Month: September 2021

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Between the Storms

I was blessed to attend the LWML Rocky Mountain District Retreat last weekend, with author Deb Burma leading sessions from her newly published Bible study, Be Still & Know. Approximately 50 women (and one pastoral counselor!) came to enjoy this study of God’s Word. I don’t believe I’ve ever attended a Bible study where I didn’t learn something new and find inspiration. The photo with this blog was a view from the deck of the lodge — this alone was inspirational! I’d like to share with you some of those insights and hope you find them as enlightening as I have.

Deb Burma asked the group, “Are you in the midst of a storm or between storms?” Isn’t that true? In this life, storms are inevitable and ongoing. Many storms are naturally occurring, and many are caused by man — all are allowed by our Father for our benefit. What? Yes, God allows storms in our life to strengthen our faith and to teach us to trust our Savior in all things.

One participant said she doesn’t ask why she’s been placed in a particular situation. She asks, “What is it God would like me to learn?” I’m not always that mature in my faith! I often shout, “Why, God?” Listening to women like this beautiful lady inspires me to look at every storm in a new light.

Deb continued by explaining that when God, in Psalm 46:10a, says, “Be still,” He is not commanding us with a heavy hand, but issuing a grace-filled invitation to rest in Him. How wonderful to be invited to come before our Savior and rest at His feet! Jesus may not take our storms away, but He is our refuge and our strength.

I’d rather have calm seas and smooth sailing than storms, wouldn’t you? I’m quite sure I bring many storms upon myself! But as long as I am not alone, I can endure the assault of the world, the barrage of criticism, and the downpour of overextending myself. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me (John 16:32b).

Take time to “Be still.” Rest at the Lord’s feet right now — in the midst of a storm or between storms — find refuge in God!

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the
earth!” .

Psalm 46:10

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Among Giants

On Thursday, August 26, I traveled to St. Louis to attend a Celebration of Thanksgiving worship service for retiring and current missionaries, and newly trained missionaries just going into the mission field. What an incredible experience to see how God is using these men and women, and their families — these giants — to share His love and mercy around the globe. These missionaries aren’t giants in the sense that they are larger than life, but I am quite sure their faith and courage make them mentors — people I am privileged to admire, respect, and learn from. They aren’t larger than life. They are fellow Lutherans, living out their lives for Christ.

The next day, I attended the installation and inauguration of the 11th President of Concordia Seminary St. Louis, Dr. Thomas Egger. Again, I found myself among giants. I looked around the chapel and saw leaders of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and faculty members of both seminaries praying for Dr. Egger and all those who will teach and guide the students. I saw men and women that serve the Lord humbly and joyfully. As I celebrated and prayed with this group, I realized their focus was not on themselves, but centered on the cross and the Savior of our souls, Jesus Christ.

The central message, through both Thursday and Friday’s events was Jesus. The central focus was the Word of God and sharing it with others so all may be saved, by the grace of our Lord and Savior.

If I asked you today who your heroes are, I wonder what answers I’d receive. The world looks to sports and film stars, those that are rich, and those that are powerful. I pray that I will always consider those that serve others to be giants. I pray that I will always recognize our military, those in public service, all church workers, those in the medical fields, and those that quietly serve their neighbors as heroes. I am so honored to serve and live among these giants.

I may think about authoring my own dictionary. One of my first definitions will be giants — ordinary people, stepping out in faith, doing extraordinary things in the name and to the glory of God.

Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Debbie

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