Words of Inspiration and Encouragement
9-16-22
This Sunday we'll be looking at Luke 16:1-15 and will be focusing on the passage of the Shrewd Manager. Wealth can be a controversial topic in the church. Often a pastor will either neglect to preach on money or preach too much on it. I tend to neglect preaching on passages regarding money, but Jesus often taught on how money should be used and that's what we'll be looking at this Sunday.
Here's one of those other passages where Jesus teaches on money.
Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)
Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
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This Sunday we'll be looking at Luke 16:1-15 and will be focusing on the passage of the Shrewd Manager. Wealth can be a controversial topic in the church. Often a pastor will either neglect to preach on money or preach too much on it. I tend to neglect preaching on passages regarding money, but Jesus often taught on how money should be used and that's what we'll be looking at this Sunday.
Here's one of those other passages where Jesus teaches on money.
Luke 12:13-21 (NLT)
Then someone called from the crowd, “Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father’s estate with me.”
Jesus replied, “Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?” Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”
Then he told them a story: “A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said to himself, ‘What should I do? I don’t have room for all my crops.’ Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
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9-1-22
I'm back from my hiking trip and am still in one piece. I had the opportunity to hike over 90 miles in 9 days in God's creation. Because of the length of the trip and varying trail conditions it was important to be prepared. I gathered things needed for shelter and to stay warm and got all of the food supplies ready. The preparation paid off. It was a great trip and I'm glad I had a chance to do it.
On my last night of camping in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park I came across a hiker who wasn't prepared. He had gotten separated from his friend and had no food or water. I first saw him pass my campsite around 7:30PM and I yelled out a greeting to him as he rushed by without saying anything. About an hour later he was back and asked if I had any water. He hadn't had anything to drink and had been hiking in 85+ degree temperatures for several hours. He also didn't have any food with him. I was able to give him an extra water container with about 1.5 liters of water and some food. I went over the map with him and pointed him back in the right direction he needed to go to get to his car. The man was partially prepared as he had a flashlight and shelter (just no food, water, or map). Fortunately he was able to make it back to his vehicle about 3am that night and was safely reunited with his friend.
When hiking it's important to be prepared. In our Christian life we too need to be prepared. As believers we live in a world and in a culture that is not our own. People will notice that we are different and they will have questions because of it. Peter says that we are to be prepared or ready to explain why we are different.
1 Peter 3:15-16a (NLT) - Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
Part of being prepared is knowing what you believe. But it's also important to be able to convey what we believe in a gentle and respectful manner.
This fall we will have a number of opportunities at Berea that will help us be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have as believers.
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I'm back from my hiking trip and am still in one piece. I had the opportunity to hike over 90 miles in 9 days in God's creation. Because of the length of the trip and varying trail conditions it was important to be prepared. I gathered things needed for shelter and to stay warm and got all of the food supplies ready. The preparation paid off. It was a great trip and I'm glad I had a chance to do it.
On my last night of camping in the north unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park I came across a hiker who wasn't prepared. He had gotten separated from his friend and had no food or water. I first saw him pass my campsite around 7:30PM and I yelled out a greeting to him as he rushed by without saying anything. About an hour later he was back and asked if I had any water. He hadn't had anything to drink and had been hiking in 85+ degree temperatures for several hours. He also didn't have any food with him. I was able to give him an extra water container with about 1.5 liters of water and some food. I went over the map with him and pointed him back in the right direction he needed to go to get to his car. The man was partially prepared as he had a flashlight and shelter (just no food, water, or map). Fortunately he was able to make it back to his vehicle about 3am that night and was safely reunited with his friend.
When hiking it's important to be prepared. In our Christian life we too need to be prepared. As believers we live in a world and in a culture that is not our own. People will notice that we are different and they will have questions because of it. Peter says that we are to be prepared or ready to explain why we are different.
1 Peter 3:15-16a (NLT) - Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way.
Part of being prepared is knowing what you believe. But it's also important to be able to convey what we believe in a gentle and respectful manner.
This fall we will have a number of opportunities at Berea that will help us be prepared to give an answer for the hope that we have as believers.
