Solid Foundation 6.3.22

What is your rock…your solid foundation??  That’s a great question to be asking especially after the last couple of windstorms we’ve experienced here in our region.  Those storms have been more than “hang on to your hat” experiences…they’ve been “hang on for dear life” experiences.  I’ve heard several individuals share their story of being caught out in the storm in a tractor, or a vehicle, or some other building or shelter, and they weren’t sure they were going to survive.  Yes, there have been some pretty scary moments during the past several storms.  So again, what is your rock…your solid foundation?

For me, the biggest surprise I discovered after one of the recent windstorms was that it moved my camper!  Nancy and I enjoy camping and we have a 26-foot travel trailer that sits beside our home when we are not out camping in it.  After the most recent storm, when I was walking around our house looking for any damage, I noticed the camper had moved – just a couple inches, but it had moved.  The tongue jack was no longer on the wood blocks I usually have it sitting on.  The scissor brakes that I had in place on both sets of tandem wheels on the trailer were no longer in place, and one set of wheel chocks were no longer in place under the wheels on one side.  Added to all that the fact that the camper was sitting at a different angle on its pad, I knew the wind had moved it.  Again, all I can say is WOW!!!

Fortunately, there was one of the wheel chocks that stayed in place.  That block was the solid foundation that didn’t move and actually kept the camper from being pushed forward into the back of the vehicle that was sitting in front of it.  That would have caused damage to the camper as well as that other vehicle.

What we all have to realize is that we all need a “solid foundation,” something that will keep us grounded or held fast in the storms of life.  David, in the Old Testament of our Bible, knew of the importance of a solid foundation. During a period in his life, when King Saul was trying to capture and kill David, he ran and hid in various places in the wilderness.  In fact, there was an actual rock fortress on the top of a tall butte that truly was his solid foundation.  It was a place of safety and security.  Time and time again, in the Psalms that David wrote, he refers to God as his solid foundation and his fortress…even in – especially in the moments in life in which it seemed that a storm was raging.

As I’ve been writing this article, I just hung up from talking to a college friend.  He and his wife and Nancy and I were good friends in college. In fact, there was at least one double date.  This friend called to let us know that his wife had died very unexpectedly.  Talk about a sudden storm.  But as I talked with him, he used such words as strength and foundation in reference to God and his faith as being what was getting him through this extremely difficult time. 

One of the passages that has been a “go to” verse for me lately is that of Psalm 62.  This is another Psalm of David.  In this Psalm David writes, “For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall never be shaken.”  Psalm 62:1-2

I’m grateful for that one wheel chock that kept my camper in place during the storm.  I’m also grateful for Psalm 62 that reminds me that in the storms of life, God is my fortress.  And because of that fact, I shall never be shaken.  As followers of Jesus, may we all recognize and seek to make God our strong foundation.  This doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen…it just means the storms may rage, but God will be our strength and hold us fast.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Freedom 5.27.22

The next two holidays in our nation are times in which we hear a lot about freedom, and understandably so.  Freedom is such an important value in our land.  Freedom is a significant piece of what makes our nation great.  Freedom is what so many men and women of our nation have fought and died for, which is what we remember on Memorial Day.  Freedom to be our own nation and determine our own direction is what the Revolutionary War was about and the gaining of our Independence from England, which is what we celebrate on the Fourth of July.  As I said above, Freedom is a significant aspect of who we are as Americans.

Freedom is also a word that is an important part of our vocabulary and practice as followers of Jesus.  It’s a word that is used 10 times in the New Testament in the New Revised Standard Version; 17 times in the New Testament in the New International Version.  It’s Paul’s letter to the Galatians that the word freedom and being “free” is most vigorously focused on. 

The Apostle Paul started the church in Galatia on his first missionary journey.  Of course, there came a point where Paul had to move on.  After all, he felt called to spread the Good News of Jesus in the entire region, so there were other communities he wanted to get to.  At some point after he had moved on, a group of Jewish Christians came to Galatia, and as they had done in other communities where Paul had started churches, they began to say, “Paul was preaching an incomplete gospel.”  You see, this group believed to be a Christian you first had to become a Jew, complete with males adhering to circumcision and males and females following ALL the laws of Moses.

