“The Lord appointed seventy others and sent them on ahead of him in pairs to every town and place where he himself intended to go.” -Luke 10:1
Divine Appointment
I had an appointment with other Pastor’s for lunch today to talk about our mission to invite people into a relationship with God through the life changing grace of Jesus Christ. Tonight, I will gather with friends in Christ in my home to pray about our mission together. Sunday, we will gather for worship to be reunited with the body of Christ. On Sunday, the Church Council and Leaders Summit will focus us on being a “Purpose Driven Church”. Next Tuesday, a group from our church will go to a Mission Leadership Team meeting in Grayslake to review and prayerful discern what the future ministry looks like as we receive coaching from other church’s about our mission focus.
Jesus is sending you out into the world, but not alone, for divine appointments. This appointment is one that Christ is inviting you to take with others and not alone. When you go where Christ leads you, people will meet Christ through you.
Yesterday I had a lunch appointment for lunch at Chilli’s. The waitress was very stressed out and apologetic about being slow. I said that it was okay with us, looked at her and said “God is good. God loves you.” She said, “I don’t know about today.” I smiled at her and encouraged her to remember she’s loved by God. There are many people who need to have an appointment with Jesus through you.
Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me to be open to the appointments you want me to keep, in Christ’s name. Amen!
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 04/29/04)
Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything--all she had to live on." -Mark 12:43-44
Attention Givers!
Kids who stand out in a class are sometimes called "attention getters". Props for a sermon are "attention getters" as they try to capture our attention. There are many things that get our attention. When people give financially and have their names bestowed upon buildings, that is "attention getting".
When we share our resources, are we prone to be attention getting or attention givers? We give to God what God has already given to us, our lives. All that we have is God's. We are called to be stewards, who budget and manage what God has given to us.
As you prepare for Christmas, remember to give with love, not with tons of lute that causes us to forget those who are in need of life's basics. Be an attention giver who gives and God gets the attention for it.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 11/4/03)
"Since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight that clings so closely; and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus…" Hebrews 12:1-2
CLING FREE
This Sunday is All Saints Day, the Sunday in the church we remember all those who rest from their labors. We are reminded that when we worship, we are surrounded by a "cloud of witnesses" who are worshipping before the throne of God all the time. We worship with them in those moments when our attention is drawn back to God's glory, might, majesty and grace revealed to us in Jesus Christ.
I become distracted by other things, and yet I am to lay aside these weights and burdens I carry. I was recently reading Wild at Heart, by John Eldridge. "We are made to depend on God; we are made for union with Him and nothing about us works right without it." I was encouraged to focus my attention toward God and not upon things that my soul clings to for satisfaction. What weight do you cling to?
We are invited to look to Jesus to find our healing. One day, we will find that complete healing as we join the "cloud of witnesses" who worship God.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 10/29/03)
"Oh Davey...history of the Davey and Goliath television series"
Friends in Christ,
Chicago's WLS ABC TV Channel 7 has just announced their telecast of the ELCA one hour documentary, "Oh Davey...history of the Davey and Goliath television series," to be broadcast on SATURDAY, October 18, at 1:00 p.m.
This one-hour documentary will showcase the development of Davey and Goliath, the stop-motion animation children's program created for the Lutheran church by Clokey Productions between 1960 and 1975. It will feature original clips of Davey and Goliath, as well as interviews with the original animator and creators, Art and Ruth Clokey.
The program will highlight how stop-motion animation is created and will also include the development of characters, photos, storyboards, scripts, commercials and public service announcements as well as insight on new productions. Others appearing in the program will include the producers and animators involved in the production of a new holiday special being created by the Clokey Production Studio.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor, Living Waters Lutheran Church - 10/16/03)
For more information about Davey and Goliath, visit www.daveyandgoliath.org.
"Purpose
Friends in Christ,
In day 21 of the Purpose Driven Life, we look at the need to protect the unity of the church. In the first "Lord of the rings" movie, Gandolf says to the evil dragon, "You shall not pass". We need others to stand with us in a fellowship to fight off the attacks of the evil one upon the church community.
Rick Warren states in this chapter, called "Protecting Your Church", that we work to protect the unity of the church through the Biblical testimony to:
Bonhoffer stated in Life Together, "He who loves his dream of community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter. If we don not give thanks for Christian fellowship we have been placed, even when there is no great experience, but much weakness; if on the contrary, we keep complaining, then we hinder God from letting our fellowship grow."
