Monday, August 31, 2015

Sermon August 29-30, 2015

Title: You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!
Text: Eph 6:10-20

11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

What you'd get if 99% were good enough:

No phone service for 15 minutes each day.
1.7 million pieces of first class mail lost each day.
35,000 newborn babies dropped by doctors or nurses each year
200,000 people getting the wrong drug prescriptions each year
Unsafe drinking water three days a year.
Three misspelled words on the average page of type.
2 million people would die from food poisoning each year.

Unknown.

We are thankful that it is not that which we do that makes us righteous but that which Christ has done which saves completely and makes us acceptable to God.

You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!

There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind

It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Songwriter: STILLS, STEPHEN, Published by Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc. http://www.metrolyrics.com/for-what-its-worth-lyrics-buffalo-springfield.html

For What it’s Worth - the anthem of the unrest of the late 1960s, 1967 in fact … from the pen of Stephen Stills and the band Buffalo Springfield. The Vietnam War raged on, along with the draft and the draft dodgers who went to Canada; Kent State, and the students who died protesting at an Ohio University, an institution of higher learning. Richard Nixon and Watergate; the White House tapes and on and on … this was a hard and turbulent time in our nation’s history.

Today seems headed in a similar direction. Ferguson, Baltimore, Cleveland, and unrest in the streets fill the headlines. Black lives matter verses all lives matter, pro choice or pro life, politicians vying for Presidential nominations and protests going on around the country. Battle lines are certainly being drawn, politically … socially … and morally. Christianity and the church are being attacked on all sides. Young people  are speaking their minds ... by their very absence from church.

In 1966 Time Magazine, on its cover asked the question: “Is God Dead?” 20 years ago Joan Osborn asked the question, in her hit song from 1995, “What if God was one of us” you might remember the chorus …  What if God was one of us / Just a slob like one of us / Just a stranger on the bus / Trying to make His way home? Today many may wonder and ask this same question as they struggle with the brokenness of their lives, in a world that is spiraling out of control, with ... it seems  like… little ... or no hope.

Paul tells the Ephesian church to, 11 Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.

Many Christians today take this as their marching orders from God to get in the world being ready to battle the righteous fight for truth, justice and moral purity. And while we are told always [to] be prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; (1 Peter 3:15) we are also told to do this, with gentleness and respect.

For Paul reminds us who the enemy really is.

12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, - not against those who appear to be the enemies we face - but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.

The darkness of the devil and his demons are the ones railing against Christ and the victory won at the cross. The target is on you too. To cause you to fall back into the darkness that you have been rescued once and for all from.

You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!

Ill.

The soldier's first article of faith is summed up nowhere more eloquently than in an 1865 letter from General William Tecumseh Sherman to General Ulysses S. Grant, where he wrote: "I knew wherever I was, that you thought of me, and if I got in a tight place you would come--if alive." This is the unwritten, unspoken but unbreakable contract of the battlefield: You will leave no one, dead or alive, in the hands of the enemy.

U.S. News and World Report, July 29, 1991, p. 5.

God’s armor is for your protection. Paul tells the Ephesian church and us to:

13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand [or stand firm] in the evil day, days just like today … not to battle but, to stand firm … not to fall again into darkness and the temptations of the devil … but to rise, being clothed with Christ daily!

With the image of battle lines being drawn and battle armor being put on … belt, breastplate, shoes, shield, helmet and sword Paul says that we are really armed and fitted with truth, with righteousness, with peace, and with faith through the Gospel, the sword of the Spirit, which is God’s word.

You dear friends are clothed in Christ with the armor of God and his saving gospel!

In the Joan Osborn song, Eric Bazilian the writer asks:

If God had a name what would it be?
And would you call it to His face?
If you were faced with Him in all His glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?

Songwriter Eric Bazilian, Published by HUMAN BOY MUSIC http://www.metrolyrics.com/what-if-god-was-one-of-us-lyrics-alanis-morissette.html

When the Joan Osborn song was climbing up the charts and I was still pretty active playing music with a few bands back in the mid 90s I wrote a song in answer to “What if God was one of us?” It was simply called, “God was one of us.”

As a Christian rescued by Christ and shown mercy in the face of my own depravity I could only sing God’s praise for what he had done for me. We are not called to faith to escape the trials of this world, for from the words of Jesus himself he says:

 33 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

But, in spite of these trials we are to sing the truth of God’s rescue in Christ. To call, by the power of the saving gospel, those to faith by the word of God through the working of the Holy Spirit, that in spite of the devils lies that questions “did God really say” from the Garden of Eden, to the lies of our own day which question the existence of the historical Jesus, our own sinfulness, or the working of the devil in the world, that yes … God was one of us and because of Jesus we live, move and have our being.

