Zion Pastor's Notes

The Right Side Chancel Window

2011-11-11T09:38:00.001-05:00

To the right of the altar is the picture ofChrist standing at the door and knocking, We read in Revelations these words of Christ,”Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opensthe door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.” In worship Christ comesto us. His work for all mankind is the focus of the church’s life these windowsteach great lessons about our Savior and bring a great comfort to us.

The Chancel Windows

2011-11-03T09:52:00.000-04:00

On either side of the altarare long lancet windows which throw light into the Sanctuary and onto thealtar. These windows do not glare intothe eyes of the worshippers but can be viewed as they approach the altar toreceive the Lord’s Supper. To the leftof the altar is a life size figure of Christ the Good Shepherd holding a lambin his arms. Jesus tells us, “I am the Good Shepherd; the good shepherd laysdown his life for the sheep. John 10:11 Since Christ and His work for allmankind is the focus of the church’s life these windows bring a great comfortto us.

The Choir Window

2011-10-26T08:53:00.000-04:00

THE CHOIR WINDOW

"The Lutheran Church"-(a) A Missionary Church, (b) AConfessional Church, (c) A Singing Church.

The central panel shows Christ sending out disciples: "Preach theGospel to every Creature."

The left panel brings the outstanding scene of the quadricentennial ofthe Augsburg Confession: Chancellor Bayer reading the Augsburg Confession toEmperor Charles V on June 25, 1530. King Ferdinand of

Austria

stands at the side of theEmperor.

The other panel shows three great musiciansof the Lutheran Church. The Lutheran Church is known as the singing Church, and it has reason to beproud of its musical heritage. Luther, the father of the choral, is the centralfigure of this group. Before Luther's day the congregation remained silentduring the service. Through his endeavor the congregation again received theright to "come into His presence with singing and into His courts withpraise". Not only did Luther write many chorals himself, but he also urgedhis friends who were musically inclined to do the same. We have thirty-seven ofhis hymns in our hymnal. His" A Mighty Fortress is our God", of whichhe composed both the words and the music has been translated into manylanguages. Luther is pictured with a lute in his hand, the instrument of whichhe was so fond. At Luther's left stands Paul Gerhardt, the Asaph of the Lutheran Church, 1607-1676, whose hymns, though composed in days of storm anddistress and persecution, nevertheless breathe the wonderful comfort andcourage of a trusting child of God. We have hymns by him foralmost every occasion of the Church year, forty-two in all. The bestknown of his hymns are, "0 Bleeding Head and Wounded" (0 Haupt voll Blut und Wunden) and"Commit Whatever Grieves Thee" (Befiehl Du Deine Wege). At Luther'sright, nearest to the organ console, stands John Sebastian Bach (16851750),the great Lutheran organist, whose masterpieces excell in more than one respectanything that has been written for the organ since he composed those grand religious oratorios, like the Matthews Passionor the Christmas Oratorio. most of Bach's compositions were written forhis own use in the St. Thomas Church and School at Leipsig, where he wasorganist and choir director" None of his music was given into printduring his lifetime, Land only in recent years is his music being appreciated, asit deserves to be appreciated. The Lutheran Church has received arich heritage of organ and choral music this genius of the organ. This legacy continues at Zion Lutheran Church in her various choirs and instrumental music groups that use their gifts to celebrate God's love in worship.

What Can You Learn From Windows?

2011-10-09T07:49:00.000-04:00

I have added several new pictures of our windows at church. As one considers these windows and the story they tell, we see the central figure is Christ. Christ is the focus of our worship. His death on the cross has redeemed us from the curse which keeps us separated from God. We have now been reconciled or brought back into a "saved" relationship with our God because of what Christ has done for us. Now we join in this place of worship to thank and praise Him so that we might also serve and obey Him. May God Bless your day!

The West Transept Window

2011-10-09T07:43:00.003-04:00

The west transept windows showthree panels which illustrate, The Word and Sacraments”. These are the meanswhich God uses to continue to deliver His grace to people today, Just as watermains below the road delivers water to each household, so God’s promise made tous in Baptism brings the reality of Jesus’s cleansing to our fallen souls. InBaptism , we are born into God family and made heirs of our heavenly Father’sgifts and treasures, of which forgiveness and eternal life are a part.

The West Transept Window

2011-10-09T07:40:00.001-04:00

The west transept windows showthree panels which illustrate, The Word and Sacraments”. These are the meanswhich God uses to continue to deliver His grace to people today, Just as watermains below the road delivers water to each household, so God’s spoken, read,and proclaimed word continues to deliver the Good News of sin forgive to theindividual hearts of people. The Word is illustrated as Jesus visits the homeof Mary and Martha. While Martha prepares to serve Jesus, Mary sits and listensto His Word, the “One Thing Needful”.

The East Clerestory Window

2011-10-09T07:37:00.000-04:00

The east clerestory window aboveChrist, the Victor, shows the shows a cross, a crown and palm branches. Throughthe cross we reach the crown.” Be thou faithful unto death and I will give youthe crown of life.” Revelation 2:10 . The palm branch denotes triumph andvictory.

The East Clerestory Window

2011-10-09T07:34:00.001-04:00

The east clerestory window aboveChrist, the Victor, shows the shows an anchor. “If Christ be not raised yourfaith is in vain; you are yet in your sin,” Paul writes to the Corinthians.However, because He was raised we have confidence in His salvation. “Which hopewe have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” Hebrews 6:19

Christ, the Victor; The East Aisle Window #3

2011-10-09T07:32:00.000-04:00

The east aisle window #3, showsthe resurrection of our Lord. Thiswindow is treated symbolically showing the risen Savior with the banner ofvictory. Mary and a Roman Centurion areworshipping Him. As our victorious Savior we too gather to worship Him. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgivingbecause of the price He willingly paid for our forgiveness and freedom.

