Peace Came

The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.  Psalm 29:11

He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5:4-5

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27

Every birth is a miracle, and every child is a gift from God. But nearly 20 centuries ago, there was the miracle of miracles. A baby was born, but he was the Son of God. The Gospels tell of this birth but Dr. Luke provides most of the details surrounding this awesome occasion. With divine Father and human mother, Jesus entered history - God in the flesh. The angel appeared to Mary. And Mary would conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear Jesus, the Son of God.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sigh to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."  Luke 2:8-14 

Peace - and we can have and accept this peace. It can be ours, and it is our choice. What a blessing for us. 

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the peace you brought to us. Let us accept it and live in your peace.  Amen

Marilyn (Jones) Albin (reprinted from 2016)

The Doxology

Praise the Lord! How good it is to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and song of praise is fitting. Psalm 147:1    

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples. For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods. Psalm 96: 1-4   

Recently I have been reminded several times in different ways about the importance of praising God at all times. This helps us to be closer to God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit. It gives purpose and joy to our lives.

The word doxology means a usually liturgical expression of praise to God. Some definitions say that it usually contains praise for the Trinity. The Doxology that we sing each Sunday in church meets this criteria. Bishop Thomas Ken was born in London in 1637. He was teaching in a boys' school and wrote 3 hymns to comfort the boys there including the Doxology. There were no English hymns prior to that time. Only the psalms from the Bible were sung as hymns in the Anglican Church of England. The psalms were the “pure” songs to be sung. The Doxology became very popular among the Christians, and in order to sing it during church, after the Lord's Prayer was spoken, the Doxology was sung—not as a hymn, but as a response to the prayer. Bishop Ken served in two of the King of England’s courts—but would not lower his morals to support the King's sexual affairs and other sinful practices. For this he was put in prison in the tower of London for many years. As you read through the Doxology, note what a wonderful way it is to praise God.

                Praise God from whom all blessings flow

                Praise him all creatures here below

                Praise him above thee heavenly hosts

                Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

There are many songs in our hymnals which praise God, but the Doxology in its simple way is easy to sing, not just in church, but anytime when God is to be praised.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for inspiring music and songs to be part of our praise for you. Help us to remember all your blessings, that you are our creator, that there is no one above you, and celebrate the Trinity—God is three in one.

Nancy Hall

A Thankful Heart

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7

This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24  

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:15-17

"Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name." 1 Chronicles 29:13  

… but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your hearts to the Lord; always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to our God and Father. Ephesians 5:18-20  

Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom He has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Psalm 107:1-3  

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that openly profess His name. Hebrews 13:15

Happy Thanksgiving

 

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion. Psalm 103:1-4

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7  

 

O Give Thanks

O Give Thanks unto the Lord: for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Keep Going

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1

Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually! 1 Chronicles 16:11

I recently read The Comfort Book by Matt Haig, a compilation of thoughts and essays. In his essay, “the thing my dad once said when we were lost in a forest”, Matt shares that they couldn’t find their way back to the village in which they were vacationing (in France), and finally, after a bit of panic, his father said “If we keep going in a straight line, we’ll get out of here”. Matt shares that, of course, his father was right. Matt remembers this strategy when he is lost, figuratively or metaphorically, that to keep going forward will help get you to a better place.

In chapter one of From Daughters to Disciples (our current Wednesday morning bible study), we read that Mary continues to follow God’s instructions as her life turns upside down when she becomes pregnant with Jesus. In the book, the author says: “She trusted God enough to say yes to the first step, even though she could not anticipate everything that would happen in the future. She could say yes to God while having fears and questions.” We might say Mary kept going.

When I remember the days prior to and following my mother’s funeral, I think of how my family, including my father, kept going. I think we all felt a sense of God’s presence, calming us and just being with us in our grief.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your presence in our lives. Thank you for helping us to understand that with your guidance we can keep going. With your sense of peace, we can persevere. Even when life is messy and hard, we can keep going with you at our side to a better place. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Thanksgiving - Then and Now

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise:  Be thankful unto him and bless his name. For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. Psalm 100: 4, 5

In the United States, in December of 1941, through a joint resolution adopted by the US Senate and House of Representatives and signed by President Roosevelt, the fourth Thursday of November was officially designated as the date for Thanksgiving Day. It started in our land as essentially a harvest festival and a day of thanksgiving. The early Christian settlers brought with them their Christian heritage of giving thanks for God’s blessings.

