Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 31, Last day of 2012, 7th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"He who testifies to these things says, 'Yes, I am coming soon.'
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen." - Revelation 22:20-21

Thus ends the Bible book of Revelation. Thus ends the Bible. And thus ends our year.

With God's promise.

With our eagerness for God to come to us through Jesus.

And with our prayer for God's grace to be with all people in Christ.

May God grant us the same in the year ahead.

I personally thank you all for your fellowship in Christ, your partnership in Day of Praise, and your eagerness both to know God and also to share God's Word with others.

By God's grace, see ya next year!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 29, 5th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"A great portent appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pangs, in the agony of giving birth. Then another portent appeared in heaven: a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail swept down a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. Then the dragon stood before the woman who was about to bear a child, so that he might devour her child as soon as it was born. And she gave birth to a son, a male child, who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron. But her child was snatched away and taken to God and to his throne; and the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, so that there she can be nourished for one thousand two hundred sixty days." - Revelation 12:1-6

Jesus was born into a violent world.

As I write this, my brother-in-law just told me how he was recently threatened by two guys with knives just outside of his young daughter's dance studio in their nice town in broad daylight. Fortunately, police got there and made the arrest.

Earlier this same day, a nicely dressed mom was about to throw a punch at her young adult daughter in a parking lot while the "mom's guy" just stood there watching. My momentary stop-and-stare seemed to ease the tension.

Even earlier, on the way to visit my parents and siblings, in the time it took me to drive from one end of a city to the other, the interstate message board said there were two more driving fatalities.

On the fifth day of Christmas, my truest love gave to me (and you and all who will receive him), his five identifiable wounds in his hands and side and feet, not counting countless wounds on his head from a crown of thorns and on his back from unspeakably brutish Roman torture tools.

Jesus was born into a violent world then. He wants to be born in the hearts of all of us today because we still live in a violent world today.

He is the Prince of Peace. True and lasting peace.

Have courage, dear friends, in a world filled with violence. Have courage and tell others about Jesus.

In him alone will the world find peace.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 28, 4th Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"Around the throne, and on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with a face like a human face, and the fourth living creature like a flying eagle. And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and inside. Day and night without ceasing they sing,
'Holy, holy, holy, the Lord God the Almighty, who was and is and is to come.'" - Revelation 4:6-8

On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me four living creatures that are talked about in today's verses from Revelation and in the Bible book of Ezekiel.

The symbolism here is simple and amazing, or, shall we say, simply amazing. So, knowing there's always more we could say, let's keep it simple.

First, in the Bible, multiples of four always have to do with God's work to increase faith, especially 4, 8, 12, 24, 40, 400, and 4,000, as in 40 years of wilderness for the Israelites and Jesus feeding the 4,000.

Second, four is also the number of the earth and all humanity, as in all people from all four corners of the earth: north, south, east, and west.

And, third, four is the number of Gospel books in the Bible, as in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, where the Gospels are traditionally associated with the lion, ox, man, and eagle that are spoken of in today's Bible verses. The matching of the pairs varied amongst the now-famous early Christians: Irenaeus, Augustine, and Jerome.

If you put the last three paragraphs together, this is what you get: God wants faith in the good news of Jesus, which is known as the Gospel, to be built up in all the earth and to touch all creatures of land, sea, and air. This is prophesied by God in Isaiah 65:25 and 11:6, saying, "The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them." The "little child," of course, is fulfilled in Christmas, the birth of the baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas Day #4! May God build up your faith through the good news of Jesus so that you know God's powerful and peaceful presence wherever you go over all the earth.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 27, The 3rd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth." - Revelation 1:4-5

Ok, are you ready for my most random post ever? Here goes!!!

So, what are French Hens anyway? Ya know, "on the 3rd day of Christmas my true love gave to meeeeeee, three French Hens."

Well, I have fun learning something everyday as I try to have something to say to all of you. In this case, I learned that, although we usually think of French Hens as being a French female chicken, a hen commonly refers to any of the following female animals: chicken, other poultry, game bird, octopus, or lobster.

And if a hen can be any of those things, I wonder, then, if, by three French Hens, the songwriter meant "three female octopuses off the coast of France." Ya think? And while we're doing random trivia, there are three words for the plural of octopus; they are octopuses, octopi, and octopodes.

