That is, militant fundamentalist Islam easily gives way to this type of action. Here again, the Muslim Corsairs (pirates) tell us that history confirms a basic ethic that allows for the killing of infidels to the reward of virgins in "heaven" is too tempting for desperate young men to not explore.

The Way of Christ will always be the way of reconciling peace for the world. We must continue to speak out for justice for those who are hungry, forgiveness for those who steal, and justice for those who do violence to the innocent.

We should not rally the cry to "storm those caves and smoke out those *@^#-- hang them by their toenails." We have already tried this tactic with pirates in years past. Rather, we must pray for our enemies in love and truly seek to make things right and safe for everyone.

One final reflection, the captain did his job in a Christian ethic. Good men and women must stand up in the face of evils for the sake of those around them.

2009-03-03T13:30:00.007-05:00

God's Peace to all Christian book lovers out there.

We will be starting our book study next monday on C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters (7 pm at the parsonage)!

I wanted to post a link to the text for those of you that have ordered the text and it hasn't arrived, or went to the library and it had already been checked out!

http://members.fortunecity.com/phantom1/books2/c._s._lewis_-_the_screwtape_letters.htm

We will cover the introduction to the work, overview, and hopefully the first two or three letters in the first session.

I think that you will find that it is a Christian classic for many good reasons (or bad reasons if you are Wormwood)!

PEACE

2009-02-09T09:52:00.005-05:00

"God only knows!" - a faithful phrase in all uncertain circumstances.

There is a lot of doubt and uncertainty for many people these days. How many people are currently without a job? (in this country) How many more do not know what they will do when the unemployment checks stop? Where will the money come from to pay for the bills? Where will the money come from to buy food?

What do you do when the storm rages around you?

Turn to the only one that knows. God is all knowing and can see far beyond our temporary problems and crises.

I offer for you the lyrics from There's Only One (Holy One) by Caedmon's Call

Left his seamless robe behind
Woke up in a stable crying
Lived and died and rose again
Savior for a guilty land
It's a story like a children's tune
And it's grown familiar as the moon
So now I ride my camel high
And I'm aiming for the needle's eye
I chased the wind, but I chased in vain
I chased the earth, but it would not sustain

[refrain:]
There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gales
And ties the trees down tight
When all around my soul gives way
He is all my hope and stay
There's only one, only one Holy One

Lord, You are my Prince of Peace
But this war brings me to my knees
See there's a table You've prepared
And all my enemies are there
But where my Shepherd leads
Where else can I go
Who else fills my cup till it overflows

[refrain]

There's only one who never fails
To beckon the morning light
There's only one who sets loose the gales
And ties the trees down tight
To the Solid Rock I fly
Though He bids me come and die

[refrain]

There is only one, only one Holy One that knows

2009-02-05T12:34:00.005-05:00

Today it is cold enough to freeze just about any lily pad. The breeze feels cold, but the sun feels warm. Ahhhh. Spring is coming. So is Lent. Did you know that is what Lent literally means--spring, as in an awakening or opening to new developments and maturities. That is spiritually what Lent is supposes to be. If you are thinking of Lent just as a time without fun stuff, you are missing the point. It is a time to reduce our infatuation with things--all that is glitzy and fattening. It is also not a time to become a better person. We can't do that. Only the Holy Spirit can sanctify us--make us into something holy. It is a time to recognize our sinfulness and our need for a savior. It is a time to return to God in heart and devotion, with both seriousness and intensity.

2009-01-29T19:57:00.000-05:00

Well, it has been too long since my last post. I have been very busy lately. I am sure that all three of you (thanks Ryan) that read my blog will accept my lame excuse of being busy.

Anyway, we have started to meet for the book study on "The Shack." I am hoping to post the guide here or on the website for Messiah sometime soon.

I am looking forward to our Lenten worship services. I am working on developing contemplative candlelight services for those evenings this year. All of them will be at Messiah except for April 1st which will be with our brothers and sisters in Christ of the community in the Emmanuel UCC. The theme for that service is fools for Christ. Personally, I can't think of a better title for someone like me. You don't have to add any comments for this one.

I hope that all is well with you and that the winter doldrums haven't gotten you down.

2008-12-29T11:27:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!!

How are your days of celebrating going?

Remember there are twelve days of Christmas--make the most of them and make them focused on the Gift of the Son.

P.S. That means if you use a tree--it stays up until Epiphany

2008-12-22T11:18:00.000-05:00

Well, I heard our wise guys were "stolen." What a shame. I thought we were in a low crime area. You would think a bunch of 2D images of dead astrologers would be safe.

Of course, they really didn't show up in Bethlehem until Jesus was a good bit older. The holy family was in a house and the Lord is described as a child--not an infant. [This is more obvious in the Greek than in the English]. Jesus is no longer a baby. He is a toddler. This is technically Epiphany, not Christmas.

So why do the Wise men show up in so many nativity scenes?
Well, lets think about it... The Magi bring gifts. Stores like us to give gifts. We are impatient and don't want to wait until Epiphany to give gifts (or get them).

Anyway, if you find that your wise guys come late to the birthday party for Jesus, it's okay--that was the way it was.

2008-11-24T10:43:00.000-05:00

The King Shall Come! - one of my favorite hymns.

