Baking Bread

The Faith
Goal: Study the Gospel of Matthew / daily study of the Word

Recently I had a conversation about faith with an acquaintance of mine.  We were discussing his background as a pastor for 12 years many, many years ago.  He expressed some sentiment about his former denomination and profession and how people believe they are having a spiritual rebirth when in all actuality, he believes, they are just part of a "group think" that is enhanced by the music, the powerful speaking etc.

I added my two cents to his comments saying that I believed the same to a certain extent.  I went on to say that we should not trust our emotions or hang our salvation on our perceived "decision" to ask Jesus into our heart. I told my friend that we rely on our Baptism and the Word of God.  At this point, the conversation went in a completely different direction.

To my comments he said, "I don't want to hurt your faith, but that is what you have been told by another person."  I almost replied, "Well, what I just heard, is it true? Because, you see,  I just heard it from another person as well."  However, he is much older than me and I wanted to be respectful - he is a client as well.

One of my goals is to be in the Word daily for self enrichment (not self-help) and to be able to always give an answer for the hope that I have within.  Previous to my conversation, I studied the following in my daily study of the Gospel of Matthew:

Mark 8:14-21

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod

¹⁴ Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat. ¹⁵ And he cautioned them, saying, “Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod.”^[a] 16 And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread. ¹⁷ And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened? ¹⁸  Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?¹⁹ When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?”They said to him, “Twelve.” ²⁰ “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” ²¹ And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”

There is always "yeast" flying around in the air. This was especially true that day in my office. I'm reminded that Jews have an annual purging of their homes of yeast. Like them, we too must be ready to identify and throw out the yeast the doesn't lead to Life. Hopefully my friend ate the Bread that I gave him.

It's a Family Thing

The Faith
Goal: Finish reading/studying the Book of Genesis

A couple of months ago I finished reading The People's Bible Commentary on the Book of Genesis. Studying this book of the Bible was like reading a family history.  Well, I guess it really IS reading a family history - my spiritual family's history.

What I find most intriguing is this book shows not only the good side of our forefathers in the faith, but the bad as well.  Believe me, there was plenty of bad.  For example, there was; a husband blaming God for giving him a wife, an envious son killing his brother, God's people  trying to build a tower to Him, and brothers selling their very own brother into slavery.  Yes, the bark of the family tree is much diseased.

However, there was plenty of good.  There was a Promise given to woman that would provide peace to anyone who believes her in her Seed, there was a promise from God to a man that He will save his family if he does what He says no matter how ridiculous, there was a promise of a child and many decedents to a man late in life, and a promise made from one man on behalf of God that would save a country from famine.

As you can see, man messes up and God is faithful and provides.  This same God does the same thing for us today.  We sin much, He forgives much.  We are unfaithful yet He remains faithful. We ask for our daily bread and He not only gives that, but Breyers Crackle ice cream as well.

It's good to be part of this family no matter how dysfunctional it may seem. For we have His promise  through our Baptism.

Pax Domini

The Faith
Goal: Friday morning Bible Study and daily study

One of the my goals in studying the faith is to be able to "be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect."  When I think about "everyone" I usually think of the atheist that wants to talk to me about the faith or the Jehovah's Witness or Mormon that shows up on my door step that believes their beliefs are the correct ones. What I didn't realize was that I am preparing for the mission field in my own house.

A couple of years ago during dinner our little two year old took her bread and lifted it up and said, "Always."  It kind of took me back and I had to think about what she was doing.  Then it dawned on me.  She was imitating the pastor during the Communion portion of the service when he elevates the Host and later says, "The peace of the Lord be with you always."  At that moment we had our payoff for sitting in the front of the nave during the Devine Service.  Although we were worried that she would cry or disrupt the service as it turned out,  at this young age she was able to take in the service and pay attention to what was going on.  If you are the parent of a young child, I would highly encourage you to sit with your children as close as possible to the pulpit.

I was recently surprised again.  Like the last time, it was during dinner.  This time she asked for bread, which I gave to her.  She said, "Dad, look it's bread. Can I have five pieces like Jesus?"  Once again, I stopped and had to scratch my head as to what she was talking about.  Then I remembered.  We had been reading her baby Bible before she goes to bed.  In it, the story of how Christ multiplied the loaves and fishes is included.

Granted, right now little people like her are "sponges" and they pick up the most interesting and strange things. However, I believe it's never too early to start teaching our children the faith. If they are going to be "sponges" then why not give them good water to soak up?  Lord have mercy on us for I know that the world is just waiting to fill her mind with bad alternatives.

The peace of the Lord be with us all......

A Locker Room Talk

The Faith


"Gentlemen, this is a football."  With these words Coach Lombardi takes his players back to basics.  "Dearly beloved of the Lord, this is the Catechism." With these words our pastor brings us back to basics.

