Christmas Party Info

We would love to invite any and all adults who have attended, stopped by, or checked us out in any way over the last year. We are having a holiday get together out at the Countryman's on Lake Tainter. It is at 6:30 on Friday, December 19th and all adults are welcome (We are leaving the kiddos out of this one). There will be a white elephant gift exchange so go through all the treasures you have burried in the garage or closet and wrap it pretty for that special someone you'll get to know.

We are doing appetizers for eats and look forward to just spending time together and rejoicing over what God has done this last year.

I can't get the mapquest link to post...
The Countryman's address is N7142 529th, Menomonie, WI
Please call if you have questions or concerns...
Blessings,
Randal

THANKSLIVING

I recently took a Bible character quiz on Facebook that compared you to biblical characters. I was so proud to be identified with "King David." I see this application on a lot of peoples profiles now. We are all associated with one of the really neat people from the scriptures. I haven't seen one person who came out most like Jezebel, Herod, or the demoniac.

I did a thanksgiving sermon based on a familiar text and story from the New Testament. In this story there were 10 lepers waiting for Jesus to pass-by and hollering for help when they spotted him.

As I slowed the story down and asked the hard questions (Why was this story recorded?, How does it apply today) I realized it played into a bigger theme in the scriptures...one of thankfulness.

Over and over again I remembered stories in which Jesus is pointing out that the fundamental problem is one of attitude and a lack of gratitude. Those who have the most priviledge and position in the religious community are often times the most forgetful and the least likely to humbly bow in worship appropriately.

It is the samaritan leaper who returned to give thanks, not the other nine who belonged to the Jewish community. It was the prostitute and her tears not the pharisee's servants who washed the feet of Jesus. It is the faith of a Roman Centurian, not his own people that take him at his word without question.

When I preached on the Lepers in Luke 17 it was because at that time I realized that I often do not reflect "King David" in my life as much as I do the nine lepers who did not return.

Let me alliterate my problem...
My position, and priviledge often bring about pride which prevents me from the practice of praise as prescribed for the person of God.

When I started this walk with Jesus I used to give testimonies. I was asked to stand and tell people about God's healing, redemption and deliverance in my life. When people thanked me afterward I always used to say...thank God, not me, He did it and I would point my finger skyward.

Through the years I have been told to just say thank you and to accept the gift God has given. I have grown in that. I speak weekly and minister constantly. As a matter of fact when I thought about it, it became hard to remember the last time I actually said...God did it, thank him, not me.

This text, at this time, allowed me to see how I had slowly but surely moved from a life that gave thanks. God's word is incredible like that. It searches us.

This is a special time of year. A time to remember. Remember to give thanks during this holiday season. Take some extra time this week and ask God to show you any area where your thanksgiving is lacking. Search God's word adn ask God to teach you through his word.

Thanksgiving: Much more than a day

On of the biggest problems after the fall of man-kind (sin) in the Garden of Eden is the problem with our memories. We can't remember much and when we do it seems to be pretty selective. My Uncle Hilmer tells me all the time he knows everything, He then adds that he just has trouble recalling it sometimes.

I think that is one of the biggest problems we face as a race. We can't remember! History is repleat with mankinds forgettfulness. War, crime, abuse, violence and ignorance caught for all to see in the pages of history.

Paul talks a little bit about our predicament in the first chapter of the book of Romans.

Romans 1:20-22 "For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities-- his eternal power and divine nature-- have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools" (NIV).

There it is! We can't remember! or we choose not to remember.

Thanksgiving Day is a time set aside by the leaders of our great country. It is a time our nation is supposed to reflect on the incredible provision of Almighty God.
Historically it has been connected to the very first settlements in this great country and William Bradfords incredible declaration for a Day of Thanksgiving for the Pilgims at Plymouth is a wonderful example of that history.

We are approaching a day that has been set aside to remind us of how we should be living all year long. Let us not forget!

Chack out these other texts:
Nehemiah 12:46 46 For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there had been directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
Psalm 100:4 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Colossians 2:6-7 6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Out of the Shadows

Shadows serve a lot of purposes don't they? Some are good, some are not. They cover, hide and conceal that which we don't want fully seen.

The scriptures use this picture of us under the shadow of God's wings seeking refuge. That is a good shadow. It preserves us until we are able to stand on our own.

I trained with the military in the Mojave Desert in California. In that environment we needed, coveted, looked for shade continually. We could not handle the direct powerful strength of the sun. Even the most experienced soldiers sought out the shade when needed.

I have been reading through Luke chapter 7 for the past week. It is a really neat story about Jesus as a guest at Simeon the Pharisees home.

Luke records for us that out from the shadows steps an incredibly brave and daring woman. A woman who wasn't on the guest list. A woman many in town knew and talked about because of her reputation. She was said to have been a woman who had led a sinful life.

This woman steps off the wall, into the light, and falls at the feet of Jesus. She begins weeping uncontrollably and wipes Jesus feet with her tears and hair and then pours perfume on them. She was done running, hiding, holding back. She had heard the stories about this Jesus and her hope would not allow her to stay in the shadows any longer. She went for it and when she sensed his acceptance of her all the years of rejection, hurt and pain boiled over into this heart felt display of worship.

Simeon didn't invite Jesus into his home to worship him but to investigate him and maybe even try to discredit him. We see this because he does not render the traditional honor to his visiting guest. He doesn't wash his feet or allow him to refresh himself before dinner.

Jesus reads Simeon's thoughts and tells a parable. A story about two people who had debts they could not satisfy. Two people who needed the grace and mercy of their master. The story is a picture of Simeon and the woman. One who was ready to admit and deal with their debt and the other who was still denying his own need.

This story shows us that where ever we are at in this process of trying to settle our debts with the master he is willing to work with us.

He is safe and will not embarrass us if we venture from the shadows and into the light. The threat of punishment, abuse and shame are over. David says in the Psalms, "The LORD is my light and my salvation-- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life-- of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1).

Lets be done with trying to hide our inadequacies. Lets come out of the shadows and walk in the light. It is safe for all of us.

Check out these other verses...
Psalm 139:11-12 11 If I say, "Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me," 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.

Isaiah 9:2 2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.

What Was I Thinking?

Diercks Bentley got it right when he wrote his country western song called "What was I thinking?" It is a song that did well and I know it is because sooo many of us could identify with saying. There were times in my life when I have asked it of myself, times when others have said it to me, and times when I have asked it of others. We have perhaps all felt the sting of that question. It is dangerous for us to live without evaluating our thoughts.

Today in the scientific community many have rallied around this concept of linking our behavior to our thoughts. One of the most popular psychological approaches being taught today is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It corrects thinking behind behaviors to make changes. The American Psychiatric Association indicated that among psychotherapeutic approaches, CBT is the most effective treatment for major depressive disorders.

We are being confronted with the truth that our thoughts drive our actions.

The Scriptures have always linked our thoughts to our actions. Gen 6:5 "The LORD saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time." God knows our predicament. Christ connected thoughts to actions in the sermon on the mount. In reguards to murder and lust he said if you think it, you might as well have done it. The Apostle Paul indicates that we can win in this area of our thought life in 2Cor 10:5, "we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ”

How did he do that? Could We? What if we could somehow learn how to filter our thoughts?

I think Paul gave us a great filter for our thoughts in oen particular verse in the scriptures. Look at Philippians 4:8 with me. In it Paul uses 6 adjectives and 2 nouns that lay a great foundation for creating this filter.

I memorized it and shared this message with amny of you this weekend in service. It is my sincere hope that many of you have committed this text to memory and are using it to help you walk in the victory Christ has provided.

Mythbusters: A Christian Nation?

A couple weeks ago I preached a message created after listening to a sermon series by Gregory Boyd at Woodland Hills Church over in the Twin Cities area. After listening I did a little research and I was surprised at how many assumptions about our founding fathers I had adopted into my beliefs with out really checking out. I quickly found contradicting statements on opposing websites and found it tricky to sort out the truth. I may not have the exact truth to ever quote these folks used but I feel like I have a better understanding of the diversity, passion and heart of our founding fathers.

I want to be on the side of truth and justice, but like our founding fathers I am a little sceptical of any system ordained by men. I don't think Christ came to tweak the system but to show us a whole new one. He never joined any party, but operated outside of and separate from them all. He affected change like no other and never bowed to the power systems of this world.

I will never stop fighting for the rights of the weak, widowed and wounded. I want to influence this world like Christ did...the way Christ did it. I will come under and along-side of others and stop trying to gain advantage over. I will lay-down and be willing to be hammered, whipped and beaten like my Savior.

I will intelligently use my vote on every seat, office and position being voted on this election. I will not punch a party ticket. I will be faithful to investigate every individual who makes the ticket. I will be fair, honest and faithful in exercising my civic duty so that I honor those who have sacrificed so much for my freedom.

"Everything hangs on our imitating Jesus...
Even when it looks like we are loosing.
Even when it looks like Jesus is being arrested.
Even when it looks like immorality is winning the day.
Even when it looks like our rights might be denied
Even when we might loose our lives" (Gregory Boyd).

Here are some of the passages that lead to this reflection. Read them over and see what they stirr-up in your heart.

1Pet. 2:11 we are “aliens and exiles” in this world.
Eph. 2:19 we “are citizens…and members of the household of God…”
Phil. 3:20 “our citizenship is in heaven”
1John 5:19 “…the whole world lies under the power of the evil one.”
Jn 12:31; 14:30; 16:11 Satan is “the ruler of this world”
2 Cor 4:4; Satan is “the god of this world”
Eph 2:2 “the principality and power of the air”

Mythbusters: More than you can handle?

What is a myth? Dictionary.com says that it is, "a legendary story usually without a determinable basis of fact or a natural explanation." That is what we have been talking about for the last couple weeks at church. We have some distinctively christian myths lurking around that needed to be examined in the light of day.
The first one we looked at was the myth that God would never give you more than you could handle. As christians it is often given as an attempt at encouraging someone who is going through a hard time. I think it often fails at that. One of the scriptures associated with this legend is supposed to be 1 Corinthians 10:13. which is Pauls exortation to those who are being tempted by sin. In those situations, Paul is saying that God will never give you more than you can handle, but he will make a way out. In other words, God won't let you be tempted when there is no way for you to resist sinning. That makes much more sense than when we try to make it say God will never allow more suffering, pain or trials than we can handle.

The scriptures are full of people who appeared to have more than they could handle. The Biblical examples are numerous: Paul (2Cor 1:8); Moses (Num 11:13-15); Job; Elijah; Jeremiah; David and Jesus. Each of these people are recorded in the scriptures as hurting beyond what they could endure. Hurting to the point of breaking. It is God's ability to fix what is broken that is on display in each of their lives.

If someone in your past told you that God would never give you more than you could handle, there is a chance that some of you tried to burry the hurt or pain of having more on your plate than you could handle. There is a chance that some of you have never dealt correctly with that pain and it is hard for you too trust God any more because instead of growing you remain wounded.

The ideal response to the suffering is acceptance and trust. Jesus Christ modeled that for us in the Garden of Gethsemane and on the cross. Ask yourself these questions to see if you have believed this myth.

1)God will often allow you to have more than you can handle. Where in your life do you need to say “or” instead of “and?”

2)What are you holding onto that you need to release to God?

A MODERN CREED

I recently stumbled across the writings of a British journalist and poet named Steve Turner. He wrote a poem that captures alot of the hypocricy and duplicity in our modern thinking and world. If you like satire you will appreciate this piece; it is both humorous and true
“Creed”
We believe in Marx, Freud,and Darwin
We believe everything is OK
as long as you don’t hurt anyone
to the best of your definition of hurt,
and to the best of your knowledge.

We believe in sex before, during, and after marriage.
We believe in the therapy of sin.
We believe that adultery is fun.
We believe that sodomy’s OK.
We believe that taboos are taboo.

We believe that everything’s getting better
despite evidence to the contrary.
The evidence must be investigated
And you can prove anything with evidence.

We believe there’s something in horoscopes UFO’s and bent spoons.
Jesus was a good man just like Buddha, Muhammed, and ourselves.
He was a good moral teacher though we think
His good morals were bad.

We believe that all religions are basically the same-at least the one that we read was.
They all believe in love and goodness.
They only differ on matters of creation,
sin, heaven, hell, God, and salvation.

We believe that after death comes the Nothing
Because when you ask the dead what happens they say nothing.
If death is not the end, if the dead have lied, then its
compulsory heaven for all excepting perhaps
Hitler, Stalin, and Genghis Kahn

We believe in Masters and Johnson
What’s selected is average.
What’s average is normal.
What’s normal is good.

We believe in total disarmament.
We believe there are direct links between warfare and bloodshed.
Americans should beat their guns into tractors.
And the Russians would be sure to follow.

We believe that man is essentially good.
It’s only his behavior that lets him down.
This is the fault of society.
Society is the fault of conditions.
Conditions are the fault of society.

We believe that each man must find the truth that is right for him.
Reality will adapt accordingly.
The universe will readjust.
History will alter.
We believe that there is no absolute truth
excepting the truth
that there is no absolute truth.

We believe in the rejection of creeds,
And the flowering of individual thought.

If chance be the Father of all flesh,
disaster is his rainbow in the sky
and when you hear

State of Emergency!
Sniper Kills Ten!
Troops on Rampage!
Whites go Looting!
Bomb Blasts School!
It is but the sound of man
worshiping his maker.

A Whole New World

There is a big shift out there in this world. I feel the separation growing between computer users and none computer users in my life. When I was in seminary I focused so much on building a great library so that my sermon prep would not be limited to what I knew. The internet in several ways has made my library much less critical. I have been luggin around boxes and boxes of very heavy books for years in anticipation of someday using them to prepare sermons. I'm a pastor now and I don't use them much at all. I have instant access to the most current scholarly articles and research avaiable to me at my fingertips. Sermon prep is a lot easier. communication and planning are a couple of other things that are changing because of online access. Recently a friend of mine introduced me to a website that is dedicated to enabling people to plan better and meet less. It can greatly reduce the number of meetings in your life. Your weakly, monthly, quarterly calendars can be online and the discussion and input is open to every member of your team who can view and comment on the calendar. It improves comunication. It speeds up how much contact we have. I recently met a young man at church. We invited him to dinner. From the 5 minute conversation I was able to find him online, facebook him, see pictures of his family, visit their family business online and really get a good look at and understanding of him before I even officially had an introductory meeting with him. Our abilty to communicate quickly with others who live online is incredible. Facebook, myspace, and plaxo, are just a few of the websites dedicated to connecting us and keeping us connected. Mass comunication at the touch of a button is here. I'm excited about these changes but I'm also being a little cautious. Not everyone in our faith community has arrived not everyone wants to commit to living life at the touch of a button. Somehow bridging these two worlds is going to be tricky. I do not want to be left behind and I don't want to be a leader who leaves others behind. Who are you introducing to your new world? Are you inviting other generations and family members to be a part of this journey to a new world. My admonission is to slow things down and bring those we love along for the ride. Don't blow by the signs others are left holding that indicate they need direction to even enter the conversation you are having about your new online world.
Invite, share, expalin, and train. Lets make sure everyone who wants to walk with us can. I was so excited awhile back when one of our senior leaders jumped into the mix and created a profile on facebook. She is one of 10 people I'm connected with who are over 60 years old and pushing forward in this brave new world. "Carpe Diem"

seasons

Years ago I saw a tree that marked my soul. Now all other trees get measured by that one. Everything else is compared to this mental image that I have of this luminated beauty in all its fabulous fall regalia. So far none have ever compared.

The first year I moved here (WI) I caught (about) 10 Muskie and 10 big Norther Pike. Nothing has compared since. This year was pretty dismal as far as gettin it done out on the lakes. The season is ending. I'm running outta time! Once again old man winter is shuffling slowly into town. I hate to hear those footsteps.

Sometimes I feel like I have locked myself into a room of discontentment. What is it that drives me to always be looking for the next best thing? There are times When I have unplugged from that pursuit and have felt contentment, appreciation and simplicity come back to me.

The seasons are going to change in my life again. I have never been more aware of how precious time is. I am deploying to Iraq soon. Very soon I will not have time each day to spend with my family. I don't want this change. I am content here. I am happy. Couldn't the Lord just move things around so I wouldn't have to go?

I think I know what is best for me, for my life! I know what I need the most...Don't I? The folly of this whole line of thinking seems so obvious to me when I'm writing about it or talking to someone else about it but in my day to day life I still struggle with acknowledging who is responsible for best moments of my life. I still struggle with giving God glory for the things he has made and the things he has provided.

If I am happy it is because of him. If I see the world's most beautiful tree it was a gift from him and if I catch anything while fising it is because of his wisdom and grace.

Failing to move forward with the Lord, when he leads causes great discontentment.
When we follow the Isrealites we see this in their wonderings. I don't want us to get stuck in this trap. Lead on! Lord I will follow.

Proverbs 19:23 "The fear of the LORD leads to life: Then one rests content, untouched by trouble" (NIV).
Philippians 4:11-12 "I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation" (NIV).

Do Gooders

In your mind does the term "do gooder" usually carry a good or bad conotation with it? Listen to some definitions on the term dogooder: Dictionary.com says that it is "a well-intentioned but naive and often ineffectual social or political reformer." Webster's Colligiate Dictionary defines this person as an impractical and often naive and ineffectual humanitarian or reformer." With definitions like that I think we can see why the word is so shunned.