The book of Psalms contains the rich and varied responses of many souls in Israel to the divine calling. It is essentially a collection of prayers and praises. A Christian cannot escape the admonition to nurture a thankful heart. It is a part of our national history and Christian heritage.

In a personal devotion relating to Thanksgiving it should bring our focus not to what we failed to receive, but what we did “harvest.” Only you can count your blessings. Our culture is crowded with reminders of what we “need.”  Advertisements seek to create a “desire to own.” We are not immune to these enticements. The old hymn verse “Count your many blessings, name them one by one” may seem ancient, but is it?

Don’t expect someone else to prepare your Thanksgiving list. If we are to follow the custom of a harvest festival, we must be thankful for food that sustains us. Our land produces much grain as well as meat, poultry, and many vegetables and fruits. Many are the threats to this food supply – drought, flood, hurricanes, diseases of livestock and poultry, etc. Probably no place on earth can match our supermarket offerings. Yet even in Lincoln, it seems the food pantries are always in need.

Sometime during this Thanksgiving season, sit down and read “America the Beautiful.” Consider carefully each verse. Did you experience any of the things mentioned during the last year?

Prayer: Our Father, teach us to be thankful servants.  Guide our eyes and thoughts to the beautiful about us. Help us to recall the acts of kindness that came our way and to be thankful in our spirit.  Amen.

Harold Edwards (reprinted from the Eastridge Daily Devotion book, published in 2008)

A Time for Thanks

Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. I Thessalonians 5:18

Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty, and fills the hungry with good things. Psalms 107:8-9

Thanksgiving is a special holiday for me...both happy and sad! Throughout my childhood, my mom and dad invited anybody who was alone and had no place to go to come over for Thanksgiving. We had old friends, new friends, and during the war, Mom even invited some soldiers from Offutt Air Force Base to join us. My mom was a wonderful cook. One unusual specialty she made was cranberry ice, and her pies and candied sweet potatoes were great, too.

On Thanksgiving 1967, we headed to Omaha. I had a large amount of food for the dinner, and we were looking ahead to a great day. As we went up onto the front porch, I saw four track marks, as if something had been wheeled off the porch. As we entered the house, my uncle Clyde was standing in the dining room. He looked just like my dad, but he was my uncle. It was frightening.

It turns out that my dad had already died, and had been taken away. My mother had to deal with all of this, without my help, which was upsetting. But we picked ourselves up, fixed a nice turkey dinner, cleaned up the kitchen, and then went to the mortuary to plan my dad’s service.

We had the service that weekend. It was sad coming back to Lincoln, knowing he was gone, but it was comforting to know he hadn’t had to suffer a long time, and hopefully we would see him again.

Prayer: Dear Lord, Thank you for the life of a good man, Gerald Drew. He was a true Christian gentleman, and we were so thankful he had a long life. Thank you for the influence he had on his grandsons. They will always remember his humor, and the fun they had together. Amen

 Gerry Draney (reprinted from 2017) 

Christianity and Pumpkins

When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Fall is here and Thanksgiving is not far away.  With it comes a time to remember all the blessings we have received through the last year, and a chance to join with friends and family for eating, watching football, and shopping.

At this time of year, this story pops up in social media.  A coworker asked another, "What is it like to be a Christian?" The coworker replied, "It is like being a pumpkin. God picks you from the patch, brings you in, and washes all the dirt off of you. Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff. He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed. Then He carves you a new smiling face and puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see."

I like this analogy between Christians and pumpkins. God has chosen us, forgiven us, and taken away our sins. If we believe in him, we can be filled with his love, which puts a smile on our face and a light inside us.      

Prayer: Dear Lord, we thank you God for everything you have blessed us with, and especially for sending your son to be the light of our world. We are grateful that by knowing you, our insides can be scooped out and filled with your love. Amen.

Robin Hadfield (reprinted from 2019)

Saying Grace

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with Thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer. 1 Timothy 4:4-5

And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the Lord your God has blessed you. Deuteronomy 12:7

My daughter's in-laws include me in their family celebrations, and this year we had not one but two Thanksgiving feasts. It was delightful to share food with others, since most of my meals are spent with my cats by my side. My daughter's father-in-law always has a prayer at the ready, and I enjoyed two different graces from him this year.  It made our time together even more special.

