​  I've come to the point where I need to go.  That's what an interim pastor does:  he comes and walks with a congregation for a while.  And then when you have called a new pastor, I need to go on to another congregation.  And so this upcoming Sunday, December 29 will be my last day as your pastor.

   It's never easy to go.  But as we think about it, everything comes and goes.  LIfe is an Interim.  Between birth and death.

  But we do share something that does not go away.  And I have witnessed this here at RLC in a most powerful way.  I'm talking about LOVE.  The love of God that comes to us in Jesus Christ.  The love that I've seen in you as you welcomed me, and all people.

  As 1 Corinthians says it, "Love never ends".  And the Scriptures describe God as Love (1 John 4:8). This season of Christmas is all about love, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son..."  (John 3:16)

   So while you and I may come and go, God and His love is always with us, wherever we are, and all through life.  

    Thank you for sharing your love with me, and with my family.  I have many memories of our time together, and how we joined in our service to God, and our friendship and good times.  

    Now I pray that the God who has so blessed you with your new pastor, will now continue to be with you and Pastor Matt, as you share God's love with one another and the world around you!   

God Bless,
Pastor Steve

​What's happening?!  I'm quite sure we all have said similar words, when something happened that we didn't understand.  Maybe it was going so fast we couldn't see who or what it was.  Or maybe it was something we've never seen before.  Or maybe it's just so much happening all at once that our brains just freeze, like deer in the headlights of a vehicle on the highway.

I often feel that way around this time of the year.  So much is happening, and often all at once.
So let's pause for a few moments, take a few deep breaths.  Pray.  Listen.  

And let's focus on the one thing that is REALLY important:  the moment when God became human.  We call it the Incarnation.  As John 1 describes this event, "The Word was God...And the Word became flesh and lived among us."

But I'm not going to even try to explain it.  Oh, there are books written about the Incarnation and its meaning to humanity.  

But maybe the words of Philippians 4, just before the words at the top of this devotion, says it best, "the peace of God which surpasses all understanding".  There.  That is what is happening at Christmas.  The God of love has chosen to come into this world as a Man and He brings peace.  Peace to all.  Peace in the midst of whatever else is happening in your life.  Eternal peace, through faith in Jesus Christ, Savior and Lord of all.

May you be filled with this peace, and be able to spend moments and days in awe and worship of the God who so loves you and me that He would become an infant.  Our Savior.  Our Lord.  Now and forever.

In God's peace,

Pastor Steve

​    It may not be a surprise that these words from our 2nd Scripture reading for this upcoming Sunday caught my attention!   Gratitude to God!  Even though we are past Thanksgiving, and Advent is all about the Coming of Christ and our preparations for Him, yet right now I just want to pause on being thankful to God for:
- giving me almost 68  years of life!
- giving me faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord
- being married to my beautiful wife for 40+ years
- being a Dad of three wonderful children, and Grandpa of 2 precious grandchildren
- being able to be a pastor for 40+ years
- being with these people of Resurrection Lutheran Church for the past year and a half
- being able to work with Tom and the Council of RLC, and with their staff, Larry, and Julie
- being able to continue as an interim pastor,
- the health I have to be able to continue in all of the above!

   Yes, as I bring in everything my prayer and supplication to God, I certainly can do so with thanksgiving!   And you, the people of RLC, have been a big part of my thankful heart right now.  For you have welcomed me, and shown me such love!  I will never forget your example and ways of showing love to all people, including me.

    One of the advantages of being an interim pastor is that I am able to see how various congregations do their ministry.  And RLC will stand out as a powerful example of how God's love in Christ can shine forth to one another, your community, and to the world.  

    Now I pray that you will continue in God's love, sharing this with Pastor Matt.  And I pray that you will partner with him in the ministry that God has in store for you!  And I pray that God gives me opportunity to continue to serve, and maybe even another congregation as wonderful as you!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

​    Last week I wrote about Thanksgiving.  And last Sunday's service and sermon was all about giving thanks to God.  So do we have to focus attention on giving thanks...AGAIN?!

    I'm reminded of the elderly couple, and the wife complained to her husband about not ever saying "I love you".  To which the elderly husband replied, "I said 'I love you" at our wedding.  That is enough."
    No it isn't!  (And that's coming from a husband of over 40 years).   Each of us in any committed relationship need and should WANT to say "I love you", over and over again.
  