Anyway, in the continued spirit of randomness, many of us Christians love the thing about the "12 Days of Christmas" song being a symbol for Christian teaching, which makes the Three French Hens symbolize the Trinity or the Wise Men or the days Jonah was in the whale or the days Jesus was in the grave or or or or or.

Aaaaanyway, the always trustworthy internet tool, Wikipedia (smiley face, y'all), tells us this about The Twelve Days of Christmas song being a tool of Christian teaching. Wikipedia says, "A bit of modern folklore falsely claims that the song's lyrics were written as a catechism song to help young Catholics learn their faith, at a time when practicing Catholicism was criminalized in England (1558 until 1829). There is no primary evidence supporting this claim, and no evidence that the claim is historical, or 'anything but a fanciful modern day speculation.' The theory is of relatively recent origin. It was first suggested by Canadian English teacher and hymnologist Hugh D. McKellar in a short article, 'How to Decode the Twelve Days of Christmas,' published in 1979. In a later article published in the music journal The Hymn, he reiterates that the associations are his. The idea was further popularized by a Catholic priest, Fr. Hal Stockert, in an article he wrote in 1982 and posted online in 1995."

Sooooo, since there's no consensus out there as to what French Hens represent and since I'm writing this Day of Praise in a random sort of way, then I'm gonna throw in my proverbial two cents about the whole three French Hens thing.

On this third day of Christmas, I personally think the three French Hens should have something to do with the three things that God says Jesus is in one of today's Bible verses: "Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth" (Revelation 1:5).

Got it?

Jesus is:
1 - the faithful witness,
2 - the firstborn of the dead, and
3 - the ruler of the kings of the earth.

Now, I may not be the sharpest tool in the toolshed, but, if Jesus is those three things, then I figure that he's kinda in charge. After all, he's got The Truth (faithful witness), The Victory (firstborn of the dead), and The Throne (ruler of the kings of the earth). And anybody who's got The Truth, and The Victory, and The Throne must be in charge.

And that being said, we can all stop worrying about French Hens and put our minds to rest knowing that Jesus has French Hens and everything else under control.

As they say, "It's all good, because God is good...all the time."

Merry Christmas, Day #3!

And don't forget...

Praise God!
Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 26, The 2nd Day of Christmas, "Day of Praise"

"We write this to make our joy complete." - 1 John 1:4

Weeks of preparation, and in one day, well, what happened to "Joy to the World"? Where did it go? Where did all the joy go?

We're not talking about forgiveness of sin and salvation from the power of sin and death. We have such forgiveness and salvation because of what Jesus has done for us, which becomes ours through faith. We are not talking about forgiveness and salvation.

We are talking about joy. The Bible is talking about joy. God is talking about joy.
Where did all the joy go?

Well, it's in our hands.

And in our hearts.

And in our words.

And in our deeds.

Jesus was born to be with us.

He was born to live in us.

So if we don't let him out, if we don't share him with others, then the joy of Jesus is snuffed out within us, like a fire that has no air. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19, God says to snuff out the joy of Jesus is to "quench the Spirit."

In the New International Version of the Holy Bible, there are only seven places that talk about a "joy" that is "complete." And in every single one of them, God says that the joy we have in Jesus and God's life-giving work becomes complete only when it is a reality between two parties. It cannot stay in one and become complete. Joy in Jesus grows as it flows from one to another.

In other words, we sing "Joy to the World" because God wants us to take it the world, to pass it along from one party to another, by
1 - celebrating God's love in worship together (Deuteronomy 16:15),
2 - listening for God together (John 3:29),
3 - telling of Jesus to others (John 15:11),
4 - asking from and praying to God for others (John 16:24),
5 - sharing the love and purpose of Jesus together (Philippians 2:2),
6 - writing of Jesus' love to others (1 John 1:4), and
7 - visiting with others and talking about Jesus (2 John 1:12).

These are the seven Biblical ways that Jesus gets "aired out" so that both the fire of his love can grow in us with others and also our joy together in him becomes complete.

It's only the second day of Christmas. Let's take seriously but also have fun taking Jesus and His "Joy to the World."

"We write this to make our joy complete." - 1 John 1:4

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 25, Christmas Day, "Day of Praise"

Merry Christmas to all of you around the country and beyond!

Here's the rest of the story of the first Christmas from Luke 2:6-20...

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 24, Christmas Eve "Day of Praise"

Luke 2:1-5

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 And everyone went to his own town to register.

