About Nate Preisinger

Rev. Nathaniel Preisinger (he/him/his) earned his Bachelor’s Degree at St. Olaf College and received his Master of Divinity and a Certificate in Theological Education for Emerging Ministries at Wartburg Seminary. Pastor Nate previously served as a Mission Developer for Organic Faith, worked at United Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia as Director of Admissions, and as the pastor at Parkside Lutheran Church in Buffalo, NY and Reformation Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, PA. Nate is married to Amanda and they have three children, Evelyn (12), Solomon (10), and Miriam (6). Together they have fun creating and playing board games, watching movies, hiking around Colorado and doing science experiments. Additionally, Nate enjoys listening to music, running on the High Line Canal, going to the library, reading multiple books at the same time, yoga, and basketball.

“A Humble Surprise”

“A Humble Surprise” by Justin March

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10

 

The Astros-Yankees game was playing on a large television behind me.  The Cardinals-Saints game was playing on another large television in front of me.  And as I looked around the restaurant our men’s group chose to dine at last Thursday, I must say my spirits were lifted.  Almost every table was full, and all around me were groups of friends and families breaking bread together and enjoying one another’s company.

 

This is what I often experience when we go out on Thursday nights.  We have a great group that meets each week for dinner and fellowship, and I always try to pay attention to what is going on around me.  The atmosphere is usually alive as people take a break from the negativity the world tries to shove down their throats and replace that with some great food that tastes better going down the gullet.  I witness servers that appreciate the kindness our group shows towards them, I embrace the smiles of the patrons enjoying their time out, and I relish in the friendships we have built on Thursday nights amongst the men.  It is always refreshing, rejuvenating, and empowering to go out with my brothers each week.

 

So, our dinner this Thursday night was nothing out of the ordinary.  We prayed as the delicious meal was served, we watched the games that were playing on the televisions, and we conversed about what the week had brought.  It was another enjoyable evening, just as all the Thursday nights seem to be.  8 great friends, 8 strong brothers, and 8 humble servants for our Savior that makes all this possible.  Yet, as amazing as this night turned out to be, God decided to show his face in a way that left me feeling humbled and proud to be part of this great group of men.

 

We were sitting at a large table in the middle of the restaurant.  I was engulfed in conversations about Fantasy Football, Electric Vehicles, and Family Events, and this would have been enough to feel blessed and filled for the night.  Yet, God’s light must have been shining bright this evening because as we were finishing up our outing, a large group of people were leaving their table.  I watched them gather their things, and I pondered how they all connected.  To me, it looked like Mom and Dad, Grandpa and Grandma, and two teenage children had just experienced an amazing night out.

 

As they embraced and said their goodbyes, one of the women started walking towards our table.  You could tell she was intentional, and as she got closer, it was apparent she had something to say to us.  She merely wanted to express that it made her night to see 8 men joined together who were smiling, engaged in one another, and in her words, “truly enjoying one another’s company.”  I must admit I was taken by surprise at this encounter, but I was happy my mind was quick enough to share a few short moments with her and tell her what this group is all about.  She smiled, and as she walked away, she put her hand on my shoulder and said, “God bless you all.”

 

When I write about keeping our eyes open and our hearts soft, it is these kinds of moments that come to fruition.  God flows through us in ways we do not even understand, and his light reaches others in mysterious spaces.  What seemed like an ordinary Thursday night to me, became a blessing for this woman as her eyes were open to the presence God brought to our table.  And you know what, her few words became a blessing for me as well.  A blessing that is still resonating through me on this fine Sunday morning.

 

What we do matters.  In a world searching for answers, it is these simple moments that have an impact.  It is in these encounters where God’s light shines through us, and the door begins to open for caring conversations.  And it is in these spaces where the daily miracles of Jesus Christ come to life, so we can be humbled by his amazing power and grace.  I know I say it over and over again, but never underestimate the impression a few words or a simple gesture can have on another.  “God bless you all” may not seem like an astounding statement, but it has resonated with me all weekend.  Those few words have enhanced my feelings for you all, they have affirmed my belief in the good works we have done, and they have made me realize that God’s love shines through us even when we are merely having a beer and a burrito!

“A Humble Surprise”2022-10-27T09:50:08-06:00

“The Netcaster”

“The Netcaster” by Justin March

 

“And he said to them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”Matthew 4:19

I am standing on the shore and casting out my net.  I can see the fish in the shallow waters of the lake, and as the web hits the surface and begins its’ descent, most of them scatter to get away.  I get frustrated as time after time that net comes back empty.  So, I cast it one last time, pack up my gear, and head home for the day.  I will come back tomorrow and try again.

 

The morning sun rises, and I decide to go back to the lake.  I cast that net again, but the results are the same.  I try and try, yet the emptiness of my endeavor dampens my mood and deflates my motivation.  So, as I contemplate calling it quits for the day, I decide to toss it out there one more time.

 

My wrist turns a little and now my net is taking an awkward flight.  Instead of hitting the safety of the water I can see in front of me, it gets hung up in the reeds.  It has landed in an area I would never purposefully cast into, for fear of the snags and obstacles that come with getting tangled up in the darkness.

 

But something happens here.  As I try to overcome the mess I have landed in, I can feel something fighting to get away.  A fish has found itself lost in the troubles the net has brought with it.  It struggles as it swims this way and that, but no matter how many times it tries to get out, it remains stuck until I come to help.  I jump in the water, with my knife in hand, and begin to cut the net so a path appears the fish can follow.  And after a little guidance and clearer direction, God’s creature finds its’ way out to safety and peace.

 

As we are casting out our nets to try to bring people to God, are we always throwing them in the same place?  Are we merely testing the waters where we feel comfortable and know what lies beneath?  Or are we being bold and allowing those webs to reach the dark corners and hidden spaces that lie outside the beaten path?

 

I can tell you this.  When I cast my net into the familiar waters, it often comes back empty.  I have saturated my calling to bring others who look like me and act like me back to the flock.  But when I venture out to those spaces where the waters are murky and the inhabitants unknown, I am always astonished at what my net brings back.  It can often be a treacherous and daunting endeavor, but it is in these spaces where we need to be searching for God’s lost people.

 

Cast those nets far and wide.  Allow God’s guidance and direction to flow through you so others may follow.  And remember that with Jesus by our side, we can have the confidence to reach out into the darkness, cut out the reeds that bind, and use his tools to help others find that safety and peace they are so desperately reaching for.

 

It does not matter how many times your ventures come back empty.  Never stop casting that net!

“The Netcaster”2022-10-27T09:39:51-06:00

“Be Bold”

“Be Bold” by Justin March

“Boldness is contagious.  When we are bold for Christ, enduring hardships for our faith, others are provoked to do the same.”Philippians 1:14

“The spirit of God emboldens us to proclaim the gospel without fear.” 1 Thessalonians 2:2 

This weekend, we will be attending The Bold Gathering in Nebraska.  It is a conference held by Lutheran Men in Mission, and 70 men from across the nation will be coming together to listen to speakers, fellowship, and rejoice in the good news of God’s love and grace.  I pray that it will be a time of healing, rest, and rejuvenation, and I pray that we will leave the conference empowered to be bold.

 

When I first signed up for this weekend, I was intrigued by the word “bold.”  It is not a word that is part of my everyday vocabulary, and it is definitely not a word I have used to describe the man I am.  Dictionaries define “bold” as a person who shows the ability to take risks, be courageous, and protrude confidence.  It is a characteristic that encompasses bravery, leadership, and strength.  And when I think about the way I go out in this world and portray the messages God wants me to portray, I am left wondering if I am truly bold?

