God's Power at Work to Heal

This morning at Alleluia the MN Teen Challenge Choir sang and shared several messages of Jesus' healing power in their lives. I was moved and inspired by the honesty and humility expressed by the speakers.

The choir participants are in recovery from chemical addictions and are living examples of how God is able to provide courage, strength, and healing in unexpected and incredible ways.

How is God healing your life at this time? How would you say that God's Spirit is at work giving you a new lease on life?

If you or someone you know is battling an addiction of some kind, please reach out for help. There are excellent programs like Teen Challenge, a residential treatment program, that can provide a place where healing can begin.

Jesus said that he is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life." What more profound way to begin healing than to remember these powerful words of hope from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Blessings,

Pastor Durk

Thanksgiving Eve Sermon

From Greed to Gratitude

Thanksgiving 2009

Luke 12:13-21

Pastor Durk K. Peterson

Alleluia! Lutheran Church, St. Michael, MN

From Greed to Gratitude

For many families this year Thanksgiving will be different. Different than in years past. Job loss or transition. From two household incomes to one. From one income to none. Fear and anxiety. Bills to be paid. Job search. Wondering what the future will be. Is it possible to give thanks in this economic climate?

For others who still have jobs….”I can’t complain. At least I have a job.” In this economy I am so happy to have a job. It certainly is not the Great Depression my friends, but it is the Great Recession we are living through. Is it possible to give thanks on this night?

Maybe you’ve had this experience…as a pastor I’ve most often sensed or heard thankfulness or gratefulness from people who have gone through some really hard times in their lives- suffering of any kind, addiction and recovery of any kind, mistakes and consequences of any kind…. Somehow such tough experiences shape our perspective on life, don’t they?

There is nothing like turning to scripture to gain a renewed sense and spirit of thankfulness. If you’ve had the chance to read through any of the apostle Paul’s letters you more than likely have noticed how he often begins his letters. He almost always (except for Galatians) expresses thanks to God for the people to whom he is writing. He writes such things as this…

“I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying in joy…” (Phil. 1:3)

“I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers…” (Eph. 1:16)

“I give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that has been given to you in Christ Jesus…” (1 Cor. 1:4)

“In our prayers for you we always thank God the Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ….” (Colossians 1:3)

Not does Paul foster a mood and spirit of thankfulness. Our Lord, Jesus also teaches and preaches what our God desires. The Lord our God desires grateful living. God desires what you’ve more than likely heard referred to as an “attitude of gratitude.” Yes, an attitude of gratitude. Thankful hearts. Appreciate lives. This is what Thanksgiving in our country is all about. Taking time to be thankful. Thankful for our many blessings, family, friends and possessions.

As you know the opposite of this attitude of gratitude is “ingratitude” or unthankfulness. Someone takes and takes and takes and hardly ever gives thanks. Someone expects everything to go his or her way and then is miffed when this doesn’t. Someone seems to unaware of how good they have it in life and how much to be thankful for. Whether aware of this or not, we’ve all had shown this ingratitude in some way if we are honest with ourselves. Or, we’ve met up with someone who shows this ingratitude quite clearly.

Jesus teaches us about thanks and gratitude through a parable you we hear in Luke’s gospel.

Luke 12:13-21

The Parable of the Rich Fool

13 Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, ‘Teacher, tell my brother to divide the family inheritance with me.’ ¹⁴But he said to him, ‘Friend, who set me to be a judge or arbitrator over you?’ ¹⁵And he said to them, ‘Take care! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.’ ¹⁶Then he told them a parable: ‘The land of a rich man produced abundantly. ¹⁷And he thought to himself, “What should I do, for I have no place to store my crops?” ¹⁸Then he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. ¹⁹And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ²⁰But God said to him, “You fool! This very night your life is being demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” ²¹So it is with those who store up treasures for themselves but are not rich towards God.’

The writer of Luke’s gospel sets the scene. A younger brother wants the older brother to divide up the inheritance. In those days the oldest brother got it all. Younger brother gets greedy. He asks Jesus to tell his oldest brother to do this. To this Jesus responds- be aware of all kinds of greed! For your life doesn’t consist in the abundance of possessions.