I don't remember exactly when it happened, but I wasn't impressed with an answer I gave to someone who asked me about the faith.  From my less than stellar response and most recently feeling that I was growing dull in the faith, I decided that I need to get back to basics.  What better place to start than the Lutheran Catechism.

Every morning after my study of a portion of Genesis - one that has seemed to take a very long time - I dive into the study of our church's doctrine.  Currently I'm in the commandments and between them there is usually a lesson on the Divine Service as well.

When you can't push the ball past the goal line, your line is breaking down, and you can't make a tackle, get back to basics.

The Place

The Faith


At the Divine Service last weekend at church I thought of  something very personal and interesting about my church.  While standing there singing the Gloria, I was reminded of my wedding day.  Then from my wedding day I thought of all of the many times that something great happened in my life between these walls.  I was astounded at how much of my life took place at this holy site.

It was in 2001 that I decided to visit.  While listening to the Bible Answer Man, someone asked about joining a Lutheran Church.  The host asked, "Which one?"  The caller said something about Missouri and that stayed in my head as I am from Missouri.

I didn't know a soul when I walked in, but a man about my age changed that in seconds.  He asked me if I was by myself. I told him that I was and he offered to have me sit with his family.  I accepted his offer and to this day, I am very appreciative.

As the service began, I felt right at home.  I was brought up in a liturgical church and was greatly surprised that I knew what was going on.  I couldn't believe it!  I found my church home and it was that easy.  However, before drinking the Kool-aid, shaving my head, and learning the secret handshake, I thought I had better learn what they believe.

I started attending every Sunday and heard that they were going to have an adult information class that was about to start up. This class was to teach prospective members, as well as current members, what the church believes, teaches, and confesses.  Through the nine weeks, I came to understand that this church body was very conservative, liturgical, and firm in their stance on their doctrine as drawn from Holy Scripture.  That was all that I needed to know.  However, there was one potential problem.  I was single and wanted to meet my wife at church and there wasn't too many single people around my age. I told myself what mattered most was that the Word of God was taught correctly, the service was reverent, and that if God wanted me to be married, He would have to take care of it for me.  I laugh when I think back to that day when I decided to become a member.

After I became a member and attended for about a year, my parents became members.  I remember the day that they joined and kneeled down before the pastor as he prayed for them.  It was one of the most memorable things that I had ever witnessed.  Here are two people that I loved the most joining this place where the Gospel of our Lord was being proclaimed in all of it's glory - we are saved by His grace alone.

Years would go by as we attended services together.  One day after the service I said hello to a couple that I thought was visiting.  As it turned out, they had been attending an earlier service for awhile.  The following week I ran into them on the way out and the wife started asking me all kinds of personal questions; When did you graduate?  What do you do? Where did you attend school?  It was kind of odd, but they seemed nice enough.

A couple of Sundays later I looked across the aisle and there was a beautiful young lady sitting with these folks. I thought to myself, "Ah, she's way out of your league and is probably way too young for me."  I guess it didn't matter as the nice people introduced me to her that same day.

After I met that beautiful young lady we started dating and three months later I asked her to marry me.  Once again, this place would be the backdrop of the occasion as I asked her right in the middle of the sanctuary.  She said "Yes" and about six months later we were married in this same place.

About two years later my father passed away.  It was in this building that his relatives were comforted by the Gospel at his funeral.  After the service we laid his ashes in the memorial garden in the back of the church - where he had requested.

From death to new life.  A week after his funeral, we found out that we were pregnant.  One of the first places we visited after finding out was the memorial garden for it only seemed right.  On our way out we ran into our pastor and he pronounced God's blessing on our family and our unborn child.

The following year our child was born.  Once again we visited this holy place to discuss our child's Holy Baptism.  We suggested a date and our pastor said, "You know what date that is?"  I told him that I didn't and he reminded me that it was the anniversary of my father's passing.  That clinched it. Exactly one year to the date of my dad leaving this place to be our Holy Father, our little one received a Holy flood of blessed waters that welcomed her into the family of God.

As you can see, this is a place where life takes place.  It's a place where Heaven meets Earth, where God richly feeds us His Word and Body and Blood to strengthen our faith.  No wonder we love this place so much, for it feels like a foretaste of Home.

Thy strong Word did cleave the darkness;
At thy speaking it was done.
For created light we thank Thee
While thine ordered seasons run
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Praise to thee who light dost send!
Alleluia without end!

God the Father, light-creator,
To Thee laud and honor be.
To Thee, Light from Light begotten,
Praise be sung eternally.
Holy Spirit, light-revealer,
Glory, glory be to Thee.
Mortals, angels, now and ever
Praise the Holy Trinity!