When Paul received word of what was happening back at the church in Galatia, and all the churches he started, he was quite upset, and his words reflect his emotions in what he writes in his letter to the Galatian Church.  Paul calls the Galatians, “foolish” twice in his letter.  But he goes on to say that it is for “freedom” that Jesus has set us free!  In other words, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has set us free from the legalism of all the laws of Moses.  He’s saying that Christ has also set humanity free from the idea of only Jews could be Jesus followers.  In other words, Christ opened up what we today call Christianity, to all people, no matter their race or ethnic background.  The primary focus is the law of Love, as Christ said, and as Paul points out, “The entire law is summed up in one command, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” 

Another point Paul makes, that is such a powerful statement for us yet today, is that so often humanity tends to believe that freedom means we can do whatever we want, spiritually, personally, politically, etc..  That’s a rather self-indulgent or self-centered view.  In fact, Paul addresses this very point saying that we shouldn’t use our freedom “as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love to become slaves to one another.”  Galatians 5:13. This is also a part of the promise that God made with Abraham and renewed with Isaac, that they are “blessed to be a blessing.”  That covenant continues to each of us today as followers of Jesus. 

The other powerful word that Paul writes to the Galatians is that the Fruit of the Spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control- is what we need to strive to live out through our faith.  Paul then reminds the Galatians, and us too, there is no law regulating these qualities in the land…or in our lives.  Paul’s word / God’s Word is clear for all of us in all aspects of our lives.  Let’s use our freedom to love and serve others.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

“I am not my own, I am yours. Use me!” 5.20.22

There are some stories contained in the Bible that truly give one pause.  Certain stories can even make one wonder how that particular incident or event can be contained in the pages of God’s Word for us.  We want to ask, “God, how could they…?” or “God, how could you…?”  In my personal devotion reading I’ve come across two such stories in the past week.

Just a couple weeks ago I started reading Genesis during my quiet time.  For the last couple of years, I’ve been reading primarily from the New Testament, so I thought it was about time I did some reading in the Old Testament.  I decided to start…in the beginning!  Just this morning I read from Genesis 22, it’s the story of Abraham being tested.  In this story God tells Abraham to go to a certain mountain and offer a sacrifice to God on that mountain.  The sacrifice to be offered was Isaac, Abraham’s son. 

Abraham faithfully gathered the supplies needed for the sacrifice, even having Isaac help carry some of the items to be used.  Once the proper mountain is identified, the altar is built, the wood is placed upon it, then Isaac is tied up and placed on top of the altar.  Abraham’s arm is raised, knife in hand, ready to be thrust into the sacrifice being offered.  But God intervenes, stopping this particular sacrifice, and acknowledges that Abraham has not withheld anything from God.  After all, as his son Isaac was Abraham’s most valuable “possession,” so to speak, and the obvious heir to the promise God had made with Abraham.   God provided a ram, caught in a thicket, saying the ram was now to be the sacrifice to God.  The ram is sacrificed, God is worshipped, and Isaac and his father return home with God’s promise with Abraham renewed.

I know the idea of child-sacrifice is unthinkable to us today.  I realize the idea of God asking Abraham to offer his son as a sacrifice makes some even question God.  But we also must keep in mind, that what is unthinkable to us in the 21st century was not the case in Abraham’s day.  There were cultures in that day that practiced child sacrifice.  In the midst of my own questioning, I also have to remind myself, that God actually did this very thing…offering his son, Jesus, as a sacrifice.

The other truth I believe this story points out is that at times we are asked to offer up things to God we don’t want to.  Abraham didn’t want to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.  After all, he had been waiting for decades for an answer to God’s promise.  Isaac was that answered prayer…and now to be asked to give it back??!! 

As I connect this story to our faith today and my life, I believe there might be times that God asks us to let go of something that seems really hard… even unthinkable.  If so, is there something that God wants to teach me or you?  Is God working on the “trust” issue that many of us wrestle with?  So, what’s the “thing” in your life or in my life that we want to hang on to?  Is it a person or a relationship, is it a possession, is it an attitude, a belief or a certain perspective?  Is it my cell phone, my car, my need to be right or in control?  What is the “thing” that we find ourselves thinking or feeling, “No, I can’t let go of that. I need that!”  Maybe, that is the very thing that God is asking of us.  Yet, like in the story of Abraham, God often has an interesting way of giving back what we surrender. 

