As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: 
It will not return to me empty, 
but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:10-11

Our New Year here in Minnesota started out with a pleasant warm spell, who would have imagined that the temperatures would have risen into the 50’s during the second week of January? But, because this is Minnesota it didn’t take long for things to return to what we call normal, and sunshine and warmth, have given way to cold, clouds, and snow flurries. For a brief while we were able to enjoy the warmth and pleasure of temperatures which were well above normal, now we are back to normal, back to what should be expected in January, snow flurries, blustery winds, and the sting of cold air.

God has expectations of how things should be. In Isaiah, God reminds us that there is an expectation that the Word of God, which flows from God’s own mouth, will accomplish and achieve the purpose for which it is sent. That is what makes God’s Word a living Word. It is proclaimed, taught, sung, painted, shared and lived, and it accomplishes the many purposes for which God sends it. This living Word is powerful, it builds up, encourages, comforts, soothes, celebrates, corrects, guides, breaks down barriers, warns, blesses, and brings good news. This is just a partial list of what God’s Word does in the world and in the live of God’s good creation.

So, if this Word of God, this living Word, pacts so much potential, isn’t it an incredible thing that God would give it to us? Think for a moment, that God’s powerful Word, is placed upon our lips and in our hearts, and it flows out of us in such incredibly beautiful and creative ways. And in our sharing of his Word in worship, in teaching, in our daily interactions and relationships with others, God’s Word accomplishes so many purposes.

As people of faith, we are encouraged to share this living Word. We are invited to learn it, to love it, and to live it. We are called and invited to bring God’s living Word into God’s living world where people are eagerly waiting to hear its Good News. We all can play a part in what the living Word can and does accomplish. We can do this by first, letting the Word of God dwell within us. Open your Bibles, read and listen to what God is saying about his love for you and for the world. Search the scriptures with friends and neighbors in a Bible study, discuss and share with one another what God’s living Word means to you. Then share God’s Word, engage in faith conversations, offer God’s Word of comfort, hope and peace to a struggling friend or neighbor. And live out the promise of God’s living Word, as you are gracious, forgiving and merciful to others. Remember, that God’s Word will never return empty, it will accomplish all that God’s proposes!

Just Another Passing Thought!

The Second Candle of Advent

“The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”  Mark 1:1

Good News!!!  That is what we’ve got, Good News!  Isn’t that what this season of Advent is all about anyway?  In a day and time in which people seek to satisfy their needs and desires by gathering more and more, doesn’t the world to hear an alternative message?  The promise of the Good News of Jesus tells us that we find our meaning in the relationship that God has established with us in his Son Jesus rather than in those things we seek to possess.

This Good News of Jesus goes beyond finding meaning; it proclaims the promise of forgiveness, healing, hope, light, life, renewal and restoration.  God gives us this Good News, not to keep for ourselves, but to share with others.  Not far beyond our doors, our friends and neighbors are eager to hear this Good News!  And guess whom God has chosen to share this Good News?  YOU!

Now is the time for us to share the Good News of a God who comes into our world and takes up residency in our lives.  Now is the time to invite a neighbor to worship or a bible study.  Now is the time to lift up your neighbor in prayer.  Now is the time to bring the Good News of Jesus to a friend, a neighbor and even a stranger.

This second week of Advent, how will you be the beginning of Good News for someone else?

Just Another Passing Thought!

First Candle of Advent

During this first week of Advent, the scriptures urge and encourage us to be alert and aware of Jesus arrival when he comes again.  It is a busy week, this first week of Advent, having survived Black Friday and Cyber Monday, we now set our sights on preparing our homes for our celebration of Christmas.  There are trees to decorate, wreathes to hang, lights to be strung, and all sorts of cookies and treats to be baked.  And in the midst of all this busyness the scriptures speak out about being awake, alert, and aware of the coming of Christ.

Jesus believes this is such an important matter that in each of the first three gospels, he speaks to his disciples about the importance of keeping watch for the coming of Christ.    So how are we doing with that one?  As homes are decorated, presents are wrapped, cards are addressed, and goodies are baked, are we being alert and on the watch for the coming of Christ?

I want to suggest that during this season of Advent we look for the presence of Jesus in our very midst.  As Emmanuel, God with us, Jesus promises that his presence is always with us.

So where are you seeing and experiencing Jesus’ presence as you go about your day-to-day life?  In worship, do you feel his presence in the Word proclaimed, in the hymns sung, and in the peace shared?  In worship, as you come to the table, do you taste and see that the Lord is good?  And how are you experience Jesus’ presence as you get ready to head off to work, do chores around the house, pay your bills, shop for groceries, and spend time with your family?

Advent is a time when we are reminded that God breaks into our lives, and is really present with us.  Advent encourages us to believe that when we pray, “Come Lord Jesus” that he has already come and taken his place in our lives.  Advent urges us to keep awake, and stay alert to see and feel Jesus presence today.

So keep watch!  See Jesus because he is near!

Just Another Passing Thought!

This morning on my drive to First Lutheran Church in Lafayette, Minnesota I saw the most beautiful sunrise.  As the sun was coming over the eastern horizon, a low hanging cloud served as a quilt as the morning sun appeared to be rising from the bed of the rolling prairie, just south of Klossner, Minnesota.  Pulling over to the side of the road, I marveled in the new day about to break forth and said a silent prayer for all of those who yearn for the light to shine in the midst of their own darkness.

Minnesota Prairie Sunrise

Today is All Saints Day, a day in which we pause to remember those saints upon whom the sunrise of God’s glory now shines.  As I sat by the side of the road just off of Minnesota State Highway 15, I thought of all of the saints who have lightened my life and at times lightened my load.  I thought of friends and relatives, whose lives have been to me a testimony of God’s graciousness moving in and amongst God’s people.  I could not help but smile and shed a tear as I remembered the dear saints, who have walked alongside of me on my journey with Jesus.

This year, I remember saints who lived long fruitful and faithful lives, which have seen many sunrise and sunsets.  I thank God for them.  I remember saints, upon whom the sun set all too early, and yet knew the faithfulness and forgiveness of a gracious God.  I thank God for them.  I remember saints, whose heroic acts of faith were demonstrated in the ordinary and everyday routine of raising children, helping others, and looking out for their neighbors.  I thank God for them.  I remember saints, who encountered rough spots on their journey, but continued on by placing their hands in the hand of God.  I thank God for them.  And I remember the living saints, especially those in my life, who share the road with me, who have helped me persevere, who laugh with me, who challenge me, who encourage me, and who love me, flaws and all.  I thank God for them.

So this morning I put my face in the sunlight, knowing that God’s grace has shined on and will shine on All the Saints!  And so I thank God!

Just Another Passing Thought!

Bean Fields Awaiting The Harvest In Klossner, Minnesota

“Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God will bless us.”

Psalm 67:6

It is the beginning of October and the harvest is in full swing.  In the communities that surround Fields of Grace Lutheran Parish, the parish which I serve, farmers are combining beans and corn, and the rich fertile farm land is yielding its harvest.  This is indeed a season of blessing, and God has blessed the farmers in our community with beautiful weather for the harvest.

As planting season is a time of promise, harvest season is a time of promises received.  In the springtime, farmers tucked seeds into soil, with a hope that God would provide the right amounts of moisture, nutrients, warmth and sunshine so that the seed that were sown would sprout and grow and produce full pods and ears.  Now it is autumn, and farmers make their way into the fields to glean the harvest, hoping that the promise of that which was planted months ago might result in an abundant harvest blessing.

In the springtime and in the autumn, we witness the movement of faith.  In the spring as crops are being planted, faith is seen in what God can and is able to do.  A miracle occurs under the soil, as the seed dies and becomes a sprout.  A miracle occurs as sprouts push though the earth and become stalks.  A miracle occurs when the stalks produce an ear, or a pod, or a head and the grain begins to fill out and grow.  As autumn arrives, faith is seen in promises fulfilled.  Faith is lived out as the harvest is gathered, as gratitude is expressed, and as gifts of harvest are shared.  A miracle happens in the autumn as well, it is the miracle of death, as the stalk yields to the combine, as grain is shaken loose from ear, or pod, or head.  A miracle occurs as the earth is given the gift of a Sabbath, as it will soon sleep under winter’s blanket of white.