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 22 "Day of Praise"

Look at all the wonderful gifts that God wants to give us in the following Bible passage. The celebration of Christmas is almost here, Friends! It's almost here! Just count all the following gifts from God and also the sorrows from which he would spare us! Praise God for all his gifts to us!!!

2 Peter 1:1-11

1 Simon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours:

2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

10 Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, 11 and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 21 "Day of Praise"

"Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this." -
2 Timothy 2:7

Paul's words to Timothy are perfectly applicable to this Day of Praise (DoP) ministry that we share. All we do is "reflect on what [God] is saying", trusting "the Lord will give [us] insight into all this." And the ultimate insight with every single one of our DoP reflections is that God is worthy of our praise. We conclude every devotion with "Praise God!" because praise is an expression of faith that God is already victorious in all things through Christ and that we are now already sharing in God's victory in all things through faith in Christ.

"Reflect on what [God is] saying [through the following section of today's Daily Bible reading], for the Lord will give you insight into all this" praise of God that we share!

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls." -
1 Peter 1:3-9

Reflect on it, and God will give you insight and unfailing encouragement that will lead us all to say..."Praise God!"

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 20 "Day of Praise"

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." - James 1:2-4

It's funny. The section of the Daily Bible appointed for today is exactly what we studied last night at our church in one of our 5:45 Wednesday Bible studies. It's just another reminder how God is always working to help us understand stuff in life.

Like trials and tests and temptations.

In today's reading, God, through James, says that we should "consider it pure joy" when we face trials because it "completes" both us and also our faith.

Here's how it works.

Trials come in two forms: tests and temptations.

The purpose of tests is to build up faith. The purpose of temptations is to tear down faith. As is noted later in James 1, God never tempts because that would make God double-minded, working to draw us to him in faith and also tearing down the faith by which we come to him. So God never tempts because God never works to tear down faith.

But God is sovereign. God is Almighty. God is Lord. So God reigns over every trial, both tests and temptations, which means a couple things. It means that God at least permits tests and temptations to come our way, though God never creates a temptation. It also means that, though God won't tempt us to tear down faith, God is sovereign so that God takes the temptations that other sources send our way and uses them for good. It's as we hear in Genesis 50:20, when Joseph is speaking to his brothers, who years earlier had sold him into slavery. Joseph said, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

So, Friends, all sorts of things will come at you today. But through it all, remember that the God, who raised His Son Jesus from the dead, is the God who reigns. He's the only God. And this one Almighty God is for you! As you trust him, then you will see. "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." (James 1:2-3)

Have a great day!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 19 "Day of Praise"

"The Lord be with your spirit. Grace be with you." - 2 Timothy 4:22

St. Paul went out in style.

Most agree that today's verse contains the final written words of St. Paul. They're a final outpouring of grace in a letter that is packed with encouragement and counsel on the very most important things in life: Almighty God, God with us through Jesus, encouragement in Christ, and a call to trust the Lord in doing things that are hardest to do while we walk and live in faith.

St. Paul went out in style with an outpouring of grace in a letter that is packed with encouragement and counsel on the very most important things in life.

So, how do you want to go out?

Well, let's concede that none of us is going to go out by getting a book in the Bible no matter how truth-filled our book might be. So, that pretty much leaves us with living our life (as the old saying goes) as if it's the only Bible that some people will ever read.

St. Paul was imprisoned and sensed what was most certainly true, namely, that his end was near. And yet, instead of being bitter and withdrawn, he believed--in God, in the Son of God who's with us, and in God's children. Why else would Paul go out with a letter of encouragement?

It's because he believed!

And out of that faith came an act of memorable goodness. So memorable that we're reading it over 2,000 years later.

And God desires that, out of our faith in Christ, there would flow acts of memorable goodness too.

Yesterday morning my son and I were stuck in one of the parallel-then- converging drive-thru lanes of the McDonald's between our house and his school. We sat there for 8-10 minutes at least. We were going to be late. But we let the car that was parallel to us merge into the single line ahead of us anyway. It must've been memorable to him/her because when we got to the window to pay our $2.39 we discovered that the person that we'd invited ahead of us had paid our bill. And that must've been memorable to us because, well, I'm telling you about it right now!

Two simple, brief, and inexpensive acts. But memorable nonetheless.

There's a thousand of these opportunities every day.

At least.

