Messiah Lutheran Church and School

Saturday, December 10
Good morning everyone,

I’m still looking. I set aside an hour or so last evening to do some Christmas shopping. I had a particular store in mind which I was sure would have the perfect gifts for two people on my list. The store was well stocked with everything from surplus military bayonets to socks. Several times as I wandered the aisles employees asked if they could help. But after looking everything over, I left without buying a single gift. So I’m still looking. Perhaps you’re in the same situation. As each day passes, the pressure of time grows a little more. However, in the big picture it’s a very minor thing if I’m still looking for a gift to wrap and ship off to someone.

But think of all the people who are still looking for real meaning in life, for joy and contentment that will last, for peace of heart, for security in a world which is coming apart at the seams, for strength to face hardships, for hope in the face of death. For so many it’s a frightening and frustrating search as they go from one self-help philosophy or earthly experience to another, and yet come away with nothing truly soul-satisfying. All the while the clock keeps ticking and the pressure builds.

It doesn’t have to be that way. There is one perfect gift which fits all people and their needs, and it’s available to all free of charge in abundant supply. It’s found in the news of a Baby born in the humblest of circumstances, but who is none other than God Himself come to win forgiveness, peace, and life for all. It’s the gift freely offered in the Word to everyone who will hear. It’s the gift we look forward to receiving tomorrow in our worship. It’s the gift we can offer to our families, friends, co-workers, classmates, and everyone else we may meet during these busy days and weeks. It’s the gift, which once we have, the search is over. We don’t need to look any further, for in Jesus we have all we could possibly need or want, both now and for eternity. “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” (2 Cor. 9:15).

The choir will rehearse tomorrow from 9:10-9:30 a.m. Christmas Eve rehearsal for the Sunday School children begins at 9:30 a.m. The adult Bible class will meet in the activity room at 9:45 a.m. We’ll continue our study of Hosea at 12:7.

The activity committee would appreciate monetary donations for the purchase of food for the meal for the Sunday School children next Sunday and for the Christmas Eve bags. Look for the box on the counter tomorrow.

Yours in Him,
Pastor

Saturday, December 3
Good morning everyone,

We all like to be comfortable, but when was the last time you truly were completely comfortable. The house may be the perfect temperature, but the winter air makes your skin flaky and dry. The sweater may feel soft and warm, but your shoes pinch. Everything around you is fine, but a fever and cold feel like a vise squeezing your head. The weekend is comfortable, but Monday’s schedule makes you squirm. All of life is like that, isn’t it? It’s never totally comfortable. And no matter how hard we may try, we can never make it that way. Just as it brought thorns and thistles into Adam’s life, so sin brings all kinds of discomfort into our world.

But like a warm coat and a cup of hot chocolate on a subzero day, God’s Word comforts us while we live here and wait for the Lord’s return to take us home. The message of a Savior who came to take away our guilt soothes the hurts of the “thorns and thistles” of our lives. Look forward to “relaxing” tomorrow in the perfect comfort of the Lord’s promises of forgiveness, help, and lasting joy in the coming Savior.

The choir will rehearse after first service. Parents, remember that the first Christmas Eve rehearsal begins tomorrow promptly at 9:30 a.m. The Outreach Committee will be using the adult Bible class period for a discussion of witnessing opportunities during the Christmas season.

We hope that many will also make plans to join us for the caroling party/chili supper at 4:00 p.m. Everyone is welcome, no experience necessary! Come and sing the Savior’s praises!

See you tomorrow,
Pastor

Saturday, November 26

Good morning everyone,

Even with all the emphasis on Black Friday shopping and finding the perfect clothes, tech toys, and other gifts before Christmas, most people realize that “things” are not the complete answer for joy and happiness. And so “family” is another theme often mentioned during this season. Without question, time spent with loved ones is precious. Family gatherings at Thanksgiving and Christmas reconnect us with one another and provide memories for years to come. But even they can fall short. We build up great expectations for the “perfect” family gathering, only to be disappointed when it turns out to be less than that. What if we don’t have much family, or time, distance, work, or other circumstances prevent us from getting together?

The Lord in His Word leads us to see that the joy of the Advent season is truly in “family,” but not just in our earthly relationships with one another. Advent is about the heavenly Father’s love for wayward sinners, and His decision from eternity to send His Son to become man, that we might “receive the adoption of sons.” God opens His doors wide, and says to all, “Come! Come to the feast of salvation. Come, be a member of My family. Rejoice in the forgiveness and life Jesus came to win for you!” May we set aside time to do just that in our Sunday services, as well as in our Wednesday Advent worship. That kind of “family” time will never disappoint!