When I was little, my family did not say grace except at holiday meals. I never understood grace, or many other prayers for that matter. We were taught to be grateful for our food, and for our mother's valiant efforts to make it something a child might actually want to eat. I figured we should be blessing her, as well as congratulating ourselves for taking the three required bites of each item. But I was careful to wait for grace to be said when I was visiting other people for meals, since I realized it had meaning for them. 

It is so easy to clink glasses with someone before drinking, especially when celebrating something. It should feel just that easy to thank the source of all our nourishment in body and spirit. I like to think of different ways of expressing gratitude now. I recently watched a cooking show where the chef demonstrated how to turn humble vegetables and grains into special dishes by cooking them thoughtfully. It made so much sense, because we often take for granted the foods most easily available to us regardless of season or finances. I like to think of being creative and resourceful with simple ingredients. Sometimes I will come home late from work, and all I really want is a hot potato to nibble on. It completely satisfies a need.

I am a vegetarian, and after I stopped eating meat a few years ago I realized  I had always wanted to be a vegetarian.  It is fun to explore new foods, but limiting the diet is also gratifying. My friend who is trying to cut out sugar has discovered she feels better and has more energy. I am trying to make some substitutions in that area, but I am not ready to give up all sugar.

We spent a fair amount of time in the car when my kids were growing up. Quite often we would end up having Car Picnics because we didn't have time to go home for meals.

I like to think that those meals brought a little of home to our car, and the conversation was more free because we weren't facing each other.

Wherever and whatever I eat, I now understand the reason for stopping to give thanks for everything that brings food to my body.  It is a way of beginning again. Our food is a gift, and the work that provides it is a gift. I love that there are many ways to be mindful of that gratefulness. 

We can ask that our food fuel us to do God's work; we can remember someone missing from us who used to pour that cup of tea for us; we can bless an old family recipe that reminds us of the people who used to share it with us; we can ask for others to enjoy the same privilege of being fed; we can ask for the food to nourish and heal us and others who aren't well; we can ask that the meal bring us together as family; and we can ask that the transforming power of Communion be present in our meal. 

This a grace from jesuitresource.org: May this food restore our strength, giving new energy to tired limbs, new thoughts to weary minds. May this drink restore our souls, giving new vision to dry spirits, new warmth to cold hearts. And once refreshed, may we give new pleasure to you, who gives us all. Amen.

Mollie Manner (reprinted from 2018)

Planet Perfection

I’m currently reading a novel by Richard Powers called Bewilderment. It’s about an astrophysicist who is struggling with his (possibly) autistic son following his wife’s death. One of the things they do together is “travel to” imaginary planets that the father has created with his scientific expertise. The author has created each planet as an allegory for what’s happening in the characters’ lives.

To me, what stands out is this: it’s incredibly difficult, if not impossible, for a planet to have everything going for it to support life. Many of the planets come close, but then meteors take out all life. Or the planet is freezing on one side, and burning up on the other. Or the length of a day is such that it physically cannot support life as we know it. While reading these descriptions in the book, the thought occurred to me that God has created an earth for us that is JUST RIGHT. We may not feel that way sometimes, but when we stop to appreciate how life on earth keeps going, albeit changing as it goes, we should feel a sense of awe.

Here is the passage from Genesis 1 in The Message, where God creates the earth. I like the phrase “And there it was” used after each day’s work, and “God saw that it was good” is almost unchanged in all biblical translations.

First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.

God spoke: “Light!”

    And light appeared.

God saw that light was good

    and separated light from dark.

God named the light Day,

    he named the dark Night.

It was evening, it was morning—

Day One.

God spoke: “Sky! In the middle of the waters;

    separate water from water!”

God made sky.

He separated the water under sky

    from the water above sky.

And there it was:

    he named sky the Heavens;

It was evening, it was morning—

Day Two.God spoke: “Separate!

    Water-beneath-Heaven, gather into one place;

Land, appear!”

    And there it was.

God named the land Earth.

    He named the pooled water Ocean.

God saw that it was good.

God spoke: “Earth, green up! Grow all varieties

    of seed-bearing plants,

Every sort of fruit-bearing tree.”

    And there it was.

Earth produced green seed-bearing plants,

    all varieties,

And fruit-bearing trees of all sorts.

    God saw that it was good.

It was evening, it was morning—

Day Three.

God spoke: “Lights! Come out!

    Shine in Heaven’s sky!

Separate Day from Night.

    Mark seasons and days and years,

Lights in Heaven’s sky to give light to Earth.”

    And there it was.

God made two big lights, the larger

    to take charge of Day,

The smaller to be in charge of Night;

    and he made the stars.

God placed them in the heavenly sky

    to light up Earth

And oversee Day and Night,

    to separate light and dark.

God saw that it was good.

It was evening, it was morning—

Day Four.

God spoke: “Swarm, Ocean, with fish and all sea life!

    Birds, fly through the sky over Earth!”

God created the huge whales,

    all the swarm of life in the waters,

And every kind and species of flying birds.

    God saw that it was good.

God blessed them: “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Ocean!

    Birds, reproduce on Earth!”

It was evening, it was morning—

Day Five.

God spoke: “Earth, generate life! Every sort and kind:

    cattle and reptiles and wild animals—all kinds.”

And there it was:

    wild animals of every kind,

Cattle of all kinds, every sort of reptile and bug.

    God saw that it was good.

God spoke: “Let us make human beings in our image, make them

    reflecting our nature

So they can be responsible for the fish in the sea,

    the birds in the air, the cattle,

And, yes, Earth itself,

    and every animal that moves on the face of Earth.”

God created human beings;

    he created them godlike,

Reflecting God’s nature.

    He created them male and female.

God blessed them:

    “Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge!

Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air,

    for every living thing that moves on the face of Earth.” 

Then God said, “I’ve given you

    every sort of seed-bearing plant on Earth

And every kind of fruit-bearing tree,

    given them to you for food.

To all animals and all birds,

    everything that moves and breathes,

I give whatever grows out of the ground for food.”

    And there it was.

God looked over everything he had made;

    it was so good, so very good!

It was evening, it was morning—

Day Six.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for this earth you have created. Help us look with new eyes and not take what you have designed for granted. Help us to care for this planet that we call home. Amen.

Donna Gustafson

Twelve Days of Christmas

The Twelve Days of Christmas was supposedly written in the 16^th Century with these secret meanings to teach children about the Bible. Some believe this is only a myth but given the secret meanings listed below, it certainly could be used to teach much to children and unbelievers about biblical laws, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, creation, the Bible, and our caring and loving Lord.

THE SONG

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me=My true love is symbolic of God the Father.

A partridge in a pear tree=Jesus Christ (The pear tree is symbolic of the cross).

Two turtle doves=The Old and New Testaments.

Three French hens=Faith, hope and love. (1 Co 13:13)

Four calling birds=The Gospels. (Mt, Mk, Lk and Jn)

Five golden rings=The first five books of the Bible. (Ge, Ex, Lev, Nu, Deut)

Six geese a laying=The days of creation. (Ge 1:1-31)

Seven swans a swimming=Gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Ro 12:6-8, 1 Co 12:7-11)

Eight maids a milking=The Beatitudes. (Mt 5:1-12)

Nine ladies dancing=The Fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22-23)

Ten lords a leaping=The Ten Commandments. (Ex 20:1-17)

Eleven pipers piping=The eleven faithful disciples. (Lk 6:14-16) Not including Judas, the betrayer.

Twelve drummers drumming=The beliefs listed in the Apostles Creed.

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for teachers and their songs which can teach us. Amen.

Sandra Hilsabeck

Entrust Loved Ones to God

The Lord replied: “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Exodus: 33:14

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!  Amen. Ephesians 3:20

Our son has been waiting on a new job opportunity for two months. Many hoops to go through and many delays. Added to this is his decision to give notice and quit his then-current job without having the new one in place. A life lesson for sure. During this time we have been praying for the right doors to open and his path to be made clear. This week my Jesus Calling devotion for the day focused on the above scriptures and the word were so timely.

“When you release loved ones to Me, you are free to cling to My hand. As you entrust others into My care, I am free to shower blessings on them. My presence will go with them wherever they go, and I will give them rest. This same Presence stays with you, as you relax and place your trust in Me. Watch and see what I will do.”