Picture of field of grain being harvested (combines at work)

Then, Jesus tells the parable of the rich farmer that you just heard read. So, Jesus tells a parable about a rich farmer. He celebrated a bumper crop. He had prepared the soil. Planted seeds. Tended the plants. And then when the harvest came it was overflowing. An incredible, unbelievable crop came in at the harvest. A bountiful harvest. The kind of harvest every farmer would love to see and experience and take to the bank. The crop was so huge that he had to tear down his old barns and build new, larger storage facilities. He celebrated and immediately went ahead with the build. Now is the time to “eat, drink, and be merry!” Now it is time to party! Part with reckless abandon. Party all night long and celebrate my good fortune for the years ahead.

Unfortunately, that night the rich farmer died. That night “his soul was demanded from him. And the Lord said to him. And now, whose possessions will these be?

The Problem? My friends, the problem is not the overflowing crop. No, his problem was greed and self-sufficiency. The greed at work in his said that he would never have enough. The self-sufficient bent or attitude said that he would be able to take care of himself just fine, thank you very much! No words of thanks to God or offering made to God in response to the harvest. No renewal of his dependence on God for his livelihood. In this story the farmers shows us how possessed by his possessions he is when he says, “My crops. My barn. My grain. My goods.

Picture of dollar sign $ here

So, what about us? What is our situation? If you think about it we live in a culture addicted to instant gratification. Yes, we expect that our needs should be met now with little delay, because….well….we want things now. And, we are addicted to luck or to chance. “If only I could win the lottery!” If only I would get lucky. To get that letter from a wealthy relative that we will have enough money to no longer have to worry abut money ever again. Both of these bring the focus on to us. Yes, us as the center of the universe….and away from the Lord our God.

We also live in a time when we regularly see public displays or investigations into greed revealed. Bernie Madoff, Denny Hecker, Tom Petters, Jeffrey Skilling from the Enron collapse. As I’ve followed these stories here and there I am usually just stunned….stunned but not surprised. Because I quickly realize that all of us have the ability or capacity to do the very same things as these individuals and criminals. How could they do such terrible things. Well, greed….for starters.

The word of judgement from the parable. This judgment comes in the in the form of a question. Now that your life is over, “Now who will have these possessions?” You can’t take it with you…. can you?

The Movie “Greedy”

One of my all time favorite movies is the moves Greedy starring Kurt Douglas. Douglas plays the part of a wealthy grandfather. As he gets on in years his children grow more and more greedy. And they spend considerable time ingratiating themselves to their grandfather. Well, one year the grandfather appears to be failing-ends up in a wheelchair. And then he appears to be losing his mind- he gets a girlfriend who is 30 years his junior. And, the kids go crazy and their antics go wild. Finally, at the end of the movie Douglas’s character is in the wheelchair poolside with his children practically begging him to divide the inheritance. And, he surprises them all when he gets up out of his wheelchair and walks away from them. Obviously their greed had gotten the best of them.

One of our challenges is greed. Bumper sticker “He who dies with the most toys wins!” Greed is a force in our lives that says this. You can never have enough. You will always want more. The late millionaire Howard Hughes once said this about money. “Just when I think I have enough money. I always want to have more…

Jesus Calls Us Back With Love!

My friends, God’s grace in Jesus Christ gets the best of us in a good way. Jesus loves us. Jesus forgives us. Jesus offers us grace and salvation through holy baptism. When we go down the path of ingratitude, Jesus calls us back. When we go down the path of greed, Jesus calls us back. Back to the full life in the kingdom.

Jesus is our Savior for whom we are ever grateful, ever thankful, ever indebted. Yes, tonight we can and should be grateful for our possessions, our family, our friends, our church- this great congregation of Alleluia! Above all we thank God for Jesus. We who love Jesus who follow Jesus who worship Jesus, will always be thankful…

Why Give?

In my stewardship sermon on Sunday I listed out reasons why we should give a weekly offering. #1 on the list was "to grow spiritually" in Christ. When we give we are blessed. The Lord loves a cheerful giver as St. Paul writes in 2 Cor. 9.

What is your #1 reason to give of yourself and the resources God has given to you?

What happens to you and your heart of faith when you give?

Is there a way in which you can challenge yourself to open your hand so that you can give and receive all that our Lord has to given you?