Opportunities to make the last moment memorable, if indeed it happens to be.

How do you wanna go out? How do you want to be remembered?

St. Paul wrote an amazing letter. As for us, let's just go live an amazing day, full of simple, brief, and inexpensive deeds of loving kindness and grace.

Spread the love, friends, spread Jesus' love!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 18 "Day of Praise"

"And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." - Titus 3:8

Amidst all the sorrow, darkness, and tragedy that rightly has filled the airwaves in the last few days, God encourages us, through Paul, to trust God and do good because good that flows out of trusting God is always profitable for everyone.

How so?

How are trusting God and doing good excellent and profitable for everyone (Titus 3:8)?

Well, recently I said to my 17 year-old daughter, "Cassidy, you're nice to everyone." She replied, "Well, Dad, that's because you are."

What others (whether they're our children or otherwise) see us do is what they're encouraged to do. It is profitable to do good because it encourages others to do good.

But good, mind you, comes in at least two packages: 1) modeling plain ol' good and 2) modeling what is good to do when you don't do good.

Last night, one of my kids confessed something to me that they weren't proud of. I told him/her that I was proud of them for confessing. "Well, Dad, you've taught us the blessing of confessing."

When we surrender to the Holy Spirit and confess our sin, God's Holy Spirit works a good spirit of humility in those who see us confess and apologize and make amends.

But there's still at least one more good that profits everyone, and that is the good of trusting and praising God even when difficulty, death, and tragedy surround us. Some people have given up on God in the last few days. But, in my experience, the vast majority of people are looking around to see if anyone is going to do good. They want to see if anyone will still look to God, even in the face of great, horrific, and inexplicable tragedy.

Jesus did on the cross, when he was paying the immeasurable penalty for all sin, he cried, "My God, My God...", looking to God even as he sensed the abandonment of God.

And God worked the ultimate good through that cross, the forgiveness and therefore salvation of the whole world.
The ultimate good that profits everyone who believes that "Jesus died for you!"

As is said earlier in Titus 3:4-7, "But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life."

Aaaah, eternal life, life with God now and forever. The ultimate blessing from the ultimate good.

Thus we can understand God through Paul, who says, "And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone." (Titus 3:8)

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 17 "Day of Praise"

"Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God our Savior and of Christ Jesus our hope,
To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
As I urged you when I went into Macedonia, stay there in Ephesus so that you may command certain men not to teach false doctrines any longer nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies. These promote controversies rather than God's work—which is by faith. The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith." - 1 Timothy 1:1-5

The world has lost its way.

The only question is "when?"

Is the violence in our world really anything new?

In Bible days, as in today's reading in the Daily Bible, St. Paul is inspired by the Holy Spirit to give some simple advice to people who are asking, "What's going on in the world?"

Or "When did the world lose its way?"

Or "What can we do to change the course of the world?"

So what's his advice? What is the God-inspired word through him?

We are called to look in the mirror.

Particularly at:
our doctrine (what we believe),
our love (how we relate to others), and
our faith (how we relate to God).

What we believe (our doctrine) informs how we relate to others. If we believe what God says in scripture, then we relate to others in a life-giving way.

But if we believe (as many do in the world) that God's word is constraining and we do what we feel like (which is called sin), then our relating to others will create strife and conflict.

In sum, St. Paul is inspired to say that the world is full of difficulties, but there is only one party that any of us can really do anything about, namely, our own self.

If our doctrine, love, and faith are what God calls them to be through scripture, then we're a part of the solution to the world's troubles.

If our doctrine, love, and faith are what we want them to be, then we're only making matters worse.

Dear Lord, we live in a very troubled world. Give us a hunger for you and your word. For by your grace, we understand that "The goal of [your word] is love, which comes from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Timothy 1:5). And your word alone can restore harmony to this world. Teach us, Lord, what to believe, how to love, and what it means to trust in you. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 15 "Day of Praise"

Words are hard to find in the face of tragedies like yesterday in Newtown, Connecticut, so we lean on God's word as always.

God bless you all, along with those to whom you pass God's word and those for whom we pray.

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows. If we are distressed, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we suffer. And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as you share in our sufferings, so also you share in our comfort." -
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 14 "Day of Praise"

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you" - Colossians 1:3

Have you ever heard of The Lord's Prayer?

I know it's a silly question, but what we call "The Lord's Prayer" is Jesus' reply to the disciples when they ask him to teach them to pray.

Now then, have you ever heard of St. Paul's Prayer? I haven't either, but today's Daily Bible section includes what could be called "St. Paul's Prayer" because there are clear elements teaching us how we should pray, just like Jesus was teaching us how to pray with The Lord's Prayer.

Here's what Paul teaches.

1 - Thank God for something good about the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints" (Colossians 1:3-4). He's saying that he prays, thanking God for something good about the Colossians', namely, their faith in Jesus and their love for others.

When we pray, let's also thank God for something good about the people we're praying for.

2 - Ask God to give something good to the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding" (Colossians 1:9). He's saying that he prays, asking God to give something good to the Colossians', namely, knowledge of God's will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

When we pray, let's also ask God to give something good to the people we're praying for.

3 - Pray to God with a purpose. Pray for that good gift that you prayed for in #2 to lead to a good outcome, end, and goal for the people you're praying for. Paul writes, "And we pray this in order that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light" (Colossians 1:10-12). Paul's saying that he prays to God with a purpose for the Colossians', namely,
a) that they live a life worthy of the Lord and
b) that they please God by:
i) bearing fruit in every good work,
ii) growing in the knowledge of God, and
iii) being strengthened with all power so they can have great endurance and patience and joyful thanks to God.

When we pray, let's also pray to God with a purpose, goal, and good outcome in mind for the people we're praying for.

To pray St. Paul's Prayer will take a little more time than usual because St. Paul's Prayer requires preparation. It requires us to think about these three elements.

But the prayer preparation time will be worth it because it will help us to love even more the people we like, and the preparation will help us to be reconciled to the people that we don't get along with so well.

Thoughtful prayer makes everything better.

God, through Paul, says so!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 13 "Day of Praise"

"For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. Boldly and without hindrance he preached the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ." - Acts 28:30-31

St. Paul loved having people over to his house. He welcomed them, preached to them, and taught them about Jesus.

I love having people over to my house. In fact, you're all invited to my house this Friday at 6:30 p.m. for our church's adult Christmas party.

In Psalm 23, God makes it clear that he wants us to "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

What a joy it Is to have people over to your house and share fellowship in the Lord and his word.

Unless you don't have a house.

Last night was the amazing concert in New York at Madison Square Garden for countless people who lost their homes to Hurricane Sandy. It reminded us of the great and easy opportunity to give to the Robin Hood Relief Fund at www.121212concert.org.

Our donations, small and large, will help people get back on their feet and have a home where, we then hope, people will get together and encourage each other in the Lord.

Indeed, in this Advent/Christmas season and always, what a joy it Is to have people over to your house and share fellowship in the Lord and his word.

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 12 "Day of Praise"

At this point Festus interrupted Paul's defense. "You are out of your mind, Paul!" he shouted. "Your great learning is driving you insane."
"I am not insane, most excellent Festus," Paul replied. "What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. I am convinced that none of this has escaped his notice, because it was not done in a corner. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do."
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?"
Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." - Acts 26:24-29

Have you ever been accused of being crazy? Ya know, like insane?

Lighten up, everybody probably has.

What an honor to be in the company of greatness. After all, St. Paul was accused of being insane and out of his mind in today's Bible verses. Just like Ezekiel and Isaiah the prophets. Hey, just like Jesus himself.

It's been said that those who are accused of being mentally ill have an advantage over everyone else in that the accused know the truth, namely, that we're all crazy.

Such is the life of a Christian.

We wish that everyone was crazy.

I mean, isn't that what Paul said? He's accused of being crazy. And after initially denying it, Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

He's saying, "If I'm crazy, then, oooooh, may all of us become so."

So what does Paul show us is so crazy about a Christian? Three things.

1 - Unlike unbelievers, we Christians are crazy because we don't just stand in awe of creation and creations (like a tall building), we stand in awe of the Creator God. From the vastness of the universe to the detail of a flower we see God's handiwork and fingerprints everywhere. And we know through Jesus, through whom all things were made (John 1:3) that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we're a part of both the awesome creation and also The One who created it. In Acts 26:13-14, Paul said he saw "a light from heaven, brighter than the sun" and the voice of the Lord God sending him to witness to God in Christ. Awesome!

