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"A Father's Love"


Matthew 6:9 This, then, is how you should pray: "Our Father in heaven..."

September 1, 2007 was a day that changed my life forever—the day I became a father.  Since those moments when time seemed to stand still as Bethany and I welcomed Sofia Ann Schroeder into the world, life has become hectic in a flurry of nearly constant diaper changes and feedings.  Days are longer and nights are shorter as we struggle to find time for rest and relaxation.  Our schedules are no longer ours, but life revolves around the needs of another.  The hospital bills have arrived, demanding to be paid.  Who knew someone so small could demand so much work?

Yet, through it all, one overwhelming emotion stands out—love.  When you think about it, the love of a father for his child makes no sense, at least to human reason.  I'll admit that Sofia is cute, but is that enough to earn love?  Her youthful helplessness does not allow her to contribute much at all; in fact, it's the exact opposite.  So why would a father love his child so dearly?  For no other reason than this: she is mine, and I'm her daddy. 

If only I could put aside the feelings of futility, frustration, and fatigue.  If only I could love like God!  Even my limited experience in fatherhood has helped me appreciate those passages in the Bible that speak of God's choice to welcome us into his family as his dear children.  In our confirmation classes, the 7th and 8th graders recently learned or reviewed Luther's explanation of the First Article of the Apostles' Creed.  We talked about how God the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, loves us enough to provide all that we need, preserve us, guard and protect us from every evil.  Why would he do such amazing things for us, sinful children who contribute nothing to the relationship without his help?  Luther tells us: All this God does only because he is my good and merciful Father in heaven, not because I have earned or deserved it.

You don't have to be a Father to appreciate God's love for us.  All you have to do is look at Jesus, God's no-strings-attached gift to the world.  In Jesus we see God's unfailing, unconditional love that allows us to be called children of God.  It's a love that is the central theme of every holiday we celebrate as a church: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and all those in between.  It's a love that moves us to love in return.  For all this I ought to thank and praise, to serve and obey him. 

God reminded me of his marvelous love by providing me with another someone to love.  Whether you have children of your own or not, God has undoubtedly provided you with someone to love in your life.  Our mission is to know Christ and make him known to others.   Let's look for ways to do both.  Let's take every opportunity to learn more about God's love for us through regular study of his Word, and let's keep our eyes open for opportunities to share his love with those around us. 

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope,  encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

Your Servant in Christ,
Rev. Eric Schroeder

“God Does His Best Work in Caves”


Whenever I turn on the news lately, I can't help but be reminded that this past month was a tough one for many Minnesotans. We're still constantly presented with pictures of those raging flood waters in the southeastern part of the state that devastated and destroyed homes and families, or that disastrous 35W bridge collapse that claimed so many lives. When I drive by the Bloomington Church facility, the area still looks like a war-zone with trees uprooted and branches piled everywhere from those straight-line winds. It's a discouraging sight!

Perhaps this past month was a discouraging one for you personally as well. If so, I think that this devotion that I recently read will help you put things into perspective. It's entitled, "God Does His Best Work in Caves!"

Discouragement is a common emotion to us and is one of the great enemies of the Christ-following experience. It is an enemy of personal drive and vision. It is a cancer that will pull enthusiasm and joy right out of you. But it is also a test, because how you respond to discouragement when things are not going well is one of the most important challenges that you will ever face as a person who loves and follows Jesus.

During the reign of King Saul, a prophet of God, Samuel, anointed young David as king. Even before he served as king, the people of the kingdom immediately fell in love with David. Everything he touched turned to gold. He was victorious over one of Israel's most feared enemies, Goliath. When King Saul struggled with emotional issues, David was there to comfort him. If there was ever a guy who was on a roll, it was David. It appeared that nothing could go wrong for him. Then, one by one, the tables turned. Look over this litany of loss on David's part:
• He lost his job. He went from shepherd boy to acclaimed warrior to fugitive.
• He lost his popularity, status, and income.
• He lost his wife when King Saul gave her to another man.
• He lost his mentor when Samuel died.
• He lost his best friend Jonathan.
• He lost his home. The Bible tells us that he eventually ran to Gath, the land of Israel's enemies.
After all that David went through, he ended up in the cave of Adullam. He expected a palace but got a cave! Devastating!

Does a cave sound like a place you've visited before? "The Cave" is where you go when all the props, crutches, and all that hold you up gives way; when suddenly, things don't work out as you've envisioned. Maybe you've lost a job, financial security, spouse, dream of family life, mentor, friend, or health. We've all been there. The truth is, sooner or later, everybody logs some serious time in "The Cave."

But, The Cave is where God does some of His best work. God molds and shapes us in The Cave like nowhere else. When you end up in The Cave, I encourage you to welcome it. Why? Because when all you've got is God, you quickly come to the realization that He is enough. Mother Teresa once said, "You'll never know Jesus is all you need, until Jesus is all you've got!" He is able to transform discouragement into encouragement. He transforms fear into confidence. He is able to bring new life out of the most desperate of circumstances. Are you in The Cave? Look to Jesus!

Pastor Pudell

 

“ Try this 30 day"Good Habit" challenge."

They say it takes 30 days to establish a good habit. Try this 30 day “Good Habit” challenge.

The Acts of the Apostles lays out seven “Good Habits” Christians need to establish and practice. Here’s the list . . .

• Regular weekly worship
• Regular Bible Study
• Regular daily prayer
• Regular giving to the Lord
• Participation in some small group of Christians
• Participation in the church’s ministry
• Participation in ministry to the community and the world

God, in his grace, has chosen you and me to be members of his “church” family – forgiven, loved, blessed now and eternally. What an awesome privilege! He expects us to actively participate in the family and in family activities. Look at the list of “Good Habits” he wants us to practice. Which of these needs to become a good habit for us? At which of these good habits do we need to do better?

Commit the next 30 days to making one or more of these a good or a better habit. Practicing any good habit is good for us. Practicing all of these good “faith” habits is good for us. We’ll be glad we did. More importantly Jesus will be glad we did!

James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the Word . . . Do what it says!”

Pray for the victims and families of the tragic bridge collapse in Minneapolis! Pray that he give each one whatever is needed at this difficult time!

Your brother in Christ,

Pastor Scott Spaulding