I really enjoy the depth of Advent hymns. For me this one really has it. I love the tune (Consolation, an arrangement of Kentucky Harmony) and have found myself singing it in many other seasons of the year.

The King shall come when morning dawns and light triumphant breaks, when beauty gilds the eastern hills and life to joy awakes.

Not as of old a little child, to bear and fight and die, but crowned with glory like the sun that lights the morning sky.

Oh, brighter than the rising morn when Christ, victorious, rose and left the lonesome place of death, despite the rage of foes.

Oh, brighter than that glorious morn shall dawn upon our race the day when Christ in splendor comes, and we shall see his face.

The King shall come when morning dawns and light and beauty brings. Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray: come quickly, King of kings.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship #260

tune in CyberHymnal http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/b/a/l/balladwm.htm

Amen! Come quickly, King of kings!

2008-11-12T19:11:00.000-05:00

Hey there.
I hope things are going well for you.

Is your Advent shopping done?

Okay, let me vent for a sec. here.
I am just as interested in getting ahead and organized as the next guy, but every year it irks me a bit when the Christmas Carols get pumped the day after Halloween (now number 2 in the calendar for making greenbacks). I love the joy of Christmas and the incredible image of God's power and majesty wrapped in rags in a trough out in the sticks. I just can't stand having the commercial aspect of giving jammed down my throat.

If you are going to get all your shopping done early so you can be in church, though, that is a good thing.

2008-10-31T09:46:00.000-04:00

Happy Reformation Day!

I am sure that your festivities are amazing today. Seriously, did you even notice, or did you call today Halloween. Which is more important dressing up like a frog, or proclaiming that Jesus has rescued you by his grace?

So, here are some ways that you can celebrate Reformation Day any day of the year:
1. When you make a mistake that could be considered a sin (a separation between God and neighbor) - say, "Well, Jesus surely died for me!"

2. When a friend or family member messes up, give them a hug and share with them the same news -- that they do not earn Jesus' love and salvation by being perfect.

3. When you notice something terribly corrupt, even from the most respected institution, nail your issues for debate to a prominent door where many will be coming and going. (If nails are no longer being used on doors in your area - I recommend a good tape that will come off without marring the paint).

Remember, good works don't save us, but they are our way of life as Christians!
PEACE!

2008-10-29T08:24:00.000-04:00

Good day to you and yours!

I wanted to share with you a website that can be particularly useful if you away from your devotional, but not your computer (or handheld). It is universalis.com - a site which automatically prepares readings and psalms for daily prayer and worship. The regular daily prayers in the Christian tradition are known as offices. While, I am sure that many of you are not able (or interested) in going through all offices each day, at least one a day is a wonderful spiritual and religious discipline. I typically do most of the offices each day, but I also often fill a few of the offices with more informal prayer and reflection. This is good too, but formal prayer has a diffferent quality and depth to it that is beyond our agenda and thoughts. Often, I have found that when I turn to formal devotionals and readings of the offices, they speak to me and answer from the depth of the Holy Word that I was waiting upon. When an inspired answer comes to you, this is always a good thing!

By the way, in case you are wondering what I typically do for daily prayer, I typically use a resource called For All the Saints, which follows the Lutheran two year daily lectionary from the LBW (Lutheran Book of Worship - the previous hymnal). It includes readings from Saints as a fourth reading for each day. An excellent resource. I have been using this for a number of years now and I must confess that looking forward to a new resource hopefully published by Augsburg that will use the new and more complete three year lectionary of the new hymnal.

Speaking of that lectionary, I need to prepare my reflections for the Buffalo Valley Conference Advent Devotional - which use the new daily lectionary (among other things!).

PEACE to you!

2008-10-22T10:18:00.000-04:00

Well, what do you think about the fall weather we have been having? I know of a few birds that are flying south for the winter.

Some of the leaves are still green, I wonder if we will ever get to the leaf raking service project.

This Sunday coming up is Reformation Sunday. Here at Messiah, we will be witnessing the confirmation of four youth! One of them is my son. I must admit, it is hard to believe that the time has come. They have all done so well, but there is still so much they will need to learn. I worry about if we will be able to bridge the gap with them. So many youth pull away from the faith community during the young adult time period. We need to do everything we can to help them see that this is place to work out your struggles, not to cramp your freedoms.

MMMM. The Gospel lesson for this Sunday says a bit about freedom and what is freedom. Take a look at John 8.

Well, gotta hop.

PEACE!

2008-10-07T11:52:00.000-04:00

Well, there was frost on my lily pad this morning. Mmmhuh.
The mornings are getting colder and the air a little crisper.

My wife and I saw the movie Fireproof over the weekend. It was almost as good as chocolate covered flies. Wow. Mmmhuh.

Bring your tissues.

Doin the Love Dare. Good stuff. Mmmmhuh.

Translated some Greek yesterday and this morning. Mmmmhuh.
Philippians 4 is gonna be the sermon text for this coming Sunday.
I am glad my name is not yokefellow. Some people think Paul was talking about a proper name there in verse 3. If not, I guess we are all yokefellows--we might be doin different things, but we are all workin in the same field of the Gospel.

PEACE

First Jumps

2008-09-19T09:16:00.001-04:00

Well, we are launching our website for Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church and I hope that this will be a place that you can come to share, discuss, and hop around matters that are central to us as a community of Faith