Thy Strong Word by Martin H. Franzmann, 1969

Who do you Love?

The Faith / Spirituality


In my morning study of Genesis, the author stated, "A lack of love for God will inevitably result in a lack of love for one's fellow human being." How true this seems to be these days.  As society became more and more materialistic - materialistic in the sense of believing only in what exists - God became less and less an influence in our lives.

Is it any wonder how we treat our elderly and the unborn, how we entertain ourselves, what we consider important?  Because of our apathy, truth was the first casualty.

How quickly we Forget

Spirituality / The Faith

In the pursuit of our goals there will be step-backs, side tracks, failures, and times that we want to quit.  When these times present their ugly head we are prone to ask, "Why God, why me?" It is a normal response. Pain and suffering is something that we try to avoid - nothing wrong with that. 

However, when something good happens, why don't we say, "Why God, why me?"  I heard that a couple of days ago and I have pondered it ever since. 

First Words

Spirituality / The Faith

As you can see from my Spirituality / The Faith goal page, my current goal is to study Genesis in the Bible and use a commentary as well.  In this morning's study of Genesis Chapter 2, the author of the commentary pointed out a couple of interesting facts that I had never considered.  Here is the verse before I proceed:

Genesis 2:21-23 (English Standard Version)21So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon the man, and while he slept took one of his ribs and closed up its place with flesh. 22And the rib that the LORD God had taken from the man he made into a woman and brought her to the man. 23Then the man said,

"This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man."

In verse 23 these are the first recorded words of man.  It is important to note that these words are in praise of the great and wonderful gift that was given to him; his wife.  The author further illustrates by saying, "Even though he'd been asleep, he understood where she had come from and what her relationship was to him. He rejoiced at this magnificent gift; he agreed with God that here was a helper suitable for him every way."

I might be taking license with this verse, but there may be some truth to this. With the formation of Eve out of the side of Adam, the first church was established.  Like our first parents on that first day of their church praised God for what He has done, we on Sunday mornings begin with a hymn of praise for what He has done for us as well.  Secondly, like the first church that was birthed out of the side of the first Adam, the second church was birthed out of the side of the second Adam.  This second birth provides salvation for all those who believe.



7

The Faith / Spirituality

Many years ago my pastor told me, "There are only two kinds of religion in this world; the two letter-kind and the four letter-kind."  When I heard this I was very intrigued that all religions could be narrowed down to just two schools of thought. He went on to explain that the two letter-kind is the word "do" which means what you must do in order to make it to heaven or an elevated place in the next life.  The four letter-kind is "done" that is what has been done for you because you can't "do." 

Good Friday is here.  This is the day that we observe what has been done for us.  This sacrifice of ours to our God - one that He provided - is for the atonement of our sins.  While atonement was being made for us by Jesus, He said the following from our cross:

THE FIRST WORD "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." Gospel of Luke 23:34

How many times have we been wronged for the slightest offense and hold back forgiveness. However, He took the punishment that was ours.

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THE SECOND WORD "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Gospel of Luke 23:43

We often hold our tongues rather than proclaim the Gospel to our neighbors. However, He is the Gospel and freed the captives by taking our punishment.

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THE THIRD WORD "Jesus said to his mother: "Woman, this is your son".
Then he said to the disciple: "This is your mother." Gospel of John 19:26-27

Throughout our lives we have despised and held back honor from our parents. Jesus died for this sin. He loved His mother and provided for her from the cross.

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THE FOURTH WORD "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"
Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34

Many times we forsake God. Jesus would pray this Psalm when God could not look upon Him and would do for us what we could not.

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THE FIFTH WORD "I thirst"
Gospel of John 19:28

In the Beatitudes, Jesus said, "Blessed are you that hunger and thirst for righteousness." When we should thirst for the gifts of God, we drink from what this world has to offer. Jesus poured out His blood to for us to satisfy our souls by cleansing us from all sin.

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THE SIXTH WORD When Jesus had received the wine, he said,
"It is finished";
and he bowed his head and handed over the spirit.
Gospel of John 19:30

PAID IN FULL!!! For all that we could not do and for all that we have done. DONE!

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THE SEVENTH WORD   Jesus cried out in a loud voice,
"Father, into your hands I commend my spirit": Gospel of Luke 23:46

On the last day we will cry out the same because of Him and what He has Done for us.

Who on the tree of the cross didst give salvation unto mankind that, whence death arose, thence Life also might rise again; and that he who by a tree once overcame might likewise by a tree be overcome, through Christ, our Lord; through whom with angels and archangels and with all the company of heaven we laud and magnify Thy glorious name, evermore praising Thee......

Driving past a church the other day I noticed the message on their sign. It said, "While Jesus was on the cross, you were on His mind."

Behind the Curtain

The Faith

A couple of years ago I went for a long period of time without looking at my checking account balance.  I know, after looking at my goals on this site you are probably saying to yourself, "How can this be?"  It's a long boring story as to why I did this, therefore, I won't go into.  However, there came a day when I had enough and wanted to find out what was in my account, but then I lost my courage because of what I was afraid that there wasn't as much in the account as I thought.  This cycle actually went on and on for about two years. 

Recently a friend asked me about my faith and what I believe about suffering and pain in this world.  While researching my response to her question I came across this quote:

 "Not that I am (I think) in much  danger of ceasing to believe in God.  The real danger is of coming to believe such dreadful things about Him. The conclusion I dread is not, , "So there's no God at all," but "So this is what God's really like.  Deceive yourself no longer." C.S. Lewis The Problem of Pain 

In 1999 I had a "mountain top" faith experience.  It was an incredible moment in my life that I will never forget. I'm not sure if it was genuine, but it set me on a course to discover what God has done for me/us through Jesus.  At that same time I was going through a very difficult heart breaking experience. As I was learning more about the Lord I tried to understand the actions of the person that hurt me and if it was all organized by God; predestined.  It drove me crazy trying to figure it out - it was like a big shell game - is He under here, is He under there?

I asked my dad for and advice and he told me a story of St. Augustine and how he tried to explain the mysteries of God. Augustine said trying to understand the ways of God was like digging a hole in beach and trying to empty the ocean into it.  Even today I hear from fellow believers, "I wonder what God's plan is for my life?" 

After thinking about this subject for many years I have reached the lofty conclusion;  I have no idea how God works in the midst of pain and suffering and whether he allows it, initiated it, or uses it to turn evil into good (think Joseph and his brothers).   Well wait a minute, maybe I do.  I remember that during my lowest points there He was with me. 

The Lord was with me during my broken heart, at the scene of a horrific accident, and at the death bed of my father.  I don't know if He predestined these events or just let them happen.  If He did let them happen, then for what purpose?  I'm told by Holy Scripture to "have the faith of child."  When I tell my little one something about life, she generally doesn't question it.  When the Lord says, "And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age" maybe I should heed His word and trust Him. 


Isaiah 55:8-9 (English Standard Version)
8For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9(A) For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Pile of Rubbish or the One Good Deed

Spirituality / The Faith

In my daily morning Bible study in the Gospel of Matthew (People's Bible Commentary - Matthew) I came across something quite interesting.  In this passage from Matthew chapter 19 a rich young man approaches Jesus and asks what he can do to get to heaven.  The passage is as follows:

Matthew 19:16-30 (English Standard Version)

The Rich Young Man

 ¹⁶And behold, a man came up to him, saying, "Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?" ¹⁷And he said to him, "Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments." ¹⁸He said to him, "Which ones?" And Jesus said,  "You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, ¹⁹Honor your father and mother, and,You shall love your neighbor as yourself." ²⁰The young man said to him, "All these I have kept. What do I still lack?" ²¹Jesus said to him, "If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me." ²² When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

 ²³And Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly, I say to you, only with difficulty will a rich person enter the kingdom of heaven. ²⁴Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God." ²⁵When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished, saying, "Who then can be saved?" ²⁶But Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible." ²⁷Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" ²⁸Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. ²⁹And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name’s sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. ³⁰But many who are first will be last, and the last first.

As you can see, living a righteous life - the entrance to Heaven - is difficult, might I say impossible.  However, with God, all things are possible.  The author in the Bible commentary explains it like this:

Anyone with such confidence in his own abilities might be compared to a man who owes a huge debt to his banker.  He worries about it and works had to earn the money to pay the debt.  Finally, he believes he has enough to pay the debt in full, and he joyfully goes to the bank.  The banker examines the money and then sadly informs the unfortunate fellow that it is all counterfeit.  It looks like real money, but it is completely worthless.  Our own virtues and good works are just as worthless in God's sight.  They may look good to us and to others, but they cannot deceive God.  The rich young man thought all he had to do was to add one more good work to the pile he had already accumulated.  But he needed to strip off the garments of his own righteousness and put on the garments of the righteousness that Christ has purchased with His blood.

I like this explanation.  Our good works are important to our neighbor as God doesn't need them.  The author rightly points out that they can not save us. Thanks be to God that we have the Lamb of God that takes away the sins of the world. 

I remember a couple of years ago that I made a fire in the backyard.  It was one of those glowing perfect fires that we all sat around and enjoyed.  I sat there and started thinking, "Man is this great."  However, when I went inside to the perfectly clean air for the night, I realized how much I smelled and was in the need of a good rinse.