Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This past weekend we celebrated the beginning of Holy Week. It was a great celebration - with palm branches, God's Word, and the Lord's Supper. We discovered that we are wise when we hear the words of Jesus and do them and we are unwise when we hear the words of Jesus and do not do them. We heard from Jesus that the Father's will is that all would look to the Son and believe in Him and receive eternal life.
That is a comforting message as we look on the Son, Jesus, this week and see what He did for us. That He was brutely beaten, scourged, and then executed on a cross - probably the cruelest way to execute someone that has ever been devised by mankind. He volunteered for this treatment because it was necessary to pay the price for all our sins. That is how we receive eternal life from the Father.
I had a bout with the stomach flu last week, but I am doing fine now. The warmer weather is a welcome break from the cold. The pain in my face and arm are more tolerable when it is warm outside. Thank you for all of you prayers. I will need them as we go into four straight days of worship services. I pray that I will see all of you Thursday and Friday at 7:00pm, Saturday at 5:30pm, and Sunday morning - either at 8:30am or 11:00am.
I pray that God blesses each and every one of you with a wonderful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ - Easter!
In the name of our Savior,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Hi Brothers and Sisters,
Spring is trying to come - snow on the first day of Spring. God is letting us know that He is in charge and that He will bring spring as He wills. It's been one year since I fell. I am still feeling the affects of my injuries. A wondeful thing happens to me when I preach, I do not feel any pain while I am preaching. That is the only time in my week that I do not feel any pain. Praise God for the miracle.
As we head toward Holy Week - Palm Sunday is this Sunday - we remember that it is our sins that Jesus willingly died for on a cross. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a celebration of the true King of the universe as he sets in motion his sacrifice for us. It will be a great celebration we will have together, with Jesus, this weekend.
Ask a friend or coworker who does not attend worship anywhere if they would like to join you for Easter celebration. That is a great gift to share with them. I continue to pray for all of you every day and thank you for all of your prayers they are of great benefit to me.
In our Crucified Savior,
Pastor Randy
Spring is trying to come - snow on the first day of Spring. God is letting us know that He is in charge and that He will bring spring as He wills. It's been one year since I fell. I am still feeling the affects of my injuries. A wondeful thing happens to me when I preach, I do not feel any pain while I am preaching. That is the only time in my week that I do not feel any pain. Praise God for the miracle.
As we head toward Holy Week - Palm Sunday is this Sunday - we remember that it is our sins that Jesus willingly died for on a cross. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem is a celebration of the true King of the universe as he sets in motion his sacrifice for us. It will be a great celebration we will have together, with Jesus, this weekend.
Ask a friend or coworker who does not attend worship anywhere if they would like to join you for Easter celebration. That is a great gift to share with them. I continue to pray for all of you every day and thank you for all of your prayers they are of great benefit to me.
In our Crucified Savior,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Hi everyone! Greetings in Jesus.
Last week with all the weather changes I experienced a lot of pain. I had some trouble with swelling which caused more pain than I like. Today is sunny and clear and warmer, so I feel much better. Praise God!!
Disregarding the pain I had a great time last week. The lasagna Lenten meal last Wednesday evening was fantastic. I had more than I should have. Worship with all of you was tremndous, both Wednesday evening and over the weekend. I never get tired of worshipping. Our journey through the Gospel of Luke is enlightening. As we delve deeper into this gospel the Holy Spirit opens more and more up to our understanding. We have more people join our journey almost every week. There are many of us that are being transformed by God. I encourage all of you, if you are not with us already, to join us this Sunday at 9:45 am. in the Turtle Tap restaurant. We have a great time!
Tomorrow, March 17th, is not only St. Patrick's Day, but it is the one year anniversary of my damaging fall off the scaffold. I am so thankful to God for bringing me to where I am this past year. I thought at first that I would get well faster, but the doctors and therapists told me that I have progressed further and faster than they ever thought I could. So, I am thankful that God is strong and gracious. Thank you all so much for all of the prayers, encouraging words, cards, letters, and support throughout this past year. And I thank you in advance for the next year also.
In the Comforting Arms of the Savior,
Pastor Randy
Last week with all the weather changes I experienced a lot of pain. I had some trouble with swelling which caused more pain than I like. Today is sunny and clear and warmer, so I feel much better. Praise God!!
Disregarding the pain I had a great time last week. The lasagna Lenten meal last Wednesday evening was fantastic. I had more than I should have. Worship with all of you was tremndous, both Wednesday evening and over the weekend. I never get tired of worshipping. Our journey through the Gospel of Luke is enlightening. As we delve deeper into this gospel the Holy Spirit opens more and more up to our understanding. We have more people join our journey almost every week. There are many of us that are being transformed by God. I encourage all of you, if you are not with us already, to join us this Sunday at 9:45 am. in the Turtle Tap restaurant. We have a great time!
Tomorrow, March 17th, is not only St. Patrick's Day, but it is the one year anniversary of my damaging fall off the scaffold. I am so thankful to God for bringing me to where I am this past year. I thought at first that I would get well faster, but the doctors and therapists told me that I have progressed further and faster than they ever thought I could. So, I am thankful that God is strong and gracious. Thank you all so much for all of the prayers, encouraging words, cards, letters, and support throughout this past year. And I thank you in advance for the next year also.
In the Comforting Arms of the Savior,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Greetings in our crucified Savior, Jesus,
The weather is getting warmer, slowly. It is difficult to be patient and not want it to be 70 degrees right now. But God is doing exactly what is necessary according to his plan for us. Patience is what I need, because there are times when I want to be completely well right now, but God has a plan and it includes continual reliance on him for each and every hour of every day. I am thankful for his faithfulness - always being with me.
I had a great weekend worshipping with all of you. We had the great privilege of seeing God work through the sacrament of Holy Baptism at 11:00 am. on Sunday. I always get chills everytime I serve as God's agent in Baptism. Isabella, who was baptized, was taken to the Pediatric ICU Sunday night. She is improving and will probably be discharged in a few days, but she needs our prayers. Her mother and father need our prayers also - it is such a helpless feeling not being able to do anything to help your baby.
We continue tomorrow evening with our exploration of "Who Wants Christ To Die?" This week we will look at "The Father Does". I am looking forward to do as all good Lutherans do and that is EAT! Tomorrow at6:00 pm. we are going to have a homemade lasagna dinner with breadsticks provided by Turtle Tap. We have had many people each week for dinner and worship, if you haven't taken part please do it is great fellowship and worship.
Thanks so much for all you prayers and warm wishes I truly appreciate you.
In our Savior,
Pastor Randy
The weather is getting warmer, slowly. It is difficult to be patient and not want it to be 70 degrees right now. But God is doing exactly what is necessary according to his plan for us. Patience is what I need, because there are times when I want to be completely well right now, but God has a plan and it includes continual reliance on him for each and every hour of every day. I am thankful for his faithfulness - always being with me.
I had a great weekend worshipping with all of you. We had the great privilege of seeing God work through the sacrament of Holy Baptism at 11:00 am. on Sunday. I always get chills everytime I serve as God's agent in Baptism. Isabella, who was baptized, was taken to the Pediatric ICU Sunday night. She is improving and will probably be discharged in a few days, but she needs our prayers. Her mother and father need our prayers also - it is such a helpless feeling not being able to do anything to help your baby.
We continue tomorrow evening with our exploration of "Who Wants Christ To Die?" This week we will look at "The Father Does". I am looking forward to do as all good Lutherans do and that is EAT! Tomorrow at6:00 pm. we are going to have a homemade lasagna dinner with breadsticks provided by Turtle Tap. We have had many people each week for dinner and worship, if you haven't taken part please do it is great fellowship and worship.
Thanks so much for all you prayers and warm wishes I truly appreciate you.
In our Savior,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Hello my Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,
What a fantastic week we had last week. Our Lenten supper was great - good fellowship. Our Lenten worship was wonderful as we explored why Barabbas wanted Christ to die. We will look at why the crowd wants Christ to die this Wednesday evening right after another Lenten supper.
As we listen and study Jesus' Sermon on the Mount we see that he is speaking to all of us. He wants all of us to be salt and light in this world. He wants us to help meet people's needs at work, in our neighborhoods, in our families - especially their need for the Savior, Jesus. What a life-changing message Jesus has given to us.
We continue to walk through the Gospel of Luke on Sunday mornings, what a transformation the Holy Spirit is working in us. The process of going through Luke verse-by-verse and looking at other Bible passages has brought understanding, clarity, and strengthening of faith for all of us. If you have not travelled on this journey yet, I personally invite you to join the journey your life will never be the same.
I am continuing to do all of my excercises dutifully. I do notice a gradual increase in my strength and energy. The nerves that I damaged in the accident have not regenerated and the probability that they will at this point is very small. So, just in case you were wondering I thought I would let you know. God always provides, though not when we would always like it.
In Jesus Love,
Pastor Randy
What a fantastic week we had last week. Our Lenten supper was great - good fellowship. Our Lenten worship was wonderful as we explored why Barabbas wanted Christ to die. We will look at why the crowd wants Christ to die this Wednesday evening right after another Lenten supper.
As we listen and study Jesus' Sermon on the Mount we see that he is speaking to all of us. He wants all of us to be salt and light in this world. He wants us to help meet people's needs at work, in our neighborhoods, in our families - especially their need for the Savior, Jesus. What a life-changing message Jesus has given to us.
We continue to walk through the Gospel of Luke on Sunday mornings, what a transformation the Holy Spirit is working in us. The process of going through Luke verse-by-verse and looking at other Bible passages has brought understanding, clarity, and strengthening of faith for all of us. If you have not travelled on this journey yet, I personally invite you to join the journey your life will never be the same.
I am continuing to do all of my excercises dutifully. I do notice a gradual increase in my strength and energy. The nerves that I damaged in the accident have not regenerated and the probability that they will at this point is very small. So, just in case you were wondering I thought I would let you know. God always provides, though not when we would always like it.
