I had a wonderful conversation with a Kindergarten student this morning. I was walking down to the 7th grade classroom in preparation for Catechism class as one of my Sunday School students was arriving for the day. He saw me coming down the hall and stopped to say Hi. We had an interesting conversation.
“Hi, Miss Carol.”
“Hi, Blake. Are you ready for another day of Kindergarten?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day today.”
“That’s good. Is that what you promised your mother?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Aren’t you always good?”
“Most of the time.”
Then we split into our separate paths.
I loved that conversation with Blake. It not only made me smile but made me appreciate the honesty of a 5 year old. If we were all that honest, we know that if someone had that same conversation with us, we would have the same answers.
“Are you ready for a new day?”
“Yes. And I’m going to be good all day.”
“Is that what you promised God?”
“Uh-Huh.”
“But aren’t you always good?”
“Not most of the time.”
Like Blake, I often fail in the promises that I make to God and to those around me. There is a chance that Blake’s mom might be disappointed tonight when she hears the report of Blake’s day, but I know that she will still give him hugs and kisses and let him know that she loves him. God does the same for me. He continues to love me and give me good things. He loved me and all of us sinful human beings so much that He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins. Because of our faith in Jesus, we can say, “I’m sorry for the mess I made of this day.” And God will always offer us forgiveness and a fresh start for a new day. And tomorrow, because Blake loves his mother, he will again promise to be good all day. And out of thankfulness for that gift of forgiveness God gives us, we also will continually make that promise to try harder next time—with the help of the Holy Spirit.
1 John 4:19 (English Standard Version)
We love because he first loved us.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your Son’s death and resurrection which paid the price for our sins. Thank you for the gift of faith that the Holy Spirit has worked in our lives. Thank you for the gift of eternal life that we receive through that faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Help us to show our love to You and to those around us out of thankfulness for the great love that You have shown us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Childlike Faith
Our Wednesday morning Bible study this week will be looking at Mark 10 as we focus on “The Wisdom of the Master Teacher”. It’s the first lesson in a study from CPH entitled “Health and Well-Being.” I will admit that I almost didn’t give it a closer look after reading the title. But after just reading the titles of the weekly topics, I knew it was worth a second look. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes with our group. Several things have struck me from this chapter. First is in the first verse.
Mark 10:1 (English Standard Version)
1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
As usual, Jesus is teaching. He takes advantage of every opportunity to teach those around him and, in most cases, it is to a crowd! Jesus had the ultimate public preaching ministry.
Then later in the chapter Jesus takes advantage of a teaching moment when He sees the disciples rebuking people for bringing their children.
Mark 10:13-16 (English Standard Version)
Let the Children Come to Me
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
What an example Jesus is giving us as he shows us the value of children—and the value of children in church. And especially, he shows us the value of a childlike faith. This can provide great comfort to us as we see the simple faith of a child. The kingdom of God—salvation—belongs to these children. These children didn’t do anything to earn salvation. They received it by grace through faith in Jesus. What comfort this can give each of us as Jesus admonishes us to receive the kingdom of God like a child. Quit trying to get there by works. Give up the self-righteous efforts. Take the gift that is freely offered. This is a strong admonition. He doesn’t say that this is one way to receive the kingdom. It says that it is the only way! If you don’t receive the kingdom like a child, you won’t enter! Like a helpless child, each of us can receive the kingdom of God by grace through faith in Jesus as our risen Lord and Savior.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was willing to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Help us to humbly receive the kingdom of God with the trusting faith of a child.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Mark 10:1 (English Standard Version)
1 And he left there and went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan, and crowds gathered to him again. And again, as was his custom, he taught them.
As usual, Jesus is teaching. He takes advantage of every opportunity to teach those around him and, in most cases, it is to a crowd! Jesus had the ultimate public preaching ministry.
Then later in the chapter Jesus takes advantage of a teaching moment when He sees the disciples rebuking people for bringing their children.
Mark 10:13-16 (English Standard Version)
Let the Children Come to Me
13 And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, "Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it." 16And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them.
