Devotion and Readings for April 25 & 26

The Psalms include some of the shortest chapters in the Bible. The numerous psalms today are some of those short ones. Psalm 134 contains three verses, yet these are tremendous.

Verse 1: “1 Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord!”

This is an invitation to the people of God to know and honor the Lord. It is a call to worship of sorts. It is a, “Song of Ascents.” These are songs which the people sang in celebration of the Lord’s goodness and glory. They sang these as they went up to or ascended to the city of Jerusalem, and then to the Temple itself. The most well know of these psalms is 121. We looked at that one a few days ago.

It includes the statement, “…bless the Lord…” This seems an odd statement, for we strongly understand that God blesses us in bountiful ways. Author and teacher John Piper notes the following about this phrase: “It means to speak well of his greatness and goodness — and really mean it from the depths of your soul.” Another angle on this is that to, “bless the Lord,” we are giving thanks for all that God has done, is doing, and will do, for us and the world.

The next part of this verse tells of the various servants of the Lord who work in the nighttime. These priests and Levites were designated workers, assistants, and worship leaders set apart by the Lord and by the people for work in the Temple. This and other passages seem to indicate that worship and sacrifices were also offered at night. This psalm celebrates that God is given praise and glory all the time, even at night.

Verse 2: “Lift up your hands to the holy place, and bless the Lord.”

This is one of various places in scripture which note the raising of one’s hands in praise of the Lord. The gesture indicates that the object of praises was the Lord and that the whole person is involved in the act. This practice has continued to the present day among Jews and Christians. For some of you reading this the idea of raising hands in worship, whether alone or among fellow Christians, seems fully acceptable. For others, this action might feel less comfortable. No one is required to raise one’s hands in worship. This is simply a joyful expression of faith. In the event that you see brother or sister in Christ raising hands in praise, do your best to celebrate that they love the Lord. Giving them dirty looks or speaking in a disparaging manner does not build up faith and unity. If the Holy Spirit stirs you to raise your hands, but others around you don’t do it, please respect their choice and faith expression.

Verse 3: “May the Lord, maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion.”

The people are heading to Zion, the hill on which the Temple was built. They are blessed to be a blessing. They celebrate that God’s goodness is for all. The one true God shares his generous provision with humanity. As people receive the goodness, they are reminded that is it from the Lord who dwells in the Temple, and in the spiritual hearts of his people. This reminds us that the Lord our God is about others, rather than self. We are invited to turn our hearts and love toward our neighbors and toward God.

The psalm reminds us of three things:

1) We get to respond to God’s love by blessing him, by showing our loving thanks all day and all night, whenever we are awake.

2) We get to show our appreciation of the Lord through motion, including the raising of our hands.

3) God is self-giving and other focused. By God’s Holy Spirit, we can do the same.

Prayer

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we humbly thank you for your goodness to us and to all that you have made. We praise you for your creation, for keeping us and all things in your care, and for all the blessings of life. Above all we bless you for your immeasurable love in redeeming the world by our Lord Jesus Christ, for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory. And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies that with thankful hearts we praise you, not only with our lips but in our lives, by giving ourselves to your service and by living in your gifts of holiness and righteousness all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all worship and praise, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer from Evangelical Lutheran Worship. Copyright © 2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Easter 3 Sunday April 26

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements, Pastor's Ponderings April 26, 2020

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Readings, Devotion, Prayers and Announcements for the Third Sunday of Easter, April 26, 2020, for both MLLC and Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church

As we are not able to meet due as usual to health and safety concerns, yet we are still finding ways to share and celebrate our faith together.

Below are the readings, prayers, and various announcements for this Sunday and this week. The Sunday devotion is at the end of the page.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

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For both of our congregations, Waldeck and MLLC, please remember that our expenses continue even when we are unable to meet as usual. Please make a point to give your offerings as you would on a typical week. Here are some ideas of what to do:

For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

– give offerings through the church web site: mllccarmine.com/online-giving This page has a link to our secure giving page. Offerings can be made by bank draft, debit card, or credit card through this special web site.

YouTube Video Link

Here is the link for the YouTube video of this day’s service.

APRIL 26, 2020

Third Sunday of Easter

First Reading: Acts 2:14a, 36-41

A reading from Acts.

Today’s reading is the conclusion of Peter’s sermon preached following the giving of the Holy Spirit to the apostles on the day of Pentecost. The center of his preaching is the bold declaration that God has made the crucified Jesus both Lord and Christ.