In Jesus Love,
Pastor Randy
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
What a great start to the Lenten Season last week. Ash Wednesday has always been meaningful to me as I reflect on my fragile mortality because of my sins. What great joy comes to my heart in knowing that Jesus willingly, and out of love, died on a cross for my sins. This gives me strength to live following Jesus in spite of the distractions that this world thrusts upon me knowing that my eternal life in Jesus is not fragile nor mortal. I pray that you also find strength, as well.
I am enjoying our Wednesday evening series, as well as, our weekend one. Last Wednesday we began to look at who wants Christ to die. We saw that Caiaphas wants Christ to die because he said it was better for one man to die that for the whole nation to perish. And of course he is right. It has been better that one person - Jesus - would die that that we all would die. I am thankful for Jesus. And on each weekend we are going through Jesus' Sermon On the Mount. We may know parts of it, but do we know all of it. Jesus is the final authority, since he is the Word become flesh. It is interesting to see what he says and how we have to change - yes I said it - change to live his Word.
I am tired of the cold, as well as many of you that I have spoken with. I pray that Spring comes soon and more moderate temperatures return. God's blessings shower you as you do HIs work wherever you are. Thank you son much for your continued prayers and encouragement.
In Jesus' Care,
Pastor Randy
What a great start to the Lenten Season last week. Ash Wednesday has always been meaningful to me as I reflect on my fragile mortality because of my sins. What great joy comes to my heart in knowing that Jesus willingly, and out of love, died on a cross for my sins. This gives me strength to live following Jesus in spite of the distractions that this world thrusts upon me knowing that my eternal life in Jesus is not fragile nor mortal. I pray that you also find strength, as well.
I am enjoying our Wednesday evening series, as well as, our weekend one. Last Wednesday we began to look at who wants Christ to die. We saw that Caiaphas wants Christ to die because he said it was better for one man to die that for the whole nation to perish. And of course he is right. It has been better that one person - Jesus - would die that that we all would die. I am thankful for Jesus. And on each weekend we are going through Jesus' Sermon On the Mount. We may know parts of it, but do we know all of it. Jesus is the final authority, since he is the Word become flesh. It is interesting to see what he says and how we have to change - yes I said it - change to live his Word.
I am tired of the cold, as well as many of you that I have spoken with. I pray that Spring comes soon and more moderate temperatures return. God's blessings shower you as you do HIs work wherever you are. Thank you son much for your continued prayers and encouragement.
In Jesus' Care,
Pastor Randy
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Pastor's Weekly Blog
Hi Everyone! Greetings in Christ.
I had a great weekend. My family and I went to Lubbock, Texas to visit our son and daughter-in-law. My parents and Jessiaca's family were also there. Our son, Rodney, wrote a play that won an award at the Dallas Arts Festival and was produced and performed by Texas Tech University. A representative from the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts (in Washington D.C.) was there because Rodney's play was nominated to receive the Kennedy Center award as the best play written and performed in 2010. If Rodney wins he would receive the award in the Spring of 2011. The play was outstanding and I'm not predjudice in any way -ha, ha! It was a dark comedy, which is the most difficult genre to do well, but he pulled it off. The local television station was there to interview him and he handled himself very well on television. To say we are proud of him is an understatement. We had a great time visiting with them, worshipping with them, and spending time with them - it is always hard to leave.
The plane flights for the most part weren't a problem for me. As the pressure rose when we descended the pain rose in my face, that was the most difficult part of flying. I pray that over time this will get better. It won't keep me from flying if I want to, though.
I look forward to the beginning of the Lenten season as Ash Wednesday begins tonight. I hope to see all of you there at 7:00pm tonight. We are going to explore "Who Wants Christ to Die?" Tonight we will talk about Caiaphas wanting Christ to die. God's richest blessings be with all of you as you contemplate on your mortality on earth and your immortality that comes through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
In Jesus' Love,
Pastor Randy
I had a great weekend. My family and I went to Lubbock, Texas to visit our son and daughter-in-law. My parents and Jessiaca's family were also there. Our son, Rodney, wrote a play that won an award at the Dallas Arts Festival and was produced and performed by Texas Tech University. A representative from the Kennedy Center of Performing Arts (in Washington D.C.) was there because Rodney's play was nominated to receive the Kennedy Center award as the best play written and performed in 2010. If Rodney wins he would receive the award in the Spring of 2011. The play was outstanding and I'm not predjudice in any way -ha, ha! It was a dark comedy, which is the most difficult genre to do well, but he pulled it off. The local television station was there to interview him and he handled himself very well on television. To say we are proud of him is an understatement. We had a great time visiting with them, worshipping with them, and spending time with them - it is always hard to leave.
The plane flights for the most part weren't a problem for me. As the pressure rose when we descended the pain rose in my face, that was the most difficult part of flying. I pray that over time this will get better. It won't keep me from flying if I want to, though.
I look forward to the beginning of the Lenten season as Ash Wednesday begins tonight. I hope to see all of you there at 7:00pm tonight. We are going to explore "Who Wants Christ to Die?" Tonight we will talk about Caiaphas wanting Christ to die. God's richest blessings be with all of you as you contemplate on your mortality on earth and your immortality that comes through faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
In Jesus' Love,
Pastor Randy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)