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Lighthouse January 14, 2024

Luke 3:21 Through the water

“I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals.” What a statement. No. How can John be so demeaning of himself? This weekend we came to the end of what we call the Christmas season with Jesus being baptized. Then we will have one quick flashback on February 2 with Jesus being presented in the temple at 40 days old. With this first statement we hear Luke go on to say “Heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove.” There are several things Luke is seeking to point out to us as we enter Jesus' adult ministry; Jesus is God, we are not. Jesus is now taking on all the leadership role of God's leaders. In terms of order, we are called to see the Holy Spirit. In the creation story in Genesis it was the Spirit that hovered over the tumultuous waters bringing order to them just as Jesus will now do when He walks on the sea. The Jew would next think of the story of Noah. Again, he is being raised above the tumultuous waters and it is a dove who shows there will now be dry land. After the dove we can't help but notice the water itself. In doing so the Jews would have thought of the splitting of the Red Sea by Moses. Moses stands on the one side and has all the people pass through the sea to their testing ground. When they got through their testing ground of 40 years in the desert and are ready to enter the promised land we have Joshua leading the way; this time it will be through the Jordan. This time it will be the Holy of Holies which will stay on one side of the water until everyone had passed through on dry land. The holy of holies had been fashioned in the desert. Now as the people enter the promised land the next generation will have to go through their own testing before entering the next level of promised land; that which no eye can see, nor can anyone imagine what God has prepared for them. To enter they will need to go through the saving power of baptism 'unless you go through the waters of baptism and the holy spirit you will not enter the kingdom'. So Jesus begins in the Jordan and it might help to notice that just as the holy of holies was fashioned in the desert so the next holy of holies was fashioned in this new testing ground. You will notice that just as the Ark of the covenant spent 3 months in the house of Obed-edom so Mary spent three months with John the Baptist thus distinguishing herself as the new holy of holies containing God himself. Continuing that motif Luke has Jesus going from his baptism into the desert for 40 days as a sign that he will be the one leading God's people to eternal life. thus the need for them to go through the water. How does all this tie back in with John demeaning himself? He indicates that not he, nor anyone else, is God; able to save themselves. Eternal salvation can only come through total submission to Jesus, the way, the truth, and the life. As we prepare for Lent now, may you grow more and more dependent on Him.

Lighthouse December 31, 2024

Tempus Fugit

1 1 25. What’s in a number? After all, it’s just a measure of time. ‘There’s a time for every season under heaven. A time to be born; a time to die.’ We do like having special days to punctuate our trips around the sun. It’s great to celebrate the first, our anniversaries, our birthdays, Easter and Christmas. We like celebrations. And then there are other events we like to look forward to, like kids coming home, payday, a vacation. We even like going to work knowing we have a job. And then of course, there is the realization that during this year of 2025 we will experience the loss of those who will move away, either on this earth or into another reality. Scripture tells us not to be certain that ‘I will do such and such.’ Tomorrow may never come. I know, being on the other side of the hill I’m quite aware of how many obituaries are for people younger than myself. More and more I look forward to that next life that eye has not seen nor ear heard what God has prepared for us. Until then though, while we are in the gift giving mode, we really should look at each day as a gift from God. It is after all ‘anno domini’ ‘the year of the Lord’. Each day is a gift for which He has called us to some sort of purpose; a purpose for which we will also be accountable. You mean, we should never take off. Of course not. Until God called Abraham we didn’t know that it was okay to take time off. God called us to the Sabbath, one day off out of every seven, as a way of knowing and trusting in Him, that we can get by with just six days of work and we can benefit realizing how important living with that awareness of eternal life with him is. We are called to start practicing that now, in the present. How often do you take time to just really chill out and know you are in His presence? Going to church once a week is important. But it’s not enough. It is important that we live with a consciousness that we are a corporal spiritual people. What can you do to help yourself live more conscious of that? God is always waiting for you to talk with Him. I pray we can be grateful for the gift of each day and really give Him thanks for them, one by one. Life is a gift; open it gently.

A blessed 2025 anno domini.

