Last week we celebrated Ash Wednesday. As we begin this season of Lent, we gather in church for corporate worship — and for me, it’s also a very personal time. We observe this 40-day period (from Ash Wednesday through Maundy Thursday) to meditate on the suffering Christ endured on our behalf. We also take time during this Lenten season to reflect on our baptism. How much more personal can you get?
The relationship between Christ’s death and resurrection and our own baptism is strong — read Romans 6:1-11. Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? (Romans 6:3). As we contemplate the passion of Jesus, we can’t help but be awed by His indescribable gift of salvation. His gift-giving continues in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism.
During this Lenten season, I plan to reflect on the reason for my Savior’s suffering and death — my sin. This is also a time for me to remember my baptism. Through Holy Baptism I have received the benefits of Christ’s death on the cross. My sinful nature was washed away by water and the Word. I was baptized into His death and resurrection. My new life began. As a child of God, I become His and am alive in Christ. I can live in the peace and joy of Easter! For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his (Romans 6:5).
Worship with your church family during this Lenten season but remember — Jesus did this for you. It’s personal.
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
This last weekend I was in Phoenix, Arizona for the Best Practices for Ministry Conference. The conference was wonderful. Over 2,300 Christians joined in celebrating Jesus while learning how to better serve and share His message within our communities and around the world. LWML presented a session offering a Prayer Walk.
Why do Christians gather like this? The answer is so simple to us — to hold the cross before us. We are united in Christ’s death and united in His life! As I’ve done before, I share with you the writing of a dear friend and member of my church, Jan Schmidt. These words are relevant every day:
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies Heaven’s morning breaks, and earth’s vain shadow flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.(LSB #878, verse 6)
The evening worship comes to a close. The lights in the church are dimmed. But the huge cross behind the altar is backlit, glowing in the twilight. The organ plays softly, and we sing, “Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes.”
I don’t know if I was awake or asleep the hour I was baptized. But I began my life as a child of God with the cross of Christ before my eyes. I was marked then with the cross of Christ forever. If the day comes when my mind is no more aware of myself and my surroundings than on my baptismal day, I will need someone to once again hold the cross before my eyes and point me to the skies where my Savior waits to welcome me home.
The cross. There is no more shameful way to die. But typical of God, He has taken the shame and changed it into glory. The cross is empty. Jesus’ body is not there. It is not in the grave. He is risen – just as He said! I can say with Job, “For I know that my Redeemer lives; and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another” (Job 19:25-27).
As I wake each morning and fall to sleep each night, the cross of Christ is ever before me, and I rest in the truth of my salvation. Let’s keep gathering — let’s keep sharing this message of salvation with the world until the Lord calls us home.
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
As you read this, I am in Minnesota. It’s cold up here in the north country! But my heart is warm and full as Scott and I enjoy visiting family. We left Colorado a day earlier than planned to beat the winter storm but, alas, we traveled over 800 miles on snow covered, icy roads. Yesterday, we drove from Bismarck, North Dakota to Bemidji, Minnesota — yes, on snow covered roads. I humbly admit that I did complain but, as I look back, I praise my Lord for safe travel and a husband who will continue driving when he knows I’d rather not, scrape the windshield so I don’t have to, and fill with gas so I can stay in the warm car.
We spent four days with my son and his family. Not once did we get our afternoon nap (for which I will not apologize. Indeed, I brag about my ability to fall asleep sitting up). Again, no grumbling was justified. We were blessed to watch our grandsons during wrestling matches and basketball games, wake each morning to two very large and happy dogs, and spend time laughing and enjoying time together.
Are you like me? In moments of distress or times of interrupted routines, I often don’t see the good, but looking back on the day I see God’s hand. His hand is always upon me. God’s plans are always for my good. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11).
Today, I will ask God to help me see His hand as I go through unknown valleys. The Lord blesses us with a landscape of valleys and mountains. Tomorrow and throughout this week, as Scott and I continue visiting relatives and friends, we will travel through winter weather, and I will ask God to help me see Him in each moment. By the grace of God, I will feel His hand upon my shoulder and trust in His grace and mercy.
