Psalm 1:
***
Something was wrong with my body. I began to panic when the uneasy symptoms kept me in bed and refused to release their grip. Unable to pinpoint what was wrong, I called a friend instead of an ambulance. As soon as she arrived, she took one look at me, grasped my hand and pinched the skin on the back. I was dehydrated, she said, and brought water to me. Her clue was that the pinched skin remained sticking up. I had access to a surplus of water, streams from faucets, but I hadn't recognized my need. Now I wonder if there is a sign to warn the righteous when they have moved away from God's nourishing streams of water? How do we notice our leaves beginning to wither? When do we realize we are following the advice of the wicked or are stepping onto the paths of sinners?
Lord, forgive my ignoring your abundant streams of water that nourish my soul. Draw me in daily to meditate on your word so I may walk with the righteous. Grant that I never need a pinch test to measure my delight in you. Amen.
Kristin D. Anderson, '88
Retired Pastor, Roseville, Minn.
Psalm 1:1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Unites States for Monday, 7 May 2018 - Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
1 How blessed are those
who reject the advice of the wicked,
don’t stand on the way of sinners
or sit where scoffers sit!
2 Their delight
is in Adonai’s Torah;
on his Torah they meditate
day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams —
they bear their fruit in season,
their leaves never wither,
everything they do succeeds.
4 Not so the wicked,
who are like chaff driven by the wind.
5 For this reason the wicked
won’t stand up to the judgment,
nor will sinners
at the gathering of the righteous.
6 For Adonai watches over
the way of the righteous,
but the way of the wicked
is doomed.
(Complete Jewish Bible).***
Something was wrong with my body. I began to panic when the uneasy symptoms kept me in bed and refused to release their grip. Unable to pinpoint what was wrong, I called a friend instead of an ambulance. As soon as she arrived, she took one look at me, grasped my hand and pinched the skin on the back. I was dehydrated, she said, and brought water to me. Her clue was that the pinched skin remained sticking up. I had access to a surplus of water, streams from faucets, but I hadn't recognized my need. Now I wonder if there is a sign to warn the righteous when they have moved away from God's nourishing streams of water? How do we notice our leaves beginning to wither? When do we realize we are following the advice of the wicked or are stepping onto the paths of sinners?
Lord, forgive my ignoring your abundant streams of water that nourish my soul. Draw me in daily to meditate on your word so I may walk with the righteous. Grant that I never need a pinch test to measure my delight in you. Amen.
Kristin D. Anderson, '88
Retired Pastor, Roseville, Minn.
Psalm 1:1 Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers;
2 but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night.
3 They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper.
4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away.
5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
6 for the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (New Revised Standard Version)
***
The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Unites States for Monday, 7 May 2018 - Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Acts 1:15 During this period, when the group of believers numbered about 120, Kefa stood up and addressed his fellow-believers: 16 “Brothers, the Ruach HaKodesh spoke in advance through David about Y’hudah, and these words of the Tanakh had to be fulfilled. He was guide for those who arrested Yeshua — 17 he was one of us and had been assigned a part in our work.”,
***
I needed relief from a difficult day in that new land of Eastern Montana. The sky was just beginning to show a bit of color as sunset painted the underside of clouds. I hurried to my car to make it to the brow of a nearby hill overlooking the plains before the display ended. I needn't have worried; the colors went on and on as if God knew my need. Pink and magenta took over, the range of oranges, increasingly more golden as the sun dipped. A symphony orchestra was playing out in bright hues in this big sky country. God, a boon companion who knew the fullness of my heart, understood my troubles of the day without my saying a word. I could not hide the pain and anger, making God's searching me out--fully accepting me and loving me with a boundless love--even more incredible.
Dear Lord, wherever I am, I am never alone! What an incredible blessing. Thank you for your vigilant knowing of my heart, always being present with me and guiding me. Amen.
Kristin D. Anderson, '88
Retired Pastor, Roseville, Minn.
Acts 1:15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,
16 "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus--
17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry..."
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection."
23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
24 Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen
25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (New Revised Standard Version)
21 Therefore, one of the men who have been with us continuously throughout the time the Lord Yeshua traveled around among us, 22 from the time Yochanan was immersing people until the day Yeshua was taken up from us — one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection.”
23 They nominated two men — Yosef Bar-Sabba, surnamed Justus, and Mattityahu. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over the work and the office of emissary that Y’hudah abandoned to go where he belongs.” 26 Then they drew lots to decide between the two, and the lot fell to Mattityahu. So he was added to the eleven emissaries.
(Complete Jewish Bible)I needed relief from a difficult day in that new land of Eastern Montana. The sky was just beginning to show a bit of color as sunset painted the underside of clouds. I hurried to my car to make it to the brow of a nearby hill overlooking the plains before the display ended. I needn't have worried; the colors went on and on as if God knew my need. Pink and magenta took over, the range of oranges, increasingly more golden as the sun dipped. A symphony orchestra was playing out in bright hues in this big sky country. God, a boon companion who knew the fullness of my heart, understood my troubles of the day without my saying a word. I could not hide the pain and anger, making God's searching me out--fully accepting me and loving me with a boundless love--even more incredible.
Dear Lord, wherever I am, I am never alone! What an incredible blessing. Thank you for your vigilant knowing of my heart, always being present with me and guiding me. Amen.
Kristin D. Anderson, '88
Retired Pastor, Roseville, Minn.
Acts 1:15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (together the crowd numbered about one hundred twenty persons) and said,
16 "Friends, the scripture had to be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit through David foretold concerning Judas, who became a guide for those who arrested Jesus--
17 for he was numbered among us and was allotted his share in this ministry..."
21 So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,
22 beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us--one of these must become a witness with us to his resurrection."
23 So they proposed two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also known as Justus, and Matthias.
24 Then they prayed and said, "Lord, you know everyone's heart. Show us which one of these two you have chosen
25 to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."
26 And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias; and he was added to the eleven apostles. (New Revised Standard Version)
The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Unites States for Sunday, 6 May 2018 - "Jesus Love Me," ELW 595
1. Jesus loves me! this I know,
for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to him belong,
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
2. Jesus loves me! he who died
heaven's gates to open wide;
he will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
3. Jesus loves me! he will stay
close beside me all the way;
when at last I come to die,
he will take me home on high.
1. Jesus loves me! this I know,
for the Bible tells me so;
little ones to him belong,
they are weak, but he is strong.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
2. Jesus loves me! he who died
heaven's gates to open wide;
he will wash away my sin,
let his little child come in.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
3. Jesus loves me! he will stay
close beside me all the way;
when at last I come to die,
he will take me home on high.
Refrain: Yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
***
Such a simple song. Written by Anna Warner in 1860 and set to music by William Bradbury, who added the chorus, in 1862, it encapsulates the "good news" in words even a child can grasp. Yet, even though it's considered a children's song, adults will joyfully sing along given the chance. As often as we sing or say that Jesus loves us, though, do we really know it? I believe the words, but the knowing--really? Too often I feel like I should deserve it first by my good works, even though I know better. Maybe that's why this song is such a hit. The words bring assurance through repetition and reference to biblical authority. The rhyme and tune drive it into our subconscious. We need all the help we can get!
Yes, you really do love me, Jesus. Help me to know your love and show your love to others. Amen.
Gayle Pope, '03
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Ill
The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Unites States for Saturday, 5 May 2018 - "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," ELW 631
1. Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev'ry trembling heart.
2. Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev'ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit;
let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3. Come, Almighty, to deliver;
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
4. Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee!
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav'n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise!
***
This beloved hymn by Charles Wesley was first published in 1747 and is still found today in hymnals of many denominations. It's a heart-cry for the pure and unbounded love of Christ to enter and abide in our trembling, troubled hearts and, therein, to free us and transform us. "Take away my love of sinning," we sing. Make me serve and praise you always. Finish me. Restore me. The words pull us heavenward toward a vision of ultimate, total restoration, "lost in wonder, love and praise."
Holy Lord, my heart does tremble and my breast is troubled with the realization that I so often choose my will over yours. And yet you abide in me. Make me more and more your own, until I see you face to face. Amen.
Gayle Pope, '03
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Ill.
yes, Jesus loves me,
yes, Jesus loves me,
the Bible tells me so.
***
Such a simple song. Written by Anna Warner in 1860 and set to music by William Bradbury, who added the chorus, in 1862, it encapsulates the "good news" in words even a child can grasp. Yet, even though it's considered a children's song, adults will joyfully sing along given the chance. As often as we sing or say that Jesus loves us, though, do we really know it? I believe the words, but the knowing--really? Too often I feel like I should deserve it first by my good works, even though I know better. Maybe that's why this song is such a hit. The words bring assurance through repetition and reference to biblical authority. The rhyme and tune drive it into our subconscious. We need all the help we can get!
Yes, you really do love me, Jesus. Help me to know your love and show your love to others. Amen.
Gayle Pope, '03
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Ill
The God Pause Daily Devotional of The Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, Unites States for Saturday, 5 May 2018 - "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," ELW 631
1. Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter ev'ry trembling heart.
2. Breathe, oh, breathe thy loving Spirit
into ev'ry troubled breast;
let us all in thee inherit;
let us find thy promised rest.
Take away the love of sinning;
Alpha and Omega be;
end of faith, as its beginning,
set our hearts at liberty.
3. Come, Almighty, to deliver;
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
nevermore thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without ceasing,
glory in thy perfect love.
4. Finish then thy new creation,
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee!
Changed from glory into glory,
till in heav'n we take our place,
till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise!
***
This beloved hymn by Charles Wesley was first published in 1747 and is still found today in hymnals of many denominations. It's a heart-cry for the pure and unbounded love of Christ to enter and abide in our trembling, troubled hearts and, therein, to free us and transform us. "Take away my love of sinning," we sing. Make me serve and praise you always. Finish me. Restore me. The words pull us heavenward toward a vision of ultimate, total restoration, "lost in wonder, love and praise."
Holy Lord, my heart does tremble and my breast is troubled with the realization that I so often choose my will over yours. And yet you abide in me. Make me more and more your own, until I see you face to face. Amen.
Gayle Pope, '03
Pastor, Christ Lutheran Church, Quincy, Ill.
The Luther Seminary
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