What an example Jesus is giving us as he shows us the value of children—and the value of children in church. And especially, he shows us the value of a childlike faith. This can provide great comfort to us as we see the simple faith of a child. The kingdom of God—salvation—belongs to these children. These children didn’t do anything to earn salvation. They received it by grace through faith in Jesus. What comfort this can give each of us as Jesus admonishes us to receive the kingdom of God like a child. Quit trying to get there by works. Give up the self-righteous efforts. Take the gift that is freely offered. This is a strong admonition. He doesn’t say that this is one way to receive the kingdom. It says that it is the only way! If you don’t receive the kingdom like a child, you won’t enter! Like a helpless child, each of us can receive the kingdom of God by grace through faith in Jesus as our risen Lord and Savior.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who was willing to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Help us to humbly receive the kingdom of God with the trusting faith of a child.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
September 7
Today is my eldest son’s birthday. Children probably don’t realize this but their birthdays are an opportunity for their parents to reflect on their parenting!
As parents, we love to quote Ephesians 6.1-3 to our children.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (English Standard Version)
Children and Parents
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
As parents it is also important that we continue reading verse 4.
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
That’s a pretty heavy responsibility. As parents, we can and should take that very seriously and strive to do our very best. But as sinful human beings, we know we will always fall short of that mark of perfection. Many days we need to confess our shortfalls—not only to God but also to our children. I frequently tell young mothers that our children survive and thrive not because of us but in spite of us. The Lutheran Study Bible contains an article entitled “Law and Gospel Parenting.” It makes the statement: “The best way for a Christian to parent a child is to remember that he or she is a child: God’s child.” What better example of parenting than to look to the example of how God parents us—always showing us His Law and His Gospel. As our children become adults, we continue to pray for them and encourage them in their faith journey with the Lord. And when we want to beat ourselves up over the mistakes we have made or blame ourselves for the bad choices our children have made, remember that we are still “Children of the Heavenly Father.” Rest secure in the knowledge that He never forsakes His children.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the blessing you give us in children. Help us to recognize them as gifts on loan from You. Thank you for the perfect example of parenting you show us every day as you deal with us. Help us to show that same Law & Gospel to our children. Thank you for the blood of the Perfect Lamb, Your Son, which forgives us all of our many sins and failures. Thank you for never forsaking Your children!
In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
As parents, we love to quote Ephesians 6.1-3 to our children.
Ephesians 6:1-3 (English Standard Version)
Children and Parents
1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 "Honor your father and mother" (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3"that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land."
As parents it is also important that we continue reading verse 4.
4Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
That’s a pretty heavy responsibility. As parents, we can and should take that very seriously and strive to do our very best. But as sinful human beings, we know we will always fall short of that mark of perfection. Many days we need to confess our shortfalls—not only to God but also to our children. I frequently tell young mothers that our children survive and thrive not because of us but in spite of us. The Lutheran Study Bible contains an article entitled “Law and Gospel Parenting.” It makes the statement: “The best way for a Christian to parent a child is to remember that he or she is a child: God’s child.” What better example of parenting than to look to the example of how God parents us—always showing us His Law and His Gospel. As our children become adults, we continue to pray for them and encourage them in their faith journey with the Lord. And when we want to beat ourselves up over the mistakes we have made or blame ourselves for the bad choices our children have made, remember that we are still “Children of the Heavenly Father.” Rest secure in the knowledge that He never forsakes His children.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the blessing you give us in children. Help us to recognize them as gifts on loan from You. Thank you for the perfect example of parenting you show us every day as you deal with us. Help us to show that same Law & Gospel to our children. Thank you for the blood of the Perfect Lamb, Your Son, which forgives us all of our many sins and failures. Thank you for never forsaking Your children!
In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Commit your work to the Lord
August 31, 2010
I have spent my morning trying to coordinate my calendars. I have been taking the information from all the separate pieces of paper cluttering my desk and putting it on my computer calendar which will sync to my phone calendar. I am trying to find available dates to plan even more activities! The calendar is starting to look overbooked! As I plan for this upcoming year, I am reminded of the wise words of Proverbs 16. The first 3 verses of chapter sixteen read:
1The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
We use our human thoughts and reasoning to make what we think to be good plans but God has the final say in all things. He sees the big picture. And even more importantly He sees the spirit in which we make our plans and do our work. Commit your work to the Lord. Any work done in faith and accompanied by much prayer will be established according to God’s will.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to plan all our days with prayer that our work would be in accordance with Your will. May all our efforts give You glory. And when we fail miserably, we thank You for Your steadfast love and mercy which offers us forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray.
Amen
I have spent my morning trying to coordinate my calendars. I have been taking the information from all the separate pieces of paper cluttering my desk and putting it on my computer calendar which will sync to my phone calendar. I am trying to find available dates to plan even more activities! The calendar is starting to look overbooked! As I plan for this upcoming year, I am reminded of the wise words of Proverbs 16. The first 3 verses of chapter sixteen read:
1The plans of the heart belong to man,
but the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.