Dear Lord, help me see Your hand in all situations. When I hesitate, direct my thoughts to You and Your love. Let my desire be to run to You for comfort, trust in You in all things, and praise Your name in the valleys and on the mountain tops. You walk alongside me. I am not alone. My family is safe in Your arms. You give me a future and a hope and my strength comes from You. I thank You and praise Your name. Alleluia and Amen!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
I’ve just returned from an incredible trip to St. Louis for a number of important events. I was privileged to take our LWML Office staff out for a postponed Christmas celebration dinner. I also recorded (actually, our Digital Marketing Coordinator Jill recorded — I just talked!) the video “Report to the Districts” for our upcoming LWML district convention season this year, and we held our Board of Directors and Presidents Assembly meetings.
Each evening, the board members and I try to spend some time together NOT working on policy or making decisions. We talk about our families, childhood memories, our children, and other subjects that are totally random. We laugh, we pray, and we have become a family centered on Christ.
One night as the stories continued to get more personal — from touching memories of those who are now with Jesus, to telling of embarrassing moments you only share with those you trust — we belly-laughed so hard I heard someone snort, and say, “You just can’t make this stuff up!”
Our memories make up who we are and how we see the world around us. Isn’t it amazing how we can remember snippets of being a toddler, the scent of Grandpa’s tobacco, and the feel of a soft quilt that Grandma wrapped around us? The capacity and miracle of the human brain do not happen by accident.
How can anyone believe this creation is by chance? We are intricately woven into the person we are. Each memory and each personality trait is a gift from God. He chose the color of my eyes and the sound of my voice. Each of us are unique and special in His eyes. I want to shout to the world, “You just can’t make this up!” You can’t look at this creation and each other and believe this was all by chance.
You, and I, just can’t make this stuff up. No human can explain why we remember some things and not others. No human, studying their whole life, can understand the intricacies of the human brain. If we can’t even figure out the why and how it works, we certainly can’t make this up — only God can! And He did! We know this because He shares creation with us in and through His Word.
When we snorted, “You just can’t make this stuff up” we were talking of simple and funny stories of our past. I love to find simple topics and relate them to God — and I have yet to find any topic that I can’t relate to our Creator. Creation — “stuff” starting from nothing at all — we can’t do that. But our Creator, in His love, made each of us and knows the number of hairs on our heads. I find that simple fact amazing and humbling at the same time. Ponder that, my friends!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace, Debbie
Another calendar year is almost over. Does time pass quickly for you or do the hours seem to crawl along like a sloth crossing the highway? I suppose it depends on what is going on in our lives at the moment I ask such a question of any of you. I know if I’m waiting for family to arrive for a special celebration, time passes slowly. If I’m enjoying time with a friend, time passes quickly. If I’m responding to LWML emails, time flies and it seems I’ve spent hours of the day to my laptop. (This is something I love to do — correspond with my sisters and brothers in Christ!).
I remind myself that we all have the same amount of time — you can’t buy more time. You have what you have been given. Every moment is a gift from God. So many things in this life can be bought, bartered, or borrowed, but not time. You can’t give your time to someone or share the time you’ve been given — or can you? I believe that’s what we do when we serve God by serving others. The time I spend packing Mercy Meals for Orphan Grain Train is time I’m able to give. The time I take to call a friend who has lost a loved one is time I’m able to share.
Yesterday, I found myself judging others and how they spend their time. Yes, I admit to doing this — forgive my sin, oh Lord! The Holy Spirit gently nudged my thoughts as I realized how much time I spend checking Facebook and on other non-essential activities in comparison to how much time I spend in the Word. Ouch ….
I can squander my time or make the most of it — we all make those choices. My priorities are evident through my actions. Today, I am the one who will choose how much time to spend with my Lord. I’m the one who will choose how much time I squander on social media. Tomorrow, I again will choose to spend time wisely or wastefully. With God’s help, I pray I choose wisely!
New Year’s resolutions are one way we express what we’d like our priorities to be. These are resolutions we know in our heart are priorities we should keep. I normally don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but I may this year — and I hope that I will think of them as opportunities to set priorities that will delight my Lord.
Resolution #1: The time I have been given is a precious gift from God and I will give Him thanks each morning for another day to praise His name and share His love. As the Lord grants me a new day, I will put Him first and trust that He will grant me time for everything else that is necessary. I trust He will do the same for you.
A happy and blessed New Year to each of you!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
I was sitting in church this last Sunday enjoying the festive decorations all around the sanctuary. I smiled as I realized that no matter how we dress up the church, the large cross above the altar continues to appropriately dominate the space. We Christians love our crosses. I have a delicate cross necklace. I’ve seen silver and gold cross jewelry, crosses embroidered on Bible covers, and many lovely wall crosses. The symbol of the cross is beautiful — to those who understand that Christ died in their place, for their redemption.
