Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida

I think everyone of us at some time in our lives has used one of these “cross your fingers” expressions. It could have been “keep your fingers crossed” or “cross your fingers” or even “fingers crossed.” We tend to use these expressions to wish for luck, as an excuse for telling “a while lie” or to negate a promise we have made.

The practice of crossing one’s fingers is believed to have originated with its resemblance to the Cross of Christ. The crossing of fingers was also used by early Christians who lived under Roman persecution. It was practiced in secret to recognize fellow believers and silently ask for God’s protection. It was also shown by judges in medieval times while sentencing someone to death. It was offered as a small prayer for the condemned soul, again sharing the idea that only God had ultimate authority.

It is said to have become more commonly used in 16th century in England to ward off evil and ill health and is still part of the culture of the UK and parts of Scandinavia. It also has roots in their superstitions like walking under a ladder or having a black cat cross your path.

Today’s usage of the crossed fingers is displayed mainly as a secular gesture for hope or luck. As Christians however, we know we don’t need to cross our fingers to ward off misfortune or divine judgement. We can go direct to God in prayer, asking for forgiveness and help in our time of need. As promised in Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

While crossing our fingers is still practiced in many ways, as Christians, we know we don’t need to cross our fingers to ward off misfortune or divine judgement. We can go directly to God in prayer, asking for forgiveness and for help in our time of need. God’s unconditional love for us through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus, has given us the promise of everlasting life if we believe and walk in the way He leads us. It is that simple, no crossed fingers attached. Accept God’s love and forgiveness and believe in His word as it is written in the Scriptures and if you happen to fine yourself crossing your fingers, think of it as the ancient sign of the cross and feel God’s love. Thanks be to God!

Patty

It’s that delicious time of the year! Fresh fruits and vegetables at the grocery store and at roadside stands. Well, in Vermont it makes a bigger impression because we don’t have the excellent growing season that we have in Florida. 

When I lived in Vermont year-round, I often tried to grow certain kinds of veggies in a home-made greenhouse. I never had any luck, but I always appreciated the valiant effort that those little seeds made to grow. God’s wisdom in creating plants for food and enjoyment ranks right up at the top of my appreciation list.  

It doesn’t matter to me how many times I watch a small basil seed begin to germinate; it’s an onsite miracle for me. Not magical-miraculous! Deserving of my loud and frequent gratitude to the Lord God. Thank You! Loving Father for creating seeds that grow and feed and cure. 

Lest I forget, I know that there is a lot of work involved in growing food and flowers. I know that seeds don’t do all the work. If the seeds are not watered and weeded and tended, they won’t grow. If they don’t get enough sunshine and nutrients, they won’t grow. So, my gratitude list also includes those who tend the seeds to make sure that they can grow. Thank you to all throughout the world who nurture seeds, provide the food and deliver the products safely.  

We have a lot to be grateful for here in the USA. I have a special prayer for the same to be true for all the world. Wow, I just realized how large the prayer list can be just thinking about seeds. 

 There are many analogies here between spiritual growth and seed growth. If your soul is not nurtured with words of comfort that help strengthen the relationship that between you and God, it will not grow. The soul needs to grow just like the seed does, and it does when it receives the spiritual nutrition found in the Body and Blood of Christ.  

That’s why He came to earth and died for us, leaving Himself for our spiritual benefit. So that He is also truly present for us. So that He can nurture the seeds of our souls and have them grow to maturity. 

Bringing your body to a place that provides comfort in words and people provides sunshine and water for your soul. Especially when you partake of the Holy Eucharist. I believe that’s why the early church maintained such close contact with each other.  I believe that is why today’s church   continues to build spiritual communities that can strengthen each other’s journey to spiritual celebration. Happy Spiritual Seeds Growing!  

Terri 

I watched a video series that followed five Amish youth during their rumspringa in Great Britain. Rumspringa (running around) is a time in some Amish communities when older teens are allowed to experience the outside world before they decide if they will be baptized and join the community. You’d think that most people that age would jump at the chance to leave the restrictive Amish communities, but less than 10% do. Unlike most Christian groups, the Amish are growing by more than 3% a year.

I don’t share some of the Amish beliefs and practices like trying to live as people did in the 1800s or limiting education to eighth-grade or keeping women in the home, but I admire their insistence that faith has to determine your whole life. They treasure family, community, hard work, simplicity, forgiveness, not conforming to the world, and non-violence. 

I wish Lutheran Christians could articulate better how their faith shapes their lives. When we talk about faith, we quickly talk about our church, something the Amish rarely do. They have no church buildings and only gather together for worship every other week. We tend to make the goal of evangelism coming to church rather than a conversion of life.

I probably harp on this theme too often, but it’s important to me. What difference does our faith make in our lives? How does it shape who we are? Is it more than worshiping on Sundays? We need to think about that for ourselves. How we are as a person is the first step on evangelism.

Read Colossians 3:17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

From Porgy and Bess, Gershwin shared, “Summertime and the living is easy…” Well, those of us in Florida, know that sometimes the oppressive heat of summer is NOT easy. If instead we focus on the warmth coming from within us, we might feel how “cool” having Christ within can be.

Reading uplifting messages, listening to powerful sermons, tuning into a media message are a few ways to fuel that warmth from within. Having God within we are warmed in spirit, strengthened with His power and heated up to share the Good News.

If discouraging times befall you, and they will, seek the warm ember of His love that lives within your soul. Your mere thought of Him can ignite His warmth to begin glowing and spark a renewed spirit. How cool is that!

God loves you unconditionally. He does not leave you. He does not give up on you. He does not douse the warmth of His love burning within. He sizzles and sparkles ever ready to help, guide, encourage or just allow you to enjoy being His. The 60’s jargon of “cool” certainly applies to our beloved Lord. He is “cool” enough to encourage you to embrace the warmth of Him, the essence of Him.

Don’t focus on the outside temperature of our Florida summers, instead turn within to Christ’s warmth of hope, love and joy.

God is your warmth. He is cool enough to love you unconditionally!

Jill

There is a lot of information out there. Cyberspace has an infinite number of factoids, data, websites and apps. It is mindboggling to say the least. We can feel overwhelmed, even guilty if we think about everything we’re missing. We should be and feel a lot smarter than we   appear to be. I know that I don’t challenge myself enough intellectually. Watching “Jeopardy” doesn’t really count. No one likes to be perceived as a braggart that knows everything.

The truths that are embedded like bedrock are a different story. Exactly to the point – it IS all an interconnected, past-present-future story of God’s truth that is best felt and not learned by rote. If we never understood a blessed thing about how the world worked, or how vast the universe is, or how to look up something on the internet, as long as we knew the story of God’s love, we would be okay. “Trust in the Lord and lean not on your own understanding”. I don’t even need to know exactly where I read that in God’s story (the Holy Bible) to know it and believe it. Sight unseen. Blind faith. Assurance of the iron-clad promise of our Heavenly Father.

Even though we must know a thing or two about getting through life physically in this crazy world we have sullied, I often think about the sheer joy, the child-like innocence of those with Down’s syndrome. They are pure, honest, genuine and more selfless than “normal” people. Ultimately, all I care about is singing God’s praises. Even those who can’t carry a tune are certainly offering up a spiritual worship as they pray, confess, and seek to do the Father’s will. How wonderful to know God personally and for Him to accept and love us unconditionally!

Pastor Art

I’m thinking about neighbors as I write this, because I’m expecting new neighbors today.  We’ve enjoyed two different couples in that home since we moved in, and I’m anxious to meet the new folks.  One thing that’s guaranteed, they’ll be younger than we are.  

Our neighborhood has changed completely in the past 20 years.  Most of our early set of friends have died.  Guess we’re lucky that we’re still here.   Some of our “new friends” spend time away with family:  Canada, Jamaica and Pennsylvania.  A neighbor who is deaf inspired us to learn some basic sign language.  And here we are, our little world has changed around us.

In Chapter 12, Mark quotes God’s greatest commandments. “Love the Lord you God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.  The second most important commandment is this: Love your neighbor as you love yourself.  There is no other commandment more important than these two   Mark 12: 30-31.

Now I realize that the definition of neighbor goes beyond the folks next door!  But sometimes it’s wise to remember that it includes “the folks next door.”  We may have less in common with our neighbors as the years go by, being the “old fogies” of the street.  But we can still extend a warm welcome to all who make their home in our little “hood.”  Our loving God has placed each of them here; I’m sure he expects no less of us that to extend his welcome and love.

Praise God for the opportunities he provides.

Judy

Do you talk to yourself? It doesn’t have to be out loud, but our thoughts do jump around in our mind. It would be wonderful if all thoughts or self-conversations were always uplifting and positive. Alas, we are human.  We sin. We allow negativity to pop into our conversations to self or into our minds. I have some remedies that work quite well for me. When anxiousness or fear are present, I say, “Jesus help me!” Now isn’t it interesting I’m always surprised that HE HELPS?  He is always there.  Always loving me unconditionally. Why does that still surprise me?

If I’ve already gone to bed and perhaps restless or too many thoughts running through my mind or concerns or worries, I cannot seem to let go of, I actually extend my hand.  Why?  Psalm 73: 23-24 “But even so, you love me! You are holding my right hand! You will keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven! “Don’t laugh at me or think it is weird, but I draw great comfort with my hand extended, knowing my Lord knows me so well.  I envision Him holding my hand.  Guess what? I drift right off to slumber-land. It is not a fallacy.  Our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to seek Him.  Verse 24 creates a wonderful vision to ponder: “…keep on guiding me all my life with your wisdom and counsel, and afterwards receive me into the glories of heaven.”

I trust His Word, be certain you do too! It is powerful!

Jill

I recently returned from a trip to Vermont. During this visit, we went on an outing to Mt.
Washington which is in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and the tallest point in
the northeast. We took a cog train to the top and the closer we got, the lower the
temperature dropped and the trees became sparser. The trees at the bottom were tall
and full and close together. By the time we got to the top, there were only small, single
trees sprinkled around.

Those small trees were vulnerable in the open area, trying to survive with the winds
howling and the snow and cold threatening their very existence. They had no protection,
their roots were not deep and many had fallen over, not because they were weak, but
because they were isolated.

I would have loved to see those small trees in the midst of a forest like at the bottom of
the mountain. The trees surrounding the single tree would have buffered it from the
wind. Their intertwined roots help to support each other and they stand strong together
and survive.

This is like the body of Christ. We were never meant to go through life alone. Paul
writes in 1 Corinthians 12:27- Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you
is a part of it. Just as a forest stands strong and solid through unity, so do we. When
we face storms in our own lives, standing with our brothers and sisters in Christ, lifting
up one another in prayer and love, we can withstand those storms.
God created us for fellowship and shared strength. A single tree may fall, but a forest
stands firm. Let’s gather with strength and devotion to uplift each other and stand firm in
God’s unconditional love.

Patty

A long time ago when I was a senior in high school, I went on a spiritual retreat with my classmates. It was a two-night sojourn at the Immaculata Retreat House which was located in Willimantic Connecticut for over 60 years, closing in February 2018. The time was specifically designed for students as they graduated from high school and began the transition to college or work. This was in 1965. 

I recently found two souvenirs from that retreat: a small booklet, given to us to record our thoughts and prayers during the retreat; and a hard cover book by Joseph R. Washington, Jr. BLACK RELIGION-the Negro and Christianity in the United States which cost me $5.00 in their gift store. 

Five Dollars at that time of my life was a LOT of money. I have a vague idea as to why I bought that book and why I still have it. I did not read the whole book. I read enough to know that it was criticism of religious practices that kept blacks and whites separate.  

Dr. Washington’s premise was that Christianity could not be fulfilled for Blacks “…until the entire white community, not just the benevolent and paternalistic missionary, is willing to get in and sit beside him.”  (From the Dust Jacket of the book BLACK RELIGION-the Negro and Christianity in the United States)   

This was in 1965, a time of controversy as far as segregation was concerned. I was very interested in the topic of segregation even without ever having had an opportunity to live near people of color. I really couldn’t understand why we treated people in such an un-Christ-like manner because their skin was a different hue than ours. 

You’ll recall that this is a time when people of color were only allowed to drink water from a black labeled public fountain; use only the black labeled restroom; they had to ride in the back of the bus; their children had to go to a black only school, and they went to different churches. None of this made any sense to my 18-year-old mind – none of it makes any sense to my 78- year-old mind. Yes, there has been progress, but not completely. 

In the booklet that I was given at the beginning of this retreat, I found interesting written recollections of that time.  One reminded me that we are all sinners and that sin is a killer it changes man, his mind, and his eternal life. Another reminded me that charity must be practiced towards all people, and another told me to keep my mouth closed. (Hmmmm?) 

At the end of the booklet, I wrote a multi-page essay about equality of the races. I remember the passion with which I wrote the words that I put on the page. It was the passion of a young adult who could not understand why society found it so hard to love its fellow human. 

Maybe I was being naïve. We learn to act a certain way because we have taught to behave a certain way, but God asks us to take a step higher than that. God asked us to love each other unconditionally just the way he loves us. 

I don’t make any representation that that’s an easy thing to do. Unconditional love, pure unconditional love is something that only God can do. That doesn’t mean that we can’t aim for that goal.  

Always remember God loves you unconditionally. Always remember that God sends us grace to take those higher steps and smiles with love when we take them. 

Terri

I might have done better as a pastor if I ever could have figured out how a person becomes a Christian. Yes, I know about Baptism. I am grateful that the Holy Spirit works in Baptism to make us part of the family of Christ, the church. That gives me confidence in my future because God took the action of claiming me. I owe everything to my parents who on July 24, 1949, took me to the English Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Chicago to be Baptized. And I am thankful that they kept bringing me so that I grew up in the church.

I like to say I grew into being a Christian, and I hope I’m still in the process of growing. But I’ve never been sure how to help the growing number of people who were never baptized and never been part of a Christian community.

At this late date in my career, the only insight I have is that you become a Christian by hanging around with Christians and seeing what happens. But that requires something of all of us Christians. We need to care about other people, people who don’t believe. We have to treat them with kindness and generosity. And we have to tell the story of our lives in Christ.

After 76 years of being a Christian, and 48 years of being a pastor (I started my first call on July 24, 1977), that’s the best advice I can give.

Read Acts 2:42 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne