Such Talk Is Garbage

"Such Talk Is Garbage."

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

 “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge!”  [Ps.19:1-2, NIV]

30 seconds.  That’s all it took.  Certainly, the aftermath was worse, and continues, but when the earth shook, a nation was devastated.

Which nation?  We could be speaking of Japan a few weeks ago.  After the 8.9 earthquake a tsunami swept ashore, wreaking havoc and untold damage, with thousands still unaccounted for.  On top of this, nuclear disaster goes unchecked as damaged reactors spew deadly toxins.

Yet only a year ago another earthquake brought incredible destruction and loss of life while wounding people mentally, physically and spiritually in Haiti.  People there are still asking “Why?” and wondering how God could allow one of the poorest and most ill-equipped nations in the world to suffer so horribly.  Additionally, cholera broke out in the Fall of 2010.

Some have suggested [including a well-known evangelist] that God may be punishing people/countries/cities with natural disasters such as these.  Be very careful.  Such talk is garbage.  We live in a world created by a scientific God, Who uses normal wind and ocean currents, along with tectonic plates and continental movements to effect the beauty of His creation.  He is our refuge and strength, and we need not fear, even when the earth gives way and mountains fall into the sea [Ps.46].

In Port-au-Prince, Rev. Thomas Bernard, a Haitian Lutheran pastor answered when asked why this had come upon his country.  In his response, substitute “Japan” for “Haiti,” and the message is the same:  “I do not know why this earthquake has come to [Haiti].  I do not know why so many people have died and why so many are suffering.  Some have suggested that perhaps God was angry with the [Haitians] for their history of [voodoo] or some other sin.  Some have said that [Haiti] is receiving the wrath of God.  I do not know why it happened, but I will tell you what I know.  On the cross, Jesus Christ took upon Himself and bore the full wrath of God in His body.  There on the cross in Jesus, the wrath of God was answered for.  Jesus took our punishment and has died for the sins of the entire world.  [Haiti] did not suffer for their sins because Jesus did suffer for their sins.  I look to the cross of Jesus to see my Savior.”

God has given an opportunity for you and me to respond to the needs of others.  Go to our LCMS website and click on Lutheran World Relief to see how we can assist.  And next Sunday in church, give a hug to Lee and Yuko Luhrs, who have family in Japan.  Your prayerful support is meaningful!

- Jack

In The Cave

"In The Cave."

By Pastor Jack Schneider

 “Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise.  In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God.  He was absolutely convinced that God was able to do anything He promised!”  [Romans 4:20-21, NLT]

A dear friend would shake her head, roll her eyes heavenward and say to her then early-teen son, “Michael, you’re wartin’ me!”  Translation for those of you not familiar with Old Americana/Southern expressions: “Son, you’re about to wear me down; you’re more worrisome than an old wart on my skin!”

Through the years I’ve found myself coming back to her phrase more often than I’d like to admit.  Our kids are now all grown up, so they usually escape the implication.  Others things, however, along with circumstances at times beyond description, continue to “wart” on me daily.  Those are the times I turn to David the Psalmist, and revel in his 5-minute pity-party tidbits -- like Psalm 142.  Stop for a moment and read it yourself, right now…

Wow!  See what I mean?  Wrote it while in a cave.  Not “describing what it’s like to be in a cave of depression,” but IN THE CAVE.  This is inspired Word of God, by the Holy Spirit, with David in the middle of the event.  And guess what?  David is saying “Lord, You’re wartin’ me!  Why aren’t You listening to my complaint?  Set me free from this mess, answer me, because no one [not even You?] cares about me!”

Ah, but He does care.  He kept His promises to Abraham…and to David…every single one of them.  Just not in the expected/desired time frame or in the expected/desired manner.  David knew this [read Psalm 138 next!] and was not afraid to express both his doubts and his faith in this loving, gracious God.  That’s real…that’s love…that’s faith.

How big is your God?  This Wednesday we begin the season of Lent, using Sunday mornings to talk about “Restoring the DNA” God gave us through Jesus Christ.  Wednesday evenings [7:00 p.m.] will feature “The Passover Paradigm,” addressing how we can make a difference locally and globally as we become personally involved through our presence, our gifts of service, our assets and our stories of love. 