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8-19-2022
Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
We've had a little bit of rain here this week, but there are areas in Chad that are experiencing extreme rains. Our missionaries in Boudemasa and Doh report that many houses in the villages are collapsing because they have been built with inferior building materials. Pray for those who have lost their homes and that the rain would lessen.
Please be in prayer for our church family in Chad. There has been a lot of ethnic and religious violence in the south of Chad. This is in the "heartland" of the Chadian LB church. Many villages have been razed, crops have been burned, and people have been killed. This coming week there will be a week of peace talks in the capital city dealing with reconciliation and the future of the Chadian government. Right now there is an interim president who doesn't want to give up power. There is a lot of potential for riots. Pray for peace in this situation.
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Matthew 7:24-27 (NLT)
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
We've had a little bit of rain here this week, but there are areas in Chad that are experiencing extreme rains. Our missionaries in Boudemasa and Doh report that many houses in the villages are collapsing because they have been built with inferior building materials. Pray for those who have lost their homes and that the rain would lessen.
Please be in prayer for our church family in Chad. There has been a lot of ethnic and religious violence in the south of Chad. This is in the "heartland" of the Chadian LB church. Many villages have been razed, crops have been burned, and people have been killed. This coming week there will be a week of peace talks in the capital city dealing with reconciliation and the future of the Chadian government. Right now there is an interim president who doesn't want to give up power. There is a lot of potential for riots. Pray for peace in this situation.
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8-12-22
Last night my family and I arrived safely back home after a long drive from Connecticut. When I came to Berea this morning I remembered that I no longer had access to the building because the locks had been changed. Thanks to Ben bringing me a new key I was able to gain access to the church building.
This reminded me of a much greater thing that Christ did. Because of His work both you and I have access to God the Father. We are no longer restricted or barred from the presence of God. The passage in Ephesians 2 is a wonderful passage that proclaims the Gospel - We have access to the Father and we are no longer strangers, but rather we are a part of God's family.
Ephesians 2:17-22
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
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Last night my family and I arrived safely back home after a long drive from Connecticut. When I came to Berea this morning I remembered that I no longer had access to the building because the locks had been changed. Thanks to Ben bringing me a new key I was able to gain access to the church building.
This reminded me of a much greater thing that Christ did. Because of His work both you and I have access to God the Father. We are no longer restricted or barred from the presence of God. The passage in Ephesians 2 is a wonderful passage that proclaims the Gospel - We have access to the Father and we are no longer strangers, but rather we are a part of God's family.
Ephesians 2:17-22
And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.
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7-28-22
Titus 2:1-5 (NIV)
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
This Sunday we'll be looking at Titus 2. It is interesting to see that Paul writes to Titus that he must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine and then see that he goes into what we would call behavioral issues after that. What I see here is that sound doctrine or correct teaching cannot be separated from our actions. When we have sound doctrine then it will manifest itself in our lives and how we live.
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Titus 2:1-5 (NIV)
You, however, must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine. Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance.
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.
This Sunday we'll be looking at Titus 2. It is interesting to see that Paul writes to Titus that he must teach what is appropriate to sound doctrine and then see that he goes into what we would call behavioral issues after that. What I see here is that sound doctrine or correct teaching cannot be separated from our actions. When we have sound doctrine then it will manifest itself in our lives and how we live.
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7-20-22
We are into the third day of Day Camp. The church has been filled with singing, Bible studies, crafts, and laughter (and a few tears, but more laughter). Pray for continued energy and stamina for the IPoint staff (Anna, Ellie, and Glen) and for Adeline, Tera, and myself as we are also helping out. The Day Camp will finish tomorrow. Pray for the kids who attended that they will continue to grow in spiritual maturity. Some kids have church homes, but there are others who don't attend church regularly. Pray that we might be able to continue to serve and reach out to these families.
Philippians 3:7-16
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
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We are into the third day of Day Camp. The church has been filled with singing, Bible studies, crafts, and laughter (and a few tears, but more laughter). Pray for continued energy and stamina for the IPoint staff (Anna, Ellie, and Glen) and for Adeline, Tera, and myself as we are also helping out. The Day Camp will finish tomorrow. Pray for the kids who attended that they will continue to grow in spiritual maturity. Some kids have church homes, but there are others who don't attend church regularly. Pray that we might be able to continue to serve and reach out to these families.