I should note this page was dog-eared as a favorite, so it has applied in years past. I started jotting a note with year, so I remember what was occurring when Jesus so lovingly placed this devotion in front of me again.

This week our son officially has the new job. He looks forward to this new adventure and we are thankful the Lord is with him every step of the way.

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for being in control and answering prayer in your time and in your way. Amen.

Cathy Schapmann (reprinted from 2018)

Psalm 80

Hear us, Shepherd of Israel,

    you who lead Joseph like a flock.

You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,

    shine forth before Ephraim, Benjamin and Manasseh.

Awaken your might;

    come and save us.

Restore us, O God;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved.

How long, Lord God Almighty,

    will your anger smolder

    against the prayers of your people?

You have fed them with the bread of tears;

    you have made them drink tears by the bowlful.

You have made us an object of derision to our neighbors,

    and our enemies mock us.

Restore us, God Almighty;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved.

You transplanted a vine from Egypt;

    you drove out the nations and planted it.

You cleared the ground for it,

    and it took root and filled the land.

The mountains were covered with its shade,

    the mighty cedars with its branches.

Its branches reached as far as the Sea,

    its shoots as far as the River.

Why have you broken down its walls

    so that all who pass by pick its grapes?

Boars from the forest ravage it,

    and insects from the fields feed on it.

Return to us, God Almighty!

    Look down from heaven and see!

Watch over this vine,

     the root your right hand has planted,

    the son[e] you have raised up for yourself.

Your vine is cut down, it is burned with fire;

    at your rebuke your people perish.

Let your hand rest on the man at your right hand,

    the son of man you have raised up for yourself.

Then we will not turn away from you;

    revive us, and we will call on your name.

Restore us, Lord God Almighty;

    make your face shine on us,

    that we may be saved. Psalm 80

Veterans Day

 Veterans Day: Honoring All Who Served

A Native American Prayer

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,

because Yahweh has anointed me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

The Spirit has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,

to proclaim freedom for the captives

and release darkness for the prisoners.

- Isaiah 61:1 

I was so grateful for the wonderful tribute to Native Americans in the lamp this past Sunday.

I was organist/pianist for a conference at the Lied Center a few years ago and a soloist sang this song "A Native American Prayer"  https://youtu.be/4xvYMJlgK4E that I learned was the mass piece for all-state choir in Nebraska a while back. In learning about music from native cultures, I was introduced to one of my favorite instruments I have been given - a Native American flute by the amazing artist and midwesterner Jonah Thompson of the Dine (Navajo) people. He gives out Bibles with his flutes and teaches hymns on them and is a part of Native Christian community. A class I'm teaching and coordinating is going to go visit a Native American Church and I was really interested to learn about the strong Native American Christian community in Lincoln. They use a lot of traditional chants as well as new words to hymn tunes that we might know. When I teach pipe organ history, I try to sensitively reference how some Native Americans have been involved in organ building at times with many organ pipes being based on traditional instruments/flutes/pipes of various cultures.  

Some new pipe organs incorporate this idea intentionally in their visual design as well like this one:

https://www.bemidjipioneer.com/4354158-honoring-music-first-lutheran-church-unveils-new-pipe-organ

I grieve the ways many people, including those calling themselves Christian, in the past were hateful and cruel to the peoples who were here first but I am also grateful for forgiveness and ways we can do better now and in the future.

Thanks be to God for our Native American Brothers and Sisters and all that we can learn from them. 

The Great Spirit Prayer:
Oh, Great Spirit, whose voice I hear in the wind, whose breath gives life to all the world.
Hear me; I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty, and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things you have taught my people.
Help me to remain calm and strong in the face of all that comes towards me.
Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
Help me seek pure thoughts and act with the intention of helping others.
Help me find compassion without empathy overwhelming me.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy, Myself.
Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my spirit may come to you without shame.
— translated by Chief Yellow Lark
 http://aktalakota.stjo.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=8580

Brent Shaw

 

Strength for the Unknown

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

I find myself sitting in yet another waiting room not sure of my feelings.  Is it anger because of the whole situation or fear for what the possibilities could be?  I know I feel frustration of the unknown and a deep sense of why? 

Listening to the different names of patients being called back. Watching the board with the coded names posted on board indicating at what step each patient is at in their procedure.   

I know I feel exhausted from the early mornings and trying to continue with my regular schedule of life.

My sister had just achieved the wonderful miracle of being a 2+ year survivor of breast cancer.  She experienced a fall a couple months ago and from doctor visits treating the injuries; it was discovered she has cancer again, but this time a different type.  From the biopsy it’s a different cancer but they don’t know what type, which led us to this latest procedure trying to determine what kind of cancer to know what treatment plan would be most successful. 

I have to thank the Lord above for assisting the hands of the ultrasound technician who decided to do an extra wide scan farther than the doctor ordered.  If it had not been done we would not have even known she had cancer. 

It’s hard but I know I must place all my fears, anger, frustration and strength in His hands. Nothing can be achieved without His Love.

Prayer: Father in Heaven, you know my fears, my anger, my pain, my frustration and my lack of strength. I pray you continue to follow us in this journey. I pray you heal all those fighting the battle of illness whether it be cancer, COVID, or all the other diseases that we as humans face on a daily basis. Give us strength to go on and give us the strength to be there for our family and friends. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.

Lori Hood

Full Follow

As he taught, Jesus said, "Watch out for the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely." Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." Mark 12: 38-44

A Methodist minister tells his favorite stewardship story: "Bishop McCabe, who was trying to raise a million dollars for missions, received in his mail one day many discouraging letters, except one from a little boy. When the bishop opened it, out tumbled a badly battered nickel. In the letter the boy had written: 'I'm so glad you are going to get a million dollars for missions. I'm going to help you get it, too. Here's a nickel toward it! It's all I've got now, but when you want any more, call on me!'"

That is a story of full follow – a willingness to give what one has to share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It isn’t just in material resources, but in the totality of one’s faith. One gives all that he or she has for the gospel. There are no vestiges of the old person holding back. If one is in Jesus Christ as a new creation, they will have nothing that would compromise that new birth and so share that joy with all they meet.

That is what a full follow is – complete singularly focused attention in following no one other than Jesus Christ.

Such is what Jesus observed when a widow gave her limited income, a mite, to the temple treasury. The priests and religious leaders paraded their wealth and pride in making their gifts. But, Jesus praised the widow who gave sacrificially with her all. Her gift was more than a tiny coin, but a “full follow” with God.

Prayer: O God, let our faith and witness be a gift of a “full follow” for Jesus and His Church. Inspire us to fully follow you through whatever means and opportunities we have to serve. In His name we pray. Amen

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling

Words from Mark

 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Mark 13:31

Compassion

Covid-19, the pandemic, has disrupted our lives so much as of late. When someone is sick with Covid-19, everyone’s first question is to ask if they got the vaccine. Depending on the person and answer, this can cause them to have compassion for the ill or to not have compassion. Compassion is to care for those worse off than yourself. Jesus did not withhold his compassion based on prior individual choices. When we chose to go forth without compassion, we limit ourselves. 

When Jesus freed an accused woman from stoning, He does so without questioning what her truth is or asking for proof that she truly deserves compassion. He gives compassion freely without limits. Shouldn’t we do the same? We all truly want this pandemic end. I don’t want to see the death toll rise. I will try to encourage knowledge and convince those who haven’t gotten the vaccine to get the vaccine, but I understand I cannot force my beliefs on them. I encourage those who seek to condemn who are suffering to find compassion instead. Compassion to heal, to grow, and to make the world a better place. Please pray with me. 

Prayer: Dear God, please help us to find compassion. Compassion for those close to us and far away. Compassion for those who we agree with and disagree with. Help us find compassion for all who are suffering. 

Charles Kendeigh

Entertaining Angels

Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! Hebrew 13:2

I love our faith community for many reasons but due to a recent experience, my heart was lifted as I witnessed others sharing God’s love in a very personal way.

Due to some health changes that have stifled her independence in providing food and other basic needs, I learned my friend was struggling. I offered to help her with a few groceries. It was quickly evident that food insecurity was worse than I first realized. Connecting with social services that could provide help was needed. Loneliness, fears as the result of a recent trauma, lack of transportation, and anxiety were compounding her isolation. Maybe more than food even, she needed a friend.

