The Structure of Faith 7.22.22

I feel that most of us would agree, we have a beautiful building that we worship in.  Our church facility is a wonderful base of operation for the people of the Mitchell Community who call Downtown Mitchell First United Methodist Church their church home.  Part of the beauty and intention of the architecture of a structure, such as what we worship in, is to draw our eyes upward – as in drawing our eyes heavenward toward God.  Yes, our facility does just that, at least for me.  It draws my eyes, and my thoughts upward. 

As beautiful and meaningful as our facility is to our church family, the unspoken little secret is that it takes regular maintenance to keep the structure in sound usable status.  Something that not many people would think about is the mortar, the cement-like substance that is placed between the bricks that is the glue, so to speak, that holds them all together.  Over time the mortar can develop cracks, which can allow moisture to seep in between the bricks, and then that can cause the cracks to get bigger and become longer, which over time can then threaten the stability of a wall. 

It has been several decades since the last tuckpointing, or mortar repair, was done.  Dan and the Trustees have been aware of some cracks in the mortar.  However, this past Spring when we had the stained-glass workers here at our facility, they used their lift to get up to the windows they were working on, and in doing so they discovered a number of cracks that couldn’t easily be seen from the ground. 

This is not work that has to be done immediately, but it is also work that cannot be ignored and put off indefinitely.  In fact, the Trustees are gathering bids now so the work can be done within the next couple years.  However, this is not a cheap project so we’re going to start raising funds now. 

So, to help begin to raise these needed funds, I’m riding the Tour de Corn as a fundraiser for the Tuckpointing project.  The Tour de Corn will be held this year on August 20.  I am planning on doing the 62-mile ride.  I am seeking pledges for either per mile, or simply for the ride.  All the money raised will go into a fund to pay for the tuckpointing project.  There will be a signup sheet in the gathering area, or you can talk to me (Pastor Keith) or call Johanna in the church office. 

A final word I want to lift up is that our facility isn’t just about bricks and mortar.  We are really about doing spiritual work.  So, the question I am asking myself, and maybe a good question for all of us, is that of, “What is the condition of the mortar of my spiritual house?”  Personally, I believe our faith is the mortar that holds the bricks of our spiritual house together.  But over time, and especially with the stress of the past two years, it is likely that cracks have developed in the mortar of our faith, a least I know there have been some cracks that have developed in my faith house.  But just like the mortar of our church facility, the cracks in our faith aren’t a significant problem unless they are ignored. 

So, this year as I pedal my way around the Tour de Corn Route, and as I pedal in training for the event.  I’m going to be asking God, “Where are the cracks in the mortar of my faith that need to be attended to?”  This is important work for all of us who claim to be followers of Jesus.  Here in this house, we are working toward re-cementing our connection with God, our neighbors, and even with ourselves. This is truly important and life-giving work.  Join me in this cause for our facility…and for the strength of our combined faith!

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Faith Bugs 7.15.22

Bug season has arrived.  There are big bugs, little bugs, crawling bugs, jumping bugs, flying bugs, running bugs, biting bugs, ugly bugs, etc.  This means we can’t leave the patio door open for any length of time because we don’t want our home invaded by bugs. 

But there’s a special category of bugs that I was reminded of just the other day.  We refer to them as “no-see-ums.”  This means they are so tiny that they are really hard to see.  Just the other morning I was working in our garden pulling some weeds and doing some watering.  Suddenly there was a burning sensation on my arm.  Then there was the same sensation on my leg.  Yes, it was a rare moment that I had shorts on.  Then, the burning feeling returned to my arm in another spot.  I finally realized this burning sensation was being caused by tiny little bugs, the no-see-ums, that were biting me. 

Big bugs are easy to see and generally easier to avoid by swatting at them, moving away from them, etc.  However, the no-see-ums are much more difficult to avoid because it’s almost impossible to know when they are close or when they are even on you and in biting position.  You only know they are there when you feel the bite, the burn, or the sting.

I have a feeling that most of us would realize and understand that there are “bugs” in our faith journey too.  You know, the things that are annoying, that get in the way, that are obstacles to fully feeling connected or in tune with God.  Of course, there are the big bugs in the faith journey.  Jesus talks about some of them being;

“sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, pride, folly.”  That list comes from Mark 7:22.  Paul provides a list in Galatians 5 that he refers to these bugs as, the works of the flesh.  His list includes, “sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these.” Galatians 5:19-21

These are both great lists of the sins or bugs to avoid in our relationship with God.  But what I find is that it usually isn’t these big “bugs” that trip me up. There’s the no-see-ums of the faith that are what get me.  You know, it’s the sense of entitlement that on accession pops up.  “You’ve been working hard, you’re entitled to…” Or it’s the question that satan puts in my ear.  “Do you really think one time is going to hurt you.”  Or it’s the statement that we hear quite often, either directly or indirectly, in our world today “Come on…everyone else is doing it.” Or a real common one that I hear about…and I experience it myself, is that little voice that whispers, especially in the difficult moments in life, “Does God really love you?  Does God really care?”

Of course, what the no-see-ums are in life and faith can differ from person to person because the blind spots we each have also differ from person to person, depending on our experiences, expectations, temperament, etc.   But just like in life, bug repellant keeps the bugs, even the no-see-ums, away.  In our faith, the bug repellent is knowing scripture, prayer, community, and a close, vibrant, and honest connection with God. 

Today, I’m going to think about the no-see-ums in my faith.  What are they?  When do they tend to bite?  Then I might find a scripture or two to address a couple of those bites, and I’ll spend some time talking to God about it, too.  How about you?  Bugs, or the things that lead to sin and disconnection from God are real, even the no-see-ums.  Take a moment to consider the no-see-ums in your life and faith.  When you find or feel a couple of them, apply the repellent of God love, God’s Word, and God’s truth.  It’s amazing how quickly the bugs will scurry away when God’s truth, Word, and love is applied in our lives.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Mac-n-Cheese 7-08-22

Downtown Mitchell First UMC

310 North Rowley, Mitchell, SD 57301

Rev. Keith Nelson, Lead Pastor

keith@downtownfirstumc.com

Recently Nancy and I spent some time in the Wisconsin Dells. We spent a couple days there on our honeymoon, and since this is our 40-year wedding anniversary, we thought it fitting to return to the Dells. Wow, has that region changed a lot in 40 years. One of our unofficial “vacation rules” is that if we are going to eat out, we try not to eat at a restaurant that we have here in Mitchell. Ok, there is one exception…Dairy Queen. Oh, and I guess if either of us wants a 99-cent beverage, McDonalds is the place to go. Other than that, we try to find unique or at least different places to eat.

So, as we were walking along the main street of downtown Wisconsin Dells, we came across a restaurant called MACS, which featured Macaroni and Cheese. Like many of you are thinking right now, my first thought was, “Mac and Cheese, that’s kids’ food.” And we walked on by. A bit later I found my mind drifting back to MACS and thinking about how I’d heard from some people that mac and cheese had become more of a “thing” in the food world…even for adults. So, I brought it up to Nancy; “Want to give MACS a try?” She was rather surprised but said, “Sure.” After looking over the menu, I ordered the Memphis MAC, which featured Mac and Cheese, of course. But it also had pulled pork and BBQ sauce. YUM!!! Nancy got the Veggie MAC which included onions, mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and of course mac and cheese. What arrived at our table looked nothing like the mac and cheese that we used to serve our kids when they were little. Let me say…it was SO good!!! I’d go back again I was so glad that we decided to try something totally different for our evening meal.

The truth is, we all get stuck in our ruts…not just in the food world, but also in other areas of our life, such as in our spiritual life. Often, we human beings tend to stick with what we know and what we are comfortable with. Or, as I’ve heard some people put it, “I know what I like, and I like what I know!” But, there’s another saying that is also very true, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” Meaning, if you haven’t tried or experienced something new or different, you really don’t know if you’ll like it, if it will be meaningful, or helpful or not.