2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes,
but the LORD weighs the spirit.
3 Commit your work to the LORD,
and your plans will be established.
We use our human thoughts and reasoning to make what we think to be good plans but God has the final say in all things. He sees the big picture. And even more importantly He sees the spirit in which we make our plans and do our work. Commit your work to the Lord. Any work done in faith and accompanied by much prayer will be established according to God’s will.
Heavenly Father,
Help us to plan all our days with prayer that our work would be in accordance with Your will. May all our efforts give You glory. And when we fail miserably, we thank You for Your steadfast love and mercy which offers us forgiveness through the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. It is in His name we pray.
Amen
Thursday, August 19, 2010
First Day of School
Today is the first day of school at Good Shepherd Lutheran School. My baby just walked in to her last classroom at Good Shepherd. She is now an 8th grader. I don't think that I have ever cried on the first day of school--with the oldest or the youngest! With the oldest, there were still too many little ones at home. With the youngest, it was time for a break! When she started all day school in first grade, it was the first time in 21 years that I did not have a little one home during some part of the day!
Today isn't a crying day but it is a reflecting day! Reflecting on the blessings of a Christian education and knowing that it will not end thanks to Metro East Lutheran High School. But the insight into the daily life of the school at Good Shepherd that can only come from being a parent will somewhat change. I still will be teaching 7th grade Catechism in the school (God willing) and will still know many of the moms and students through my ministry work at Good Shepherd. But it won't be the same. I know from past experience that this will also end the extra insight into the daily life of my child. I won't have those chance opportunities to see her during the day. This is the last year that she can just buzz my office if she left something at home or needs permission to take a Tylenol! It's a step toward the next season of life for both of us.
Our school theme this year comes from Isaiah. It reminds us that the God who redeemed us will never forsake us.
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine." Is 43.1
Fear not! I don't know what the future holds but I know who holds the future. Or as Bob the Tomato so eloquently put it:
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla,
or the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man.
And He's watching out for you and me.
May God watch over all students and their families. And I especially ask that He would help me enjoy and appreciate this last year as a Good Shepherd Lutheran School parent!
Today isn't a crying day but it is a reflecting day! Reflecting on the blessings of a Christian education and knowing that it will not end thanks to Metro East Lutheran High School. But the insight into the daily life of the school at Good Shepherd that can only come from being a parent will somewhat change. I still will be teaching 7th grade Catechism in the school (God willing) and will still know many of the moms and students through my ministry work at Good Shepherd. But it won't be the same. I know from past experience that this will also end the extra insight into the daily life of my child. I won't have those chance opportunities to see her during the day. This is the last year that she can just buzz my office if she left something at home or needs permission to take a Tylenol! It's a step toward the next season of life for both of us.
Our school theme this year comes from Isaiah. It reminds us that the God who redeemed us will never forsake us.
But now thus says the LORD, he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine." Is 43.1
Fear not! I don't know what the future holds but I know who holds the future. Or as Bob the Tomato so eloquently put it:
God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla,
or the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man.
And He's watching out for you and me.
May God watch over all students and their families. And I especially ask that He would help me enjoy and appreciate this last year as a Good Shepherd Lutheran School parent!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
"wise for salvation"
Proverbs 2:1-6 (English Standard Version)
The Value of Wisdom
1My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
With the start of school this week, a lot of attention is focused on learning. Teachers are planning their lesson outlines for the year. There are goals set for what each child should learn during this academic year. My daughter is getting ready to start her last year at Good Shepherd. My son just went to freshman orientation for his first year of college. I’m excited for all the wisdom they will gain this year. But these verses remind me of how wisdom comes from the Lord. While I want my children to be wise and competent, I am even more concerned that they become wise in the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God. I want them to be “wise for salvation.” as we read in 2 Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (English Standard Version)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
This wisdom doesn’t end with a graduation. This learning continues throughout our lifetime. The start of the school year also starts a lot of other activities and opportunities.
Take advantage of some of those “learning” opportunities at home and at church as you attend Sunday School and Bible Class on Sunday mornings, have family devotions, take advantage of worship opportunities and attend other weekday Bible studies.
