Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida

Water flowing through a brook reminds me of the twists and turns that my life takes. I see myself as a small leaf floating on a brook. The size of the brook doesn’t matter, nor the length of its path; just the fact that the leaf has no control over the natural happenings that occur on its journey to the sea.
Sometimes that leaf floats along on a calm, serene waterway, meandering through a beautiful meadow filled with flowers and friendly animals. The sky is a beautiful blue, and the clouds are high and fluffy. Nothing ruffles the surface of the brook, so the leaf floats on in a state of contentment. All is right with its world. This is the state that I want to have all the time.

However, storm clouds move in and the brook becomes a violent pool of waves and splashing water. The leaf bobs up and down over terrain that once was smooth and easy to navigate. Then the sun comes out again and calm is restored.

This analogy has wonderful examples that tell the story of life: the trips through the dark and scary woods; the journeys over shallow, rough and rocky ground; the tumults of falling over an unanticipated waterfall when the ride had been so smooth. And, eventually, the emergence once again into the bright sunny meadow filled with peace and tranquility.

What is the constant in all these situations? For me, it is the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit at my side for help and guidance. Yes, it does take the steadfast “practice” of faith in God to feel the comfort and support which comes in this relationship. It takes the willingness to accept the grace freely given and accept that there are lots of things that happen in life that are way beyond my control.

Sometimes the brook seems awfully lonely and the forest is very dark, but I know that God is there holding me in the palm of His hand. I know that God is there for you, holding you in the palm of His hand. Why? Because God loves you unconditionally!

Terri

“God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change And though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea, Though its waters roar and foam, Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah.” Psalm 46:1-3

“Believe It Or Not” was a show that aired in the ‘80’s, as I recall. Robert Stack was the host. His voice timbre was perfect; he had a mysterious quality that drew you in, almost holding your breath for the subject that was about to unfold.

I sincerely believe that is the draw of the ongoing story of God’s people. So much of the content of Scripture goes beyond imagination and might even border on the surreal. Then throw in the “secret sauce”, which is that we are already chosen, already spoken for. God is both subject and verb, beginning and end, eternal yet close enough to walk with us, embrace us, cry with us, and save us.

It is a give and take relationship with The One who created all that is, knows all that is, and has power over all that is. And believe it or not, knows us so intimately. It is faith that assures us of whatever we hope for and proves that which we cannot see – believe it or not. He is not letting go of us but tightening His grip as we face the challenging world with all its’ landmines, believe it or not. It is salvation and life everlasting, even though every single one of us cannot escape death – believe it or not. It is an  unconditional love instead of what we deserve for our constant disobedience.

Believe it or not…

Pastor Art

Now that’s a “churchy” phrase that I have heard repeatedly in these many years of mine.  I’ve heard it read, and I’ve sung it.  It was part of the liturgy which was used for many years.  But I don’t think I’ve given too much thought to its meaning.

The words, from Psalm 51, are part of David’s prayer for forgiveness.  He had sinned with Bathsheba and months of unconfessed sin left him in misery, spiritual defeat.  He humbly asked for God’s forgiveness.  But, he also wanted to once again experience the “joy” known to those whom the Lord has rescued.  This joy has been translated as the profound happiness that arises from being in a right relationship with God, a deep peace.

How about you and me?  We bow our heads in penitence.  Can we then raise our heads with the joy of being “restored” to the joy of a right relationship?  Something to think about.  Then we too can join in singing, I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.

Have a joy-filled day.  You are forgiven and the joy of salvation is yours!

Judy

While reading a la-la book (that means there isn’t much depth, the storyline just flits along), the mother in the story was quite outspoken and at times estranged from her two daughters.  They tolerated their mom.

That scenario does not describe my mother at all.  I miss her so very much. Due to life’s circumstances, mine and hers, she lived with me, during my adult life, for her last 17 years. What a joy! What a gift! I was so blessed to share close time with her. She passed away at 86. She had a plethora of medical issues and more pills than a pharmacy, but never complained. Her trials were never an imposition for me or my husband.

Definitely lots of “mother” stories are recounted in the Bible, from Sarah becoming a “late in life mother,” and Rebekah having twin boys, Esau and Jacob, Elizabeth, John’s mother and Mary the mother of Jesus, and others. I, too, am a mother and ponder often the Biblical mother stories. We learn their years of motherhood were not all sunshine and roses. They experienced trials and turmoil too. They also shared their wisdom and faith. The key piece of connectivity was their faith in God. He loves us unconditionally and His Word provides wisdom and strength for our parenting role (this applies to fathers too).

I hold fast to the commandment that requires me to HONOR my mother and father.  Do you wonder if you parented well, or if you are doing your best at being a grandparent? Perhaps, you are a step-parent. Perhaps you are an aunt or friend assisting in a parental role. The Bible has HELP.  Proverbs, Deuteronomy, Ephesians, the Gospels and others.  His wisdom, guidance, love, it is all there. My mother read and applied those lessons to her own life and taught us those same lessons. I miss her.

Jill

No, this will not be about autumn, though I do miss the smell of autumn, a distinctive scent of leaves and coolness.  I’m conjuring up a wonderful mind photo of colorful fallen leaves, herbal tea, sweater-weather and good memories.

Instead “the fall” is where to land, should a fall occur.  Let’s see, a plush, thick carpet, or ceramic tile.  That’s a no brainer. Hm, concrete front steps or wood floors, think I’ll pick the wood floors. The problem is we don’t usually get to pick our “landing” zone for a fall (unless we are parachuting out of a plane.  Skydivers usually get a visual of the LZ and aim for that area.)

What if we fall from God?  Falling from God’s unconditional love and protective embrace is our choice.  I might not choose to fall on my tiled floor, but I have the free will to choose to distance myself from God or fall away from Him. It is our choice to fall away from God’s grace. God is going to continue to help us and not give up on us, as we are reminded in Philippians 1:6 “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

May you stay upright in your physical life, not falling and injuring yourself and most importantly stay strong in your faith and receive the gift of God’s grace.  Stay connected to Him. Feel the strength of His love and grace in your life.  Know that you are supported and welcomed to nestle under His protective wings. Tile, concrete, wood, let those surfaces be wrapped in a cushion of comfort and love to steady you, in this physical world.  May your heart and mind be wrapped in the comfort and love of our Heavenly Father. Remain strong in your faith and accept His gift of grace.

Jill

This week, we remember the men and women who served in the defense of our country. It is our solemn task to remember these sacrifices. One that serves to remind us of the acts of bravery and selflessness that these warriors made for us. One that reminds us why we want to practice peace and not war. One that reminds us to appreciate the freedom and rights which we enjoy in this wonderful country. 

Those of us who grew up in a household where one or more members served in a combat situation may remember that this day was commemorated with parades, speeches and wreaths on tombs. Originally, November 11 marked the end of World War I. Remember the name Armistice Day?  Then, Veteran’s Day was established to remember all who served, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice, when it became apparent that WWI had not been “the war to end all wars.” 

In our little town of Pawcatuck, Connecticut, we shared the day with our neighboring town across the river, Westerly, Rhode Island.  The parade started in Westerly and progressed to the Veterans Memorial at the top of West Broad Street in Pawcatuck.  There local dignitaries, VFW and American Legion representatives paid homage to the lives lost and sacrifices made. 

The act of war has always presented a moral conflict for me. Christ came to earth and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. He brings us into His kingdom on His back just as He carried the cross. He left us with instructions to follow the New Law: love God, yourself and your neighbors. He made it clear that there are no exceptions to the definition of neighbor. 

Yet, we still find ourselves at war.  Some see “might” as right and “weak” as wrong. We are so very human. While I will continue to honor our men and women in the military, my prayer will place them in the loving hands of God. I will plead for guidance for our national leaders who make the decision to put them in harm’s way. 

Remember that God loves you unconditionally and He also loves your neighbor. 

Terri 

Today is Sadie Hawkins Day. That’s the day in Al Capp’s cartoon world of Dogpatch where unmarried men and women participated in a race. If a woman could catch a man, he had to marry her. And the weddings were done by the itinerant minister, Marryin’ Sam. Sam was an opportunist, trying to make a buck wherever he could. The character reflected Capp’s cynical attitude toward religion.

There have been TV shows with respected characters like the Rev. Matthew Fordwick in “The Waltons” or Father Mulcahy in “MASH.” Too often, however,  the only time a religious leader appears in a movie or TV show is for  comic value or sometimes as the villain.

I’ve known a lot of pastors, ministers, priests, brothers and sisters in my life. Since I am a Lutheran pastor, I may be prejudiced, but most of them are hard-working, faithful men and women doing the best they can. There probably isn’t one that I agree with 100%, but that’s a good thing. A lot of important things wouldn’t happen if everyone was exactly like me.

I appreciate the role pastors play in churches. When my father died, his church didn’t have a called pastor. An interim who had never met him conducted the service at a funeral parlor. He did the best he could, but there was a kind of emptiness in me as a result. I am grateful for the salt of the earth pastors I have known like Ralph Riedesel, Marvin Tack, Larry Pinnow, Ed Holloway and Art Wuertz.

I’ll have more to say next week.

Read Ephesians 4:11-12 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

Sometimes life can really through a curve ball. As old as I am, with as many of life’s experiences as I have had, I know my family and friends have had curve balls thrown at them also. Not sure that I have ever met anyone whose life is unscathed from ups and downs, trauma, illness, death of loved ones, woes or any myriad of bumps or treacherous valleys.

If life has slammed you on occasion, have you ever pondered the thought that Jesus could not really understand what is happening to you? We know from the Bible, Jesus suffered. He cried tears of blood. He isolated himself in the desert for forty days. He was betrayed by a close friend. He was beaten, flogged, crucified, and died a horrific long drawn out death.

Now, back to you: Maybe you are in daily pain, living with it day in and day out; do you think God does not understand your agony? Are your finances so shaky that you wonder how you will continue living comfortably? Could our Lord possibly understand these crises? The answer is YES. Not only does He know of your circumstances, He feels them and if you allow Him, He will comfort you, guide you, pouring a healing balm of peace over you. He gave His life for you. Dying for you. He is ALL for you. At communion, you take His body, drink His blood. Total understanding and care envelope you through this sacrament.

“What a friend we have in Jesus. All our sins and cares He bears.” Oh yes, give Him every care, worry and trust. He does understand and will walk with you through the valley. That’s unconditional love and we are so blessed to know Him.

Jill

Being a part of God’s family in a spiritual community is supposed to be peaceful and joyful. Only when sin gets the better of us does it become a lonely place, with guilt and shame constantly conspiring to rob us. Sin causes us to mentally check out and not experience what God offers – pardon and remission. This is why in churches such as this (JOY!), we start our worship by focusing our gaze and attention to the place where our relationship with God begins – the baptismal font. The cross is held there as well. Before we do anything else in the service, we make our confession. It is with JOY! That I pronounce absolution for all of us. The fellowship of Christ reminds us that we are baptized into his death, and acknowledging the death we all must endure as our spiritual cost.

Sin is always the great deceiver, especially when it is fun and gives instant gratification. Standing together and yet in silent admission is a lonely place indeed. Our souls cannot hide from our Heavenly Father. The struggles and discouragement we carry are heavy, yes; but if we are faithful our straying selves are scooped up and returned to the flock (that makes for a great, comforting visual). The faithfulness of Jesus carries us across the finish line. Bad habits can be wiped clean. Make the conscious choice to let go, both in the privacy of your sacred space and in the fellowship of the worship space. Accept the mercy and unconditional love that are freely given.

Pastor Art

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”  This is one of my favorite verses, found in Psalm 119:105. 

Without light we stumble.  I used to stumble at night, finding my way from the bedroom to the bathroom.  (Well, that was before we put nightlights in every socket!)  I’ve stumbled in the dark with my flashlight, trying to find the path from the tent to latrine.  Yes my camp days were rustic. 

We know the need for illumination.  When guests are expected in the evening, don’t we turn on all the outdoor lights so they can locate our home and find their way safely to the door?  

No doubt about it, we all need help navigating the darkness and uncertainty of life.

The beloved hymn, Thy Word, expresses it so clearly. 

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there right beside me

Many of us are struggling with the hatred and division in our nation.  There are times we just don’t know which way to turn.  We worry that we’ll be lost in this muddle forever.  Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?  

Left to our own devices, the answer is no.  Looking up from our own ways, we may just see that our Lord is still in control and that he still offers his light.  We’re just not the ones in control here.  Whatever the times may bring, our God is still with us.  He won’t wipe away all our dilemmas, but he will walk through the dark days with us.  He’ll hold our hand securely. His light will see us through.  I think these words bear repeating.

When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there right beside me

I hope you enjoy the music attached, sung by Jerry Archangel.

Judy

*Thy Word is a Lamp Unto My Feet, Amy Lee Grant and Michael Whitaker Smith