The Heart of a Pastor

Desperate

This past Christmas my wife gave me the seven volume set of the "Complete Sermons of Martin Luther".  Every once in a while I will check these out and see how Luther preached a particular text or a particular church holiday/season.  This Sunday (May 11) is Pentecost Sunday so I decided so check out what Luther said about this day.  The follow is an excerpt from his Pentecost sermon in 1534:

"We desperately need this Pentecost sermon of the Holy Spirit, so that he may give us a courageous heart, so that we, too, may persevere, regardless of who is offended, regardless of how much people may slander us.  And even if cults and sects arise, we will also ignore that.  That's the kind of courage we need, a courage that remains undisturbed by any of these things and simply continues fearlessly to confess and publicly proclaim Christ, who was so grossly misjudged, condemned and killed." (The Complete Sermons of Martin Luther, vol. VI, pg. 163)

Up to this point Luther talks about these scared, timid, uncertain, disciples who, upon the Holy Spirit filling them, started proclaiming to the people (and the powers that be) that the one they condemned and crucified has been raised and is Lord of all.  This One is none other than Jesus Christ.  This proclamation was a bold one and took an incredible amount of courage.  This courage came from the Holy Spirit that allowed them to see that nothing of this world can take away the gift that we have from God through Jesus Christ.  And once they realized this; that nothing of this world could harm them, the disciples boldly proclaimed the Good News.

We too need this courage (as Luther states) and that is why this Pentecost message (the one proclaimed by the disciples on that first Pentecost Day) is so important.  We need to hear a message that gives us strength because this world needs courageous Christians.  This world needs people willing to share their faith no matter what others think.  This world needs people willing to stand up and speak against injustices.  This world needs people to take their faith into the "Monday through Saturday" world.  This world needs people who are firm in their faith knowing there is hope beyond all the crap going on around us.  This world needs courageous Christians; the world is desperate for them.

We need to constantly and continually preach this Good News.  We need to affirm in people the promise of God through Jesus Christ.  We need to proclaim this hope we all have.  We need to be strong, forward, unashamed and bold.  We need to know and/or be reminded that because Jesus died and rose from the grave; conquering death; and giving us victory, we need not be afraid. 

So boldly go and preach the Good News through word and deed.  Speak out against injustices.  Take your faith into the "Monday through Saturday" world.  Make that unpopular decision to say "no" to Sunday sports and say "yes" to worship.  Dare to give more than you "think" you can afford.  Be courageous.  Be courageous because there is nothing in this world that can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  Dare to say..."JESUS IS LORD!" Amen.

-edh-

National Day of Prayer

There has been an interesting discussion going on over at The Lutheran Zephyr about the National Day of Prayer (recognized the first Thursday of May).  I invite and encourage you to stop over there and check out the discussion and put in your two cents worth.

-edh-

A mighty wind (and I am not talking about me)

Grown up
I don't know if this will make a lot of sense to people, but part of me feels more "grown up" now.  Allow me to explain...

...my wife is the stage manger for a musical that is being put on by a couple churches in town.  The musical is called "The First Actions Heroes".  I don't know much about the musical, but based on what my wife is doing behind the scenes, it looks like it is going to be good.  Anyway, my wife needed a prop built...a light pole.  So we started brainstorming.  I had a couple 2x4s in the garage so we thought we could use them along with a old cardboard carpet roll tube.  But one thing was missing...I didn't own a saw.  Well...I do now.  When we were at Menard's this past weekend my wife said something to me that I think most guys would love to hear, "Honey, I think you should buy a circular saw."  WHOO HOO!  Power tools!  So I bought a Black n Decker circular saw.  And for some strange reason I feel more "grown up" now.  Combine that with the fact I bought a cordless drill a couple weeks earlier...well...I really feel "grown up".  (WHOO HOO! Did I mention I have pool tools?)

Marathon update
This past Saturday I ran my longest run to date...8 miles.  Part of me was excited to see how I would last and another part of me was a little nervous.  I was a little nervous because of a nagging voice in the back of my brain that tells me to be careful of injuries.  Would my legs hold up?  They did and I felt great afterward.  Praise be to God!  This Saturday I have a 9 mile run and the following week is 10 miles.  Then I drop down for a week to rest before increasing my mileage some more.  Starting June 1 I begin the official marathon training program.  Up to then I am simply in a mileage build up program to prepare me for the longer run I will have this summer. 

Without God, there is no way I could do what I am doing.  It sounds strange to say that God is helping me train for such a grueling race, but I don't feel I am doing this alone.  Whatever God's purpose is, I am in this for the long haul...and so far I am feeling great.

Pentecost Sunday
There is a verse from Acts 2 that always makes me smile.  Maybe you know what I am referring to.  The Holy Spirit comes over the disciples and they start speaking in the various languages of the people: "Amazed and perplex, they (the crowd) asked one another, 'What does this mean?' Some, however, made fun of them (the disciples) and said, 'They have had too much wine.'  Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd, 'Fellow Jews all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say.  These men are not drunk, as you suppose.  It's only nine in the morning..."  But if it were 3 in the afternoon, then we might have a different story :)

So in that "spirit", allow me to suggest a couple possible sermon titles for this week:
(1) High on God
(2) Drunk on the Holy Spirit
(3) No whining [get it?  wine-ing]
(4) God has good breath - no breath mint needed
(5) God breaks wind [this is my favorite]
Any other suggestions?

On that note...it time to accomplish something this morning.  God bless you on this beautiful spring day and may you sense the Mighty Wind (Holy Spirit) "blowing" in your life.  Take care.

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer

Happy Sunday morning to you all...and what a beautiful day it is...finally...

...first off, I am sorry that I have been so absent these past couple weeks.  It never seems to fail, that when May rolls around things start picking up again until school is done.  Also, last Sunday we (Salem) participated in a "Thanksgiving and Retiring Rite" for the Lutheran Book of Worship.  The service went well, but things did not really set in with me until this past week when I was removing all the LBWs and WOV (With One Voice) hymnals out.  It felt a little surreal.

Today at Salem is Dedication Sunday for our NEW hymnals...the Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW/cranberry hymnals).  Today will mark a new chapter in our worship life.  It may also mark a time of new controversy as I know some people (a minority of people) are not in favor of these new books.  But my prayer is that over time, they will grow to understand that we do not worship books, but rather we worship an awesome God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  It will take some time getting used to the "new" page numbers (i.e. the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness is not on page 77 but on page 147).  I wonder if I will instinctively turn to pg. 77 this morning.  It will also take some time getting used to hymn numbers in the 800s.

But I also feel fortunate because I do not have to say "good bye" completely to the LBW.  Belmont Lutheran Church (the other congregation I serve) still uses the LBW.  Now I just have to stay focused; trying to keep the two worship services straight in my head (I wonder if I will ask Belmont to turn to pg 147 for the Brief Order of Confession and Forgiveness).

In any case, I am looking forward to worship this morning.  I am not sure what it will bring (but then again do I ever know).  But one thing I do know...is that my prayer will be that everything we do today (and everyday) be to the GLORY OF GOD and not to us.  And that also happens to be my sermon focus:  What does it mean to glorify God -- with the scripture reference the Gospel text from John 17:1-11.

So with that, let's pray together...
O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  I can't help but think of that Psalm today, O God.  When I think of all you have created and all you have done, you are still mindful of us.  You still remember us.  You still care for us.  Within this massive creation you know our needs, you give us daily bread and you love us as if each one of us were the only person in the world.  But if that was not enough, you sent you one and only Son, Jesus Christ to die and rise from the grave so we may have life. It is for these reasons (and many more) that all praise, honor and GLORY belongs to you.  O Lord our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the world.  Amen

God's blessings to you this day and always.  Take care.
-edh-

Freedom!!!

This is a scene depicting 54 old car seats from a car seat clinic my wife organized.  I titled this "Freedom!!!" because these have been in our garage for some time and now I am free of these plastic shells.  Today is citywide clean-up so that is why they are sitting on the curb.

But in all seriousness, this is the second year my wife has done this.  She is a certified car seat tech and has a passion for child safety.  This scene of 54 old car seats means there are 54 more children that are riding in safe car seats now.  It is a lot of work for her (and for me for that matter), but it is all worth it.

Freedom...Yes...but safe kids...even better.

[I am hoping this makes up for the burnt wooden spoon picture :)]

-edh-

LATE ADDITION:  When I posted this earlier today I failed to mention and give some credit to my sister who came down from the cities to help with one of these clinics.  Julie is also a car seat tech.  Connie and I were both very grateful she could come.  Plus we got to spend some quality time togther (which includes time with my cute little niece).

Hot...from the church kitchen

In case you can't figure out what in the world this is a picture of...it is a picture of a wooden spoon Salem used to have.  My wife has preparing spaghetti for our Wednesday night "Sunday" school program when this spoon got a little too close to the gas flame :)

[Sorry honey...you had to know that this would turn up here...I love you]

I still think I am in trouble :)

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer

It has been a long time (last Monday) since I have been here.  I guess part of it is that early in the week the weather was so beautiful that I tried to spend time outside.  Then the cold and snow hit...reminding me that I live in Minnesota.  I also had a funeral this week, which went very well.  And (as I mentioned last Monday) my secretary, Vicki, returned to work.  That meant we had a lot of catch up...which is going very well.  So this past week has been a good one over all, just not a good one for blogging.