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor - Living Waters Lutheran Church - 10-7-03)
"…To the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will." -Ephesians 1:11
Someone came into my office yesterday at just the right time. I needed to talk to someone about a certain topic and God sent the right person at the right time for me to share and get some advice and wisdom. I wasn't sure what to do with the circumstance in particular and I was asking God to provide good counsel for me regarding the subject. God seems to accomplish all things according to God's will.
I don't always know why certain things happen. It would be easy to say, "What's the purpose in trying to do anything? It is easy to get discouraged. It is easy to complain about something when it happens and feel confused about what to do. God doesn't cause the pain and suffering in the world. God does allow it!
Have you given up? We need to give up! We should give up on trying making sense on our own. It is in Christ that we find purpose to experience new life through the challenges in life we face. We need God's presence in our lives to accomplish far more in the world than I could on my own.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor, Living Waters Lutheran Church - 9/4/03)
"Jesus saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John, in the boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him." -Matthew 4:21-22
At the Youth Gathering in Atlanta last week, the speaker on Friday night was Pastor Rob Bell, Jr., teacher at Mars Hill Bible Church. He gave us this blessing. He said, "May you be caked in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus". A student would follow the rabbi so closely in that dry and arid land that the dust would get kicked up onto the followers. They wanted to learn everything from them in order to be acceptable by the rabbi. You literally trailed behind him to absorb everything from them. You demonstrated how smart and intelligent you were by picking up the details of the rabbi on growing in your relationship with God.
The rabbi would pick the best 13-14 year olds to be their disciples who not only knew the Torah (first 5 books of Bible), but could discuss, question and debate faith life. Not only did they know the Torah in Hebrew, they had it memorized. They would be well qualified to be a disciple.
However, if you didn't do well in Hebrew school, you learned the family trade and were never "qualified" to be called by a rabbi. When Jesus called these two men to follow, they were not qualified to be a follower. There was no reference that their father was upset. He might have been proud to know that this well know rabbi, Jesus, was calling his sons to follow him. These two boys were disciples of Jesus. Though not as smart and learned, they were asked by Jesus to follow.
Our speaker at the youth gathering reminded us that this is what Jesus is still doing in our lives, calling those who are not qualified to follow and to be "caked in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus." Let us follow, young and old, as disciples of Jesus.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 7/24/03)
"God's spirit baptized each of us and made us part of the body of Christ" - 1 Corinthians 12:13
"I am because we are; we are because Christ is"
"I am because we are" is one of the songs the 20,000 plus group of senior high and adults will sing this week at the ELCA Youth Gathering in Atlanta. It is a song that reminds us that our identity is rooted in Christ and the church that exists throughout the world and throughout time. We will celebrate the importance of being a part of the body of Christ and not out on our own, as islands.
The church is the body of Christ joined together and commissioned to share Jesus with others. We are one body because Christ has joined us together. Please pray for all those who are attending the ELCA Youth Gathering this week and next week.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor, Living Waters Lutheran Church - 7/15/03)
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. -Proverbs 3:5
TRUSTING GOD
It took me a long time to trust people around a swimming pool, especially around the deep end. I almost drowned when I was about five and my fear of drowning lasted into early adulthood. I now enjoy jumping into the deep end; yet still don't like it when people try to dunk me.
The Hebrew word for "trust" is"baw-takh", which has a root word that means refuge and also means to be confident, sure, secure, confident or hopeful. Trust takes time to develop. Faith and trust are used in the same way when we talk about having faith or trust in God. We place our confidence in God as we develop a deeper relationship with Christ.
Brunnan Manning tells a story in the book Worthless Trust about a man who takes a trip to India to spend three months with Mother Theresa. He wanted to find clarity about the meaning of his life. On the first day he met Mother Theresa, she said, "What may I do for you?" He replied, "I'd like you to pray for me." "What would you like me to pray for?" she asked. "I'd like you to pray that I would have clarity in my life", he said. She thought for a moment and then said, "I will not do that. No, you've been holding onto that and you must let it go." He replied, "But I thought you've always had clarity in your mission." Mother Theresa replied, "I've never had clarity. What I've had is trust. I will pray that you will have trust."
