As I worked at a flurried pace through writing sermons for Christmas and as I looked ahead to three weddings Dec. 29-Jan. 5, I paused for a moment this afternoon and closed my eyes for some time of prayer and reflection.
For a few minutes my heart and mind focused on the miracle God has done for us at Christmas. By sending Jesus to us and the world God revealed His heart of love for us and all humanity.
May our Lord richly bless you with love, grace, celebrations, gatherings, and, above all, worship.
In the name of Immanuel, God-with-us,
Pastor Durk
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Whiter Than Snow!
The landscape in Maple Grove is blanketed with more fresh snow today. The clean, bright, and fresh look with the new snowfall reminds me of the words of Psalm 51. "...wash me and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness..."
In this psalm the writer cries out to God for forgivnesss. The wirter is very away of his shortcomings and sinfulnes. He honest and humbly calls out to God to be forgiven.
When we are aware of our brokeness, failings, and shortcomings, we too can cry out to God to restore us and make us "whiter than snow."
May God continually offer you a clean, bright, and fresh look for your life in Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
In this psalm the writer cries out to God for forgivnesss. The wirter is very away of his shortcomings and sinfulnes. He honest and humbly calls out to God to be forgiven.
When we are aware of our brokeness, failings, and shortcomings, we too can cry out to God to restore us and make us "whiter than snow."
May God continually offer you a clean, bright, and fresh look for your life in Christ.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
The Gift of Time
Last Sunday evening my family celebrated my father's 75th birthday. My sisters and their families gathered with my family at a restaurant to celebrate with him.
As we sat around the table kidding around, sharing stories, and laughing, I couldn't help but sit there amazed at all the years my father has enjoyed. And according to him, "I'm not finished!"
One of his birthday cards has a picture of an an older gentleman reading the newspaper. The caption read, "Glad you didn't make the obits!"
Every year of life is a gift from God. It is time given to us as a gift to use to God's glory.
Today, we might all pause for a prayer of thanks to God for the precious gift of life and time.
God bless you.
Pastor Durk
As we sat around the table kidding around, sharing stories, and laughing, I couldn't help but sit there amazed at all the years my father has enjoyed. And according to him, "I'm not finished!"
One of his birthday cards has a picture of an an older gentleman reading the newspaper. The caption read, "Glad you didn't make the obits!"
Every year of life is a gift from God. It is time given to us as a gift to use to God's glory.
Today, we might all pause for a prayer of thanks to God for the precious gift of life and time.
God bless you.
Pastor Durk
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Food, Glorious Food!
Last evening the 7th, 8th, and 9th graders in our confirmation program went door to door collecting food for our local foodshelf in Maple Grove. Thanks to adults to help drive them into various neighborhoods, they came back with hundreds of lbs. of food- food that will go to feed individuals and families in need.
I could see by the looks on their faces and the energy for carrying the bags of food back into the church that they were pleased to be part of such an effort.
Who are the hungry in our community? In our nation and world. A book was published recently with the title The Bottom Billion. The author attempts to explain how it is that a billion people go hungry every day in our world and suggests steps to counter this terrible trend.
With all the ways to help others, we might pray and ask God to open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of those who are hungry.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
I could see by the looks on their faces and the energy for carrying the bags of food back into the church that they were pleased to be part of such an effort.
Who are the hungry in our community? In our nation and world. A book was published recently with the title The Bottom Billion. The author attempts to explain how it is that a billion people go hungry every day in our world and suggests steps to counter this terrible trend.
With all the ways to help others, we might pray and ask God to open our eyes and our hearts to the needs of those who are hungry.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Friday, October 19, 2007
How Long Will I Have To Wait?
Remember the last time you found yourself tired of waiting?
The other day as I read Psalm 38 I came across a verse that says, "But, it is for you, O Lord, that I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."
I don't know about you but I often find myself asking God in my prayers when something will happen. When will a member of our church experience relief from the pain of cancer? When will a marriage suffering difficulties experience hope? When will someone with an addiction get the help they need?
I trust that God will act in a healing way with all people eventually. I know that the Lord our God has the power and wisdom to answer all our our human questions.
Still, on this side of the resurrection we wait. We wait and pray for God to act and for us to receive answers to our prayers.