Blessings to you in your life of giving in response to Jesus,

Pr. Durk

Marriage Sermon by Pastor Durk

Living Confidently in the Lord

Love and Marriage

October 18, 2009

Pastor Durk K. Peterson

Alleluia! Lutheran Church

St. Michael, MN

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

(slide 1)

¹If I speak in the tongues^[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. ²If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames,^[b] but have not love, I gain nothing.

(slide 2)

⁴Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. ⁵It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. ⁶Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ⁷It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

(slide 3)

⁸Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. ⁹For we know in part and we prophesy in part, ¹⁰but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. ¹¹When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. ¹²Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

(slide 4)

¹³And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. -

To begin this morning I am wondering how many of you have been to wedding in the last year? Two years? Five years? I would invite you to imagine this couple today. Bring them to mind. Recall the sights, the sounds, the emotions, the words, the music.

This morning we continue our sermon series entitled Living Confidently in the Lord. Today we will look at Love and Marriage. What does it mean to live confidently in the Lord in marriage? Or, if you're not married, to support others in their marriage? What difference does Jesus make for marriage today? Marriages here at Alleluia! and throughout our community?

First of all I want to tell you that I just love weddings. The reason I love weddings is that the services are filled with such joy, such celebration, people smiling and happy for the couple. Everyone dressed up and decorations everywhere. Oh, and the food and the music that happen bring the day alive.

When helping couples plan their service I often will say jokingly, yet seriously, "Yes, your service will be perfect.” Perfect because it is God's service after all and God has brought you together for a reason. All the preparation comes together. Oh, yes, I could tell you wedding stories. It is also a great opportunity to preach the good news of Jesus.

I also enjoy working with couples getting ready for marriage. In working with the couples I am able to help them identify their strength areas and the areas they need to work on in their future as husband and wife. Most often I will lead a marriage classes in which couples getting married in the upcoming year have a chance to get to know one another better and better. One of my requirements is for couples to watch the movie License to Wed starring Robin Williams. He plays a priest names Father Frank who takes the couple through counseling and interacts with them in some challenging and surprising ways.

In fact, just this last Saturday I presided at a wedding right here in the Historic Church. The wedding for Jennifer Weiss and Travis Dahlheimer. Travis is the son of Pam and Kent Bjorkland., who are members here at Alleluia. It was a huge wedding with the church nearly packed. The music was awesome. The couple beautiful. The wedding party large- 8 on both sides. They shared their vows and everyone witnessed their vows. It was a wonderful celebration and time of worship as we thanked God for their commitment and love. As we celebrated their love, our focus all the while was on God and his Son, Jesus Christ.

My friends, as I’ve said numerous times, we at Alleluia! need to keep our eyes focused on Jesus. And the same is true for marriage. In marriage we need to stay focused on Jesus. Yes, we need to see our Lord Jesus at the heart of marriage. The very center of marriage. I tell couples that as long as Jesus is their center and focus their marriage will be fulfilling and long-lasting. Jesus after all loves both spouses- died and was raised for husbands and wives. Baptized into Jesus each receives the gift of forgiveness. I would have to say that the key to a healthy and long-lasting marriage is forgiveness. When you hurt one another or disappoint one another or fail one another, can you forgive? Yes, I am asking if you can truly forgive one another. This is Jesus’ gift for marriage.

In focusing on Jesus the scriptures show us his teaching on marriage . Now Jesus taught us about marriage in the Bible His teaching on marriage is in Matthew's gospel. Early on in his ministry the Pharisees are intent on tripping him up. To do sothey ask him if it is lawful for a man to divorce his wife.

⁴"Haven't you read," he replied, "that at the beginning the Creator 'made them male and female,' and said, 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh' ⁶So they are no longer two, but one. Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

-Matthew 19

Did you hear that? One flesh? Yes, a man and woman become one flesh in marriage. Jesus points to God's heart for marriage. He does so by taking us back to the opening of the Genesis where we hear that God created male and female and that a man leaves his family to be joined to his wife and become one flesh with her

For couples united in marriage what does “one flesh” mean?

United sexually…

Sharing possessions…

Sharing financial resources …

Sharing parenting duties…

Sharing emotional concerns and issues …

Sharing friends and relatives …

Sharing each other's sorrows and challenges. …

It is interesting and perhaps surprising to you that Jesus teaches about marriage when asked about divorce. Before addressing divorce he describes what marriage is all about. Later he says that divorce can only take place because of unfaithfulness. One historic note, in Jesus' day a husband could write a certificate of divorce at any time. But, Jesus brings both the husband and wife into the picture here in terms on responsibility and role in marriage.

