Salem Update II

Salem was allowed to return home this afternoon after a five day stay at the local Vet hospital.

The Veterinarian was able to extract his stones and they will be sent to a lab in Minnesota for examination and identification.

Salem has been put on a moist diet for older cats and was given a fourteen day injection antibiotic so we will not have to administer pills. He has about an eight inch incision on his abdomen stitches will be removed at his next office visit.

His doctor told us he will be running a mild temp for a few days and we are to administer “kitty morphine” in liquid form for the next few days. Syringes have been provided –no needles.

Salem is not yet out of the woods. There may be some microscopic stones left or due to inflammation he may become plugged again. We’re hoping for a full recovery.

The church ground this year is planted in soy beans however the field adjacent to it is in wheat. With wheat harvest 4th of July weekend he has about a ten day recovery period to keep the parsonage rodent free.

We have a missionary who is currently home on furlough coming to our church this evening two call committee meetings at our two vacant parishes. I have a service at Bingen Wednesday evening, an adult was confirmed yesterday and two are nearing the end of Adult confirmation Thursday. There is a wedding Saturday evening. The bride I have known since she was seven. Shut-in members need to be visited as we are in the last week of the month. Finished off the sermon this morning. Hank will be home for one of his rare weekends off. If I have time there is a farm auction Thursday. Half the neighborhood should be there. The wife is a native speaking Russian woman. Lydia's visited her once. She should be a help with Russian diction. A busy week to be sure.

Salem’s return has reduced at least a bit of stress amongst the inhabitants of our house. What was the title of that song played on the radio while growing us? Sung by the Carpenters… Bless the beasts and children. Not to be confused with Nadia's Theme - the title music for CBS' Young and the Restless.

Salem update

Salem suffers from Feline lower urinary tract disease. (FLUTD) Urethral obstruction— occurs when the cat's urethra becomes partly or totally blocked—is one of the most serious results of disease of the feline lower urinary tract.

Male and neutered male cats are at greater risk for obstruction. Complete urethral obstruction or blockage is life threatening and requires immediate veterinary attention.

If the cat is 'blocked,' he is anesthetized and a small catheter is passed first into the urethra to remove the obstruction, then into the bladder to flush it out. The cat is then hospitalized with the urinary catheter in place for at least 24 hours to make sure there is no recurrence of the obstruction. The cat is generally kept on fluids and antibiotics.

The good doctors at our local Vet hospital have been giving Salem wonderful care. We hope to have him home in a few days.

Time in the Word - Proper 8 - June 23-28, 2008

Time in the Word
The Price of Being a Christian
Proper 8
June 23-28 2008

Collect for Proper 8 – O Almighty God, by the working of Your Holy Spirit grant that we may gladly hear Your Word proclaimed among us and follow it’s directing; through Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord who lives and rules with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever.

Today’s lessons are uncomfortable. They give a side to the Gospel we often neglect. In the Gospel lesson Jesus says He came to bring a sword and not peace, because of a conflict naturally results when one makes Christ his first love. This produces a conflict with competing loves. The way of Christ is not easy; it is the way of the cross, a way of self sacrifice and hardship. The Old Testament points out that the truth is not always peace but war. The truth hurts because it is often negative and judgmental. Christians are called to be salt and light in this world. The role of a Christian in this world is that of a true prophet: “O thou troubler of Israel” and “Host thou fond me, O my enemy?”

A prayer before we study the Word – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, without Your help our labor is useless, and without Your light our search is in vain. Invigorate the study of Your holy Word that, by due diligence and right discernment, we may establish ourselves and others in Your holy faith.

Monday, June 23, 2008 – Psalm 89:15-18 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 1, I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known You faithfulness to all generations. The love and faithfulness that appear here will be repeated fourteen times throughout the course of this Psalm. We trust in the mercies of our Lord because of His love and faithfulness.

Tuesday, June 24, 2008 – Jeremiah 28:5-9 – A true prophet is one whose message is fulfilled. One day two preachers were speaking in the temple. They contradicted each other and yet both claimed to be prophets. Whom were the people to believe? One says God will send peace; the other promises way. Jeremiah give the acid test: the true prophet is one shoes preaching comes true. So, we have to wait and see who is right.

