The Seeds We Plant 05.05.2023

Yesterday I traveled south to Parkston to make a visit.  As I was driving along, I saw it…farmers out in the fields.  I’m sure they were happy.  One was tilling.  Another one was seeding.  It was fun to see the fieldwork being done and it brought back many memories.  You see, I always enjoyed the field work side of farming.  Taking care of the livestock…not so much!  That wasn’t my thing.  But the field work…that I enjoyed.  

Growing up on the farm, I loved sitting on the tractor and pulling the disk behind.  To me it was mesmerizing to watch the dark soil being turned over, knowing I was helping prepare for the next crop to be grown.  I felt like I was accomplishing something as I made my way back and forth across the field.

However, there were a number of lessons learned from my disking days.  One of those lessons was that the soil conditions could change as I made my way from one end of the field to the other.  There were the wet spots.  If water was still standing, I knew to avoid it and not to press my luck by seeing how close to the water I could disk or drive.  Then there might be gumbo.  This was pretty rare and could be hard to spot, but if I payed attention there was a bit of a color change in the soil.  However, once in the gumbo, it was important to raise the disk up and get out of that area…quickly or you’d be stuck…and stuck really bad.  

There was also the hard-packed soil, or the gravely soil, and even good-sized rocks that hadn’t been there the year before, that had to be avoided, but ultimately dealt with.  Yes, I did have to pay attention as I made my way across the field or things could go very wrong. 

Now I realize farming techniques have changed from when I was growing up, but some aspects are still the same.  Tilling was just the beginning of the field work.  There was also fertilizer, crop rotation, weed control, and even fallow consideration.  In other words, there is a lot that goes into the preparations or planning before seeds are ever planted.  

So, in this season of planting the fields of our region, the question I really want to ask is this, what are you and I doing in preparation for the planting of seeds in the fields of our own lives.  The season of the church year that will be here in just a few weeks, Pentecost, is often viewed as a season of growth.  So, what are we doing to prepare our hearts and minds now for the season of growth that will soon arrive? 

What are we doing to stir the soil within us? Are there any “gumbo” spots we tend to get mired down in?  How about gravely dry spots?  If so, what are we doing about it to make the soil more productive?  How about rocks?  Are there any big rocks that have surfaced in our lives that need to be dealt with to make soil preparation easier?  What fertilizer or nutrients are needed within to ensure a healthy start to the seeds that God is planting?  

Actually, these kinds of questions are valuable and appropriate any time of the year, but seeing the farmers out in their fields is a good reminder for all of us to consider the field work for our own faith journey.  God is continually planting seeds in our lives, but the question becomes are the fields of our heart, mind, and spirit ready to receive that seed.  

So, what are the seeds we each sense God might be scattering in the soil of our hearts?  What are we doing to encourage the growth of those seeds?  And of course, remember, the goal is not just the growth.  The real goal is for those seeds to bear fruit in our lives.  That is the goal of farming…and that is God’s greater goal too.  Seeds bearing fruit in our lives and in this world.
Pastor Keith

Treasures 04.28.2023

Almost every morning I have a similar routine.  I get up, spend a bit of time in prayer, I do some stretches, I run 3 miles, then I take Sophie, our golden retriever for a walk n’ stop.  I say walk n’ stop because that is pretty much what it is.  We walk a bit but then Sophie smells something that gets her full attention, so she stops to investigate further…which means I have to stop too.  Some walks are better than others.  But at least we both do get some fresh air and exercise.

The really fun thing about the walks with Sophie is seeing what the treasure is that she will find, and yes, there is always a treasure.  Sometimes it’s simply a stick that she finds.  One day it was a golf ball.  Another day it was a ratty glove.  Some days it’s a leaf or a piece of paper or cardboard lying beside the path that gets her attention. A while back it was a piece of “caution” ribbon from a construction site that she found – that was truly a prized possession.  One day it was one of my gloves that fell out of my pocket.  Being the dutiful retriever she proudly carried that glove all the way home to show Nancy.  She even ran pretty much all the way back to the house just so she could get that treasure home!!

Yes, one of the surprises for me on those morning walks is…what’s going to be Sophie’s treasure.  Then when she finds it or claims it, I find myself wondering what it was that made that item the treasure?  Who knows!  But it is a fun thing to see what her treasure will be.  

That got me thinking about my own journey through each day.  What’s the treasure that I found in recent days?  Or a more revealing question might be, am I even looking for a treasure as I go through my day?  The truth is sometimes I simply put my nose to the grindstone and just push through the day to get those immediate things checked off my “to do” list.  Treasure hunting isn’t on my mind at all.  

Yet, I wonder what a difference it would make in my journey through life if I approached each day with the attitude that somewhere…somewhere in the experience of this day there is a treasure just waiting to be found.  Would it open my eyes with greater wonder, would I look around and see more possibilities, and would I see the adventure in each moment?

Today as we each make our way through the day, and even the week that lies before us, I would challenge myself…and each of us to look for a treasure, something of value to take from each day.  Look for something unique that will somehow build meaning or value into your day and into your life.  Look for a treasure that will help you learn something new, grow in your faith, or just gain a greater appreciation for God, your faith, another person, the gift of life, etc. 

Sometimes the greatest life lessons are the simple ones…even ones learned from one’s pet, like our golden retriever.  Today, I’m going to look for a treasure to take home!!!  How about you??

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Thank you, God 04.21.2023

Have you ever had to deal with the reality of failure in your life?  I’m guessing that most of us would respond with a “Yes” when answering that question.  Certainly, I have dealt with failure in life, in ministry, in relationships, in parenting, etc.  But a second question to ask about those moments from our lives, which maybe can’t be asked or answered until a bit of time has passed, is, was it really a failure?  

What brings this thought to mind is an after-Easter story that I’m guessing most of us have heard or are at least familiar with.  It’s the story of a couple of disciples walking, on that first Easter morning, to one of their homes in the village of Emmaus.  

Grief and uncertainty hung heavy in the air as these two unnamed disciples walked along discussing what had happened during the past several days…maybe even discussing the past three years of following Jesus.  With heads hung low and keeping to themselves, they walked along…hurting, thinking, talking, processing.  They noticed another traveler along the way also heading toward Emmaus.  They likely nodded to each other.  Maybe “Shaloms” were spoken, but they walked on.  Finally, the stranger asked what the two disciples were discussing as they walked along?  

One of the disciples, who now is identified by the name Cleopas, responds by saying, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know of the things that have happened there the past few days?”  And the new traveling companion says, “What Things?”

The reply is, “About Jesus of Nazareth, the great prophet, the great teacher, the great miracle worker.  The chief priests and leaders had him put to death on a cross.  Jesus had been our hope.  He was going to be the one to redeem Israel, or so we had all dreamed.  But then he died.  Though some women from our group went to the tomb this morning and it was empty.  They said they had a vision that proclaimed Jesus was alive.  But….” It was then that the third traveler spoke up and began to explain how the Messiah had to die.  

They arrived at Emmaus.  The disciples turned off the path to go home.  The other traveler appeared to keep on going.  They invited him to stay with them.  He accepted.  Then as they sat down to eat a meal their guest took bread, blessed it, and broke it.  It was then the two disciples realized it was Jesus who had been walking and talking with them all along.  They then realized that what Jesus had been telling them earlier was that what appeared to be failure, Jesus’ death, was actually an opportunity for God to do an amazing work, not just for Israel, but for all humanity.  Jesus was the redeemer, just not in the way they thought.  

What if this is a story for all of us?  Well, it is for all of us because Jesus’ death redeemed each of us.  But what if this story of presumed failure is really for each of us yet today.  When we experience failure, it just might be an opportunity for God’s transforming power to shine bright and bring about redemption or a new beginning in our lives.  That is what these disciples learned.  You see, God is able to redeem not only people…but situations, events, and moments for God’s greater purpose in the world.  Remember, it is our God who says, “My thoughts are not your thoughts…nor are your ways my ways.”  Isaiah 55:8

Our God is able to see things in a totally different way than we do.  God is able to take the failures of this life and transform them into something useful and even incredible for God’s purposes.  Yes, I am able to look back at some of the lowest points in my life and ministry where I felt I had failed, and now I can see how God was at work in those moments, using that experience to help create a better future.  

If anyone is feeling like you’re walking on the lonely and uncertain Emmaus Road, just remember, there is likely someone traveling with you who is able to take that seemingly moment of failure and turn it into something amazing…all for the glory of God!  Of course, that other one traveling with you is the living Jesus, the one who is able to turn failure into victory!!  Thank God for the Emmaus Road.  Thank God for redemption.  Thank God for turning darkness and failure into victory and new possibilities!

Learning Lovingkindness,

Pastor Keith

He Is Risen 04.14.2023

How was your Easter?  I hope it was a great day!  If you were with us on Easter morning for either of our worship services, either physically or virtually, then you experienced the presence of God and the joy of celebration.  The “Son has Risen” service featuring our youth, was a very powerful experience with music, a hands-on prayer project, and the energy of our youth helping to lead the service.  Our Traditional service at 10 am was filled with music, celebration, and the energy of a full church.  Both services focused on the triumphant hope of new life.  Yes, it was a great morning!! 

Of course, the main focus of Easter morning was celebrating our Risen Lord!  The Lord is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed!!  But as I look back it wasn’t until Monday that the true meaning of Easter sunk in for me.  So, now you are wondering what happened on Monday that out-shined Easter morning?  Well, it’s not so much that anything out-shined the other…it’s a matter of the deeper message of Easter becoming real within one’s soul.

Remember Monday, the day after Easter, the church office was closed to allow our staff to catch their breath after a very full and busy Lent and Holy Week (Thank You Staff for your tireless work!!).  So, on Monday morning I decided to tackle one of the projects that needed doing at our home.  I decided to rake the front yard.  This isn’t a job I really enjoy doing, but I could especially see that it needed to be done this year.  There had been some pretty big piles of snow in our front yard, and where those piles of snow had been the grass was all brown and yucky (technical lawn term ☺) and it was all matted down.  So, I got out the rake, and started in on the task.  

As I said, the grass still seemed to be in the brown hibernation phase.  However, as I raked I began to see something different…I began to see bits of green, meaning there was new growth coming.  Especially in the places where the grass had been totally matted flat on the ground, as I raked and loosened it up, I could see there was a lot of new life.  It was just waiting to be released from what was holding it back and holding it down.  The more I raked, the more the symbolism of what I was seeing sunk into my heart bringing to light my own personal Easter message – a message that proclaimed, “In the midst of death there is life!”  

Our world so often seems overly filled with death.  From the news magazines and sites I read to the news programs I listen to; it often seems that death is the center of attention or very close at hand in so many stories.  Plus, just from everything else going on globally, it seems there is so much despair and brokenness that permeates our world.  I have heard people describe feeling as if a dark heavy cloud is holding our world and our society captive, even to the point of feeling like it sucks the life out of things.  

But this is where Easter comes into our world in a powerful way.  Part of the imagery of the bright colors of Easter is that it is overcoming the dreariness of winter.  In the same way Jesus stepping out of the tomb alive, shakes up the dreariness, the darkness, and the despair of the world we live in.  Yes, sometimes it takes work on our part (raking) to push back the deadness to see the hope and the power of new life that is present, but it is there just waiting to be discovered. 

One of the great Easter passages in the Bible, I believe, is John 1:5.  John uses the imagery of light to describe Jesus.  The passage says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.”  That is a great Easter message for our Day!!  Don’t let the heaviness in life hold you down.  Easter is about life coming forth from death.  New life is possible!!  Hope is always present because we are Easter People.  Happy Easter Everyone.  The Lord is risen!  He is RISEN INDEED!!!

Pastor Keith

Today...We Remember 04.07.2023

We’ve all experienced it.  You say something over and over again…and over time you simply stop thinking about what you are saying.  For couples in a relationship, the words “I Love You” can have that fate.  Without intention, the words become empty.  In the presence of one’s healthcare provider it is easy to say, “Yes, I’m watching what I eat and I’m losing weight.”  And yet we go home and have a bowl of ice cream because we made it through that appointment/day.  

As a pastor, I have literally said the Lord’s Prayer hundreds…if not thousands of times.  Throughout my entire ministry I’ve thought of doing a sermon series or even a study on the Lord’s Prayer, just to become more focused on the words I/we actually speak when praying that prayer.  Most of us can probably say the words by memory without really thinking much about what we are saying.  I know I at times have been guilty of this!!

I have found this six-week study and sermon series on the Lord’s Prayer very beneficial, and even eye opening as I’ve become more aware of and connected with the words of the prayer.  Two of the words that have had the greatest impact are “Thy & Thine,” or in a more current day voice the words would be “your & yours.” 

Of course, the intent of the words is to direct our focus, or the person praying the prayer, to where our focus really belongs…to God.  Honored be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory…  Line after line in this prayer, we are reminded that it isn’t our interests that we are seeking after in our prayer or in how we live our life, but rather it is God’s interest, God’s Kingdom, God’s will which we seek.  Yet, how often do those words slip out of my mouth without my focus truly being on living those phrases out.  How often do I, or any of us, just say the words trying to get to the “Amen” or the end.

Today is Good Friday, and as I read through the Good Friday story in Luke’s gospel, chapter 22, I came across some familiar words, words that Jesus shares with the disciples as he is teaching them about prayer.  Jesus is in the garden praying, this is after the last supper and before his arrest.  It is likely late at night on Thursday or in the wee hours of Friday morning.  Jesus prays these words, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, yet not my will but yours be done.”  Did you hear them… “not my will be yours (will) be done.”

When Jesus taught the disciples the pattern for prayer in Matthew 6, part of the prayer is, “Your kingdom come, your will be done.”  Throughout his earthly life this truly is the focus of Jesus’ actions, living out God’s Kingdom and will.  But we see it so very clearly on Good Friday when Jesus knows what he is about to face - the cross.  He asks if there is another way.  But he says with trembling conviction, “but not my will but yours be done.”  That is powerful!  Jesus’ pattern for prayer wasn’t just words to the disciples…he lived it out…and it cost him his life.

As I journey on in life walking with Jesus, I find the Lord’s prayer speaking deeply to me.  Am I honoring God’s name, am I reaching for God’s Kingdom and will to be done here on earth (in my life and community) as it is in heaven?  Am I trusting God for the things that I truly need in life?  Am I forgiving others as often and as quickly as I am seeking God’s forgiveness?  Am I really seeking God’s leadership in my life and allowing God to help me steer clear of the evil that so quickly tempts?  Do I recognize that all the kingdoms of this world & universe, the power, and the glory is truly God’s….and God’s alone?  Powerful words and questions. 

But for today, I hear the words echoing in the world and in my heart and mind, “not my will but yours be done.”  Thank you, Jesus, for surrendering to God’s will.  Today…we remember!!

Pastor Keith

God's Spirit At Work 03.31.2023

There is good news in the world!!  There is good news in our church!!  But to make sure that good news is heard, we have to tell the story!  So, today I want to tell a couple of stories that make me smile.  

The first good news story is that recently we had six people join our church family. Yes, six individuals met with me for a couple hours after worship several weeks ago to gain a little bit of history about John Wesley and the United Methodist Church.  We also explored a little bit about who we are, Downtown Mitchell FUMC, as a church family here in Mitchell.  Then, at the end of the time together on that day, they took the vows of membership and promised to support our church with their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.

But the story I really want to tell speaks of the generosity of our congregation and how that impacts and causes others to want to be generous and to make a difference in the world, no matter how small.  This story also speaks of the power of our use of technology and how we are able to include people in the community in our worship and ministry, even though they are not physically present in our facility.  

Last week I led worship in one of our area care facilities.  As residents were gathering for the service, I walked around greeting and visiting with them.  So, I was kind of on the move.  All of a sudden I heard “Pastor Nelson…Pastor Nelson…Pastor Nelson!”  I looked and there was a dear lady pushing her walker along and trying to catch me.  I stopped moving, she caught up with me and then a beautiful thing happened.

The woman reached into her pouch and pulled out a zip-lock bag containing some quarters and a couple dollar bills.  She held it up to me and said, “This is my bingo winnings and I’d like it to go to the Noisy Bucket at your church.”  How beautiful is that!!  Then she reached into her pouch again and pulled out an envelope and said, “This isn’t much, but I’d like this to go to your camping scholarships, because camp is such a great place for people to hear about Jesus.”  And again…how beautiful is that!!!

This wasn’t a church member who said and did this.  This woman was someone who connected with our church through our technology during COVID.  She has so appreciated and even felt connected with our congregation that she wanted to be a part of supporting the work and ministry of our church through the limited means that she had.  In a sense, it struck me that this was sort of a “widows’ mite” moment.  

What this experience reminded me of is the fact that we never know how God’s Spirit is at work in another person’s life…even virtually and through the use of technology.  God’s Spirit is going to accomplish God’s purposes in whatever way possible.  I’m reminded of a saying that is a part of my daily affirmations.  “I am responsible for Faithfulness…God is responsible for Outcomes.”