In the world of Paul’s day and 22 … standing in the midst of the Arieopagus, he said:

“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. 23 For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, ‘To the unknown god.’ What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you. 24 The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, 25 nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.

You are God’s child because he desires you. You are God’s child because he died for you and freed you from the curse of the law that you and I could never keep … with even 99% being a failing grade. You are God’s child because by his Spirit he called you to believe the word of the gospel giving you faith and raising you from being dead in trespass and sin to newness of life in him, Jesus Christ our Lord.

The song asks the question:

If you were faced with Him in all His glory
What would you ask if you had just one question?

Jesus gives answer to questions in Matthew to the sheep and the goats when he says in Matthew 25:

31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Matt 25:31

34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Matt 25:34

But the questions the righteous will ask:

37 … ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King [Jesus in glory] will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matt 25:37-40

You are clothed in Christ with the armor of God!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Monday, August 24, 2015

Sermon August 22-23, 2015

Title: Love, as Christ loves the church!
Text: Eph 5:22-23

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

[Some years back], the Harry S. Truman Library in Independence, Missouri made public 1,300 recently discovered letters that the late President wrote to his wife, Bess, over the course of a half-century. Mr. Truman had a lifelong rule of writing to his wife every day they were apart.

He followed this rule whenever he was away on official business or whenever Bess left Washington to visit her beloved Independence. Scholars are examining the letters for any new light they may throw on political and diplomatic history. For our part, we were most impressed by the simple fact that every day he was away, the President of the United States took time out from his dealing with the world's most powerful leaders to sit down and write a letter to his wife.

 Bits & Pieces, October 15, 1992, pp. 15-16.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” Gen2:24; Eph 5;31; Matt.19:5

Many today believe that the couple makes marriage and thus they can decide what their wedding and marriage should be like. In reality, the Word of the Lord teaches that God makes marriage. Psalm 127:1 testifies, “Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it.” And Jesus proclaimed in answer to those who sought to do with marriage whatever they wanted:

“Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh'? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate." (St. Matthew 19:4-6)

By becoming husband and wife and joining together in one family we find in a Christian marriage the importance of: Promise, Sacrifice and Joy.

Promise

As we pledge our love for one another in marriage and promise to hold that love for as long as we both shall live; we find in the Lutheran Service Book marriage rite three readings from Genesis, Matthew and our epistle reading for today in Ephesians 5 where this verse is present. “The husband will be joined to his wife and the two will become one flesh.”

As individuals the two now become one. As husband and wife there is the promise to be and think as one. Not that you lose yourself and simply parrot what the other says or desire what they desire, but that your joy as a couple will be to live your life for each other … to care for each other … to make decisions with each other in mind because formerly the two are now one.

The apostle Paul tells us that this is a mystery and that it is profound and that this marriage union of becoming one refers to Christ and His Church.

Love, as Christ loves the church!

To understand the love of husband and wife is to understand Christ’s love. Wives are called to love and respect their husbands who have been given the position of headship which reflects the order of creation in the family just as Christ is the head of the church but submits to the Father’s will. – Not my will by thy will be done. - And the husband is to love his wife and give himself fully to her as Christ gave himself up unto death for his bride … the church.

This is a difficult responsibility for both husbands and wives as we are not Christ and in fact we all fall short daily as sinners. It is not about the wife keeping her part of the marriage bargain, so that the husband will keep his … or about the husband doing his part, so that the wife will submit and do hers. It is in fact, that even though both will fail and fall short daily they are one … and called to be and remain one … in love and respect for one another.

Love, as Christ loves the church!

And Christ love was a sacrificial love!

Ill.

William Gladstone, in announcing the death of Princess Alice to the House of Commons, told a touching story. The little daughter of the Princess was seriously ill with diphtheria. The doctors told the princess not to kiss her little daughter and endanger her own life by breathing the child's breath.

Once when the child was struggling to breathe, the mother, forgetting herself entirely, took the little one into her arms to keep her from choking to death. Rasping and struggling for her life, and without thinking of herself the mother tenderly kissed her daughter. She got diphtheria and some days thereafter went to be forever with the Lord.

Real love forgets self. Real love knows no danger. Real love doesn't count the cost. The Bible says, "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it." Song of Solomon 8:7

Source Unknown.

