Joy Lutheran Church, Ocala, Florida

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.”  Psalm 113:3”

The cheerful sunflower stands tall; its vibrant bloom is a sure sign of summer.  But it is unique among flowers.  These golden giants turn their faces to follow the sun.  From east to west, it’s a silent, profound act that has captivated human cultures across the centuries.  The scientist calls it heliotropism.

Spiritually, it has been a metaphor for unwavering faith; the soul’s devotion to a high power.  Does the sunflower teach us to anchor our focus on what nurtures and guides us, telling us to turn towards the light?   Maybe so.

Sunflowers are boldly themselves.  They don’t hide among the other flowers.  They stand out. The Inca culture saw the sunflower as a physical representation of the sun god, a symbol connecting them to the Divine. 

May the sunflower inspire you to be you!  To be proudly and vibrantly God’s child.  He has made you his own.  Each child of God has value and beauty.

Judy

 Paul, writing to the Corinthians, gave them this message, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.  So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” II Corinthians 12: 9

When you are in communication with God, through audible prayer or your quiet, personal thoughts, GIVE UP.  The phrase, Let Go and Let God, comes to mind.  Perhaps, picture yourself raising your hands in the air and thinking/saying, “I GIVE UP!”  Paul knew, as he was sharing this knowledge, that we are NOT in charge.  Give up the need to control, or have all the answers, or the feeling of vulnerability. Our Lord gives us grace, loves us unconditionally, and accepts our weaknesses.  He waits for us to release all of those, so He can pour His power into us. Many days, I feel weak and heavy laden with “stuff.”  

As I age, I am learning how easy it is to release, let go, and give up all the “stuff” to my Heavenly Father. Whew!  The burden lifts, His grace fills my heart and His power and knowledge pour into me.  Wanna’ know what happens? The tightness in your chest leaves.  The weight on your shoulders disappears.  Your breathing is deep and powerful. Your mind is rid of the “need to control,” and you warmly are able to feel His love, power and grace engulfing YOU! What a blessing! His strength will fill you.

Jill

How do people perceive us? When they think of us, do they immediately think, “That person is difficult. They are so negative and it is hard to be around them”. I would hope that is not how others think of me, but…

One thing that can guarantee that doesn’t happen is to not complain and argue about everything. That kind of behavior can be dangerous and spread like a plague. I have worked with those types of folks and I know it is not pleasant and creates a hostile work environment making it uncomfortable for everyone else around them.

This type of behavior not only takes place in workplaces, but also in our churches. It creates an adverse atmosphere there as well. One person can plant a seed that grows into a noxious weed, creeping in and disrupting the peace.

One way we can shine the well-deserved light of Jesus Christ is to do things without complaining and arguing. This negative behavior ruins relationships, friendships and bodies of believers. Is that any way to act in church, or for that matter, anywhere? That is not Christian behavior. Disagreeable behavior makes people uneasy and can distract people from the Lord. The goal of the church is to lead people to Christ, not send them away.

We should take some time to exam our lives. Do we tend to be encouraging or discouraging people? Spend some time in prayer and ask for guidance in shining God’s light to others, like He does with His unconditional love for us. Ask Him to help us be a beacon of hope for Him and not a hindrance.
In Philippians 2: 14-15 we read these words. Do everything without complaining and arguing, so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.

Be a shining beacon and not a dying ember. Be more like God and thanks be to Him!!

Patty

I was thinking after writing last week’s blog about “The Uninvited Guest” that many of you may not have read my original blog about the other uninvited guests who actually reside in our little cottage for most of the year. So, I am repeating that blog written in 2017. I hope that you enjoy reading about these creatures and appreciate the wonder of the world that God has given us along with His unconditional love. 

Spiders, Ducks and Otters 
Originally posted on June 21, 2017

Spiders – When we first arrive back at “camp”, there are lots of spiders in the eaves, the corners and on the ceiling. What amazing little creatures! I was watching one the other day; such beautiful craftsmanship in those webs. I tolerate them for as long as I can, but they are eventually dusted out the door. While they are here (well, the truth is that they never really leave), the webs make excellent traps for the gnats and mosquitoes who make their way inside in the early evenings. 

Ducks – The lake presents many opportunities to see God’s love and creativity at work. This summer there is a mother duck with at least 20 ducklings swimming back and forth in front of the cottage. The little ones follow the mother’s lead wherever she goes. Dunking when she dunks, scooting across the water behind her and quacking the whole time. Some appear to be riding on her back. When they swim close to shore, I run to get my camera, but as soon as I go near them, they swim away in a flash.   

There will be some attrition in their numbers over the summer months. There is a red fox who visits the shoreline with regularity, and this often results in fewer ducklings in the lineup. That is the way of things here on the lake – the classic circle of life and balance of nature. 

Otters – One Spring when the lake was particularly high, I was sitting at the table on the porch having my leisurely breakfast when I heard this splashing coming from nearby. My porch is about 3 feet away from the lake when it is high. Looking out the window, I was stunned to see two otters rolling and rollicking right in front of me! So beautiful and fun to watch! I had never seen otters on the lake before and, sadly, I have never seen any since that day. However, I will always feel privileged to have seen them that one time. 

For me, I see God’s love and creativity in these physical manifestations. I look for them all the time. Looking and finding help me to stay in constant contact with our Awesome God who loves us all the time – no matter what we do! Read 1 Chronicles 29:11 New International Version (NIV), and remember God loves you unconditionally.

Terri

Today we remember Brigitta a Swedish mystic. She was born to a noble family in 1304 and married at age 13. She and her husband had eight children. From the time she was a young girl she had visions. When her husband died in 1344 she made a radical change in her life becoming a Third Order Franciscan and eventually beginning her own religious order commonly known today as the Brigittines. Some 700 visions of Brigitta are recorded, many of them focusing on the life of Christ especially the passion.

Church authorities (all men) were often puzzled by what to do with gifted religious women. They were prohibited from attending universities, they could not preach publically or hold church offices, and they were absolutely forbidden to teach men. What the authorities couldn’t control was women like Brigitta who had visions. God has a way of getting around the human restrictions people try to put on people. I think that remain true today.

One of my great frustration as a pastor was the amount of time and energy spent trying to find volunteers to do the jobs a church needs to keep running while at the same time failing to find ways for people to use the gifts God had given people. I’m not sure I could have rightly used a person like Brigitta.

Here’s a part of one of Brigitta’s prayers: “O Lord, make haste and illumine the night. Say to my soul that nothing happens without You permitting it, and that nothing of what You permit is without comfort.”

Read Joel 2:28 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

The Feast of Mary Magdalene is observed on July 22nd by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican and Lutheran churches.  Mary was a Jewish woman, who according to the four gospels, traveled with Jesus and his disciples. She was witness to his crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Her name probably indicates that she came from the town of Magdala, a fishing town on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee. Because she was the first to witness to the disciples that Jesus was risen, she is sometimes known as the apostle to the apostles.

We honor her today, but what do we learn from her? How can our lives reflect her example?

Mary Magdalene was “there.” When Jesus and the disciples traveled, she was there. When Jesus was crucified, she remained there. When He was buried in the tomb, she was there. When someone needed to anoint the body for burial the next morning, she was there. When the angel announced that Jesus was risen, she was there. When someone needed to tell the disciples the good news, she was there.

When Jesus needs us, for whatever reason, are we there?

The closer we stay to Jesus our Savior, the more likely we are to see opportunities to serve Him. As Jesus told us, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” Matthew 25.40 Open our eyes and hearts to the needs of the hungry, the sick, the homeless, the lonely, and the oppressed. There are so many opportunities to be “there” for our Lord.

He loves each of us unconditionally, let’s share that love.

Judy

IT was never God’s intention to pull the wool over our eyes. His Word is plain as day. Yet it still is something we wrestle and struggle with. The gift of scripture is that it always leads to conversation. Our individually, wonderfully created selves interpret what we read in an infinite number of ways.

          But it’s still true.

True at all times and in all places. We learn and grow from it and in it. Then there are the times it’s tricky. We question whether we’re actually supposed to do literally everything it says. Of course not; otherwise we’d all be walking around maimed. We would be slaughtering all of our supposed enemies. “Love your neighbor”. Wow. We make a royal mess of that!

This is where Luther’s Catechism helps us out some. It follows up every command with “What does this mean?”

           I think we never stop asking questions of scripture. That’s how we learn. We all struggle with what to take literally and what is strictly contextual (only applies to the time it was written). God’s Word invites us into holy conversation. We have an ongoing dialogue with Him and what we believe He has recorded for us. They are ultimately words of true life; the ideal. Read it and digest it spiritually and prayerfully. Let the Bible scholars analyze it. Don’t get too much head and logic into it; allow it to embrace your heart with unconditional love.

Pastor Art

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”  Psalm 51:10

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.”  Matthew 5:8

Being pure in heart sounds very lofty, but how do we accomplish this?  Well, we don’t.  It’s God’s work in us, not our work for God.

What is a pure heart? A pure heart doesn’t harbor resentments, while showing forgiveness.  It isn’t full of pride, while projecting humility.  The pure heart is the same on the outside as on the inside.  It’s not perfect but is directed towards God.  It’s a process.   It’s not the purity of innocence; it’s God’s continued refining work in our human heart and soul. 

There’s a paradox to this beatitude.  Being completely pure of heart seems utterly impossible.  But that’s just it.  Jesus wasn’t giving us a requirement.  He was painting a picture of one who has been transformed by God’s grace, blessed by his unconditional love, a heart that belongs wholly to God.

Judy

 ^“Jesus answered, “You don’t understand now what I’m doing, but it will be clear enough to you later.” John 13:7

This verse comes from the Passover Story, when Jesus chooses to wash the disciple’s feet. They don’t understand what is going on. Peter does not want Jesus to wash his feet, but Jesus tells Peter if he wants to be a part of Jesus in the times to come, even though at this moment he doesn’t understand, he will later.

Do you ever feel like you don’t understand what is going on in your life or why things are happening to you?  Well, that is normal. This verse perfectly explains this “bump” or “glitch” in your life. You may not have a clear answer or the WHY or even a smidgen of understanding, but it will be clear later. Sooooo, what does later mean, tomorrow? Next year? When I retire? Just before I take my last breath? We don’t have the exact answer, but the answer will be made clear. Indeed, we might have clearness and insight soon, but then again, we might receive that upon our death and seeing Jesus. Should you worry and fret, stewing over the lack of understanding? NO. This is where you apply your faith and show Jesus you trust Him and know whatever is happening, though you do not have an understanding of it, your Lord, who loves you unconditionally, WILL MAKE IT ALL CLEAR.

Trust and faith are BIG words and not always easy for us to embrace. Practice your faith daily.  Trust God without falter. Give Him all of you with your doubts and questions, your answers will be made clear.

Jill

I recently saw this quote and in all its simplicity, it very much resonated with me in the troubling times in which we are living.

Our country desperately needs CPR…Christ, Prayer, Repentance.

As we all know, CPR is the acronym for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. It is the emergency lifesaving measure performed when the heart stops beating. Using CPR can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest. Some of you may have personally experienced or observed this procedure so you know how important it can be to a dying individual.

The similarity to our country needing CPR…Christ, Prayer and Repentance is not a coincidence. We are in need of lifesaving measures before the heart beat of our country and our way of life is gone. In my humble opinion, Christ, prayer and repentance are the only way this is going to happen.
Only Christ can see us through this time of unrest, hatred and brutality and help us to overcome our fears, leaving us free to help those around us. Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10.
We must pray without ceasing for an end to the continual bombardment of murder, war, violence and hostility around every corner and return to living God’s will. Colossians 4:2 gives us these words of hope. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.

To some, repentance means “a turning from sin”. I think we can all agree that so much of what is happening is sinful. In the Bible however, the term repentance means “to change one’s mind” and true repentance will result in the change of actions. In Acts 26:20, Paul gives us these words. I preached that they should repent and turn to God and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. Pray without ceasing that minds can be changed for the good of mankind and their actions will result in positive outcomes.

Our country and our entire world desperately need CPR. We have that available to us in our one true God who loves us unconditionally. No matter how bad things are, when we turn to the Lord with prayer and repentance, our lives and the lives of those around us will improve. Thanks be to God!

Patty