Lighthouse December 17, 2024

Do you want to know why God had us wait for so many centuries for the coming of Christ? I don't know. It is a strange concept for a culture that can't stand to wait. We can't wait for special occasions, or special treats. We want the dessert before the meal. We have all kinds of Christmas parties well before Christmas (although Christmas should be all year). We want the rewards before we've earned them. We even want the privileges of marital love before there is any public commitment. So how, or why did God expect us to wait so long for Jesus to come? Beginning with His promise in the book of Genesis when God told Adam and Eve that He would put 'Enmity between the woman and Satan” He didn't say how long that would be. When He finally entered into an intimate relationship with Abraham 2000 years before Jesus He showed that the impossible could happen; Sarah could have a child. But, for centuries yet He would challenge Abraham's descendants to simply 'listen to my word and respond'. Finally, 1500 years before Jesus He would give more and more hints. He said there would rise up one like Moses and with the prophets He would give hints like 'the days are coming says the Lord when I will make a new covenant', 'there will be one born of a virgin', 'He will rise up out of Egypt', 'and you Bethlehem'. None of these were definitive until at last the angel spoke to Mary 'you shall conceive in your womb and bear a son, and his name will be Emmanuel.' Then, then, Jesus would wait 30 years before He began to reveal Himself to such a point the Pharisees would ask “Are you going to make us wait?' Only with His death and resurrection would we know He really came. But, did you know, others throughout the world were also waiting? Not just the Jews. As the scriptures said 'He would be a revelation to the nations'. We have the wisemen coming from the east at His birth. God had been using the constellations to speak to them. Then we hear of David and the Sybil. Sybils were pagan prophetesses in Greece. Virgil, a pagan writer before Jesus quotes a Sybil speaking of a boy's birth who would free the earth from never-ceasing fear and reign over a world of peace. So it would seem many would be looking for this one in this time of fulfillment, the Pax Romana. But, can you believe that even here in the Western Hemisphere beginning before Jesus there was a prophetic song among the Aztecs, the Maya, the Toltecs, the Nahua, the Hopi and others singing of one who would be worthy of entering the Flower World Paradise? The original author, the prophet, realized he was only dreaming; he was unworthy. But in 1531, an Indian by the name of Juan Diego would be led to a field of flowers near Mexico City and would say in Nahuatl “ Am I in the field of the flower paradise spoken of by my ancestors?” He had been baptized in 1524 and through his gathering of these flowers on December 12 and the miracles that proceeded was responsible for leading 9 million Indians to Jesus within 7 years. What other cultures are being led to Jesus through God's preparative work in their cultures. Sometimes it might just be as Paul says “I see you have a shrine to an unknown God' that leads to the opening of the eyes of others. How did God work to prepare your heart to truly be open to Jesus? Do you ever share that with anyone?

Lighthouse December 10, 2024

Grand Scale Art

As I write this on Saturday, December 7, I can't help but think of one of the most devastating days in our American history, the bombing of Pearl Harbor drawing us into World War II. It was a time of great destruction and loss of life. It demonstrated how evil we humans can be. But, today is also a reminder of how great humans can be. At this moment there is a large ceremony dedicating one of the most beautiful Gothic works in the world, the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. It is a testimony to the thousands of artisans, the millions of dollars, some 40,000 donors from the United States alone, who helped make an ancient Cathedral not only physically restored but even more beautiful than it has been for centuries. After all, the cathedral not only experienced a devastating fire of 5 years ago; it also had been slowly tarnished from centuries of sout from coal, wood, and gas; to say nothing of the millions of candles which had been burnt inside of it. There are two points to ponder which I would like to point out from this. First of all, there are many who will say 'what a waste, why couldn't that money have been used for the poor?' While a valid statement in some way it fails to recognize that it is often those who most exemplify the greatness of the human spirit who are also the ones most generous in meeting other human needs. Humans need music, poetry, painting, and the many different three dimensional arts in stone, metal, wood to lift the spirit. As humans we know we are not just animals who need to be fed physically. We need to be fed emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. And then we need the ability of bringing all these different arts along with architects to achieve art works almost beyond human imagining. Some things, like an orchestra, simply demand the cooperation of many working together towards one end. I pray we never cease supporting such efforts which lift and inspire us to give beyond ourselves in reaching out to the needy. The second point I would like to make is how the restoration made the cathedral more beautiful than it was when it was new. The tarnishing, the dimming comes on slowly through the years. So much so that no one notices. We see it in each generation and naturally still view the overall look as some great achievement. We fail to recognize that the same thing happens to our soul. God created us at our beginning as a unique, one of a kind, manifestation of His love. But slowly, surely, just like with the cathedral, we allow minor moral failures in our lives and eventually, perhaps, allow even more serious sins to start defining us.Then we later become aware of our sinfulness and reach out to our savior, being restored as a true child of God, even more beautiful than before. We too have an occasional need for housekeeping, refurbishing, cleansing through repentance. Now is a good time to repent and clean our house to receive Jesus this Christmas.

