Showing Love 10-2-2003
“What is the secret to a long marriage?” That was the question asked the people gathered around the tables. A member of the group had just been married and the facilitator wanted the rest of the assembly to share ideas for a long marriage. Most of the thoughts expressed centered on the theme, “The wife is always right – deal with it.”
It is my experience that the key to a long marriage is found in one word, “love.” Love means, for me, that Christ loved my wife so much that He died on the cross for her – personally, by name. The scripture says that the wife should obey her husband, often quoted at marriage ceremonies. But the oft-overlooked part of the verse says that the husband should love his wife as Christ loved the church. Christ loved Bunny so much that He died for her – can I do no less?
So, short of death, how do I express to my wife the love I have for her? Gifts work. Flowers work. Movies work. Time together works. Long walks in the rain work. Poems don’t work – I am not a poet.
But there are many other ways to express love. Putting the best construction on everything, speaking well of one another, and encouraging one another are wonderful forms of love expression. Praying for one another – out loud – is something I need to work on. But my all-time favorite form of love expression is doing the laundry and cleaning the house. Bunny is at a teacher’s conference today. I just finished folding the last of the laundry from out of the dryer and putting the mop bucket away. The house is ready for our Bible study company tomorrow night.
Christ loves you, too. He has taken the dirty floors of your heart and washed them clean. He has taken your smelly clothes of sin and washed them fresh. He has reached into the center of your being and removed your sin. He loves us so much. My house needs cleaning – every day. My sins need washing – every day. Christ does just that!
It is my experience that the key to a long marriage is found in one word, “love.” Love means, for me, that Christ loved my wife so much that He died on the cross for her – personally, by name. The scripture says that the wife should obey her husband, often quoted at marriage ceremonies. But the oft-overlooked part of the verse says that the husband should love his wife as Christ loved the church. Christ loved Bunny so much that He died for her – can I do no less?
So, short of death, how do I express to my wife the love I have for her? Gifts work. Flowers work. Movies work. Time together works. Long walks in the rain work. Poems don’t work – I am not a poet.
But there are many other ways to express love. Putting the best construction on everything, speaking well of one another, and encouraging one another are wonderful forms of love expression. Praying for one another – out loud – is something I need to work on. But my all-time favorite form of love expression is doing the laundry and cleaning the house. Bunny is at a teacher’s conference today. I just finished folding the last of the laundry from out of the dryer and putting the mop bucket away. The house is ready for our Bible study company tomorrow night.
Christ loves you, too. He has taken the dirty floors of your heart and washed them clean. He has taken your smelly clothes of sin and washed them fresh. He has reached into the center of your being and removed your sin. He loves us so much. My house needs cleaning – every day. My sins need washing – every day. Christ does just that!
Pastor Appreciation Month 10-9-2003
October is Pastor Appreciation month. I appreciate Pastors. I haven’t always appreciated Pastors, especially when I was in grade school. Pastor Lehmann was my Confirmation Pastor. Since I attended the public school, I had to attend Confirmation class every Saturday during the school year. The class ran from 8:00 A.M. until noon. I had to attend for three years – grades 6, 7, and 8. I was not always eager to attend.
Every Saturday the classes were conducted the same. We would start with prayer and a devotion. We then had to recite our memory verses. Every student had to stand next to Pastor Lehmann and recite his verses, all 25 of them. The rest of the class was silently praying that he wouldn’t call on him next. The longer one had to wait, the more review one had. (or time to quickly cram the verses into our heads).
After memory we had our lessons. A recess with snacks broke up the morning, and dismissal at noon was highly anticipated.
When I look back on those years in Confirmation class, I appreciate the sacrifices and instruction Pastor Lehmann gave to his young charges. He also gave up his beautiful Saturday mornings – for me. He also memorized the verses – to help me when I stumbled. He prepared his lessons to be interesting – to me.
Confirmation classes have changed, but Pastors have not. Pastor gives up his free time for the members, puts his members’ needs over his own. He is often separated from his family. He spends long hours in sermon preparation, Bible study and personal prayer. He visits the sick and comforts the hurting and grieving. I do appreciate Pastors.
One of the biggest reasons I appreciate Pastors is that they are just a small shadow of the Good Shepherd. Through Pastor, I can see and appreciate all that Christ has done for me. Pastor sacrifices time, Christ sacrificed his life. Pastor visits me when I am sick, Christ is with me always. Pastor listens and forgives, Christ listens and forgives.
I thank God for Pastors. I thank God for Christ.
Every Saturday the classes were conducted the same. We would start with prayer and a devotion. We then had to recite our memory verses. Every student had to stand next to Pastor Lehmann and recite his verses, all 25 of them. The rest of the class was silently praying that he wouldn’t call on him next. The longer one had to wait, the more review one had. (or time to quickly cram the verses into our heads).
After memory we had our lessons. A recess with snacks broke up the morning, and dismissal at noon was highly anticipated.
When I look back on those years in Confirmation class, I appreciate the sacrifices and instruction Pastor Lehmann gave to his young charges. He also gave up his beautiful Saturday mornings – for me. He also memorized the verses – to help me when I stumbled. He prepared his lessons to be interesting – to me.
Confirmation classes have changed, but Pastors have not. Pastor gives up his free time for the members, puts his members’ needs over his own. He is often separated from his family. He spends long hours in sermon preparation, Bible study and personal prayer. He visits the sick and comforts the hurting and grieving. I do appreciate Pastors.
One of the biggest reasons I appreciate Pastors is that they are just a small shadow of the Good Shepherd. Through Pastor, I can see and appreciate all that Christ has done for me. Pastor sacrifices time, Christ sacrificed his life. Pastor visits me when I am sick, Christ is with me always. Pastor listens and forgives, Christ listens and forgives.
I thank God for Pastors. I thank God for Christ.
Germs 2-16-2003
As I write this, I have on my sweater, shirt, t-shirt and am freezing. The room temperature is warm, but I am cold. I have a fever. When I get a fever, I shake with cold. I am not sure exactly why I have a fever, other than the fact that I have been exposed to a germ of some type and my body is fighting the infection. What type of infection is not known, but my body reacts quickly to the threat. White blood cells are being produced to surround and devour the infection. The war rages inside my body. One symptom is a fever.
Whenever I get sick, I am always amazed at how much damage a microscopic organism can inflict on me. I am a big person; the bug is little. Yet, no amount of might or force or effort on my behalf can ward off the effects of the tiny cell. I must put my trust in my white blood cells (and any medication my doctor prescribes).
My physical body is threatened by danger and I respond almost immediately. Wouldn’t it be great if my spiritual self could act as quickly and as visibly as my physical self? I am exposed to spiritual germs constantly. I am surrounded by germs. Some germs get inside my body. Perhaps it is the envy germ and I envy other’s successes and possessions. Perhaps it is the gossip germ and I am tempted to speak ill of someone. Maybe it is the anger bug and I lash out in anger at my family. Maybe it is the false god germ and I am tempted to put my trust in things rather than God. Sometimes these spiritual germs enter my body and the result is instantaneous; most of the time, however, these germs lie in wait and fester deep in my mind. I bring them out when I want to show them off, feel sorry for myself, or just want to give in to temptation. I do not shake; I am not cold. No one can lay a hand on my forehead and say, “Yep, spiritual germ fever.”
But there is something inside of me that wars with my sins – daily and constantly. It is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit washes my sins away through the blood of Christ. My spiritual sickness is removed as far as east is from west. I thank God for this cleansing.
Whenever I get sick, I am always amazed at how much damage a microscopic organism can inflict on me. I am a big person; the bug is little. Yet, no amount of might or force or effort on my behalf can ward off the effects of the tiny cell. I must put my trust in my white blood cells (and any medication my doctor prescribes).
