Fidgeting

Thinking about fidget toys this morning...In theory, I am apposed to the use of fidgets, but when I sit down at my computer and start thinking about all the engineering problems I need to solve, I reach for something. I fiddle with my pen, I grab a snack from my lunch, I check my phone...why?

I think that I am looking for comfort.

That may seem odd when you think about the types of things you find yourself fidgeting with, but I think there might be a connection.

I look for other things that I can control when I'm facing a problem that I do not yet have in control. The small thing, the small easy task gives me comfort, makes me believe I can tackle the big challenge in front of me.

What if God was my fidget?

What if whenever I was faced with a big challenge outside of my immediate control, I reached for God? Not as something that I could easily manipulate, but as the Almighty Everlasting Loving Father that comes up along side of me, puts His hand on my shoulder, and says, "Now what are you working on here, son? Need any help?". Instead of pushing His hand away, and saying, "No. I got this. You'll see." - or worse, not even acknowledging His presence - what if I just took the time to answer Him with, "Hey Dad! I'm glad you're here. I could really use some help figuring this one out. You see, here's the problem, I've got...".

Now that's comforting. A lot more comforting than that donut I'm scarfing down as I'm staring at my computer screen...that I know is going to have negative impacts on my health.

What if I enjoyed working along side of Him, knowing that everything is going to turn out great with Him there - even if sometimes it looks like I've really screwed it up? He is patient, and he likes to see me learn. He made me this way, and He enjoys working with me. Maybe I should just let Him.

Claustrophobic - letting go

I had a dream in which I was walking down a hallway. The hallway had concrete block walls and was in a basement of a large building. At the end of the hallway, around the corner was a small room not much bigger than a closet, but it was set up like a library with tall shelves filled with books. It had a shelf along the back wall and a central shelf protruding out from the right wall. Curious, I go in, perusing the shelves. As I get to the back corner, around the central shelf, someone comes up behind me. They are interested in the books as well. Then another person shows up. I try to get out, but there is no way around them. I'm starting to get a little uncomfortable. I climb the center book shelf, hoping to jump over, but when I look over the top, I see a whole crowd that has packed the hallway, and they all are pressing into the room, filling every available space...

I can't get out... 

I start to panic. 

My heart rate sky rockets.

I recognize something is wrong...not with the situation, but with me. I know panicking is not going to solve anything, and is actually making the situation worse. I know I need to calm down...but how?!

I remind myself of the truth, 

"Why am I so upset? I am not under any immediate threat. The oxygen is not going to run out. I am not being hurt. I am just...not in control. I can't do what I want. I'm stuck. But most importantly, even though I am not in control, God is in control. He can take care of me. I don't have to be afraid. Even if this is the end of my earthly life, God is in control. I don't have to be afraid." 

A tremendous relief flows over me. The fog of panic lifts, and I can think clearly about the situation. It occurs to me that I haven't even asked the crowd if they can move back and let me out...

And I wake up. 


I was so nervous when I was not in control of my space. I can see this in other areas of my life as well. But God is still in control. If I let him be in control, I can relax. Then I can think clearly about the situation, and my fears don't run me over.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen." - First Peter 5:6-11 ESV

Eclipse Hype

With all the hype about the solar eclipse, I’m reminded of all the wonderful things in all creation that worship the Lord, and yet people, the crown of God’s creation, refuse to worship Him, or even acknowledge His presence.

 

Do not worship the heavenly bodies, or give them more significance than God…

And when you look up to the sky and see the sun, the moon and the stars—all the heavenly array—do not be enticed into bowing down to them and worshiping things the Lord your God has apportioned to all the nations under heaven. Deuteronomy 4:19

They will not last…

“Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’  Matthew 24:29

That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. 2Peter 3:12b

Historical punishment for Israelites who worshiped the heavens and not the creator…

They will be exposed to the sun and the moon and all the stars of the heavens, which they have loved and served and which they have followed and consulted and worshiped. They will not be gathered up or buried, but will be like dung lying on the ground. Jeremiah 8:2

Paul preached to those in ignorance…

For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: to an unknown god. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.  Acts 17:23

The truth and our purpose…

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

That all may join in true Christian Worship…

But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” John 4:23-24

And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.  Hebrews 10:24-26

He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.” Revelation 14:7

A Whack on the Thumb...again

"Ow! I cannot believe this! Ow! God, you got to be kidding! Again!"