 

You see, God is asking us to be bold in a world that breeds fear and separation.  He is asking us to stand tall and proclaim his word.  And God knows we will face adversity, ridicule, and loathing as we speak the truths about his love and forgiveness for all mankind.  It will be difficult to show the strength needed to live out his mission, but he promises to stand beside us as we do our best to be bold.

 

The world is not going to change just because we go out and proclaim that it should.  We need to be prepared for the opposition, and we need to be confident in the messages we share.  We need to understand there will be failures, and we need to understand the climb will be difficult.  But, we also need to understand that God will be with us on our journeys, and he will equip with us with whatever is needed to remain bold.

 

So, go out and be bold!  Tell others about God’s undying love and amazing grace!  Then, allow your light to shine so bright that others are blinded!  Blind to the evils of this world, and blind to the messages of darkness, depression, and hate.  For when we are bold, others see something in us they long for, and the conversations begin to take shape.  We may not think we have the strength to be bold, but as God takes our hand and guides us, he gives us the courage needed to step out of our comfort zones, proclaim his word, and help others find their way to the cross.  We just need to pray for help, engulf God’s strength, and build a life that is bold!

“Be Bold”2022-10-13T11:13:31-06:00

While You Were Sleeping

“While You Were Sleeping” By Justin March

 

“Be strong and courageous…The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:7-8

 

“Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

 

While you were sleeping the world kept turning.  Turmoil, warfare, hatred, and separation continued.  The underprivileged scurried to find their next meal, the sick cried out for relief and healing, and the lost wandered aimlessly in search of purpose and hope.  This harsh world you live in brings me pain and discomfort, yet I watched over you and your family while you were sleeping.

 

While you were sleeping I forgave your sins.  I understood that this world makes it difficult to be a disciple for me, and I let go of the disappointment that tried to encapsulate my spirit.  Instead of condemning your human nature, I chose to extend grace and love you as my own.  So instead of allowing you to wallow in self pity and shame, I washed away your mistakes while your were sleeping.

 

While you were sleeping I celebrated your success.  I rejoiced in how you took the time and effort to meet up with a friend.  I was ecstatic when I saw your text, listened to your phone conversation, and witnessed every caring message you extended today.  My heart was filled when I felt those warm embraces, those appropriate touches, and the healing that happens when you show someone you truly care for them.  And although you may not think what you did made a difference, the people you touched today are reaching out to me while you are sleeping.

 

While you were sleeping I prayed for rest.  I know what you have endured, and I know what you have overcome.  I know what makes your heart heavy, and I know what makes your soul weary.  Rest is what you need, and I want you to be rejuvenated and equipped to face whatever tomorrow may bring.  So, I hold you in my loving arms, breathe life into your depleted body, and try to give you comfort and peace while you are sleeping.

 

While you were sleeping I took the reins.  This world makes it difficult for you to give up control, and I understand your need to try to do this on your own.  I get it.  You do not want to look weak, and you do not want to feel helpless.  But have I not proven that my shoulders can bear a heavy load?  Have I not shown you that I can overcome any obstacle and erase every hardship?  I truly understand that giving your life to me feels risky, so I whispered reassuring messages in your ears while you were sleeping.

 

While you were sleeping I told you I loved you.  I gave you the tools needed to do my work, and I equipped you with the messages I want you to share.  I asked you to let your light shine before others, and I promised to help you keep the flame burning.  I prayed that you would take care of one another, follow my lead, and extend my love and grace with every encounter.  And when you have fully encapsulated the promises I have made for you and your life, I will meet you at the foot of the cross.  For on your final day, it is there you will witness the fruits of all your hard work, and you will come to understand that you were a precious gift to me and the people I put into your life.  Bless you my child and never forget how great this life can be when you take my hand.  It will be a grand journey, and I will take care of you while you are awake and while you are sleeping!

While You Were Sleeping2022-10-06T14:31:13-06:00

“Come Home”

“Come Home” by Justin March

“Come home, come home.  Ye who are weary come home.  Earnestly, tenderly Jesus is calling.  Calling, “Oh sinner come home.”

Refrain from “Softly and Tenderly” by Will L. Thompson

 

It has been a long time since I listened to this hymn.  My grandmother used to play it on her organ, and I remember the passion she had as the words flowed from her mouth and her emotions ran high.  She always loved the classical hymns, and I can recall being mesmerized by the beautiful melodies that flowed through her fingers as she entertained us with God’s lovely messages.

 

As we sang this hymn at church a couple of weeks ago, the nostalgia was overwhelming.  I found myself choking on the words as I remembered loved ones who have passed and reminisced about all the wonderful times I was able to spend with them.  Tears streamed down my face, and as the keys collaborated with the pipes of the organ, I was overwhelmed by the way God was calling me home.

 

“Come home.  Ye who are weary come home.”  As this world continues to beat me down with the negative messages of the media, the uncertainty of the economy, and the separation of our people, my soul becomes weary.  I do my best to stay positive and allow God’s light to shine through everything I do, but I must admit, there are days the climb seems impossible.  I stumble, even fall, and as the weight of the world tries to crush God’s mission for my life, I hear him calling me home.

 

“Come home, come home.  Calling Oh sinner come home.”  God knows I am not perfect.  God knows I am going to make mistakes.  Yet he stands by my side as he softly and tenderly guides me through a life that can be both wondrous and troublesome.  He rejoices with me when the times are good, and he mourns with me when the times are bad.  He is steadfast, impenetrable, and resistant to the worries of this world.  And even when my faith has been shaken and my hope begins to dwindle, it is this message that reminds me to come home.

 

I must tell you, it is a blessing to walk with Jesus.  He has given me so many ways to come home, and when I am weary, it is exactly what I do.  Sometimes home is the sanctuary of our church.  Sometimes home is the group of friends I get to spend Thursday nights with.  And sometimes home is the embracing arms of my wife, the smiles of my children, the conversations with my family, and the snuggling with my dogs.  I know I take some of these things for granted, but when I take the time to really think about all that is good in my life, I come to understand that God has allowed his only Son to befriend me and bring me back home.

 

My friends, this world will only get better if we accept the fact that it is time to come home.  When we realize the burden is too heavy to carry, when we find a way to forgive those who hurt us, and when we are able to extend God’s grace, we find ourselves coming home.  Home to the loving arms of our Savior, home to the promises only he can truly keep, and home to the truths proclaimed that bring us hope and peace.

 

I hope you find your way home this week.  I pray that when you are weary, downtrodden, and lost, you trust in God and allow him to guide you home.  He knows we sin.  He knows we struggle.  Yet, he is forgiving and gracious when we show the effort to help one another and follow his plan.  He provides comfort, rest, and safety.  And when we follow the mission he has for our lives, he provides a renewal that equips us to stand up and take on whatever this world wants to throw our way.

 

Love, forgive, repent, confess, rejoice, and live a life that brings positivity to the world.  Allow God’s light to shine through everything you do.  And when you have put in a hard day’s work and brought others to the cross, you will find serenity in knowing that you are being called home.

“Come Home”2022-09-27T09:52:02-06:00

“You Can Bet On It”

“You Can Bet On It” by Justin March

“Life is not a matter of holding good cards, but of playing a poor hand well.”Robert Louis Stevenson

As I was playing poker with a great group of friends Friday night, I began to think about how many times my life has been a gamble.  I have gambled on relationships, career choices, investments, and beliefs.  I have gambled on deadlines, expectations, and results.  And I have gambled on taking the right path, following the correct course, and understanding God’s mission.  Sometimes the cards were in my favor, but sometimes they were not.  I could never quite get a grip on the hands I was dealt.