The sermon text for tomorrow is Is. 63:16-17; 64:1-8, in which the prophet expresses his longing for the Lord to come and rescue His people. The adult Bible class will pick up with Hosea 10. Also, Annette Traub recently moved to an assisted living apartment in downtown Waukesha, and is looking for rides to church. Her phone is: 262-446-9335.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor

Saturday, November 19

Good morning everyone,

The Journal/Sentinel reported this morning that the latest economic data is pointing to better days ahead. However, in the next sentence the reporter cautioned that it may not actually turn out that way. The doctor assures you that the prescribed medication will take care of the health issue and you’ll feel better in no time, but a week later you’re just as miserable as before. We learn from experience that the promise of “better days ahead” is not always fulfilled. In fact, disappoint, hurts, and overly optimistic predictions lead many to conclude that things are bound to get worse, not better. Where do you stand? How’s your outlook? What’s realistic?

The Lord doesn’t sugarcoat the world’s situation. He tells us that sin has irreparably ruined His creation. It has brought suffering and death into the world, and has separated mankind from his Creator. All have sinned. All are condemned under God’s law. No matter how vocally people deny it, or try to overcome it by their own efforts at reform, it remains the reality.

But at the same time the Lord gives us reason for the greatest optimism now and especially for the future. When we were dead in sin, He sent His Son to be our righteousness, and to take our sin and punishment out of the picture by taking it all upon Himself on the cross. “The blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 Jn. 1:7). “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom. 8:1). And what does our Savior tell us about the future? “In my Father’s house are many mansions….I go to prepare a place for you….I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (Jn. 14:2-3).

The best is yet to come, guaranteed by the word of promise of God Himself. In tomorrow’s service the Holy Spirit will lead us to those promises of better things to come, and thereby encourage us as we continue on our journey “home.” The sermon text is 2 Peter 3:3-4, 8-10, 13. The Sunday School is singing in second service. Adult Bible class will take up Hosea 10 and following. The public school confirmation class meets at 12:15 p.m.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor

Saturday, September 25

Good morning everyone,

It might be raining outside, but Wisconsin is still basking in the sunshine of victory!  Last night the Brewers clinched the division championship and are on their way to the playoffs.  It feels great to win.  Everyone loves to be on top.

But it’s that very thing which makes following Christ so hard, because He tells us that we are not going to look or feel like winners when we walk with Him.  It will be just the opposite.  He says, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mk. 10:43-44).  St. Paul described his life of following Jesus: “We go hungry and thirsty, we are in rags, we are brutally treated…When we are cursed, we bless…When we are slandered, we answer kindly. Up to this moment we have become the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world” (1 Cor. 4:11ff.).  Sounds like a “losing” lifestyle, doesn’t it?  Who would ever want that? Why would anyone follow the Lord if that is what they can expect?

Following Christ does mean looking like a loser in the eyes of the world, but the Lord assures us that by faith in Him we gain far more than we lose. We may lose earthly advantages and comforts. We make sacrifices in order to worship the Lord, support His work in the congregation, and work with fellow believers to spread the gospel in other parts of the world.   We may have to put up with harsh comments about our beliefs and various other forms of ridicule, but we gain the life that never ends, the life Jesus won for us by His suffering and death on the cross. Our guilt was put on Jesus and buried with Him. Just as He rose from the grave in victory, so we have been raised to new life. “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10). In Jesus we win by losing. Praise His saving name!

In tomorrow’s sermon text (Matt. 16:21-26) the Lord elaborates on this paradoxical truth that we save our lives by losing them for Him. In Bible class we will continue our study of Hosea. The public school confirmation class meets at 12:15.

See you tomorrow,
Pastor

Saturday, September 10

Good morning everyone,

In some ways this is a very ordinary weekend.  We all have our lists of activities and chores to take care of.  But at the same time, we as a nation are observing the 10th anniversary of 9/11.  The memories hurt.  The unprovoked terrorist attacks were devastating, especially to those who lost loved ones.  But is there any bright spot in the tragedy, any hope?

The Lord tells us that suffering, sadness, and death all come because of sin.  We see that throughout history from the sin of Adam and Eve to Cain’s murder of his brother Abel right up to the wars and terrorism of our own day.  Jesus says it will be that way until His return in judgment.  Still, there is real, solid hope, even in the face of sin’s curse on mankind.  Our hope is in our loving God, who sent His Son to take sin’s curse upon Himself.  “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities” (Is. 53:5).

By faith in Christ we have hope.  Our sins are forgiven and we enjoy peace with God.  Even in hardships and other trials we have hope, for the Lord promises that He will make good come out of tragedy.  “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28).  If God could make good come from the evil plans of Christ’s enemies which led to His crucifixion, we can be sure He can turn every evil plan and circumstance into a blessing for His people.  We will look to our hope in Christ tomorrow as we commemorate the anniversary of 9/11 in our service.  The sermon text is Lamentations 3:19-24.

Note that we begin our fall schedule tomorrow: Services at 8:00 and 10:45 a.m.  Choir at 9:15.  Sunday School at 9:30, and adult Bible class at 9:45 a.m.  Parents of SS children are asked to meet in the church at 9:30 for information on the SS curriculum, and how they can use it throughout the week in teaching their children more about the Savior’s love.  Sunday School teachers will be installed during second service.