But...to get you up-to-date in very quick fashion, here are some (very) random updates for you:
(1) My running is going great.  I am feeling stronger and stronger all the time.
(2) I went to an awesome concert on Thursday by a group called "Naturally 7".  I will try to post a You Tube video of them.  They were truly amazing.
(3) I killed one of my cacti the other day.  I know they don't need much water over the winter, but they still need some. 
(4) Did I mention we got snow.  Stupid weather.

Anyway...that should about do it for the random updates.  How about a little prayer time?  Yes?  Great.  First...here's a reading, from 1 Peter 3:15-16, that I will be focusing on today:
"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

Now...let us pray...
Heavenly Father, you give us life and hope.  You give us a reason to live.  You give us strength to endure life's pains and sorrows.  You give us a future of joy and happiness.  Lord God, please give us opportunities to share with others this hope.  And when these opportunities come our way, give us the words to say so others may come to know you or know you better.  In Christ's name we pray, Amen.

I hope and pray that you have a very blessed day.

-edh-

Monday morning check in - 04/21/08

Wow...what a novel concept...me actually posting a "Monday morning check in" on Monday :)

Anywho...

It's official reprise:
I feel a little different today; after having had a couple days to let this whole marathon thing sink in.  I registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon on Friday and then ran six miles on Saturday.  That ties my longest run since high school and you know something...I felt great.  The first couple miles were tough as my body loosened up, but after that I felt myself getting strong and stronger.  I don't know how long that feeling will last for I have no idea where my "runners wall" is (The runners wall is the point where your body runs out of energy reserves; usually around the 18 -21 mile mark.  A marathon is 26.2 miles).  I am going to be running a 18.6 mile race this summer so we'll see if I hit my wall then.  In any case, so far I am having a great time and getting more and more excited about the marathon.  My sister and mom left a comment for me at my last couple posts about running and they said they would be at the marathon cheering me on.  That meant the world to me.  Now I pray that God keeps me healthy enough to run this monster race.

WHOO HOO!!!
Our church secretary, Vicki, is back in the office.  She's not going to be here all morning, but is back getting some stuff done.  Vicki still has some more healing to do and strength to build back up again, but it is great to have her back...even if its only for a short time today.  My life feels somewhat "normal" again.  Praise God!!!

Scripture
This verse from the first lesson text for this Sunday (Easter 6) has captured my attention today:  "But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.  But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously again your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." (1 Peter 3:15-16) 
Questions to consider:
(1) Is Christ set apart, in your heart, as Lord or is their another lord in your heart (i.e. success, money, athletics, etc)?
(2) Are you prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have?  Are you able to verbalize or live out this hope?
(3) Are you gentle and respectful when it comes to sharing the hope that you have?  Are you patient with others?

I believe these three questions are ones many Christians struggle with.  What do you think?

-edh-

Sunday morning prayer - 04/20/08

Great news...

...our church secretary, Vicki, is finally home and feeling much better.  There is a strong possibility we will have her back next week, at least for a little bit.  But I want to make sure she takes it slow and not rush back.  We don't want her over doing it too soon.  Thank you for the prayers.

In other news...the parishioner I talked about earlier, G, that had a massive heart attack, died on Friday.  He was all set to come home to the Jackson hospital when he developed pneumonia and had another heart attack.  That was Thursday and died by 3pm Friday.  G was all set to die and was not afraid.  His faith definitely gave him peace during this difficult time.  Thank you for the prayers.

With that being said, let's join ourselves together in a word of prayer.

Loving God, there are so many times that we just don't understand; where we throw up our hands with the psalmist and ask, "How long, O God?  How long?"  We search and search for answers.  We search and search for clarity.  But the more we search the more things become cloudy.  And in the end all we are left with is a hope through Jesus Christ.  And even that becomes cloudy in our doubts.  O God, grants us patience and help us to trust you more, knowing that your Will, will indeed be done.  And when your Will is done, may we rejoice and give you all glory.  Thank you, God, for your loving faithfulness.  In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

God bless you and take care.

-edh-

It's official...

...I hit that "registration" button at 11:08am, today, April 19.  Now I am officially registered for the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon.  May God have mercy on me :)

-edh-