Heavenly Father,
Keep us ever focused on Your Word that we might receive true wisdom so that we might become “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” May we always seek and treasure Your wisdom.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
The Value of Wisdom
1My son, if you receive my words
and treasure up my commandments with you,
2making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;
3yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,
4if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,
5then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6For the LORD gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
With the start of school this week, a lot of attention is focused on learning. Teachers are planning their lesson outlines for the year. There are goals set for what each child should learn during this academic year. My daughter is getting ready to start her last year at Good Shepherd. My son just went to freshman orientation for his first year of college. I’m excited for all the wisdom they will gain this year. But these verses remind me of how wisdom comes from the Lord. While I want my children to be wise and competent, I am even more concerned that they become wise in the fear of the Lord and the knowledge of God. I want them to be “wise for salvation.” as we read in 2 Timothy.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 (English Standard Version)
But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
This wisdom doesn’t end with a graduation. This learning continues throughout our lifetime. The start of the school year also starts a lot of other activities and opportunities.
Take advantage of some of those “learning” opportunities at home and at church as you attend Sunday School and Bible Class on Sunday mornings, have family devotions, take advantage of worship opportunities and attend other weekday Bible studies.
Heavenly Father,
Keep us ever focused on Your Word that we might receive true wisdom so that we might become “wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” May we always seek and treasure Your wisdom.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Back to school. That seems to be on everyone’s mind these days. Today was the “Day of Spiritual Renewal” for the church workers in the Southern Illinois District. At the opening worship service this morning, we heard the Gospel lesson from last Sunday from Luke 12. We read in verses 22 & 23: And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing."
You know, one hour on Sunday is just not enough for most of these texts. I heard the sermon about worry on Saturday night at Good Shepherd Lutheran, spoke to the preschoolers about this during the sermon on Sunday morning at Good Shepherd Lutheran, and then heard President Mueller preach an excellent sermon on this again this morning. What a blessing! I suppose that means I should be through with all worrying! NOT! Satan continually puts those worrisome thoughts into our heads.
I mentioned to the preschoolers on Sunday that they might be both excited and nervous about the start of school. Maybe they are going to school for the first time. Maybe they are going to a new school. Maybe they won’t know anyone on their first day. Maybe this is their first time away from Mommy. Those are real worries for many children. Older children worry about fitting in, about their hair and clothes and shoes, about their new teacher, about making the team, about their grades. Back to school brings worries for parents, too. They worry for their child’s safety and for their happiness. And the teachers—even the experienced ones—worry about this new school year. What will the students be like? What will their parents be like? Will I be able to make a difference?
As we enter in to this fear of the unknown, one thing is certain. We are not alone. We do have a friend with us in all situations—our best friend, Jesus. And even as we worry about all the uncertainties of life, Jesus reminds us in verse 32 why we needn’t worry: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
We have the kingdom! We have forgiveness! We have the gift of eternal life! God has taken care of our sin problem (and what problem could possibly be bigger than that?) through His son, Jesus Christ. Trust Him to take care of everything else as well.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for Your gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Please fill us with Your peace as we face the many uncertainties of life, confident of the certainty of Your care for us.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen
You know, one hour on Sunday is just not enough for most of these texts. I heard the sermon about worry on Saturday night at Good Shepherd Lutheran, spoke to the preschoolers about this during the sermon on Sunday morning at Good Shepherd Lutheran, and then heard President Mueller preach an excellent sermon on this again this morning. What a blessing! I suppose that means I should be through with all worrying! NOT! Satan continually puts those worrisome thoughts into our heads.
I mentioned to the preschoolers on Sunday that they might be both excited and nervous about the start of school. Maybe they are going to school for the first time. Maybe they are going to a new school. Maybe they won’t know anyone on their first day. Maybe this is their first time away from Mommy. Those are real worries for many children. Older children worry about fitting in, about their hair and clothes and shoes, about their new teacher, about making the team, about their grades. Back to school brings worries for parents, too. They worry for their child’s safety and for their happiness. And the teachers—even the experienced ones—worry about this new school year. What will the students be like? What will their parents be like? Will I be able to make a difference?
As we enter in to this fear of the unknown, one thing is certain. We are not alone. We do have a friend with us in all situations—our best friend, Jesus. And even as we worry about all the uncertainties of life, Jesus reminds us in verse 32 why we needn’t worry: "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
We have the kingdom! We have forgiveness! We have the gift of eternal life! God has taken care of our sin problem (and what problem could possibly be bigger than that?) through His son, Jesus Christ. Trust Him to take care of everything else as well.
Heavenly Father,
We thank you for Your gift of salvation through the blood of Jesus Christ, Your Son. Please fill us with Your peace as we face the many uncertainties of life, confident of the certainty of Your care for us.
In Jesus name we pray. Amen
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