In biblical times, the cross was certainly not pretty. The practice of crucifixion began long before the Romans perfected this particular cruelty. Thousands of people were subjected to this most brutal and shameful punishment. Our Lord Jesus was not the first or last person to be crucified, but He was sinless and endured the cross — for me — and for you.
I arrived home from church and spent some time researching this reprehensibly cruel sentence. I looked up from my laptop at the Christmas tree. Why on earth would I dwell on this most somber subject during the joyful season of Advent and Christmas? Because, as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child, we must acknowledge He came to earth because of our sin — to be our teacher, our example, and most of all, our Redeemer.
Non-Christians have taken this most holy celebration and embraced it as a secular observation of feasting and gift-giving. Stay strong, my friends. Stay strong in your faith and conviction of the truth. Keep the cross of Christ at the center of every celebration. As we worship the baby Jesus, may we find peace in the hope the Christ child brought to this fallen world. Go ahead and feast. Continue to give gifts to those less fortunate and those you love. Dress up pretty and enjoy Christmas. Celebrate Jesus, who came as a child in a manger, grew to teach the truth, and endured a suffering and death on a cross that was … not pretty. No, to those who understand, the cross is beautiful.
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
In Bible study last Sunday, the pastor recalled a student who wanted to know more than the Scriptures revealed. This student constantly asked questions, seeking to comprehend the mind of God. Our pastor said he finally shouted, “Enough!” I remember listening to my kids argue as they were growing up. They would call it discussion… Sometimes, if the conversation got a little too heated, I’d step in and say, “Enough!” Jesus said, “Enough” to His disciples when He returned (for the third time) in the Garden of Gethsemane to find them sleeping on the night He was betrayed. Maybe He was frustrated with their lack of understanding.
I’m a lot like that student. I want to understand the mind of God. I’m quite sure God tells me “enough” in many ways. “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). Sometimes, when I recall this Bible passage, I think of it as a reprimand. Probably, because I know in my heart I need forgiveness for whatever has been interfering with my priorities. But most of the time, this verse gives me such peace, because I know the Lord is providing assurance that He is Lord of all. I may think I need to know the mind of God, but what I need is to trust and understand God’s will. This is exactly what He gives me through Scripture. Through the incredible gift of His Word, the Lord shares with me — with us — everything necessary for our salvation.
Enough with doubting and worry. Enough with coveting and envy. Jesus has many reasons to shout, “Enough!” Yet, even in my sinfulness and my zeal to know the unknown, my Savior reminds me He IS enough. This Son of God revealed His Father to sinners. He preached, taught, and gathered disciples to share His message after He ascended to heaven. Jesus willingly gave His life, and suffered temporary separation from His Father, to atone for my sins so I may have the assurance of eternal life in heaven. Then, with unwavering love and grace, He sent the Holy Spirit and gave me the ability to trust and believe.
His grace is sufficient for me. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, (Ephesians 2: 8). The next time I shout “enough” I will recall writing this and think of this word as it pertains to Jesus. This is a perspective worth sharing. My Savior is more than enough!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
Have you ever been melancholy for no particular reason? I woke this morning looking back at those that have gone to heaven and missing them, thinking of all that is happening in the world and wondering why even Christians don’t act like they belong to the family of God.
I look forward to what God is trying to tell me each day, as I come into His presence with a cup of coffee in my hand. Especially on those days when I’m a little sad, I’ve taught myself to put away thoughts of what I need to accomplish and ask Him to fill my heart with a peace that only comes from knowing how much I am loved. I block out the laundry, the emails waiting, and the phone calls I need to make — not because I’m so reverent — but because I’m not!
My sister always said I wake up like a piece of popcorn, exploding onto the scene. I used to think she was a “Mary” and I was a “Martha.” She had her priorities right and I seemed to be distracted with too many details. To combat my active “focus disorder,” I begin each morning with Jesus, and He doesn’t seem to mind if I get my coffee first!
Before I bring my worries and petitions to the Lord, I take time to acknowledge who He is, not for His benefit but for mine. I need to remind myself He is the Lord of all, and nothing happens in my life, or in this world, that He has not ordained. He is worthy of praise, honor, and glory. I like to begin there, praising and glorifying my Lord. Then, I take my cares to Him, knowing who He is and what He has done for me. I ask for His will in my life because I am HIS, bought with the blood of His Son, and I am precious in His sight.
Praising my Savior and Lord takes the sadness right out of me!
Is it OK to be melancholy? Yes. Is it OK to run to Jesus and ask for help before praising His name? Yes. Is it OK to cry out in anger and ask Him to heal me? Yes. When I realize He can see into my heart, I have no reason to hide my frustrations, or my sadness, or my fears. Because He already knows them, He just wants me to know He knows. He knows! He cares! He’s waiting to listen and talk to me! He’s waiting to listen and talk to you also. Join me each morning (and throughout the day!) as we bring our troubles to the One who cares beyond our comprehension. Today, and every day, I am lifted by Jesus — into HIS arms. And there is room for you there, too!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
While visiting with old friends, the conversation turned to memories of our younger years. None of us grew up in families that were well-off financially. Our mothers sewed our clothes and hand-me-down winter coats and boots were the norm. As we talked, my first thought was that we grew up quite poor. Then I realized it was just the opposite. We all grew up rich! We were rich in our faith, in love and family, and even in material blessings.
I grew up knowing that Jesus loves me. I was asked once when it was that I realized I was precious in His sight, and I listened to others share how they became Christians. I was baptized as an infant. I have always known I am a child of God. Yes — definitely, rich in faith!
I am so thankful for the gift of my parents, siblings, and extended family. I realize so many were not blessed with a home filled with love and laughter. Oh, we had squabbles. I’m quite sure I was a little monster at times. I’m also quite sure that Mom and Dad didn’t always agree — but my memories of my childhood are filled with love, forgiveness, and joy. I truly grew up rich in love and family.
There wasn’t a week that went by that didn’t bring extra people to our dinner table. Neighbors or relatives would stop by, and even complete strangers who drove into the yard to ask for directions — all were asked to stay for dinner. There was always enough food for us and our guests. We slept in a cozy house, had shoes on our feet, and joy in our hearts. Material blessings overflowed and I am thankful.
I look back and realize I grew up rich — rich in all that the Lord has provided. As His children, we are given what we need. I will choose one passage from Scripture to illustrate this point, but I know you can also share many others. I love these words and know they will give you comfort and joy, too.
Blessed bethe God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessingin the heavenly places,even as hechose us in himbefore the foundation of the world, that we should beholy and blameless before him. In lovehe predestined usforadoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ,according to the purpose of his will,to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us inthe Beloved.In him we haveredemptionthrough his blood,the forgiveness of our trespasses,according to the riches of his grace,which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insightmaking knownto us the mystery of his will,according to his purpose, which heset forth in Christas a plan forthe fullness of time,to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.
In him we have obtainedan inheritance,having been predestinedaccording to the purpose of him who works all things according tothe counsel of his will,so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might beto the praise of his glory.In him you also, when you heardthe word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him,were sealed with thepromised Holy Spirit,who isthe guaranteeof ourinheritance untilwe acquirepossession of it,to the praise of his glory (Ephesians 1:3–14).
As Lutheran Women in Mission, join me in thanking God for the riches He has showered upon us!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace,
We’ve all heard the phrase, “Stay tuned.” Often, I hear it when I’m watching television. “Stay tuned for an important update.” “Stay tuned for a preview of next week’s show.” It’s a phrase used to keep you watching or listening. I think it’s a phrase we should be using when it comes to reading and living the Scriptures.
I had a boss that expected her employees to go over and above their regular responsibilities. I was OK with that. As a tour operator, I was sometimes expected to attend and present at events in the evenings. I enjoyed this aspect of my job but I also enjoyed and participated in several Bible studies each week. My boss tried to be understanding but at one point asked me, “When are these studies going to end? When will you be available on a regular basis?” I replied, “Oh, I believe the more you study and understand the Bible, the more you want to know, and the more time you want to spend in His Word.” That’s not what she wanted to hear at all!
I’m sure you will agree with me — when you are given a gift as precious as the very Word of God you can’t help but want to spend time understanding the truths He shares, the joy His promises give, and the peace that comes from knowing you are His child.
But wait – there’s more!” This phrase is another gimmick used by the advertising industry. This is also another promise given by our Father as we read Scripture. As I listen to the news, I am reminded of the urgency to share God’s message of hope and forgiveness. In this world filled with hurt, it would be devastating to think this was all there is — Jesus promises us, as His children, that there is so much more — we live in His grace and look forward to an eternity in heaven. Like a discovery too good to keep to ourselves, we need to shout and sing about the hope found in Jesus.
Stay tuned — the best is yet to come!
Today, and always, we are surrounded by HIS grace, Debbie