In this harvest time, we see God at work.  God is at work blessing the harvest with a promise kept, that seed moves from sprout to stalk to grain.  God is at work blessing the harvest with abundance, one seed becomes many in the harvest.  God is at work as the harvested crop makes another transformation into bread, which feeds the world.  God is at work, as harvest blessings abound!

Just another Passing Thought!

The Uncharacteristic Cross at Swan Lake Lutheran Church

On top of the steeple of Swan Lake Lutheran Church, one of the congregations I serve as pastor of Fields of Grace Lutheran Parish, is a weather vane and a lightening rod.  This combination weathervane and lightning rod form a cross at the top of the steeple.  This uncharacteristic cross caught my attention the first Sunday I pulled into the Swan Lake Lutheran driveway, for my first service as their new pastor.  For a little over a month now, I have been thinking about this uncharacteristic cross.

The weathervane shifts with the prevailing breezes to display the direction of the wind.  Yet, no matter the direction, or the ferocity of the wind, the form of the cross is always present, it is always there on the steeple of Swan Lake Lutheran Church.  This uncharacteristic cross, stands as a reminder that in the midst of change, which seems so prevalent today, the cross stands as a sign of a God whose love, mercy, forgiveness, and grace which is poured out upon his people does not change.  The Psalms give witness to this fact when we are reminded, “The LORD is compassionate and gracious, 
slow to anger, abounding in love.” (Psalm 103:8)

When the winds of change blow, we often fear that the foundations of our faith may be blown off course.  It is in such times that we need to cast our eyes upon the cross, to see that the wind  and rain, tempest and trial, does not change the God’s steadfast love for the world, which Christ bore on the cross.  In the second stanza of the hymn, Abide With Me   hymn writer Henry F. Lyte, capture this sense of God’s steadfastness as he writes, “…change and decay in all around I see, O thou who changest not abide with me.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship #629)

When we experience change, we are invited to set our  foundation upon the one who does not change, whose love for us and the world is steadfast and everlasting, and that one is Jesus.  In our study and understanding of God’s Word, our foundation is set.  In our living a servant life, we build spiritual house upon that foundation.  In worship and prayer, these spiritual houses are strengthened.  And in the shadow of the uncharacteristic Cross, our lives are lived and we find our direction in Christ.

Just Another Passing Thought!

In the hymn, “Earth and All Stars,” Lutheran Hymn writer Herbert Brokering expands our understanding of Psalm 148 in which the Psalmist see’s praise of God in all aspects of our lives.    In the hymn, Brokering fancifully plays with the gift of learning and our schools as a vehicle for singing our praise to God.  In the fifth stanza of the hymn Brokering writes:

“Classrooms and labs!  Loud boiling test tubes!  Sing to the Lord a new song!

Athlete and band!  Loud cheering people!  Sing to the Lord a new song!

God has done marvelous things.  I too sing praise with a new song!”

School began this week and children of our community have returned to school, and the halls and classrooms of our local schools are now filled with the sounds of children laughing, chatting, questioning, and learning.  Have you ever stopped to think that the noises in our schools are simply another form of praise to God?  Just think for a moment about what happens in our schools, wisdom and knowledge are shared between teachers and students, children learn the importance of working together to accomplish a goal, lessons of sharing, respect, and compassion are learned in the classroom, lunchroom and the playground.  All of that interaction gives praise to the one who is the source of all wisdom.

In the second chapter of the Old Testament Book of Proverbs we are told, “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”  In our schools, teaches, principals, guidance counselors, coaches, paraprofessionals, parent volunteers, and so many more are God’s instruments for sharing the gifts of wisdom, knowledge, and understanding.  As the school year begins, it is fitting for us to lift up in prayer those whom God has called into the vocation of education.  It is also important to pray for young people who are preparing for a new year of schooling, whether they are entering elementary school, high school or college.  And finally, let us never forget the role we play as citizens to promote and support our educational systems, so that knowledge and truth might flourish in our schools as together we sing to the Lord a new song!