 

We play a friendly game of poker when we get together, but it is still always competitive.  We must decipher if our opponents truly have a great hand or be willing to stand pat when we think they are bluffing.  We must contain our emotions if we want to succeed, and we must keep a level head when making decisions.  Sometimes we have a good night and the chips fall our way.  But sometimes, the cards dealt are troublesome, and we need to take a step back and realize when it is time to fold and wait for the next round.

 

What is it in life that you see as a gamble?  Marriage, children, church, religion, or political affiliation?  Eating habits, exercise, spending choices, or your use of time?  How about charity, finding the lost, or spreading God’s word?  We are faced with so many choices in this life, and often the message is not clear enough to understand what we are supposed to do.

 

So, we gamble.  We try to make the best decisions, but without proper guidance, it is impossible to know if the choice is correct.  Sometimes we know right away if we did the right thing, but sometimes it can take a long time to understand the plan.  The gamble may come with blockades, failures, and heartache, but it may also come with success, happiness, and peace.  The choices we have to make come with freewill, but if we take a step back and listen to the whispers of God, we may find out our decision comes a little easier.

 

I spent way too much time gambling on how I should live my life.  I only listened to myself, I thought I knew everything, and I always felt like I had the best hand.  I made choices that sabotaged relationships, crushed me financially, and left behind scars.  I misread some of my opponents and often found myself on the losing side of the table.  And when you are playing your hand blind, not knowing what the next card may bring, I have found the results are usually not favorable.

 

It took many years, but here is what I have found to be true.  I can go “all-in” on God.  When he tells me to push back, run the other way, and avoid the dangers ahead, I can fold my cards and wait for the next move.  But when he gives me that nudge, tells me to march forward, and invokes a feeling inside me I cannot ignore, it is then that I throw in all my chips because the reward is too great to ignore.  He has proven to me, on so many occasions, that life doesn’t need to be a gamble if I open up and allow him to show me the way.

 

Are there things in life you are gambling with?  Are there decisions that seem impossible to make?  We have the choice to do this on our own and take the chance of winning or losing, or we can follow God’s lead and be confident in the path he wants us to follow.  We may not see the results right away, but I do believe that if we understand our mission and listen to what God is asking of us, we erase the gambles in life.  And instead of chasing dreams that may or may not result in wealth, riches, fame, and success, we become like Christ with a perfect hand of love, compassion, forgiveness, and grace.  That is a hand I am willing to go “all-in” for!

“You Can Bet On It”2022-09-12T09:56:59-06:00

“Come Rest Your Head”

“Come Rest Your Head” by Justin March

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”  Matthew 11:28-29

 

It is Labor Day Weekend, and the holiday has me thinking about rest.  I ponder why I work so many hours, attend so many meetings, and have so many lists.  I often feel exhausted, stressed out, and overcome by all that needs to get done.  And sometimes, at the end of the day, I cannot even remember how all the hours were spent.

 

What does a lifestyle like this say about the mission God has created for me?  If everyday is filled with countless hours of agendas and distractions, how can I stay enticed, motivated, and equipped?  And if I allow the world to keep me busy, how will I ever find enough time to slow down, breathe in The Holy Spirit, and allow God’s precious words to encapsulate the messages I want to share?

 

When I was a small child, nothing was open on Sundays.  I remember spending the days in the park, visiting my grandparents, and sharing meals with the entire family.  It was always a relaxing day and a nice rejuvenation before the school week started again.  But at some point, the greed of the world took over.  Six days was no longer enough for the retailers, gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants to be open.  If they were available every day, just think about the extra revenue they could bring in!  And before we even understood what was happening, our Sundays were now just like any other day of the week.  Filled with shopping, running errands, and soccer games.  There were no more days of rest, and many times we would start out our Mondays feeling just as spent and tired as any other day.

 

For me, it all boils down to this…finding contentment.  Finding that balance where enough is enough.  Being okay with the vehicle I drive, satisfied with all the clothes and albums I possess, and living a life I am comfortable with.  No longer chasing those new shiny things, no longer trying to keep up with my neighbors and friends, and no longer working every waking minute.  Because when I allow life to tell me there will never be enough money, that what I own is not as pretty as everyone else’s, and that life is too short to not accumulate everything I can, the joy fades and the rest disappears.

 

When I read the verse above, I am reminded about how thin our lives can be stretched.  We never take a day of rest, and we are never content.  What happened to the lesson of keeping the Sabbath holy, without worry and without labor?  Even God rested after his six days of creation and realized that the soul and body need time to rejuvenate.  Somewhere along the line, I feel like we have forgotten how to incorporate this important aspect into our lives.

 

This is what I believe.  When God wanted us to have a day of rest, he truly meant it.  He wants us to trust that when we take a day off, he will take care of things.  He wants us to understand that the world will keep turning, life will go on, and everything will be okay if we need some time to rest.  We need to have trust in him, faith in his path, and confidence in his mission.  And after finding peace through slowing down and enjoying God’s creation, we will then be equipped and ready to go when the work really needs to be done.

 

I pray you find some time this holiday weekend to relax and rest.  I hope that you get the chance to spend precious moments with the ones you love.  And I encourage you to get out in nature and fully embrace the beauty God has so graciously created.  For in these times of rest, I believe you will find contentment in the riches you have.  You will slow down and listen to God’s whispers.  And if you really take the time to relax and follow God’s mission, you will find all the blessings needed to live a life of happiness and peace.  It can be as simple as that.  All you need to do is rest.

“Come Rest Your Head”2022-09-08T11:08:16-06:00

“You Are Mine”

“You Are Mine” by Justin March

“I will come to you in the silence, I will lift you from all your fear.  You will hear my voice, I claim you as my choice.  Be still and know I am here.”

“I am hope for all who are hopeless.  I am eyes for all who long to see.  In the shadows of the night, I will be your light.  Come and rest in me.”

“I am strength for all the despairing, healing for the ones who dwell in shame.  All the blind will see, the lame will all run free, and all will know my name.”

“I am the Word that leads all to freedom, I am the peace the world cannot give.  I will call your name, embracing all your pain.  Stand up, now walk and live.”

“Do not be afraid, I am with you.  I have called you each by name.  Come and follow me, I will bring you home; I love you and you are mine.”-

– The versus and refrain from “You Are Mine” by David Haas

 

Okay.  It is time to confess.  I have not been to church much this summer.  I could list hundreds of excuses for not attending, but they would be just that…excuses.  So, as I walked through the doors of our wonderful sanctuary last Sunday, I immediately felt whole.   I was surrounded by friends I have lost touch with, my heart was filled with incredible music, and the confirming messages of peace, hope, and love made me feel welcome in a space I had ignored for way too long.

I have conversations with people who tell me church is no longer relevant.  They feel that online options and internet devotionals are all they need.  And although I agree that the technological advances make practicing religion more convenient, nothing satisfies my hunger like sitting in that pew.  I become filled with The Holy Spirit, and my cup overflows as I take the time to relax, breathe, and immerse myself in the truth of knowing I am His.

Without the distractions of my cell phone, television, barking dogs, and undone chores, church becomes the place I feel closest to God.  I do feel him come in the silence.  I do hear his voice and feel claimed.  And as the fear washes away, the blinders are removed, and the shame disappears, it is in this building where God rests beside me and lets me know “You Are Mine.”

My friends, this world is getting dark.  Woeful economic news, political strife, and warfare are driving us apart.  Walls are being built, sides are being taken, and divisions have been created.  So where can we find a place where the commonality of God’s people can quench our thirst for truth?  It is inside the doors of these wonderful churches.  It is found in the sounds of the organ, the messages proclaimed, and the handshakes and hugs from those we hold dear.  And every time I allow the darkness of this world to get me down, it is the church that allows God’s light to shine bright.

So, maybe I am foolish to think that the church is still relevant in today’s society.  Maybe it seems silly to believe these four walls could bring me refuge.  And maybe, just maybe, I am wasting my time by spending Sunday mornings singing hymns, reciting liturgy, and partaking in Holy Communion.  But I can assure you this.  The church brings a peace the world cannot give.  The messages lead to freedom.  And the hope I feel when I walk through those magnificent doors is something I cannot and will not ignore.  The church builds community, faith, and restoration, and for that, I will continue to use my talents to glorify God and uphold His holy house.

If you are feeling unhealthy, worn out, or lacking purpose, try walking through the doors of a church.  Seek out the community that is praising Jesus and inviting others to know him.  And when you feel your emotions being taken over, your cup filled, and the truth proclaimed, you can go back into the world and let it know that God had a little reminder for you.

It may have taken some effort on your part to slow down and walk through those doors, but as you sat in that pew and rid yourself of the distractions this life is so willing to offer, you heard Him calling your name.  He sat beside you, he opened your heart, and he calmed your fears.  And now, you leave this place with the understanding that God wants you to follow him, he wants to lead you home, and you can find peace in the words he has spoken.  “I love you and you are mine!”

“You Are Mine”2022-08-29T13:03:53-06:00

“A Rubber Band Life”

“A Rubber Band Life” by Justin March

“Before college, I did not know the study of human relations could be considered scholarly.  Until I met Morrie, I did not believe it.  One afternoon, I am complaining about the confusion of my age, what is expected of me versus what I want for myself.”

“Have I told you about the tension of opposites?” he says.

The tension of opposites?

“Life is a series of pulls back and forth.  You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else.  Something hurts you, yet you know it shouldn’t.  You take certain things for granted, even when you know you should never take anything for granted.  A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band.  And most of us live somewhere in the middle.”

Sounds like a wrestling match, I say.

“A wrestling match.” He laughs.  “Yes, you could describe life that way.”

So which side wins, I ask?

“Which side wins?”

He smiles at me, the crinkled eyes, the crooked teeth.

“Love wins.  Love always wins.”

An excerpt from “Tuesdays with Morrie” by Mitch Albom

 

I love this passage, and it has me thinking about the pulls of a rubber band.  Each side pulls strong as I struggle to find that perfect balance between what I want from this life and what God wants from it.  I do my best to listen to my creator and stay on his side of the band, but the selfish side tends to pull me back, and there are many days I feel stuck in the middle.

 

You most likely have experienced this before, but what happens when you put a finger inside each end of a rubber band and start to pull?  You are met with resistance, but you are able to stretch if further and further.  And if you really want to test the band’s durability and strength, you can stretch it so thin that eventually, it breaks.  I believe this is what Morrie was getting at when he spoke about living life in the middle.

 

You see, I can easily gravitate towards the way I want to live my life and enjoy this side of the band.  I can find enjoyment in sitting near a river by myself.  I can be elated by experiencing live music by myself.  Or, I can leaf through the used vinyl record sections at my favorite establishments by myself.  All these things bring me much joy, and when Morrie talks about “Love Always Wins,” my cup is filled with all the love this life promises.  But I do not believe this is what he is referring to, is it?  For in those love-filled moments of joy and happiness, I find myself alone with nobody to share these feelings with.

 

So, I begin to gravitate towards the other side of the band and listen to what God wants for my life.  I know it is exactly what I am supposed to be doing, yet the other side continues to pull.  I find myself stuck somewhere in the middle, and the conflict between what I want and what God wants becomes strong.  Eventually, I feel stretched so thin that I no longer find purpose or fulfillment in my day.  Just like a rubber band when it reaches its limit, I became frail, lifeless, and unable to hold anything together anymore.

 

I believe this is what Morrie was talking about when he feels most of us live somewhere in the middle.  We feel stretched thin, burnt out, and lifeless as we wander through life without focus or purpose.  And if we stay in the middle too long, we eventually snap and wither into a useless form that is no longer able to hold life together.

 

So, the journey must begin to reach the other end of the rubber band.  We must follow God’s path and be open to his teachings.  We must live a life that pleases him and incorporates others.  And the further we travel to God’s side of the band, the weaker the other side becomes.  We no longer live life for ourselves.  Instead, God’s band becomes strong, and we begin to understand that spreading our love to others is the ultimate purpose and mission for us.  And when Morrie states that “Love Wins,” we come to a realization that living a life that focuses on others is also a life that allows love to always win as the lost begin to follow us to the cross.

 

These days, it has become easy to live a life of isolation.  Covid, streaming services, smartphones, and advanced technology allow us to stay indoors.  We can be as selfish as we want, and these excuses even allow us to feel like “Love Wins.”  But when we take the time to share our experiences with others, when we take the time to engage our fellow brothers and sisters, and when we take the time to put ourselves out there to share life with one another, I believe that not only “Love Wins,” but “Love Always Wins.”

 

See what you can do this week to get out of the mediocrity that lies in the rubber.  Take a friend to lunch, call someone you have lost touch with, or even volunteer at one of the amazing non-profits this nation has available.  It is in these spaces where I believe you will avoid snapping as you migrate away from the middle of the band.  And as your cup begins to overflow with all the blessings God provides through others, it is then that you will never doubt the fact that “Love Always Wins.”

 

“A Rubber Band Life”2022-08-23T13:07:34-06:00

“Go Ahead, Make My Day”

“Go Ahead, Make My Day” by Justin March

 

Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.”  The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.”Psalm 126:2-3

 

This may be hard to believe, but I was an extremely shy child.  I always felt undersized, immature, and behind my peers.  Being a late bloomer caused me to be soft spoken, and my lack of confidence opened up the opportunity for others to bully and make fun of my timid nature.  It was a difficult time in my life, and many of my childhood memories leave me with sorrow, regret, and humiliation.

 

It wasn’t until I was a senior that I started to build an understanding of who I was.  I had been driving for a couple years, working at the local grocery store, and partying hard.  My confidence began to build, and once I graduated and headed to Lincoln for college, I began to be the guy others gravitated to.  People told me I was always fun to be around, and it was known that if you went out with Justin it was going to be a good time.

 

I loved the way my personality had changed, once I got into my late teens and early twenties, but it took many years before I would come to understand that my fun-filled nature was a little selfish.  I was always doing what I wanted to do.  I was always doing what made me feel good.  And I was always doing whatever filled my cup.  I never thought twice about how the people I was with may be feeling.  I just assumed they felt the same way I did.

 

Now that I am in my fifties, I have come to realize that enjoying the successes and stories of others is just as fulfilling.  I love being around people who are honest and willing to share.  I am able to empathize when others are hurting, I am able to laugh when they are silly, and I am able to support in times of need.  That once shy child has blossomed into someone who meets no strangers and is willing to talk to anybody.

 

I have often pondered how this transformation took place.  Maturity, stability, and support from family and friends have definitely helped.  But, there is something more to this than meets the eye.  There is something that many people are unable to understand.  And there is something, that unless you are willing and open to accept, consumes who you are and allows your personality to shine bright.