I pray that you would put your trust and confidence in God.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 6-18-03)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." - John 3:16
A Father's Love
Father's day is this Sunday. Even though the day is a culturally instituted Hallmark tradition, it is a time to give God thanks for our Fathers. My own father died in 1985 and I've now lived without him over half my life. Other men have been roll models and example for me ever since. So, with one year of experience as a father, here's what I've learned so far.
1. Father's make mistakes - I've been amazed at how insensitive I can be toward the simple needs of a dependent child. I'm grateful for God's grace.
2. Father's need to know God's love - Our heavenly Father is our source of strength, forgiveness and love.
3. Father's need to learn from other men - I've been encouraged and supported by other men who are father's. I've asked other men for advice and wisdom.
4. A father's love isn't about biology - As my son is adopted, I've been amazed at the love I have for my son. This is an example of how much God loves us, even though we aren't related biologically. We are related by blood, the blood of Jesus.
The heavenly Father demonstrated love to us by allowing his Son, Jesus, to die for our sins, as we confess John 3:16, "For God so loved the world ...." We give God thanks for the gift of Jesus, for this is the Father's love to all of the children, young and old.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 6/11/03)
"Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the beach; but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. - John 21:4
"Diving Into The Deep End"
The disciples went back to fishing after Jesus was crucified. They didn't know what else to do after they watched their friend die, the one who was to change the entire social structure of their country. Perhaps, they were hoping to have positions of importance once Jesus overthrew the political world order of the day.
What do they do after three years of following Jesus into the deep waters of life? They return to what brings them comfort and something they remember how to do. They return to the shallow end of the pool where they know how to swim. Their relationship will grow deeper, but they seem to demonstrate shallowness in their trust in this relationship. They will soon learn to swim in the deep end of faith when Jesus invites them to dive into the deep end and fish other waters.
Jesus had taken them out to the deep end of the pool and was their life guard. Now Jesus just stood on top of the diving board without the disciples even recognizing him. So, how do we grow deeper in our relationship with Christ?
1. Look to Jesus, the lifeguard;
2. Learn the initial swimming disciplines of the Christian life;
3. Obey the buddy system and grow in faith with others;
4. Know your limits and swimming abilities;
5. Jump into the pool of relationships and bring an extra life jacket.
6. Remember that there are people sinking in the deep end who need your help.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor, Living Waters Lutheran Church - June 5, 2003)
"I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth." -1 Corinthians 3:6-7
God Causes All Things To Grow
There is nothing like planting a bulb in the fall and see it start to grow in the spring. It was great to get my hands dirty last October when I planted those bulbs. Even though I did the planting, it is God who will cause the growth.
The seed of faith has been planted and God is causing the growth. God wants to be partners with us in planting faith in others. The seed of life began in our mother's years ago. God caused that seed to grow in the womb and we thank God for our mother's who gave us birth and did their best while we were "growing up". We continue to grow up through our life's experiences which provide us the opportunity to "grow up" more. How have you grown up:
1. Growth takes place because of a crisis (job loss, death or health changes.)
2. Growth takes place through a change in a situation (moving, marriage, divorce.)
3. Growth takes place through a decision to change ones actions.
Remember that change is constant and growth is an option. We grow in our faith through relationships that are sometimes messy. We grow in the dirty soil of life, where Jesus was rooted in. We get messy and get our hands dirty in the soil of relationships. Jesus is here in our messy relationships, growing in us a new thing, the love of Christ that sets us free to plant seeds of love in the soils of our relationships.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 5/9/03)
"As for you… do the work of an evangelist; carry out your ministry fully." - 2 Timothy 4:5
Work as an Evangelist
Paul told the young Timothy to do the "work of an evangelist" and to carry out his ministry. Evangelism is work. The Greek word for work is "ergo", as in ergonomics. There is an industry that deals with "ergo" in regards to learning what the best way to work more effectively is.
Being an evangelist means we must lean what is the most effective way to share Christ with others. Albert Einstein was quoted at www.ergo.human.cornell.edu website, "Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow."
In 1988, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was formed from prior Lutheran Christian Churches in America. I believe we need to continue to learn what it means to do the work of an evangelist. Mark Mittleberg in the book, Becoming A Contagious Christian, points out that there are various styles of evangelism.