Prayer:  God grant wisdom and understanding to those who are beginning another year of school.  Be with students and teachers as new songs of praises are sung to you in the learning that will take place in the upcoming school year.  Amen

Just Another Passing Thought

It has been a while since my last post to PT’s Passing Thoughts.  Some of you may be wondering if there have been any thoughts passing through my head lately, and you could quite possibly be correct.  However, in reality, a lot of thoughts and wondering have been passing through, often like unexpected visitors, and the challenge has been for me to welcome them and then find a place for them to stay.

Bernadotte Lutheran Church

Change is once again happening in my journey, and with change come excitement, challenge, anxiousness, and even a bit of mourning.  This new adventure that God has called me to is to serve a three-congregation parish, Fields of Grace Parish in Nicollet County, Minnesota.  The three congregation of the parish are Bernadotte Lutheran Church, First Lutheran Church of Lafayette, and Swan Lake Lutheran Church.   These congregations are not too far from our home in New Ulm, Minnesota.  I am excited to be serving with and alongside God’s people at Fields of Grace and am eager to get to know my fellow disciples at each congregation and their dreams for serving and living in God’s kingdom.

First Lutheran Church

The challenges which lie before the parish and me are a bit unknown at this time, so I believe that there will be a lot of questions that need to be asked by me and of me.  I am excited to hear about what people are passionate about as they serve in God’s kingdom.  I am hoping that they are equally as excite about hearing of my joy in serving God and others.  In our mutual discernment and discussions, I am confident that God will provide a vision that will shape the ministry we will share.  In 1^st Kings 3, King David’s son, Solomon, is considering his ascendancy to the throne of David, and in the midst of his pondering the LORD appears to him a dream and invites Solomon to ask for whatever he wishes.  Solomon responds, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil; for who can govern this your great people?’” (1 Kings 3:9)  So as I begin my ministry with the Saints at Fields of Grace, I pray that God will grant us the gift of discernment, so we might serve God and one another in joy and faith.

Swan Lake Lutheran Church

There is a bit of anxiousness surrounding me as well.  All sorts of questions are popping up in my mind.  Will they like me?What are their expectations and will I live up to them?  How are things done?  And the list goes on and on.  But one thing I have learned over the past year of some incredible transitions is that God’s purpose is fulfilled because God is present, and we feel God’s gracious presence in the midst of change.  Last year at this time as I was feeling stirred to leave Our Savior’s in New Ulm, and begin my ministry at Abiding Presence in San Antonio, I felt God’s gracious presence as I said goodbye to friends and colleagues in one place, and hello to new friends and colleagues in a new place.  In January and February of this year, as transition issues for me and my family seemed overburdening and painful, I could feel the presence of God surround me in the midst of my sadness and loss.  At this time, I need to say thank you to my wife Pat, my sisters and brothers-in-law, my friends Christian, Bill, and David who from a distance filled me with hope for a new beginning.  I am also grateful to the many understanding people at Abiding Presence in San Antonio, who helped me in the midst of such a difficult situation.  Thank you Jeff and Mary Ann, Michael and Jenny, Gaye and Dennis, and many others; your grace in the midst of my grief was a gift.  God was gracefully present as I was invited to serve American Lutheran in Windom, MN as an interim pastor.  His presence was greatly felt in the gentle pastoral leadership of a new friend and mentor Pastor Terry Frovik.  And as I saw and felt God present in each of these transitions, I know that God will be present with me and with the parish to calm any anxieties, as we walk together in faith.

American Lutheran Church

And I know there is grief in the midst of change.  Fields of Grace continues to mourn the death of a beloved pastor, Pastor Grunske, a servant of the Gospel I deeply admire and respect.  I know that I will not be able to replace him, and only hope that I may build upon the strong foundation he had laid for the parish.  I am saddened that my time at American Lutheran was all too short.  They are a wonderful loving congregation, who I am sure will experience a new breath of life as Pastor Jay Grave begins his leadership of their shared ministry.  To anyone from ALC who is reading these Passing Thoughts, thank you for providing me a safe and soft place to land.  Thanks for helping me brush myself off and get back on my feet.  You are all awesome.  And even though it has only been a week, I miss you.

So now, once again, and God willing, not for a long time, I stand at the beginning of a new opportunity.  I will hold on dearly to the promise that our generous God will give wisdom, and grace as this new adventure begins.  My dear readers, my God bless your new beginnings with his presence and peace.

Just Another Passing Thought!

Thunderstorm on the Southwestern Minnesota Prairie

As I sit before my computer this afternoon, the clouds are releasing their gift of rain upon the farms and fields of Southwestern Minnesota.  Lightning flashes, followed by claps of thunder announce that there is something, no, someone bigger than myself who brings the gift of moisture to give a drink to the sprouted seeds of corn and beans planted only a few weeks ago.  Indeed, “the heavens are telling the glory of God” and Psalm 19 reminds me that in God’s continuing creation, God is in control.

Lately on my journeys from New Ulm, MN to Windom, MN I have noticed  nature has been singing a chorus that proclaims the Glory of God!  In sight, sound, and scent, God’s glory can not help but be noticed.  On these warm June mornings, the smell of Lilacs and freshly tilled soil offer hints that the creation is beginning something brand new.  Geese and goslings honk and peep, in competition with the trilling to the Redwing Blackbird.  They sing out songs of praise which are joined by the cackle of pheasants and the croaking of frogs.  And in the fields, rows upon rows of corn and beans sprout and grow and stretch heavenward, as if lifting themselves in postures of prayer and praise.

Now if the heavens and earth, can proclaim the glory of God, what about us?  If we are, made “a little lower than God” and “crowned with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5)  shouldn’t we too add our voices to the song?  At times, in the summer months, we have the tendency to draw away from worship.  It seems odd, that when creation, which has lain quiet and dormant under the cold winters cover, rediscovers it voice in the spring, we Christians lay low and fail to add a full voice to creations chorus of Glory to God in the highest.

Dear readers of these Passing Thoughts, do not let your songs be silenced.  Join your sisters and brothers in worship.  Join all creation in telling the glory of God!  Worship and be part of all nature that sings and tells of God’s great glory!

Just another Passing Thought!

It is Day Camp and Vacation Bible School time at American Lutheran Church, the congregation I am serving.  It is a wonderful time when kids can be kids, and know that the Kingdom is “for such as these” as Jesus promises.  I enjoy Vacation Bible School and Day Camp because it is the one time I do not need to apologize for wearing shorts and flip-flops to work.  But mostly, I enjoy this time because I am reminded that a child like faith is a faith that is hungry to hear the Good News of Jesus. 

Yesterday, it was my privilege to teach the kids at American Lutheran Church in Windom, the Hippo Song. It is one of my favorites because it includes great actions and has a great message about how we are all created.  The words of this song are as follows:

In the beginning God made the seas, and the forest filled with trees.
God stacked the mountains up so high; above it all he placed the skies.
God’s finger prints are every where, just to show how much he cares.
And in the middle God had lots of fun, he made a Hippo that weighs a ton.
Hip-hip-hip-hip-o-pot-a-mus, hip-hip-hooray, God made all of us!
Hip-hip-hip-hip-o-pot-a-mus, hip-hip-hooray, God made all of us!

Hip-hip-hooray, God made all of us!

As we sang and danced together, I thought about this passage from Psalm 139:14a, “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”  Each of us as children of God is fearfully and wonderfully made.  We are unique, in all sorts of ways, and yet gifted to give praise to our loving God.  Now the Hippo is not the most beautiful animal in all of creation, but it is still the product of an incredibly imaginative and creative God.  Sometimes we are not the most attractive beings (inside and out), and yet God has wonderfully shaped us in ways which his grace and beauty show and shine through our lives.

In the story of creation as told in the book of Genesis, God desired to create a creature that would be a reflection of God’s beauty, creativity, compassion, and care.  He shaped and molded a lump of clay, and breathed life into this work of his hands and created humans.  God’s breath, his very essence and spirit is breathed into us, and we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” in God’s imagination.

So today, and all our days may we sing…” Hip-hip-hip-hip-o-pot-a-mus, hip-hip-hooray, God made all of us!  Hip-hip-hip-hip-o-pot-a-mus, hip-hip-hooray, God made all of us! “

Just Another Passing Thought!