Saturday, September 4

Good morning everyone,

“What would you do for a Klondike bar?”  Remember the commercials?  People, at least on TV, were willing to do some pretty ridiculous things just to get an ice cream bar.  What would you do?  Where would you draw the line, and say, “No, I’m not that hungry!”  What are your limits?

A far more important question is, “What would you do in the name of love?”  It depends, doesn’t it?  If it involves a family member, close friend, or fellow believer, we might be willing to do quite a bit and make great sacrifices for the sake of the person we know and care about.  On the other hand, our limits might be much lower when it comes to a total stranger.  Human nature limits love for others: how much, how long, how often, how great.  Peter once asked Jesus, “How often do I have to forgive my brother, up to seven times?”

God, however, sets a much different benchmark for love.  He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jer. 31:3).  It’s unlimited in its scope and in how much it is willing to do.  It’s breathtaking!  “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16).  No one is excluded.  God loves all people to the extent He was willing to sacrifice all–even His holy Son–for sinners, so that all are now pronounced just and righteous before Him.  When that love is received by faith, it has a profound effect in the heart.  It creates and strengthens love for the Lord and for others.  A believer’s love resonates in harmony with God’s unlimited love.  “We love because He first loved us” (1 Jn. 4:19).

St. Paul writes of love, even in the face of rejection, in the text for tomorrow (Rom. 9:1-5).  We look forward to rejoicing in God’s unlimited love, and we pray that His love will work a greater and deeper love within our hearts, both for Him and for all others.

Yours in Him,
Pastor

Holy Communion will be celebrated at both services tomorrow.  We are still on the summer schedule: 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. services.  The fall schedule begins next week, Sept. 11.

Saturday, August 27

Good morning everyone,

A front page article in the Journal-Sentinel this morning caught my eye.  It told about a couple in Milwaukee who recently quit their jobs and sold their possessions to set out on a 15 month trip around the world.  I’m sure it will be the adventure of a lifetime!  But would you do it?  How would you pack?  What would you take?  What about unforeseen emergencies?  We know the advantages of traveling light, but what if you need extra batteries, warmer clothes, different shoes, hair dryer, sunscreen, emergency cash, snacks, maps, etc., etc.?

We may never be faced with what to pack for a trip around the world, but what about our trip through this life?  What do we need to be prepared, so that we don’t end up stranded somewhere?  Isn’t our natural tendency to focus on “things” we imagine we should have: a certain income level, home, bank balance, employment, retirement account….?  It can be nerve wracking to try to anticipate future needs.  The thinking is that the more suitcases we have and the more we stuff into them, the readier we will be for any situation.  The Lord, however, counsels us differently.  He explains that packing too much will only bog us down and interfere with the trip.  What’s more, it doesn’t offer real security.

The key to a successful trip and fulfilling adventure is not “what” you have, but “who” is with you.  Which is better, to pull and carry four suitcases full of things you might need wherever you go, or to travel with someone who knows the way and has the means to provide whatever you need whenever you need it?  In the latter case, you can move much more easily and freely, while at the same time knowing everything is taken care of.

For the believer, the trip through this life is an adventure in which we don’t have to worry about the “what” and “how much,” because of “who” goes with us.  Jesus promises, “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:20).  The Lord told Martha, “You are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed” (Lk. 10:42).  ”Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33).  In tomorrow’s service we will be reminded again of how wonderfully the Lord provides for all our needs of body and soul.  The sermon text is Is. 55:1-5, which lays before us the most lavish “feast” ever prepared for sin-starved souls.  See you tomorrow!

In Christ,

Pastor

Saturday, August 20

Good morning everyone,

“I can’t believe I did something so stupid….again!”  Ever said that?  You know that the household gadget advertised on the infomercial is likely junk, because you’ve ordered other items before, and yet you pull out the credit card and do it again.  You hurt a family member with the same unkind criticism which you told yourself you would never use again.  It’s frustrating enough when we recognize how foolish or wrong something we said or did was, but to end up doing it again and again is especially disheartening.  More than that, it’s frightening to remember that God sees it all and hears every word!  Paul sums it up so well: “For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing….What a wretched man I am!  Who will rescue me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:19, 24).

What’s the answer?  Can we ever get it right, or should we just give up, and say, “It’s just the way I am.”  After expressing his dismay and frustration, Paul continues in Romans 7:25: “Thanks be to God–through Jesus Christ our Lord!”  Jesus got it right for us.  His perfection is the answer to our repeated failures to follow God’s will in our lives.  His death wiped our record clean before God’s court.  Not only that, now the Lord promises the gift of the Holy Spirit to enable us to “get it right” as we go forward and live for the Lord.  We will still stumble and fall…again, but we can keep going back to the Lord’s throne of grace for forgiveness and renewed strength to “fight the good fight of faith.”  Since the Lord got it right for us so completely and perfectly, we are beloved children of God.  We can leave all our frustrations at His cross, and with the Spirit’s strength keep striving to overcome sin and live for Him who died for us.  Tomorrow’s sermon text (1 Kings 3:5-12) teaches us with the example of Solomon what it means to “get it right” when it comes to our prayers and requests of God.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor