Thoughts

Mid-week Prayer for February 19, 2025

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In three of the four gospels, we find the story of Jesus and his disciples getting into a boat with the intention of crossing over to the other side of the lake.  While Jesus slept, a terrible storm came up, threatening to sink them all.  In panic and fear, the disciples wake Jesus.  They accuse him of “checking out” right when they need him the most.  It is only after Jesus calms the storm… after they experience what Mark describes as a “dead calm”… that they can proceed on their way TOGETHER.  (See Mark 4:35-41).  

Maybe you’ve felt that way about the storm of chaos and false-truths that have seemingly come out of nowhere in these past weeks.  I know I have.  As the disciples discovered, it is only by clinging to Jesus in the midst of life’s stormy seas, that we can at last find the calm which will allow us to thoughtfully, purposefully, and prayerfully get where we need to go TOGETHER.

In your prayers this week, create a space where you can be still and know that God is present.  Let the peace of God wash over and through you.  Then pray:  for peace in our world, in our nation, in our communities, and in our homes.  Trust Jesus to make a way through to the other side, and to journey there with you and for you. —Pastor Tammy

This Week’s Prayer

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I recently saw a bumper sticker that said:  I am the one Jesus loves.  While I have no doubt that Jesus loves the person driving that vehicle (and every other vehicle bearing that message), the wording suggests that Jesus’ love is reserved exclusively for a very few.  Such a claim stands in direct opposition to Jesus’ expansive, inclusive welcome.  “Whoever does the will of God,” Jesus said, “is my brother and sister and mother”.  (Mark 3:35)

We are part of a very big family, indeed.  It’s no surprise that when Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, the focus is on the many, not the one.  “Our Father”…  “give us…” etc. (see Matthew 6:9-13).  In the coming week, if you pray the Lord’s Prayer, focus on the sense of community the prayer holds, and in your own prayers, try using words like “us”, “we”, and “our” as often as you can.    As followers of Jesus, we are all in this together!    Pr. Tammy

A Mid-week Prayer

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As a young child, my dad spent countless hours teaching and saying bedtime prayers with me. One of the many I learned by heart is this one from an old New England sampler:

God bless all those that I love;
God bless all those that love me;
God bless all those that love those that I love;
And all those that love those that love me.

The prayer’s almost nonsensical structure and wording appealed to my child’s mind – it was simply fun to say. Some 60 years later, as many in our nation are seeking a very narrow definition of who the “neighbor” is that God commands us to love and care for, I find the prayer to be profoundly inclusive in who we are asking God to bless. Consider:

All those that I love – Mostly easy, though sometimes not so much.
All those that love me – This might hold a few surprises.
All those that love those that I love – Here’s where it starts to get really interesting! The circle of love and blessing expands to include persons of all ages and identities, giftedness and circumstances.
All those that love those that love me – The circle of love and blessing continues to expand exponentially! And God has more than enough love and blessing to go around!

I invite you to pray this prayer with me this week. Remember people by name, if you can. And then challenge yourself to imagine all those other “neighbors” connected to you by this circle of love and blessing. Bask in it and share it!

— Pr. Tammy

Psalm 85:8-13: God’s Promise of Peace, Righteousness, and Prosperity Illuminated

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Psalm 85:8-13, part of last Sunday’s reading, offers a heartfelt conversation filled with promises that feel both personal and profound.

Verse 8 begins with a declaration and a gentle warning: “I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.” It’s as if God is leaning in, whispering peace, but also reminding us not to slip back into old ways.

As we move through verses 9 to 11, we encounter an incredible image of salvation, glory, mercy, and truth all coming together. “Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” This isn’t just poetic language; it’s a deep insight into how everything in God’s character is interconnected and how it plays out in our lives.

Verses 12 and 13 continue with a promise about the land giving its increase and righteousness going before God, guiding us in His steps. This isn’t limited to spiritual matters; it’s about real-world blessings and guidance. It’s a reassurance that God’s goodness reaches into every part of our lives.

What’s particularly striking about this passage is the emphasis on not just receiving but also listening, respecting God, and following His path. It’s a two-way street, where God’s peace, righteousness, and prosperity are there for us, but we also have a role to play.

So, as we reflect on Psalm 85:8-13, we’re invited to consider not just the comforting words but also the rich and thoughtful insights into God’s character and His promises. It’s a gentle nudge, a reminder of God’s peace, righteousness, and prosperity, and how these blessings are intertwined with our actions and choices. It’s something to carry with us, something to ponder and appreciate as we go about our week.