The craziness comes when I remember that I am called over and over again to "do good deeds" by the God I am trying to follow.

We all back away from half-hearted sales attempts. We are leary about being taken, getting suckered by a smooth talker. So how do we do it? How can I be faithful to Christ and not be seen as an ineffective or disingenuous humanitarian or reformer?

One way to avoid that ending is to never look back; never dig-up dead things. Our old nature always scratched and clawed to place itself first. In Christ we have a new directive, to put others first. To treat others like we ourselves would like to be treated. That is a paradigm shift, that is the new calling and nature we have been called to embrace.

Matthew 12:33 says that we will know them buy there fruits. That a person can only be what he is and that we will be able to tell eventually by watching and examining the fruit of their lives.

Is your life attractive? Does your presence attract or repell those watching you?
Has anyone ever called you a dogooder? If they did how would they mean it?

In and through the power of Christ living in us we can become agents of change in a world dying to see the way out. Christ is the victor and he displays that victory in and through believers who have been transformed by his love and grace and filled to over flowing with his Holy Spirit.

Are you helping to redefine the term? Are you a dogooder? We can, and we should be agents of change for the good of those we serve.

Absolutely Amazing

Is God still amazing you? Has he changed?

Lets read Joshua 3:9, and remember a time when God promised to do amazing things among his people.

"Joshua told the people, 'consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you."

Why do we look back in time and see differences in the wonder-working power of God among his people? Individually, I know that there are times of testing and trail and in those times my own faith is proven. I understand and accept that. But I never want to confuse those times with the reality that sometimes it could be my personal agenda, my abilities, or my anxiety that stand in the way of me seeing and experiencing God's amazing presense.

The first obstacle that trips us up is agenda. At times we all find ourselves struggling with God's agenda verses our own agenda. I believe God's agenda for our lives is found in the word of God. God's purposes if they are done in God's way are going to receive God's supply. We have to be careful of attitudes or actions that go against God's word.

So the first obstacle at times is agenda. The second obstacle is our own ability. Staying inside of our comfort zone. Only attempting what we know we can do. Following God in God's way is a risk and it will often lead us to places where we are very uncomfortable. If we fail to risk our Christianity becomes human sized, bland and boring, a toy-sized version of the real thing.

We will not see God's amazing things until we hear and respond to God's challenge, see his agenda and step toward him in that direction.

The third thing that gets in our way is anxiety. Fulfilling God's agenda with God's ability is scary at times. It is supposed to be. Courage is not action in the absense of fear. It is action in the face of fear. It is faithfully acting even though am afraid. It is consciously obeying the orders as I have understood them even though I do not understand how that will accomplish the task.

We must be found faithful even above looking sucessful. We must be willing to lay down our pride and accept that at times God is going to take us places that make us lean on him. That way, in the end, He is the one people notice working through our lives in "absolutley amazing" ways.

To Him be all honor and glory and praise

Behaving Valiantly

I have been away from the church for what seems like a very long time. I have been on the go for several weeks. This week I find myself out in the woods of Ft McCoy once again. We are conducting premobilization tasks and we are getting those boxes checked in preparation for our upcoming deployment. I have gone through several bouts of doubt and uncertanty this week. I am new to my job as a chaplain, new to the infantry and very aware that my status as a noncombatant in a unit that is full of combat experts makes me stand out.

One of the Amry Values is personal Courage, the ability to face fear, danger or adversity weather physical or moral. I have been asking myself what will keep me in the fight when it comes. It will not be my combat training, my military weapons, or my indepth experience. They are not what brought me here. It will be be Christ, the Scriptures and the spiritual weapons of our faith (2Cor 10:4).

The first weapon I have recognized for my arsonal is an attitude, like Christ, that humbly receives instead of openly rejects whatever comes. We often look at the negative as though it were an intruder. What we need to hold onto is the truth that happiness comes from overcoming, not avoiding difficult situations. The cross was not the only option for Jesus but through it lay God's very best.

The second weapon is the ability to respond verses react to situations. Whenever we simply react mechanically we are functioning at a subhuman level. God has uniquely gifted us with the capacity to think and to choose what is right and wrong. As individuals we can respond; that is we can project into any situation something that is the unique contribution of our personality, our creativity, or our spirituality. This was Christ's frame of mind when he spoke of returning good for evil.

The third and last weapon is the wisdom to rejoice instead of rebel. Rejoice that God will never stop until our understanding of ourselves matches His picture of us. We can rejoice that He is determined to show us what we are made of. We can rejoice knowing that "tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Rom 5:3-4).

Personal courage is not a gift you are born with. It is a decision that we choose to develop and grow in. Fear is normal, faith is supernatural.

The next time you are challenged in your spirit to stand-up, stand-out, or stand-down I think that it will help you to recognize that every hero, every person who ends up acting valiantly does so because they at some point choose what was right, not easy, for their life.

WHAT A DAY THAT WILL BE

I have been down in MO this past week. For me in ways it is a homecoming, I lived here 6 good years. I have enjoyed laughing with old friends, eating at my favorite resturants and reliving memories. In the AG we somtimes jokingly refrer to Springfield as our mecca, our holy city. The place every good AG person eventually travels to see the sites and wonders of our past and present heritage. The building and grounds are beautiful and make you proud to be a part of it. I really enjoyed it. Friends are wonderful and a strong heritage is a blessing.

It got me thinking of another homecoming though. I started thinking what it will be like when I get there. When it is all said and done. If this was good, how much more will that place be even better?

I began to reexamine my week. I remembered the high gas prices we paid to get down there. I remembered the 5 hours in urgent care because of an infection and high temperature. I remembered the heat was well into the 90's the whole time we were down there. I remembered sunburns and crying kids. I remembered having to say good-bye to good friends once again.

When I compare the whole picture to the potential of what I will find and experience in Heaven the weekend begins to fade and my future gets even brighter.

I will not have to pay a high price to get there; it has already been paid for me. The weather will always be perfect; because the most perfect Son will always be shining. There will be no more pain, sickness or tears. We will never say good bye to one another. I will be what and where I was created to be. For the first time ever everything will genuinely be Perfect...Just as Jesus is perfect.

livin water?

Genesis 1:21 So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems, according to their kinds, and every winged bird according to its kind. And God saw that it was good.
I recently traveled to a new body of water called the Eau Galle Reservoir, some folks call it Lake george. I went straight to the reed-filled end and started drifitng down the bank, casting to the shore.

Right away I noticed how murky the water was. When I reeled my baits back to the boat I couldn't see them until they were right next to me. After an hour I didn't have one Bass in the boat. I wondered if this might be what the Dead Sea in Israel is like. Eventually I figured they were hiding someplace else and I paddled up stream into the Eau Galle River.


A quarter mile into the paddle the river started to clear up. It was really hard to believe that the source of that lake was this beautiful river. Eventually, I could see eight feet down and I was watching the fish. It reminded me of a clean clear fish tank. I still wasn't catching any fish but all of a sudden it really didn't matter.

I sat out there and had a time of devotion and the Lord called to my mind the many times that he used water and rivers to illusrate His provision for us.

Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb

John 4:10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."

John 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."



I think the best part of my meditation that day and the biggest lesson for me happened as I asked myself if those who were hungry and thirsty would want the water that I present to them.
I asked myself if I was a clean and clear reflection of the Savior. Was I a good representation of the source of my strength, hope and life? It is my sincere hope that I am able to inspire others upward and onward and that my story is an invitation for them to join us on this journey with the Savior.
How is your life? Is it being fed by the clearest and cleanest of streams? Do you reflect that?

19 LONG MONTHS

19 months is a long time. How long would you put up with a person who demanded things from you by screaming? How long would you live with a person who never paid rent, never bought groceries, never helped cook, and never picked up after themselves? What if on top of all that they seldom, if ever, thanked you? Who in their right mind would live with such a tyrant?

Who can do that? I can only think of one answer: your parents. Everyone has parents; some are biological, and one is spiritual.

Hannah Miller was born on Novemeber 28, 2006. That is approximately 19 months ago. She is an amazingly special Child. God's creations always are. I am blessed beyond measure. But alot of what I wrote above defines my relationship with Hannah. Hannah is definitely not a daddy's girl. At least she has not been until recently.

This week I took the girls to the water park. Ashlee had a friend with and she kept pretty busy. So it was me and Hannah. Amy warned me that Hannah wasn't really into the water and that she liked to walk around the whole time talking to anyone who would listen. I was determined to get this child wet.

Inch by inch I slowly backed her into the water as I held her. Before she knew it we were chest high, still splashing and having fun. She was genuinely diggin her situation. All of a sudden the little bugger started shivering. She stepped into me and hugged me. I started diggin my situation. She was holding me so tight it just blessed me.