I smacked my thumb on the top of a pallet fence as I was throwing a shovel full of goat manure over...and I had previously hit this thumb with a hammer, cracking the nail in half perpendicular to my thumb.

I keep hitting this thumb, and it hurts. I'm not one for yelling when in pain, but I'm starting to develop this bad habit with this thumb. The nail is broken half way down, so it's going to be a while before it grows out and is well protected again. Thinking about it now, I can't imagine how many times I'm going to hit it again, but in the moment, I never expect to hit it again.

I wonder if God feels the same way. 

Does He  think, "OK, I've lined everything up. I'm taking care of him. There is no way he's going to fall into sin now...OH MAN! OW! You got to be kidding me! Again! Ow! I can't believe how much this hurts! It's not supposed to be like this!"

I know Christ has taken away all of our sins for all time, and the Father can now look down on us with love as he sees a bunch of perfect children...but what about willful sins? What about the ones that we forcefully shove God out of our lives so we can do what we want right now? Isn't that unbelief? Isn't that throwing down the bright white cloak of Christ's righteousness and wallowing in the mud right in front of an ever-present God of justice? 

What does that feel like for God?

We get a little picture of what it feels like in the crucifixion of Jesus. How many of us would vomit at the sight of such a brutal torture? Sin hurts, sin kills.

But then we repeat the offense...again...again...again. I know the frustration that can occur when a spouse keeps offending in the same way over and over again. It doesn't take long for our human patience to run out. Can we even overlook one offense without blowing up, making a snide comment, or a sarcastic joke? 

God must be a glutton for punishment (please excuse the use of this coarse phraseology). Why does he stand there? - in sight of our offenses, in view of our cheating on him, right next to us while we spit on him, bend over while we scourge him, kneel while we strike him in the face, spread his arms while we pound nails through his hands, stand on a nail through his feet while we mock his power...his power that he willingly gives up...so that we can be part of his family, eat at his table, share in the inheritance, come back to life, be immortal, be free.

I guess thinking about it more, God wouldn't yell in outburst at our sins. The scriptures never mention Jesus yelling...except maybe when clearing the temple. Maybe there are two scenarios...

For his elected chosen children who are also weak fleshly creatures who find themselves astray and humbly crawl back to their Father just hoping for a slaves quarters - he patiently endures your offending, cheating, spitting, scourging, beating, killing - so that you may come to the realization of the truth and be saved.

For those hard hearted willfull sinners of pride who trade the righteousness of God for disgusting filthy rags of this physical world - God please never let me be this person, and may I never meet one. The wrath of God is reserved for these. May I see only pre-believers, not unbelievers. Please, send me to the lost, the confused, the mislead, and the broken, so I can be so privileged to see you find, correct, lead, and heal. 

Confirmation Blessing

This is the blessing I gave my daughter on the day she was confirmed in her faith. She's been studying Luther's catechism for three years (one with us and two with pastor). And her walk with God is only beginning. I was able to say the last part of my blessing in church, starting with her confirmation verse from Hebrews.

Well, here it is, confirmation day. Grace Michaiah Meinel, you are being confirmed in your faith. It's kinda like a wedding day. Not unlike a wedding day, where you are taking a commitment to be with God for the rest of your life. You've had a long engagement, as is typical now days, through your childhood. We've planned and made preparations for this confirmation day, but like a wedding day, it's soon over. And then the hard part begins. How do you stay committed for a lifetime? In marriage? In confirmation of your faith to our Lord? Fortunately God makes it easy for us. His answer is the same - "Me." He just encourages us to be in His word. And His word will guide you your entire life. Through ups and downs - most certainly downs. And your confirmation verse will be a special verse to you to guide you in specifically down times, but also to give you everlasting hope in up times. This Bible Verse, Hebrews 10:39 "But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved." May God give you strength to be bold in your faith. Most certainly it won't happen your entire life, but may he work through you and constantly in you to be the woman that He designed you to be. And I see it in you, everyday. Grace Michaiah, may the Lord bless you for the rest of your life. Amen.