^14aPeter, standing with the eleven, raised his voice and addressed [the crowd], ³⁶“Therefore let the entire house of Israel know with certainty that God has made him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”
³⁷Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” ³⁸Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹For the promise is for you, for your children, and for all who are far away, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to him.” ⁴⁰And he testified with many other arguments and exhorted them, saying, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” ⁴¹So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Psalm: Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19

¹I love the Lord, who has heard my voice,
and listened to my supplication,
²for the Lord has given ear to me
whenever I called.
³The cords of death entangled me; the anguish of the grave came upon me;
I came to grief and sorrow.
⁴Then I called upon the name of the Lord:
“O Lord, I pray you, save my life.”
¹²How shall I repay the Lord
for all the good things God has done for me?
¹³I will lift the cup of salvation
and call on the name of the Lord.
¹⁴I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all God’s people.
¹⁵Precious in your sight, O Lord,
is the death of your servants.
¹⁶O Lord, truly I am your servant;
I am your servant, the child of your handmaid; you have freed me from my bonds.
¹⁷I will offer you the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and call upon the name of the Lord.
¹⁸I will fulfill my vows to the Lord
in the presence of all God’s people,
¹⁹in the courts of the Lord‘s house,
in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Hallelujah!

Second Reading: 1 Peter 1:17-23

A reading from 1 Peter.

The imagery of exile is used to help the readers of this letter understand that they are strangers in a strange land. Christians no longer belong to this age. Through the death of Christ we belong to God, so that our focus, faith, and hope are no longer on such things as silver or gold.

¹⁷If you invoke as Father the one who judges all people impartially according to their deeds, live in reverent fear during the time of your exile. ¹⁸You know that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your ancestors, not with perishable things like silver or gold, ¹⁹but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without defect or blemish. ²⁰He was destined before the foundation of the world, but was revealed at the end of the ages for your sake. ²¹Through him you have come to trust in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are set on God.
²²Now that you have purified your souls by your obedience to the truth so that you have genuine mutual love, love one another deeply from the heart. ²³You have been born anew, not of perishable but of imperishable seed, through the living and enduring word of God.

The word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35

The holy gospel according to Luke. Glory to you, O Lord.

The colorful story of Jesus’ appearance to two disciples on the road to Emmaus answers the question of how Jesus is to be recognized among us. Here, he is revealed through the scriptures and in the breaking of bread.

¹³Now on that same day [when Jesus had appeared to Mary Magdalene,] two [disciples] were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, ¹⁴and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. ¹⁵While they were talking and discussing, Jesus himself came near and went with them, ¹⁶but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. ¹⁷And he said to them, “What are you discussing with each other while you walk along?” They stood still, looking sad. ¹⁸Then one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?” ¹⁹He asked them, “What things?” They replied, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, ²⁰and how our chief priests and leaders handed him over to be condemned to death and crucified him. ²¹But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things took place. ²²Moreover, some women of our group astounded us. They were at the tomb early this morning, ²³and when they did not find his body there, they came back and told us that they had indeed seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive. ²⁴Some of those who were with us went to the tomb and found it just as the women had said; but they did not see him.” ²⁵Then he said to them, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! ²⁶Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” ²⁷Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them the things about himself in all the scriptures.
²⁸As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. ²⁹But they urged him strongly, saying, “Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.” So he went in to stay with them. ³⁰When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. ³¹Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. ³²They said to each other, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talking to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?” ³³That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. ³⁴They were saying, “The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” ³⁵Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

The gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

Devotion

By Pastor David Tinker

Luke 24:13-35 “Meet Jesus Christ”

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

About six weeks ago my cousin Chuck died. One thing I remember most about time with Chuck was eating meals with him and his family. I have memories going back into the 1970s of gathering at the table for food and fellowship. Every Thanksgiving I think of his asking for the big turkey drumstick. When I was a kid he was the first person I remember ever asking to have that piece on Thanksgiving. With this, and other memories, Chuck is one of the people I think of now at mealtimes.

Looking to today’s reading from Luke, we have one of my favorite accounts of Jesus’ ministry. On a road to the Village of Emmaus, two people met a stranger. We know who this stranger was, but the travelers did not. On that Sunday evening, following the Resurrection of Jesus, these two were speaking of the things that had happened that weekend. Jesus, the stranger, catches up with these two and asks them what they are talking about. Dumbfounded, these two just stop in their tracks. How could this stranger not know what transpired over the weekend?

One, whose name was Cleopas, asked, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem who does not know the things that have taken place there in these days?”

The stranger asks, “What things?”

The traveling disciples answer, “The things about Jesus of Nazareth.” The two continue to tell of all that happened with Jesus, and about the hope they held in him. Then they say that there is talk of this Jesus being raised from the dead after being executed on a Roman torture cross.

Jesus, still unrecognized by these two, responds, “Oh, how foolish you are, and how slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have declared! Was it not necessary that the Messiah should suffer these things and then enter into his glory?” He followed up with an extensive Bible Study of all that related to himself, this Messiah of the God.

After all this, they still did not know it was him. Likely, he did not say, “I am Jesus the Messiah.” At the end of the day’s travels they stop of for the night. The two disciples offer hospitality to the stranger. During the evening meal Jesus broke bread and blessed it, just as he had done a few days earlier. He was offering them to the Holy Communion. In this meal, in this breaking of the bread, these two disciples finally recognized him. At that point he vanished from their sight.

At this they began to reflect on the past few hours of conversation. They remembered how their spiritual hearts burned within them. Later these two found the other disciples, and they told them how Jesus was made known to them in the breaking of the bread. They recognized Jesus in the Holy Communion.

This point of meeting and recognizing Jesus was powerful. He could tell them all about himself, but they wouldn’t recognize him until he did something to stir up their memories. He used words and a physical element to open their eyes. This breaking of bread opened up their memories and it all became clear. A gush of memories flowed forth. The breaking of bread showed them that this was the one who had gathered with the 12 Disciples on the night when he was betrayed. During that meal he had given a new and special meaning to the bread and the wine of the Passover. Later he would go and die on the cross for their sin. This man with them that night on the road was the same one who had died and was now raised from the dead. The breaking of the bread stirred their memories.

God blesses us in the Church with memory. We remember meeting Jesus Christ. Each time we break bread – as Communion is called in Luke’s writings – we are connected with Jesus.

Holy Communion has long been the most significant part of my Christian life. Each time I receive the bread and the wine God reminds me of the richness of his love, and the connection I have with the community of fellow believers.

Sometimes when I receive the elements of bread and wine I am reconnected with the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples. I feel I am there with them. The noises and aromas of the gathering become real for me. The conversations interrupted by laughter, the wine, the bread, and the other foods are there. It is as if they were just on the other side of the table with us.

Often I think of the Great Banquet with all the people of God. I eagerly look forward to God’s promised Great Banquet in eternity. Our Communion is a foretaste of the feast to come, and this is foundational to my celebration of the Eucharist.

Other times I am brought to the place of the Skull – Golgotha. I see visions of Jesus suffering on the cross for us. The scene is shaking, like an intense scene in a movie. Darkness and cries fill the air. I sometimes hear the hammering of nails into his arms and feet. Hushed voices murmur in response to what his says in his agony. Bored soldiers stand guard. Blood is dripping from his wounds. The women who stayed with him are weeping. I remember this, and I am spiritually connected to this, because it is the fullest expression of God’s love for us. From the earliest days of the Church, Christians have met frequently for Holy Communion. The Lutheran standard in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession, a founding document of our movement, indicates that Lutheran Christians gather every Sunday for communion, and often more than once a week. We read in the article about the Mass (the worship service with Holy Communion): “For among us masses are celebrated every Lord’s Day and on the other festivals, in which the Sacrament is offered to those who wish to use it…”

Why such frequency? We do this because it is so good and wonderful and significant. It is one of the most important times when we meet Jesus Christ. I look forward to our return to our regular gatherings for the Holy Communion following this health crisis.

With the Holy Communion we recognize Jesus and remember him at the breaking of the bread. I pray that when we gather at the Lord’s table, the breaking of the bread will stir up in all of us a remembrance of all that Jesus Christ has done for the world. I invite you to see it as an extremely significant and regular connection point with Jesus and his people.

*Prayers of Intercession

A: Let us pray for the whole people of God in Christ Jesus, and for all people according to their needs.

A brief silence.

Loving God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit: You have called Your Church from the ends of the earth to be witnesses to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. Enliven our proclamation of the name of Jesus so that all may put their faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Other petitions may be added here.

Sustain those who are struggling with illness of any kind, especially… and those we now name aloud or in quiet prayer… Strengthen those who suffer in any way from the recent pandemic. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

We remember your servants of every time and place who have gone before us (especially…). We thank you that through the gift of faith you have taken delight in them. Give comfort to those who mourn. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

Lead us into the world to serve others in need. Help us to love our neighbors as ourselves. We give thanks for the opportunity to bring your mercy and goodness to those who are suffering, hungry, thirsty, and lonely. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.

P: Into your hands, O Lord, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen

Conclude with our LORD’S PRAYER

Prayer Request list for Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ledbetter

Health and Well-being Prayer List: Phillip Procell, Brian Shaffer, Sandra Gest, James Smith, Barbara Spence, April Weyand, Fritz Schoenst, Alicia McQuaig, Diana Garik Poentisch, Sally Beettner, Carrie Oltmann, Robin Hardin, Beverly Drescher

Martin Luther in Carmine Prayer Lists:

REMEMBER IN PRAYER: Carol Mertz Leitzel, Janet Schnell Beckworth (both friends of Praise Team leader Jolene Wickel, health concerns and in hospitals); Ricky Eckert (brother of Ronnie Eckert, health concerns); Kalisa Pomykal (Paula Barrick’s sister, medical concerns); Kenny Lorenz (former member Robert Hinze’s relative, serious burns and numerous health concerns); Nancy Pietsch (former RT-C teacher, health concerns); Johnny Dunham (health concerns); Joyce Kelley (friend, health concerns); Jack Walsh (friend of Wade Eilers, recurring melanoma); Bill Clarke (friend of Daryl & Susan Ray, stage 4 cancer); Robert Vaughn (at Texas Neurology, thankful for extended stay for rehab); Carrie Bozarth (friend of Sedalia Ullrich, cancer); Edna Mae Krivacka (friend of Ed Eargle and Carol Carmean, back home, health concerns)

Sympathy to the families of Dora Miller; Jeannie Johnson (grandmother of Matthew & Nick Colpetzer, Joshua Aranzolo, and Emily Ortiz); LaVerne Krumrey (friend from Brenham; Ruby Marburger Ivey (Nikki Pohl’s mother)

The Ongoing Prayer Concerns may be found in the monthly newsletter.