Please remember, until the Fellowship Hall and Kitchen are re-worked [over Spring Break] from water damage, only pizza and salad will be served in the church foyer for a Lenten pre-service meal 5:30-6:30.  We expect to resume meals in the Fellowship Hall after that time; watch for announcements.  Thanks for your patience and good spirit -- you’ve done beautifully!

- Jack

Jesus Happy-Stuff

"Jesus Happy-Stuff"

By: Pastor Jack Schneider

 “Don’t let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.  Let the wonderful kindness and understanding that come from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ help you to keep on growing!”  [2 Pet.3:17-18, CEV]

“I don’t understand,!” she sobbed.  “I thought it was supposed to get easier, but it’s not.”  Her walk of faith had deepened, prayer life had strengthened, grasp of Scripture truth grown so much greater, everything about her proclaimed the work of the Holy Spirit.  Yet here she was, in anguish, telling me life was easier in the old days, before she knew Jesus so intimately.

She’s not alone.  You’ve been there, too, haven’t you?  It should be no surprise.  The Word warns us, “of the one to whom much is given, much is required.”  The more you know, the more you’re expected to share and teach others.  With great power comes great responsibility.  God told Abraham, “I have blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others.” 

Ouch.  Somewhere along the line satan has sold us a bill of goods, a big fat lie -- the idea that all this “Jesus happy-stuff” has come along for our personal benefit so we can lie back in our easy chair and enjoy the good life.  “Have it your way,” he croons.  “Name it, claim it, and frame it; the gift is already yours!”  A few subtle twists here and there, and the joyful promise of forgiveness in Christ, restoration to the image of God [intended for all creation] lies broken by the roadside.  “You mean I have to tell other people about this?!  But that’s why we pay the pastor!”  “You want me to do WHAT with my children in Sunday School?  Oh, no; I just drop them off on my way to Starbucks.  I need a break.”  “Here he goes again!  Another “mission sermon!” 

If this offends you, good.  You’re not dead.  There’s still hope.  Growth is always painful; just ask a lobster [which, by the way, can live 130 years - true].  It’s painful because it involves removing deadly obstacles and presences from our lives, things that would keep us from intimacy with God and others, patterns and practices that hinder us from growing emotionally, physically and spiritually.  It’s also painful because it puts us into contact with others, and they don’t always want to hear what Jesus has to say, anymore than we did [do].  Unfortunately, if we’re not growing, we’re dying.  Ask the lobster.

“God is the One who began this good work in you, and I am certain He won’t stop before it is complete on the day Christ Jesus returns.” [Phil.1:6]

- Jack

“Taking Flight Part 7: Seeking Alternative Fuel"

“Taking Flight Part 7: Seeking Alternative Fuel" 

By: Pastor Andy Whaley



This week’s focus is on the importance of re-defining the foundation of our metrics – the system on which we base, and by which measure our faithfulness/success in following Jesus.  This wraps up a seven-week series on what it means to take flight in our faith, and have radical impact in our world.  Our conversation begins by taking a look at the striking foundational differences upon which the kingdom of God and the kingdom of men are built, as we reflect on a modern day parable.

“The kingdom of God is heavenly in origin and eternal in nature. 

The kingdom of men is earthly in origin and temporal in nature.”

 “The Parable of the Skylark”

One day, a young skylark flew in joyous loops about the sky. As he swooped near the earth, he heard a merchant’s cry, “Worms! Worms! Delicious Worms for feathers!” The skylark circled about, hungry at the mention of worms, but puzzled by the offer.  Cautiously the skylark landed nearby. “Come here, my little friend. See what lovely worms I have!” said the merchant, while motioning the little bird closer.

The skylark, aware that he was, indeed, quite hungry noticed that these worms looked bigger and tastier than any he had ever dug for himself – a task that was both time-consuming, and difficult.  The merchant repeated his offer,

“Two worms for just one feather, my friend. Two for merely one.”

The skylark was unable to resist such a sweet deal, thinking to himself, “I have so many feathers and such little time.” So, with a swift painful tug at his wing, he plucked one small feather, dropped it into the merchant’s hand, and said, “Two, please.”  The merchant replied, “Take your pick…any two your heart desires!”

Never before had the young bird tasted such wonderful worms. With a loud chirp, he leapt into the air and resumed his joyful flight.  As the merchant went on his way, the skylark began to feel a little guilty, but he enjoyed the feast, and was pleased to find afterwards that no one noticed the missing feather.

The next day he flew with his father. “My son,” said the old skylark, as they rose higher and higher, far above the tops of the tallest trees in the forest. “I believe we skylarks should be the happiest of birds. We have such brave wings, such beautiful feathers.  See how they lift us high into they sky.” “Ye-es,” said the young bird, hesitantly.

But day after day the young skylark descended. The merchant always ready with wonderful worms to offer. Until one day, after eating his fill, the skylark leapt again into the air – and to his horror, fell to the ground with a thud, unable to fly.

At once with sudden shock He realized what had happened. From eating the delicious worms He had grown too fat. From plucking his own feathers, his brave wings had grown bald.  Horrified, he remembered, how, slowly, imperceptibly, it had been getting harder and harder to fly.  Each day as he descended, he had told himself it was no matter. He could always stop before it was too late. Now suddenly, he was, trapped on the ground. The young skylark looked up and saw the merchant glaring at him, a small, sly grin creeping across his face. The merchant grabbed the helpless bird, put him in a cage, and walked away laughing.¹

“When men hope only in temporal values, they are left without moral absolutes; without a sense of the fear of God; or willingness to yield to His control.

Thus Godly living is forsaken for the ways of men.”

Carl Wilson, author

(“With Christ in the School of Disciple Building”)

“Seeking Alternative Fuel”

There is great truth to the saying, “what ya’ aim for is usually what you’ll hit.”  Meaning that when we set our sights on a particular target – we should not be too surprised that when we pull the trigger, we actually hit it.  If our sights our set on earthly, temporal measurements designed in the halls of the kingdom of men (membership numbers, budgets, buildings, styles of worship, programs, etc…) as the metric for our faithfulness and success as God’s Children of Salt and Light here on earth, then we should not be surprised when we shoot, we hit those targets and find ourselves somewhere down the road, fat, bald, and trying to pick the worm dirt out of our teeth!  However, if we set our sights on heavenly measurements that have eternal significance today created by YHWH in the halls of the kingdom of heaven, we will be overjoyed as we soar to the highest of heights with brave wings of faith covered in beautiful feathers lifted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit that radically impact the lives of those around us!

In stark contrast to the merchant and the worms, Jesus forever reigns as the true king of faithfulness constantly offering His, “supernatural life to the fullest” (John 10:10) in exchange for our sin, sickness, and death.  Here, Jesus introduces a new metric by which to measure our faithfulness – our success – namely, a quality of life that only He can provide, filling people in abundance! He calls us to this abundant way of life in three key contrasting ways to the kingdom of men:

1.)  Quality Discipleship versus quantity & membership.  Jesus was never overly interested in numbers.  However, He was passionately at work to draw people closer to Himself to teach them His Way of Life.  For Jesus, deep, consistent, honest, growing integrity of our faith walk is of first importance:

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness,

and all these things will be given to you as well.” – (Matthew 6:33)

2.)  Compassionate Relationships versus budgets & buildings.  Jesus changed the metric by which His disciples were to conduct themselves in the world, and proclaimed that compassionate generosity would be a significant mark and sign; the identity of His church on earth:

“But I tell you; love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.” – (Matthew 5:44-45a)

3.)  Storied Lives versus styles & programs.  Jesus wrote His life story into our hearts.  He has transformed us into His storied people.  He still calls us to lead chaste lives that openly, transparently speak the story of our confession and absolution! 

“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.” – (I Peter 3:15)

But if you just want the bottom line:  The Jesus metric is the incarnation!

His transformational presence in and at work through people’s lives!