The Clerestory Window Above Elijah

2011-08-01T14:53:00.002-04:00

The west clerestory above aisle window #3, shows a Hebrew Scroll. As Elijah was a prophet and used scrolls as a record for their words, these scrolls give witness to the courage, fear and trials experienced by the prophets as they called God’s children to trust in the God who had brought them out of Egypt and lead them into the Promised Land. Today, we have these words in a book. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The West Aisle Window #3

2011-08-01T14:15:00.002-04:00

The west aisle window #3, shows the prophet Elijah being taken up in a whirlwind. His ascension is symbolic of our Lord’s Ascension when His task on earth was finished. Read about all the ministry of Elijah as he spoke the Word of God to wicked King Ahab in 1 Kings 17:1-1 Kings 2:11. Witness the courage and the fear in the heart of a man who speaks the truth under some very challenging days in the lives of God’s children.. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Windows

2011-07-27T10:34:00.001-04:00

The windows on the east side of the Sanctuary are now more subdued due to our new addition but if you look closely you can see the Crucifixion of our Lord. Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ and Him Crucified” The sacrifice that has overcome sin and death is Christ alone. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Clerestory Windows

2011-07-27T10:33:00.002-04:00

The clerestory windows on the east side of the sanctuary above the crucifixion show symbols of the passion. The first is the “cup of suffering”. Jesus said, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me, nevertheless, not as I will, but as Thou wilt.” Matthew 26:39. The sacrifice that has overcome sin and death is was the cup of suffering Jesus drank for us.. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The East Side Clerestory Windows

2011-07-27T10:30:00.002-04:00

The clerestory windows, those highest in the sanctuary, on the east side of the sanctuary above the crucifixion window show symbols of our Lord’s passion. The second panel shows the crown of thorns and four spikes which were the instruments of His torture and suffering. Jesus suffered more than just the physical pain of a man, He also suffered separation from His Father in heaven because of our sin. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The West Side Clerestory Window

2011-06-29T10:27:00.001-04:00

The West side Clerestory windows above the window showing the sacrifice of Isaac we see the symbols of Old Testament worship. The first window shows an altar with a burning sacrifice. The offering of an unblemished male lamb cost the giver some of his or her livelihood. It was a statement of trust in God who would ultimately send the true Lamb who would take away the sin of the world. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Abrahma and Isaac

2011-06-21T10:11:00.001-04:00

The Second Window on the West Side of the Sanctuary

Moving toward the front of the sanctuary on the west side of the nave the second window shows Abraham offering Isaac which points to the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for the win of the world. You can read about Abraham in Genesis 22. This was also a test of Abraham’s faith in God. When Isaac asked where the lamb for the burnt offering was, Abrahamtold him, “God Himself will provide the lamb.” Jesus was that lamb.

The Ten Commandments

2011-06-15T10:09:00.001-04:00

The six main windows on each side of the sanctuary have corresponding emblems high above in the “clerestory”. The West side depicts Old Testament events and the East side New Testament. Above the West window showing Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden we see a world encircled by a serpent to show the all-embracing power of sin. Next to it is the emblem of the Ten Commandments which show mankind what sin is. “For by the Law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20 If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Story in Stained Glass

2011-06-07T11:40:00.002-04:00

The sanctuary where the members of Zion Lutheran Church worship was deigned to give honor to God for the gift of His Son. The story of our Redemption and God's intervention in our world is told by the stained glass windows. This description was given in the 50th Anniversary booklet of our congregation. "The purpose of a window is to admit light into the Church. The kind of light desired is not the brilliant and blinding sunlight, but rather a soft and subdued light, which will be both restful to the eye and also conducive to the quiet atmosphere, which is so necessary for proper religious worship. Therefore, the chief object in using colored glass is to get the desired lighting effect. If at the same time we can make the windows speak the sign language of the Church and tell the old story of Jesus and His love, so much the better. The colored glass is a Norman slab of varying thickness, six different shades of color having been used.

The windows in the nave, choir and transept contain grouped medallions; the chancel windows and the balcony window contain full-size figures, while emblems have been used in the clerestory and in the sacristies.

The general scheme, together with the list of subjects, was furnished by the committee, designed and manufactured by the Detroit Stained Glass Works, which took every pain to carry out the ideas and suggestions given them." I hope the next time you are in church the windows and their story will help you to see the blessing of Salvation we've been given in Jesus.

The Clerestory Windows

2011-06-07T11:31:00.003-04:00

The six main windows on each side of the sanctuary have corresponding emblems high above in the “clerestory”. The West side depicts Old Testament events and the East side New Testament. In the clerestory window above the West window showing Adam and Eve driven out of the Garden of Eden by tan angel with a fiery sword, we see a world encircled by a serpent to show the all-embracing power of sin. The fall brought sin into all of creation. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Winged Man

2011-05-27T11:57:00.001-04:00

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to make us wise unto salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. They show symbols of the four Evangelists. The winged man signifies the human nature of our Lord Jesus. This is also the symbol for Matthew's Gospel We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. These windows can best be viewed from the balcony. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Winged Ox

2011-05-24T13:59:00.002-04:00

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God" written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit using the Holy Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles and Evangelists in the New Testament. Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. They show the symbols of the four Evangelists. The winged ox testifies as to the Lord’s priestly office, for the Ox is the emblem of sacrifice. The priest is the person called by God to offer the sacrifice for the sin of the people. We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. These windows can best be viewed from the balcony.

The Bible - Jesus- True Man

2011-05-11T17:01:00.000-04:00

THE BIBLE

The main window over the front entrance symbolizes the Bible, which is “the Word of God written by inspiration of the Holy Spirit using the Holy Prophets in the Old Testament and the Apostles and Evangelists in the New Testament." Today’s picture shows one of figures from the tracery windows above the four main figures. The winged man signifies the human nature of our Lord. We will describe the other parts of this window in future articles. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Word

2011-05-05T09:20:00.002-04:00

This is the center panel in the West Transept window. All three windows show the “Word and Sacraments”. This window depicts Jesus at the home of Mary and Martha. While Martha was concerned about the preparations and serving Jesus, Mary sat at His feet to allow Jesus to serve her His Word. Jesus commended Mary for doing the “One thing needful.” The study of God’s Word is too often neglected because of so many other things, but it is the Word of God that is necessary. Read of this event yourself in Luke 10:38-42 If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Lord's Supper

2011-04-28T07:41:00.000-04:00

This is one of the panels in the West Transept window. All three windows show the “Word and Sacraments”. This window depicts Jesus at the house of the two disciples He walked with on the road to Emmaus the evening of His resurrection day. Jesus was recognized in the breaking of the bread. The window reminds those who worship of the Lord’s Supper which is also called the Breaking of the bread. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Victory

2011-04-18T10:25:00.001-04:00

This is the East Aisle Window #3. Since the construction of the new addition is may be harder to see. It is the resurrection of Christ showing the Savior with a banner of victory. Mary and a Roman Centurion are worshipping Him. As we celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection this weekend may the light of His love and compassion shine into your heart and give you victory over the challenges you meet this week.If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Sword

2011-04-14T09:14:00.001-04:00

This symbol is hidden away in the Pastor’s Sacristy; the small room on the pulpit side where the Pastor’s prepare for the service. The most important the Pastor uses is represented by the Sword. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:17, “In all circumstance take up… the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” The only offensive weapon the Christian has with which to fight the forces of evil and deception is God’s Word written for us in the Bible. Keep the sword God gave you sharp. Listen carefully and study diligently. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

Tools

2011-04-07T09:15:00.002-04:00

It is good for us to be reminded of the two things represented by these tools. The tongs remind me of my sin and the need to be purified by someone or something that is pure and clean. God provided the coal held by tongs such as these. The saw reminds me of the price people have paid in order to witness to God's truth. This courage allowed God's Word to makes its way to my ears. I thank God for those who had such courage so I could hear God's Word tell me, my sins are forgiven. These tools are displayed at Zion Lutheran Church above the Prophet Isaiah on the large or main window in the back of the sanctuary in the balcony. The window shows the Prophet who painted the clearest picture of the coming Redeemer in the Old Testament. The reason these tools are above Isaiah is because a saw is the instrument of his reputed martyrdom, and a pair of tongs with which the angel had taken a live coal and touched his lips (Isaiah 6:6- 7).

The Lantern

2011-04-03T08:39:00.002-04:00

This symbol is carved on the front of the altar. It is a lantern in the midst of the grape vines John wrote, “In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” John 1:4-5 Every time we look at the altar and hear the words of God proclaimed from the altar we are receiving the Light that shines in the darkness. May we always walk in the light which Christ gives to us.

Strange Bird Symbol

2011-03-23T11:49:00.003-04:00

You will have to look very carefully to see this symbol. It is on a tile on the floor of the chancel. Most likely you've walked over it when you attend communion. It is a stylized depiction of a pelican parents and their young in their nest. The pelican is a symbol of the Atonement. The symbol of the pelican, unlike many early Christian symbols, is almost exclusively Christian. The symbol came about as the bird was observed by ancient naturalists. When viewing the pelican, they noticed it had a red tip on its long bill. When the pelican started to prune its feathers, it appeared to be ripping open its breast so as to feed its young with its own blood. The pelican story was a perfect symbol for the Atonement, where Jesus allowed Himself to be pierced so that we may live. The pelican was a very popular symbol during the Middle Ages. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note.

The Torch

2011-03-19T11:56:00.004-04:00

You will not see the stained glass window unless you go into the pastor’s sacristy on the west side of the chancel. It is a torch, because God’s Word which is proclaimed by the pastor provides illumination for the faithful life of the Christian. The specific verse which tells us this is; “Thv Word is a lamp to my feet and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note. Watch next week for this one.

Symbols, Pictures & Lessons

2011-03-11T17:00:00.004-05:00

The building we worship in is unique. The symbols, stained glass windows, the wood carvings, and even the light fixtures express truths about the God who comes to meet His people in the place. Many of these are overlooked and even walked over without a thought. Some cannot be seen when sitting in the pew. Therefore, this week and in future blog posts I will display a photograph of one of these items and then share some thoughts about why it may have been included in our worship space. If you see a symbol in the sanctuary you’d like to know more about e-mail Pastor John or drop him a note. Watch for information about this stained glass image next week.

2011-02-08T15:19:00.002-05:00

Fellow Redeemed,

I have just completed reading this book. As Christians we not only talk about sin, guilt and shame, but we also talk about forgiveness. We have the forgiveness of all our failures because Jesus died for us. However, the scares and wounds made by the failures are still used by the enemy to keep us in the darkness, disconnected and isolated from our brothers and sisters, separated and lonely while our beings seek to be connected. Shame has a way of building barriers. Brene Brown in this books gives insight into how shame works and what we can do to challenge its choke hold on our culture and our lives and families.

Blessings & Peace as you grow in grace,

Pastor John

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn't): Telling the Truth About Perfectionism, Inadequacy, and Power by Brené Brown

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wish I had read this book a long time ago. The information, ideas and conclusions in this book require more than just a single read through once. While I finished read the book today for the first time, this is a book which needs to be studied so that the concepts can be put into practice and shame resilience can become a honed skill in our lives. Though this book was written primarily with women in focus, both genders grow up in a culture of shame. I am glad that Brene included a brief assessment of shame and men in the last chapter. I would recommend this book to everyone. My guess is that they would discovery something incredible about their own lives as a result. The culture would then be changed. Thanks for your courage in learning about shame and its impact on people's lives so hope can be restored.

View all my reviews

Infant Baptism

2011-01-25T16:21:00.002-05:00

Whose idea was it to perform baptism? Jesus said, "Go and make disciples baptizing them..." He didn't say wait until they reach a certain age. Jesus also said, "You must be 'born again'". The individual who is born had nothing to do with the first birth. There was no conscience decision about when and where and to whom they would be born. The person who was born was entirely passive. The decision was made for him or her by someone else. This is no small reality. Life was given to that child. Now that child must be protected, nourished, nurtured, taught and provided an environment for growth, otherwise the child will die. Even an adult needs an environment for growth in order to live. Many elderly people have died needlessly because they were left in an environment which did not provide these things. An example of this very reality happens in the summer heat or the frigid temperatures of winter, or because some one falls and can't get up and can't get up to the phone to call for help.

We need to understand that just as God gives life to an individual seed, whether of corn, wheat, soybeans or even maple trees, God gives life to each of us. He gives physical life at our birth. He gives spiritual life, renewed life in our baptism. This second birth is not our choice, just as the first was not our choice.

However, once the gift of spiritual life is bestowed it MUST be placed in an environment where it can be nourished, protected, nurtured and provided a place where that life can thrive. This reality is where the congregation, the church, the living, breathing, life-sustaining Body of Christ comes into play. It provides the environment for growth. This truth can not be taken for granted. We need to see how God supplies us with the resources for life and continued growth. These resources are in His Word (Bible Study) and Sacrament. Cut off from these is like a tree up-rooted and left to die.

We have a wonderful gift in this relationship God gave us in Baptism, now we play a part in keeping it alive and healthy. God's children need to recognize the value of worship and Bible Study and their relationship of service within the local congregation so that they may be a part of the environment of growth for others.

Blessed to be a blessing,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Everything is Connected

2011-01-11T10:03:00.005-05:00

I have been thinking about keeping this blog current with interesting topics that will build up the members of Zion Lutheran Church. Recently, I have been reading several books beside the Bible of course. One of the books talked about how everything is connected. John Muir, the naturalist once said, "When we try to pick anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the Universe." The same is true when it comes to our relationship with Jesus. My faith impacts the people around me. My sin has a way of hurting others who I never realized I was hurting. The good things I do also touch people beyond those I may know. Consider the child who learns to love because he or she sees parents loving others. If they grow to love they are effecting many others. Our faith and obedience to Christ does touch others. This is why it is so vital and important that we learn what and how Christ what His children to be. We are blessed to be a blessing.
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John

Calendar for Head to Heart

2010-09-03T15:06:00.004-04:00

Time to Relax

2010-06-15T21:40:00.002-04:00

We all need time to relax. However, what does it take to relax? A time away from the normal days? A time of quietly fishing in some lazy river? A time for worship and considering the time God has given us? How do we unwind? Do something totally different from the ordinary? Stop thinking about tomorrow and just focus on today. Pray for those who labor daily to help others. Pray for mothers who daily set examples for their children. Pray for dads who work to make a living under the stressful changing financial times we find ourselves living in. Pray for our leaders and those who report on their progress. People today need our prayers for God's guidance.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John-working to relax in Flordia

Confirmation-What is It?