I hugged her and held her in that water until her lips turned blue. When we retreated to the warm sun and lounge chair she continued to dig into her daddy. We laughed and giggled and played at a new level. We were finally bonding. 19 months is a long time to wait.

What a neat analogy this was for me when I thought about, and applied this, to my heavenly Father. Just as I have always been there for Hannah, God has always been there for us. He has quietly provided and protected in the background knowing and waiting for the day when we would come shaking and shivering to him.

How long has it been for you? How long has it been since you went to your Father? He is waiting for you.

1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him (NIV).

Righteousness or Righteousmess

I did it again! I said more than I wanted and I said it in a way that hindered instead of helped. It never ceases to amaze me how many times I come back around to this intersection in life. It is a place I have been to many times. Do you ever do it? Have you ever had words come flying out of your mouth that you wish you could lasso from the minds of people? Most of us have, haven't we? James 3:5-9 is a famous chapter on speaking out of turn. In it he says that no man can tame the tongue. So if you haven't, you will. We'll save you a seat on the bench.

I know the road back. It starts with a gentle nudge from the Holy Spirit. Sometimes it is immediate; I know I’m out of line and it is easy to accept, correct and move forward. Other times though, I find myself resisting; the fight is on and I feel the war within that Paul speaks about in Romans 7.

In those times I typically try to justify myself. I think this usually stems from pride, sometimes ignorance and other times twisted desires. No matter what my problem is though the Spirit and Word of God have consistently worked together to root out the unrighteousness in my life (Heb 4:12). They reveal God’s best and when they do I have a choice. I have to choose where to stand: in his righteousness or my righteousmess.

Additional Verses
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech (Proverbs 8:13).

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing (Romans 12:17).

For whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. He must turn from evil and do good; he must seek peace and pursue it (1 Peter 3:9-11).

LEARNIN A NEW LANGUAGE

I'm a dog lover. Always have been. A few months ago we picked out a really cool chocolate lab and named him Charlie. Like me, Charlie is a runner. Very seldom have I seen a dog run like him. When Charlie gets off the leash he vanishes. Once he recognizes that he is free he hits the boosters and is gone. There is no lookin' back. There is a joy and energy to his running that makes me smile. I am conflicted when he gets off the leash because I know I'm not going to see ole Charlie for awhile and I worry about him. And yet the other side of me understands his excitement and how he must feel. In some strange way I have been there. I was young and wild at heart and I got off the leash a few times. When we are walking together I talk to charlie a lot about the dangers out there in this world. I tell him to stay off the road. I tell him he can't go onto other peoples property. I try to explain to him that he shouldn't taste everything he thinks smells interesting. I talk, but I also know that he doesn't get it. He is a dog.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ speaks to us also. He walks with us and he talks with us. He has a couple of special ways of revealing himself to us. When I'm out there in the woods with Charlie I can sense and catch glimpses of God. We call that general revelation. But understanding this God takes much more than that. General revelation doesn't tell me how I got here or what I'm supposed to be doing. It doesn't tell me what God wants from me or what I can expect from God. General revelation does not define our relationship. For that we need special revelation.

The other day Charlie was pulling me around the neighborhood on my bike. It was dark outside and we were going pretty fast. But as we turned the corner, right there under the street light, in plain view, were two of Charlies neighborhood rivals. Two little bunnies that have been antagonizing Charlie when he is on the leash. There was no pause, just a change in direction. Charlie shot after those bunnies so fast it just jerked me right off the bike. In the aftermath I realized that I had let go of the leash and Charlie had vanished.

I drove around the neighborhood for quite awhile calling his name. In my mind I could just see him out in the woods with that big ole retractable leash handle caught on something. From that point on it started to rain, thunder and lightening. I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Reluctantly, after several loops around the neighborhood, I retired for the evening. When I woke Charlie was still no where to be found. It continued to rain.

Charlie found his way home almost 24 hours later. We found him on the back deck, tail waging, tongue hanging and looking pretty rough. It was still raining. I was happy to see him and we were all relieved that he was OK. I was relieved but I was also burdened. Burdened knowing that Charlies freedom fests could someday cost him his life. I felt a new urgency to train Charlie. He needs to learn some very speciifc things. I have to get Charlie to heed my voice, to recognize it and to respond to it. If only I could speak in a way that he could understand. Just one day with the ability to bark out some orders in his own dialect.