My physical body is threatened by danger and I respond almost immediately. Wouldn’t it be great if my spiritual self could act as quickly and as visibly as my physical self? I am exposed to spiritual germs constantly. I am surrounded by germs. Some germs get inside my body. Perhaps it is the envy germ and I envy other’s successes and possessions. Perhaps it is the gossip germ and I am tempted to speak ill of someone. Maybe it is the anger bug and I lash out in anger at my family. Maybe it is the false god germ and I am tempted to put my trust in things rather than God. Sometimes these spiritual germs enter my body and the result is instantaneous; most of the time, however, these germs lie in wait and fester deep in my mind. I bring them out when I want to show them off, feel sorry for myself, or just want to give in to temptation. I do not shake; I am not cold. No one can lay a hand on my forehead and say, “Yep, spiritual germ fever.”
But there is something inside of me that wars with my sins – daily and constantly. It is the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit washes my sins away through the blood of Christ. My spiritual sickness is removed as far as east is from west. I thank God for this cleansing.
Goods, Fame, Child, Wife? 10-23-2003
Last Tuesday I participated in a special Reformation celebration with hundreds of teachers and pastors from the Kansas district. The worship was inspiring. The message was outstanding. The organ playing was fantastic. Every part of the service combined to provide a very worshipful experience. I couldn’t have asked for more from a church service.
Yet, I was troubled. The processional hymn was “A Mighty Fortress.” Normally I sing out all of the verses. It is (in my opinion) one of the best explanations of my life here on earth. It proclaims loud and simply what I believe. Yet, I was troubled.
The first verse was great – the devil was vanquished. The second verse was even better – Christ is on my side! The third verse continued the feelings of peace – no trials or tribulations can harm me! Then came the fourth verse. I sang louder with each passing verse. The fourth verse was upon me in a flash. I was feeling euphoric when I sang out, “And take they my life, Goods, fame, child and wife, Though these all be gone…” It was then that it hit me, “What did I just sing?” Did I just proclaim that it was OK for my goods, fame, child and wife to be taken from me?”
For the rest of the service I pondered the meaning of those words. I conceded that I would be able to give up my life; after all, I have the hope of eternal heaven. Life giving is easy. But what about goods? Could I give up my money, my house, my collections? Bunny once told me, “I do not care what type of house we live in, just so long as we are together. I would live with you in a cardboard box.” OK, maybe goods. Fame? That one is easy. I have no fame to give up. But then it dawned on me, I have my name. I have always strived to be honest. Would I give up my good name? Sure, for those who love me would know me and that is all that would matter. Now came the real hard part, “child and wife.” I wrestled with that one. I don’t want to give up child and wife. I have come close to losing wife (and child) and I don’t like it. That would be harder than my own death.
Can I honestly say that I would give up child and wife? At the end of the service the answer was clear. As I had the body of Christ placed on my tongue and drank Christ’s blood, I said, “yes.” Yes, I could – reluctantly – give up child and wife. God gave up His Son. If Bunny or any of the kids left this earth, they have the hope of eternal heaven. I would grieve, but I would rejoice.
So the next opportunity I have to sing “A Mighty Fortress,” it will be with an unreserved affirmation.
Yet, I was troubled. The processional hymn was “A Mighty Fortress.” Normally I sing out all of the verses. It is (in my opinion) one of the best explanations of my life here on earth. It proclaims loud and simply what I believe. Yet, I was troubled.
The first verse was great – the devil was vanquished. The second verse was even better – Christ is on my side! The third verse continued the feelings of peace – no trials or tribulations can harm me! Then came the fourth verse. I sang louder with each passing verse. The fourth verse was upon me in a flash. I was feeling euphoric when I sang out, “And take they my life, Goods, fame, child and wife, Though these all be gone…” It was then that it hit me, “What did I just sing?” Did I just proclaim that it was OK for my goods, fame, child and wife to be taken from me?”