The Bible continually displays the unique ways that God works in people’s lives to help them grow and be shaped into the people that God sees we can be and are most usable for God’s purposes.  God’s “shaping” work continues in our world and in our lives, even yet today.  “I am not my own, I am yours.  Use me!”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Love One Another 5.13.22

This is the season of graduations…a season of completions.  Seniors have completed their coursework, but often that means a new chapter of living out what you’ve learned begins.

I can remember several “graduations” in my life…some official, such as high school, college, and seminary.  But there’s also several unofficial graduations I hold in high regard in my life, such as passing or graduating from the motorcycle safety class and passing my check-ride, thus graduating from flight training and earning my pilot’s license. 

To receive my pilot’s license, I had to fly with an FAA Instructor because of an eye issue I have.  I did the maneuvers asked of me, I answered questions the instructor asked, and once back on the ground, the official congratulated me and said I had passed.  He signed my logbook and handed me a piece of paper.  The interesting thing is he didn’t say, “Here you go, this is your pilot’s license. You’re done.”  He said, “This is your ticket to keep on learning.”  The instructor went on to say that truly skilled pilots approach each flight as a learning opportunity.  Those words have stuck with me and become an unofficial directive for my life…to keep on learning.

I believe Jesus did sort of the same thing, giving his disciples some ongoing life-altering instructions before he left them, as that flight instructor did for me.   What Jesus said to the disciples back then, that also speaks to us his followers of today, is this; “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another.  Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

Notice Jesus didn’t say, “You’ve graduated now.  You’re done.  I’ve taught you and you’ve learned everything you need to know.”  No, he told them to “love” one another, a word that is an active and ongoing action word.  It doesn’t mean “once and done.”  It is something we keep on doing…regularly…daily!  Plus, it’s something we must keep learning and growing in as we ask the question, “How did Jesus love me?” because that’s how I/we are to love others. 

So, to the graduates, congratulations…and keep on learning!!  And to all of us who are followers of Jesus, may we keep on learning and growing as we live out Jesus’ “new command.”  The call to love is truly something our world needs, now more than ever, and it’s something that truly takes a lifetime to learn and accomplish.  Yes, let’s love one another!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Teacher Appreciation Week! 5.6.22

This week has been “Teacher Appreciation Week.”  In fact, today, Friday, May 6 is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week.  I understand there have been a few special treats around town that teachers have been able to enjoy.  That’s cool!!!  And they deserve every treat or form of appreciation they receive.  Teaching is such an important profession.  It is a profession and career that truly has the power to shape lives.  In fact, who are the teachers that have shaped your life?

I think of Mrs. Phyllis Sorensen, she’s the first teacher I remember.  She was kind and gentle.  Then there was Mrs. Evans, the teacher at our country school.  Boy, was she patient and hard working as she dealt with multiple ages and classes.  There was Mrs. Reinesch who was firm but also showed me grace and mercy.  There was Mrs. Johnston who, in a rather backward way, maybe planted the seed of ministry in my head and heart.  At the very least she was a prophetess and didn’t know it.  There was Mrs. Carter and Mr. Knutson who taught me a lot about music.  Of course, there was Marge Falk who patiently gave me piano lessons.  Mrs. Wright and Mr. Moore are other high school teachers I remember.  They each had their impact!!

In college I remember Vic Gordon and Thom Johnson, both who were religious studies professors.  Vic Gordon was also the Campus Chaplain.   Both of these individuals helped unlock the Bible and gave it new meaning for my life.  They both also gave me an incredible amount of support and direction as I began to think about the possibility of ministry for my life. 

In seminary, there was Dr. Bjornard, the Old Testament Professor.  He was never quite sure what to do with me because I was part Swedish and part Norwegian (He was 100% Norwegian).  But Dr. Bjornard truly brought the Old Testament to life and helped me see how these stories of old were still stories for our lives and faith today.  Dr. Robert Guelich helped me see the New Testament with fresh eyes that gave me a deeper and more personal understanding of Jesus and the early Church.  I could go on and on!!

Since seminary days I’ve had a number of official and unofficial teachers in my life – Adam Hamilton, Michael Slaughter, Andy Stanley, John Maxwell, Patrick Lencioni, Mark Batterson, Simon Sinek, Henri Nouwen, Fr. Richard Rohr, Brene’ Brown, and literally I could go on and on, speaking of all the “teachers” who have helped shape my life and my ministry.  These names I’ve mentioned don’t include the pastors and Bishops here in the Dakota’s who have also taught and shaped me!  And God’s not done yet.  I feel like there are still other things that God wants me to learn or how God wants me to grow. There are more teachers yet to come, that I’m sure of.  So, thank you.  Thank you one and all!!!

So, the question I want to raise to close with is this, “Who is teaching you these days?”  Who is helping to shape and form your life?  Your age doesn’t matter, there are still new things to learn.  Who are the teachers that are sharing wisdom with you?  Please take a moment to consider the teachers who have influenced you as well as the teachers who are still helping to shape your life.  Give thanks for them and if you are still able…Give thanks to them.  They often don’t hear words of appreciation enough.  So, with that in mind.  Phyllis Sorensen, probably the first teacher I remember…thank you!!!  You started it all!!  And I’m still learning, thanks to you!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

“Be still and know that I am God.” 4.29.22

This past week we had a delightful visitor to our back yard one evening.  It was a baby bunny. Nancy and I have some fun memories of baby bunnies from years back…but that’s a story for another day.  You can ask Nancy about nursing some baby bunnies back to health! 😊  Anyway, we had this cute little baby bunny hanging out in our yard.  Pictures were taken and then we left it alone. Later that night I checked, and the bunny was nowhere to be seen, so I hoped it had found it’s way back to its nest, or wherever it needed to go. 

The next morning, I checked around in the back yard just to see if the bunny was around, but I couldn’t see it.  Then, by chance I decided to look down our window wells just to make sure it hadn’t fallen into one.  Sure enough, there was the bunny, huddled in the corner.  

The window wells are deep enough that the bunny wasn’t going to be able to hop out, so the only other option was for me to hop into the window well and rescue the bunny.  I climbed in and of course my large presence in the confined space of the window well must have been rather frightening for the bunny because it started scampering around the window well.  It was little but it sure was quick because as I reached out to catch it, it would scurry to another spot, escaping my grasp.  Time and time again, I’d reach for it only to be denied the rescue I was wanting to offer.  When I simply stood still and didn’t move, the bunny would be calm and actually hopped around my feet. But the moment I would move, the panicked scurrying would start again. 

At one point I found myself thinking, “Bunny, be still and just know that I am here to help you.  I’m here to set you free from your captivity.”  Of course, the bunny didn’t know or couldn’t understand my intentions.  I was just a frightening large creature in a rather small and confined space.  Finally, I was able to coral the little thing and remove it from its prison. 

I was reflecting on that moment and how much I wanted to help the bunny, how it kept panicking and scampering away from me, and then my thought of “Be still and know that I’m here to help you.”  A verse from the Bible came to mind.  It seems there’s a Bible reference to “Be still and know…”  Yes, it’s Psalm 46:10 

My experience with the bunny gave me a new perspective on Psalm 46.  After all, Psalm 46 speaks of mountains shaking and falling into the sea, waters roaring and foaming (that sounds turbulent and scary to me), and nations being in an uproar (that’s reality in our world today).  This is all pretty frightening stuff!!  And what is the human response to these types of situations in our world??  We panic and we scurry around.  We move faster and faster thinking that if only we can do more, we can fix it.  But Psalm 46 reminds us that we are called to a different response, one that doesn’t involve panicking…  “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) This response recognizes whom is in our midst.