Aren't you glad that God has already figured that for us? You see Christ is that special revelation. He is Emanuel, God-with-us, the god-man. He spoke our language, walked our walk and talked our talk. That is what God did for you. He knows the trouble all around us. He sees it and he is reaching out to us to bring us to safety. If you Have Christ as the Lord of your life you have the ability to understand God. "We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding" (1John 5:20). Jesus Christ is that special revelation that will guide us and keep us close to the Fathers heart so that we do not get lost again.

Gettin Refreshed

I ran today. I like to run. On the way back I found a Dunn County historical/geography site I had heard about called the "Devil's Punch Bowl." Some of you have been there I'm sure. It was cool, I was hot, and it was oh so sweet down there. It was quiet, serene and really peaceful. The water was coming down off the rock cliff's like a shower all the way around me.

The sun caught the drops of water and they looked electric and luminescent; very cool. I just sat there. amazed that anyone could name such a work of art after anyone but the one who created it. The "Devil's Punch Bowl?" It was one of the most refreshing cups I have ever taken a drink from. Sitting there alone with God made me so very aware of the communion that we share; must share.

This was the finest cup of communion I have taken to date. I highly recommend it to anyone in the area. May you also meet with more than you've ever expected when you arrive.

Blessings,
Randal

Countin the cost

Memorial Day is around the corner. I'm in the process of preparing my first sermon for it. Looking back over the wars recorded in the scriptures, and the wars that our forefathers fought in, I am most astonished at the numbers. It is so easy to miss the significance of those numbers. Studying for this weekend I read Judges 12:6, "Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time." In another passage we read that "David killed seven hundred of their charioteers and forty thousand of their foot soldiers as they fled" (2 Samuel 10:18). That is not even a good start if you are looking for all the battles in the Bible.
If that seems too far removed to identify with go back about 70 years. In World War II our country lost over 400 thousand troops. Let me say that again, four-hundred-thousand troops. That is like wiping out my home state, North Dakota. The sacrifice of those who step up when others are suffering is commendable. The sacrifice of those who obey even to the point of death is inspiring. And it is a model for all of us to follow.
When you think of sacrifice, blood, death, life, and liberty another soldier may come to your mind. Jesus Christ is called the King of Kings in the scriptures, and a mighty warrior. He is the one who has inspired so many millions to lay down their lives as a sacrifice for others. Freedom, what ever kind, is never free.

This Memorial Day take the time to remember: Remember the one who paid the price for your freedom and remember those who have sacrificed to allow you to live free in this great country.

Memorial - “Anything meant to help people remember some person or event such as a monument, a holiday etc.

Memorial Day - A legal holiday in the U.S. in memory of the dead servicemen and women of all wars.

Respect - To feel or show honor or esteem for; to consider or treat with deference or dutiful regard.”

-Webster’s-

Blessings,
Pastor Randal

Nuttin can separate

Ever have one of those days? How about three in a row? That happened to me recently. I was seriously beginning to think that I would not be able to hold it together much longer. I had good friends praying for me and the weird thing was my situation continued to get worse. It was sooo out of my control and the things that were happening were not related. It was crazy. I was absolutely spent by the evening of the third night. I was laying on the ground out in a field (Army style) in the middle of nowhere (Ft. McCoy, WI). As I lay there I welcomed the approaching night. I laid there with my hands linked behind my head and really began to take in my surroundings. My sleeping bag was comfortable, the temperature was beautiful, the silence was magnificent, the wind in the trees was calming and I was having a really sweet time with the Lord. That is when it hit me...literally, hit me...right between the eyes. A great big ole rain drop from "

heaven"

(that was not my first thought). At first I couldn't believe it. I was flustered. Then I remembered my wet weather poncho at my feet and pulled it up over me and the rest of my gear. Within minutes it really started to poor. I could here guys all around me scrambling for cover, moaning and groaning as they searched for their gear. It was right then that I had a thought that was so out of the ordinary it stopped me. The thought was "praise him for the poncho." So I did. And as I did I began to laugh and the spiritual clouds lifted immediately. I sat there under my poncho totally assured of my Savior's care, concern and presence. I slept so good that night that guys from as far away as a 100 meters said they could here me snoring. The next morning the sun was up, the birds were singing, my hope was renewed, my car stopped leaking oil, I got my keys unlocked from my car, I got to share Jesus with some really cool soldiers and I nailed every point on the compass course. Things turned for me, and they will turn for you too. Can you believe when you are in the lowest valley, when things are hard, that God is near? If you can you will have all it takes to turn that valley into a mountain top experience with Christ. The next time you are tempted to curse, praise instead. Blessings, RKM