She inquired about my church and was very enthusiastic about visiting. From the moment we entered the building, she was greeted warmly with a handshake and a smile! It wasn’t just one person but I mean EVERY person near us welcomed her, looked her in the eyes, asked her name, and introduced themselves to her. After the service, she sat at a table in the Welcome Center while I washed my hands. When I came out, she was surrounded by three people visiting with her! When she returned the next week, she was greeted her by name!

You see, she is a person who is very aware of people’s reaction to her. I imagine she isn’t always greeted with this same kindness. Previous experience tells her that many times, others don’t see her as a real person. They first judge her clothes and hair. While clean, they may not be considered stylish or perfect-fitting. People misunderstand and aren’t always patient when she repeats things, moves slowly, or speaks too fast. She shared with me later she didn’t want to return to her previous church because they “ignore me”.

Friends, I hadn’t asked anyone to be “nice” to my guest. Kindness was extended because that’s your character! She met God’s love through those who greeted her with warm, genuine hospitality. This “angel” had to first feel that acceptance for her to truly receive the message through the sermon, scripture, and music. She did and as a result, found hope and a place to belong! I’m thankful you are God-filled people, living your faith with compassion and love. By doing so, you may have entertained an angel without realizing it!

Prayer: Dearest Lord, Thank you for this community of faith-filled people! Help us to live our faith in ways where, You working in and through us, others will know the love, grace, and hope only you can provide. Amen

Diane Worrell Eaton

A Spiritual Cornucopia

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. John 15: 4-5

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peach, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22, 23

…and beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness charity. For if all these things be in you, and abound, thy make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:5-8

During the Thanksgiving season the cornucopia filled with fruit and grain is used as a decoration to symbolize the abundance of the harvest. The colorful fruit and bundles of grain spilling out of the horn of plenty” make us mindful of the blessings that we received and remind us to be ever thankful for them.

Consider the scripture selections for today it the context of a spiritual cornucopia. John 15:4, 5 starts us at the pointed end of the cornucopia. Jesus tells us that he is the vine and we are the branches and teaches that when we abide in him and he abides in us much fruit will be brought forth. He also instructs us that we can do nothing without him. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians qualities that constitute the fruit of the Spirit are named. This “fruit” fills the body of the cornucopia. If we want the fruit to grow, we must abide in Jesus and strive to live lives that imitate him. With the selection from 2 Peter 1:5-8 we have reached the large circular opening of the cornucopia and the contents are flowing from it. Peter instructs us to put our faith in action and to develop the character qualities which will help us to live fruitful life of love and serve to God and man. Are we abiding in Christ so the fruit of the Spirit will grow? Are we helping the cornucopia to overflow abundantly by placing our faith in action?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your son Jesus Christ.  Empower and enable us to grow in the fruit of the Spirit and to share these qualities by our actions so others may also live the abundant life. Amen

Gail Keown (reprinted from 2008)

Truth - All Men have Red Blood

God that made the world and all things therein…hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation. Acts 17:24, 26 

Every word of God is pure…Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Proverbs 30:5-6 

Days of Praise pamphlet by Dr. Henry Morris III states, “The biblical record is full of testable historical and archaeological data, unlike the sacred texts of other religions. Wherever such historical information is cited, the data has proven to be precise and trustworthy. It has been subjected to the minutest scientific textual analysis possible to humanity and has proven to be authentic in every way. The Bible has been a significant source book for secular archaeology, helping to identify ancient figures such as Sargon, Sennacherib, Horam of Gezer, Hazar and the nation of the Hittites.” 

The statue of Standing Bear, a famous Indian warrior in Nebraska stands at Centennial Mall in Lincoln. This man stated long ago that his blood runs red just like people of all other nations. According to the verse above in Acts, that God made all nations of one blood and Standing Bear’s comment, we should all realize we are all humans made specifically by God. He even determined when and where we would live. 

When we believe the words of God are pure we know all are made and loved by God. We, as humans, should “Love One Another” as His greatest commandment states. If we could do that, there would be no racism and no men oppressing the lives of others. 

Prayer: Dear Lord, thank you for your word of truth. Thank you for making of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth. Your great hand determined the times and places we would live. Help us to end discrimination only because of the color of our skin.. You made us all humans. Help us to understand your truth. Amen 

Sandra Hilsabeck