All of us are evangelists.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 5/2/03)
"…In view of God's mercy, present your bodies as a living sacrifice…" - Romans 12:1
Pay It Forward!!
When we think about God's mercy, we are amazed. Prior to Jesus, one would sacrifice an animal in order to earn God's mercy. The animal paid the price for the sin of the person who brought the sacrifice. Never was there a lamb that said, "That was close! I was able to slip off the altar and I'm pretty burned up about that". Most sacrificial animals didn't get to live.
We do! With Jesus, we are changed and forgiven through his death. We are given a great gift that we cannot repay. As we come up to Holy Week, we remember "God's mercy" and are amazed at this great love. There is a movie called Pay It Forward that reminds us to pass on the gift of love to others. Jesus paid the price for sin. We can never pay back what God has done in Christ.
"…Think of what Jesus done for you…," the new living translation reads. When we remember what Jesus has done for us, we are encouraged to present our entire lives before God and allow God to do what God wants for us. Our will doesn't matter anymore. We still can slip off the altar and do our own thing. God wants to have a life changing relationship with you so that you might guide others to the love of Jesus.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - April 10, 2003)
"Then Jesus, again greatly disturbed, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone was lying against it." - John 11:38
Driving Into A Storm
Traffic was heavy and wet this afternoon. I drove into Chicago for a lunch and returned a bit later as the rain storm continued. The rain that was coming down and the water being kicked up by traffic made me focus on what was ahead very intently. For the SUV's and pickup trucks on the road, this was nothing. They seemed to ride the tail of the small vehicles, like mine. They saw the rain and their eagerness to move forward wasn't dampened by what they were up against. I saw the rain as an obstacle. The larger vehicles weren't too disturbed by it at all.
There might be something before you that is a challenge, a stone or a sever storm. God is deeply disturbed that pain and suffering is ever before us. It is God's desire to move the obstacles of death, pain and sin out of the way. Jesus stood before the stone and asked others to "move the stone away" and he cried out load to Lazarus, "Come out".
Jesus will remove all the stones someday, all the obstacles in my way. Then we will see clearly, that the rain is gone. We will face to face the one who calls out to us.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - March 28, 2003)
"Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied." - John 14:8
"I Can't Get No Satisfaction"
When will you be satisfied? When is enough, enough? If you seek personal satisfaction in the things of this world, you may find disappointment. "Cause I've tried and I've tried, and I've tried and I've tried, but I can't get no…. satisfaction."
We find satisfaction in the cross, no gimmicks. I know that Snickers "satisfies", but the deep hungers of our lives can only be satisfied in Jesus. Jesus responded to Philip when he said, "I am in the Father and the Father is in me" in the next few verses.
God provides for us even when times are uncertain, when work is unavailable and when world events create fear. It is in this time that we focus on the cross of Jesus, who will lead us to a place of deep satisfaction, knowing that we are forgiven again.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - March 20,2003)
Who knows? Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this." - Esther 4:15
"Purpose as Christians"
The Rev. Brian Metke recently shared with me what he thinks are the five gifts Christians are given in their salvation in Jesus Christ. They are:
1. Power of the Holy Spirit to Face Temptation
2. Purpose for your life
3. Pardon for your sin.
4. Peace in your life
5. Paradise promised in eternity.
As we go through these in Lent, this Sunday we will focus on what is our purpose as Christians. Before the promise of heaven is reached in our celebration on Easter, we are given so much by God. This week, let us focus on the purpose of living. When God gives you salvation in Jesus Christ, your life becomes reoriented to what God wants to do through you. God's plan for you is for your to "conformed to the image of Jesus" (Romans 8:29).
God wants us to conformed (morph) to Jesus. We evaluate our surroundings and ask God to change us into the image of Jesus. The question we need to ask today, "How is God changing me into the image of Jesus?"
Esther experienced change when her uncle Mordecai stated to her that perhaps she is in the place she is in for such a time as this, a time of challenge for her and her relatives. Of all the people that could create a positive change, Esther was the one.
How is God trying to use you to create a life transforming change in the lives of others? God has a purpose for your life each day! Give your best and let God do the rest.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - March 13,2003)
"God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it." - 1 Corinthians 10:13
"Temptation Testing"
Temptation Island is a movie that provides no way out of the temptation. The focus is to encourage people to fail the testing of seduction. Jesus was tested forty days in the wilderness. Lent is the time we remember that time of testing.
