Bread of Life

John 6:35

I am baking bread. I enjoy the process though sometimes I become very tired because it is tedious work. Today I am making whole wheat bread and sweet rolls. It is always amazing to me how a little yeast, some salt, water, and flour (and a few other things) can create such a wonderful aroma and taste!  But the time and effort are worth every minute I spend.

The idea of bread is prevalent in the Bible. The people in the wilderness are given “manna” or bread from heaven when they are hungry. Jesus feeds the crowds with bread and an abundance of bread is left over. Jesus uses bread to represent his own body given for us at the Last Supper. Jesus brings the disciples bread when he meets them upon the shores of Galilee after his resurrection. Jesus says, “I am the bread of life.” Bread, bread, bread!

If you think about it, bread is the very source of life. Without bread, we will perish—bread represents food that sustains us. But there are more than just the physical qualities of bread.

Consider this, we are much like combining flour and water together. If you have tried this, it becomes paste and has limited use. But add a bit of yeast (the power of God’s Spirit within you) and you have the beginnings of something good. Then add some salt (spice of life) and knead it all together. Kneading is hard work. It takes time, and you just can’t stop half-way through. Give it plenty of time to rise and bake it until golden brown. But with perseverance, something good and tangible comes about.

To grow from raw ingredients of being human into a Christian who puts themselves in the presence of Jesus, the Bread of Life” is an awesome adventure. I pray that you will join me in forming and reforming life into something good and useful for yourself. It takes time, discipline, prayer, and perseverance, but the rewards are great.  May we be the bread that feeds others, the bread that radiates with the aroma of hope and life, the bread that reflects Jesus, the Bread of Life.

Prayer: You are the Bread of Life, Jesus. Mold me into a person who follows your example. Amen

Light of Christ

I John 2:8-10

“I am writing you a new commandment that is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining.  Whoever says, “I am in the light,” while hating a brother or sister, is still in the darkness.  Whoever loves a brother or sister abides in the light, and in such a person there is no cause for stumbling.”

We have just been singing Christmas carols like “O Little Town of Bethlehem” where Phillips Brooks, author, writes, “… yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light,” and there in Bethlehem, “Christ is born of Mary.” Yes, Christ has come as our “everlasting light.”

Then the wisemen follow a star – light – and find Jesus. On January 6th, we celebrate this event and so begins a season we call “Epiphany,” which means a shining of light, a manifestation.

The Gospels record that Jesus declares himself to be “The Light of the world” (John 8:12). This Light cannot be extinguished – not even by death! And so, the story of God’s love is recorded.

To walk in the light means we remove our blindfolds so we can see fully. Light brings us hope and a way to see what God sees, a broken world with so much potential, a world just waiting for healing and a glimpse of what is truly possible. Jesus, this Light, teaches us to love and care and exhorts us to “Let your light so shine before others, that they may see your good works and give glory to God, the Father.” (Matthew 5:16)

Since this “light of the world” has shown us what it means to “walk in the light,” the writer of I John reminds us that if we are a follower of Jesus, we will show love to others and be careful never to cause someone to stumble in their life journey.

Prayer: God of light, open our eyes to see You, our everlasting light. Amen.

I Am...

THE “I AM” JESUS HAS COME

John 1:1-14

Today, I feel the need to be in the presence of Jesus. I yearn to hear his voice and to hear his words for me. I am Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, letting the preparations of the day be set aside.

When I do this, I often turn to the Gospel of John. To me he is the theologian, the philosopher, the one who shows the divine character of Jesus. Sometimes that is the Jesus I need.

John begins his Gospel with the words, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This reminds me that Jesus is not just a spur of the moment creation of God, but that Jesus has been with God from day one!

Then in verse 14, John writes: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us full of grace and truth.” The Jesus of John’s Gospel continues to show us his divine side.

Remember how God appeared to Moses in a burning bush and identifies himself as “I AM”?  Now Jesus shows his oneness with God using those same words. Jesus declares,
     “I AM the bread of life.” (chapter 6)
     “I AM the light of the world.” (chapter 8)
     “I AM the gate of the sheepfold.” (chapter 10)
     “I AM the good shepherd.” (chapter 10)
     “I AM the resurrection and the life.” (chapter 11)
      “I AM the way and the truth and the life.” (chapter 14)
      “I AM the true vine.” (chapter 15)

This is another way to consider who Jesus is and what he is all about for me and our world. So, I sit at the feet of Jesus, read his Words, and let them wrap themselves around my heart and soul. Now I rest for a moment in the knowledge of who Jesus is. And I am awed!

A blessed Christmas to you. “I AM” has come. Amen.

Tyger Penson

Peace on Earth

Luke 2:13-14
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace, good will among people”

As seems to happen every year near Christmas, the weather turns cold and wet, the sun shines less, and clouds and night reign in abundance. It is accompanied by illness, death, and people wondering what worse can happen. Wars rage and the innocent shiver in makeshift shelters, hunger is prevalent, and fear is traced on each face. My soul is sad, angry, confused. It is at this point I recall the words, “And in despair I bowed my head;/ ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said;/ “For hate is strong, / And mocks song/Of peace on earth, good-will to men.”

These words were written on Christmas Day 1863 by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. He was speaking from his heart. Two years earlier his wife had died in a horrific and accidental fire. His oldest son had recently joined the Union Army without Henry’s approval. Now his son has been severely wounded.

The Civil War and all its tragedy are reflected in his words (the ones we rarely sing): “Then from each black, accursed mouth/The cannon thundered in the South, /And with the sound/The carols drowned/Of peace on earth…”  The next verse carries on the theme, “It was as if an earthquake rent/The hearthstones of a continent/And made forlorn/The households born/Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

It is Advent as I write. Wars and deaths and fear still fill our lives. As we look at ourselves, our world, and the chaos around us, instead of despair, we “Wait for the Lord!” Something new will break through all the gloom. God, through angels, announces that there will be peace and good-will on earth. It is with such hope that we await the coming of Christmas when we celebrate that “something new” in a baby, born in a manger, called Jesus.

Prayer: Today I pray for peace on earth. Shelter those who need to feel your presence. Thank you for hope in the promise of peace on earth and the reminder of Christ’s coming to us. Amen

Song: “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Not Everything is Alright!

Nahum 1

The short Old Testament writing of Nahum focuses upon the Lord’s judgment on the Ninevites for their oppression, cruelty, idolatry, and wickedness. It tells us that God is righteous and good:
                              “The Lord is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble;
                              He protects those who take refuge in him…” (1:7)

As house parents for youth and teens who were troubled or came from unstable homes, it was our duty to keep these ten boys safe. We cared for all of them, but if one of them caused potential harm or danger to the other boys, we had to stop him immediately. We knew that to provide healing, hope, and safety for these boys, we sometimes had to discipline those who were oppressing or creating havoc for others. In fact, that is why the boys felt safe—they knew we would protect them to the best of our ability.

So too, God will do all God can to bring “good” to his creation. At the same time, God cannot tolerate hatred or cruelty handed out upon the innocent. So it is that Nahum writes,

                              “The Lord is slow to anger but great in power,
                              and the Lord will by no means clear the guilty.” (1:3)

To me, this is Good News. I can turn to God when others bring offense upon me and those I cherish. At the same time, I know that God expects and encourages me to show kindness and patience to others. I can’t do anything I want if it harms others.

Yet, I also know that God will forgive me when I harm others if I stop the evil I am doing, though there still may be a price I pay for any cruelty I have shown. It just happens that way!

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for being my refuge in times of trouble. Thank you also for stopping me when I do not behave like a follower of You. Forgive me when I hurt others. Amen.

Forgiveness is Powerful Stuff

Jeremiah 31:34

God says: “No longer shall they teach one another, or say to each other, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the Lord; for I will forgive their iniquity, and remember their sin no more.”

This idea of forgiveness is frequently repeated in the Bible. For instance, Jesus taught his disciples to pray: “Forgive us our sins.” Whenever we pray The Lord’s Prayer, we repeat these words. Yet, sometimes there is a need for more.

Newly ordained, I served a small church in a small town in the Colorado countryside. One morning as I sat at my desk, Isaac, a farmer in the area and member of the church came into the office. “I need to talk to you.” He came because for 18 years he had held a secret that was gnawing at him. Long ago he had been unfaithful to his wife. He had not told her, and he had stayed “clean” for all these eighteen years—except for the guilt he carried. What could he do? His guilt was just too much! (They don’t teach you about this in Seminary.)

I invited him to join me at the altar in the worship area. There we kneeled in the silence and restrained light of the sanctuary. In time, I suggested he pour out to God all that was burdening him. First there was silence, and then Isaac began to sob and tell his story to God. When he was done, it was as though the greatest of burdens had been lifted. By God’s authority, I pronounced to him the entire forgiveness of all his sin. (John 20:23) God had forgiven him and would remember his sin no more!

Now he must forgive himself AND confess to Audrey his guilt, seeking her forgiveness as well. When Isaac left the church, I felt the sense of peace and God’s Spirit attending him. How would it all turn out? I prayed for them that week. Then on Sunday, Isaac and Audrey walked into the church holding hands. In the weeks and months following, those two never missed a Sunday worship and were, well, just different! Forgiveness is powerful stuff! I praised God!

Prayer:  God of Love, I pray that you will forgive me. Thank you for forgiveness and hope and newness. Amen.

Song: “God, When Human Bonds Are Broken” (ELW 603)

If Only I Hadn't Said That...

James 3:5-9 

James writes about the tongue—that which can be a wondrous gift—that which can be as deadly as fire. He says, “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits.”

Our tongue can get us in trouble and does frequently. Let me explain through a story I heard some years ago. On Sept. 11, 1995, a squirrel climbed on the Metro-North Rail Road power lines near New York City. It set off an electrical surge which weakened an overhead bracket—which let the wire dangle toward the tracks—which got tangled in the train—which tore down all the remaining lines—and resulted in 47,000 commuters stuck in Manhattan for hours that evening!

As a small animal created havoc, so James teaches us that even a small tongue can cause lots of damage! He goes even so far as to say, “No one can tame the tongue.” I cannot even count the number of times I’ve said something, then immediately regretted it. It has not only caused suffering in another person but has put shame upon me. Even worse, I am sure I have frequently said a hurtful or unthoughtful thing and was not even aware of what damage I had done.

Yet, with this same tongue, I can tell someone “I love you!” I can lift a person who is stressed out, tell others of their goodness, ask forgiveness for a wrong I have done, and share the story of God as I have experienced God with a friend. With the tongue I can pray to God and praise God in word or song. What a wonderful gift the tongue truly is!

 So, what role will your tongue play today and in the days ahead? As a child, my mother use to say, “Be sure to think before you speak!” That is good advice. It may save you from saying something you either do not intend, or something you may later regret, or something that was not helpful or uplifting.

The tongue is a gift from God! It has many uses. Let us use our tongues for good. 

Prayer: God, forgive me for carelessly using my tongue in hurtful or lying ways. Help me to think before I speak. For now, O God, I will let my tongue speak a Word of praise to you. Amen.

 Song: “Lord, Speak to Us, That We May Speak”                  ELW 676

"Surprise!"

Genesis 18:1-15

We are traveling to and from Colorado and presently are at one of our favorite spots in Rocky Mountain National Park (see picture). Here I am inspired by the beauty of God’s creation. Our travels take us to many places we enjoy, so when we arrive at a given location, we find our favorite hiking trail, restaurant, or hotel. We do some of the things we have experienced before at this place because they give us pleasure or adventure or knowledge or inspiration.

So it is as I read the Bible. We are now in Genesis and there are certain people or events that are embedded in my memory and heart. Today, we can visit Abraham and Sarah. Abraham and Sarah were in for some big surprises and a bit of laughter as well.

God comes to Abraham (age 99) saying, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.” God tells him his plan—I have a surprise for you! I will make a covenant with you. God’s side of the agreement is that Abram and Sarai with new names, new land to this nomadic couple to be passed down to their ancestors, and Sarai will become pregnant, the mother of many nations.

Abraham laughs, that’s incredulous! Can a 100-year-old man and a 90-year-old wife bear a child? You must be talking about Ishmael, right God? No, says God, Sarah will be the mother and you will name your child Isaac (means to laugh). Sarah will give birth a year from now! Then Sarah laughs too at the very thought of it all!

I love this passage. Abraham and Sarah are so like us. They trust God yet they can’t believe what God tells and promises them. What would happen to us if we had the faith and gumption of Abraham and Sarah? Trust God. God has a plan for you and for me. Following that plan will bring a God-led life full of surprises, adventures, and even laughter.

Prayer: Open my ears, my heart, my eyes to what you have in store for me, Lord God. Amen.

Church of Forgiven Sinners

Titus 3:3-9

The “church” is often accused of being filled with sinners, people who do not always represent God in their words and actions. That is true. In fact, that is what draws us together to be the church of God’s people. We recognize our failures, imperfections, and struggles to make the right decisions or to say the loving word to another. We sometimes goof up big time!

In Titus 3, Paul writes: “we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another. 4 But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, 5 he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”

There it is! We are a people who have experienced God in our life or a people who are seeking to know God and wanting to experience God’s mercy and forgiveness and care. Sure, we are far from perfect. God knows that too! Todd, my husband, and Lutheran pastor, once said, “If it weren’t for sin, I’d be out of business as a pastor!”

God has assigned us, sinners and saints, a task in our home, community, nation, and world. We are to be his ambassadors to demonstrate the best we can God-like actions, words, and attitude, in what we say and do. We will fail sometimes, but God, who loves and forgives, will do just that. God will encourage us, and when we have failed, God will expect us to get back up and continue the work of being a faithful God-servant. We gather in the church to support and encourage one another in our efforts.

Paul writes “[therefore, because you] have come to believe in God…be careful to devote yourselves to good works; these things are excellent and profitable to everyone. 9 Avoid stupid controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.”

This message from the letter to Titus gives us encouragement and a reminder of God’s hope and direction for each of us. The church is the foundation from which we work and live.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for reminding us of your way of being. Forgive us when we fail. Amen

One Step at a Time

The first time I took a real hike in the mountains was when our church youth group was going backpacking and camping at Twin Lakes above Darrington, Washington. I so wanted to be able to just “do it” and not look too much like a novice. So, I took off at a good speed and all was going well until I felt I couldn’t keep going anymore. I stopped to get my breath, leaning over, really spent of energy. The Boy Scout leader accompanying us, came up to me, put his hand on my heaving back and simply said, “You’ll do just fine. Just remember to take   one    step    at    a   time!”

I’ve done lots of hiking since then and really enjoy the exercise, the experience of making the destination, and enjoying for a moment or two the views and setting of that destination. I never spend much time either on the way up or down or when I reach that lake or mountain top which has been my goal. It seems the important part is the “trip.”

Years later, I discovered I couldn’t hike as fast as when I was younger! But that built-in need to impress either others or myself with my hiking ability is hard to shake! Nevertheless, my body kept telling me to slow down, drink more water, and look at the view. Now, I’m older still and “the hiking” is closer to “walking” and the destination is wherever I end up. I’m not in a hurry to achieve the destination.

It’s a good thing, you know, this “taking your time”. I am learning to see with new eyes. What reward it is to stop and watch the rabbits play on the field ahead. It is satisfying to hear the blue jays fly back and forth. There is an awesome experience to look carefully at the intricacies of a trail-side daisy or a shining, bristling Teddy Bear Cholla. I can watch with fascination a spider weaving its web or a garden snake slithering down the path. I am learning to reflect on the wonder of a single leaf, a stone, or the mysteries of water bubbling up out of ground, seemingly from nowhere. Now I praise God at each turn of the path and at each stop along the way for the beauty and creativity of God’s hand. I give thanks to God for each experience. To do this is to join God in seeing God’s creation. To see as God’s sees.

Prayer: Open my eyes to see, listen, and hear as you do, O God. Amen.                  

Song: “This Is My Father’s World” by Maltbie D. Babcock                              ELW 824