Not only do we hear his teaching on marriage and divorce, Jesus also attended a wedding during his earthly ministry. He goes to a wedding in Cana with his mother, Mary. There they take part in a traditional Jewish wedding: music, scriptures, prayers, message, vows, and blessings. After the service the music and dancing break out. The food is served and the people celebrate! All the while we can se in our imagination taht Jesus si smiling. Yes, Jesus is smiling. My friends, Jesus is smiling today on marriage. Marriage as an institution of loving commitment. He is smiling on all of us as we honor and support marriages.

In lifting up our theme once again....Living confidently means seeing Jesus present and at work in the power of the Holy Spirit. Yes, present and working in the power of the Spirit to strengthen marriages here and throughout the world. And, thanks be to God, Jesus is with us and working through us in the power of the spirit to meet up with what I will term as the stressors and testers of marriage.

·The stressor and tester of raising children- let’s have a show of hands. How many couples are challenged now in raising their children?

· Job Transition and Loss- when this happens emotions run raw and relationships can be rocked. And marriages tested...

· Significant value differences. When disagreements occur marriage can be strained.

· Fidelity Issues Unfortunately, infidelity does occur in married life. Physically and emotionally and through the internet. The obvious questions are as follows- "Is there another man in your head and heart?" "Is there another woman in your head and heart?"

· Illness and disease- when you are not feeling well, it affects how you husbands and wives relate to one another. It can change your intimacy with each other.

· Moments of hurt and misunderstanding. These too can build up and affect your marriage.

My friends, sin is always at work in our world and in marriage. But, thanks be to God there is forgiveness in Jesus. There is love in Jesus. God tells us that He is present with us in Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit to take on all the stressors and testers of marriage.

Now we are all familiar with the reality of divorce. Some marriages do end in divorce. It could be infidelity or abuse or other differences that get in the way. I am not going to throw out statistics to prove this reality. In Matthew's gospel Jesus says that except for unchastity there are no grounds for divorce. Divorce occurs out of sin. As a result of brokenness. Can Jesus forgive this? Yes, Jesus can forgive any sin, no matter what kind of sin occurs.

Marriage Counseling: opportunities to improve your marriage. You may of course, already be aware of this, but when you feel that your marriage is stuck in a rut or that you are just not doing well in your marriage- get help! Talk with me or sit down with another Christian counselor and get to work, talking about your marriage and working through the problems.

We can turn to the apostle Paul for more perspective on marriage. In the 5^th chapter of Ephesians Paul writes about husbands and wives. He says that the husband is the head of the wife and the wife should submit to her husband. Now, if we stop here we have very skewed view of marriage. But, right after this he says that the husband should love his wife as he loves himself. Paul then refers to the same scripture from Genesis that Jesus refers to in Matthew. A man and his wife become one flesh. This is a profound mystery. The husband should love and honor his wife, just as he loves and honors his own body. In the past, Paul has often been interpreted as they that the man is in charge. Period. Yet, if you take a closer look at Ephesians you will see that he takes the husband and wife into account, honoring and loving each other.

Back to the original question I asked at the beginning of my sermon. So, what does it mean to live confidently in the Lord with marriage? What does this look like?

Living confidently in Christ for marriage very simply means “support marriage.” Honor marriage. Build marriage up. I realize that not everyone here today is married, right? Some here today are married. My message today is for everyone in Christ. As followers of Jesus, if we are not married we are still called or challenged to support marriages in whatever way we can. Think about the married friends or acquaintances you might have. How are you supporting them in their marriage? And, how might they be supporting you in your faith life as a single person?

On a lighter note. A couple years ago I attended the 50^th wedding anniversary for Curt and Alice. We were gathered in the Fellowship Hall for their reception. I walked up to Curt and asked him, "Curt, how in the world did you make it 50 years in marriage?" He smiled and winked and told me, "why, I've always done whatever she told me to do." Then I walked to the other end of the hall to Alice and asked her the same question, "How did you make it for 50 years?" to which she responded, "Easy. Curt has always done whatever I've told him to do." Pause. Obviously Curt and Alice were still in as much love as ever and could still give each other a hard time.