2010-05-30T19:34:00.002-04:00

The question of what is confirmation is important. Is faith God's work or is it ours? If it is God's work we must recognize then that confirmation just confirms in words that we understand what God has done in us and for us. Having said that confirmation must then be a response or profession of what we believe. The best metaphor that helps me to get a handle on what understanding confirmation is when a 16 year old finally gets their driver license. Prior to receiving they were dependent upon their parents and others for transportation. In the process of getting a license they had to take classes to understand the dynamic of driving. The dangers and the laws which guide the proper use of the automobile. During this time the parent rides along with the child as they learn to drive, but the parents remain responsible as the young person. But then the day comes when they get the driver license. At that point they become responsible for their choices and mistakes. If they drive took fast, it's not the parent who pays the fine. (at least it should be). After confirmation the young person's faith, thought given by God, now becomes the responsibility of the young. Do they realize what an awesome responsibility it is to make the choices and do the things (reading, studying God's Word, worshipping, listening, receiving the Lord's Supper) that keep that faith in Jesus safe? May we who have lived much longer keep these younger saints of God in our prayers that they may ever retain and be blessed by their faith in Jesus.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Community

2010-05-20T09:17:00.002-04:00

When Paul wrote, "Now you are Christ's body, and individually members of it" was he not telling us something about our relationship to one another when we become connected to our Savior in baptism? What I do effects other members. I need other members and other member need me. When I stay home from worship because I am too involved in things which neglect my role in helping other members I am also neglecting something God desires us to do. Sometimes the pronouns we use tell the story. We say that's "their" church, instead of this is "our" church. Is the pronoun plural or singular. I think we all miss out on many of God's blessings because we fail to see how our choices impact the lives of others. As members of the precious body of Christ we must aspire to a higher calling than following the worlds pattern of individualism.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Read Any Good Books?

2010-05-12T10:36:00.002-04:00

Where do ideas come from? How do we learn new things? Do we need to be exposed to different cultures and ideas? Reading helps us learn new things and it help us think through the things we already know. When I read I learn about the many things which impact my life of which I may not be aware. This blog is the result of reading an article in a church newsletter. I have added a widget about the books that I have read from another website, which helps me learn about books I can read. As I consider all the information that I have read, I wonder how much I have missed because I haven't read about it yet. God's world is so special and unique that I'd love to learn as much as I can about it.

How Do You Remember Things?

2010-04-26T15:57:00.003-04:00

I have many, many things to remember. Times, dates and places fill my mind. People who have touched my life and I have touched theirs need to be remembered. How do you remember all these details? Their are tiny, tiny cells in your brain and a multitude of different chemicals that need to work together to keep that memory in place. It is sad to watch someone search to remember. It is even painful to us to try and search the memory banks of our mind to recall who that person is or where did I leave my checkbook. Now, you may ask, "What does this have to do with God.?" Well, when you do remember things that are important thank Him. For you are fearfully and wonderfully made. And when someone can't remember your name or who you are consider how difficult it is for us to remember anything or anyone. Thank the Lord that you can remember what you do you remember.

Have a Blessed day!

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Little Things

2010-03-09T14:25:00.001-05:00

Jesus said, ^"He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much." Luke 16:10 Over the years, as I have read these words and considered the impact of this truth, I am amazed at how important little things are.

As I was trying to help my young son do his homework of finding the adjectives in the sentence, he was struggling because he really didn't understand what a noun was. Then when he was looking for the adverbs, it was clear that he really did not know what the verb was. In all this the problem was little things. The little thing about what a noun is. The little thing about what a verb is. These little things build to bigger things. One sin tends to lead to another. It may have been little when it started out, but it becomes like a snowball rolling down a hill picking up more snow the farther down it goes. What talk about "nipping it in the bud" which means of dealing with problems when they are small as a bud on a tree.

How do we teach children and adults for that matter that each little piece matters? How do we show them "little things" are what big thing are built on? The time we spend around the table as a family connecting and bonding. The values we gain from watching our parents endure the trials and struggles of life. The smile and laughter was share with co-workers and friends or even the stranger on the street. They may all be "little things" but when we are faithful in caring for the little things the big things get easier.

God Bless you day!

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

IT’s About Time

2010-03-02T08:39:00.001-05:00

How do you spend your time? How much time do we really have in our life? Some once said, "We have all the time we need, but we must learn to use it wisely." I don't know who said this but is it true. If I used the time I have more wisely would I be more productive? It seems true but that would mean I would need to know the outcome before I started. The time it takes to learn that something doesn't work is productive but some would say nothing was accomplished. It takes time to think. It takes time to build and I think sometimes, because we live in the age of television we think stuff happens in an instant. We think that if we don't get from problem to solution in 15 minutes that somehow we have failed. What about our faith life? These two words suggest something more than an instant in time. They suggest and encompass all of life, not just an instant. My desire in writing this blog is move God's people to think. Think about the words. Think about what they mean and think about what God is tell us. In Acts 17 Paul writes, "Now these (the Berean Christians) were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scripture (Old Testament) daily, to see if these things were so."

May God bless you study. That's' wise use of your time.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

First Sunday in Lent

2010-02-21T19:58:00.002-05:00

Posting the weekly worship service for our members to listen to if this wish listen is the goal I have. It is now 8:00 pm Sunday night and the service is now posted so it can be heard. Just click this link Sunday Worship February 21, 2010.

Ash Wednesday Worship Audio

2010-02-21T07:38:00.003-05:00

I am trying to post the most recent worship service to the Chirbit site as soon as possible. Please give me your feed back as we try and develop this ministry to our shut-ins and others. We have made available two cuts of this service. The short form includes the lessons, Creed and the message, while the Full Service choice is the full service including the pre-service hymn sing. We pray that you will enjoy hearing God's word and having the opportunity to join others in worship.

February 17, 2010 Short Form (just click on the words Short Form for the link)

February 17, 2010 Full Service (just click on the words Full Service for the link)

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Audio Recordings of the Service

2010-02-17T10:43:00.006-05:00

Today I would like to share with you two links to Zion's last two worship services. The internet has opened a wide range of opportunities to us to share God's message of love and grace with our members and the people of our community. So I am placing these links to our last two Sunday worship services on in this blog. While this is a test in some respect, your feed back will also allow us to improve how we present this and what we make available to you. Bridging the gap and making connection with people so that they might see and know for certain what our Savior is really like is our goal.

Sunday, February 7, 2010 Worship Service can be found at this link: http://chirb.it/7O90br

Sunday, February 14, 2010 Worship Service can be found at this link: http://chirb.it/Gd1F1r

Thank you for reading this blog and taking the time to give us some feedback.

Thanks for listening.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Do you Look Forward to the Sermon?

2010-01-29T14:11:00.001-05:00

Sermons account for a large portion of the time in worship. However, do people look forward to listening to the sermon? According to a BBC News article found at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8467504.stm most people do. The article states, "Researchers at Durham University found 60% of churchgoers felt sermons gave them a sense of God's love." I think it would be nice if we could get a better idea of what people read do take home from our sermons. Sometime we get very little feed back from members so we wonder about the effectiveness of our messages. Having said that I think was also need to remember slow growth comes over time so we may not see nor understand the effect of a message for some period of time. What do you listen for when you listen to a sermon. Do you listen to hear the Law and how it impacts our lives? Do you wait expectantly to hear the healing grace of the Gospel? I think we must remember that both are vital to our healing and growth. With out proper diagnosis the doctor does not know what to treat or how to treat it. And once the doctor knows what the condition is, then he or she can treat it with the right kind and amount of medicine.

Blessings & Peace as you listen to God's Word,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Church “Membership”

2010-01-20T10:47:00.002-05:00

How do people see their church membership? Is my church membership critical to my life? In order words, is it a priority or just a preference? I would like to take some time to think about my relationship to "the church". Does the pattern of my worship mean anything? Does it say anything? If I worship only sporadically, even thought I have no legitimate reason for not joining with my brothers and sisters in worship, does this conflict with my words about loving Jesus? If I truly love Jesus, than isn't taking time to worship an indication of that love? If I love Jesus than isn't taking time to study His word an indication of that love and commitment? Are others watching what I do? What happens when what I say is in conflict with what I do? Will they believe what I say or what I do? The other side of this coin is that attending worship does not necessarily equate with a deep and abiding faith in Jesus. I could attend, and sometimes I even do, when I'd rather be somewhere else. If I am not engaged with what is happening on Sunday morning, things like singing the hymns, praying, reading along, listening carefulling and meditating on what is being said and done, than am I truly worshipping? Am I showing my love for Jesus?

What did Jesus mean when He said, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. Whoever does not love me does not keep my words." John 14:23-24 Or as John writes in His first letter,"If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen." 1 John 4:20 What would happen if every person who said they loved Christ and were thankful for what He did personally for them were motivated and committed to show that love by growing in their understanding of His Word, worshipping as regularly as then attend to their occupation and showed a loving attitude toward their brothers and sisters starting with their own spouses and children and parents? Like you I need to examine the ways in which I am putting my faith into action. If I am truly a member of the body of Christ then what should my participation in "church" look like? If the U and R are missing than is it really a church any longer?

Thanks for listening.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

2009-12-08T15:09:00.002-05:00

I received the following letter in an e-mail from a member. I thought it said some good things that will make us think about how we respond to all the politically correct folks. I hope you enjoy it.
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John
Hebrews 13:20-21

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching, explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15:1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth here is my wish list. Choose something from it:
1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5 Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make the difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary-- especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9.. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of mine.
Don't forget; I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember:

I LOVE YOU,

The Lutheran Study Bible

2009-09-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

I just finished reading page 12 in the new "The Lutheran Study Bible" from Concordia Publishing House. I am impressed. In just one page the gems which I have learned or reviewed and the insights recorded in these few word of Genesis just astound me. Such things as the power of God’s Word; The note says, “God’s Word is “performative — it does not merely state something, but it accomplishes, or brings about, that which it declares.” The clarity of this note is saying that when God speaks it happens. When God calls me just, because of Christ, I can have faith that I am then just.

Another gem is, "The persistence of goodness (in our world) reminds us about what we've lost." The fact that there is goodness in the world speaks about God's goodness to humankind. He does not just leave us in hostile environment caused by sin, but gives us hope.

If the rest of this Study Bible is as good as this first page, it is a study Bible worth having to use as you study God's Word. I would encourage our members to buy and use this Bible.

A Real Life Example

2009-08-04T15:58:00.003-04:00

With the untimely death of singer/actor Michael Jackson, his children became the inheritors of a vast fortune. Even if they know they are rich, they are not yet old enough to understand the value of such wealth, let alone manage it. Therefore the court will be appointing a suitable guardian to manage that fortune in their behalf. If the chosen managers do well, the children will be blessed. They will learn the value of what their father gave them and the inheritance will provide them a great future at least in the materialistic sense. If the guardians and managers fail to teach the Jackson children the value and blessing this gift could be, then the outcome will be far different. Instead of being a great blessing the gift could end up destroying them and they would lose a great future.

God gave us an even greater inheritance when He used our parents to bring us to the waters of Holy Baptism. It was in Baptism God promised all Christians the gift of forgiveness of sins and eternal life. But in order for them to completely and fully benefit from the inheritance God gave us as small children (or even adults) we needed (and maybe still do) guardians and teachers to guide them in understanding the value and proper use of this gift of faith in Jesus. If we take seriously the value of the gift we've received and we do well, then we will grow to receive all the blessings and advantages God has given in this inheritance and we will benefit for eternity. However, if we fail to grasp and understand the value of our inheritance in Jesus, either we will neglect and minimize this treasure or through the deception of the enemy this treasure will be stolen and lost to us. Without it our eternity will be lost.

Consider how many people have lost or given up great wealth because they did realize what it was worth. Great inventors have died poor because someone else stole their idea and reaped the benefits. God set up the church to provide us a resource to keep the value of our faith ever before our eyes, so that we won't lose it.

Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John
Hebrews 13:20-21

Things about an Inheritance

2009-07-24T10:28:00.002-04:00

Who gives an inheritance? Usually it is a parent leaving real estate, material items or cash to their children or extended family. Does the person who receives the inheritance earn what is received? Oh, I suppose you must treat your parents or aunts and uncles with respect other wise they will "write you out" of their will. But for the most part those who receive this gift of an inheritance do not earn or work for these benefits. Baptism is God's way of giving us the blessings He earned for us.

An Idea Worth Reading About

2009-06-16T09:24:00.004-04:00

The challenge of participation is like a cancer weakening the health of many good organizations. But the one dearest to my heart is the local congregation. When I was baptized, though I was just nine years old, it seemed that many people participated in the life of the church. Today, I believe the landscape is much different. It seems as if it is harder and harder to find church members who are willing to give the time and energy it requires to be a healthy church. Will there be a faithful Christian congregation where my grandchildren will be able to learn about Jesus?

I recently read this article http://faithink.blogs.com/gift/2009/03/cause-and-effect-in-christian-education.html on the Faith Incubator Blog about cause and effect that I believe would be helpful for every Christian to read and think about. But we need to do more. We need to apply our selves to making the changes in our lifestyle and choices that will lead to the effect we want. Of course, that assumes we all understand the place where we'd like to end up.

One of the challenges we have is the overload of information. As your pastor I don't want to overload you with more things to read, but I'd like to help focus the time that you do have.

Blessing & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

A New Web Site WOW!

2009-06-04T08:25:00.003-04:00

If you are here you most likely have seen our new and updated web site. I hope you enjoy it. And I hope it serves our congregation well. This web site has several new features. One is the calendar which gives information about what is scheduled to happen at church. With so many things happening here at Zion, it is a challenge to keep this up today. We would also like to include events at the school on this calendar, but we need people to help us do this. It is easy to do, but one person or even two cannot keep it current. So if you have an item you believe should be on the calendar, email me at pastorj@zionlth.org or volunteer to help us. I will show you how easy it is.

Another feature is the easy at which articles and news items can be posted. While there is some information which will remain the same, the news items and announcements will change from season to season. This too is where you can help us keep our web site fresh and current.

Let me know what you think.. Thank you Marty Bebow and Adam Wernecke for the work you have put into making our site what it is.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Listening

2009-05-28T15:25:00.002-04:00

Are there voices, sounds and words that never make it to the heart? In the spring of the year millions of little helicopter seeds fall from the thousands of maple tree that dot our yards and line the sides of our streets. Add these to the countless other seeds that are naturally sown by the other plants and weeds of God's creation. One begins to see the abundance God creates as all these seeds pile up along the curb. But why, why so many? Why does God create so many seeds? He does it in order to insure that some will eventually, germinate, grow, mature and bear fruit for future generations. Some of these seeds will feeds birds and other creatures. And others will die and provide bits of organic matter to replenish the soil. But what about the words of the Bible? What about the words spoken in Bible Class or the millions of words written in "blogs" and news papers that are never read, never heard and never reach a listening ear. Have they been written in vain? Has the word of encouragement, the word of instruction, or the word of guidance failed in its purpose because there was no ear, no heart that was engaged to hear it, see it or understand it?
I hope your eyes and ears are open to hear the voice of God as He teaches through His Word, as He calls to us in worship and as He feeds us through His Sacrament.
May you have joy in the journey.
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John

Marriage

2009-05-26T10:25:00.002-04:00

One of the most important units of a community is the family. The heart and core of the family is the marriage. The way parents relate to one another teaches the children many lessons about relationships. They learn to be safe communicating their hurts, their joys and their questions. Trust is an important ingredient in building and growing quality relationships. Often because of our insecurities, our fears, we fail to hear a what was truly communicated by the other person. When husbands and wives learn how these fears and insecurities affect their communication with one another they can more easily show their children how to avoid the same pitfalls as they deal with their peers. May God bless you marriage and your communication.
Blessings & Peace,
Pastor John

Memorial Day

2009-05-24T19:39:00.003-04:00

As celebrate our freedom this weekend, it would be wise to remember who paid the greatest price so that we could enjoy them. The early settlers who came to this country, the indians who suffered so much because they were seen as less than human, the patriots whose wisdom and love for those who came after them, and the people whose ideals moved them to create a system of government that would endure. We are blessed by those who have gone before us. What are we going to leave for our children and grandchildren?

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Precise Blood

2009-05-15T09:31:00.002-04:00

Dear Fellow Redeemed,

When I read the following Creation Moments devotion about our blood and how perfect it is I just had to share it. The web site offers great information about God's creation of our universe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Precise Blood

Genesis 9:4

But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood.

While most would agree that our circulatory system is vital to life, many of us don't fully appreciate the almost miraculous workings of that system.

Your heart pumps about one-hundred thousand times every day. That means that your heart pumps the equivalent of 10 tons of blood every day or 80 million gallons in a lifetime. Your circulatory system brings that blood to every cell in your body through a capillary network that is so large that the combined capillaries of only four people, stretched end to end, would reach from the Earth to the moon!

But your circulatory system involves quality as well as quantity. The chemistry of your blood is monitored and adjusted to within incredibly fine limits to keep it in precise balance second by second, day by day, year in, year out. For example, the acidity of your blood is adjusted constantly to within one part in a hundred million.

Our circulation system cannot be simply "good enough"; it has to work perfectly. So if mindless evolution created us, it had to make the whole system perfect the first time. There is no room for millions of years or for a poorer circulation system to be improved by mutations. Here, the facts clearly support Scripture, strongly indicating that we were created in finished form – not developed slowly by trial and error.

Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, You Who created blood and everything else took our human form and nature and shed Your blood on the cross for my salvation. Take my life and let it be one of continuous thanks to You. Amen.

A Healthy Faith

2009-05-14T16:50:00.002-04:00

Followed Redeemed,
We all know that a healthy body is one that can work and play with ease. It is a body that does not have any illness, handicap or malady which would prevent a continuation of life. We know that too much salt in the diet leads to heart disease, or too much fat and cholesterol can cause the arteries to become clogged and breathing dust and other particles on a continual basis is not good for one's lungs.
However, do we consider what it takes it takes to keep our "faith in Jesus" healthy? As we get ready to hear the Confirmation promises of 14 young people this weekend, I wonder how many of these young people will be regular in attending worship? I wonder how many of them will join the older folks in Bible study? I wonder how many will continue to read their Bibles and grow in their understanding of God's Holy Word? What will they do after they move out of their parent's home and move out on their own? My hope and prayer is that they would place the same value on their relationship to Jesus as they would to their best friend.
If you have read these blog postings, please let me know what you'd like to hear about. Ask me questions you'd like to learn more about.
Blessings & Peace,
John
Hebrews 13:20-21

My work or God's?

2009-01-11T17:04:00.001-05:00

Fellow Redeemed,
One of the most important questions Christians need to ask has to do
with who did what. If I am a Christian, in other words if I confess,
and profess and believe that Jesus died and rose again in order that
my sins might be paid for and forgiven, who caused that to happen?
Did I do it, or did God do it, or did I cooperate with God? The
answer is that God did it all, and the reason I know about faith in
Christ, and can confess or verbalize that faith, is because of His
work alone in my heart or spirit. It was God who birthed me the
second time. We call this rebirth or spiritual birth. Jesus Himself
said, "You must be born again." And just like my first birth, which I
in no way agreed to or participated in (other than to be a passive
recipient of it) my second birth was also outside my control.
So if my salvation is all God's work, what am I supposed to do? I
think back to my first birth. When I was born I didn't realize the
heritage (everything I was given to make me who I am, tangible and
intangible) I was given, just by virtue of my birth in a particular
family. Now my heritage was not millions, like some Hollywood
children, but the integrity of my parents, their faithfulness to each
other and so many other very intangible gifts were mine, not because I
earned them but completely because of my birth. The more years that
pass and the more I experience in my life and view in the lives of
others, the more clear that heritage becomes. And as I realize what
that is, my hope is not only to use these gifts, but to honor those
who gave them. Is that not the life of a Christian? It is no longer
a question of obtaining righteousness, but how am I going to use it to
honor God and bring blessings to others?

"Set your affection on things above, not on things on earth." Colossians 3:2
--
Blessings & Peace
John
Hebrews 13:20-21

Why Are You A Christian?

2009-01-10T17:49:00.002-05:00

Fellow Redeemed,
I have spent some time considering this question. As I watch the
worship habits of so many people and families, I wonder why some
people seem to take their faith relationship to Jesus so nonchalantly?
After all there was a time in my life where my faith,worship
attendance, Bible study habits were very unimportant matters in my
life. What made the difference? What did the Spirit of God use to
change my thinking about matters of faith in Jesus? Also people talk
about spirituality and religion, especially with celebrities in the
news, such as the death of John Travolta's son and Oprah's guidance
with her loyal "fans". For the Christian it is CHRIST first. I talk
about faith in Jesus, for true, genuine faith is faith in what Jesus
did for us as the Son of God. It isn't some vague faith in a "religion" or
religious ritual, but who and what Jesus did for us as our substitute
is the root from which all other matters of relationship with our
Savior flow.
But what was it that helped me turn the corner? I think it was
regular people taking God seriously. For them it was taking the
Gospel to their neighbors. It meant learning what the Gospel really
is and how to share it with others in terms those others could relate to could relate to. It was "satisfied customers" telling me about their Savior from their heart, but the "paid salesman" using the glitz and glamor of professionally created arguments (even thought they were true and factual) to sway to "make the purchase", but then leave me in the lurch with no "customer service" after the sale. They were strangers in both senses of the word; First, they came to
someone they had never met before to share the Gospel and second, they
were "strange" in the sense of out of the ordinary as far as
Christians sharing their faith. They used the power of God's Word to move me along a path of maturity that God is still moving me along. During this time I also hear Rev. Richard Wurmbrandt speak and had read his book "Tortured for Christ". I can't begin to understand what drives a man to endure so much to defend something they are not totally committed to. Yes, as easy as I have it, going to church once a week, spending one or two hours with Jesus in His Word is really nothing compared to what some have endured. I pray that in the New Year, in the midst of the "economic downturn", or is it really a moral downturn, applying ourselves to
wisdom only makes good "believers" sense.
Remember God has shown you His love. Are we showing Him ours in return?
--
Blessings & Peace
Pastor John
Hebrews 13:20-21

What do you do when you are wrong?

2009-01-07T14:12:00.000-05:00

Brothers and Sisters,

I received the following in an e-mail from Gary Smalley. One of the most important things we go as Christians living under God's grace and mercy is to receive correction in love and also to recognize how easily we admit to being wrong. This is really the work of reconcilation. Gary Smalley has a lot of experience with these matters and he is very sensitive to protecting the feelings of others as well, especially spouses and family members.

May this be a blessing to you,

Pastor John

Admitting Wrong

Do you ever admit when you're wrong?

I hate to admit when I am wrong. Don't you? We all like to be seen as having it all together and wise. The older I get the more I realize how much I don't know. Something more important is to admit my own sin and deal with it. Paul encourages Christians to be humble and mature in their thinking: "Brethren, do not be children in your thinking; yet in evil be babes, but in your thinking be mature" (I Corinthians 14:20). Mature thinking involves realizing that we can never be 100% accurate in how we interpret another's thoughts, words, or behavior. Even if we are 99% sure, there is always a 1% chance we are wrong. Thus, we should adopt a more humble, tentative attitude about how we treat others and what we say.

One of the best ways to care for your most important relationships is to guard them from becoming infected by negative thinking and comments by others. We should focus on what Jesus taught and His attitude. Read over Philippians 2 today and then read it again and again. That will help you admit wrong when needed and be humble about how you treat others.

If you are wrong, admit it and seek forgiveness and see your attitude change!

Blessings,

Gary Smalley
Editor, Smalley Relationship Center

HE WHO LOSES HIS LIFE FINDS IT

2008-11-17T10:04:00.000-05:00

I received this story from Norman Lawrence which he shared in A Dose of Inspiration. Thanks Norm!

On one occasion Sadhu Sundar Singh and a companion were traveling through a pass high in the Himalayan Mountains. At one point they came across a body lying in the snow. Sundar Singh wished to stop and help the unfortunate man, but his companion refused, saying, "We shall lose our lives if we burden ourselves with him."

But Sundar Singh would not think of leaving the man to die in the ice and snow. As his companion bade him farewell, Sundar Singh lifted the poor traveler onto his back. With great exertion on his part, he bore the man onward, but gradually the heat from Sundar Singh's body began to warm up the poor frozen fellow, and he revived. Soon both were walking together side by side. Catching up with his former companion, they found him dead—frozen by the cold.

In the case of Sundar Singh, he was willing to lose his life on behalf of another, and in the process found it; in the case of his callous companion, he sought to save his life but lost it.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Why Go to Church

2008-09-18T08:02:00.000-04:00

A member sent me this story in an e-mail this morning. I had read this and heard it and even used in a sermon along the way, but sometimes I think the wisdom of it has not really made an impact on God's people. Jesus called Himselft the beard of life. What does bread do? It feeds people. He also said if the branches do not remain attached to the vine they will die. But do we really get it? See you in worship- Pastor John

Why Go To Church? A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday. 'I've gone for 30 years now,' he wrote, 'and in that time I have heard some thing like 3,000 sermons. But for the life of me, I can't remember a single one of them. So, I think I'm wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.'

This started a real controversy in the 'Letters to the Editor' column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

'I've been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some
32,000 meals. But, for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this.. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!'

When you are DOWN to nothing.... God is UP to something!

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible and receives the impossible!

Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

All right, now that you're done reading, if you're of a mind, send it on! I think everyone should read this! 'When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, 'Jesus, could you get that for me?'

The Meaning of Membership?

2008-08-01T16:50:00.001-04:00

Is "the Church" a human organization? Or is "the Church" God's? Right now, I believe many people have not really given this question the thought it requires. Why am I a member of God's Church? And as a member what is my relationship to other members? Depending on you draw your picture of understanding and how you answer these questions you will end up with different ideas about what "the Church" is and what your responsibility is to "the Church" and the other members of this reality we call "the Church".

How can a piece of fruit grow if there are no branches? How can a leaf feed the tree if there is not a stem? Is "the Church" an organism where membership is a vital, life-giving connection or is it a dead institution where membership provides no tangible resource?

I believe sin leads many to believe they can live spiritually and remain connected to their Savior without the life-giving connections provided by God's Church. Brothers and sisters this gathering of God's people which happens each Saturday, Sunday and Monday provides us with more than we know. Please do not neglect it.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Pride and the Rich

2008-07-28T14:44:00.000-04:00

Author Steven K. Scott in a book titled, "The Richest Man Who Ever Lived" said,"In proverbs 28:11, Solomon tells us that a rich man thinks that because he's rich he's wise, and therefore ceases to hold on to the spirit of a learner. The poor man, on the other hand, realizes his need for more understanding and wisdom, and actively searches for it."

Christians are call by Jesus to "abide in His word." In other words, we continue to study God's Word not because we have arrived at knowledge but because we realize that we need more understanding and more wisdom.

Is worship something you need?

2008-07-25T10:54:00.000-04:00

What is the purpose of worship? How you answer that question will determine how highly you value the time you spend with God and your fellow believers. I believe too many Christians fail to understand all that worship provides. The service is not intended to benefit God. When Jesus was questioned about the value of the Sabbath and what He was doing on it, he said, "The Sabbath was made for man." In other words God created this time of worship to benefit us.

Consider a person who has had a heart transplant, or a person with diabetes taking there medicine regularly means the difference between remaining physically healthy and alive or dying. I wonder sometimes if you could "feel" the decay of our spiritual health like we could feel the decay of our physical health, if we would be so quick to relagate worship and Bible Study to such a low priority in our lives.

Consider for a moment the blessings we receive in worship. Just having our sins forgiveness and knowing that we are in the presence of Almighty God and eating at His table should be enough to keeping us regular and faithful.

What do you think?

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

Is Anyone Listening?

2008-07-17T13:05:00.001-04:00

Today we have more ways of communicating than ever before, but is anyone listening? When we write an article for the Zion Contact or the weekly Tidings of Zion the potential is that all the people who hold the paper or receive the newsletter will read it. Reading it is only the first step. How does the writer know that anyone read the information? The only way we know if anyone read the story or the article is if they respond. I don't know how many people I made a personal phone calls to and left a message on the answering machine. The message I heard said they would get back to whomever called. But they never did. Who is listening?

God has a great message for us each week in worship. Last week the Gospel lesson was about seeds being planted in various kinds of soil. Only the seed which fell on the good soil bore fruit. However, if the seed never reach the good soil the potential found in the seed was never reached.

Listening is a vital part of our ongoing faith relationship with the Lord. But the only way the speaker or writer can know if anyone is listening is if there is a visible or audible response. Are we responding to God's message?

Writing a Sermon

2008-07-10T11:40:00.000-04:00

What does it take to write a sermon?

To answer this question one must first have an understanding of what a sermon is. Is a sermon just a nice talk? Is it an advertisement for God's work in the lives of people? Is it an argument to prove that miracles did happen in the past and still happen today? Is the sermon's purpose to convert unbelievers or is it mean for only believers? Where is the sermon supposed to take God people? What is it suppose to accomplish?

These are all questions which need to be asked before we can really tackle writing a sermon. However, there is one aspect of a Christian sermon which we all need to consider; the Christian sermon is meant to be "proclamation". It is like the town crier maing the announcement that something significant happened that will effect all the members of the town. It is the message which tells the debtor that someone else has paid the debt. Now what does that mean for the one who hears this "Good News"?

I just wanted to get you thinking about something we all may take for granted. How would you answer these questions?

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21

A Person Without Folds

2008-07-09T10:32:00.000-04:00

Are you a person without folds? Or are there some folds in your life that need to be ironed out. While this is a great goal to reach for we must allow God and His Word to dwell in our hearts to make it a reality.

Spiros Zodhiates writes... There is a significant word in the Greek New Testament which is used to describe a person who truly exhibits sincerity in their Christian life. The word is haplotes, which literally means without folds. This is best illustrated by examining a simple sheet of paper. As you fold down the edges or if you were to crumple the page, you will notice that in trying to straighten it out, there is still evidence which is permanently ingrained into the texture of the paper.

A person that is truly sincere will have evidences of "no folds." In the New Testament, this type of person is described as faithful, pure and benevolent (Eph. 6:5; Col 3:22). Also, it is used to describe a generous giver who has no ulterior motives (2 Cor. 9:13). Are you a person "without folds" in your character? In the workplace, are you the type of worker who respects authority for the right reasons? When God looks at you does He see your sincerity?

This information comes to us through: A Dose of Inspiration from www.newtouch.org

Zion Pastor's Notes

The Right Side Chancel Window

The Chancel Windows

The Choir Window

What Can You Learn From Windows?

The West Transept Window

The West Transept Window

The East Clerestory Window

The East Clerestory Window

Christ, the Victor; The East Aisle Window #3

The Clerestory Window Above Elijah

The West Aisle Window #3

The East Side Windows

The East Side Clerestory Windows

The East Side Clerestory Windows

The West Side Clerestory Window

Abrahma and Isaac

The Ten Commandments

The Story in Stained Glass

The Clerestory Windows

The Winged Man

The Winged Ox

The Bible - Jesus- True Man

The Word

The Lord's Supper

Victory

Sword

Tools

The Lantern

Strange Bird Symbol

The Torch

Symbols, Pictures & Lessons

Infant Baptism

Everything is Connected

Calendar for Head to Heart

Time to Relax

Confirmation-What is It?

Community

Read Any Good Books?

How Do You Remember Things?

Little Things

IT’s About Time

First Sunday in Lent

Ash Wednesday Worship Audio

Audio Recordings of the Service

Do you Look Forward to the Sermon?

Church “Membership”

Letter from Jesus about Christmas

The Lutheran Study Bible

A Real Life Example

Things about an Inheritance

An Idea Worth Reading About

A New Web Site WOW!

Listening

Marriage

Memorial Day

Precise Blood

Dear Fellow Redeemed,

When I read the following Creation Moments devotion about our blood and how perfect it is I just had to share it. The web site offers great information about God's creation of our universe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Blessings & Peace, Pastor John Hebrews 13:20-21

When I read the following Creation Moments devotion about our blood and how perfect it is I just had to share it. The web site offers great information about God's creation of our universe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Precise Blood

A Healthy Faith

My work or God's?

Why Are You A Christian?

What do you do when you are wrong?

HE WHO LOSES HIS LIFE FINDS IT

Why Go to Church

The Meaning of Membership?

Pride and the Rich

Is worship something you need?

Is Anyone Listening?

Writing a Sermon

A Person Without Folds

When I read the following Creation Moments devotion about our blood and how perfect it is I just had to share it. The web site offers great information about God's creation of our universe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Blessings & Peace,

Pastor John

Hebrews 13:20-21