Peace,
Pr. Durk
The other day as I read Psalm 38 I came across a verse that says, "But, it is for you, O Lord, that I wait; it is you, O Lord my God, who will answer."
I don't know about you but I often find myself asking God in my prayers when something will happen. When will a member of our church experience relief from the pain of cancer? When will a marriage suffering difficulties experience hope? When will someone with an addiction get the help they need?
I trust that God will act in a healing way with all people eventually. I know that the Lord our God has the power and wisdom to answer all our our human questions.
Still, on this side of the resurrection we wait. We wait and pray for God to act and for us to receive answers to our prayers.
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Exciting Pregnancies
The other day I talked with a young couple whom I married two years ago this fall. They announced to me that they are pregnant. Huge smiles came across their faces as they shared this. I expressed how happy I am for them and that I will pray that everything goes well for them.
Pregnancies for a couple are filled with hope, expectations, and excitment for the arrival of the baby. A time of pregnancy is a time to thank God for the miracle of conception. It is a time to be amazed at what God is up to and to plan for the future arrival and well-being of the baby.
Of course, pregnancies happen that are unexpected, out of wedlock, and, at times, filled with pain and discomfort. These are times for pray and hard emotional and relational work. Even during these times God is at work creating and filling us with the promise of new life.
All I can say today is thanks be to God for the gift of human life- life that is always filled with the love of Christ and wonder.
Pregnancies for a couple are filled with hope, expectations, and excitment for the arrival of the baby. A time of pregnancy is a time to thank God for the miracle of conception. It is a time to be amazed at what God is up to and to plan for the future arrival and well-being of the baby.
Of course, pregnancies happen that are unexpected, out of wedlock, and, at times, filled with pain and discomfort. These are times for pray and hard emotional and relational work. Even during these times God is at work creating and filling us with the promise of new life.
All I can say today is thanks be to God for the gift of human life- life that is always filled with the love of Christ and wonder.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
The Life of Einstein
I've been making my way through an incredible book on the life of Albert Einstein. The author, Walter Isaacson, brings to light the fullness of his life and his journey of making huge scientific breakthroughs.
One of Einstein's gifts was to question everything. He never accepted any scientific theory without questioning it, anaylzying it, and attempting to look at the subject of study with new eyes.
Another gift of Einstein was his drive to discover a unifying principle of the universe. Could everything in the universe be connected by a theory? Could a unifying theory answers so many unaswerable questions.
Our Lord, Jesus can gives us the eyes to see everything in a new way. In a fresh, clear, and inspiring manner. And, Jesus is the unifying force of love in our world that is torn apart by violence and war.
Check this book out. It's a great read! Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson.
Peace,
Pr. Durk
One of Einstein's gifts was to question everything. He never accepted any scientific theory without questioning it, anaylzying it, and attempting to look at the subject of study with new eyes.
Another gift of Einstein was his drive to discover a unifying principle of the universe. Could everything in the universe be connected by a theory? Could a unifying theory answers so many unaswerable questions.
Our Lord, Jesus can gives us the eyes to see everything in a new way. In a fresh, clear, and inspiring manner. And, Jesus is the unifying force of love in our world that is torn apart by violence and war.
Check this book out. It's a great read! Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson.
Peace,
Pr. Durk
When Life Crashes
Today as I was driving back to church from an errand, I came across an accident. It looked like a state patrol car has rammed a pick-up truck off the road. Both were perched along a grassy boulevard by a shopping mall.
As I inched by I saw lights flashing from police cars, a wrecker, and a fire truck. There were people everywhere talking, pointing, and gesturing, attemtping to figure out how the accident took place.
In our lives at times we all crash or have accidents, figuratively speaking. When we crash we stop in our tracks to figure out what happen. How did it happen? What took place in my life that precipitated my crash?
Whether we can conduct a thorough investigation or get to the bottm of what happened, we can know that God in Christ is present with us. This is what the cross tells us- God is with us, no matter where we find ourselves.
God's love covers us and is with us whereever we are because of Jesus.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
As I inched by I saw lights flashing from police cars, a wrecker, and a fire truck. There were people everywhere talking, pointing, and gesturing, attemtping to figure out how the accident took place.
In our lives at times we all crash or have accidents, figuratively speaking. When we crash we stop in our tracks to figure out what happen. How did it happen? What took place in my life that precipitated my crash?