The truth is, God is here standing in the window well, or the world, with us.  Yes, many times we don’t recognize God’s presence, we’re just frightened by what’s going on in the world around us.  Yet God stands there patiently and calmly saying, “Be still and know I’m here to help you.  I’m here to rescue you from what is confining and scaring you.”  In the midst of the chaos and all that is frightening in our world, maybe we need to listen close and hear these words that God is speaking to us today, “Be still and know that I am God.”  Today, take a moment to put your own name in verse 10,   _______, be still and know that I am God…and I am here to help you!  Chaos is temporary.  God’s presence and love is steadfast and forever.  Amen…and Amen!!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Actions Speak Louder Than Words 4.22.22

The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  Those are such great words that we proclaim yet today as followers of Jesus.  The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  Easter is full of so many words, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?”  Or the single word that the resurrected Jesus spoke that changed Mary’s life.  That one word… “Mary.”  Or these words that Jesus spoke, “Peace be with you”, words that we still need to hear today.  These are all great words that Jesus spoke on that first Easter day. 

Words are such an important part of our world.  I did a quick Google search asking about how many words the average person speaks a day.  The average was 7,000- 10,000.   That’s a lot of words.  Then I typed in the question, “How many words does the average person hear or read a day?”  The most recent article I could find relating to this question was from 2009, and the answer it gave was 100,000.  I’m guessing that number is even higher now.  Just in what you’ve read of this article up to this point, you have read about 200 words. 

Words are so important in our world and in our lives.  However, I’m reminded of a saying that I learned as a child, “Actions speak louder than words.”  This is in part what the apostle Paul is trying to communicate in his letter to the Jesus followers at Corinth.  In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul writes to remind the people of the church that saying we love someone is important…but living out that love speaks volumes more than words ever will. 

In fact, as wonderful as the words were that Jesus spoke that first Easter morning, his most powerful message that day didn’t involve words at all.  Luke and John speak of the moment most clearly.  It took place on the evening of that first Easter Sunday.  The disciples were together and were basically hiding behind a locked door.  They were afraid for their own lives and a bit confused because of some people saying they’d seen Jesus alive.  But mostly, they were likely disturbed because Jesus’ body was gone, presumably taken, from the tomb. 

Then, without notice, Jesus is standing in their midst.  I’m guessing for the first few moments there wasn’t a word spoken.  In fact, I have a feeling there was an ear-splitting silence. Then there was an audible gasp from some of the disciples as the unspoken message sunk in…Jesus was alive!!!  And because of that moment the world has never quite been the same. 

We all recognize how essential words are in our everyday lives.  There are very few moments during our waking hours that we aren’t assaulted or surrounded by words.  They are everywhere.  (You’ve now read 480 words J)  In recent years, we’ve especially experienced the destructive power of words, as words have been used to divide, malign, confine, and even cancel people in our culture and world. 

As followers of Jesus, I believe a clear message for all of us, especially in our world today, is that of letting our actions speak for us.  In numerous stories from Jesus’ life, the message that was most clearly received had little to do with words, it was more about his actions; healing people, who he spent time with, what or who Jesus valued and accepted, etc. 

Remember what Jesus said when he gave the disciples the “new” command.  “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35. Jesus didn’t say, “By telling others you love them.”  He said, “if you have love for one another.”  That’s about living it, acting it, expressing it in our actions and daily living. I believe we all would agree the world needs more messages of love.  Personally, I feel there needs to be fewer words and more living moments expressing it.  My friends, may we each go into the world and live Jesus’ new command to love one another.  This is a message desperately needed and the great thing is, we don’t have to speak a word.  After all, actions truly do speak louder than words.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

We Made It to Our Destination

4.15.22

Today we have arrived at our destination.  For the past six weeks we have been journeying together through the season of Lent knowing what was before us.  We have finally arrived…we have arrived at the cross.  Most often in life there is a sense of accomplishment or happiness when one arrives at a destination.  However, in this case, arriving at the destination, the cross, is not a cause for celebration or even accomplishment.  There is more of a sense of shock, sadness, even despair as we are once again reminded of what humanity is capable of doing to other human beings.  

It really is rather interesting what we have done with the cross.  Think about it.  The cross was a device used by Rome to torture and execute prisoners.  The cross being used in this manner didn’t originate with the Romans, but as some historians say, they perfected it’s use.  This is exactly what we remember, today of all days.  This is the day that Jesus was nailed to a cross and died.  It is interesting that a device used in this manner would become a central object and symbol of the Christian faith considering it’s brutal and hostile past.