Sacrifice

Ill.

To sacrifice is to give of oneself for the benefit of the other.

When I was getting married, my dad took me aside and said, “Russ marriage is a big responsibility. You are making a commitment.” He then told me the secret to a long marriage, “Love is about total compromise.”

These next words from my dad bear keeping close attention to, and I believe are most importantly given for the benefit of we husbands, “When it feels like you’re giving 80% and your spouse is giving 20% it is probably 50-50%” Compromise always feels like we are giving more. It at times is a sacrifice for the benefit of the other and we know and understand that Jesus gave the ultimate sacrifice for you and me, and the sons of disobedience so that the sins of the whole world might be forgiven by Christ’s life given on the cross.

25 Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her,

I heard it said once that a husband and wife were trying to decide where to go on vacation. The husband wanted to go to New York, the Big Apple, and see the Empire State Building and the Statue of Liberty while the wife wanted to go to Florida and just relax at a resort, so they compromised … they went to Florida. A marriage built by God is a loving marriage of compromise and sacrifice.

Paul continues:

 28 In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, 30 because we are members of his body.

Love, as Christ loves the church!

Joy

The blessings that are united in marriage are hard to explain; through the biblical model of love and respect, submission and sacrifice two unique individuals are joined together in the union of husband and wife. The resulting joy can sustain both in times of trial and suffering.

Christ’s suffering brought joy and peace to his church. His love for the church brought his sacrificial death on the cross for you and husbands are to model that sacrificial love for his wife as he gives himself for her and the care of his family. Wives also respect and love their husband as unto Christ who has saved and sanctified - which is to make holy - his bride the church.

Being saved is something the church knows quite a bit about. Sacrificial love as Christ gave for the life of the world is brought to His children by faith and is also modeled as we give ourselves to one another both in marriage and in service to others.

31 “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” 32 This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. Paul says … 33 However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.

May each of us joy always in the union and oneness of our marriage vowels, connected to Jesus Christ who is the way the truth and the life. He is the one who carries you and me through the times of hardship in your marriage and family life together that all marriages will need to endure.

For those of you who have not, and are not united in marriage at this time: God may make a way … weather young and never married or older and not currently married or widowed … so that your life may be filled with Love … and respect, joy … and peace, submission … and yes sacrifice; for what God has joined together let no man separate.

Love, as Christ loves the church!

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Monday, August 17, 2015

Sermon August 15-16, 2015

Title: Awake and arise for Christ is with you!
Text: Eph. 5:6-21

 “Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Famous American lies

- The check is in the mail.
- I'll start my diet tomorrow.
- We service what we sell.
- Give me your number and the doctor will call you right back.
- Money cheerfully refunded.
- One size fits all.
- Your luggage isn't lost, it's only misplaced.
- Leave your resume and we'll keep it on file.
- This hurts me more than it hurts you.
- I just need five minutes of your time.
- Your table will be ready in a few minutes.
- Open wide, it won't hurt a bit.
- It's not the money, it's the principle.
- It’s not a baby … until it’s born.

Bits & Pieces, December 9, 1993, pp. 12-13.

Awake and arise for Christ is with you!

6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

Empty words, we’ve all heard them. All those phrases that I read … that you and I have heard at one time or another in our lives … are words meant to deceive, to put off, or to fill one’s own agenda. The sons of disobedience hear and follow. Those opposed to Christ and his gospel continue to go the way of destruction, but we too who have been brought to faith by God’s gifts give way to the call of darkness and fall in sin.

7 Therefore do not become partners with them;

Don’t get sucked in, Paul tells the Ephesians. But what were the Ephesians getting sucked into … and does it apply to you and me?

Paul says in verse three and four that preceded our text:

3 [That] sexual immorality and all impurity or [coveting] must not even be named among you, and he concludes: 4 Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking … but instead let there be thanksgiving. 5 For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who [covets], [which is to desire that which is not yours] … has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

Harsh words indeed and the Ephesians were falling short then, and Christians today fall short too. When desires, feelings and societal norms go against God’s word and truth … the result is that darkness [the realm of Satan] reigns.

Awake and arise for Christ is with you!

You and I feel it too. Sin is a powerful force that in thought, word and deed we can all give in to … and its desires can lead us away from the truth that God intends.

When Paul speaks of sexual immorality and all impurity he is not just speaking of same sex attraction, (though homosexuality would be included in his rebuke) but of all sexual sins outside of God’s design of marriage or in the context of marriage that defiles that union.