John 1:14

- Andy

[1] (“The Parable of the Skylark”, by Jeffery Satinover, & “The Bargain of the Skylark” by G.H. Charnley)

Taking Flight Part 6: Breaking the Sound Barrier

“Taking Flight Part 6: Breaking the Sound Barrier”

By: Paster Andy Whaley

Last week we reflected on the power of light shining in dark places. 

This week we listen for words breaking through sound barriers!

“There was a demon that lived in the air. They said whoever challenged him would die. Their controls would freeze up, they would buffet wildly, and disintegrate.

The demon lived at Mach 1 on the meter…behind a barrier through which they said no man could ever pass. They called it the sound barrier.”

(excerpt from the movie, “The Right Stuff”)

Did you know that the people of Jesus day struggled with the same fear? The unique differences being: They created the barrier with their own legalistic noise pollution!  The demons they struggled with were not in the air – but in their hearts, and they were terrified of exposure!  So, they insisted on living under the letter of the law in four inappropriate and oppressive ways:

1.)  It was common practice for them to create barriers built on intellectual proof-texts.  A practice of ripping pieces of God’s Law out of its overarching context (that always included grace and mercy, forgiveness and restoration).  Utilizing the law instead to argue outward fashion points.  To prove that they were right and others were wrong.   They built up external barriers of comparison to hide behind, refusing to allow anyone to break through.

2.)  They had a habit of quoting self-righteous sound-bytes to each other. Measuring one another by individual accomplishments, instead of by the gift of grace they had all received time and again from YHWH.

3.)  Unfortunately, this led to a sad state of mediocrity and individualism as the standard of the day.  Following the letter of the law in the most menial and trivial of ways, they were careful not to go one step beyond it into the Spirit of the Law – the realm of loving, gracious action that impacts the lives of others.

4.)  Ultimately, they lived in fear of God and one another.  Terrified of public embarrassment and the exposure of personal weakness, it was impossible for them to be transparent with their lives.  They were scared to death that somebody might see beyond their whitewashed outward appearance, and into their hearts where the stain of human nature resides in every man. 

In Matthew 5:21-37, Jesus points out that this is exactly what had happened.

Good thing we don’t struggle with the same kind of sound barrier today.  Or, do we?

Oh, yeah we do!  But there is great hope!  Jesus came specifically to break through the noise pollution and sound barriers we create.  He came to reach into our hearts and sing new life into all of us!  As we feel His touch, He calls us to go beyond self-serving proof-texts and sound-bytes, beyond the realm of individual mediocrity and fear - beyond the mere letter of the law boldly into the realm of the Spirit of the Law!  A new dimension of transparency, humility, and forgiveness. 

He does this by transforming our hearts to follow His lead and take care of first things first – reconciling broken relationships, and mending broken hearts.  That is why He came – to reconcile us to Himself and the Father.  To mend our broken hearts.  To reconcile us to one another.  And, now He sends us out as His ambassadors of reconciliation into the world! 

“First, Go and Be Reconciled to Your Brother; Then Come and Bring Your Gift.” Matthew 5:24

(Jesus, King of Reconciliation)

We are His singers, spreading the sound waves of hope and restoration in four gracious ways:

1.)  Instigating reconciliation in the midst of broken hearts and relationships.

2.)  Living out acts of forgiveness that bring hope and healing to hurt lives.

3.)  Excelling in grace and love by going beyond the letter of the law and breaking into the realm of the Spirit of the Law, making things new.

4.)  Stepping out in courageous transparency.  No longer afraid to say I messed up – I am not perfect.  Instead, meeting with other broken people and sharing real life in a uniquely powerful way.  Opening up our lives, by exposing where we fell down and how God met us right there face down on the ground!

It is all about Jesus breaking through the sound barriers we have built in our head and our heart that say don’t come in.  But He sticks his hand right through and grabs hold of us proclaiming, “you are mine and I want to live with you forever.”

Honestly, at first, it can be a little scary.  The air seems quite thin when we let go and He takes hold.  But when He pulls us through to the others side – the oxygen is pure and sweet, lifting the heart and soul to new heights!

- Andy