Here we find God’s band news. (Vv. 5-8) Most think God has only good news for us. According to this lesson, God has both good and bad news. For the rebellious and disobedient there is bad news – judgment, war, famine, and death. King Ahab referred to Elijah as “you troubler of Israel,” and “my enemy.” Micah had bad news of defeat for the kings about to go to war. To say peace because people want to hear it is to be faithless to God who brings judgment upon a sinful people.

Wednesday, June 25, 2008– Romans 7:1-13 – Paul warns Christians not to back into our former way of living. As far as Christians are concerned a life “controlled by the sinful nature” belongs to our past. The law not only reveals sin, it also stimulates it. The natural tendency I man is to desire the forbidden thing – death. Physical death and beyond that, eternal death- final separation from god – are the fruit of our “union” with the law.

Thursday, June 26, 2008 – Matthew 10:34-42 – Jesus calls upon his disciples to love him above all others. Matthew continues in this pericope with the price of discipleship. In vv. 34-36 Jesus declares that his coming will cause dissension in families because disciples will love him more than any member of the family. In vv. 37-39 Jesus calls upon his disciples to take up the cross and to lose themselves in his cause. To those who do this, Jesus promises rewards (vv. 40-42). In this passage we have the cost and reward of discipleship.

There are many rewards — reward of a prophet, or a righteous man, of a spokesperson and ambassador of Christ. “He who receives you receives me.” To accept a follower of Christ is to accept Jesus; to help a disciple is to help Christ. To reject a disciple is to reject Christ. What a high honor to be a surrogate of Christ!

Friday, June 27, 2008 – Psalm 119:153-160 – This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. It falls under the Hebrew letter “Resh” It is a psalm and prayer of deliverance “See how I love your precepts; preserve my life…”

Saturday, June 28, 2008 –John 11:16 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Let us ever walk with Jesus.” {LSB 685} Thomas is ready to suffer all even death for the sake of Christ. Such commitment is necessary yet impossible without faith in Christ. Our prayer: Lord increase my faith!

A simple yet heart felt Prayer – “Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another.”

A Prayer of thanksgiving– Heavenly Father, God of all grace, govern our hearts that we may never forget Your blessings but steadfastly thank and praise You for all Your goodness in this life until, with all Your saints, we praise You eternally in Your heavenly kingdom.

A Prayer for the Proper use of leisure – O God, give us times of refreshment and peace in the course of this busy life. Grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds that we may be opened to the goodness of Your creation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH

Proper 7 June 22, 2008

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church
Friedheim

10653 N – 550 W
Decatur, IN 46733
260-547-4248

www.zionfriedheim.org

A 21st Century Parish with a 1st Century Faith
Acts 2:42

Celebrating our 170th Year
Chartered February 25, 1838
June 22, 2008
Proper 7
The Conquest of Fear
Matthew 10:26-33

Jesus’ words of our text are quite clear to us. Though the world may persecute Christ’s followers, the Father knows and cares for His people. Jesus has called His disciples and sends them out to preach and heal. As He was persecuted, His disciples could expect no less. They are not to fear those who can kill only the body. It is better to fear God who can kill body and soul.

In spite of their hardship, the heavenly Father knows them as intimately as knowing the number of hairs on their heads and cares for them as He cares for even “worthless” birds. As they are faithful in their witness to God, He will be faithful to them. Let us pray to the Lord…

“O God, our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from unbelief.”

According to Jesus, Christians are not to fear “them.” Who are “them”? In the foregoing passage Jesus defines and describes “them” as those who persecute His followers, who in your own family betray you for being Christian, who are hated because they follow Jesus, and who are persecuted as Christians.

This points to the fact that Christians live in a hostile world which does not tolerate Christian teachings and practice. The darkness hates the light. Evil is a reality and is not neutral or tolerant of an opposing force or righteousness. This raises the question; why so few, if any, Christians are persecuted in America? Is America so Christian as not to oppose Christianity, or are “Christians” not that Christian as to arouse hostility?

Introduction: Fear is not easy to overcome. One can reason it through and arrive at the conclusion that there is no good reason to fear. One can argue himself into agreeing that fear is unnecessary. All the thinking and talking about the futility of fear does not take it away. It seems to rest in one’s feelings that are deeper than any rational arguments. Thus, faith that deals with basic feelings is the cure for fear. We need to be reminded that the Gospel lesson deals with fear of our enemies who oppose our Christian faith.

Outline: Faith conquers fear because —

1. Faith is certain we shall overcome — Jesus tells us; “Whatever I tell in the dark speak in the light. What you hear with your ear preach on the housetops.” (Vs. 27)

A. Faith is able to overcome fear because Christ has overcome. Says St. John: “greater is He who is in you then he who is in the world.”[1] Who is it that is in you? It is God, the Holy Spirit. He has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified, and keeps you in the one true faith.

B. What are you able to overcome? Faith can conquer any barrier, any obstacle, and any stumbling block which would rob us from fellowship with God’s Son Jesus Christ our Savior. What are such besetting sins? Each person has particular sins which the yare susceptible. The devil knows us better then we know ourselves. Each is at risk. Each is vulnerable. Each is disposed to certain behaviors. Satan can used this for his purposes. How can we overcome? Satan’s powers and schemes are removed as Christ gives us His Holy Spirit.

Transition: Faith is certain that we shall overcome fear. Faith places its focus in Christ rather then man.

2. Faith is in God rather than in man — v. 28. “Do not fear those who kill the body and can’t kill the soul. Rather, fear Him who is able to destroy soul and body in hell.”

A. Those who can only kill the body but who can not kill the soul are of human origin. They are not of God they are of man. They are of a human source. What is the worse someone can do to you? They could kill you – they could take your life. But they can not harm the soul. Thus we are encouraged to pray: According to Your will, grant us to trust wholly in You and not fear life’s circumstances. Grant that we may remain steadfast and faithful to You at all costs, even unto death.[2]

Every Christian on the day of their confirmation vows to remain faithful to Christ to suffer all, even death, rather then to fall away from it. What is the encouragement for us this day? “Be thou faithful until death and I will give you the crown of everlasting life.”[3]

B. The one who can destroy both body and soul in Hell is Christ – We might feel quite uncomfortable speaking about it – in fact, Bible teachers such as Martin Luther refers to this thought as Christ’s alien work – He doesn’t want to do it, He would rather do something else- yet - those who reject Jesus Christ loose their salvation.

God’s alien work is performed by His law. When God sees us as filthy sinners, He therefore gives us the law so that we see ourselves the way God sees us. The law reveals an angry and wrathful God who punishes unrepentant sinners. The Bible shows this angry God in such instances as the Flood, Israel’s forty years of desert wandering, and the rich man who walked away from Jesus because He had been revealed to be a sinner.

The culmination of God’s alien work is the sending of Jesus to suffer on the cross on our behalf (Luther 19). Thus, Paul tells the Corinthian Christians: “I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and Him having been crucified.”[4]

Jesus’ crucifixion happened in the past, but the event is still influencing the present. The crucifixion of Jesus happened a long time ago, but the forgiveness and redemption that Jesus purchased on the cross is still effective, still powerful, and is still influencing our lives to this very day. With the Holy Spirit directing you He keeps you faithful to the end. “Be thou faithful until death and I will give you the crown of everlasting life.”[5]

Transition: Faith conquers fear. Faith is certain we shall overcome. Faith is placed in God rather then man. Faith trusts God to care for you.

3. Faith in God’s care of us — vv. 29-31. “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny and not one falls to the ground apart from Your Father’s will. But the very hairs on you head are all numbered. So do not fear you are of more value than many birds.”

A. A question could be asked. Does God really care? Does He, will He, provide? In His Word Jesus assures us of the Father’s intent (which is always for your good) and His direction for your life.

B. How does He provide for you? Consider this morning the 4th petition of the Lord’s Prayer.[6] Give us this day (give us today) our daily bread.

What does this mean? God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving.

What is meant by daily bread? Daily bread includes everything that has to do with the support and needs of the body, such as food, drink, clothing, shoes, house, home, land, animals, money, goods, a devout husband, a devout wife, devout children, devout workers, devout and faithful rulers, good government, good weather, peace, health, self-control, a good reputation, good friends, faithful neighbors, and the like.

