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A Murder Mystery vs. A Salvation Solution

I hope you all had a wonderful Easter weekend. I hope you spent Holy Week reflecting on the events that led to our Savior’s suffering, death, and resurrection. Every event in Jesus’ life was for us — for you and me. From Christ’s birth, teaching, service, miracles, and especially His suffering, death, and resurrection, our Father sent His Son for us — for our redemption. Wow.

I wonder, if I came upon the scene in Jerusalem where Jesus was on trial or on the cross, and I knew how the proceedings were twisted, illegal, and unjustifiable, would I think of this as a murder mystery? Who would want to harm this man who performed miracles? Who could find fault with the love that was evident in His eyes? Or would I recognize Him as the Savior of the world?

I do believe this was murder, as evil intentions desiring a selfish end sought out the death of Jesus. Yet God planned all along to accomplish the salvation of the world by giving His Son over into the hands of sinful men with murderous hearts. Jesus’ death was foretold in Scripture. Our sin separated us from our Creator and in righteous judgement, we should be condemned to death and hell — but the Lord, in mercy and grace, sent His Son to earth — to be born in a stable, serve and teach His people, suffer and die, and rise again in victory — and He did this out of His great love for us.

How do you pick one Scripture verse to share with others this great revelation? My prayer is that as you read one verse, you will feel the need to know more about the Lord and His plans for His people.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him (John 3:16–17).

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, (1 Peter 3:18).

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed (1 Peter 2:24).

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Easter isn’t over. Easter is every day we spend giving glory to our Creator. Easter is every day some lost soul hears the true story of God’s amazing grace and learns there is hope.

Happy Easter, my dear friends! He is risen indeed. Alleluia!

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

Debbie

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It’s all About Who’s in Control

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Let go and let God”? I like that phrase, but I’m not very good at acting it out. I tend to want to be in charge ‑— to be in control. How pretentious of a delusion is that?

I remember a long time ago, when Scott and I lived in Texas, we put our children on a flight by themselves to spend time with their grandparents in Minnesota. I watched them smile and wave, turn their backs, and walk into the jet bridge to the plane. Scott looked at me and asked me why I had tears in my eyes. I answered that I knew family would meet them as they deplaned, but they were now on their own — I wasn’t there to make sure they were safe. Scott took my hand and said, “Debbie, even when they’re by our side we aren’t in control. God will watch over them. He’s got this.”

Why do I think I am in control, ever? Why is it difficult to “let go and let God?” As I go through my day, I share all my concerns with God. I give my problems to Him — and then I take them back! I know in my heart it is my Lord in control of everything.

It’s a privilege to give my worries over to my Lord, so why do I grab them back? The answer is quite simple, really. I’m sinful. In my sin, I lack trust in the One who made me His own and loves me more than I can fathom. And in these times of uncertainly, He fills my heart and mind with His wonderful words. Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Again and again, I call on the Lord, ask Him to forgive me, to strengthen my faith, and He provides His peace and encouragement.

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 (1 Peter 6:7).

It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed” (Matthew 11:28-30).

I find comfort in Scripture, knowing I am not in control. I am His child, and He walks with me and protects me as I navigate the perils of this world. He guards and protects my family.

Join me as I sit back and enjoy the flight, knowing the Pilot loved us so much that He sent His Son to suffer and die so that we would have life eternal with Him. The promise of Easter is ours. May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord (2 Peter 1:2).

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

Debbie

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Why Me?

(A day in my life last week) I lost my tooth. Seriously, I was just chewing on a delicious piece of taffy and I felt a gap — a really big gap — like the Grand Canyon inside of my mouth! Thank goodness I didn’t swallow the crown! How could this happen now?! I have a trip planned — I’ve invited six neighbors for dinner — my dentist is on vacation. Oh, just pick one! I’m an hour and a half from my dentist’s office and this will throw my schedule out the window. Why me? I hate the dentist!