As a pastor, you can imagine that I have become a collector of crosses.  As I spin in my chair, I see several crosses that are a part of the memorabilia that I keep in my office.  There’s a Jerusalem cross that I got while in Jerusalem.  There’s a paper cross on my bulletin board, colored and given to me by a Sunday School Student.  There’s a sleek cross made of glass.  There’s an ornate cross made of Olive Wood that also came from the Holy Land.  I believe that one came from Nancy’s Grandpa.  There’s a cross that is made from an old hymnal.  There’s a cross on my shelves that is from the church I grew up in.  One of my favorite crosses is made from old, weathered barn wood.  A number of these crosses were used as pew decorations for a wedding and then given to the church.  I like that one so much because of its roughness – there’s no attempt to make it look “pretty,” so to speak.  I have a beautiful Black Hills Gold cross given to me as a farewell gift from a church I served.  I’ve got a wooden cross that fits so nicely in my hand.  I’ve got a bronze cross that is heavy.  Holding it makes me think of the weight of the cross.  You get the point…I have a lot of crosses.

How interesting it is that years ago in Jesus’ day, one would not want to get to close to a cross.  Now you see crosses everywhere and on so many people.  It might seem that our culture has gone to the other extreme.  The cross is everywhere because it’s become more of a fashion statement or a decorating accent.  I’ll admit there are times I would like to go up to a person and ask them what the cross represents for them as they wear or display it.  Actually, that probably wouldn’t be a bad way to connect with people and gain new insights into how people think and what they believe.  

For us as Christians, the cross is such a central symbol of our faith because of what it represents for us as followers of Jesus; it represents sacrifice, it represents redemption, it represents forgiveness, it represents a new identity.  This list could go on and on.  

But today, on this Good Friday, I am wearing one of my own crosses.  It’s a cross made of three-square nails.  I wear it, especially today, to remember it was three nails that held Jesus on the cross.  Yet the more I think about the meaning and power of this day and the cross, that isn’t true either.  You see what really held Jesus to the cross…was love.  His love for you…and his love for me!  “For God so loved the world, he gave…”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

From Fear to Love 4.8.22

So, how is the moving going in your life?  “What!” you’re thinking!   “Moving…I’m not moving!”  Well, maybe you aren’t…but maybe you are!!  The reason I ask this question is because in the book I’m reading for Lent, (Spiritual Formation by Henri Nouwen,) the author proposes that spiritual formation or spiritual growth isn’t so much about achieving stages or mastering steps.  Nouwen states that spiritual formation is really about movement, such as moving from Sorrow to Joy, from Resentment to Gratitude, or as this week’s chapter states, moving from Fear to Love.  Yes, I believe he is right, there is a lot of motion and movement in life, in growth, and in spiritual formation.

In the chapter about moving “From Fear to Love,” a phrase was used that really struck a chord with me.  Nouwen writes, “The invitation of Christ is the invitation to move out of the house of fear and into the house of love:” (Spiritual Formation; page 78).  I want to make sure you caught that - Moving out of the house of fear and into the house of love.  Think about that for just a moment.

In my adult life I’ve done enough moving to know it’s a lot of work to move from one house to another. There’s all sorts of sorting, throwing away, and packing that has to be done in preparation.  Then there’s the process of saying good-bye to the neighbors as well as saying good-bye to the home itself.  Next comes the journey to arrive at the new home, the process of saying hello to a new building and neighbors, unpacking boxes and helping your possessions discover their new home in your new home.  And finally, there’s the continual process of entering into the new home. 

Now I realize I’ve oversimplified the moving process into just a few short sentences.  When the reality is it can take months…even years to truly make the move from one home to another.  Yet, let’s look at the moving process and connect it with Nouwen’s discussion of moving into a new home.

To move out of the house of fear requires a lot of sorting.  If we’re moving into the house of love, it is going to mean there are a lot of old “tapes” or messages and influences that will need to be disposed of.  Sometimes it is easy to recognize the thoughts and attitudes that cannot make the move.  They’ve got to go!  But of course, we all know that even after the move takes place, the sorting continues.  There will be other items you’ll come across and wonder, “Why did I bring that?” and then simply throw it away. And that’s OK!!