A Personal Reflection on God’s Compassion, Mercy, and Righteousness

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I was reading Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21 the other day, and it really got me thinking. These verses are like a gentle reminder of who God is and what He’s all about.

Starting with verses 8 and 9, it says, “The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.” Isn’t that something? God’s not just merciful; He’s gracious, compassionate, and slow to anger. His goodness isn’t limited; it’s for everyone, and His tender care touches everything He’s made.

Then, moving on to verses 14 to 21, there’s this beautiful picture of God’s care and righteousness. He’s there for those who fall, lifting up those who are down, and satisfying the desire of every living thing. It’s not just about providing; it’s about understanding, empathy, and care. God’s not far away; He’s close to all who call upon Him in truth.

What really hit me about this passage is how it balances God’s mercy and righteousness. He’s not just a loving God; He’s a righteous God. He looks after those who love Him and hears their cries. But there’s also this clear line between righteousness and wickedness. It’s a deep reminder that God’s love and mercy are connected with His holiness and justice.

So, if you ever need a bit of reassurance or a reminder of who God is, maybe take a moment with Psalm 145:8-9, 14-21. It’s not just comforting words; it’s a rich and thoughtful reflection on God’s character. It’s like a friend’s gentle nudge, reminding us of God’s compassion, mercy, and righteousness. It’s a pretty amazing thought, don’t you think?

God Provides in Abundance

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Today, we’re going to take a deeper look at Psalm 65:9-13. This passage, found in the Book of Psalms, is like a vibrant sunrise, illuminating God’s nurturing love and the abundance He provides.

God’s Nurturing Love (Psalm 65:9-10)

Our journey begins with verses 9 and 10:

“You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it. You water its furrows abundantly, settling its ridges, softening it with showers, and blessing its growth.” (Psalm 65:9-10, NIV)

Picture God as a loving gardener, caring for the earth. He doesn’t just visit the earth; He waters it, enriches it, and prepares it for growth. It’s like He’s tending to a vast garden, making sure every ridge is watered, every furrow is settled, and every seed is blessed. It’s a beautiful image of God’s nurturing love.

God’s Abundance (Psalm 65:11-13)

Next, we move on to verses 11 through 13:

“You crown the year with your bounty; your wagon tracks overflow with richness. The pastures of the wilderness overflow, the hills gird themselves with joy, the meadows clothe themselves with flocks, the valleys deck themselves with grain, they shout and sing together for joy.” (Psalm 65:11-13, NIV)

These verses are like a grand feast after a successful harvest. God doesn’t just provide; He provides in abundance. He crowns the year with bounty, and His paths overflow with richness. The pastures and hills are not just filled; they’re overflowing, clothed with flocks and decked with grain. It’s a celebration of God’s abundance, and it’s so joyous that even the earth itself seems to be singing!

In a nutshell, Psalm 65:9-13 is like a heartwarming story of God’s nurturing love and the abundance He provides. It reminds us of how God cares for the earth and provides for it in abundance. So, as we go about our day, let’s carry these verses in our hearts, letting them inspire us to appreciate God’s nurturing love and His abundant provisions.

Psalm 145:8-14: A Warm Embrace of God’s Love

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Today’s passage, tucked away in the Book of Psalms, is like a warm cup of tea on a cold day, filled with reminders of God’s love, compassion, and the promise of His eternal kingdom. So, let’s get comfy and dive right in.

A God Who Loves and Cares (Psalm 145:8-9)

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Imagine the kindest person you know. Now, amplify that kindness a thousandfold. That’s a glimpse of God’s character according to these verses. He’s not just kind, He’s gracious, compassionate, patient, and overflowing with mercy. And the best part? His goodness isn’t exclusive. It’s for everyone, and His tender mercies touch everything He’s made. It’s like a universal hug from the Creator Himself!

A Symphony of Praise (Psalm 145:10-12)

“All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.”

These verses are like a grand symphony where every instrument is tuned to sing praises of God’s mercy. Everything God created and all His saints join in this cosmic concert, speaking of His kingdom’s glory and His power. And why? To share the good news of God’s mighty acts and His kingdom’s majestic beauty with everyone. It’s like the best viral post, spreading love and awe of God’s kingdom.

God’s Forever Promise (Psalm 145:13-14)

Finally, we reach verses 13 and 14:

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does. The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.”

These verses are like a promise carved in stone. God’s kingdom isn’t a temporary setup. It’s here to stay, forever. His rule isn’t just for now, it’s for all generations. And if you’re feeling low, remember, God’s got your back. He’s there to hold you when you fall and lift you up when you’re down. It’s the ultimate reassurance from a loving God.

In a nutshell, Psalm 145:8-14 is like a love letter from God. It reminds us of His boundless love, the joy of praising Him, and the promise of His eternal kingdom. So, as we go about our day, let’s carry these verses in our hearts, letting them inspire us to reflect on God’s enduring love and His promise of an everlasting kingdom.

“Beyond Rituals: A Modern Lutheran Perspective on Psalm 50”

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New Hope Lutheran Church’s mission statement is “We share our faith in Christ by treating all with respectful compassion.” Part of our work to meet the goals of this statement involves unraveling the depth of God’s word together. Today, we’re diving into a conversation with Psalm 50:7-15, seeking inspiration and divine wisdom.

As we delve into the passage, it’s clear that it’s not just a sermon or a rebuke, but rather a divine dialogue. Here, God addresses us, not as a distant deity but as an intimate ally. This conversation begins with a call to attention: “Listen, my people, and I will speak; I will testify against you, Israel, I am God, your God.” (Psalm 50:7). It’s a divine summons, a reminder of our sacred covenant with God.

Diving deeper, we encounter a curious statement: “I bring no charges against you concerning your sacrifices or concerning your burnt offerings, which are ever before me” (Psalm 50:8). This suggests a shift from rituals to a more profound form of worship. While traditional offerings were crucial, God is pointing to the importance of a more intimate, personal connection with the divine.

“I do not need the bulls from your barns or the goats from your pens” (Psalm 50:9). Here God refutes the misconception that He depends on our sacrifices. Instead, it reminds us that God is the creator and owner of all that exists; our material offerings are less significant than our humble devotion and commitment.

When God states, “I have no need of a bull from your stall or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills” (Psalm 50:9-10), it serves as a testament to His abundant provisions. As stewards of God’s creation, we should foster respect and compassion for all beings and things in our care.

The passage concludes with a beautiful yet profound call to action. “Call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me” (Psalm 50:15). This final verse invites us to rely on God during our trials, to seek His divine aid in times of need. It suggests a reciprocal relationship, one of mutual honor and respect, much like our mission as a congregation in Great Falls.

In light of our shared mission, this interpretation of Psalm 50:7-15 invites us to embody our faith in Christ, not just through traditional acts of worship, but by living a life of ‘respectful compassion.’

In the words of Psalm 50, we find God inviting us into a deeper relationship, one that transcends ritual and beckons us towards love, compassion, and honor. As ELCA Lutherans, we are called not merely to observe our faith but to live it – to serve all with respectful compassion, just as Christ served us.

In-Person Worship: The Heart of Our Spiritual Journey

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In the past three years, we’ve all had to adapt to new ways of connecting, communicating, and worshiping. The advent of live-streaming has been a blessing, allowing us to continue our worship from the safety of our homes. But as we navigate the post-pandemic world, it’s crucial to remember the irreplaceable value of physical attendance at church. The heart of our spiritual journey, in-person worship, should always be Plan A.

While caution is still necessary, the national emergency related to COVID has ended, and there’s no longer a compelling need to consciously stay away unless you’re feeling unwell. It’s important to remember that our church is not just a building; it’s a community, a family. And like any family, we thrive on being together, supporting each other, and sharing our experiences.

One of the central facets of our worship is participating in the sacrament of Holy Communion. This sacred ritual, a cornerstone of our faith, cannot be performed at home without a qualified and licensed member of the clergy. It’s a communal act of worship that binds us together, reminding us of the sacrifice made for us and the love that unites us.

Moreover, face-to-face fellowship is a vital part of our spiritual growth. Sharing the peace over Zoom has been a good alternative, but it’s just that—an alternative. Nothing can replace the warmth of a handshake, the comfort of a hug, or the joy of seeing a fellow worshiper’s smile.

Live-streaming isn’t going away! It has its place and its purpose. It’s a valuable ministry for those who can’t attend on a particular Sunday due to illness, travel, or other unavoidable circumstances. It’s a lifeline that keeps us connected to our faith and our community, even when we’re physically apart. However, as we move forward, let’s remember that attending in person is almost always better. It’s about being present, not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. It’s about being a part of something bigger than ourselves, a community of faith that uplifts, supports, and loves.

Let’s embrace the post-pandemic world with open hearts and open minds. Let’s cherish the technological advancements that kept us connected during the crisis, but let’s also remember the importance of physical presence in our spiritual journey. After all, our church is not just a place we go; it’s a family we belong to, a community we build, and a faith we live.

Let’s make in-person worship our Plan A, always.