Conclusion: Our salvation is always linked to Christ’s suffering on the cross. St. Paul tells us: For if we died with Christ, we will also live with Him. [7] As disciples of Jesus Christ we need not fear our enemies. Though the world may persecute Christ’s followers, the Father knows and cares for His people. These are not mere pious words – this is your reality. May those words of that much loved hymn be your certainty; “Through many dangers toils and snares I have already come. His grace has brought me safe thus far, He is grace will lead me home.”[8]

[1] 1 John 4:4
[2] Grant it O Lord 21st Century Martyrs http://oholy.wordpress.com/
[3] Revelation 2:10
[4] 1 Corinthians 2:2
[5] Revelation 2:10
[6] The 4th Petition of the Lord’s Prayer LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House pg. 324
[7] 2 Timothy 2:11
[8] Amazing Grace LUTHERAN SERVICE BOOK © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, Hymn 744 stanza three

Our mouser is sick

One of our two cats Salem came down with a kidney stone and is at the local pet hospital. He's been a part of our family for the past eleven years. He's been in hospital since Thursday. The doc should tell us what options we have come Monday.

How it looks from here

One of the hot button topics in certain circles these days - The doctrine of Church & Ministry. All who confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and are called to faith are Christians and members of the "Holy Christian Church - the Communion of Saints" This Church is invisible to our eye - for only the Lord can see faith in the heart. It is the sum total of all believers in Christ; saints in glory and those still remaining on the earth. These remaining in the world are part of the church militant as we battle against the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh (and sadly, at times, Christians can even war against themselves – which can sometimes become ugly! This is why we must continually cry out Kyrie Eleison!)

We also have "visible" churches inasmuch as we can see and discern what particular groups believe, teach, confess, and practice. (Hence the numerous denominations in this world)

The church exists locally wherever Christ's people gather around His Word, and Sacraments. They are sacred and holy sheep listening to the voice of the Shepherd. Thus we gather to worship, to be fed, to receive holy absolution, to be strengthened, to intercede for one another, to bear each other’s burdens only to enter back into the world to be salt and light. We use the gifts, talents, and abilities the Lord has given us in our various vocations to be witnesses of the Savior. It is a serious task as the Savior speaks quite specifically about those who loose their saltiness and whose light goes out.

What we do on Sunday is very important. Yet some may ask, are we primarily the gathering of the sacred assembly or are we to be an open door to the world? Emergent churches or congregations which offer seeker services tend to argue that we need to be focused on those who are on the outside. Traditional parishes would argue that our first priority is to those inside. "Emergents" would see long-established practices as cliquey, smug, and indifferent to those beyond our walls. "Traditionals" fear a compromise of doctrine, and a corruption of all things sacred. Sadly, these two points of view often talk past each other.

The Scriptures speak of community. Zion Friedheim congregation is a parish of some 500 souls who come from different backgrounds, ages, economic advantages and disadvantages, vocations, political affiliations, allegiances, etc. We are united only in Christ. Last names cease when we enter the church door. We enter into a sacred space only to enter back into the world.

Using ACTS 2:42 we may refer to ourselves as a harbor of hope in a dark and dangerous world. We desire to be one with respect to four specific objectives of mission and ministry.

Ø “The Apostles Doctrine” Being one in unity and faith. Basing our lives on Christ’s Holy Word as He speaks clearly to us through that Word.

Ø “Fellowship” Being one in the Lord Jesus Christ. Experiencing true joy in Christ. Living at peace with each other and enjoying one another.

Ø “The Breaking of Bread” Sacramental living. Experiencing daily the forgiveness of sins, life and salvation as Christ comes to us in and through the Sacraments.

Ø “Prayer” Upholding one another. Taking our needs burdens joys and sorrows to the throne room of grace. Being thankful as the Savior answers each petition.

We come to a worship service and then in service we witness for Him. We enter back into the world to be witnesses of the Savior. Our desire is for others to embrace and cherish our Friedheim family as they become connected to Jesus Christ. Do we always get it right? Not always. Are we perfect? Hardly! Do we stumble, fumble, flop and fall? Certainly! Yet, in spite of our many flaws the Lord uses us in various ways, often to our amazement!

Some seek revival in the church today. An Amish draft horse might be a fitting analogy. We plod along through life. And yet, after a long, long, day a few acres have been planted - and by God’s grace - we shall reap a harvest of souls. That’s how it looks, at least, from here.