Whether perpetrator or victim, there are no winners and the story in the news of the two freshmen congressional representatives in Lansing can attest to that. Here one man and one woman, with families of their own that have been harmed and broken by this affair have been affected. Spouses and children confused and hurt and while the information is still unfolding I’m sure, both public servants, had great intent in serving the needs of their communities and to do a good job making things better for the people they serve. But their adulterous relationship has jeopardized that service now with many calling for their resignation. Lies, innuendoes, supposed blackmail and cover up abound. It may be hard for either of these representatives to serve publicly, in any capacity again.

Paul cautions the Ephesians:

11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.12 For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret.

And here’s the key …

13 But when anything is exposed by the light, it becomes visible,

The light that exposes darkness is Jesus Christ and his word of truth. And it is not to use God as a means – claiming “I believe” - while denying him and living in sin using Christ as a cover. But through repentance it is God’s desire that you be restored freely by faith in Christ through his saving Gospel and working of the Holy Spirit. And also by the light of the gospel that your light shines in the midst of those in darkness so that they too might come to faith and believe.

Paul speaks of coveting as well, or desiring that which you don’t have … and this can also be things we desire or people.

As Luther says in his explanation for the 9th and 10th commandments:

We should fear and love God that we may not [find] seek to get our neighbor's inheritance or house, and obtain it by a show of [justice and] right, etc., but help and be of service to him in keeping it … (9th commandment)

… [nor covet], force, or entice away our neighbor's wife, servants, or cattle, but urge them to stay and [diligently] do their duty. (10th commandment)

http://bookofconcord.org/smallcatechism.php

Darkness and light … lies and truth … you can’t ride the fence.

Ill.

Fuller Warren, who was Florida's governor in the '50s, was running for office in a year that counties were voting their local option on permitting the sale of liquor. Asked for his position on wet-versus-dry, he would say:

"If by whiskey you mean the water of life that cheers men's souls, that smooths out the tensions of the day, that gives gentle perspective to one's view of life, then put my name on the list of the fervent wets. But if by whiskey you mean the devil's brew that rends families, destroys careers and ruins one's ability to work, then count me in the ranks of the dries.

William Safire in New York Times Magazine.

I’ll have it just as I want it and change the narrative, might have been his view.

Everything you do untimely says something about who you are. So … 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, Paul says, don’t let the world, your sinful flesh or the devil be your guide. And all too often we can fall silent in the face of evil.

Ill,

The illuminating light revealed in the resent videos and working of Planned Parenthood as life is pulled from the womb and sold much like parts from a junkyard … can even breakdown the staunchest defenders of abortion.

As one Worker who felt betrayed writes:

[I sat stunned watching the video. They swore that our affiliate didn’t do that. They hid it from me, and lied to me so that I would continue to protect them while they did it. And the worst part of the video? The announcement of “Hey, it’s another boy!”

Wait……it can’t be a boy. You told me it was nothing but a clump of cells. “A boy” is a determination you make about a baby ... A boy … is a child.]

http://archive.aweber.com/exposingthelie/EOPjj/h/_WorkersBetrayed.htm

Awake and arise for Christ is with you!

 “Awake, O sleeper,
    and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.”

Joel Fritsche a career missionary suggests that this might be a stanza from an early Christian hymn. It certainly could be with this image of dying and rising and awaking from death that you and I who have been brought to faith understand. Not only being buried with Christ in our baptism, but also the daily rising we do each day as we remember what Christ, our baptisms and  the working of the holy Spirit.

God’s will is that you live in light and not in the darkness that Satan inhabits. For that very reason Jesus died for you, so that you might be free of sin, death and the power of the devil and by his Spirit live a life free of the darkness of sin. And while drifting back into the ways of darkness will always be there Paul also points to a means that God gives to keep you illumined to God’s love for you.
[being] filled with the Holy Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Here in the Divine Service God calls us to come. To be fed on word and sacrament. To receive God’s favor on account of Christ, and to go fourth, in a world of darkness, with the light of the gospel of peace – the very word of God – and it is this word that brings those who are dead in sin and darkness to God’s marvelous light of forgiveness.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Sermon July 25-26, 2015

Title: Christ calms the storms of life!
Text: Mark 6:45-56

47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and [Jesus] was alone on the land. 48 And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night [Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them, 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

“The waters have risen and severe storms are upon us, but we do not fear drowning, for we stand firmly upon a rock.”