 

It took many years, but I have come to understand that being friends with Jesus has allowed me to be friends with everyone I meet.  His forgiving nature, his amazing grace, and his undying love have been the reasons for the transformation.  He gives me the guidance needed to share life’s trials with another.  He opens my eyes to see the beauty within, not just what’s on the surface.  And he gives me the perspective that every embrace, every touch, and every word can mean much more than I am capable of comprehending.  His friendship continues to bring me joy, and that elated state becomes such a blessing as his contagious personality molds into mine.

 

These days, I find myself enjoying others.  I am blessed to have an amazing family and network of friends.  I love them dearly and will do anything to make them happy.  But, I also have learned there are many other people that have made my acquaintance, and although they may not necessarily be labeled as friends, they are no less important when I am traveling this amazing journey.  Their words are important, our brief encounters are enlightening, and my cup is filled every time I get to converse with them.

 

So, whether it is my buddy Phil at King Soopers, my homegirl Rachel at Denver Beer Company, or the people whose names I cannot remember at The Brutal Poodle, Trve Brewery, Platte River Grille, Slattery’s, and The Post, it is their brief touches and their stories that bring me so much joy.  I make it a point to search them out, say hello, and let them know it is always a pleasure to see them.  It brings a smile to their face, and you know what, it brings a smile to mine as well.

 

Our encounters may seem trivial at times, but even if we do not think our smiles make a difference, I can assure you they do.  I have come to find these brief moments are healing and that they help me become more engaging, understanding, and accepting.  And the ultimate compliment comes when the people I seek out tell me thank you for hunting them down and for putting a smile on their face.

 

Thank you Jesus for sharing your love and friendship with us.  It is a gift I pray that transcends into how you engage with others.  It is a gift I pray that allows you to accept their differences.  And it is a gift I pray that helps you find joy and happiness as your light shines for all the world to see.

 

I leave you with this.  I remember watching Clint Eastwood as a child and loving his confidence.  I remember how cool he was and how he seemed to always command the room.  He had the traits I always wanted, and I looked up to him as a strong and willing man.  But, once I met Jesus and accepted him as my friend, I understood nobody else could be the miraculous pillar that held up all the relationships I now enjoy.  And just as “Dirty” Harry Callahan said in the 1983 film, “Sudden Impact,” I look to Jesus to guide my journey and find myself allowing him, each morning, to “Go Ahead and Make my Day!”

“Go Ahead, Make My Day”2022-08-23T12:59:10-06:00

“Apology Accepted”

“Apology Accepted” by Justin March

 

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”Ephesians 4:32

“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14

 

I am amazed at how many times I need to ask for forgiveness.  I often let insensitivities escape my lips, and there are many instances where I need to have a better understanding of my surroundings and audience.  I catch myself thinking what I said was harmless, but when nobody in the room even cracks a smile, I know it must have been offensive or inappropriate.

 

When I was younger, more often than not, I did not even realize when I made a mistake.  Maybe I was just too selfish to comprehend my antics and feel accountable for my actions.  Or, maybe my education on life and social interactions was a little behind.  Whatever the case, there were too many times I found myself feeling bad about a situation I was in, yet I never thought twice about asking someone involved to forgive me.  I guess I felt it showed weakness and a vulnerable side I was not mature enough to understand.

 

That was before I built a relationship with God.  You see, when your past is full of mistakes, hard lessons, and hurt feelings, it takes a lot of forgiveness to get back on track and try to do better.  It was God who helped me to realize that living in that regret keeps me from being the man he wants me to be.  It was God who told me to rectify any wrongdoings and immediately ask for forgiveness when I lose my way.  And it was God who graciously showed me his love and support were all I needed to live a life based on his perspective and mission for my journey.

 

The greatest gift that comes from God’s forgiveness is the way it teaches us to forgive one another.  Once I knew how good it felt to be forgiven for my transgressions, it became easier to forgive others when they hurt or wronged me.  I quickly understood that if God could grant his mercy for all the ridiculous things I have done in this life, I too can extend his grace when someone is humble enough to ask for my forgiveness.

 

Are there relationships in your journey that are difficult to mend?  Is there someone in your life that needs your forgiveness?  Maybe this is the week to do some soul searching and ask God for help.  Maybe this is the week to reach out to an estranged friend or lost relative that needs to know you still love them.  Or, maybe this is the week you need to contact someone you have wronged and ask for their forgiveness.  Whatever the strain may be, remember that God has forgiven us even when our actions are not pleasing to him.  So, if he is all knowing, all loving, and all forgiving, maybe it is time for us to understand that the relationships he gifts to us are too precious to be thrown away.

 

I pray that you can forgive others as God forgives you.  I pray that you can be humble and admit when you need forgiveness for your wrongdoings.  And I pray that your love for God’s people is so strong that you are able to extend his grace through every interaction, no matter our differences.

 

Don’t you think that if we take the time to forgive and understand how important our relationships are, our world may experience some healing and become a better place?  I believe so, and a good start may be as simple as saying…”Apology Accepted!”

“Apology Accepted”2022-08-09T09:30:42-06:00

“No Fences”

“No Fences” by Justin March

“Live in harmony with one another.  Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.  Never be wise in your own sight.” –Romans 12:16

 

I was on a Zoom meeting, Tuesday night, and one of the gentlemen was talking about how he missed growing up in the Midwest.  He remembered living in a neighborhood where nobody had fences, and he felt that brought the community closer together.  Without the six-foot wooden, metal, or plastic fortresses to surround the property, he said it made your home feel more inviting and your neighbors felt more welcome to come over and chat.  But now, he resides in a suburban neighborhood, where fences are required, and he couldn’t help but think these structures create a disconnect amongst the families that call this place home.

A couple of days later I was thumbing through my collection of vinyl records, and wouldn’t you know it, I came across a copy of the Garth Brooks album “No Fences.”  It made me wonder if there was some sort of correlation between the conversation we had Tuesday night and the sudden finding of this recording, or if this was merely one of those coincidences that just seems to occur at times.

There are weeks I struggle to find the inspirational words God is trying to put in my head.  Then, there are weeks, this one, where He makes sure the message appears multiple times.  I could easily discount these occurrences as happenstance, but I do not believe God wants me to see it that way.  I believe there is a message in all of this, and I believe it revolves around the subject matter of “No Fences.”

As I stand on my back deck and look at all the fences our neighborhood requires, it does feel like I am isolated from my community.  Those six-foot barriers do not allow me to converse with my neighbors, and they definitely do not give me the perspective needed to see how others live.  The fences create silos, and if we are not motivated to get out and converse with our neighbors, it becomes easy to stay distant and exist in our own little world.

Okay, God, I get it.  Fences have separated our relationships with our neighbors and have made it difficult to commune with one another and build relationships.  But what’s that?  These are not the only “fences” that we have created.  You are just using this as a euphemism to try to soften the subject about all the “fences” we have established in your world?

My friends, God is asking us to tear down the “fences.”  Whether it be racism, sexism, political differences, or any other trivial matter that keeps us apart, He wants us to eradicate them from our lives so we can live in unity together.  He wants us to replace our hatred with love, he wants us to abolish the social classes that keep us apart, and he wants us to be in community and take care of one another.  That is not easy to do if we are going to put up all these “fences” in our lives.