2 - Unlike unbelievers, we Christians are crazy because we believe that God raised Jesus from the dead and at the last will raise us up too, either to everlasting joy or torment, depending on where we've placed our trust. In Acts 26:8, Paul said, "Why should any of you consider it incredible that God raises the dead?" I guess, Paul, it's because they think we're crazy! Hallelujah!

3 - And finally, we Christians are crazy because we speak of and act on these awesome things of God not because we'll get anything more out of it but because we want other people to get what they're missing apart from this crazy faith. Because Jesus died that we might live, Paul, like all of us deeply believing crazy Christians, was willing to die so that others might live. Of course, it takes no faith to see that once you start living for others in this way, then you actually get your life back. Living for God and others is The Way to abundant and everlasting life. I love the quote by Malcolm S. Forbes, "You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them." St. Paul stuck his neck out for people who could add nothing to his life. To the contrary, they wanted to kill him. But Paul, like all us crazy Christians, was willing to die so that others might live.

So in sum, Paul replied, "Short time or long—I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains." (Acts 26:29)

And what was he? CRAZY!

Praise God!!!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 11 "Day of Praise"

[Ananias said to Paul who at this point was still called Saul], "You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for?" - Acts 22:15-16

Miracles ripple.

There was this guy named Ananias. Not the one in Acts 5 who disobeyed God and suddenly died. Instead, I mean the Ananias in Acts 9 and Acts 22, who constantly listened for God and then to whom God spoke and appeared. God speaking and appearing to Ananias was miracle #1 of which we speak in this devotion.

God wants to do miracle #1 with you. Are you listening for God?

Then there was a ripple.

Miracles ripple.

Ananias became God's instrument to work in Saul's life whereby Saul became Paul. Through Ananias, God removed scales from Saul's eyes, and Saul came to understand how his God-given gift of amazing intelligence was to be used to "witness to all men of what you have seen and heard" (Acts 22:15) about Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world. Watching Saul's transformation, Ananias lit a fire under Saul to get going as Ananias said "And now what are you waiting for?" (Acts 22:16)

God wants to do miracle #2 through you. Are you seeking understanding about your God-given gifts, which will lead to you being able to help others understand their God-given gifts?

There will be a ripple.

Miracles ripple.

We're doing this in one of our Disciple classes. We're seeking understanding about our God-given gifts, which has lead to our being able to help others understand their God-given gifts.

An amazing Bible study tool to do this is Arthur Burk's teaching on the Spiritual Redemptive gifts. Everyone is either a Prophet, Servant, Teacher, Exhorter, Giver, Ruler, or Mercy. The materials are available to everyone at http://newbreedmovement.wordpress.com/redemptive-gifts-teaching-arthur-burk-condensed/.

One woman discovered her gift as Servant. The Bible teaching shows that when you accept and use your gift to God's glory, then God gives additional spiritual gifts. This particular woman has discovered that God's given her the gift of healing. Yes, she's started coming to our prayer and healing services, but she (who before was spiritually timid) has started to follow God's lead, approach people, ask people if she can pray for them, and see them healed in a few moments or a few days, which is miracle #3.

God wants to do miracle #3 through you. Are you using your God-given gifts, which will lead to you receiving other God-given gifts?

There will be a ripple.

Miracles ripple.

In telling of this one woman's transformation, I saw a couple other women become intrigued, begin to explore what their Spiritual Redemptive Gift might be, and experience positive life change that very evening, which is miracle #4.

Miracles ripple.

It's part of God's plan to get the good news of Jesus through every person to every person in the world.

Indeed, it's as God says through Ananias in today's Bible verse, "You will be his witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for?" (Acts 22:15-16)

Aaaaaahummmm! Soooooo? What are you waiting for?

As one of my friends says, "God has big plans for you!"

So let's go and explore our God-given gifts and use them to God's glory and see miracles and watch them ripple to the blessing of all people.

What an incredible day is awaiting us!

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 10 "Day of Praise"

"There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus, who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on the young man and put his arms around him. "Don't be alarmed," he said. "He's alive!" Then he went upstairs again and broke bread and ate. After talking until daylight, he left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted." - Acts 20:8-12

We have this chair at our church. I'm going to start calling it the revival chair. Maybe even the resurrection chair.

We use it during our monthly prayer and healing service at our 5 p.m. worship. The service itself is amazing as our praise band calmly plays a few inspiring, prayer, healing, and Holy Spirit songs.

There are candles lit all around the dimly lit worship space.

We move from the songs to a time of free prayer. The guitars play beautiful instrumental while people either pray quietly by themselves or go to the tables that have candles and prayer requests or go outside and pray God's anointing on the property or go over to somebody else and pray God's blessing on them.

Then everyone is invited to gather around the chair.

There were 25 of us last night. That's a lot of Lutherans in a prayer and healing service.

Somebody, at the Spirit's moving, sits in the chair and we all lay hands on them and anoint them with oil in the shape of the cross and pray over them both in our hearts and aloud.

We'd be here all day if I listed all the miraculous things that I've seen happen to people prayed for...

And to those who are praying.

God still does miracles today.

Believe.

And pray.

P.S. Everyone's welcome at the prayer services.

Have a great day. And don't forget to pray.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 8 "Day of Praise"

"It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel." - Romans 9:6

It's not a riddle.

To say that "not all who are descended from Israel are Israel" (Romans 9:6) is to say something about what "Israel" means. "Israel" means "one who wrestles with God," which more fully means "one who wrestles with God by wrestling with God's word, believing there's a blessing within it."

So to say "not all who are descended from Israel are Israel" is to say "not everyone who is Israel by birth is also Israel by belief" because they don't believe there's a blessing in everything God says.

That's why, in Romans 10:16, God says, "But not all the Israelites accepted the good news." They didn't believe the good news because they refused to believe there was a blessing within it.

It doesn't make much sense, does it? How can anybody not accept good news? How can anybody not believe that there's a blessing in good news from God?

It doesn't make much sense does it?

And yet, every time we disregard God's word (and there are all sorts of ways to do it), then we ourselves are not believing that there's a blessing in God's word.

Soooooooo...

Read your Bible. Obey God. Love your neighbor. Pray your prayers. Go to church on Sundays...at least.

Take God's word for it. There's a blessing waiting for you.

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Fr, Dec 7 "Day of Praise"

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us." - Romans 5:3-5

Dear Friends, Come what may, God is with you in it and working through it to build you up in his love.

Trust him, and call on his name.

Dear Lord, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, you know each one of us and the things that are part of our lives. Lord, please bless us according to your word so that hope and love may abound in us, in our loved ones, and in all the world.

Happy Friday!

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Th, Dec 6 "Day of Praise"

"I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile." - Romans 1:16

So, the gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.

What might that look like in everyday, earthly terms?

Here's an image.

A little boy comes up to me at church last night.

He's a hugger.

He's just eaten.

Something orange.

Like Cheetos.

I don't know, but he's definitely just eaten something orange because it's all over his right hand.

I totally love him.

And his hugs.

But I'm wearing black. Ya know, preacher-clothes black with the little white thingie on my collar.

It's before worship, so I don't want orange on my black. Kinda like the priest in the Bible story of the Good Samaritan. Ya know, the priest probably didn't spread the love to the guy who needed it because the priest didn't want to mess up his preacher clothes.

Anyway. I know this little boy is a hugger. Just like me 99% of the time. But just not right before worship when it's gonna get a big right hand of orange on my black pants.

So I smile and tell him. "I love your hugs, but not till you wash."

He looks at me. Kinda puzzled. Then thinkin. Looks at his hand. Looks back at me.

He says matter-of-factly, "I can hug you with one hand."

My heart melts.

So we hug.

With two hands.

If you don't believe me...

I have the orange on my black to show it.
The wonderful consequence of persistent love.

A love that's always lookin' for ways to bless.

Even when we're lookin' for ways to keep it at arms' length.

Or further.

But God keeps comin'.

One handed hugs.

Two handed.

You name it.

The Advent, the Coming of our God.

In power.

And childlike love.

God come to us in Jesus Christ, a babe in a manger. Or with an orange hand on our black pants.

Either way God sees fit. Whatever way God sees fit. Because by God's grace, I am not ashamed. "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" - Romans 1:16

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

We, Dec 5, "Day of Praise"

"What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into the harbor." -Psalm 107:30 (New Living Translation)

We are blessed when one of you sends a devotion to share with everyone through Day of Praise. Today, we thank one of our college students, Susannah Stuckey, who wrote this devotion called "Stillness" for her church and for all of us. Enjoy. And praise God for Susannah.