    LIkewise in our relationship with God.  How many times do we need to ask for forgiveness?  How many times do we need to hear the words of God's forgiveness?  How many times do we need to hear the Scriptures and sermons?  How many times do we need to receive Holy Communion?  How many times do we need to participate in a worship service?  How many times do we need to give thanks to God?

    The answers to those questions are, "These are the wrong questions!"  We should be asking, "How many times can I say 'I love you'?  How many times can I ask for forgiveness, and hear the words of God's grace and forgiveness in Christ?  How many times can I hear the Scriptures, sermons, go to worship services?"  How many times can I give thanks?

     When I met my wife, Sandra, I couldn't see her enough times.  I always want to be with her.  Even if we had nothing to say to one another.  And now after 40+ years, I still can't have enough time with her, and I continue to say 'I love you' as often as I can.  It never seems that I can give enough or do enough for her.  Which means that I always look forward to another day, another moment when I can be with her and do things for her and say to her, "Thank you for being my wife, and for loving me, as I love you."

    God often compares His relationship with us to the relationship of a marriage.  As much as I love Sandra, even more so does God love each and every one of us.  And I am still trying to love Him more and more.

  So in the Scriptures we see repeated words of love, gratitude, worship toward God.  And love for one another.  It is a very frequent phrase used throughout Scripture.

  When I think of thanksgiving in the Scriptures, I am often drawn to Psalm 136, which opens and closes with these words,

"O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever."  

   And in between these opening and closing words of the Psalm, we read a list of blessings that God gave His Old Testament people.

   Indeed, God's "steadfast love endures forever".  So we can still and always "give thanks to the Lord for he is good".  Always!  Even in heaven!  As we will worship and praise God for all eternity (and I very sure that we will want to always worship God, even for all eternity!!)

   Maybe you and I can take a few moments (or hours) listing the many, many blessings we each have from God, our Savior and Lord!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

​Yes, this is over a week before Thanksgiving Day.  But who said that we are to only be happy and have gratitude on one day a year?   

I have a habit every night before bed, writing down three things that I am thankful for in that day.  And you know what?  I don't have any problem coming up with them, every day!

In this Sunday's Gospel reading (Matthew 6:25-33), Jesus tells us to not worry about food or clothing or life.  But rather to "seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." 

And then Jesus gives us some common sense and wisdom when he says, "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own.  Today's trouble is enough for today."  

My fellow redeemed:  we have enough trouble in each day to fill us with worry and anxiety!  And that's without worrying about the things that we most often worry about:  what has already happened in the past (which we cannot change) or what is yet to happen in the future or things that never happened and never will!  In other words, we most often worry and get stressed about things that we either can do nothing about or that will never happen!!

It seems that the best advice here (and that which comes from God and the Scriptures) is to trust in God, be thankful for all He has given, and live each day with that faith and gratitude.

I love the words of this Sunday's Scripture reading in Joel 2: 21,23:  "be glad and rejoice for the Lord has done great things...be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God."

We can do this every day!  We won't have a turkey dinner every day.  But we can be thankful for all God has done.  So "be glad and rejoice in the Lord your God", today, and every day!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

​   As I consider what has happened in the recent past in the life of Resurrection Lutheran Church, our nation, and in our personal lives, one thing becomes very clear to me:

WE'VE GOT A LOT OF WORK TO DO!!!

  Because when we reflect on the significance of recent events in our nation and congregation (such as the election results, and calling of a pastor, and _______________ (you fill in the blank on what else is happening in your life), we then need to do an even more important and necessary thing than the emotional response.  And that is:  A LOT OF WORK TO DO!!

   Here's a list of some work that comes to mind.  And I'm sure you can add to this list:

• Prepare for our new pastor
• Continue the work of this congregation
• We need more servants in various roles of ministry at RLC.  If able, ask Tom and the Council, to see where you may have the skills and ability  to help.
• Support and even increase support for the work of RLC and our partners (this Sunday is one opportunity to do so as we will be encouraged to bring our pledges and commitment of time and talents that we can give; and support to our partners)
• When the opportunity arises, communicate to neighbors and community about the ministry and upcoming changes happening at RLC

And let's look beyond RLC.  As it appears that our nation is pulling back from support for marginalized people, it seems that the ELCA and RLC has a calling and opportunity to reach out and help the many people needing our love and care, such as:

• The LGBTQ+ community
• Those without homes and income
• Those fearing deportation
• People struggling with mental illness
• Those with health concerns not covered by insurance, or not allowed by our govt.
• Others seeking justice and equity

I am sure that many of you have more to add to these lists.  