As you travel along your journey this week, think about all the “fences” you have created.  Are they necessary to keep you and your family safe, or are they excuses to keep yourself isolated?  God has a mission for all of us.  Some of the parts are unique, but I do believe that taking care of one another is unanimous in them all.  I pray you come to realize where these “fences” have been built in your life, and I pray you find the courage to take them down.  And whenever you come across a barrier or feel not worthy of the task, just remember the title of that Garth Brooks album and promise yourself there will be “No Fences.”

“No Fences”2022-08-04T09:49:22-06:00

“Zoom Out”

“Zoom Out” by Pastor Nate

“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind.” – Job 38:1

Throughout the Bible, God speaks in different and strange ways.  Sometimes the voice of God is heard from a cloud, one time from a burning bush, another time in the sound of sheer silence.  But in the book of Job God eventually speaks from a Whirlwind.  There is something significant about the voice of God emerging from a whirlwind because whirlwinds are these violent, destructive weather patterns that suck everything inward.

As the winds swirl and blow all sorts of items get absorbed into the vortex.  You’ve seen the pictures and the movies, remember that movie Twister from the early 90s where even the cow gets sucked into the whirlwind?  That’s how whirlwinds work– they pull everything inward.

Don’t the worries and anxieties of this life tend to have the same force?  When our life is hit with one tough moment after another we can quickly get to the point where all that we see is our own despair.  Tragedy and trauma seem to create their own weather systems in our lives and they can easily suck us in so that we are unable to consider anything else. The only thing we can think about is how difficult our lives have gotten; how painful the situation is.

That’s why this moment in Job seems so significant to me; because God is in the whirlwind.  When we get sucked in by the stressors of life, God is there.   In recognizing that God is there we are also connected with the larger truth: that God is bigger than our whirlwinds.

When we get sucked into the whirlwinds of life, one of the most powerful things we can do is zoom out.  We get out of our spiraling thoughts, we stop getting sucked in by the stress, and instead, we remember the God who is always bigger than our problems.

We zoom out and remember that all of this world rests in the hands of God.  We zoom out so that we can see that even though it all feels out of control, God is still in control.  We zoom out and recognize that our struggles and problems will not last forever.  We zoom out so that we can remind ourselves that even in death God has claimed victory.  No problem is bigger than our God.

 

 

“Zoom Out”2022-08-04T07:38:28-06:00

“Where the Crawdad Sings”

“Where The Crawdad Sings” by Justin March

“As night fell, Tate walked back toward the shack.  But when he reached the lagoon, he stopped under the deep canopy and watched hundreds of fireflies beckoning far into the dark reaches of the marsh.  Way out yonder, where the crawdads sing.”An excerpt from “Where The Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens

 

I wept as I read the final lines of “Where The Crawdads Sing.”  Maybe I was overcome with emotion by the simple fact that the book had ended, and I wanted more.  Maybe I shed some tears thinking about all Kya Clark had endured, all the lemons life had thrown her way, and all the battles she fought to try to overcome the evils of mankind.  And maybe I was saddened by how I often do not take enough time, in solitude and peace, to slow down and try to hear the crawdads sing.

 

When the author was asked “do crawdads really sing”, Ms. Owens had this enlightening message to share.  “Technically, scientifically, crawdads do not sing.  But I’ve made a bit of a study of it myself.  And I’ve found that first you must go-all by yourself-and set up a small camp in real wilderness.  I’m speaking of a place far from any road or village.  Not a park, but a remote and wild land filled with Earth’s creatures.  Just before dusk, you must walk deep into the woods and stand there exposed and totally alone as darkness descends around you.  When you can feel the planet beneath your toes and the trees moving about, you must listen with all your ears, and-I promise-you will hear the crawdads sing.  In fact, it will be a chorus.”

 

I often write messages that we are called to build community and be inclusive to all God’s people.  We are to listen to one another, break bread together, and love one another as Jesus loves us.  Yet, as I clumsily make my way along the path God has set before me, I find myself craving those times of isolation where I can slow down and hear the crawdads sing.  I yearn to sit in silence.  I want to feel the warmth of the sun shining on my face.  I want to watch the squirrels frolic in the backyard.  And I want to hear God’s whispers as I breathe in The Holy Spirit during these precious moments of solitude.

 

Are we taking the time to slow down, inhale and exhale deeply, and truly understand the messages God is trying to send to us?  Are we breathing in the mountain air, feeling the ocean mist, or listening to the river run?

 

It only takes a few minutes, each day, to relax and allow God in.  His whispers are refreshing, comforting, and healing.  And when we allow these precious moments of silence to sink in, we are rejuvenated in The Holy Spirit and ready to go back out to that world.  A world that needs us to be equipped with God’s messages so our lights shine so bright that they attract others to walk closer with Him.

 

I am trying to find more places where the crawdads sing.  It may not always be easy to hear the music, but I promise it is there.  The more you practice slowing down, the more you keep your eyes and ears open, and the more you become vulnerable to God’s whispers, I believe you will find that the notes become louder and louder.  And one day, when the harmonies fade and our earthly journeys come to an end, those faint whispers we have been searching for will erupt into a beautiful chorus that only God and His angels are able to reward!

“Where the Crawdad Sings”2022-07-17T12:14:48-06:00

“A Pot of Gold”

“A Pot of Gold” by Justin March

 

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”Luke 12:34

 

As I was driving to dinner Thursday night, the sky opened up and rain began to drench the city.  I know we need the moisture, yet I could not stop complaining to myself about how this was interrupting the day I was so thoroughly enjoying.  I had just washed my car, and I was excited to sit outside at one of our favorite meeting spots and enjoy the sun.

 

When I arrived in the back parking lot, I knew I would get a little wet as I walked to the front door.  I was annoyed enough by how the rain had made my car dirty, and I was sulking about how I was going to have to sit inside instead of enjoying the outdoors as I had planned.  I was so wrapped up in my pity, and without even realizing it, I had taken the fun out of an event I look forward to every week.

 

But, little did I know, God had a plan for the misery I was imposing upon myself.  You see, I tend to forget that God has his hands in everything and that the journey is always better if I rely on Him and keep myself open to what He wants to show me.  So, since I was the first one of our group to arrive that night, I decided to plant myself upon one of the open barstools and order a beer.  And wouldn’t you know it, the gentleman beside me sparked up a conversation that lifted my mood and made me forget about the negative feelings I had towards the rain.

 

As our conversation became engaging, a couple of the men joining me for dinner that night showed up as well.  We began to share stories, and I believe these precious few moments were all my new found friend needed to lift his spirits as well.  He seemed a little down when we first started talking, but after a few minutes, I could tell he was feeling much better and allowing his troubles to escape.  It was good for both of us, and by the time everyone showed up and we got to our table, I was feeling much better about how this day was ending.

 

Sometimes in life, we get so bogged down in the rain that we forget to see the rainbow.  We dwell in what is wrong, we wallow in what upsets us, and we become blind to the gifts God is trying to show us.  But, when we open up our hearts, our eyes, and our minds to Him, it seems to always allow a small glimpse of how good He truly is to us.

 

The night ended up being a perfect end to an all around good day.  I finally understood the rain was only a small nuisance and there was so much more to focus on.  God had brought a new friend into my life for a few short moments, He had surrounded me with loved ones that I enjoy being with every Thursday night, and He had blessed me with good food, great conversation, and humbling prayer.  And just as the night was about to come to a close, one of the guys noticed a brilliant rainbow behind me.  The colors were brilliant, and as I stared into that wonderful creation, I knew that God’s “Pot of Gold” was always waiting for me.  I just needed a little different perspective to find it!

“A Pot of Gold”2022-07-17T12:10:57-06:00

“Order of Operations”

“Order of Operations” by Pastor Nate

Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally.  Do you remember this pneumonic device from elementary school?  It’s designed to help you remember the Order of operations.  Parenthesis, Exponents, Multiplication, Division, Addition, Subtraction.  When you do certain complicated math problems you have to be sure to follow this specific order otherwise, you’ll get the wrong answer.

 

But ya know what? I don’t think order of operations is just for math class, in fact I think there’s an order of operations for our life of faith.  Let me know explain…

 

There are all these places in the Bible where specific moral expectations are mentioned.  For example in the book of James it says, “let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger; rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness; welcome the implanted word; be doers of the word, and not merely hearers.”  And then in the Gospel of Mark Jesus says, “avoid fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly.”

 

And here’s what can happen: we see these lists in the Bible and we think that these behaviors are our end of the bargain.  We get this idea that have got to keep all of these rules and avoid all these pitfalls in order to be right with God.   We have to go to church every week and never use curse words and always give our unwanted toys to Good Will and if we do all of this well enough THEN we will receive salvation, THEN God will save us when we die and bring us to heaven.

 

But I think this type of thinking is getting the Order of Operations all wrong.  On the surface, it makes sense.  In our world, everything has a cost, a cause and an effect.  And so it just logically makes sense that if we want God to do something for you well, then, you’re gonna need to do something for God first.

 

But I want you to know that God is actually better than that.  God does operate by the expectations and standards of this world. The Order of Operations is different.

 

What God does for us, always comes first.  We don’t have to work our way up to God, we don’t have to get it all right in order to be alright.  God extends grace and mercy and forgiveness to us first.

 

And now, we’ve got to be careful because I’m not saying that we get to just ignore what the book of James and the book of Mark have to say about how we act, I’m not saying that.  We just have to be careful about the order of operations.

 

God loves us and forgives us and saves us first.  Then, in response to the gracious actions of God, we are freed to live as God hopes for us to live.  All those behaviors that we read about in James and Mark and elsewhere in the Bible; that is what we will look like when the salvation of God really gets a hold of our life.

“Order of Operations”2022-07-07T09:49:52-06:00

“More Cowbells Please”

“More Cowbells Please” by Justin March

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’     Isaiah 52:7

 

It was a crisp summer morning in Ettal, Germany, and as I opened the patio door to breathe in some of that mountain air, I was overcome by the beauty of those Bavarian Alps.  The majestic mountains, the lush pastures, and the clear blue waters awakened my soul, and I thought to myself, “this is a postcard kind of morning.”  I was at peace, taking it all in, and relishing in God’s wondrous creation when suddenly I heard a faint sound in the distance.  It was a sound we don’t hear in the city, and at first, I found it unrecognizable as I have been trapped in my suburbia lifestyle.  But then I remembered, that we are in the Alps, and we are surrounded by farmland.

 

You see, in this quaint little town, hotels are stuck right in the middle of farming communities.  They are unlike farms we have here in the states, and most are modest, with a small crop and maybe a few animals that roam the hillside.  You do not hear the roar of combine engines, nor do you see the spray of irrigation systems or pesticides.  You do not see the multitude of cattle being raised to satisfy our insatiable appetites for beef and leather-made goods.  And you definitely do not see the semi-trucks coming in and out of these little farms to load up their goods and transport them across the country.

 

Instead, we learned that this small farming community was inhabited by families who were using their land to take care of each other and maybe a little extra to support their friends and neighbors.  Some farms had a few goats, maybe some sheep, and if they were fortunate, they might have a couple of cows.  But, unlike the plans we have for the cattle here in the states, their cows are family members and treated as such.  They are used to provide the milk the family needs, graze the lands and keep the pastures manicured, and befriend their masters and keep them company in those beautiful Alps.  And you know that sound I could not quite put my finger on?  It was actually the sound of cowbells that dangled from these magnificent creatures’ necks.

 

Jessica and I had a little extra time that morning so we headed out the front door of our hotel to take a short walk.  We were enjoying that crisp air together, relishing in God’s magnificent landscapes, and really taking advantage of our time together.  But, just as we were strolling through this quaint little neighborhood, I heard that sound again.  It was a sound that seemed to be calling out to me.  A sound that kept reminding me to be thankful for this incredible journey and to relish in the beauty God had surrounded me with.  And when I heard that cowbell again, I looked to the top of the hillside and there was a cow majestically looking over the entire neighborhood.

 

Now that we are back home, the sound of the cowbell keeps ringing in my ears.  It won’t go away, and you know what, I don’t believe I want it to.  It brings me back to the good time we had in Germany, the great relationships we built with our fellow travelers and the magnificence of God’s wondrous creations.  It makes me feel at peace as I cannot stop thinking about how the cow seemed to be looking over its’ community and how that bell would awaken everyone involved if danger tried to lurk within.

 

Is God using simple sounds, like the cowbell, to assure us of His presence and His understanding of our trials and hardships?  Is He standing at the top of the hillside, looking over us, and ringing His bell when the evil forces try to penetrate our communities?  My friends, I believe the ringing in my ears is no coincidence.  That bell that seems to continue sounding off, maybe the calling from Christ we need to remind ourselves that He walks beside us and has our back.

 

Whether the ringing is faint or loud, I believe that the sound of the cowbell is an awakening for all of us.  Sometimes it sounds like it is way off in the distance as we separate ourselves from each other and God’s calling for our lives.  But sometimes it rings loud in our ears, and we come together as a community and help one another find our paths back to The One who is looking over us.

 

I will never forget the sounds of those bells I heard in Ettal, and I will always remember how they made me feel.  They brought me peace and comfort and installed hope in me that all is not lost.  When I am feeling down and out, and when my faith is shaken by all the evil this world tries to surround me with, it is this ringing that reminds me to come back home.  It is the sound that God is using in my life to make sure I recognize that there are those that are lost and need guidance to be found.  And it is the sound that brings me back to His path and helps me to understand my mission and follow its’ calling.

 

What will you do this week to answer the ringing of God’s call?  Will you allow it to be faint as you wander on your own and ignore the sounds He wants you to hear?  Or, will you allow it to ring loud in your hearts, in your souls, and in your minds so you are called back home to be His hands and feet in a world that is so desperate for those glorious messages?  As you progress down your paths, as you encounter people who are different than yourself, and as you uncover hardships in this world that you may have a chance to make a difference in, I pray you to answer the cowbells in your life and understand that God has your back.  His bells are ringing my friends, and the only question is this.  Are you willing to listen, are you willing to follow, and are you willing to bring others with you as you find your way back home?

“More Cowbells Please”2022-07-06T14:11:01-06:00

Hiding Behind Our Egos

“Hiding Behind Our Egos”

When I was a kid my mom used to take me shopping with her.  And sometimes she would buy me things, and that would be alright, but most of the time she would take me to Department Stores (remember those) and she would look at blouses, and pantsuits, and heels and it was really boring.

When we would go to those stores my mother would always say the same thing to me, she would say, “Nathaniel, (that’s how I knew she was serious) Stay where I can see you.”  This was always her advice, always her command, “Stay where I can see you.”

But here’s the thing, when you’re a kid, the last place you want to find yourself is in the Women’s Fashion section in Sears.  As a kid, you’d rather go to the bank (because at least they have lollipops) or to the grocery store (because you’ll probably get some candy out of the deal).  But if you’re dragged off to a department store you know that there’s nothing in it for you.

And so here’s what I would do.  I would climb into the clothing racks.  As a young kid, they were the perfect height, I wouldn’t even have to duck down, I could just part the blouses to the side and walk right into the middle of the rack and then I’d close the blouses behind me and I’d be left with this perfect little clothing rack fort.  It was perfect- no one could see me, it was my own secret hideout that was there to save me from the boredom of waiting for my mom to finish her shopping.

I would do this every time we went to the Department Store.   But you know what would happen next, eventually, my mom would finish her shopping, and then I’d hear:  “Nate! Nate! Where are you?”  And so I’d come climbing out of my Clothing Rack Fort and she’d say, “I thought I told you to stay where I can see you.”

Nearly every time we went to the Department Stores this is what would happen.  My mother would tell me “Stay where I can see you” and I would do something completely counter to those instructions.  My mother would tell me “stay where I can see you” but instead I’d build a fort where it was impossible for me to be seen.

As I think back on this behavior now I can’t help but laugh at this universal human truth that my actions were displaying.  You see, I wasn’t listening to my mother’s commands, I was just doing what I thought was best; what I wanted to do.  My actions were all about me, me, me.  I’m sure that we all have stories like this, and not just stories from our youth, moments in our lives where we were told to do something but we ignored those instructions and just did whatever we felt like doing instead.

But here’s also what I find interesting about my trips to Sears as a child.  My mother would tell me to stay where i can see you and then I’d just do what I felt like doing.   But what’s really interesting is that what I felt like doing… was hiding.  I don’t want to listen to you mom, I want to… hide.

9 times out of 10, whenever someone demands their own way; whenever someone insists that it has to be exactly the way they want it, what they are really doing in that moment is hiding.  There is some sort of insecurity pushed down deep within them that’s causing them to pout and whine and insist on their way of doing things.

Whenever people in power use their position to insist on their own ways rather than working together to craft a better future for everyone, its so often because those powerful people are afraid and their actions are a form of hiding.

There is one point in the Gospels where Jesus is sitting with the 12 disciples and says

“Whoever wants to be first must be last of all and servant of all.” Then he took a little child and put it among them; and taking it in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes not me but the one who sent me.” – Mark 9:35-37

This was an incredibly scandalous action in those days.  Children were not valued in society and so for Jesus to bring a child into the midst of the disciples and to then tell the disciples that they need to welcome children, and in so doing they welcome him—this was a radical message.  But it’s still an important and radical message for us today.   Jesus telling the disciples and you and me to stop hiding behind our egos and instead keep an eye out for those in this world who are least.

Stop focusing on yourself. Stop worrying about your own success story.  If you are going to be my disciple, Jesus says, you need to be looking out for those whom everyone else forgets.

 

Hiding Behind Our Egos2022-06-27T10:14:07-06:00

The Gift of Sabbath

“The Gift of Sabbath” by Pastor Nate

My children have a book that refers to the Ten Commandments as God’s Ten Best Ways.  I really like that wording, because I do believe that God created us to live in a certain way.  God didn’t just make us and then say “figure it out”, no God had some specific thoughts about the best ways for us to live.

And there’s one of those commandments that we often overlook, one of those commandments that really could, for so many people, invite us into a better way to live.

One of the Ten Best Ways simply says “Remember the Sabbath Day and keep it Holy”.  Six days you shall Labor, God says, and on the 7th day, you shall not do any work!  For six days you can rush around and fill your to-do list and jump from one meeting to the next.  You can work yourself ragged for six days of the week but on the 7th day, you’ve got to stop and remember.

Remember that each day is a gift from God, not a to-do list to get through.  Remember that your value does not come from what you do.  Remember that your worth isn’t defined by what you accomplish, your worth is always and only defined by God.

Overwork is a real probably in our country today.  We are killing ourselves with the ways that we overwork, and then we can become bitter or resentful because we think that working 24/7 will make us happy but instead it’s just destroying our health and destroying our soul and all that work is drowning out God’s message of love for us.

We the gift of the Sabbath.  We a reminder at least once every 7 days that God’s plan was for us to work AND rest.  We need to take a day to just rest in the goodness of God so that we can remember the joy of freedom, the joy of truly living, and the joy of God’s freely given, unending love.

The Gift of Sabbath2022-06-23T12:07:13-06:00

“Knocking Down Walls”

“Knocking Down Walls” by Justin March

“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.” – Socrates

It seems like I am surrounded by a lot of walls lately.  Some of them I am used to and understand their purpose.  The walls that divide the bedrooms in our house provide a place of solitude when the day ends and rest is needed.  The walls that keep the outside separate from the inside protect us from the elements and help us stay safe.  The walls in the shopping mall allow us to understand how each business is different and provide boundaries so we can decide what we want to peruse and what we do not.  Even the walls in the zoos have their purpose as some of God’s creatures are not able to share a habitat or co-exist in the same environment.  These are the walls that make sense in our lives, and the separation they provide is necessary and suitable for the reasons they were built.

But, there are other walls that are not so easy to see in this world.  There are walls we put up to either close others out or keep us secluded.  There are walls that separate races, divide sexes, breed inclusiveness, and promote classes.  And there are walls that make us feel superior to one another as we go through life judging whom is fit to share our spaces.  These are the walls I am struggling with these days, and the separation they provide feels confusing and out of place in God’s mission for our lives.

Many may say I am somewhat of a “social butterfly.”  I have no problem eating at a restaurant by myself, pulling up a barstool at a local brewery, or striking up a conversation with a stranger.  I say hello when I pass someone on the street.  I smile when locking eyes with another and listen when given the chance to share a few words.  And I genuinely enjoy each and every moment God gives me to be out in public and share this world with all of you.  Interaction fills my soul, and it is always a good day when I get the chance to spend time outside the walls of my home.

I do have to say this is becoming more difficult these days.  More walls seem to have been constructed, and I am finding it challenging to reach people.  I am not sure if it has to do with COVID, a lack of leadership, or the fear the media continues to regurgitate, but the response I get to my simple hellos and smiles are a little daunting.  I am finding people to be skeptical and a little standoffish.  A simple conversation turns to people pushing their agendas and screaming their opinions.  And those lovely moments I used to enjoy, have been replaced by a world I do not understand.  A world where the people I meet seem nervous, fearful, and trapped inside the walls they have surrounded themselves with.

So, does that mean we are to give up and push people aside?  Does that mean we should build our own walls so we too can stay secluded and out of touch with everyone else?  I do not believe that is what God is calling us to do.  In fact, in a world that is trembling and fearful of what may happen next, God is asking us to go out and knock down some walls.  He is asking us to continue to say hello, smile, break bread, and have those caring conversations.  He is asking us to take the high road when emotions get tense, and He is asking us to replace words of hatred with love.  He is asking us to erase the lines that divide so we can be inclusive and accepting.  And, He is asking us to find ways to spread his messages of hope and grace in a world that so desperately needs to hear them.

We are being called to knock down walls.  Sometimes, it may just take a simple push, and other times, it may take a bulldozer.  But, no matter the method, it is time to get out and connect.  It is time to remind those we care about how much they mean to us and how important they are.  It is time to spread peace and hope to all we come in contact with.  And, it is time to shepherd the lost and bring them back to the flock.  Light can only find a path if we knock down these walls.  So, if you are bound by anything that is holding you back from fulfilling God’s mission for you life, break those chains, knock down those walls, and escape the prison that keeps your light inside.  This world is searching for answers, and if you are living a life outside the walls, your light may just be the one that brings another to that cross!

“Knocking Down Walls”2022-06-27T09:57:11-06:00
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