Recently I’ve read some authors that aren’t usually on my “favorites” list. I’ve listened to a couple podcasts that aren’t the norm for me. I’ve experienced and participated in worship in forms that generally wouldn’t be my first choice. I’ve listened to some styles of music that generally aren’t on my play list. What I have found is that I have been enriched by many of these different experiences. No, I won’t be including all of them in my usual or regular faith practices, but God has spoken to me or has allowed me to gain a new insight into God’s presence and power through these different means. This practice has helped me see that God is so much bigger than my own limited understanding.

Now this isn’t to say that anything goes, so to speak. There are some basic beliefs and faith tenants that I do hold to even as I explore other faith experiences. But the truth is, sometimes I do get in a rut and God shows us over and over again in the Bible that God often pulls people out of their ruts in unexpected and new ways. So, a practice I try to follow, and I encourage others to do so as well, is try a new experience in your faith journey every so often, and rather than being immediately critical in a negative way, ask yourself, “How might God be speaking and moving in this moment?” You might just discover a new favorite.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Breaking Out Of Our Routine 6.17.22

Recently I pulled into my usual place for filling up my car with gas.  I pulled up to the first pump and then noticed the “out-of-service” bag over the nozzle.  I then glanced at the next pump; it also had the same yellow bag over its filling nozzle.  I then looked at all the pumps.  They all had a yellow “out of service” bag over the nozzle end of the hose.  “That’s odd.” I thought.  I then focused my attention on the convenience store building and that’s when I saw nothing.  Oh, the building was still there but the inside was dark, I could see the shelves were empty, and there was a “Going Out of Business” sign in the front window.  Well, when did that happen?  Obviously since the last time I got gas!

This experience reminded me of how much we humans are creatures of habit and we don’t like our routines messed with.  My first reaction when realizing my “usual” place was closed, was that of “Oh no…what am I going to do? Where am I going to get gas?” After all, this was the place that I could get 7 cents off a gallon of gas for paying with cash!!  Then I laughed at myself and realized this was nothing to panic about, there were plenty of other places to get fuel for my car.  What this means is that I now have the opportunity to get acquainted with other gas stations here in Mitchell.  I might even find a place I like better! 

As I reflect on this moment it points out that change can be challenging, especially unexpected change.  But change can also provide new and growing opportunities, as well as new discoveries.  I’ve discovered this truth in my spiritual life as well. 

I don’t know about you, but I tend to get in a rut, spiritually speaking.  I have tended to read from the same translation of the Bible, I have tended to read the same authors, I have tended to follow the same pattern in my quiet time, etc.  None of this is necessarily a bad thing…but it does limit what I use to fuel my soul.  In my sermon preparation, one of my seminary professors suggested that we read the passage we’re preaching on from several different Bible translations.  Sometimes a word in a different translation than what we usually use will provide a new insight into a not-before seen principle in God’s Word. 

At the beginning of this year, I started reading from a different translation of the Bible for my personal devotion time.  It helps give a new perspective on things, sometimes.  It helps me experience God’s Word in fresh ways.  I’ve even intentionally read some different authors and speakers in the past year, simply to open myself up to new thoughts and ideas.  This has truly provided fuel for my soul!

As we each make our way through our day, through our week, through this month, and even through this year, sometimes it can be a good thing to break out of our routines.  I know, it can be rather uncomfortable, at least to begin with, but it can also provide an opportunity for new experiences and new growth. So, what if your favorite faith author stops writing…what if your favorite podcast, speaker, preacher, teacher, that has given you spiritual fuel, stops speaking?  What to do!?  It just might be a great opportunity to allow God to speak into your life in new and fresh ways.  It might be a God-given opportunity to search out new sources of fuel for your soul.  After all, I didn’t stop driving just because my favorite gas station closed, I simply found another place that provided the fuel I needed to keep on going. 

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

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