Time in the Word - Proper 7 - June 16-21, 2008

Time in the Word
Freedom from Fear
Proper 7

June 16-21 2008

The theme Freedom from fear is prominent in the Gospel where Jesus says three times, Fear not.” Jeremiah, in the Old Testament lesson experiences fear, though it is not specifically stated, of his enemies and is delivered from them by his trust in God. Because of sin, there is death which we instinctively fear and from which we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ. The Prayer of the Day speaks of fear which is driven away when we “live secure and content in the Father’s eternal love. The suggested hymn of the day calls for a faith that will not disappear when oppression comes. It does not fear in general but the Christian’s fear of his/her enemies.

Collect for Proper 7 – O God, because Your abiding presence always goes with us, keep us aware of your daily mercies that we may live secure and content in Your eternal love; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God now and forever. Amen

Monday, June 16, 2008 – Psalm 56:3-4; 10-11 - This is the Psalm portion from which the Introit for next Sunday is taken. The antiphon is taken from verse 13, “For You have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.” David reminds us to make a confession of trust in the face of fear. The confession is renewed throughout the Psalm but especially in the appointed verses for next Sunday. Especially when we face great difficulty the Lord asks us to cling to His words and promises.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 – Jeremiah 20:7-12 – Jeremiah trusts God to deliver him from those who oppose his preaching. Here is one who wants to quit but cannot. He decides not to preach but he finds himself driven to keep going. It is like a fire in his bones that must be expressed or explode! He is driven by an inner voice. The love of Christ, faith of God, the sense of obedience, impels, and compels one to witness regardless of popular acceptance. Faith overcomes fear. In the midst of persecution, Jeremiah puts his trust in God’s deliverance from his enemies. He was sure God would vindicate him and his oppressors would be eliminated. His trust was justified, for when he was released from the dungeon, Jeremiah exulted, “Praise the Lord!” (Vs. 13).

Wednesday, June 18, 2008– Romans 6:12-23 – In these verses Paul explains what it means to be dead to sin (Vv. 5-7) and alive to God (Vv. 8-10) Our victory over sin is refusal to let sin reign in one’s life (Vs. 12) We do this as we offer ourselves to God Himself to be witnesses of His mercy and grace in this world. Hence the prayer for us to be mindful of our Christian vocation in this world.

Thursday, June 19, 2008 – Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 – The Disciples need not fear their enemies. Though the world may persecute Christ’s followers, the Father knows and cares for his people. Jesus has called his disciples and sends them out to preach and heal. As he was persecuted, his disciples could expect no less.

They are not to fear those who can kill only the body. It is better to fear God who can kill body and soul. In spite of their hardship, the heavenly Father knows them as intimately as knowing the number of hairs on their heads and cares for them as he cares for even “worthless” birds. As they are faithful in their witness to God, he will be faithful to them.

Friday, June 20, 2008 – Psalm 91:1-10– This Psalm is suggested for next Sunday. The mention of terror or “threat” is reference to an attack by one’s enemies. Thus it is paired with “arrows”. These two references to threats from war are arrayed alongside “pestilence” and “plague” (Vs. 6), two references to mortal diseases that often reached epidemic proportions. “night…day. At whatever time of day or night the treat may come, you will be kept safe. The time references are not specific to their respective phrases.

Saturday, June 21, 2008 –Psalm 79:9 – This passage is the inspiration for the hymn “Lord of our life and God of our salvation.” {LSB 725} Taken from a prayer for God to heal and forgive His people and to redress the violent acts of their enemies. When we are attacked by slander, persecution, and the temptations of the devil, our world, and our own sinful self we turn to Him who is our safe refuge, the Rock of our salvation, Jesus Christ the righteousness one.

A simple yet heart felt Prayer – “O God, our defender, storms rage about us and cause us to be afraid. Rescue your people from despair, deliver your sons and daughters from fear and preserve us from unbelief.”

A Prayer for grace to use our gifts– Almighty God even as You bless Your servants with various and unique gifts of the Holy Spirit continue to grant us the grace to use them always to Your honor and glory; through Jesus Christ we pray, Amen.

For Christian vocation - Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ’s name; through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray, Amen.

Sources:
LUTHERAN SEVICE BOOK LECTIONARY © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, MO

LECTIONALRY PREACHING WORKBOOK SERIES A © 1980 John Brokhoff CSS Publishing Lima, OH