Fathers

Fathers set the tone for the family.

Ideals - Reality - God's mercy

Mother and wife: 
A good father places his wife first. If the father is the CEO, the mother is the COO. He supports the mother, gives her his authority (and backs it up), gives her freedom to be creative in her roles, takes responsibility for everything that goes wrong, gives praise for everything that goes right.

Daughters:
Both how a father loves their mother, and how a father loves them - this is how their daughters will be loved by their husbands, this is the type (or anti-type) of men their daughters will seek out. Their confidence in their father's love will not leave them grasping at boys who don't know what love is. A father's love protects, strengthens, and guides.

Sons:
A father is the standard. Sons will want to be like their father, or better. How much better will depend on the example that is set for them. And they get a front row seat to us at our worst. No business-like facade here. Raw emotions will rage, hurt, and need repentance. Real men ask for forgiveness. No father is perfect, but that is no excuse for a lazy standard for sons to follow. Respect for women, be the hero, standard of honesty, honor, and self-control.

These are my ideals, but far from my reality. 

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

The older I get, the more I realize how I've screwed up. But in God's mercy, He watches over my wife and children - even sustains me through them! My earthly fatherhood is riddled with sin. But God our Father teaches my children lessons I have not yet learn, loves them in ways I have not yet learned to love, provides for them in a wisdom and power that I will never reach. God is good.

What matters most:

Worship attendance - view of worship opportunities, joy

View of God the Father - willingness to be under authority, to serve

Personal study of God's Word - desire to know Him and copy Him, the perfect Father

How they treat others - practicing what they've been taught

Jesus prayed for us - “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” - John 17

2017 Life-a-thon

We are organizing the first Madison area Life-a-thon this Friday, May 12. The life-a-thon is a 5k run/walk that supports Associated Pregnancy Services in the Milwaukee area (where most abortions in Wisconsin occur). 

Come run/walk off your work week frustrations!  😁 And help provide support to families facing unplanned pregnancies.

The run/walk will be on the Military Ridge Trail between Old County Rd PB and Fitchburg Rd. Please meet in the Verona park and ride at 6 pm, then we will all walk across the street to the starting line.

Fire, pizza, and drinks at Hermansons after the run/walk.

Don't know who the Hermansons are? You should, they are cool people!

For more details or to sign up for this event, go to https://secure.ministrysync.com/ministrysync/event/website/?m=3285482&tab=3

You can select "RCRC - Verona" for the team name. Then under Walk Location select Virtual Walker

Please note: This sign up is through FundEasy. You automatically get a fundraising page with your sign up, but no fundraising is required to participate in the event.  Just your entry fee automatically helps also.

Saved my Marriage

These books saved my marriage:

Created to be His Help Meet, Becoming a Woman of His Dreams, Power of a Woman's Words, The Power of a Praying Wife, Beautiful in God's Eyes...

If you'll notice, these books do not necessarily have a male target audience...that's because my wife read them. She's been saving our marriage for a long time. Although if you ask her, she might give you a different answer.

So, it's not about what I do, it's what she does. She chooses to love me every day - not with conditional love that's looking to change me. But she takes me where I'm at, and sees me for who I can become in Christ.

No, it's really God who has saved our marriage, but I like to think that He's done it through her. Of course the whole time she's been reading these books, she's also been searching God's Word, diligently going to church, earnestly praying, and learning from other mentor women about how to be a good wife and mother.

I'm amazed at what God accomplishes through her...which includes keeping me on track!

These are the top 3 books my wife listed off the top of her head this morning:
1. Bible
2. Created to be His Helpmeet
3. Becoming a Woman of His Dreams

Some other books we've both read:
Night Light (devotional)
DNA of Relationships
4 Days to a Forever Marriage
Love and Respect
The Five Love Languages
Personality Plus
For Men Only/For Women Only (we each read our respective book)

He Anointed Us

If you have been baptized, or are thinking about being baptized, watch this:

Better quality video here: https://vimeo.com/199593195

This sermon really speaks to me because I want to be a man of purpose. That's why I go to Men of His Word. That's why I read devotions to my children. That's why I do "crazy" things.

We're built for kingdom work. Whether you're a Peter, a John, a Thomas, a Mary, a Martha, a Dorcus...whatever you're currently labeling yourself as, the list extends to all those who are baptized in Christ, anointed by God.

Father, Son, Holy Spirit and work

Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

Dad's work.

The Son's work allows me to reference the Father as "Dad".

The Holy Spirit guides my thoughts into alignment with the Father's thoughts.

The Father is the complete source of knowledge and power, and He will give whatever level of knowledge and power for me to carry out His will. Jesus had this resource while He physically walked this earth and He used it in perfect lockstep with the Father's will. Jesus was never looking to use God's power for His own benefit, but for the Father's benefit.

The Son was always working to carry out the Father's will. So now I get to follow in His footsteps to carry out the Father's will. I fail every day, but Jesus keeps me right with God. The Son allows me to work for the Father.

Each day that I look back on my life, I feel like I finally just started believing. When I look at my past, I'm horrified by my way of life, the sins that so easily entangled me. I doubt if I could even have been saved. But I am certain that I am saved now.

This sounds like madness, and inconsistent logic. But then again, I'm describing a moving target. My perspective is changing throughout my sanctification process. Knowing this, I can extend grace to others that have different weaknesses. I can see that God also calls them. Even if the world labels them "unbelievers", God still loves them and is calling them. As long as they are alive on this earth (except in rare cases of hardened hearts) they are looking for rest in God's grace. And God has equipped each and every believer to share His grace, because it is the same grace He gave to them. Every Christian knows this grace. Don't over complicate it, share it.

Forgive as you have been forgiven.

Give as you have been given.

Serve as you have been served.

Love as you have been loved.

Even tell the truth in the same manner that the truth was revealed to you...with grace.

Be patient as God has been patient with you.

Be confident in God's timing. He rarely works all of a sudden. He is not slow as some understand slowness, but He waits for the proper time.

Be looking for the proper time. Be diligent in prayer. I have newly discovered the power of prayer again in my life. The Holy Spirit is filling me, and I love it! It brings such deep joy, comfort, peace. I'm happy to be me. I'm satisfied to be God's child, and I love my Dad's work.

Why Peter?

Lord, why Peter?

A 3rd shift fisherman.

He had a wife and kids...he was busy.

And a sinful man...

Not sinful enough not to listen to a preacher; but when he recognizes that preacher to be connected to God's power, he knows he won't be able to hide his sins. They will be known. Then what? He shuddered to think of the disowning and estrangement that would result..the guilt and shame of bringing dark things into the light. He begs, "Go away from me Lord; I am a sinful man!"

Peter was acutely aware of his sins. They were so big, so foolish, that he "knew" he never had a chance of being in God's inner circle. 

And yet, Jesus chose him. He tolerated his impulsive nature and his judgmental attitude - to teach him, so that he could teach others. 

How old was Peter? At least 30? He had a family, and he had part ownership in a fishing company.

When he was called, he dropped everything and followed. He left the windfall of profits lying in the boats. He left all his invested capital run up on the shore. He saw through all those things to what he really wanted. He wanted to be at peace with God. He wanted to feel God's presence. He wanted for God to be in his home, and for God to make His home in his heart - never to leave. 

He wanted to be something, not just in this world, but for God. And Jesus told him he was something...and that God could use him.

"Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Lord, why me?

I'm just a fisherman.

I'm a sinful man. I've done foolish things. Things that a man of God ought not to do. 

Doesn't that disqualify me? 

Doesn't that make me unfit for service? 

How can you use me when my reputation is an impulsive jerk?

It doesn't make sense to me...but I feel called.

Have you fixed me enough for your service? Or can you use me with my current faults?

What about my responsibilities? What about my wife, my children, my plans...the other good works that I think I can accomplish? Should I do them first? Should I wait?

"Don't be afraid; from now on you will catch men."

Thoughts on Luke 5:1-11