For the rest of the service I pondered the meaning of those words. I conceded that I would be able to give up my life; after all, I have the hope of eternal heaven. Life giving is easy. But what about goods? Could I give up my money, my house, my collections? Bunny once told me, “I do not care what type of house we live in, just so long as we are together. I would live with you in a cardboard box.” OK, maybe goods. Fame? That one is easy. I have no fame to give up. But then it dawned on me, I have my name. I have always strived to be honest. Would I give up my good name? Sure, for those who love me would know me and that is all that would matter. Now came the real hard part, “child and wife.” I wrestled with that one. I don’t want to give up child and wife. I have come close to losing wife (and child) and I don’t like it. That would be harder than my own death.
Can I honestly say that I would give up child and wife? At the end of the service the answer was clear. As I had the body of Christ placed on my tongue and drank Christ’s blood, I said, “yes.” Yes, I could – reluctantly – give up child and wife. God gave up His Son. If Bunny or any of the kids left this earth, they have the hope of eternal heaven. I would grieve, but I would rejoice.
So the next opportunity I have to sing “A Mighty Fortress,” it will be with an unreserved affirmation.
The Good in Golf 10-30-2003
If I would ask you to relate a special memory from your grade school years, chances are that it would involve a time when you were embarrassed, teased, or otherwise felt bad.
If you were to preach a sermon, give a speech, or make a presentation, many people would compliment you on how well you did. However, if one person would give you a less than complimentary comment – that is the comment that sticks out and is remembered.
If you are involved in a project and something goes wrong, the first thought is often, “I didn’t do it,” or “It’s not my fault.” Too many times people spend more time fixing blame than fixing the problem.
It is my unscientific observation that people often remember, dwell on, and point out the negative. Too often the good, positive, morale-boosting comments go unheeded or un-noticed due to one negative comment.
That is why I like golf! I am not good at golf. I would have to practice to be mediocre, but I do enjoy the game. Golf is a game with competition – against oneself. Golf is a polite game – usually. Golf is a sport in which everyone can make at least one good shot. That is what I remember about my golf rounds – the one good – no great – shot. I remember the time I out-drove everyone. I remember the one hole on which I broke par. I remember the awesome pitch and run – right into the hole. I dwell on the positive. I dream about the positive. I relive the positive.
Perhaps that is a glimpse of heaven? All my sins are washed away – all the negative is gone, all the bad is forgotten; only the great remains. Is golf heaven on earth? (I don’t think Bunny will buy that one.) But I can try to learn from golf – to look for the good in each situation, to remember only the great in other people, to constantly try for “the good that I would do” all the while trusting that God will forgive me for “the evil that I would not do – that I do.”
If you were to preach a sermon, give a speech, or make a presentation, many people would compliment you on how well you did. However, if one person would give you a less than complimentary comment – that is the comment that sticks out and is remembered.
If you are involved in a project and something goes wrong, the first thought is often, “I didn’t do it,” or “It’s not my fault.” Too many times people spend more time fixing blame than fixing the problem.
It is my unscientific observation that people often remember, dwell on, and point out the negative. Too often the good, positive, morale-boosting comments go unheeded or un-noticed due to one negative comment.
That is why I like golf! I am not good at golf. I would have to practice to be mediocre, but I do enjoy the game. Golf is a game with competition – against oneself. Golf is a polite game – usually. Golf is a sport in which everyone can make at least one good shot. That is what I remember about my golf rounds – the one good – no great – shot. I remember the time I out-drove everyone. I remember the one hole on which I broke par. I remember the awesome pitch and run – right into the hole. I dwell on the positive. I dream about the positive. I relive the positive.
Perhaps that is a glimpse of heaven? All my sins are washed away – all the negative is gone, all the bad is forgotten; only the great remains. Is golf heaven on earth? (I don’t think Bunny will buy that one.) But I can try to learn from golf – to look for the good in each situation, to remember only the great in other people, to constantly try for “the good that I would do” all the while trusting that God will forgive me for “the evil that I would not do – that I do.”