There is a process of saying good-bye to the old neighbors, the people or structures that have kept us living in fear.  This is real.  If one doesn’t say good-bye to these influences, they will tend to hitch a ride and come along to the new home and take up residence with you again.  Saying hello to the new home, the new environment in which one will live is also an important process.  This means greeting and welcoming the new influences and making them a part of your life.  It means finding a new place for the things you’ve brought with you to the new home and of course this takes time.  Sometimes, lot of time!!  This is all truly hard work because usually this also means that change is taking place in one’s life.

The final step I mentioned is continuing to show up or enter into the new home.  Now usually this isn’t a problem because when I’ve moved, it’s been to a completely different town or city.  However, one-time years ago, when we moved from an apartment to our first home, I got off work late at night, I was tired and not really thinking, and I turned at the usual corner…but it wasn’t the corner I turned at to go to our new home.  I was heading to the old apartment.  Yes, this can happen, spiritually speaking too.  Old patterns, behaviors, or attitudes can pop up even in the most unlikely moments.  We must be intentional about going to our new home.

So, let me ask you again, how is the moving going in your life?? Are you, like me, making the move from the house of fear to the house of love?  I have a feeling this will be a lifelong move for me.  But the truth is, if Henri Nouwen is right, and I feel that he is, we all are moving.  Moving to new places of understanding, moving to new areas of faithfulness, moving to new ways of following and imitating Jesus.  And through it all, we really are moving, not just into a new house so to speak, we are really moving into a new Kingdom.  The Kingdom or the reign of God in our lives and in our world.  May our combined prayer be, “God, help me move into the house that You build!”

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

“If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine, give me your hand.” 4.1.22

It’s amazing the slogans, phrases, and bits of information that one can remember.  I can remember our home telephone number from the farm.  I can remember our CB number.  Remember those days back in the 70’s?  Our home base was KRF-2145.  My CB handle was “Trailblazer.” (There’s a story behind that, which I’ll tell another day.)  Mom was “Organ Grinder” because she played organ and piano at our little country church.  Such useless information that still has a spot in my memory banks.  (I can even still remember the phone number to Nancy’s home in Iowa that I called.)

I also found myself thinking about some old commercial tag lines.  One of the oldest I can still easily remember is, “Don’t leave home without it!”  How many of you remember that one? Do you remember what the product was being sold with that line?  Do you remember the first “big name” actor who made that tag line famous?  Yes, the product was a credit card. 

Speaking of credit cards, another tag line that really isn’t all that old, 20 years, that is still used to this day is, “What’s in your wallet?”  This series of commercials strive to show how good things happen to a person when they have and use this particular credit card.  So, the tag line, “What’s in your wallet?” is intended to get you to question what credit card you have and use. 

Well, to be honest, I don’t really care what is in your wallet, credit card wise.  But the line or phrase that I do care about and that has come to mind more often in recent days, especially in our current days is this, “What’s in your heart?”

Now, there is a bit of a story behind the question, “What’s in your heart?”  It is said that years ago John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Movement, was involved in a heated theological debate with a pastor of another faith tradition.  It was obvious that neither individual was going to change their position or beliefs and they were simply wasting time debating.  Finally, Wesley paused in the discussion and said, “If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine, give me your hand.”  What that means is that if the love of Christ is contained in one’s heart and life, that’s really all that is necessary.  Even though there may be different opinions and beliefs, it is still possible to take each other’s hand in friendship, or as co-workers for Christ, and not dwell on the differences but rather share in ministry where they can further the work of Christ and the Kingdom of God. 

I believe these are such powerful words, words needed to be heard and lived out in our day.  Yes, right now we live in a world that is rather divided.  It seems everywhere one looks, there are forces at work seeking to make people chose sides.  What if the side we chose was that of the side of living Christ’s love?  That does sound rather familiar… “A new command I give you…love one another.”  There are always going to be things that divide us.  I like peanut butter and chocolate together.  Some people don’t.  Hmmm, seems like there’s an old commercial about that too!  😊  But especially in the Church, we would do well to remember and live Wesley’s words.  “If Christ is in your heart as he is in mine…give me your hand.”  That’s all that really matters.  Let’s work…and love the world together.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith