Joy Lutheran Church Ocala, Florida

When I was growing up, I was terrified of the dark. I should be more specific. It wasn’t the dark so much, but what might be in it. It was the unknown…what I might encounter in that darkness. It didn’t help that my older brother scared me every night when we were going up. I always knew it would happen, just not when or where or how. 

As a result, I walked very cautiously, taking careful steps so as not to fall, sometimes with my arms stretched out in front of me so if that scary “something” touched me, I had a chance of protecting myself. Even with my wary steps, at times I stumbled over out of fear.

I wish I would have known about the promise of Psalm 121:3. He will not let your foot slip-He who watches over you will not slumber.

This verse assures us God is right beside us, protecting each step we take with His perfect, unconditional love. When we sleep, He is awake. While we worry about what lies ahead for us, He is already there, waiting for us. Even on those darkest nights when we don’t know what our future holds, we can be certain our Father who never sleeps, never grows tired and never looks away is always there.

Basilea Schlink who was a Lutheran German religious leader and writer left us with these words in 2001:

In the darkest of nights cling to the assurance that God loves you, that He always has advice for you, a path that you can tread and a solution to your problem-and you will experience that which you believe.

Remember that God never grows tired of caring for us. Thanks be to God!

Patty

For a very important date. No time to say Hello, Goodbye, I’m late, I’m late, I’m late!” (Alice in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll as spoken by the White Rabbitt as he runs down a hole into which Alice follows.) 

Ever feel that way? I do. I do right now because I don’t have my blog finished (this will be the blog…); I don’t have the kitchen cleaned up, I have gotten the back lanai settled for our exit on Monday and I need to make dinner.  

Don’t feel sorry for me. I have been this way all my life. I’m a crisis junkie. I need the pressure to activate my energy and get me going. However, as I age, I wish that I could change this mode of behavior. There is a special person that I am going to talk with right now. 

I take a time out, sit down in a quiet space and ask for the Holy Spirit’s intervention. And I get it! I may be driving down the dangerous SR 200 road or frantically going from task to task in my house, but God stops my anxiety and reminds me how to approach and complete my work. He always has. 

I am so grateful for the unconditional love that the Triune God pours down on me all the time. I can reach out to any and all of the three persons in God and leave all my issues at their feet. I still must do the work (“buy the ticket”) but the work is done with a renewed attitude of hope and love. Everything will fall into place. 

Thank you, Lord of All, for loving us in that unconditional manner. Help us all to accept this grace so freely given. 

Now, I have to go make dinner. 

Terri 

The Preacher riding his circuit came upon a member of his flock who had not been to church for several years. The man argued that he had heard it all before and knew it better than most preachers.

“Do you know the Lord’s Prayer?” asked the Preacher.

“Certainly,” the man replied. “My mammy taught me when I was knee high to a grasshopper.”  

The preacher said, “I don’t think you really know it, brother.” I don’t think you could recite the Lord’s prayer without stumbling. I’ll make you a wager. If you can say the whole Lord’s Prayer straight through without your mind wandering off, I’ll give you my horse. If you can’t, you come to church every Sunday for a year.”

“That’s practically stealing your horse, but it’s a deal. Get used to walking, Preacher.” The man began, “Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be . . .  I forgot to ask. Do I get the saddle along with the horse?”

“See you in church, brother,” said the Preacher as he rode away.

A funny story that touches on truth under the humor. Prayer is frequently distracted, whether we’re praying at Sunday worship privately by ourselves. It takes intentionality to overcome distraction. A helpful bit of advice is to pray before you pray. Tell God you’re about to pray and ask God to assist you. God knows you’re praying, but it’s worth reminding yourself, that you are in the presence of Almighty God praying.  Maybe then you’ll  pay a bit more attention.

Read 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne

Yes, Lord!  These words come so easily in times of joy. We celebrate the birth of a new child; yes, Lord – this is a preciousl moment.  We pause to gaze at a particularly beautiful sunset – once again, yes Lord, you have created such beauty.  It may be the return of a loved one who has been away far too long. As we embrace them, we can say yes, Lord, I’ve longed for this moment.

Not all the moments of our journey are filled with such bliss. We walk through the valleys. To borrow a phrase, we trudge through the sludge. We face sickness, pain, loss and grief. Hope seems to be lost. The words “Yes, Lord” may not come so easily.

I just read a little book called, “Yes Lord.” I found inspiration and encouragement in the author’s story and I’d like to share a bit of it with you.