THIS WEEK at MLLC

Today 5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

May 3 5:00 pm-AA Meeting (subject to change)

WORSHIP SERVICES are suspended until further notice. See the church web site and the church Facebook page for details of online worship services.

CONFIRMATION will be postponed and a new date set when services resume.

LUTHERAN MISSION APPEAL envelopes are designated for Lutheran Disaster Response of the ELCA. You may send contributions in the mail, or bring it by the office, with the check made out to MLLC and in the memo line, put Lutheran Disaster Response. You may also go to the website to donate.

mlllccarmine/online-giving/

disaster relief – lutheran disaster response

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL has been postponed. The new date at MLLC will be August 2-6, 2020 from 5:30 – 7:45 p.m., with the theme Rocky Railway. See the codes in the May newsletter to register your child and to volunteer.

Registration is also available at the church web site: https://mllccarmine.com/vacation-bible-school-2020/

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL at Bethlehem Lutheran in Round Top will be June 1-4 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. with the theme “Anchored.” There are registration forms in the narthex and church office. For more information contact Stacy Eilers at 979-639-1897. Possibly to be postponed to a later date.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBER A person is needed to serve as chairperson of the Outreach/Care Committee. Please consider serving in this role.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR MLLC

Week ending 4/4/2020

Church Income $2,118.00

Church Expenses $5,936.23

Property Insurance 3,936.50

Benevolences 1,158.00

Salaries & Benefits 400.00

Postage 220.00

Bulletins 171.73

Miscellaneous 50.00

Net Loss: $3,818.23

Week ending 4/11/2020

Church Income $7,076.00

Church Expenses $4,839.70

Salaries & Benefits 3,560.16

Utilities 800.54

Supplies 479.00

Net Income: $2,236.30

Year to Date Net Loss: $511.43

Worship Live at 10:00 a.m. April 26

Posted by mllccarmine in Announcements April 26, 2020

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Join us Live on Facebook today

Facebook Live at 10:00 a.m. CDT Today

We look forward to worshiping with you this morning for the 3rd Sunday of Easter. We will celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord on this Sunday, as we do throughout the season and every Sunday of the year. This is especially true during the Great 50 Day of Easter.

Join us at 10:00 a.m. on the Facebook page for MLLC.

Here is the link to that page.

We will be offering these Sunday services for MLLC and Wadleck Evangelical Lutheran Church at least until we are permitted to safely gather in the churches. Out of love for our neighbor and for one another we are not meeting as usual.

Remember Your Regular Offerings

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For Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ledbetter:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – Waldeck Evangelical Lutheran Church; 6915 Waldeck Church Lane; Ledbetter, TX 78946

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

For MLLC in Carmine:

– send your offering by mail to the church office – MLLC, P O BOX 362, Carmine, TX 78932-0362

– set aside your offerings each week, and then bring these to church when you can be at worship again.

Devotion and Readings for April 24

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings April 24, 2020

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Bible Readings and Devotion for April 24, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for April 24, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

In the town where I first served as pastor there was a story about how the community got its name. The original name of the town was, “Pond Grove.” To this day the city cemetery is called, “Pond Grove Cemetery.” I was told that many decades ago there was a man in the city named William Otterbein Brown. He ran the stage coach stop and inn. He also served as the local postmaster. At some point he had to complete a form for the postal service. On this form there was a section to list the name of the town for the post office to use for official, national records. Mr. Brown made an odd choice that day which is still in effect. Instead of writing, “Pond Grove,” which was the name of the town, he wrote, “Otterbein.” That was his middle name. The postal service accepted this and it was now required for mailing letters to Pond Grove. So, to avoid further issues, the town renamed itself, “Otterbein.” The name has changed over time, but some still make mention of the old name, “Pond Grove.”

One of the lessons I work on teaching in my confirmation classes with junior high student is about how different words, places, and concepts are spoken of in multiple ways and contexts. Here are a couple of examples.

The place where Moses met with the Lord in the exodus has multiple names.

Mount Sinai

Mount Horeb

The Mount of God

These are all the same place, but in different contexts and times. It is not a contradiction. It is a bit like, “Pond Grove,” and “Otterbein.”

Another example is, “Israel.” This term is used many times in many contexts. To understand what it means at various times in God’s Word, one must seek out the context of the use. Here are several examples:

Israel: the special new name or nickname for Jacob. It was given him in Genesis 32 by the one who wrestled with the patriarch all night long.

Israel: the family of Jacob/Israel who numbered about 70 when they went to Egypt. There were the 12 sons of Jacob and their families.

Israel: the various people of the 12 Tribes which formed from the families of these 12 sons. They left their slavery in Egypt and eventually entered the promised land.

Israel: the united Kingdom ruled by Saul, then David, then by Solomon. ~1020 – 922 BC

Israel: the Northern Kingdom after the division of the of the nation after the death of Solomon. This was a nation between 922 and 721 BC. The Southern Kingdom took the name of the dominant tribe, Judah.

Israel: the bringing together of the history, faith and people of Israel and Judah into the one person, Jesus Christ.

Israel: the figurative, “Body of Christ,” which is the whole family of Christians. This noted as the “Israel of God” in Galatians 6:16.

So, Israel is a person, a family, a roaming nation, a united nation, and split off nation, a theological idea, and the regathering of humanity in Jesus.

That is where we get to today’s readings. In Psalm 125:1 we read, “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved, but abides forever.” The psalm writer uses the image of the Temple mount and the dwelling place of God to talk about something which keeps us forever. This is both a literal and a figurative idea. The real place is called, “Mount Zion.” The figurative truth of God being steadfast with his people is called, “Zion.”

For followers of Jesus we use the term, “Zion,” in various ways. Here are some examples:

Zion: the mountain on which the Temple was built

Zion: the Temple itself

Zion: the city of Jerusalem, which hosted the Temple. This is the centerpiece of life and faith for the children of Israel over the centuries.

Zion: the relationship which the Lord provided for his people.

Zion: the place where God dwells anywhere in the world.

Zion: Jesus Christ, the one who replaces Priest, Sacrifice, and Temple for the world.

Zion: our faith connection with Jesus whenever and wherever he is for us.

This psalm is teaching us that, in Jesus, we have a firm and powerful foundation for our life and faith. We get to connect with the eternal Zion, Jesus Christ. We are held by the Lord, and we get to hold on to the Lord as well. In faith we look to the eternal Zion, Jesus Christ. As we are taught in John 4, we worship in Spirit and truth, and that happens anywhere in the creation where God and his people meet. Zion is, in a sense, in Waldeck and Carmine, and in any place and at any time God and his people are gathered in Jesus Christ, the eternal Zion. Jesus is where we connect with God, and he is a Zion of sorts for us. Zion is where the Kingdom of God is present. Zion is where the Holy Spirit seeks us out and draws us to Jesus. Our spiritual Zion is Jesus.

Prayer

For the prayer use the words of this classic hymn, “O, Zion Haste”

O Zion, Haste

1 O Zion, haste, your mission high fulfilling,

to tell to all the world that God is light;

that he who made all nations is not willing

one soul should perish, lost in shades of night.

Refrain

Publish glad tidings, tidings of peace,

tidings of Jesus, redemption, and release.

2 Publish to ev’ry people, tongue, and nation

that God, in whom they live and move, is love;

tell how he stooped to save his lost creation

and died on earth that we might live above. Refrain

3 Give of your own to bear the message glorious,

give of your wealth to speed them on their way,

pour out your soul for them in prayer victorious,

and haste the coming of the glorious day. Refrain

4 He comes again! O Zion, ere you meet him,

make known to ev’ry heart his saving grace;

let none whom he has ransomed fail to greet him,

through your neglect, unfit to see his face. Refrain

Text: Mary A. Thomson, 1834-1923

Amen.

Devotion and Readings for April 23

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings April 24, 2020

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Bible Readings and Devotion for April 23, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for April 23, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

When I was a student at the University of Texas I was involved in student campus ministry. The two groups I was involved with were the Lutheran Campus Ministry and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I enjoyed the teaching offered by both groups. At a Bible study meeting offered by InterVarsity we learned about and discussed Psalm 121. The teachings that day have stayed with me for about 35 years now. Here are some of the things I learned that day, and which I have added to in the years since, regarding this beautiful psalm.

The context of the psalm is during the time of Ancient Israel. It was most likely before the exile in Babylon (500s BC). That means, its first context was the time between 1000 and 600 BC.

It is “Song of Ascents.” This means it was a psalm, or song, which was sung by the people and at worship as they headed to Jerusalem and the Temple. Jerusalem was built on hills. The Temple was built on the hill or mountain called Zion. The people understood that they were going up to the Temple, even though they may be heading to the city from a higher elevation. It was up, and therefore they ascended to the Temple. The psalms of ascent were about going up to the higher and more wonderful place of the presence of the Lord. This psalm is about delighting in being in the Temple with the Lord.

We need to remember that there was a giant problem in this time of history. The problem was that most of the people, and sometimes even the kings, were distracted in some way by the worship of pagan idols. These idols were essentially fertility gods. The Canaanite people who also lived in the Holy Land worshiped these various false gods. Their rituals were meant to manipulate these false gods into providing favorable growing conditions for crops. You will see mention of these false gods by the names of Ba’al, Baal, Asherah, Ashtoreth, etc. For the most part these pagan idols and false gods were worshiped up in the hills outside the city of Jerusalem in locations called, “high places.”

The psalm begins with a pleasant sounding question, “I lift up my eyes to the hills—from where will my help come?” In reality, it is not telling us or the people of ancient Israel to look for help from what is up in the hills. The “high places” were a place of sin, death, and idolatry. There would be no help from these pagan idols. There is no help coming from the powerless and fake statues in the high places who do nothing. So, the question is not to urge us toward the hills. Rather, it is to dismiss the terrible idea of seeking to please the false gods.

To counter this, the psalm writer gives an alternative answer. Rather than the false gods, the psalm write notes, “My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” In other words, those pagan idols are absolutely nothing. The only true help is in the Lord our God. The Lord is not some statue on an altar up in the hills. The Lord is the one, true God in all the universe. The Lord is the one created all that is. The Lord is forever. The Lord reigns above all. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. We don’t manipulate this deity. We simply and humbly rejoice in his goodness and mercy and glory and love.

The rest of the psalm tells of some of the beautiful and powerful ways that the Lord is with us, helps us, and protects us in the journey of life and faith. The Lord is always with us, every day, every night, and everywhere we go. The final verse is, “The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time on and forevermore.” This verse gives us peace. It reminds us that the Lord is always. This promise of the Lord is echoed in many and various ways elsewhere in the Holy Scriptures.

There are two of my favorite echo verses in God’s Holy Word.

Matthew 28:20b: Jesus said, “And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Revelation 21: St. John shared this vision, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.””

In eternity, God and his people will be together. All the damage of sin will be gone. All the grief of the fallen world is wiped away. We will be restored fully to our connection with the Lord.

In the here and now we live in what Christians call, “The Already and Not Yet.” This means that, through saving faith in Jesus, we are already participating in the forgiven life with Jesus. It is not yet in full perfection. We are given glimpses of this life with God through the revealed Word of God.

We are living in a challenging place. In faith in Christ we live with our lives in two places. We are firmly planted in this world to live out our callings and ministries. We are here side by side with our fellow Christians.

At the same time we are people who, by God’s abundant grace, know our future is sure and certain in God’s loving hands. We live in the care of, “the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, you have prepared a quiet place for us in your Father’s eternal home. Watch over our welfare while we are on this perilous journey. Keep us from harm and danger and bring us at last into eternal bliss and joy as you live and rule with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Prayer from Lutheran Book of Worship. Copyright © 1978/2020 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved.

Dora Miller Obituary

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary April 23, 2020

Dora Miller Obit Photo

Remembering Dora Miller

A longtime member of MLLC died on this past Sunday, April 19. Due to the current gathering restrictions in this time of the pandemic, a small, family graveside funeral was held on Wednesday, April 22, at the the Carmine Cemetery. The family is working with MLLC to plan a public memorial service at the church during the summer months.

Dora Miller

May 15, 1925 – April 19, 2020

Obituary

Dora Herdaline “Deanie” Collie Miller passed in peace Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Junior Miller, and son Cliford James Miller. Dora is survived by her son Donald Dwayne Ward of Houston, TX and grandchildren Daniel Ward and Angela Alderman, Bryan Lynn Miller of Parker, Colorado, Ashley Brook Weiss of Brenham, TX, Joseph Kyle Vogel currently in the U.S. Navy, Dawn Celeste Hentschel, of Carmine, TX and her many great grandchildren and extended family.

Dora resided in Houston, TX and worked as an electrolysis technician for over a decade. In 1984 she and Carl made Carmine, TX home. Dora was a devout Christian and a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church of Carmine, TX. Dora was a member of Sons of Hermann, Ladies Aid and S.P.J.S.T. In her retirement she enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles and crochet.

Dora will be fondly remembered by her family and friends as a loving mother and loyal friend. Game nights were among the fondest of memories we will miss as she placed family, friends and creating memories above all in life. Dora raised 3 generations of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren as her own. All while creating countless memories that will live on in our hearts forever. Dora lost her fight with COVID 19 as her nurse sang her favorite song “Amazing Grace.”

A private graveside service was held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2020 with Pastor David Tinker officiating.

Memorial Gifts

A specific memorial gift designation has not yet been noted.

Some may wish to make a gift to MLLC. You can do this by mail to: Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P O Box 362; Carmine TX 78932 Make note on the memo line: Dora Miller

You may also give through the MLLC online giving site: Click this link. On the line for Memorial Gifts, please note the amount of your gift. Use the second box to note, “Dora Miller,” as your designation. A name is required for this spot.

Thank you for your generous gifts and for honoring the memory of Dora Miller.

Obituary for Jeannie Johnson

Posted by mllccarmine in Obituary April 23, 2020

Jeannie Johnson Photo for obit

Remembering Jeannie Johnson

A longtime friend of MLLC died on this past Friday, April 17. She and her family attended worship and participated in various events over the years at MLLC. Due to the current gathering restrictions in this time of the pandemic, a small, family memorial gathering was held on Saturday, April 18, at the church. The family is working the MLLC to plan a public memorial service at MLLC during the summer months.

Jeannie Marie Zies Johnson

December 2, 1948 – April 17, 2020

Obituary

Jeannie Marie Johnson, 71, of Carmine passed away on April 17, 2020. She passed away from cancer at Brazos Valley Hospice.

She was born on Dec. 2. 1948 to Gene and Bette Zies in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She had two brothers, Raymond and Harry Zies. She attended South Side High School in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She married James Johnson in El Paso on May 2, 1981.

Surviving is her husband, James Johnson; son, Gary and daughter-in-law, Sonny and son, Kris and daughter-in-law, Angie; brother, Harry; grandchildren, Matt, Nick, Shelby, Josh, Emily and Jason; and family.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

Memorial Gifts

A specific memorial gift designation has not been noted.

Some may wish to make a gift to MLLC. You can do this by mail to: Martin Luther Lutheran Church, P O Box 362; Carmine TX 78932 Make note on the memo line: Jeannie Johnson

You may also give through the MLLC online giving site: Click this link. On the line for Memorial Gifts, please note the amount of your gift. Use the second box to note, “Jeannie Johnson,” as your designation. A name is required for this spot.

Thank you for your generous gifts and for honoring the memory of Jeannie Johnson.

Devotion and Readings for April 22

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings April 22, 2020

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Bible Readings and Devotion for April 22, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for April 22, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Psalm 119 has a common theme throughout. It is an ode or sorts to the Word and Law of God. As you read this psalm in its entirety you will discover a wide variety of descriptions of how we get to encounter the Word. In today’s reading we have this comforting and amazing message of how we gain understanding of the Word. We read in verse 130: “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”

That phrase, “The unfolding of your words gives light…” What a beautiful concept. God unfolds his words to us. This gives an image of something being carefully wrapped in cloth. It reminds me of a precious item which has been put away for safe keeping. It is not hidden from us. Rather, it has been wrapped as a gift to us.

Throughout our days of faith on this earth we are given this Word of God. In one sense, the Word of God is fully available. The Bible is a public document. It is important that this be shared far and wide in the world. This is clearly God’s will, for our Lord commanded that we spread his teachings to the world. We read in Acts 1:7-8, where Jesus said to his Apostles, “It is not for you to know the times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” The witness of the Apostles is the core of the New Testament. What they saw, and what the Holy Spirit stirred them to write, is what became the Gospel books, as well as various Epistles. Their witness, the vision given by Jesus, and the work of the Holy Spirit, became Paul’s letters and other documents of the New Testament.

In another sense, the Word of God is more fully revealed to us throughout our lifetimes. Most fully through God, the Holy Spirit, we grow in our understanding of the Word. The Holy Spirit unfolds the word of God for us in many and various ways. Here are some of the most familiar and common sources of God’s provision of deeper understanding and joy in God’s Word:

1) Repeated reading of the Bible.

2) Discussion, group study, and learning opportunities

3) Listening to sermons and Bible teaching

4) Seeking ways to live out what you have learned. When you actually follow through with God’s instructions you get your life lined up with God’s work through you. Focus your attention on the New Testament interpretation of God’s commands. If something seems odd or uncomfortable, seek guidance from your pastor, a friend, or fellow Christians.

5) Praying for the Holy Spirit to be stirred up in your spiritual life. This is the greatest thing for which we can pray in our lives. In Luke 11:13, when teaching about prayer, Jesus says, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” This teaching passage in Luke 11 notes that even sinners want the best for the children. He then teaches us that God’s love is immensely greater than the love of sinners. Our loving God seeks to give us the best, and that very best thing is God the Holy Spirit in our lives. Therefore, pray for the Holy Spirit to be more fully in your life. In this, the Holy Spirit will unfold the scriptures for you.

6) Strive to understand how the Sacrament of Holy Communion reveals Jesus and his word to us.

7) Study teaching books about God and his Word. Some authors who are especially excellent to read include: Martin Luther, C. S. Lewis, and N. T. Wright.

8) Prayerfully mediate on the Word of God. Read a passage, a story, a verse, a psalm, etc. from the scriptures. Pray for understanding, for the word to be unfolded for you. Quietly ponder what you have read. Seek to recognize what new things you have observed.

9) If you like to draw, paint, sketch, etc., use these to mediate on the word.

10) Write notes and reflections on what you have read.

These are just ten ways and suggestions for you. The unfolding of the Word of God takes place throughout your lifetime. Pray for love for God and his Word. As you grow to love God more, you will grow in your patience with the process of unfolding the Word. God is there for us. Let us receive this unfolding of the Word as a wonderful grace of God.

Prayer

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, which you have given us in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Devotion and Readings for April 21

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings April 21, 2020

Bible Readings and Devotion for April 21, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for April 21, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. There is are 176 verses in this psalm of praise for God and his Word. When I did read this psalm aloud once many years ago it took me over 15 minutes.

There are a couple of interesting things about this psalm. One is the format, and the other is the constant and recurring theme.

First let’s look at the format. This psalm is formatted as an acrostic poem. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, an “acrostic” is a poem, word puzzle, or other composition in which certain letters in each line form a word or words.” In the case of Psalm 119, the acrostic is not a word, but an alphabet in proper order. It is the Hebrew alphabet, which is logical as the Old Testament is written in Hebrew.

The format is a set of eight verses grouped for each letter of the alphabet. These are in normal Hebrew alphabet succession. Each of the eight verse sections begins every verse with the Hebrew letter in succession. It would be like in English, verses 1-8 each begin with “A,” verses 9-16 begin with “B,” etc. The photo below shows the first eight verses of psalm 119. The Hebrew text reads from right to left, rather than our left to right. The Hebrew letter “Aleph” looks a bit like an “X.” You will see it beginning each verse on the far right of the image. This acrostic does not show up in the translation.

Psalm 119 Aleph

The second thing of note about this psalm is that every verse makes mention of God’s Word or Law in some way. As you read the psalm look for either of these words or any synonym of these in every verse.

The message of the psalm is that God’s Word or Law guides our lives. For me, the centerpiece of the psalm is verse 105, which reads: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Many have memorized this verse in the King James Version, which reads, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

This verse is one which I go back to over and over again. I also recite it to my toddler son every night at bedtime. I paraphrase it as, “God Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path.” It is a sort of prayer for me, and for my family, that we be guided by the precious and lifegiving Word of God in our lives.

For all who read this psalm and this verse, use it as an prayer for your own faith and life. As St. Paul prays for us in Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom; and with gratitude in your hearts sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God.”

There is a beautiful song based on Psalm 119:105. It is written by Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith, and sung by Amy Grant. It is called, “Thy Word.” This video shown in the link below presents the song with lyrics on the screen. Enjoy.

https://youtu.be/a6LC8cu03Ig

You may need to skip or watch ads at the beginning to see the video on YouTube.

Prayer

Gracious and holy God, give us diligence to seek you, wisdom to perceive you, and patience to wait for you. Grant us, O God, a mind to meditate on you; eyes to behold you; ears to listen for your word; a heart to love you; and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Devotion and Readings for April 20

Posted by mllccarmine in Pastor's Ponderings April 20, 2020

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Bible Readings and Devotion for April 20, 2020

Here are the references for the readings. Please look these up in your print Bible, your smartphone app Bible, or your online Bible:

Devotion for April 20, 2020

By Pastor David Tinker

When we look more deeply into the New Testament teachings we find some intensely amazing things in the life and teachings of Jesus. Today’s reading from John chapter 2 is another place in John’s Gospel when Jesus teaches about his role in transforming the Temple of Jerusalem.

In essence he is stating that in his body, his person, he is replacing the Temple. In my faith and learning this has been one of the most fascinating truths. I wrote about this some in the devotion for April 6 – click this link to view. In today’s reading Jesus states, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” Vs. 19b. He speaks in a way which bring some confusion at first. The people listening were thinking he was talking about the actual stone structure where they were. This building had been under construction, by that point, for 46 years. The idea of tearing it down and then rebuilding it in just a few days made no sense to them.

That is where St. John’s commentary on this scene comes into teach us. The Apostle and Evangelist John notes, “But he was speaking of the temple of his body. 22 After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.” He was speaking of the temple of his body. The dwelling place of God is Jesus. God’s presence in the world is Jesus. As we relate with Jesus we are connecting with God.

This is taught about in Colossians 1:19-20, where we read, “For in (Jesus) all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross.” God’s full self is given to us in Jesus. As we relate with Jesus, we relate with God himself. Just as the Jews connected with God at the Temple building in Jerusalem, those who are united with Jesus relate with God as they relate with Jesus.

Here is another point about the message in this passage. When we look back at John chapter 2, we see that Jesus is also announcing that he is going to die, and then be raised again. It is God’s power, Jesus’ power, which raises up Jesus from the dead. This finally began to make sense for the Apostles after Jesus died on the cross and was raised from the dead. They could look back on all that he had said and done, and they were able to see who is truly was, and that his actions were good and right for the world. They could see that his promise on that day did come true.

By the grace of God we get the joyful opportunity to be in a relationship with Jesus in the here and now, and for our eternity with the Lord. The center of all that we do is Jesus, God the Son. We are drawn to God and understand God by the Holy Spirit. We know God the Father as we know Jesus his one and only begotten Son. We get to know God. On this day let us give thanks for this most powerful truth.

Prayer

God of grace, you have given us minds to know you, hearts to love you, and voices to sing your praise. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may celebrate your glory and worship you in spirit and truth, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.