Philippians 3:7-16
But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.
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7-1-22
Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV) - Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word.
There are times when we as humans want to do great things for God. Build a spectacular temple or church for God; write a beautiful piece of music for God; paint a wonderful painting for God; and the list can go on and on. God reminds us at the end of Isaiah that the whole world is His. We can't build God a house because He's already made everything...Rather than having the frustration or despair of trying to buy something for the person who already has everything this gives us freedom. We no longer have to work or do these great things for God. He doesn't need them. God tells us that what He really wants is someone who is humble, who repents of their sin, and who hears His word.
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Isaiah 66:1-2 (ESV) - Thus says the Lord:
“Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool;
what is the house that you would build for me,
and what is the place of my rest?
2 All these things my hand has made,
and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word.
There are times when we as humans want to do great things for God. Build a spectacular temple or church for God; write a beautiful piece of music for God; paint a wonderful painting for God; and the list can go on and on. God reminds us at the end of Isaiah that the whole world is His. We can't build God a house because He's already made everything...Rather than having the frustration or despair of trying to buy something for the person who already has everything this gives us freedom. We no longer have to work or do these great things for God. He doesn't need them. God tells us that what He really wants is someone who is humble, who repents of their sin, and who hears His word.
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6-16-22
This past week the CLB Biennial Convention was held in Fergus Falls. It was good to be a part of it and reconnect with people that I haven't seen for over a decade. During that time I also was able to reconnect some with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren America and learn of some of the work that is going on. It was exciting to hear of the new church plants that are happening in places like Boston, New Prague (MN), Lincoln, and more. People are being trained to go out to the mission field. Pastor Paul Larson was re-elected as president of the CLB. Please pray for the CLB and the ministries that we are involved in and support.
Colossians 3:12-17
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Whatever we do let us do in in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Lord. We worship and serve God whether we are at school, work, home, a store, or at play. We are privileged to be invited into the work of God in loving the world.
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This past week the CLB Biennial Convention was held in Fergus Falls. It was good to be a part of it and reconnect with people that I haven't seen for over a decade. During that time I also was able to reconnect some with the Church of the Lutheran Brethren America and learn of some of the work that is going on. It was exciting to hear of the new church plants that are happening in places like Boston, New Prague (MN), Lincoln, and more. People are being trained to go out to the mission field. Pastor Paul Larson was re-elected as president of the CLB. Please pray for the CLB and the ministries that we are involved in and support.
Colossians 3:12-17
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Whatever we do let us do in in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ our Lord. We worship and serve God whether we are at school, work, home, a store, or at play. We are privileged to be invited into the work of God in loving the world.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
6-9-22
This will be a busy weekend for many in the Lutheran Brethren. Saturday is the start of the Biennial Convention in Fergus Falls. Already people from around the country have begun the journey. I'm excited to be there as it will be the first CLB convention that I've been at since 2010. It will be an opportunity to see many people for the first time in over a decade. But this is more than a reunion and time to catch up with people. Churches from all around the U.S. and Canada join together to make the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (with sister churches in Cameron, Chad, Japan, and Taiwan). We are united together because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have Christ as our foundation and are united together. The CLB joins together for international and local missions. Missionaries will be sent out and new church plants are starting...Individually it is difficult to have the resources to do these things, but we unite together to serve God. Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony as the convention begins on Saturday.
Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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This will be a busy weekend for many in the Lutheran Brethren. Saturday is the start of the Biennial Convention in Fergus Falls. Already people from around the country have begun the journey. I'm excited to be there as it will be the first CLB convention that I've been at since 2010. It will be an opportunity to see many people for the first time in over a decade. But this is more than a reunion and time to catch up with people. Churches from all around the U.S. and Canada join together to make the Church of the Lutheran Brethren (with sister churches in Cameron, Chad, Japan, and Taiwan). We are united together because we are brothers and sisters in Christ. We have Christ as our foundation and are united together. The CLB joins together for international and local missions. Missionaries will be sent out and new church plants are starting...Individually it is difficult to have the resources to do these things, but we unite together to serve God. Pray for a spirit of unity and harmony as the convention begins on Saturday.
Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV)
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
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