“I am suspended between the hope of living and the hope of dying. Yet I must say it still again . . . Yes, Lord.”*   These are the words of Dona Hoffman in her deeply moving volume of letters, journal entries, and poems. This young woman has recorded the very personal story of her journey through cancer. She is walking through the valley of death, yet amid it all she courageously responds “Yes, Lord.”

The author was diagnosed with cancer when she was still a young mother. She would spend years fighting; fighting the disease, the pain, the loss of independence. She had an intense desire to live, but fear of the pain ahead. She was torn. She struggled. She suffered. Though the words did not come easily, she still could say “Yes, Lord.”

I don’t know what today will bring for you. I don’t know what it will bring to me. I do know that we find peace when we can honestly say “Yes, Lord” to the God who loves each of us unconditionally.

Judy, Originally posted in 2019

*Yes, Lord,” by Dona Hoffman, published by Stephen Ministries as part of the Care Classics Series, copyright 2003.

I believe it’s possible to be both. It does not have to be an oxymoron.

Here at JOY!, we crafted a vision to be “a spiritual community sharing Christ in a challenging world”. This is what the “nones” and the “uns” readily admit they are searching for. Where can they find the grace and love of God? In a spiritual community (church). Organizations and institutions don’t cut it any more. The commitment and obligation will only come if deep meaning and value is found

Spirituality is hard to define and quantify. It can’t be measured or empirically proven. It is felt, like faith. Once “it” is found, I don’t think it’s ever described anymore as “getting religion”. Our ilk or brand of Christianity is often lampooned in self-deprecating humor. I think that has gotten very trite and unhelpful. There is powerful freedom in letting loose, trying new expressions. We are feeling it at JOY! Along with the pride in our heritage of semper reformanda – always being reformed – is the grounding in our rich tradition of worship.

The power of the Holy Spirit revives us. The unconditional love of God in Christ Jesus sustains us in this crazy world, in these uncertain times that are always held in His hands.

Pastor Art

She sat at the curb in the early morning, perched on a small suitcase. Packed and ready to go, she waited. She was my daughter and she was only five. Her Grammy had invited her to visit for a few days during school vacation. I’ll pick you up, she said. I remember making a quick phone call to Grammy. “She’s waiting for you at the curb, could you come soon?”

There was a special bond between this little girl and her grandmother. These were special visits, times she would never forget. She would have her Grammy’s undivided attention! She loved her Grammy, and was loved and cherished in return.

Speaking of invitations, our Almighty Lord has extended an invitation. You and I are invited! “Come to me” he says. He promises His undivided attention to all of our wants and needs. He asks us to welcome Him into our hearts and minds each and every day. Most awesome of all, this invitation is extended by the One who loves us with an unconditional love that exceeds even the most devoted human love.

Are we ready? Are we anxious to welcome Him each day? Do we anticipate His presence with childlike faith? Are we “sitting on the curb” so to speak, or are we so engrossed in our own plans that we forget His invitation?

Judy Originally posted in May 2019

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

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My two sons both have Biblical names: Timothy and Andrew. ( I love their names without shortening them to Tim or Andy.) Are you familiar with the name Silas?  At our church, our Music Director’s name is Silas.  I knew his was a Biblical name but had forgotten the Bible stories that may have included that name. Timothy, of course, was a companion and evangelist with Paul and their combine efforts of spreading the gospel message are noted in their books in the New Testament. Andrew was Peter’s brother and a fisherman also. Andrew was the first disciple called by Jesus and he previously was a disciple of John the Baptist. Andrew was present at the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. After Jesus’ death, Andrew preached in Greece and Turkey. He, too, was later crucified. So, who was Silas? Silas was an early leader in the Christian church and, like Timothy, a companion to Paul. Silas was with Paul when they were arrested in Philippi. They were beaten and imprisoned there. In their cells, they would sing hymns to God at night. Miraculously, an earthquake happened and their cells were broken open.  They were free. The jailer witnessed this and asked how he could be saved. Paul and Silas told him to believe in Jesus and he, too, would be saved.

Having a Biblical name is not necessary to have a magnificent relationship with Jesus.  When reading the Bible, you will discover light, peace, the answers to your many questions, strength and the powerful stories that have unfolded through faith since the beginning of time. Psalms are a great read before bedtime.  Perhaps you are a morning person, on your second cup of coffee, peruse your favorite childhood Bible story from the Old Testament. On a chilly, rainy day, sit down with your Bible app/or Bible and read about your precious Savior, Jesus and His unconditional love for YOU. His story is powerful! Timothy, Andrew, Silas went before you and shared their hearts. Discover or rediscover them. Jesus, the Name above all names!