These are the words of St. John Chrysostom, patriarch of Constantinople, from a sermon preached around 400 AD. He was sent into exile for his faith … which led ultimately to his death.

He continues:

“Let the sea rage, it cannot break the rock. Let the waves rise, they cannot sink the boat … of Jesus. What are we to fear? Death? Life to me means Christ, and death is gain. Exile? ‘The earth and its fullness belong to the Lord. The confiscation of goods? We brought nothing into this world, and we shall surely take nothing from it. I have only contempt for the world’s threats, I find its blessings laughable. I have no fear of poverty, no desire for wealth. I am not afraid of death nor do I long to live, except for your good. I concentrate therefore on the present situation, and I urge you, my friends, to have confidence.”

https://www.crossroadsinitiative.com/library_article/233/whom_shall_i_fear___john_chrysostom.html

Fear can consume us all. Whether it be financial, personal or medical. The Rock upon which our faith is built is Christ. He is the rock of refuge. He is the place of comfort. He is the pavilion of rest. He is the gift of mercy. Upon this rock …

Christ calms the storms of life!

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat [Luther sees the boat as a metaphor for the church] and go before him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.

Jesus compels the disciples to leave. Maybe there was unwillingness on their part but Jesus made them get into the boat. He dismisses the crowds and then as is consistent with Jesus, no matter the crowds or the work or the distractions … Jesus prays.

47 And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, [also seen as a metaphor for the chaos of the world broken in sin, death and the devil] and he was alone on the land.

By this time … the boat was a far way off. The wind and waves were against it and the disciples … as life at times can be.

Ill.

The storms can came through Waterford, with wind rain and hail. Tree limbs can break, homes and cars can be damaged, and power for some … can be lost.

You have experienced storms and so have I. Storms can come without warning and fear can be greatest … in the depth of the night.

And about the fourth watch of the night …

Jesus spent almost the entire night, after the disciples departed, in prayer. The fourth watch would be late, between 3 AM and 6 AM.  It can be the darkest part of the night or just before the grayness of dawn gives way to morning, and the disciples were fighting against the waves of the sea and the wind which were against them.

[Jesus] came to them, walking on the sea. Mark 6:48b

If you’ve ever been up most of the night you might understand the disciple’s distress. The wind, the waves … 49 but when they saw him walking on the sea they thought it was a ghost, and cried out, 50 for they all saw him and were terrified.

Christ calms the storms of life!

Ill.

A 5-year old [boy] was in the kitchen as his mother made supper. She asked him to go into the pantry [closet] and get her a can of tomato soup, but he didn't want to go in alone. "It's dark in there and I'm scared." She asked again, and he persisted. Finally she said, "It's OK--Jesus will be in there with you." [Well, he] walked hesitantly to the door and slowly opened it. He peeked inside, saw it was dark, and started to leave [again] when all at once an idea came [him], and he said: "Jesus, if you're in there, would you hand me that can of tomato soup?"

Charles Allen, Victory in the Valleys.

As a pastor, I get to visit quite a few people at the hospital. Some are dealing with minor procedures while others have grave and serious concerns.  It is always a joy to be asked to pray for those who need a comforting word at this time of great worry and fear. Christ brings that type of peace.

Especially when those who are expecting surgery or having tests done and are looking for good test results, concern can run high. But prayer can calm the troubled heart regardless of the result and Jesus Christ can bring true peace. In his hands our life is handled.

This week we celebrated with the children at Vacation Bible School. For some who are new to this, it can be a time of fear as they come to experience a new place and new people. This can be concerning. But just as we sing songs and learn about Jesus, his family and his home, peace can come at this hectic time …

For it is Jesus who says: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”

Apart from God’s word of forgiveness and the power of the Holy Spirit we all would be consumed with fear at the despair and weight of your sins.

Christ calms the storms of life!

The trials of life and the storms that attack us can’t diminish the Love of God for you his beloved redeemed children.

51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded,
Jesus is the peace beyond all understanding.

54 And when they got out of the boat, the people immediately recognized him 55 and ran about the whole region and began to bring the sick people on their beds to wherever they heard he was.

The needs of body and soul are always at peace in Christ because he loves you and has given his life so that you might live.

56 And wherever he came, in villages, cities, or countryside, they laid the sick in the marketplaces and implored him that they might touch even the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.

You, dear friends are Christ children! Rejoice in the wonderful joys of standing on the Rock, which is Christ Jesus our Lord who called you to himself.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit!

Amen