First, I don’t hate my dentist. Actually, I really like him. He’s gentle, kind, and patient. What I hate is going to the dentist and having work done. I have a very small mouth — don’t laugh. Every dentist I’ve ever seen has told me my mouth is very small. Scott laughed when I shared that fact with him. He actually laughed out loud. That’s a whole other blog!

It’s been a rough day. I slammed a door and two bottles of wine fell off the wall, which holds a new wine rack that seemed perfectly stable. I spent the next hour cleaning up wine and glass. I pressed “Send” on an email that was just in draft mode. I forgot to take a beef roast out of the freezer and didn’t have anything to cook for dinner. Then, I lost my tooth. Why me?

Does this sound like a pathetic whiner feeling sorry for herself? It sure does. All of these events really did happen today. When I lost the tooth I gasped, spit it out, and showed it to Scott. He laughed (I seem to have this effect on him) and said, “You have a hard life.” And so came the idea for this blog. I really did say, “Why me?” And, immediately I thought, “Why not me?”

There is no reason in this world I should be exempt from difficult times. In fact, Jesus confirmed I would have trouble. But He also promised He would be with me, and He has won the victory for me. “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

I think, instead of saying, “Why me?” when I have a challenging day, I must ask my Lord, “Why me? Why would You suffer and die for me?” And my Lord answers loud and clear! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). He offers you that same response. We have a God of love and we are blessed!

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

Debbie

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Lent is Personal

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,

Debbie

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We Hold the Cross Before Us

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,

Debbie

AboutDebbie, bloghome, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

My Grumbling — God’s 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,

Debbie

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You Can’t Make This Stuff Up!

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

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A Lesson in Patience

Over the holidays, I was blessed to travel with my husband Scott to California to volunteer as a Petal Pusher (a decorator on the Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) Tournament of Roses Parade float and other floats in the same warehouse). I was also privileged to ride on the LHM float in the parade. It was amazing to watch the crowd stand in honor of our Savior as we passed. The float was titled “Jesus Teaches” and a local pastor, in costume, portrayed Jesus. It truly was all about Jesus!

I thought I’d begin this blog with something positive because, I admit, I was not in a positive mood on January 2 as we tried to fly home. Flights around the country were delayed or canceled. Our day was a lesson in patience, and mine was used up early in the day. Our flight from Ontario, California to Denver, Colorado was delayed. We arrived around 2:30 p.m. — sat on the tarmac for 40 minutes — no ground crews. Then we waited for luggage for an hour and a half — no ground crews. Our flight from Denver to Colorado Springs was canceled. We rented a car — along with half the people in the airport. Hours (2 ½ to be precise) later we were on our way to the Colorado Springs airport to pick up our car and drive home over the mountain pass.

Our patience had disappeared, and our moods were — not good. So on the way home we made lists of things/people for which we were thankful. The lists were long. Here are just a few:

My list: I was humbled to represent the LWML on the LHM float, thankful for all the wonderful Christians we met as we worked on the floats, thankful I have a husband with more patience than I, thankful our plane made it to Denver and we got our luggage, thankful I wasn’t traveling with small children who were tired and hungry and didn’t understand, thankful that we made it home in one day, and thankful we have a home to which we can return.

Scott’s list: He was thankful we got to fly home together (when flights were canceled they had originally booked us on separate flights), thankful we were reunited with a neighbor from over 40 years ago as we worked on decorating the floats, thankful he has a wife with more patience than he has (hahahaha!), thankful the icy roads had cleared off and we could find a rental car, and thankful for safely arriving home.

Yes, we are both thankful for Jesus! If you’re wondering if I prayed at any time for more patience, I did not. God gave me enough — I just refused to see it. I just got off a phone call with a friend that had a 60 hour experience in airports with many more delays and cancelations. So, as I write this blog I thank God for a lesson in trust, in patience, and in thankfulness. However, I may ask Him to make my next trip a little less eventful!

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

Debbie

AboutDebbie, Lutheran Reflection, Lutheran Women in Mission

Setting Priorities in the New Year

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,

Debbie

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It’s Not Pretty

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,

Debbie

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