January 30, 2010

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. 

For consider what great things he has done for you.    1 Samuel 12:24

The gentle reminders of Scripture ripple through time...serve and give thanks to the Lord.

Finding our place and purpose in the seasons of life is challenging. Keeping our eyes and hearts on Jesus helps one sift through the distractions of life as we seek to serve. Considering the wonders of God's love shown for us in Christ is the root of all thankfulness in a redeemed and regenerated life. 

Child of God you have been sealed with Holy Spirit and marked with the Cross of Christ forever!

January 29, 2010

I have had "light" shined into my life this week by numerous friends and family. My prayers for "light and life" continue to be raised up for all of us in our lives. Relationships are the fabric of life and mine has been rich this week as Jesus' Light was "shined" on me through others.

In my devotions the following quote stuck with me because I have been the recipient of such "Light".

Why not be a light (Eph. 5:8)—through your smiles, kind words and deeds, and diligent work. Ask God to bring opportunities to share the good news of Jesus Christ. You may be the only light a co-worker sees today.  — Dave Branon

January 28, 2010

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world.  1 Timothy 6:6-7


Contentment... It alludes many of  us frequently in these difficult days of economic and political turmoil. Paul's counsel to Timothy is good for us too...

..."Pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.  I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who in his testimony before Pontius Pilate made the good confession, to keep the commandment unstained and free from reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, which he will display at the proper time—he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords,  who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen.  1 Timothy 6:11-16

January 26, 2010

I read this quote today and am seeking to enjoy the truth in it....

A snowflake is one of God's most unique and fragile creations, but look what they can do when they stick together!       Author Unknown

11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing...Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Thessalonians 5

Jan 25, 2010 Friends

Friends...they are the greatest blessing. I have had 3 friends communicate with me in the past 24 hours that have helped to "light up" my day. Reconnecting and affirming our friendship was life giving. One person recently said to me, "It's all about relationships." How true. To be called a friend by another is a huge lift. Jesus called his disciples "friends"...He calls us friends and we can count on Him!

 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you.  No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you."  John 15:12-15

Jan 22, 2010 Update on My Mother

Thanks and Praise! My Mother's biopsy was benign. She called and was rejoicing on her good news.
Thanks for the prayers!

For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Romans 8:15–16 (NIV)

One of the online devotionals I subscribe to is ByHisLight@aol.com. It amazes me how many times God's Word and other's reflection speak to my daily life. I hope you are blessed by today's devotional. If you wish to subscribe to By His Light, click on the link or copy and paste.
Pastor Tedd

DAILY INSPIRATION
Friday, January 22nd, 2010

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Fear Not...
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It is what we fear that happens to us.
~Oscar Wilde~
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Fear is an insidious immobilizer, that can rob you of your dreams and everything that could be yours.  The walls of protection which we build to try and insulate ourselves, are the very thing that also keep us from experiencing all the love, beauty and fulfillment that is available to us.  And, dwelling in fear may actually act as a catalyst, to bring about the very thing that you are most afraid of.  It MUST be faced, and overcome, in order to live a victorious life.  You are NOT a victim...and have been given everything that you need in order to see your dreams made manifest on this earth.
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For the thing which I greatly fear comes upon me, and that of which I am afraid befalls me.
~Job 3:25 (Amp)~

The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
~Psalm 27:1~

In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.  The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?  The LORD is with me; he is my helper...This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
~Psalms 118:5-7,24 (NIV)~

In this [union and communion with Him] love is brought to completion and attains perfection with us, that we may have confidence for the day of judgment [with assurance and boldness to face Him], because as He is, so are we in this world.  There is no fear in love [dread does not exist], but full-grown (complete, perfect) love turns fear out of doors and expels every trace of terror! For fear brings with it the thought of punishment, and [so] he who is afraid has not reached the full maturity of love [is not yet grown into love's complete perfection].
~1 John 4:17,18 (Amp)~
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Jan 21, 2010

"The sign that God is at work in us is that He is destroying our confidence in the natural virtues, because they are not promises of what we are going to be, but only a wasted reminder of what God created man to be. We want to cling to our natural virtues, while all the time God is trying to get us in contact with the life of Jesus Christ—"  from Oswald Chamber's My Utmost for His Highest

Where we place our trust and confidence is central to what life means for us.
As the hymn says, "My hope is built on nothing less that Jesus' blood and righteousness..."
Learning to not lean on my own abilities or natural tendencies is one of the challenges of this season of my life. The uncertainties drive me closer to Jesus... the Way, the Truth and the Life!

Jan 19th 2010

My Mother's biopsy went very well. She had 3 nodules biopsied. The results will be known within a week. Long time to wait. She is feeling a little sore and stiff tonight. She has meds to take and says she will feel better tomorrow. She is a galiant 91 year old. Pretty tired tonight so will shut her down early.
Blessings to you all.

Jan 18, 2010 From Mayo to Moorhead

It has been a long day. Started at 6:30am with PET Scan, blood work and meeting with Dr Letendre. The PET scan from October 09 and today showed that there were still nodes in the neck that showed some activity but not as "hot" as before. The size of the nodes were the same or may be smaller. My blood counts and values were good. It was an answer to many prayers offer by so many on our behalf. We discussed the fatigue and stamina issues. I will return in three months for follow up with Dr Letendre and cardiology appointment. I continue to have issues with atria fib and flutter periodically. Our trip to Mayo was uplifting.

Then it was home again to pack up to head for Moorhead for my Mother's biopsy tomorrow. She has a growth on her thyroid and is suspicious. She will have the biopsy at 10am. I would ask prayers for her as she goes through this procedure at the age of 91.

As I sit on her couch in Moorhead I am grateful for all of you who have been praying. It makes a difference.

January 13, 2010

Oswald Chambers' writings have always intrigued me. They speak of the Journey of Faith in fresh ways with "old words". I would suggest reading today's reading from My Utmost for His Highest.

http://www.rbc.org/devotionals/my-utmost-for-his-highest/01/13/devotion.aspx?year=2010

Here is just a excerpt of today's reading:

January 13, 2010
Have You Ever Been Alone with God? (2)

When He was alone . . . the twelve asked Him about the parable —Mark 4:10

His Solitude with Us.
When God gets us alone through suffering, heartbreak, temptation, disappointment, sickness, or by thwarted desires, a broken friendship, or a new friendship— when He gets us absolutely alone, and we are totally speechless, unable to ask even one question, then He begins to teach us. Notice Jesus Christ’s training of the Twelve. It was the disciples, not the crowd outside, who were confused. His disciples constantly asked Him questions, and He constantly explained things to them, but they didn’t understand until after they received the Holy Spirit (see John 14:26).

As you journey with God, the only thing He intends to be clear is the way He deals with your soul. The sorrows and difficulties in the lives of others will be absolutely confusing to you. We think we understand another person’s struggle until God reveals the same shortcomings in our lives....
Oswald Chambers

January 10, 2010

Lois and I want to thank the Prince of Peace family, Pastors, Staff, and Council for today. We have been privileged to serve with you these past 5 years. Thank you again for all the prayers, words of encouragement and support you have shared with us. We have experienced the love of Jesus through you in so many ways. It was a joy to worship together this morning as the second graders received their Bibles and share in the baptisms. What a vibrant and hopeful church we have been blessed to serve.
Blessings
Pastor Tedd and Lois

For anyone who might be struggling with the "darkness" of this season following Christmas I want to share one of the songs we sing at Parish Nurse Training sessions. It raises up the Healer, Jesus who is ready and willing to bring light and life into our day.


Healer of Our Every Ill     
by Marty Haugen

Refrain:
Healer of our ev’ry ill,
light of each tomorrow,
give us peace beyond our fear,
and hope beyond our sorrow.

You who know our fears and sadness,
grace us with your peace and gladness,
Spirit of all comfort: fill our hearts.

In the pain and joy beholding
how your grace is still unfolding,
give us all your vision: God of love.

You who know each thought and feeling,
teach us all your way of healing,
Spirit of compassion: fill each heart.

Give us strength to love each other,
ev’ry sister, ev’ry brother,
Spirit of all kindness: be our guide.

© 1987 GIA Publications, Inc. ARR. 

First Skate for the "Haak"!

 

First skate: 12.31.09  Wow!

Dad and Mom were proud of the "Haak"!

January 7, 2010

Just had supper with my brother-in-law, Le and his wife Kathie. Le finished his first chemotherapy today at Mayo. He is upbeat and positive. I would ask prayer for Le as he progresses through this treatment. Le has stage four lung cancer with some spots in the bone. Pray that his treatments are effective and targeted. They are getting used to the metro traffic and not liking how slow it is to get from one point to another. Welcome to life in the big city.

T

Epiphany January 6, 2010

Epiphany...

               this is the day set aside for celebration that Jesus was the Light and Life of the world.

I fell into the writings of Oswald Chambers today and they spoke Light into me...Pastor Tedd

June 26, 2010

Drawing on the Grace of God— Now

We . . . plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain —2 Corinthians 6:1

The grace you had yesterday will not be sufficient for today. Grace is the overflowing favor of God, and you can always count on it being available to draw upon as needed. ". . . in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses"— that is where our patience is tested ( 2 Corinthians 6:4 ). Are you failing to rely on the grace of God there? Are you saying to yourself, "Oh well, I won’t count this time"? It is not a question of praying and asking God to help you— it is taking the grace of God now. We tend to make prayer the preparation for our service, yet it is never that in the Bible. Prayer is the practice of drawing on the grace of God. Don’t say, "I will endure this until I can get away and pray." Pray now — draw on the grace of God in your moment of need. Prayer is the most normal and useful thing; it is not simply a reflex action of your devotion to God. We are very slow to learn to draw on God’s grace through prayer.  Oswald Chambers  from  MY UTMOST FOR HIS HIGHEST

January 3, 2010

Recognizing the source and purpose of life is one of the deepest needs we all have...the Scriptures are the starting point and final authority for our lives as Christ followers. Today I was again convinced by God's Word that receiving and believing in Jesus and embracing in trust what He has done for us is center to the journey we are called to follow...In this new stage of my life and ministry I am finding myself drawn to the Gospel of John for words of life and light...Jesus!

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.  John 1:1-5; 9-13