Whether we can conduct a thorough investigation or get to the bottm of what happened, we can know that God in Christ is present with us. This is what the cross tells us- God is with us, no matter where we find ourselves.
God's love covers us and is with us whereever we are because of Jesus.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
How Much Does It Cost?
This last Sunday in church we listened to the words of Jesus from Luke's gospel. Jesus makes some very hard demands when he says we must hate our family, give up all our possessions, and take up our cross and follow him in order to be his disciple.
What Jesus is saying here is that he wants us to love him more than anything or anyone. Period. When we love Jesus we will be moved to sacrifice. We will serve others. We will go out of our way.
One of the illustrations Jesus uses is one about a man who who going to build a tower. If he is going to do this successfully he needs to count the cost.
How much does it cost to follow Jesus?
Because God has paid the price for us by sending Jesus to the cross to die and by raising him, we can follow Jesus with confidence.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
What Jesus is saying here is that he wants us to love him more than anything or anyone. Period. When we love Jesus we will be moved to sacrifice. We will serve others. We will go out of our way.
One of the illustrations Jesus uses is one about a man who who going to build a tower. If he is going to do this successfully he needs to count the cost.
How much does it cost to follow Jesus?
Because God has paid the price for us by sending Jesus to the cross to die and by raising him, we can follow Jesus with confidence.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Monday, August 20, 2007
Who are You Supported By?
This last Saturday I presided at the wedding of Ame Jackson and Grant McRandall at Maple Grove Lutheran. The scripture reading I preached on came from Hebrews 12- "Therefore since we are surrounding by so great a cloud of witnesses let us lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely; let us run with perservance the race that is set before us looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith..."
This couple had friends, relatives, classmates, and many others gathered together in worship to witness their vows. It was power and inspiring to see everyone and to hear all the love and support poured out for this couple.
Who are the people God has sent into your life to love you and support you? Who are the people who make up the great cloud of witnesses in your life?
May God surround you with all the love, care, and support you need.
-Pastor Durk
This couple had friends, relatives, classmates, and many others gathered together in worship to witness their vows. It was power and inspiring to see everyone and to hear all the love and support poured out for this couple.
Who are the people God has sent into your life to love you and support you? Who are the people who make up the great cloud of witnesses in your life?
May God surround you with all the love, care, and support you need.
-Pastor Durk
Sunday, August 5, 2007
"My friend, Sherry, didn't make it home last night."
This last week I volunteered at the Korean Culture Camp at Minnehaha Academy. Our daughter and son have attended this camp for Korean adoptees and siblings for the last ten years.
On Thursday morning a fellow volunteer said that her good friend, Sherry Engebretson, had not come home Wed. night. Sherry's husband and two girls were not able to get in touch with her. As it turned out Shari died in the collapse of the 35W bridge.
How do we respond when accidents and tragedies strike? We can turn to God for comfort and hope. We can hold on to the comfort offered us in Jesus Christ. We may not be able to understand and explain how terrible can happen, but we do know God is there for us.
This week as we continue to pray for the families and friend of the victims of this terrible bridge collapse, may God be our source of strength.
-Pastor Durk
On Thursday morning a fellow volunteer said that her good friend, Sherry Engebretson, had not come home Wed. night. Sherry's husband and two girls were not able to get in touch with her. As it turned out Shari died in the collapse of the 35W bridge.
How do we respond when accidents and tragedies strike? We can turn to God for comfort and hope. We can hold on to the comfort offered us in Jesus Christ. We may not be able to understand and explain how terrible can happen, but we do know God is there for us.
This week as we continue to pray for the families and friend of the victims of this terrible bridge collapse, may God be our source of strength.
-Pastor Durk
Monday, July 16, 2007
Be Strong!
Last week in my devotional reading I came across a verse from 1 Timothy, the second chapter that reads, "You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus..."
How strong are you feeling these days? Are you feeling confident in your faith and grounded in the love of Christ? Or, are you feeling weak and unsure about your faith?
Regardless of where we might be in our walk of faith, the gospels tell us over and over again that Jesus is with us. Jesus is fully present with us in his love and grace for us.
As we think about this we may very well discover that the greatest strength for our life and church comes outside of ourselves. It comes from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
May God bless you with the knowledge and trust that He will give you all the strength you will ever need.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
How strong are you feeling these days? Are you feeling confident in your faith and grounded in the love of Christ? Or, are you feeling weak and unsure about your faith?
Regardless of where we might be in our walk of faith, the gospels tell us over and over again that Jesus is with us. Jesus is fully present with us in his love and grace for us.
As we think about this we may very well discover that the greatest strength for our life and church comes outside of ourselves. It comes from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
May God bless you with the knowledge and trust that He will give you all the strength you will ever need.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Friday, June 29, 2007
Those Lazy Days of Summer....
Is your life as busy as ever this summer? Does your schedule continue to be filled with appointments, commitments, obligations, sporting, music, and other events? Have you found yourself asking, "Whatever happened to the lazy days of summer?"
My guess is that you are not alone if the summer doesn't slow down for you. Perhaps it does and you find yourself with more time to relax, read, pray, go on walks or bike rides, or other activities you enjoy.
Summer time can be sabbath time for us. It can be a time when we do things on a different schedule or in a different way. Sabbath time is a time dedicate to engaging in activities that rejuvenate and refresh the soul. God gives us the gift of both work and leisure.
Today I will be spending time in the pool and taking a bike ride with our children, Laura and Eric. I am planning to enjoy a day away from my regular ministerial duties. By doing so, I know I will be refreshed for conducting a wedding tomorrow and services on Sunday.
Blessings to you in your sabbath time!
Pastor Durk
My guess is that you are not alone if the summer doesn't slow down for you. Perhaps it does and you find yourself with more time to relax, read, pray, go on walks or bike rides, or other activities you enjoy.
Summer time can be sabbath time for us. It can be a time when we do things on a different schedule or in a different way. Sabbath time is a time dedicate to engaging in activities that rejuvenate and refresh the soul. God gives us the gift of both work and leisure.
Today I will be spending time in the pool and taking a bike ride with our children, Laura and Eric. I am planning to enjoy a day away from my regular ministerial duties. By doing so, I know I will be refreshed for conducting a wedding tomorrow and services on Sunday.
Blessings to you in your sabbath time!
Pastor Durk
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Amazing Kids in the Kingdom
This week at MGLC is filled with excitement and tremendous enthusiasm! We have over 130 children attending Vacation Bible School. They are involved in music, drama, learning, and playing as they hear the stories of Jesus.
I truly enjoy weeks such as these at our church. One reason I find them so enjoyable is to see the smiles and excitement on the face of the children and to listen to them share their faith and excitement.
I am so thankful to God for the children at our congregation and throughout our community!
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
I truly enjoy weeks such as these at our church. One reason I find them so enjoyable is to see the smiles and excitement on the face of the children and to listen to them share their faith and excitement.
I am so thankful to God for the children at our congregation and throughout our community!
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
Monday, June 4, 2007
Reflections on Graduates
This last week-end my family and I attended several graduation open houses for seniors at Maple Grove Lutheran.
I was moved as I viewed their pictures from infancy to becoming young adults. Several graduates had pictures of themselves for every year of their life. It was so amazing to see their development and to hear how proud the parents were to have their child come to this point in their life.
Just as these graduates grow up and develop so God is always at work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit of our baptism to help us grow.
How will God continue to work on you this week?
Peace,
Pastor Durk
I was moved as I viewed their pictures from infancy to becoming young adults. Several graduates had pictures of themselves for every year of their life. It was so amazing to see their development and to hear how proud the parents were to have their child come to this point in their life.
Just as these graduates grow up and develop so God is always at work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit of our baptism to help us grow.
How will God continue to work on you this week?
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Unless the Lord Builds It
Yesterday I read Psalm 127 for my devotional reading. The opening verse caught my attention: "Unless the Lord builds it the builders labor in vain."
Our church will begin building a new sanctuary some time this summer. It is very exciting to anticipate this new facility for worship. The new sanctuary will provide us with an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere for many years to come.
I am already very prayerful that our Lord God in Christ will bless the construction process. I also pray that God will send us many, many new people into our congregation.
It's time for all of us to get the invitation to worship prepared. Are you ready?
-Pr. Durk
Our church will begin building a new sanctuary some time this summer. It is very exciting to anticipate this new facility for worship. The new sanctuary will provide us with an inspiring and uplifting atmosphere for many years to come.
I am already very prayerful that our Lord God in Christ will bless the construction process. I also pray that God will send us many, many new people into our congregation.
It's time for all of us to get the invitation to worship prepared. Are you ready?
-Pr. Durk
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
What is Grace?
The other night I was part of an interview for our Director of Children and Family Ministries position at Maple Grove Lutheran. One of the questions I threw out to this candidate was this- "What is grace?"
His response was simple and, yet, profound. "Grace is God's love on the table for us that can never be taken away." "Never be taken away...."
Is that how God's grace is for you? God's free gift of grace in Jesus Christ is offered to us because of God's love for us.
My hope and prayer is that God's grace will always be life-changing for you and always available.
Peace,
Pastor Durk Peterson
His response was simple and, yet, profound. "Grace is God's love on the table for us that can never be taken away." "Never be taken away...."
Is that how God's grace is for you? God's free gift of grace in Jesus Christ is offered to us because of God's love for us.
My hope and prayer is that God's grace will always be life-changing for you and always available.
Peace,
Pastor Durk Peterson
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Have You Ever Been Shaken to Core?
Recall a time in your life when you were extremely upset. Recall a time when your life seemed to be unravelling before you eyes or when everything was going wrong. What was your reaction? What raced through your mind and heart?
In Psalm 125 that I read for my devotion yesterday the opening verses provide us with a huge wave of assurance and confidence:
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever."
The writer of this psalm was up against enemies and forces of wickedness. This psalm is his prayer that the Lord will be with him no matter what happens. He also clearly places the future and fate of his enemies in the Lord's hands.
We who are followers of Jesus can trust God. We can trust that God will be with us no matter what happens in our life and in our world.
In Psalm 125 that I read for my devotion yesterday the opening verses provide us with a huge wave of assurance and confidence:
"Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever."
The writer of this psalm was up against enemies and forces of wickedness. This psalm is his prayer that the Lord will be with him no matter what happens. He also clearly places the future and fate of his enemies in the Lord's hands.
We who are followers of Jesus can trust God. We can trust that God will be with us no matter what happens in our life and in our world.
Friday, April 27, 2007
The Way of Following Jesus
Last week I started reading a book by Eugene Peterson entitled The Jesus Way. It is the third volume in a projected five volume series on Christians spirituality. Peterson, a pastor and retired university professesor offers a challenge for following Christ. From the very beginning he identifies our culture's obsession with methods, goals, and results, that may or may not reflect life in the kingdom. Also, in the opening chapter he points out that in our culture technology has become a god and we as Christians need to be aware of this.
What are the things that get in your way of following Jesus?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
What are the things that get in your way of following Jesus?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Friday, April 20, 2007
Getting God's Word Into the Hands of the People in Germany
After Martin Luther started preaching and teaching in 1517 and 1518 against the buying of forgiveness for all eternity with the currency of the day, the Roman Catholic Church kicked Luther out of the church. As an excommunicated monk Luther's life was in danger.
Fortunately, a prince took Luther into hiding at the Wartburg Castle near the town of Eisenach. While in hiding Luther translated the Latin version of the New Testament into the everyday German language of the day. By doing so God's Word suddenly became available to all the people.
This explosion of people reading the Bible for themselves freed the Christians of the day from the sole interpretation of priests and scholars.
I realize today we may take it for granted that the Bible is available in over 400 translations. When is the last time you picked up God's holy Word to read it, reflect on it, and pray? There is no time like today to start.
May God bless your journey in Christ,
Pr. Durk Peterson
Fortunately, a prince took Luther into hiding at the Wartburg Castle near the town of Eisenach. While in hiding Luther translated the Latin version of the New Testament into the everyday German language of the day. By doing so God's Word suddenly became available to all the people.
This explosion of people reading the Bible for themselves freed the Christians of the day from the sole interpretation of priests and scholars.
I realize today we may take it for granted that the Bible is available in over 400 translations. When is the last time you picked up God's holy Word to read it, reflect on it, and pray? There is no time like today to start.
May God bless your journey in Christ,
Pr. Durk Peterson
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Fresh Back from Germany
My trip to the sites of Martin Luther's life and ministry in Germany proved to be fantastic and very inspirational. Just standing where he preached and taught in Wittenberg and where he and his family lived was incredible.
Germany is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit. The historic churches, castles, and homes were delightful to tour. Also, I found the people to be very friendly and approachable.
I will offer more thoughts and reflections in coming days. For now, it is time to recover from the jet lag.
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
Germany is a very beautiful and interesting place to visit. The historic churches, castles, and homes were delightful to tour. Also, I found the people to be very friendly and approachable.
I will offer more thoughts and reflections in coming days. For now, it is time to recover from the jet lag.
Blessings,
Pr. Durk
Monday, April 9, 2007
Germany Luther Land Tour
This trip of a life-time and ministry for me starts this Wednesday, April 11 and runs through April 17th. I will be visiting some of the major cities of Martin Luther's life: Eisenach, Erfurt, Wittenberg, Coberg, and the Wartburg Castle. If possible I will post some reflections along the way of this trip.
Martin Luther was the 16th century German pastor and biblical scholar whose work initiated the Reformation. Luther discovered that the central teaching of scripture is that we are saved by our faith in Christ. This teaching challenged the Roman Catholic Church of his day and unleashed a wide-spread reform movement that resulted in the founding of the Lutheran Church in Germany and other Scandinavian countries and eventually become a world-wide movement.
More later.....
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Martin Luther was the 16th century German pastor and biblical scholar whose work initiated the Reformation. Luther discovered that the central teaching of scripture is that we are saved by our faith in Christ. This teaching challenged the Roman Catholic Church of his day and unleashed a wide-spread reform movement that resulted in the founding of the Lutheran Church in Germany and other Scandinavian countries and eventually become a world-wide movement.
More later.....
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Friday, April 6, 2007
What does it take to refresh your life?
My family and I just returned a couple of days ago from a week in Puerto Aventuros, Mexico. The time there on the beach with my family proved to be one of the most refreshing and rejuvenating vacations I've ever experienced. If you can believe it, I was fully unplugged- no cell phone, voicemail, Internet, or e-mail. After one day of withdrawal- twitching fingers and anxiety attacks- I settled into a new mood for vacation.
Our Lord promises to refresh every day of our lives in the love of Jesus Christ. Each day, the gospel reminds that God loves us and forgives us in Christ.
This Sunday we will gather to celebrate the most refreshing and rejuvenating act of God ever offered to all humanity and the world. God raised Jesus from the dead, giving us victory over sin and death forever.
My prayer is that God will always refresh you in your life of faith. Whether you are on a beach or in the thick of daily life, may our Lord offer you grace and love to refresh your soul.
Our Lord promises to refresh every day of our lives in the love of Jesus Christ. Each day, the gospel reminds that God loves us and forgives us in Christ.
This Sunday we will gather to celebrate the most refreshing and rejuvenating act of God ever offered to all humanity and the world. God raised Jesus from the dead, giving us victory over sin and death forever.
My prayer is that God will always refresh you in your life of faith. Whether you are on a beach or in the thick of daily life, may our Lord offer you grace and love to refresh your soul.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Am Amazing Act of Generosity
Yesterday as I continued to pray and reflect on the story of Mary and Jesus in John's gospel. The gospel tells the story fo Mary anointing the feet of Jesus with a very expensive perfume. This took place at an ordinary meal with Judas and Martha also present.
Two things about this story may surprise us. First, why would Mary interrupt their meal and use such expensive perfume on Jesus' feet? Second, her act of anointing points us ahead several days to Jesus' death on the cross and burial in a tomb.
Mary used expensive perfume only found in India. Pouring this on the feet of Jesus and wiping his feet with her hair was a demonstation of her love for Jesus and her sacrifice for him.
Her act of anointing anticipates Joseph of Arimethea taking Jesus' body from the cross to a tomb. The morning of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the women were on their way to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices and perfume.
As you look around you life and our world, what acts of generosity and sacrifice like Mary's do you see taking place?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Two things about this story may surprise us. First, why would Mary interrupt their meal and use such expensive perfume on Jesus' feet? Second, her act of anointing points us ahead several days to Jesus' death on the cross and burial in a tomb.
Mary used expensive perfume only found in India. Pouring this on the feet of Jesus and wiping his feet with her hair was a demonstation of her love for Jesus and her sacrifice for him.
Her act of anointing anticipates Joseph of Arimethea taking Jesus' body from the cross to a tomb. The morning of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, the women were on their way to the tomb to prepare Jesus' body with spices and perfume.
As you look around you life and our world, what acts of generosity and sacrifice like Mary's do you see taking place?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Friday, March 16, 2007
Why do we worship?
"Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; in the company of the upright, in the great congregation. Great are the works of the Lord..."
So sings out the writer of Psalm111. What an uplifting reminder of why we as Christians worship the Lord our God. We come into God's presence in Jesus Christ in the company of the faithful to offer our thanks and praise.
Can you list all that the Lord has done for you on this day? No matter what kind of day you might be having if you sit down for a moment and begin to list all that God has done for you, you may be suprised at how your list grows.
I am so thankful this day for our worship life at Maple Grove Lutheran. We are blessed to gather in Christ's name in worship.
My prayer always is that more and more people will gather to worship weekly. No matter the schedule and demands of life. No matter the other commitments we might have, may we gather weekly and faithfully for worship.
See you in church!
Pr. Durk
So sings out the writer of Psalm111. What an uplifting reminder of why we as Christians worship the Lord our God. We come into God's presence in Jesus Christ in the company of the faithful to offer our thanks and praise.
Can you list all that the Lord has done for you on this day? No matter what kind of day you might be having if you sit down for a moment and begin to list all that God has done for you, you may be suprised at how your list grows.
I am so thankful this day for our worship life at Maple Grove Lutheran. We are blessed to gather in Christ's name in worship.
My prayer always is that more and more people will gather to worship weekly. No matter the schedule and demands of life. No matter the other commitments we might have, may we gather weekly and faithfully for worship.
See you in church!
Pr. Durk
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Crying out to God: Psalm 109
Do you ever find yourself calling out to God to "act now!" Do you find yourself crying out for the Lord to help you in times of trouble?
In Psalm 109 the writer cries out to God for help with enemies. He is experiencing pain and suffering from enemies who are speaking wicked and deceitful things about him.
"But, you, O Lord, my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!"
The psalm writers knows that he can depend on God's love. God's love is sure and faithful!
My hope and prayer is that God's love in Christ will provide you all the assurance and confidence you will ever need. Whether you are facing conflict and enemies or other challenges in life, God's steadfast love always remains active on your behalf.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
In Psalm 109 the writer cries out to God for help with enemies. He is experiencing pain and suffering from enemies who are speaking wicked and deceitful things about him.
"But, you, O Lord, my Lord, act on my behalf for your name's sake; because your steadfast love is good, deliver me!"
The psalm writers knows that he can depend on God's love. God's love is sure and faithful!
My hope and prayer is that God's love in Christ will provide you all the assurance and confidence you will ever need. Whether you are facing conflict and enemies or other challenges in life, God's steadfast love always remains active on your behalf.
Peace,
Pastor Durk
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Beginnings....
Friends in Christ,
God's grace be with you!
I am excited to start sharing some thoughts and reflections on scriptures, books, articles, movies, and church life. In addition, I will share portions of recent sermons.
Please e-mail me with suggestions and comments you might have about this blog. It is my hope and prayer that what is shared will be helpful and stimulating to you.
May God guide and direct your days,
-Pr. Durk
God's grace be with you!
I am excited to start sharing some thoughts and reflections on scriptures, books, articles, movies, and church life. In addition, I will share portions of recent sermons.
Please e-mail me with suggestions and comments you might have about this blog. It is my hope and prayer that what is shared will be helpful and stimulating to you.
May God guide and direct your days,
-Pr. Durk
Monday, March 5, 2007
Psalm 105 Reflections
In Psalm 105 the writer begins by saying the should give thanks to the Lord, calling on his name and make his deeds known among people. In this opening verse he captures our call to worship and witness. When is the last time you found yourself calling out to the Lord? When is the last time you made his deeds know or talked about the workings of our God with others?
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Peace,
Pr. Durk
Welcome to Pastor Durk's Blog
Friends in Christ,
I'm finally getting around to trying this blogging thing out. I hope to share thoughts on scriptures, church life, readings, and other observations in this space. Members of Maple Grove Lutheran and others are invited to read these and let me know what you think about God and our journey as disciples of Christ.
Peace!
Pr. Durk
I'm finally getting around to trying this blogging thing out. I hope to share thoughts on scriptures, church life, readings, and other observations in this space. Members of Maple Grove Lutheran and others are invited to read these and let me know what you think about God and our journey as disciples of Christ.
Peace!
Pr. Durk
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