"What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into the harbor." -Psalm 107:30

This verse means a whole lot to me right now. Many people don't know this about me because of my outgoing personality, but I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks for years. About a year ago, my anxiety was so bad that I had to drop out of school and could barely even leave the house. Hanging out with friends, going on vacation, even just relaxing at home is easy for most people, but for me it has always been an effort because of this condition.

If you know me, you know that I have big faith…money, school, you name it. It doesn't stress me out because I know my God will take care of it. The only thing I have had trouble letting go of is my anxiety. I can't tell you how many times I have broken down crying because I thought I would never be able to do anything with my life due to my debilitating fears. In recent months, however, I have been determined to give this problem to the only one who can deal with it: God.

It all started when we read "The Circle Maker" as a church. I really put what the book said into practice. It has not been easy. I had to quit the job I was working because I couldn't go to work without having a panic attack. The night that I quit, the Lord gave me Exodus 14:14, which says, "The Lord your God will fight for you. You need only to be still." And that is exactly what he has been doing.

Like I said, it has not been easy. I have had days where I thought I was going to drown from the panic, but He always holds me up with his victorious right hand (Isaiah 41:10). I regularly have to tell myself that He always protects me and that He has never let anything bad happen to me, so I have nothing to be afraid of. Since beginning to tell myself that regularly, the Lord gave me another verse, which I began this story with. "What a blessing was that stillness as He brought them safely into the harbor." (Psalm 107:30)

As of now, I am working again. I'm being social again. I am chasing my dreams and working on my song writing and performing. Most importantly, I am doing things I want to do (even though sometimes I feel terrified) because I know my Jesus is going before me. The Lord told me to be still and that He would take care of everything. So I did. And what a blessing was that stillness.

We all thank you, Susannah, for your witness.

Praise God!

Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Tu, Dec 4 "Day of Praise"

The following from 2 Corinthians 4:13-18 is more than enough for us to praise God:

It is written: "I believed; therefore I have spoken." With that same spirit of faith we also believe and therefore speak, 14 because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.

16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. - 2 Corinthians 4:13-18

Praise God!




Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Mo, Dec 3 "Day of Praise"

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep." -
1 Corinthians 15:17-20

So let's see here.

"And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile...But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:17 and 20) So our faith is not "futile." All of God's word and all of God's commands and all of God's promises are true. So you can put your faith in God. You can count on him. He'll always come through for you. God is with you. Your sins are forgiven. God's peace is yours. And more and more and more. Our faith is not futile

And let's see.

"And if Christ has not been raised...you are still in your sins...But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead" (1 Corinthians 15:17 and 20) So we are not "still in our sins." They're washed away. They can't keep us stuck in the past. They can't drive our future. We are not "still in our sins." We are in Christ...who is the word of life and the lord of life and the word of love and the lord of love. So we can love life. We can love God. We can love ourselves. We can love one another. And God surely loves us; ah yes, a love that will not fail.

So in sum, "if Christ has not been raised, your day's most certainly gonna be pretty rotten...But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead." Well, alright then, your day's gonna be quite superb. So have a superb day with Jesus.

And don't forget to praise God continually for it.

Man, life is good!!

Because "Christ has indeed been raised from the dead." (1 Corinthians 15:20)

Praise God!



Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson

Day of Praise

Sa, Dec 1 "Day of Praise"

"For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy." -
1 Corinthians 7:14

Keeping it simple on a Saturday.

God tells us through Paul, in today's verse, that the faith of one believer in a home has the power to sanctify everyone else. "To sanctify" means "to make holy" or "to set apart for God's purposes."

What that means is this. If you are worried about the soul of someone you live with, then live the faith with them. Live in Christ around them as you do everywhere else if you are a believer. Always talk about Jesus as the friend he is to you and the one with whom you spend your whole day.

If you yourself don't know Jesus personally but only believe things about him and that he does things for you, then get to know him personally. It starts with a simple turning your heart and your attention upward, and then you just call on him like this, "Lord, I know you're there. I need to talk. Help me to hear you speak as we share."

Jesus talks with believers through the whole life of faith, not just some 3 or 4 minutes when we're talking at him.

Just as light scatters darkness, the Spirit of Christ dwelling in and through a believer who knows and lives in Jesus personally will encounter, engage, and scatter unbelief.

Live in Christ, and you will see.

Praise God!






Pastor Chris
"The gospel is the story of Jesus [what God's only Son has done for us that we can't do for ourselves], spoken as a promise." - Robert Jenson