Personally I've experienced and walked in a strong confidence in our Lord in my own marriage. I met my wife Susan way back in 1982 at St. Olaf College. We both played in the college band and met each other at several band functions. That fall a mutual friend invited us on a double date. We hit it off and went on to date for nearly three years. We married just after I started seminary in Chicago. Our marriage was strengthened and challenged over the year as Susan taught English in community colleges and attended law school and began her first law positions. It also grew by the several moves and calls in which I've served over the last 20 years. Most memorably our marriage has grown and changed through the adoption of our daughter, Laura and the birth of our son, Eric. Like many couple we've experienced the mountains and valleys of marriage, the ups and downs, the joys and the sorrows.

For us and for many married couples a Bible passage stands at the heart of our commitment. It comes from Paul's letter to the Christians in Corinth-1 Corinthians 13 The passage you heard read at the opening of my sermon. One of the most common readings for weddings, this passage is known the "love chapter." It comes right after chapter 12 in which Paul writes about the body of Christ as consisting of many parts such as the eyes and ears and how each part if needed in order for the body of Christ to function. Paul says that the body has many parts or gifts. And, God's grace activates the gifts in everyone to be used to increase the body.

The love Paul writes about here is not romantic love or eros love or specifically love for marriage. No, rather Paul is talking her about agape love or basic Christian love. This is the love that loves another person for who they are and how this love can help keep the body of Christ united.

Like the stressors and testers of marriage, Paul faced his own in Corinth. He took on the issues of sexual immorality, division in the church based on personalities, abuses of the Lord's Supper, and the bragging about spiritual gifts. There were hyper-spiritualists who thought that their gifts were more valuable.

Now, we can still have Paul's words on love help us talk about marriage this morning. Christian love among those who follow Jesus. I say this because the love Paul is referring to here is all about giving. Giving love that is patient. Giving love that is kind. Giving love that isn't jealous. Giving love that rejoices in the good. It is a love that never ends.

My friends, marriage is all about giving to each other. Giving because Jesus has given first to us. Given us love and forgiveness. Given us peace and understanding. Couples promise and God's promise to us.

Out of the entire wedding service the most powerful moment comes when the vows are spoken. Here a couple makes their promise to each other. When I work with couples they have 8 vows to choose from- all worded differently but all include “until death do us part” or for our “entire lives.”

The love of Jesus makes these human vows possible. After all Jesus is FOR US. He died for us. He was raised for US. He walks with us. He guides and inspires us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

How do we live confidently in marriage? My friends in Christ, we can live confidently in Jesus. Knowing and trusting that Jesus is at work in our marriage. Knowing and trusting that Jesus is present in marriages. And, knowing that God uses us all to support marriages around us to help them stay strong.

Love and Marriage

This last Saturday I was privileged to preside at a wonderful wedding in St. Michael for Jennifer and Travis. The church was packed and those gathered were smiling and so excited for this couple as they came before God to make their vows.

"One flesh" was the theme of my meditation for this couple. What does it mean to live in "one flesh?" What does it look like to live in "one flesh?"

During the music following their vows, Jennifer looked into the eyes of Travis and said "You are my husband" in an amazed tone of voice. As she said this Travis nodded and smiled.

In the middle of gay rights issues and people asserting what they deserve in the church, it is refreshing to come back to the basics of marriage at such a service as this last Saturday.

In the beginning God created us male and female. In Matthew Jesus says that a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two will become one flesh. Is there intent expressed by God for the sacredness of marriage here?

May God bless all marriages and may our Lord be honored through vows spoken and lived out in "one flesh."

-Pastor Durk

The Children Arrived!

This last Sunday 160 children showed up at church! All the children arrived and dozens of adults and teens packed the church basement of the Historic Catholic Church in downtown St. Michael where Alleluia Lutheran Church is meeting until we build our new church.

During worship dozens of children came forward for the children's sermon time. I was so happy to see all the children and to meet their parents. We are so blessed at Alleluia with such awesome families and so many people to help out.

Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, for it is to such as these that the kingdom belongs." Children are loving, curious, energetic, and trusting- just a few of the characteristics Jesus is alluding to here in his teaching.

How curious are you about Jesus and the things of God?

How energetic are you in pursuing discipleship opportunities?

How trusting are you of God?

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of children!

In Jesus' name,

Pastor Durk

Watering Your Soul

Yesterday I spent time watering a section of our lawn that was turning brown. This is a crisis for the a lawn freak such as myself! Within a few hours the grass started to look better, slightly greening up. Without the water and the attention, this area of our lawn would have continued to suffered from lack of water and stayed brown.

When it comes to our soul, our faith in Christ, we need the continual watering of God's grace. God's love and grace in Jesus Christ renews and refreshes us with the promise of growth and new life.

What steps are you taking in your discipleship to be aware of this need? How are you celebrating this gift of grace that God gives us freely through Jesus Christ? My prayer is that the watering of God's love in Jesus will renew you this day and always.

Peace,

Pastor Durk

Near Miss!

Have you ever had an experience of nearly being in the middle of storm or tornado? Just yesterday while working at the ELCA Church-Wide Assembly downtown Minneapolis, a tornado struck part of the Mpls Convention Center's roof and toppled the steeple cross of Central Lutheran across the street.

I felt a rush of wind and sudden change in air pressure through the doors I was watching at the moment it struck. A young woman ran up to me and said "Mr. Security! A tornado just hit the convention center!" Within minutes I along with a team of workers were hustling people into safe areas inside until the tornado warning expired.

I learned minutes later that a co-worker was walking to her car and was nearly "taken up into the tornado." She grabbed a a pole and clung tightly with her feet in the air. A young man ran to her assistance and helped her to hold on. Bruised, soaked, and shaken, she survived.

The tornado arrived out of no-where, suddenly, with no warning.

What does God have to do with this event? Our God is the Lord of heaven and earth, the creator and shaper of all that is, including nature with all its power and beauty.

Without over theologizing this, as we pastors are want to do, this event did have my co-worker talking about God- something she said she hadn't done for quite a while.

Interesting. A door wide open for witnessing.

Pr. Durk

How generous are you?

During these challenging economic times we may want to turn inward and close ourselves off from the world and the church's mission. Our hands close tightly into fists and we cross our arms and turn away from helping others.

Only the Lord our God has the power to open our hands and hearts, to unfold our arms so that we reach out with the love of Christ. And, only the love of Christ moves us to assist, help, and serve our neighbor in need.

St. Paul writes this in 2 Corinthians: "We know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ who though he was rich for your sakes became poor, so that from his poverty we might become rich."

Earlier in the same chapter as he motivates and inspires the Corinthians in their generosity, Paul writes that "they first gave themselves to the Lord and then by God's will to us."

My friends, we are only as generous as the level of trust we have in Jesus who gave his very life for us and for the world.

Peace,

Pastor Durk

 Waiting on God

In Isaiah 65 we hear these words- "From ages past, no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you who works for those who wait for him."  

You might ask yourself in light of these words how you are waiting for God.  Yes, "how" are you waiting for the Lord these days? 

There is such a thing known as "active waiting."  This kind of living in Christ means you are active in serving and loving all the while waiting on the Lord.

I find myself often waiting for the Lord to speak to me and answer my prayers. Or, I find myself waiting for the Lord to show me a sign.

The funny thing is this- we may be listening in a very selfish manner or looking in all the wrong places.  I am convinced that God loves to surprise us in our waiting.  

When is the last time God surprised you?

Blessings to you as you wait on the Lord,

Pr. Durk

Peace,

Pastor Durk

Striking Up A Conversation

So, last night at my son's baseball game his football coached happened to be walking through the park with his daughter. I saw him from a distance and waved. He walked right over and we greeted one another and asked how things were going with each other. He immediately responded, "Oh, fine." But, I could see in his eyes that things were not so "fine."

Remembering that he attends a local Lutheran church I asked him how things were going at his church. He commented about transitions at his church and how they've welcomed a new associate pastor.

At this point I shared with him that I had resigned my previous call at Maple Grove Lutheran and now was serving part-time at Discover Church (ELCA) in Brooklyn Park and that I was in the call process for a new pastoral position in the Minneapolis area.

I paused. And, he began to share about all his work transitions along with the pain and challenges that come with that. He also shared some family challenges as well. He shared how he ended up in the hospital with stress related physical symptoms. "I know the Lord has a plan through this, Durk"

Knowing what an experienced Christian this man is, I interpreted his comment as his confidence that no matter what happens in life our Lord Jesus Christ is with us-leading us, guiding us in the power of the Spirit, and building up our faith.

Next time you have time and someone responds "Oh, fine" get ready.
Peace,
Pr. Durk

Our Amazing God

This morning for my morning devotion I continued my reading through the book of Isaiah.  Today I read part of a what is known as a "servant song" in which the writer says that the servant was "wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5)

What disturbing image of redemption and image of God's love for us in Christ.  As we read the Old Testament with the lens of Christ these words of the prophet clearly point to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

I thank God for His amazing love that moved Him to send Jesus to suffer and die on the cross for our sins and for our wholeness.  

It is hard to imagine how our God could take such a step for us and our salvation. Only one word can capture the "why" and that is love.  

Peace,

Pr. Durk

Amazing Moments

Do you ever have those times in your life when you experience the joy of the Lord in a powerful and overwhelming way? 

At times we refer to these as mountain experiences or unforgettable moments in life.  There are times in life that just stick in your heart and mind.

2:00 a.m. o Sept. 11th, 1995 I am sitting on the back steps of our home in Minneapolis following the birth of our son, Eric, amazed at the miracle of his birth.

11:00 p.m. October 18 1993 my wife and I are back from the Des Moines airport where we picked up our 4 month old daughter, just flown in from South Korea  by a Holt International social worker.  

June 25, 1989 I am ordained into the ministry at First Lutheran Church in Kenyon, MN.  

December 25th, 1985  Susan and I are married at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Decorah, IA.  

What are those dates and times in your life that stick? That flood back into your mind and heart?

The Lord our God is an amazing Lord who works in our lives at all times, the wonderful and amazing times as well as the challenging and low times.

Blessings,

Pr. Durk

Our Awesome God

This morning for my devotional reading I spent time reading and praying Psalm 76. This psalm writer boldly proclaims, "Great is our God; more magnificent than the everlasting mountains....You indeed are awesome!"

What experiences have you had where you simply stopped and were overwhelmed by God's creative power and love? Maybe it was simply the smile and bright eyes of a child, or the morning sunrise, or, in the Minnesota today, spring bursting out all over the place.

When we are tempted to think everything is about us our human needs, we are reminded of how great and loving our God is through the message of so many psalms.

God reminded Job by asking him a long series of questions toward the end of the book of Job (i.e. where were you when I spun out this incredible creation?)

What do you think will remind you of God's incredible love for us in Jesus Christ? Pray with your eyes wide open and it will be flashed right before your eyes and heart.

Standing in the awesome light of God's love,

Pr. Durk Peterson

New Life in Baptism

I was privileged be part of a service at Discover Church this last Saturday night at which 20 people were baptized. Several children, youth, and adults were baptized in Christ by full immersion in a large tank of water in the sanctuary. This was a first for me in 20 years of ministry.

The expressions on the faces of the baptized as they emerged from the water simply amazed me . Huge smiles broke the water streaming off their faces as we applauded and prayed and gave our praise to God.

This service was grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ- emphasizing that baptism is what God does to us and for us. God washes us clean of our sin as we are baptized into the death and resurrection of Jesus.

Another impressive aspect of this service for me came with the wide age range. In my ministry experience I've baptized hundreds of infants and only a handful of adults and youth.

As others have noted, youth and adult baptisms truly are a sign of the church's mission and growth. Rather than evangelism by procreation, evangelism occurs in reaching the unchurched and those who have never been connected to the church.

Praise God for the newly baptized!
-Pr. Durk

Jesus and Children

Just this last Sunday a young girl ran up to me with a smile on her face wildly waving a small poster in the air. "Pastor Durk," she shouted, "look what I made!" She slowed for a few seconds to lift the poster right in front of my eyes. It was a picture of Jesus hanging on the cross and a bright sun painted in the upper right corner. She was so proud of her painting and so excited.

How excited or enthused are we as we complete our Lenten journey to the cross and get ready to celebrate the resurrection? I don't know about you, but every year I sense that things come crashing together during this week. The joy of the resurrection is already bursting with Easter planning and yet, the solemn time of Holy Week is just ahead.

May God bless you as you see Jesus on the cross and the bright sun of the resurrection coming soon!
Peace,
Pr. Durk

Transitions

At Discover Church in Brooklyn Park where I am now serving a new job transitions group has been started by Pastor Darrin Vick. While attending this group for pastoral care support and prayer I have been amazed at the outpouring of love, support, and expertise offered by members to each other. Discover member, Joe Axe, is facilitating this group, doing an excellent job of organizing topics of of interest and help to the group each week.

During this tough economic time people are really scrambling and pressured to get a new job for the sake of income and supporting families. At the same time those big questions come along such as "What gives my life meaning?" and "What is God calling me to do with the rest of my life?"

As strange as it may sound these tough economic times may be a great time for the church and its mission as well. What is my role in the church and its mission really all about? What really counts? What does it mean to be loving and generous in hard times?

I do not have answers to all these questions, but know and trust that our Lord is at work through us in the power of the Holy Spirit and the community of faith, the church.

If you are in a transition may God open your heart to be ministered to by others. If others around you are in transition, please reach out to listen and help as you are able.

By the way, this transitions group a t Discover Church meets every Tuesday morning from 8-9:00 a.m. Check out this church at www.discoverchurchnetwork.org.

Peace,
Pastor Durk

Invitation to Sermon Chat

Hello everyone! I have set up a sermon discussion group on Facebook. It is titled "Sermon Chat with Pastor Durk." This is an experiment in which you are invited to share a comment, question, story, or illustration on any of the lectionary readings for the upcoming Sunday. This is based on the RCL or Revised Common Lectionary. Please check this group out is you have a chance. Peace,
Pr. Durk

Ah, Fresh Forgiveness!

Yesterday I drove our daughter and her friends down to Afton for a day of snowboarding. As I drove I was overwhelmed with the beautiful snow-blanketed fields and the evergreen trees decorated in snow. The landscape simply glistened in the bright sunlight of a cold winter day.

The words of the psalmist came to mind, fresh in my heart from Ash Wednesday. "...wash me and I will be whiter than snow." Out of the waters of baptism we receive the gift of forgiveness. This gift cleanses us and covers us in the fresh coating of God's grace.

How is your life in need of a fresh covering? What are the sins and failings you see in your life that cry out for healing and forgiveness?

May our Lord cover you with a fresh blanket of forgiveness in Christ now and always.
Peace,
Pastor Durk

New Beginnings

This morning I stepped into a new experience of ministry at Discover Church in Brooklyn Park, MN.  Discover Church (formerly Brooklyn Park Lutheran) is a two site church, with its main campus in Brooklyn Park and a second worshipping site at the Mann Theatre in Champlin. 

I will be serving part-time as their pastoral care minister, doing some teaching, preaching, and visitation.  The staff at Discover is awesome and inspiring to be a part of in ministry. God has richly blessed this congregation and its commitment to outreach. 

As difficult as it is to say farewell to the many wonderful people of God at Maple Grove Lutheran, I will be experiencing a wave of welcomes and opportunities at Discover.

I hope this will be a time of healing and refreshment for me in ministry before I begin a new full-time call as a senior or solo pastor in the Mpls. area.  

God is good.

-Pr. Durk

Tough Transitions

At our church's Bi-Annual Meeting last Sunday, the congregation voted to eliminate the Lead Pastor position in our staffing. This was largely due to financial challenges.  As you can imagine this hard for me and many at the church to accept.

Somehow I do have a sense of peace with this in my life because I trust God will provide both for the congregation and its mission as well as my family.

There will be a new opportunity to serve at another church in the area at some point. 

As of this writing I am still too shocked to think clearly about many things.  My family has been very supportive through this and will continue to be my rock through this transition.

My prayers go out to the entire congregation, both the leaders who had tough recommendations in difficult times and all who took part in the 5 hr. meeting. 

May God's peace be with us all.

Pr. Durk 

So, how is it going for you in the New Year?

Every January I find myself reflecting on what God might have in store for me, my family, and congregation for the year. I wonder how God's Spirit will be at work, moving and shaping and inspiring. I pray for God's will to be done.

What are you hoping God will accomplish in you and your life this year?

A simple yet profound way to start is to pray. Make your needs, hopes, and dreams made known to God. Sit and listen to what the Spirit might be saying to you.

Another great way to start the year is to read scripture. Dive in and explore the great teachings of Jesus, parables and stories of his ministry, and the words of the prophets. Let the Psalms lift your spirit and renew your faith.

Finally, give of yourself. Give yourself to the Lord in worship and in giving you time, treasure, and talent.

May God richly bless you throughout this year.
-Pastor Durk