Jill

Each Thanksgiving we share a very special day of hopefully expressing our gratitude for all we have been given. This does not mean that we shouldn’t do this every day of our lives, but perhaps Thanksgiving reminds us we should. With that in mind, I recently read an article that shared the benefits of giving thanks. I wasn’t looking for reasons on how giving thanks could personally benefit me, but while doing my research for this blog, this article from Misfit Ministries popped up and intrigued me.

This piece shared five benefits and I will share them with you.

1. You’ll be happier as you express gratitude and reflect on God’s greatest gift, Jesus our Savior. Being thankful for all the material things in your life that make your existence easier, like clean, running water, clothes, food, and a dry, warm or cool house in which to live comfortably  make you happy. Giving thanks for our families who are a blessing in our lives bring joy as well.

2. Your love for God will grow. How can we not fall deeper in love with God when we consciously contemplate all the wonderful things He has given us and give thanks every day?

3. Your relationship with God will grow. The more you give thanks and are grateful for everything you have, the more time you will spend with God and your connection grows.

4. You’ll grow in humility. Thanksgiving causes you to realize that all the good gifts you have in your life come from God and not from yourself. Spending time remembering this can make you think less about yourself and more about God…humility at its core.

5. Trust more deeply in God. Having an “attitude of gratitude” (a relatively new catch phrase) will hopefully activate a greater trust in God. Remind yourself of all He has done for you and remember…He has never, nor will He ever abandon you.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. James 1:17

No one else can be thankful to God for you. You have to do it yourself. Have a wonderful and thankful Thanksgiving, give thanks daily for all you have and most importantly, remember God loves you unconditionally. Thanks be to God!

Patty

It’s been a busy couple of weeks with Easter, concerts, company and other tasks that took up not only physical time, but time in my head. So, this week starts a cool down period before we leave for the north country.  

Even this week has a busy attitude because of all the little tasks that I have put off for a few months need to be done before I leave in two weeks. I am a craft addict. I have materials for every popular hobby craft from knitting to diamond painting. Each of these projects occupies a section of my house so that I can work on the one that moves my soul. 

However, I cannot leave them out for the summer. I must finish the work or neatly pack it away for my return. I call this my time of tidying up. I want to put them in a big box and move them to the garage. Basically, putting off the hard work. But this week I have been tackling the jobs and it makes me feel good. 

It also reminds me that I need some tidying up in my spiritual attitude. I know that God loves me unconditionally, no matter how I behave or misbehave. However, I don’t want God looking at me and shaking His head and with a sigh remarking, “Oh dear, not again.”   

No, I want a big smile and an “Atta, Girl!” for making the effort and succeeding at discarding a character flaw that has been nagging me. Yes, my spiritual house also needs to be tidied on a regular basis. I try to do this one day at a time and not get overwhelmed by all that needs to be done. Just like my house. So human… 

Remember that God loves you unconditionally, no matter how messy you feel inside. Turn the “stuff” over to His care and love, relax in His light and let Him find a daily place at your table. Let Him help you tidy up and create a clean heart. 

Terri 

Every pastor has had this happen. Ten minutes before the service starts, you’re trying to pray with the assisting minister and two rambunctious acolytes. Someone rushes up shouting, “Pastor, the toilet is overflowing in the ladies’ room!” What are you supposed to do? Or it’s just after the service and you are greeting 150 members. Someone passing by mutters, “Pastor, Sarah is going in for surgery tomorrow. I don’t know what it’s for or at what hospital, besides, I thought you probably knew already.” What? Sarah who? Where? When?

Or you’re the organist knocking out a Vierne organ finale as a postlude (obviously not me). Simultaneously, an irate parishioner is demanding to know why they changed the tune for the first hymn. Or you’re the church secretary and somebody drops a notice for the bulletin in your lap as they come back from communion. Or maybe you’re the bookkeeper and they hand you a bill for pew pencils while you’re praying. Or maybe you’re a council member just sitting down and someone starts fussing at you about why they don’t have hazelnut coffee creamer at fellowship time.

KNOCK IT OFF!

St. Benedict, a fifth century monk, wrote that business needed to be taken care of at the proper times “so that no one may be troubled or vexed in the house of prayer.” We go to church to worship the Lord. The other “stuff” can wait. If God had wanted us to bug each other about “church busyness” around worship time, he never would have given us the cell phone.

Read John 4:24 and remember: God loves YOU unconditionally.

Wayne