Lighthouse November 26, 2024

He Comes

Have you ever been to a baby shower? Probably most of us have. Sometimes it includes a reveal party. And believe it or not men are often invited now and seem to enjoy it. In any case there is truly something special about looking forward to a newborn. Is it a boy or girl? Who does the child look like? What kind of temperament will the child exhibit? There are many questions as we get introduced to the child and the child to us. This coming week we as Christians begin what we call Advent, He comes. So many are already looking forward to Christmas which is a reminder that the Lord of Lords, the King of Kings has in fact already come in history. While truly God, He took on human flesh and became like us in all things but sin. Through the union of God the Father with Mary He came into this world just like all of us. He didn't just suddenly appear like Superman. Unlike our baby showers though the world had been looking forward to His coming for a good 2000 years. Those people also had many questions of what He would be like. Many had preconceived notions of how he would be. Needless to say, many were wrong. He didn't come to overthrow the Romans. So, while it is good to celebrate the fact that the Son of God did come in history into a particular culture, a particular family, a particular time He didn't stay a child. When He grew, taught, performed miracles, chose His disciples and deliberately chose to die on the cross we discovered what kind of God He is, what kind of savior. Advent is here. That means we are looking forward to His coming alright, but these first two weeks we are focused on the fact that He is coming again. This time He is coming to judge the world. He will judge the world based on our faith in Him and our willingness to recognize Him in the many ways He chooses to appear between now and His final coming. Do we recognize Him in the poor and the needy as we hear His words reverberate “I was hungry and you gave me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me to drink; I was naked and you clothed me”, “What you did to the least of these you did to me.” So, while we look to Christmas our eyes must always be fixed on seeing Him as He comes into our daily lives that we might be truly ready to meet Him when He comes at the end of time. I hope you have a great Advent.

Lighthouse November 12, 2024

'How Much Does God Want?

Everything!!! For the last several weeks we have been faced with various scriptures addressing just that issue. We heard Peter say 'Lord, we have given up everything to follow you.' and Jesus responded 'no one has given up mother, father, house …. who will not receive a hundred times.' We heard of the rich young man who asked what more he needed to do and Jesus said 'Go, sell what you have and give to the poor and follow me. 'This week, in a more subtle way we hear of the widow who gave 'two small coins in the treasury temple, all she had to live on.' And then we hear Jesus calling the apostles together to tell them that she gave more than anyone else as others gave of their surplus but she gave what was essential to her survival. It reminded us of the story of Elijah who asked a widow for a glass of water and then when she was on the way to get it he asked her for a small loaf. She said she was just getting ready to make the last little bit she had before her and her son would die of starvation. Even with that he dared to ask her to make him some first. Can you imagine? In faith, although not a Jew, she did it and was given enough to eat for a whole year. So, how much does God want? Everything, at least to make it available for His disposal. Meanwhile though, as a witness, as an act of faith he does call us to tithe (and yes, tithing still means 1/10 of our net income). In the Old Testament it was spelled out that this was to be the first, and best part of the crop. With Jesus we hear Him saying that this we should do without neglecting the weightier matter. And what could this be? If it goes beyond the tithe? Jesus spells that out in Matthew's gospel Mt. 25:31ff, when He says 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was ill and in prison and you came to visit me... What you did to the least of these you did to me.' And, by the way, to visit the sick or imprisoned is to make sure their needs were being met in jail and at home. Family was expected to bring you food. It reminds me of how many times I witnessed farmers who banded together to take care of a fellow farmer's crops when he would be laid up because of a sickness or accident. Or, did you see the news recently where the Omish had a barn raising get together by building mini-houses on site for those flooded in North Carolina? Twice in the above section from Matthew does Jesus say that those who fail to aid others will go off to eternal punishment. Tithing, and the care of others is just a starting practice God calls us to as a way of protecting us from what 1 Tim. 6ff says 'money is the root of all evil.' As a final note: we do not tithe because the church needs money. In my 50 years as pastor I have never preached money, we are called to live within the means which our people have generously chosen to give us. It's all God's money. He has simply given us a way to stay detached from it and stay out of hell thus being able to be with Him forever. After all, He is the one whose son gave himself 100% even to the last drop of blood.

Lighthouse November 5, 2024

'What do I do now, the ones I voted for lost?'

That is a really good question. The answer is: continue to do what you always do as a good Christian; take up your cross and follow Christ. No one wants to lose. But sometimes I think we look at politics and think “If I get the right people in there I can sit back and rest.” Sorry that doesn't work. For lack of participation democracy can be lost in one generation. What does scripture have to tell us about our role with a government? Actually several things. I think first of 1 Tim: 2:2 where Paul says 'Pray for those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.' Then in Romans 13:1 we hear Paul say 'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.' Which goes along with Col. 1:16 'For in him all things...whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities, all things have been created through him and for him.' So certainly we are to go on living, taking care of the responsibilities the Lord has given us and participating in the workings of the government the best we can while seeking to weed out those things which speak of evil. In the process one may be persecuted by others, including the government. We remember that Jesus died at the hands of the government over something which had nothing to do with civil laws. When it comes to civil laws Jesus just tells us that if we are drafted to go one mile, we should go two. We go the extra mile. I really enjoyed that scene in the Chosen where Jesus has the disciples not only carrying the baggage of the platoon but even wearing their heavy helmets voluntarily. Those in politics should have no doubt that Christians truly want the good of society, of those in lawful authority and that they are not just looking out for their own limited interests. So, the elections didn't go the way I wanted; let us get up tomorrow and continue to create a better community, state or nation. After all, Christians did not take over Rome through some sort of revolution on their part but by participating and letting God direct the making of changes in His own good time. Christians will, and must, continue speaking the truth in love, always working for principles, especially those for which there is no compromise, like life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Now is not the time to give up but a time to be aware of the new opportunities which are arising. And, like St. Thomas More be able to say “I am the king's good servant, but God's first.'

Lighthouse October 29, 2024

I want to see
What a powerful request it is that we hear in our gospel this week taken from Mk. 10:46ff. Mark
obviously includes this story because of what it can teach. It's not just about a healing; although that is
important. In this story Jesus encounters a blind man. Good enough. But Mark makes sure you know
Jesus is leaving Jericho, the lowest city perhaps on earth. He is now turning away from the lake road to
head for Jerusalem where he will be crucified. So Jesus asks Bartimaeus what he wants. That name
interestingly enough means 'son of Timothy' or 'son of fear'. What is he afraid of? Change. When we
come before Jesus in prayer do we really know what we want? Do we want to get rid of our sins, our bad
habits, our addictions? How often someone with an addiction has a fear of changing. It means taking on
different behavior. For family and friends it means taking on a different way of interacting. Sometimes we
just want it to stay the same. But, what does the beggar do? He throws off his beggar's cloak, jumps up,
and after being healed, follows Jesus. That's the key. He follows Jesus. Others had tried to keep him silent
and not do anything and now he was totally disregarding their voice. How ready are we to ignore the
voice of the materialistic world, the addictive world in order to respond to the voice of Jesus and follow
him? He follows even though Jesus is headed towards his death. What a contrast to two other stories we
heard lately. When Jesus encountered the rich young man who seemingly wanted to do better Jesus told
him to sell all he had, give to the poor and follow him but the young man turned away from Jesus and
went back to his old way. When James and John asked to sit at his right and left hand he didn't give them
what they wanted but did assure them they would follow him in his cup of suffering. And then, this
beggar, fearful and all, throws aside his beggar's cloak, his old way of life and now, sees, to follow Jesus
in His way. Jesus asks you 'What do you want?' What answer are you willing to give knowing that it
means turning aside from your old way and follow him towards his death.

Lighthouse October 22, 2024

Mk. 10:35
Last week we were challenged to give it all; to give something rather than being couch potato
Christians. We realized that it is not enough to just say I haven’t broken any commandments.
We were challenged to ask ourselves: ‘What am I doing for God’s sake?’ One simply cannot be
passive and be a Christian. This week we listened to a follow-up where Jesus asks: “Can you
drink the cup I drink?” The dumb apostles were of course thinking as the secular world; sure I
can drink from the same cup. It reminds me of when we worked in the cotton fields and there
would be a big bucket of water with a dipper on it. We all drank from the same dipper even
though you wouldn’t know some of the people working with you. The apostles had no idea that
Jesus was thinking of the upcoming persecution when he would pray in the garden: “Father,
take this cup from me; not my will but. Your will be done.” What was that cup? It had to be what
would be happening to his body as the scripture would say he is ‘being poured out like a
libation.’ The bottom line is he would endure the greatest persecution imaginable. He would be
offered up like a sacrifice as he says ‘when I am lifted up I will draw all to myself.’ In other
words, there is no way of showing great love without sacrifice. Again, the same thing applies to
any relationship. How can we not imagine the couple saying to one another ‘in sickness and in
health, for richer or poorer until death do us part.’? How can we not imagine parents seeing

their little child suffer and know they need to take him/her to the hospital when it could easily

cost many thousands of dollars they don’t have? How can we not imagine the sacrifice of love it
takes for a woman to say yes to this child she is carrying even though it might cost her her
education, her job, or the love of a false friend? It seems that if love does not demand sacrifice

it never takes on the depth of love it could be. Jesus gave till there was no more to give for our
sins; for us so we believe how much he loves us; for salvation in overcoming the sin of Adam
and Eve. Now He asks “can you drink of the cup I drink?” That is not just a passing statement.
Can we truly sacrifice ourselves for others for the sake of proclaiming the kingdom? Can we put
the good of others who are suffering above our own comfort? Can we stop being couch potato
Christian in order to give witness to the world? Yes, there is a price to pay, and if we are not able

to say ‘yes’ as Mary did to the angel knowing she might be seen as an unwed mother, she might

endure persecution and even judgment. If we can’t say ‘yes’, do we really love Jesus yet? If not ask

Jesus to give you the grace.

Lighthouse October 8, 2024

The two shall become one flesh
No, it's not Valentine day but the scriptures we were presented this Sunday call us to take time and reflect
on this wonder God has created. It all began when the Pharisees confronted Jesus about the possibility of
divorce. In Mk. 10:2 Jesus gave only one reason for Moses permitting it, 'hardness of heart'. It was not a
hardness of heart to one's spouse, although that is certainly there; it is a hardness of heart to God's will.
That is why Jesus refers back to the very beginning found in Genesis. With animals, for the sake of
procreation God made them respond to a sex drive, compulsive. When God made man and woman He had
a different design. Even though they were built sharing the same body parts of animals He made them so
that they would see the other as complementary. Adam says “This at last is bone of my bone, flesh of my
flesh.' They discovered that they did not respond as the animals but had a freedom to express their oneness
at any time and that God had included a pleasure principal so they would know it was not only about
procreation but also a desire for bonding. In this new and different picture they discovered that God must
truly have another purpose. They become 'one flesh'; they become one. Today you and I know that their
hardness of heart led to their own mistrust of one another and a desire 'not to be seen' by the other. They
could, and would not experience the total oneness God had desired for them; a oneness that would allow
them to know God's oneness and Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; a oneness that would allow them to know
God's desire to be one with them. Jesus now points to this original one-ness as a way of letting us know
He was going to restore the original possibility. He died on the cross to totally forgive our sins. He gave

the on-going power of forgiveness, most necessary within marriage, to keep the way open for a one-in-
flesh reality. In His longest prayer Jesus prays 'Father, I pray that they may be one even as we are one.'

and so, we hear St. Paul say: 'husbands, love your wives as Christ loves His church.' that love demands a
willingness to totally sacrifice oneself for the other. And Jesus gives the grace to do such when He says
'where two or more are gathered.' 'whatever you ask for in prayer.' A Christian couple has the power to rise
above the marriage of the world. That is why St. Paul also warns about being mismated to an unbeliever
who can never know that oneness. It doesn't take much then, does it, to discover that God's purpose from
the beginning was for humans to know and experience this profound oneness in order to witness to and
experience the oneness He desired with them. 'God is love and he who abides in true love abides in God
and God in him' Let us be willing to give witness to this perfect love by the unbreakable bond you have
with one another.

Lighthouse October 1, 2024

With October we begin Pro-Life month in which we look at different pro-life issues like stem-cell research, euthanasia and abortion, anything that threatens the life of humans from fertilization until natural death. Every human life is a unique, one of a kind, manifestation of God's love and as our constitution rightly points out is a gift from God. In other words, it is a gift the state neither gives nor can take away. As such I couldn't help but think of Luke's Gospel Ch 1 vs. 41-44 in which he points out the dynamic life going on within Mary and Elizabeth. The Word of God Says: 'And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the child leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the child in my womb leaped for joy.' The child leapt for joy. It was not just an ordinary kick at 6 months but actually with a purpose and the Son of God who has just taken on human flesh was less than 1 month old in the womb. More than ever we have reason to let those words sink in to our souls. Just last week we witnessed Missouri executing another, perhaps innocent man. We witnessed a woman going overseas just so she could legally kill herself. Does it become any less morally wrong just because of a civil law? And now, you and I are being faced with yet another deceptive health care claim wanting to change the Missouri constitution to allow abortion in any stage of development. Sadly, those desiring to reduce the population through the killing of children have discovered that they can pour money into one state after another and hoodwink a sufficient part of the population to bring this about. Sadly, they only have to focus on a couple major cities who will determine the law and bring about the death of many. Sadly, too many Christians don't think they should be involved in politics. The reality is, Christians are called to participate in whatever kind of government they live in. They are called to give witness to the truth at whatever the cost. The reality is, there are some things which are inherently evil by their very nature. In other words they are evil acts, no matter who, where, when, or how or whatever good intention they may think they have. Evil is evil even if everyone votes for it. Christians must always give witness to the truth as John the Baptist did when confronting Herod about being married to his brother's wife. Scripture calls us to proclaim the gospel in season and out of season; whether convenient or inconvenient. Will you give witness to the truth by how you vote?

Lighthouse September 24, 2024

'He who receives one child' That's the Gospel we heard this past Sunday taken from Mk. 9:37. Jesus says to receive one child in His name is to receive Him and consequently, His Father. What does it mean to receive? It means to make welcome. It means to let the other know that they are safe, that their needs will be met. It means that they are not inconsequential and will not be put in some corner. It means that the welcomer recognizes them as a unique, one of a kind, manifestation of God's love and not just a number. To receive. In recent days we have seen so much focus on ways of welcoming a child. This past summer a tremendous movie came out called 'Sound of Freedom' in which the main character staked his career and life on rescuing children who were being bought and sold. School just started recently exemplifying the communities desire to invest many resources to help children become all they can be with the gifts they have. I am grateful to the local community for choosing to continue with a 5 day school week by which many children will be fed for another day when they might not be otherwise. They are protected for another day and the parents who really need to work are able to do so without having their resources drained by day care. To welcome a child is to create opportunities such as our sheltered workshop where children can grow in their self-esteem in being able to contribute. To welcome a child is to support a vibrant foster child program for those not fortunate enough to have capable parents. To welcome a child is to be willing to help with the many good programs like Boy Scouts, or 4H, Big Brother and various sport teams. To welcome a child is to also welcome them with what's left of their family coming from war-torn countries. And, of course, to welcome a child is first of all about being a loving man or woman open to bringing this new life into the world, accepting each one in whatever condition God has allowed it to develop. I can't help but think of one young couple whom I married. Their first child was quite normal and healthy and they were grateful for that. Their second child came with trisomy 17 and even though the doctors said she would not last but for maybe a matter of days the child is now more than a year old and greatly loved along with a third child who is what we call normal. Yes, each child is a gift from God. As a side bar: everyone needs to think twice about IVF which leads to 93% of created babies dying in order to bring about one birth. Is that welcoming a child? That is why I think we hear Jesus say 'Whoever receives that child 'in my name' receives not only me but the author of all life, the Father.' In my name means that we don't look at new life as the world does but as Jesus does. He is the 'truth and the life.' This is why, I think, that if we truly love Jesus, we will ask ourselves how we can better receive every child in a particular way.

Lighthouse September 10, 2024

You may not be old enough to remember some people being referred to as that. Thank God some things do change. Now we might say, deaf and mute. Such terms may call some people to think of Helen Keller who was also blind. Can you imagine? I think we grow slowly in our awareness of those with handicaps. We just recently redid the curbs at the church in Van Buren. And here I thought we were already handicap aware. It's just a little normal curb; but it needed to be changed. Can you imagine what it was like in our Lord's day to have any such handicap? This past Sunday we focused on Mark 7:31 “And people brought to him a deaf man who had a speech impediment.” 'He put his finger into the man's ears and, spitting, touched his tongue'. First of all we need to understand the deaf man's predicament. It doesn't say whether he was pagan or Jew but Mark clearly describes Jesus as being in pagan territory. In either case, if a person can't hear he never really learns how to speak. That of itself cuts one out of normal social endeavors. If one is a Jew it also means he can't hear the word of God proclaimed and what a loss that is. Then, he cannot only not hear he can't give praise to God, a most basic requirement for a child of God. And then, as with any health problem one is seen as being punished by God for some kind of sin. That too tends to give others an excuse for not dealing with you. And beyond that one might think “If God doesn't want to deal with you why should I?” You and I cannot imagine such total isolation. And, what does Jesus do? He puts His finger in the man's ear and touches his tongue with spit. How gross you might say. But, in biblical language what Mark is saying is that Jesus, the Word of God, entered the man's ear and, in putting spit on his tongue was showing the spirit of God giving him new life. Spit, for the Jew, is liquid breath. That is why some cultures might have people spitting on the bride's gown as she goes by. While some see being spat on as a curse others see it as bestowing a blessing. So, Jesus opens the man's ears and voice to fully be able to give God praise. Our primary privilege in life is to be able to praise God. So, what does this all say to us? At the least, to be a little more aware of impediments others may have keeping them from fitting into society. And then, beyond that to be more aware of the impediments which might keep someone else from that great privilege of giving praise to God with the community. I had a young lady, 72, who I hadn't heard from in 50 years call me this week and tell me how good God is even with her having glaucoma and not being able to drive any more. She also related how she had not been going to church because she thought that those who might take her would be too self conscious of her stumbling with her blindness. All I could say is 'Call them and give them a chance.' Do you know someone with an impediment who may be just dying for someone to invite them?

Lighthouse September 3, 2024

NO, NO, NO

Isn’t it amazing? It seems to be the first word we all learn. Don’t touch this. Don’t do that. Do any of us really believe our parents didn’t love us by using that word? Do any of us really not love our children when we use the word? Of course we believe it is used out of love. ‘Don’t touch that stove.’ ‘Don’t climb that chair.’ ‘Don’t stay out late.’ We seem, at least in the ears of the listener, to say nothing but ‘no’. ‘That’s all dad ever says.’ We’ve all been there. As we get older and wiser we might start saying ‘Thank you’ to the coach or mentor who has taken the time to show us how to do something better. Sometimes we even feel special when the other person takes that time to help us perfect what we really want to do. Why then, why then is it so difficult to recognize God’s love in giving us His commands? After all, unlike our parents, He didn’t just give us birth; He created us. He is the one who knows how all of nature works. Scripture says Jesus didn’t need anyone to tell him about human nature. God loves us in telling us not to kill. He loves us in telling us not to commit adultery, not to be sexually involved with anyone but one’s own spouse. He loves us in telling us not to covet. He loves us in telling us not to steal. He loves us in telling us not to slander others. He loves us in telling us to honor our parents. He loves us in telling us he is a jealous God and wants us to keep His day holy and take time to worship Him. He loves us in asking us to respect His name. In all these incidences He is showing His love for us. There are natural consequences which will result when we begin to think we can exempt ourselves from any one of His commands. Every once in awhile I will hear someone say: ‘At least I never murdered anyone.’ As if we are the judge of a hierarchy in the commands. ‘Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly wise; Or what great nation has statutes and decrees that are as just as this whole law which I am setting before you today?” Deut 4:6-8 From this section of Deuteronomy we can see that the commands are not just for ourselves. They give witness to the world of what a great God we have, what a great life coach. Do we really believe God wants the very best for us? Jesus says ‘if you know how to give good things to your children, how much more does God know to give to us. Are you willing to trust Him?

Lighthouse August 27, 2024

Labor Day

Isn't it ironic: we celebrate Labor Day by making it a day off from work; a day to have the last blast of summer. My dad didn't always see it that way; he thought Labor Day was a good day to labor, a free day to get those things done we hadn't had time to. Although this holiday may have been a gift from the labor parties I don't hear anyone complain about another holiday. In reality, we should celebrate labor. In 2 Thess 3:10 Paul says that 'we commanded you: that if any would not work, neither should he eat.' While this sounds quite harsh whether living in a communal style or individually it says that the church should not support fellow believers who didn't work. That kind of behavior would be a scandal. At the time there was certainly a strong belief that the Lord was coming soon. So, if he's coming soon we may as well just wait for him and use the resources we already have. So for Paul this was also a spiritual lesson. We cannot determine when the Lord will come and so, should always be as the wise virgins, ready for when He comes. Remember, the conscientious virgins worked to keep their lamps lit. Besides, as Christians Paul reminds us that we all have different gifts. If God created each one of us differently; he gave each of us different gifts for the good of the whole. Every individual is a unique, one of a kind, manifestation of God's love and as such has something to contribute for the good of all. The world would be more impoverished if one does not use their gifts because of laziness. The world is also impoverished when individuals are not able to use their gifts because of different restrictions in society. Some can only use their gifts if others, in society, use their gifts to make it possible. We need others who can be mentors, teachers, architects and designers who can help remove the barriers that impede some of our brothers and sisters from using their gifts. We need doctors and, even politicians, who can help guarantee that every human being is able to come to life, and the fullness of life. Whether one be handicapped or unborn, all have something to offer which only they can fulfill. So yes, let us celebrate Labor Day. Let us celebrate and thank God for the gifts of service he has given us and those around us. Let us never hesitate to confirm and thank one another for the contribution of their gifts. Do you ever ask yourself how you can better use your gifts to serve others? Sometimes you may hear someone else say: 'Hey, you're really good at that.' Maybe that's your cue to use that gift.

Lighthouse August 20, 2024

AGE

What's in an age? Because my birthday is coming up this week I thought I'd share with you personally what it means to me. I seem to get asked a lot: “when are you going to retire?” And I might point up. I get asked: “how old are you” and I might respond: “I'm going on 80.” does it matter? When I look at scripture and see age mentioned it is generally referring to a time when there was little note of time, especially for the average person who didn't have calendars. If someone wanted to say a person was very old they would use a very big number and the bigger the number the more important the person was made out to be. By the time we get to Moses and the Egyptians there seems to have been a closer recognition of the reality of time even though there would still be no birthdays marked down. That was only for the really important, and some you didn't know they were important until later in life. If you wanted to get in the ball park of when one was born you might look at Luke's description of Jesus' birth, which again, was written long after Jesus' death. Then you might look at Moses whom scripture described as reaching 120 years in Deut 34:7. And when you read Acts 7:23 Luke describes Moses as living the royal life until he was 40 then going to the desert until God called him 40 years later and then finally leading the Jewish people for another 40 years in the desert. The first 40 taught him to be a leader; the second 40 taught him to be a shepherd and humble. Numbers: 12:3; then the final 40 was to prepare the people for the promised land. 40 is always preparation. To that extent then, numbers are more a description than calendar event. So, if I'm going on 80 can I say I haven't finished my second stage of preparation? When am I going to retire? It's up to the Lord. What could I do any more fulfilling than what I am doing right now? To me that is the big question. You and I have both seen too many who retired, literally, becoming couch potatoes and dying young. Too many seem to lose their purpose in life. God has a purpose for all of us. Even if there is a point where, for various reasons, one needs to retire from their current employment it does not mean they should retire from life. It's great to be in a financially secure position where there is the freedom to not have to punch the clock but does that mean they should kick back and do only that which is recreational? Like Moses, God has put you in positions to develop the skills He has given you. If one takes their health and other responsibilities into consideration do you still have the capacity of improving the lives of others, even as a volunteer? I can't help but think of all those who help in our Outreach. They find purpose in life knowing they are helping so many others. I think of those who volunteer with the Ministerial Alliance Food program and know they are directly impacting the well-being of others. The great thing about being in what we might call Moses' third phase of life is that, as volunteers, we can more readily determine how and when to use our gifts. If you are thinking about retiring I pray you love yourself enough to not retire from a meaningful way of using all God has given you to make a difference for others.

Lighthouse August 13, 2024
Which Calendar?
I’m sure most of us tend to think in terms of the school calendar, whether we’re going to
school, baby sitting for those who are, or even our church calendars. In any case
school has started. It even affects where i take my morning walk. So we will
begin looking at out church events, picnics, religion classes, adult study groups. In
many ways it is good as we tend to like order in our lives and that gives us a big chunk
of time to evaluate everything by. Who’s not affected by all the ball games? The
important thing I want to draw our attention to right now though is, even though this is
good we have to remember that as human beings we are body, soul, and spirit. It is
good to realize that we need to keep developing our minds; and that goes for us adults
as well. Our intellectual development should not have ended when we graduated. That
is one of the wonderful things my father did for me. Throughout my life he was always
studying advancements in whatever field he was pursuing, whether it was farming, electronics,
roofing. There was always something more to learn. And, of course, athletics is good,
manual labor is good. If we don’t develop good muscle tone early in life we are not quite
as likely to do so later. I know I couldn’t begin to pitch melons or hay now like I used to.
So, it doesn’t hurt for us to have study habits and physical development habits; what
about the other element of our lives. Because we are corporeal spirits we need to
constantly ‘stir up that flame of faith’ that is within us. If you found yourself slacking off
during the summer now is the time to really recommit to regular worship and perhaps
participate in an adult study. How about leading one at your own house during the
week? There are so many possibilities. And one thing we all know about ourselves, if
we don’t schedule it, it won’t happen. How many times have we said ‘I need to do such
and such.’ Most of the time that sentiment has no bite in it. Maybe we are waiting for
someone to invite us. How about us doing the inviting though? You can do it. 2Tim 1:6
Have a blessed, faith-filled school year.

Lighthouse August 6, 2024

LAST SUPPER or DIONYSIUS in the Olympics?
While there is no question that the opening pageantry of the Olympics was a scene meant to mock Christians I don't want to focus on such. Christians should never be surprised when they are made fun of or profaned. After all Jesus said that what was done to Him would be done to us. Let us continue to pray for all those who would blaspheme against religion or seek to destroy the beautiful creation of marriage and the complementarity of sexes. While the years of work for the equality of sexes is now backfiring even in the Olympic games with a male being able to quickly crush a female boxer, you and I need to be able to do all in our power to support sex as God created it and promote the dignity of this complimentary creation. God knew what He was doing. I would though like to focus on something the Olympics has to teach us. St. Paul pointed it out when he talked about the work people put in to winning the race. How many hours a day do most Olympic athletes spend getting to the very peak of their performance, whether it's swimming, racing, pair figure skating? Most of them perform to such a level that our jaws just drop when we witness it. We ask ourselves how humans can possibly achieve what they do. There is another race in which we are all called to participate. It is a race towards the ultimate goal of our existence, to realize we are here for only one reason, to get there and be with God for eternity. Here, let's see if we can say with Paul “I am already on the point of being sacrificed; the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.” 2Tim. 4:6ff I like what Paul says in 2Tim 2:4 “No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” What does that say about us? If athletes know how to spend hours each day towards the pursuit of an earthly honor; if soldiers know how to stay focused on their call and responsibility, how much more should those who call themselves Christian stay focused on what the Lord has called them to? Is it enough to just be a good person? I hear that so much at funerals. Is it enough to have not committed any great sin? Better to have sinned greatly and been forgiven rather than be luke-warm as Jesus would say. No! Do we take time to study His word on a regular basis and discover more and more what He is calling us to? Do we take time to worship Him as well as praying for our needs and those of others? Do we really live out an on-going relationship with Him to the point He knows He is the most significant being in our lives? Let us thank God for the Olympics. But let us not lose sight of the one goal which is most important, our salvation.