We all go through various tests in life. When I took tests in school, the answers were given in the lecture or in the reading material and if I paid attention I could pass the test.
In the tests and trials of life, we are tested. We are also given the "way out" in order to endure the testing. We are given the power of the Holy Spirit to face the tests and temptations of life. The way out is to look to God for love, the one who is willing to shower you with a love that is amazing and unconditional. The challenge is to turn and face God again in the midst of the tests and ask God to melt your stubborn heart.
What are you giving up for Lent (word means lengthen, longer days, spring, etc.)? Why don't you give up trying to make it on your own and rely on God and the community of faith that is around you!
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 3/6/03)
"...They were coming down the mountain..." -Mark 9:9
"Into the Valley"
The three close friends of Jesus just had a mountain top experience. They heard the voice of God speak and were told to "listen to him", Jesus that is. They wanted to stay on the mountain and relish the time together.
Jesus didn't stay on the mountain very long. He led them back down into the valley and healed a little boy. Even though the father believed Jesus could do it, he asked Jesus to help him with his unbelief.
There is much unbelief in the valley. Jesus invites us to enter the valley and tell others that Jesus can heal them from their dis-ease. For even though we "walk through the valley of death, we fear no evil; for thy rod and staff comfort me." We hold onto the staff of Jesus to get us through the valleys. Let us remember that we can lean on Jesus in the valleys.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor - Living Waters Lutheran Church)
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity." - 1 Timothy 2:1-2
"LET US PRAY..."
I was at the Northeast Conference meeting yesterday and discovered that there are various prayer ministries being shared in the midst of these challenging times. The one that stood out was the need to pray on March 3rd (03-03-03) for the nation.
The second prayer idea was to pray everyday at 8:00am for one minute, inspired by Winston Churchill's request during World War II that the people of England pray everyday at the same hour. The final one came across my email today, that email encouraged us to pray at worship this Sunday. We will indeed have an extended time of prayer at worship this week.
This passage in the Bible reminds us to pray for our leaders. Let us pray for the leaders of the United States and the United Nations, that these leaders would be given the wisdom of the Lord to discern what is right. Let us pray for those serving in the armed forces that they would be protected against all evil. Let us pray for those who feel helpless in the face of a nation threat to our country. Let us pray for those authorities in our country that they would be alert to any terrorism. Finally, let us pray for our enemies, that God would have them do what is right.
Prayer: Gracious Lord, we turn to you for guidance. We seek to lead peaceable lives, with dignity for all people amidst a godless world. Pour out your Holy Spirit that all may know your name and the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ. Amen!
><> Michael Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 2/19/03)
Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or
boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not
irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the
truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures
all things.
-1 Corinthians 13:4-7
"LOVE DEFINED"
What is love? "I think it was Zsa Zsa Gabor who said that loving twenty men in one year is easy compared to loving one man for twenty years," a quote from the book The Servant.
In college, I took an "Understandings of Love" class with Professor Dudly Riggle. We defined love something like this by the end of the semester as, "The intentional decision to bring about the well being of ones self, another and others."
Love defined in 1 Corinthians is pretty clear. Paul wrote it to encourage the Christians in Corinth to love. This definition reminds us that love is sometimes hard work and love is sometimes very beautiful! Here are the four hard things and four beautiful characteristics of love! LOVE IS NOT: envious, boastful, arrogant, and pride! LOVE IS: patient, kind, thoughtful, and hopes all things.
The greatest example of love is Christ. With Jesus our only possession, then loving becomes our delight.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 2/12/03)
"For though I am free with respect to all, I have made
myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them."
-1 Corinthians 9:9
"Love is a decision"
We are free to do whatever we want as Christians. Christ has set us free from the law by fulfilling it perfectly. We can't do anything to earn this love. God's love is radical and unconditional, without any strings attached.
When Paul wrote this letter to the people in the town of Corinth, he was letting them know that though he was free from the law, he chose to make himself a slave or servant to all in order that others might know God's love in Christ.
Paul had been a murdered and knew God's forgiveness and love were real. Paul wanted people to know about God's love, to set them free from the bondage of the past in order that they might receive this love and share this love with others.
I am free to love no one! I am free to love others! Love is a decision! When we choose to love others, it's more of a decision to bring about the well being of another than a warm feeling of concern. Love is a decision.
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 2/4/03)
Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.
- 1 Corinthians 8:2
"Know Anything - Know Love"
People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care. This familiar saying reminds us that love is the best knowledge base to live on. If we depend on our intellectual knowledge only as a basis to share Christ, we miss out on the radical love of Christ. When knowledge builds up the self, the expression of that love to others become a demonstration of one's own intellectual capacities. This is called, in the Biblical perspective of Paul in this passage, one's developing a a big head or a "puffed up head".
As Christians, we understand the love of God in Christ as "agape" love. "Agape" love is the unconditional love we have from God through Jesus. Jesus said that no one has greater love than to die for your friends. Jesus died for us, his friends, to pay for our sins. No matter what we do, that agape love is for us.
Love is more than a feeling; it is an intentional act to bring about the well being of another. Perhaps God didn't get a warm feeling about allowing Jesus to die on the cross, but perhaps God "knew" how to love in a radical way, in an unconditional way. Let us receive that love in order to be built up and filled up with love so that we might build one another up in the name of Christ.
><> Michael E. Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 1-31-03)
"In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up
and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed."
- Mark 1:35
"Sacred Space - Very Sweet"
My professor in college use to say, "Eat desert first, life is uncertain." Jesus knew about a wonderful deserted place that he would go to in the morning for his own quiet time. This sacred space perhaps started out his day on the right foot.
Having a sacred place to go to is important. We go to worship and hide in the shelter of God's love away from the demands of the world, that dry us out. We also need to have sacred places to go to in our homes and with others. Our homes are sacred places to return to after a long day.
The swing in the backyard is a sacred place for me. The space in the basement where I go and read is a quiet and sacred place. I have filled it with photos and special items of sacred memory that are important to me. There is a bench in Lippold Park nearby that I use to bike to and then there is the swing at Crystal Lake that Tammy and I walk to in nicer weather.
Where is your sacred space?
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 01-24-03)
"He destined us for adoption as his children through Jesus
Christ…"
--Ephesians 1:5
We Are All Adopted
We received Nathan's birth certificate in the mail this week. Tammy called me at the office to inform me of this great news. His adoption was final in December and now his birth certificate validates that we are his parents.
God has adopted us as children, not of the flesh but of the spirit. We are children of God, heirs of his love and victory over death. What is God's is ours and we shall inherit what belongs to our brother, Jesus Christ.
This past Sunday was Baptism of our Lord Sunday. Our church celebrated the gift of Baptism on Sunday and there are two more children who are brothers and sisters in Christ. Please pray for Natalie and Casey as they receive the gift of adoption into the family of God, that in God's timing they would desire a relationship with Jesus Christ as their forgiver and leader.
We are all adopted into God's family. We might not have parents anymore, but God is the loving parent who will continue to shower grace upon grace upon us, children of the heavenly father.
><> Michael E. Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church)
January 15, 2003
“You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
- Mark 1:11
"Ha,Ha, Brotherhood"
I saw the movie over Christmas break, the secrets of the ya ya sisterhood. I was amazed at the powerful bond of friendship that existed with these ladies over all the years. They accepted each other just the way they were and experienced the joys and sorrows of life with one another.
Men need that kind of long term friendship as well. I had already scheduled a night out with two of my college friends, Julius and Niels, before I saw the movie. We went to see the Chicago Blackhawks on 1-5-03 play the Detroit Red Wings. We laughed and celebrated being together. We have spent over 20 years together doing things with one another, especially laughing.
We laugh with one another. We laugh at each other. We say and do some funny things and laughter is a blessing. Men work hard and we laugh hard. That's the secret of friendship among men, laughter. Laughter places us on the same level of acceptability with each other.
I hear that quiet voice speak to me in that laughter, "My son, with you I am well pleased." I am accepted by these friends just the way I am. They know my history and have celebrated the joys and sorrows of the years.
LOL = Ha, Ha Brotherhood!
><> Michael Thomas (Living Waters Lutheran Church - Pastor)
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU...
CHRISTMAS ISN'T OVER.....
...IT'S THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS!!!
When I wished someone a Merry Christmas today, they say it's over. They are probably tired of the music and the hype of Christmas! I am never tired of the hope of Christmas! So, while those around us put away the lights and the songs celebrating the birth of Christ, keep wishing people a Merry Christmas! Remember, today is the ninth day of Christmas!
From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for the young Catholics. It has two levels of meaning, the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the carol has a code word for a Christian reality which the children could remember.
1 partridge in a pear tree depicted Jesus Christ (the mother partridge feigns injury to decoy predators from her helpless babies).
2 Testaments
3 gifts of faith, hope and love;
4 gospels;
5 books of the Old Testament (the Pentateuch);
6 days of creation;
7 gifts of the Holy Spirit: Prophesy, Serving, Teaching, Exhortation, Contribution, Leadership and Mercy.
8 Beatitudes;
9 fruits of the Holy Spirit: Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self Control.
10 Commandments;
11 faithful disciples;
12 points of belief in the Apostles Creed.
><> Michael E. Thomas (Living Waters Lutheran Church, Pastor 1/2/03)
"But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with
patience."
- Romans 8:25
Holding Onto Plans Eternal
Hold onto the gift of life.
In the midst of all the strife.
When you can't hold on no longer.
The Lord holds onto you, the Lord's stronger.
God will never let you go.
The birth of Christ reminds us so.
Merry Christmas!
><> Mike Thomas
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not
overcome it. John came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all
might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify
to the light."
- John 1:5&7-8
"Shadows Lengthen - Pictures Taken"
Now that winter is here and the snow is on the ground, our days are longer and nights are shorter. Winter brings less light into our world, yet there is enough light to create shadows.
Shadows linger because the light is present and the outline of the objects of the shadows can be seen. The light is not overcome by the darkness but the darkness is overcome by the light.
As you take pictures this year and the flash goes off, remember that the word for light in the book of John from the greek is "phoes", which is the root word of photos. Your flash eliminates the darkness to illuminate the person in the photo.
Let your photos and your flashes remind you and testify to others that the light of Christ shines upon you again. Picture that Christmas!
><> Mike Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 12/3/02)
Hello My Reformation Friends!
Here is a little Lutheran history to the tune of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious! The source is unknown! Let us be reformed again!
><> Mike Thomas - Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church
When I was just ein junger man I studied canon law;
While Erfurt was a challenge, it was just to please my Pa.
Then came the storm, the lightning struck, I called upon Saint Anne,
I shaved my head, I took my vows, an Augustinian!
Oh,--
Chorus: Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation--
Speak your mind against them and face excommunication!
Nail your theses to the door, let's start a Reformation!
Papal bulls, indulgences, and transubstantiation!
When Tetzel came near Wittenberg, St. Peter's profits soared,
I wrote a little notice for the All Saints' Bull'tin board:
"You cannot purchase merits, for we're justified by grace!
Here's 95 more reasons, Brother Tetzel, in your face!
Oh--
Chorus
They loved my tracts, adored my wit, all were exemplar;
The Pope, however, hauled me up before the Emperor.
"Are these your books? Do you recant?" King Charles did demand,
"I will not change my Diet, Sir, God help me here I stand!"
Oh--
Chorus
Duke Frederick took the Wise approach, responding to my words,
By knighting "George" as hostage in the Kingdom of the Birds.
Use Brother Martin's model if the languages you seek,
Stay locked inside a castle with your Hebrew and your Greek!
Oh--
Chorus
Let's raise our steins and Concord Books while gathered in this place,
And spread the word that 'catholic' is spelled with lower case;
The Word remains unfettered when the Spirit gets his chance,
So come on, Katy, drop your lute, and join us in our dance!
Oh--
Chorus
She said to him, “Declare that these two sons of mine will
sit, one at your right hand and one at your left, in your kingdom.”
- Matthew 20:21
Focus!
The book of Matthew has the mother of James and John make this request, while in the book of Mark, James and John make the request themselves. Their focus is upon needing to feel important before others, especially their mother. These grown men are looking for approval from their mom still. They haven't focused upon following only Jesus.
Jesus goes on to say, "...whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant, 27and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave; 28just as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve..."
Our focus can blind us from following the way Jesus, which is to serve others. When we focus upon the cross, we can see God's love moving toward us before we even ask for that grace and mercy, which can flow through us to others.
Prayer: Gracious God, help me to focus upon loving those in my sphere of influence and serving them with a renewed knowledge and feeling of love. Amen
><> Michael E. Thomas (Pastor at Living Waters Lutheran Church - 9/27/02)