Now before any of us faints from all the work that is needed, let us remember that we are not alone, both in facing the problems, and in working to solve them.  For not only do we have one another, but we also have God at work in and through each of us.  

Let's be clear:  God has accomplished the most important work of all:  our salvation, through Jesus Christ.  And He now sends the Holy Spirit to work the faith and life in Christ in all of us, which includes justice and peace for all people.

God also doesn't work in a vacuum, without our participation.  He promises to work in all of the above areas in and through us.  

Last Sunday, I emphasized the need to pray for our church, nation, and all of creation.  That is our first job.  But keep in mind:  most of the time, the answers to our prayers includes all the things we can do.  

As the Scriptures say in Philippians 2:13, "It is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" .  And God's will is that all people are loved and cared for, as He is Savior and Lord of all!  

I look forward to joining all you in working together as God's people, living in a world that needs our love!

God Bless us all,

Pastor Steve

​      This passage of Scripture from Isaiah 11 was chosen by the worship team for this upcoming Sunday of the Blessing of Pets.  It is one verse of a prophecy of the Messianic Kingdom, Isaiah 11:1-9.  We will be reading verses 6 - 9 this Sunday, as it includes a list of animals that are living in a peaceful and non-violent environment, "and a little child shall lead them".  
     As one commentary summarized, "Isaiah 11:1-9 describes a future kingdom where a new leader will bring justice, peace and harmony to the world."
 
     As I looked at this passage of Scripture today (Monday, 11/4), it struck me how fitting these words are for us at RLC, in three ways:
 
1)  As we bless our pets this Sunday, so God has created all animals and placed humanity to take care of them, and to be blessed by them.
 
2) As RLC looks forward to a new pastor and the ministry they will do together.  And as we pray for a peaceful ministry together that will lead toward God's kingdom of justice and harmony in the world.
 
3) As we seek a peaceful transition in the leadership of our nation, leading to justice, peace and harmony for all the world.
 
      Let me say again, this passage of Isaiah 11 was chosen for the Pet Blessing.  I was NOT thinking of it being the Sunday after the congregational meeting to call Pastor Matt.  Nor was I thinking about it being after the national elections.  But God is blessing us with this wonderful picture of a peaceful kingdom, even as we look toward a peaceful and healthy transition of ministry at RLC, and for our government and nation.  
 
    By this Sunday, we will have our pets (or maybe a few of you will be planning to adopt one soon).  We will have heard the news of Pastor Matt's acceptance of the call to be our new pastor.  And we will have finished the elections for our government and nation.  
 
    So now what can we do?   And of course the answer includes many things, from taking good care of our pets and all of God's creation, to working together at RLC with Pastor Matt, to serving as good citizens of our nation.  
   But before and throughout all of the above, God calls on each and every one of us to pray:
 
"First of all, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity."  (1 Timothy 2:1-2)
 
So I join you in praying for this world, for all of God's creation (including my Daisy and your....), for our nation and leaders, and for our pastors and congregations!
 
God is with us,
 
Pastor Steve,

​  I know people that are always sad.  Always grieving the loss of...(and a whole list of people and things can fill this space).
     I also know people that can always smile.  John Immel was one of those.  My memory of him is that he was always smiling!
    Where are you in this spectrum of being sad....to always smiling?
     It's ok to be both.  In this Sunday's Gospel reading, we read, "Jesus began to weep"  (John 11:35)  Yet Jesus and all of Scriptures gives us reason for joy:

"The joy of the Lord is your strength" (Nehemiah 8:10)
"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness"
(Psalm 100:1)
"A cheerful heart is a good medicine" (Proverbs`17:22)
"Rejoice and be glad" (Matthew 5:12)
"Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice"  (Philippians 4:4)

   This Sunday we will be celebrating All Saints' Sunday.  And it will be a day filled with tears, and with joy:  tears as we grieve the death of loved ones.  And joy in the promises of eternal life; death is not the end, but rather entrance into life with God forever.

    So we will weep as we realize that our loved ones who have died are no longer with us.  And it is a grief that doesn't go away, at least not while we are on this side of death.  So we support one another, and we grieve with one another.  For we are not alone; everyone has loved ones that have died before us.  And death will come to all of us.

    But death and weeping does NOT have the last word.  As we read in the Scriptures for this Sunday, there is weeping, and there is also promise of hope and joy! 
   Jesus wept; but he also raised Lazarus from the dead.  And even moreso, in His death and resurrection, we have the promise that we all will die and rise again as God's redeemed people.
   Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us, "There is a timer to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance."
    Psalm 30:5 promises, "weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes with the morning".

   So let us weep on this All Saints' Sunday as we remember those who have died.  But let us also be filled with the joy and gladness that God in Christ gives to us all!

In Jesus' name,

Pastor Steve 

​    But what if He hasn't?  And even if He has, how many times do we need to hear this Good News?  And what does being "free" really mean?  And what difference does it make that we are free?

    Whew!  That's a lot of questions!  And I only have a short time here to answer them, before you will have to move on to something else.  So here it goes.  Let me try to answer these questions in very brief words:

What if God in Christ has not made us free?  I know, we like to question and doubt any statement made, especially in these days of political exaggerations and lies!
But if we can trust anyone, it certainly is the God who created and so loves each of us that He sent His Son to be our Savior, yes, to "free" us from the guilt and power of sin!

How many times do we need to hear this Good News?  You're reading the words of a guy who has repeated this message now for over 40 years of being a pastor :)  And every time I say, and hear it (yes, I listen to the sermons I preach, and from others ;), I need to hear and appreciate hearing the most wonderful Good News of Jesus Christ's love and grace for all.

So what does it mean to be "free"?  Does that mean I can do whatever I want?  Does that mean it doesn't cost anything?  Let me answer that last question first:  our freedom cost God's Son His life!  He suffered and died for all of us!!  So that we are freed from the powers of sin, death and the devil.  Yes, we still experience temptation and sin.  And yes we still die.  But what is on the other side of death?  Eternal life with God.  And the power to condemn and to control us has been taken away.  Oh, we can still come under the fears and powers of sin and death.  But we can also walk from it, knowing that God will forgive us, and give us the power of the Holy Spirit to live as God's redeemed people.  And God's people will WANT to do what God asks of us.  Just as you will want to thank and love anyone who has given something wonderful to you.  And God has given us all we have!  Even eternal life with him!!

I hope by now we know what a difference the freedom of the Gospel means to us.  But just as seeing a beautiful grove of trees in the fall, or a famous and complex piece of art, or the person you most love, so here we can see and admire, and talk about, and be inspired by that same Good News over and over and over again!

God Bless,

Pastor Steve

​Tickets for your favorite musician go on sale in person at a certain address.  And when you arrive, hoping to be first in line, you open the door....for the next person in line, allowing several to go in before you.

You're playing the game "King of the Hill", where everyone scrambles to get to the top of the hill.  And when you get to the top of the hill, you step down and let the person behind you get ahead of you.

You are at a banquet, and you are the strongest, the wealthiest, and the most famous person in the room.  And you are serving and cleaning up after all the guests.

Those are not very familiar examples for us.  Rather, we hear the opposite:  those who work and fight to be first, who get to the top over all others, and those who are served by others.

Yet the Scriptures are filled with examples of God serving us:

Isaiah 25:6 with the Lord serving a banquet to his people.
Luke 15:1-2, Jesus hosting and serving a meal to sinners.
John 13, where Jesus washed the feet of His disciples
Philippians 2:5-11 with Jesus humbling Himself to be Savior and Lord of all.

And this Sunday's Gospel reading (Mark 10:35-45) with Jesus telling us He came not to be served but to serve.

So what does this mean to us?  If our Savior and Lord humbles Himself and serve us, how can we respond?  

Consider what this has to say to marriages and families and friendships and communities and nations.  How can we look at others?  How do we treat one another?  

It seems we have a lot to learn!  And our Savior and Lord has a lot to teach us.

Lord Jesus, send us the Holy Spirit and dwell among and within us, that we may have the humility and love that you have shown and given to us.  Amen.

In service to Jesus,

Pastor Steve