Thank you for being a church that is open to doing new things.  I’m sure there were those who didn’t like the idea of broadcasting worship through livestream, etc. all those years ago when the cameras and computers were first installed.  But your faithfulness to use a new tool to proclaim the good news of Jesus is still bearing results today…even though a dear soul living in a care facility who I don’t believe has ever stepped foot in our facility.  Yet, this dear woman is one of us…but more importantly, she is one of Jesus’ followers.  Let’s keep making Jesus followers and sharing the good news!!  

Pastor Keith

There is Hope 03.24.2023

Aren’t you just loving this spring weather?  Here we are several days into spring, and yes, I do believe the snow piles are disappearing a little bit.  Today, Friday, it is actually supposed to get up into the 40’s, with partly cloudy or, if you want to take the more positive perspective, partly sunny skies!!  The sun will feel good.  With these slightly warmer temperatures, we have noticed that we are starting to see more people out on the walking paths.  People are starting to emerge from their homes. I hear people talking more about spring!

Now I realize that even though the calendar may tell us we are in the season of spring, it doesn’t necessarily feel like it.  As I look at the 10-day forecast for Mitchell, it still appears that every night the temperatures will be below freezing.  It’s even possible that next week there will be another chance of snow or some sort of wintry precipitation as a part of our weather.  Sidenote: I always tell people that the worst blizzard I experienced while living in Devils Lake, North Dakota happened in early April.  So, even though we are living in the days of spring, it maybe doesn’t feel like it.  But there is hope!  Spring, new life, new beginnings are coming.  We just have to be patient!

This image or reality of spring is fitting for the church season we find ourselves in.  We are living in the season of Lent, which is generally seen as a more somber, reflective, or some would even say it’s a dark or heavy season of the church year.  Yet in the midst of the darkness or somberness, I hear of plans being made for Easter.  Resurrection day…new life is before us.

If we look around, we can see signs of spring, such as what I mentioned above.  People are starting to emerge from their homes more, we’re seeing more people on the bike path, the snow piles are receding in our front and back yards.  We’ve even noticed that when we turn Sophie out into the back yard to go potty, sometimes she chooses to simply lay outside on the deck because the temperatures are warmer.  But the biggest sign of spring…Nancy sent me a picture just the other day that shows her tulips just starting to push up from the ground.  It won’t be long before the trees will start budding and the grass will start turning green.  Once again, Spring and new life is coming upon us and it’s closer than we realize!

This is basically the message that Jesus shares with some of his friends and disciples in John 11.  In this story, Jesus’ friend Lazarus has died.  Lazarus’ two sisters, Mary and Martha, are grieving and mourning the loss of their brother.  In conversation with Martha, Jesus tells her that Lazarus will rise again.  Martha admits that she knows he’ll come back to life in the resurrection of the “final days.”  It’s then that Jesus gives Martha a message that hints to her that resurrection is closer than she realizes.  Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.”  Then moments later Jesus calls Lazarus to come out of the tomb…and he does!  New life is realized!!

Today we are living with the tiredness of winter.  We are tired of the cold and the unpredictability of winter weather; we’re tired of shoveling or chopping or slipping on ice.  We’re tired of bundling up in multiple layers just to stay warm outside.  And the other truth is, we are tired of the chaos of our world, we’re tired of the darkness that seems to be present in our world, we are tired of the divisiveness and the biting words that seem ever present.  We are tired of the somberness of Lent.  My friends, know this, new life is possible.  New life is coming!  New life is closer than we realize!!  Hang on…change is coming, because Jesus is the resurrection and the life!!

Learning Lovingkindness,

Pastor Keith

God Is Always With Us 03.17.2023

What a day yesterday, Thursday March 16th, was.  It started out not particularly pleasant with snow and a bit of a breeze.  And it only went downhill from there.  The snow kept coming and the wind got stronger…and stronger. As the National Weather Service had indicated, we ended up with blizzard conditions with blowing snow and some areas experiencing very limited visibility.  

Travel around town was certainly doable.  But even in my travels around Mitchell, every so often I’d get a glimpse of what it was like out in the country.  I was glad I didn’t have to travel outside of town.  I could see that visibility had become very limited during the morning hours.  And then something subtle but significant happened.  The temperature must have dropped slightly, or at least just enough that roads, the paved and concrete roads, began to get slick.  All of a sudden the Facebook page “Mitchell 911” began to blow up with reports of vehicles sliding into the ditch, rollover accidents, collisions, etc.    

This pattern continued into the afternoon hours; blowing snow, windy conditions, poor visibility, slick surfaces and accidents. Pleas kept going out over the Mitchell 911 page, as well as the SD Highway Patrol page for people to slow down on the roads or simply not travel.  However, the reports of accidents and vehicle mishaps just kept on coming.  One accident even involved a Highway Patrol Officer who was providing traffic control for an accident further ahead on I90.  A truck lost control on the slick roads and slid right into the Highway Patrol vehicle.  From the reports, no one was seriously injured, thank goodness.

Then something else happened mid-afternoon.  The storm front passed through, the clouds disappeared, and the glorious sun shone upon us with all its strength.  In many ways it turned into a beautiful afternoon with the sun melting off some of the snow that had accumulated on the streets, sidewalks, and driveways around town.  I realize out in the country and on many highways, there were still issues, but the afternoon turned out brighter and better than I had expected, especially considering we were under a winter weather advisory.

Now, please understand.  I’m not saying that yesterday afternoon was perfect, go to the lake or golf course kind of weather.  Not at all!  We still have to wait a bit for that kind of weather.  But the fact that the sun came out and began melting some of the snow made it feel or seem better than what had been expected.  

What I’m reminded of is that too often our expectations set the tone for the day.  I expected it to be stormy all day, so I was surprised when the sun came out.  Or we expect others to tell us what kind of a day we’re going to have, such as the National Weather Service telling us we were under a Winter Weather Advisory until about 10pm last evening. 

In this journey of life or our journey of faith, we will encounter storms.  There’s no getting around it.  Storms are a part of life…which means they are also a part of our faith experience.  But what is important to realize is that storms don’t necessarily last as long as we think they will or they may not be as devastating as we expect.  Just as the sun came out on Thursday, so too, the sun or the “son,” can come out in our lives and take away the threat of the storms or the impact on our lives.  

Something we all need to remember is that storms are a reality…but they don’t last forever, whether they are winter storms or summer storms.  They don’t last forever.  The sun will come out, the ice will melt, the dark clouds will disappear.  God never says we won’t have storms in life, quite the opposite actually.  What God does promise is to be with us throughout the storms and to bring us into a new day.   Amen…Amen…   (Now about these snow storms…I think I’m ready for a good old thunderstorm!!)  ☺

Pastor Keith

Jesus Loves Us 03.10.2023

A passage from the Bible that has captured my attention this year during this season of Lent comes from Luke 9:51. Jesus has been up in the northern or Galilee region, and the passage tells us that he “set his face to go to Jerusalem.”  In other words, he’s heading for the cross.  This isn’t a quick trip.  It will take some time, especially with the pace that Jesus usually travels at.  But even as he stops along the way to teach, preach, heal, and connect with people, still his face is set towards Jerusalem.

These words “set his face” speak of intention, they speak of purpose, and at least to me, they speak of Jesus knowing there is pain, suffering, and sacrifice in his future.  Despite or because of all this, Jesus made a choice; he set his face, and took the first step that would take him to Jerusalem…and the cross.  

I would guess there were many moments on that journey which provided opportunities for Jesus to reflect on his own connection with God and his purpose in living out God’s love here on earth.  Were there moments Jesus wanted to turn around and walk in the opposite direction?  Possibly!  But still…he pressed on toward Jerusalem.

For us today, Lent provides a season in our lives which allows us to reflect on our own connection with God, our own journey of faith, and how we are living out God’s purpose and God’s love here on earth.  This is why there are often various spiritual disciplines practiced during this season.  Spiritual disciplines help us be open to the voice or Spirit of God speaking to us as we too “set our face” to following Jesus.

During Lent have you committed to giving up something?  Good for you.  May the discomfort you experience during this season cause you to reflect on Jesus’ discomfort and what he gave up of himself for each of us, as he drew near the cross.  Have you committed to pray, read the Bible, attend worship more?  That’s fantastic!  May your growing connection with God not end when Lent or Easter ends, but may it be a new beginning of an ongoing journey of being present with God in our world.  Have you made some other commitment or decision intended to make faith and God more pronounced in your life? Wonderful!  Moving toward faith and the cross is always a worthy and life enriching goal!  It’s true, practicing spiritual disciplines may not always be comfortable, but it always leads to a more meaning-filled life of faith.

May we understand that in this season of Lent, we too, have the opportunity to set our face toward the cross, we too have the chance to be intentional in our walk with Jesus, we too are moving forward on a crash-course with a culture that tells us “Love is not the answer.”  But Jesus knew love was and is the only answer to what troubles this world…and what we seek in our lives!  This is why we set our face toward the cross as followers of Jesus.  We seek to live out the love that Jesus boldly and fully proclaimed…even by giving up his very life.  

As we walk these final weeks and steps with Jesus toward the cross, may this season be a meaning-filled time of reflecting on our own faith journey, but also on how much Jesus loves us.  He loves you and me so much…he set his face toward Jerusalem and went to the cross.  

Pastor Keith

What Is Your Residual? 03.03.2023

Many of you know that I like to start these Friday Reflections by asking a question.  So, here’s today’s question.  What do you leave behind after you leave?  You know, what is the residual that you or I leave on people after we are no longer in their presence?  Give that a thought for just a moment or two.  I’m guessing you haven’t thought much about the potential “residual” that you leave behind.

What raised this question in my mind is an experience I had the other day.  Understand that Nancy and I have two cats and a dog that share our home with us and it seems to be that time of year in which our pets are shedding just a bit.  (Yay, maybe spring is in the air!)  Anyway, both of our cats have their moments of being lap cats, when they want a little attention.  The other day our long-haired calico cat, who was calmly sitting in my lap, decided she’d had enough attention and jumped down.  However, she left me with a gift…the gift of cat hair in my lap.  Or another time, when I was getting ready for the day, I noticed one of our cats was rubbing against my leg.  Later when I looked down at my pants leg, there was cat hair clinging to my pants.  There have even been times, that hours later, I’ll look down and see cat hair on my pants, even though I’m at work and haven’t had a cat close by for hours.  As they say, pet hair is the gift that keeps on giving!!  

Of course, seeing this cat residual in my lap made me think of our two loving cats, which generally speaking, is a positive thing.  But it did get me thinking about what the residual is that I leave behind when I am no longer present with a person?  Is my lingering presence or after-effects with other people positive or negative?  I’m guessing we’ve all known people that when someone walks into a room, there’s an unheard groan, because the person tends to be so negative, or self-centered, or mean spirited, or contrary, etc. that no one wants to hang around them.  I’ve also had the experience of being around people who are positive, delightful, encouragers, other-focused, etc.  They are a joy to be around and tend to have lots of people hanging around them.  

There are several passages from the Bible that I believe speak to this very topic.  Proverbs 15:1 says, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  We seem to live in a day in which there are a lot more “harsh words” than there are “soft answers.”  And at least for myself, I am drawn more to a person with a soft answer, even if it’s an answer I don’t necessarily agree with.  

There are also a number of passages in the Bible that remind us of the positive effect our presence can have.  Think about the fact that people were drawn to Jesus. He almost always had a crowd around him. Why? Because there was love and hope, generally speaking, in what he had to say.  He treated people as if they mattered, because in Jesus books, they did matter…a lot!!

Colossians 3:12 tells us, as Jesus followers, to clothe ourselves, or put on, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and even love.  This is a passage often read at weddings.  As helpful as it is for the bride and groom to hear, these words were not originally intended for weddings…but for everyday-ordinary people like you and me.  The reason for putting on these qualities isn’t for our own benefit, it’s for the benefit of those we interact with throughout the day.  In 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Paul encourages people to “build one another up.” He’s speaking of being an encouraging presence in people’s lives and not one that tears down, because that is what the church or Body of Christ is supposed to be about!

So, once again, the question I’m asking myself is this, what is the residual, or the after-effect, that I leave on people?  How would you answer that question for yourself?  It’s a good question to consider because who we are and how we treat others leaves an impression that lasts long after we are no longer in a person’s presence.  

My hope, as a human being and as a Jesus Follower, is that I leave behind an impression of encouragement, of hope, of joy, of acceptance, and of love.  Qualities that I hope will build others up and not tear down.  In my opinion, there’s too much tearing down going on in our world.  Our calling as Jesus’ people is that of living out Jesus’ command of loving one another and Paul’s word to build one another up.  Good words to live by and an even better impression to leave with people, even when we’re not in their presence.

Pastor Keith