RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

FEBRUARY, 2010

 

 

 

RAMBLING THOUGHT

 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO BE THE PEOPLE GOD WANTS US TO BE

PARKING LOTS AND SHOPPING CARTS

It has been quite some time since I have shared with you a THOUGHT that has entered my mind during my daily hour at the mall parking lot while drinking my coffee along with reading and thinking.  I find that I can see so many lessons concerning God and the response of people to Him. Some things that I see give Praise to God, while other things seem to ignore His existence.

In most parking lots where there is either a grocery store or one of the major discount stores, shopping carts are scattered everywhere.  Maybe you have been there on a windy day and have shuddered as I have when a gust of wind propelled a driverless shopping cart right toward my car.  Then BANG, the cart hits the car and I see a Teaching Moment on the Seventh Commandment.  My car is now ten years old, and it has a few dings and dents, so another one here or there does not really bother me. However, when I put the event together with Thou Shalt Not Steal, it does bother me.  Maybe you don’t get the connection because you don’t see anyone stealing; just a cart rolling across the lot.

But wait a minute. If you were in Catechism Class as a youth, you probably remember that when you memorized the Commandments, you also memorized the Meaning.  You probably still remember them, but if you don’t, here is the meaning that Martin Luther wrote:

 

“We should fear and love God so that we do not rob our neighbor of his money nor property, nor bring them into our possession by unfair dealings or fraud but HELP HIM T0 IMPROVE HIS PROPERTY AND LIVING.”  If I don’t put my empty cart in the enclosures provided by the store and it rolls away to hit a car, I have broken the Commandment.

If I have gotten out of my car and walked past a cart sitting in the lot instead of pushing it into the store and that cart damages another car, I have broken the Commandment.  This really happened:  I observed a man get out of his car and walk right past a cart in the parking lot.  It was less than two minutes later that a gust of wind started the cart moving and it ran right into the car of the man who walked past it.

I have never understood why we willingly add to the cost of our purchases the salaries of those who spend their work hours bringing empty carts back into the store.

 

Would you BEGIN AGAIN to be the person God wants you to be by returning shopping carts to the store or at least pushing them to the enclosures provided?  Would you go one step farther and each time that you walk from the parking lot to the store, along the way take a cart that is just sitting there and push it inside?

To you who do like my wife does, I say thank you for willingly taking the cart back to the store or taking it to the enclosure AND for pushing an empty cart into the store each time you go in. May your fine example encourage others to BEGIN AGAIN to be the people God wants them to be.  QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?  Write me and I will be happy to respond.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

  

A WEBSITE 

 

The web site for this month is http://wandascountryhome.com/pinetrees/index.

This was sent to me by Bob and Jan in Colorado, The title of it is THE PINE TREES KNOW WHEN IT IS EASTER. I had not seen this before and I think that it is worthwhile sharing with you.

 

 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -   I AM THANKFUL that things are going a little better with my office time. Even though I did not get this to you in February, I plan to send another before March is over and then keep on the one a month schedule. I was able to send out one additional BEGIN AGAIN message and am pleased that the number of you receiving these messages is growing. If the writing schedule works as I have planned it, there should soon be several of these messages sent out each month. If I should receive any questions or comments on these articles, I will begin a new section in these RAMBLINGS so that I can summarize them for you.

 

COMMENT  2 - A STUDY SUGGESTION for your Bible Study and Devotional Reading:

Begin with a prayer that God reveal His Words of Power for you.

 

Select what you wish to read that day. It could be to begin a certain Book of the Bible or to read an inspirational book.

 

Take notes as you read. Be sure you write down ANY question that comes to your mind or anything you do not understand. It is very important that you also write down any sentence or thought that has a new meaning for your life.

 

Read as far as you want and then after a prayer for your day, go about your day’s work.

 

Think about any related thoughts that pop into your mind the rest of the day.

 

The next day read the same pages again. Refer to your notes as you read, and look at any Bible Passages that might be mentioned and write down new thoughts.

 

It would be helpful if you have a Cross Reference Bible or a Devotional Book; for example FEARLESS, which is my suggested book this month. In this book there are many Bible Passages with each Chapter and at the end of the book there is a discussion guide for each Chapter.

I hope that some of these suggestions might help you to grow in the Grace and Knowledge of our Loving Lord. Yes, if you wish, you can write me with a question any time you wish.

• egin with a prayer that God reveal His Words of Power for you

 

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 270 (229 email, 41 regular mail) names on my mailing list and would like to have more.  If you would rather not receive this email, please let me know. If you have a friend you would like to share this with, please do so. If there is someone who you think might like to receive this, send it on to them, have them look at it, and, then if they want me to send it their way, just send me their name and email address.  Remember to keep sending those quotes, jokes, titles of books that you have enjoyed, and questions as well as any suggestions of things you would like to have me write about.....and now...

 

 

MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU

 

MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK

 

MAY BE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE

 

AND THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR LAND

 

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

 

MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND.

 

..........See You At The House  ..........God's Peace,

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

Website:  www.ramblingsfromron.com

Email:  ron@ramblingsfromron.com

 

 

COUNT IT ALL JOY!!

 

 

A DEVOTIONAL CD by Pastor Ron Claussen - $15

 

An Audio CD with 17 Devotions from the Epistle of James

 

For Mail Orders send $15.00 for the CD to the above address.

Ohio residents add the Sales Tax at the rate for your county. Thank you.  

   

 

 

WHAT? GOD.......YOU WANT ME TO DO SOMETHING?

 

 

A DEVOTIONAL BOOK by Pastor Ron Claussen - $12

 

 

For Mail Orders send $12.00 for the book to the above address.

Ohio residents add the Sales Tax at the rate for your county. Thank you.  

 

 

 

 

 

RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

DECEMBER, 2009 - JANUARY, 2010

 

I begin this year of 2010 with the hope that I can be more regular with these RAMBLINGS and more productive with the articles seek I to write for the web site and the BEGIN AGAIN series. I seek your prayers that God might strengthen me and guide me.  Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

“To know what is right and not do it is the worse cowardice.” --Confucius

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

There was a terrible murder at the hotel today. The paper hanger hung a border.

  

 

LET’S MAKE A CHILD HAPPY...

 

Younger children like to tell jokes and are usually ready to listen to a new joke. To adults, some of these jokes just don’t make sense; yet, the kids enjoy them. So each month I will share one of these jokes and hope that you will share them with a child and make that child happy. If you know a child who would like to share a joke, send it to me along with the name, age and State of residence of the child.

 

    Q -  What does unaware mean?    

    A -  It’s the last thing you take off at night.

    (Thanks to  Roberta in Ohio)

 

 

 

ONCE A-PUN A TIME -- ONE LINERS...

 

Why did the man install a knocker on his door?  To win the no-bell prize. 

 

 

KIDS' PROVERBS...

 

I have received a series of “KID'S PROVERBS” from Karen in Iowa.  A first grade teacher gave her class the first part of a well known Proverb, and the students were to respond with what they thought was the second line.  I hope you enjoy these KID'S PROVERBS.

 

“No news is .......................impossible?”

 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

This month I want to suggest the book “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom and published by Hyperion.  It would be my hope that you might purchase this book, borrow it from someone, or check it out at the Library.  This is the true story of two men who are total opposites of each other.  If you have ever questioned your growth in faith, this book may help you.  If you have never questioned your faith, then this book is even more important for  you.  It is a book that should be in every Church Library.

 

 

GROWING IN GOD’S  WORD

 

I encourage you to do everything you can to GROW IN GOD’S WORD.  We do this as we read and study the Bible.  This time I would like to suggest that you read the Books that God inspired the Minor Prophets to write. Many of these only have a few Chapters, yet are seldom read.  You will find them as the last several Books of the Old Testament.  As you read, take notes of all the prophecies you read and of all the questions that might come to your mind. I am always happy to try to assist you with your questions, just write to me and ask.

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...

 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO LET ME BE WHO GOD WANTS ME TO BE

 

WHO WILL STAND UP FOR JESUS?  

 Matthew 5:11 (NKJV)

 

 

11 “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you”.  St. Matthew 5:11 (NKJV)

For many people, The Beatitudes rank among their favorite passages. The problem is that so few take time to grasp the words of comfort, strength, and love that Jesus imparts in this outstanding Sermon.  The words of these two verses are well known, but seldom do we see any relationship to our lives today.  We do need to take these Words seriously and spend time in prayer and meditation on the question, “In the face of persecution would I Stand Firm in my Faith and put my entire trust in God?”

During my Senior Year at Wartburg Theological Seminary, each student would be invited to the President’s office for an appointment.  When the invitations were received, we knew that a Congregation had voted to send a Letter of Call to be their Pastor.  Of course, we were excited about knowing which Congregation we would serve and in which State it was located.

The President of the Seminary at that time was the late Reverend Doctor Alfred Ewald. Before accepting the Call to be the Seminary President, he had served as the President of one of the Districts of the American Lutheran Church.  At that time, the District President was the Pastor to Pastors, unlike today where the Presidents, Bishops, Moderators, or whatever title they carry, seems to be in the role of a CEO, with the Pastoral role being a very small part, and sometimes forgotten part, of the call.

Dr. Ewald was the Pastor to the Pastors-to-be at that time. He counseled me about little things that were important, but seldom talked about, in the role of a Pastor. As the time of the appointment drew to a close, he said to me. “Just one more thing. I believe that in your lifetime you will be persecuted because of your faith if you remain true to the teachings of God’s Holy Word.”  He told me that I may not see it right away, but he was convinced that the persecution of Christians was already being practiced, even in the United States.  It is important to note that the persecution would not be because of being a Pastor, but because of being a Christian.

Each Senior Seminarian who received these words from Dr. Ewald had his own individual reaction. For the majority, the reaction was it could happen, but I don't think so, and therefore I am not going to worry about it. Is it any wonder then that when people read these verses from the Beatitudes, they pass right over them without giving them any thought?

“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.”  How do you understand this verse?  One example could be the recent comments of Britt Hulme suggesting that Tiger Woods needs the forgiveness that comes from Jesus Christ which his faith, Buddhism, cannot offer.  Mr. Hulme has been publicly attacked by so many because he chose to offer to Tiger the Only Way that he might once again return to a life free from the obsession of this particular sin is through Jesus.

A little bit closer to home.  Have you ever been in a group or a conversation where you did not speak up because you were afraid of the reaction of others? Maybe you feared you would lose a friend. Maybe you thought people would laugh at you.  Noah let them laugh while he built the ark.  Maybe it is in regard to some of the major social issues of the day and the difference between what the world thinks and what the Bible says. Maybe it is being around those who take God’s name in vain. Maybe it is when you are with those who like to spread gossip no matter how it might hurt someone. Maybe it is neglecting to act when the need for action is so strong. 

It is important that we remember that we have been called to a life in Christ to free people from their sins as Christ has freed us, not to encourage them to continue in their sinful ways by being silent so that we don't lose a friend, a promotion, or some status that we covet so much.

“Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  As hard as it is to grasp the idea of persecution in this age in which we live, it is equally as hard to see how you could rejoice and be exceedingly glad if you were persecuted as were the prophets of old.  It is only when we understand this that we can stand up for Jesus and join with Joshua when he said, “And if it seems evil to you to serve the LORD, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15 (NKJV). 

The truth is that we have to go to God and ask Him to fill us with His Holy Spirit in order that we might even have a glimpse of His Greatness and Power.  This is not something we just ask for; it is something on which we must act.  We must take time for prayer.  We must take time for Bible study. We must take time to meet for prayer and study with others.  We must invite Jesus to be a part of everything that we do and every decision we make. We must understand that Jesus is our confidant and our friend.  When we begin to allow the great Love of God to enter in and flow though our lives, it is then and only then that we can be willing to stand up for Him and confess His Name and His Love before others.  If we reject God before others by our silence, then God will also reject us.  If we confess Him before others, we may well face persecution, but we know that beyond awaits of the Peace of God that passes all human understanding.

WE PRAY:   Heavenly Father, You have called us to be Your witnesses in all places, even to the ends of the Earth.  We need your help. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit and open our eyes and our hearts that we might see and respond to every opportunity that is placed before us.  Help us not to worry abut how your Word might be received; help us only to have the power and courage to proclaim it. Amen.

LIVING THE DEVOTION

We can all identify every day activities that we do without giving them much thought.  Some of these are not pleasing to God.  Make a set of 3 X 5 cards with one such thing on each card. Then review the cards every day and note where you have continued to do that which you know you should not do.  If you have made some progress, make a note of what you might have done to make that change. As you are in Bible Study and Prayer, if you see a passage, hear a hymn, or read something that relates to that issue, add the information to the card.  There are two reasons for this. One is to daily remind you of what needs to be changed or needed to be changed and what a struggle it can be. The other reason is for when you are given the opportunity to help someone else through the same issue, you will understand the need for your patience as you try to help them through the small steps that you have taken.
GOD’S PEACE.  SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...

 

This is an old hymn that was used to quite often in the past but may not be used much any more. It is a hymn of assurance that may be of help in your walk with God in the midst of the evils of this world.  If you want to sing along with the words, go to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/g/w/gwiltake.htm.  When you go to the website, as you scroll down to the words; the music will begin, so sing along.

 

GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU (Martin)

  

“You may ask Me for anything in My Name, and I will do it.” John 14:13

 

Words: Civilla D. Martin, 1904; first appeared in Songs of Redemption and Praise, by John A. Davis, 1905.

I was confined to a sick bed in a Bible school in Lestershire, New York. My husband was spending several weeks at the school, making a songbook for the president of the school. “God Will Take Care of You” was written one Sunday afternoon while my husband went to a preaching appointment. When he returned I gave the words to him. He immediately sat down to his little Bilhorn organ and wrote the music. That evening he and two of the teachers sang the completed song. It was then printed in the songbook he was compiling for the school.

This song is credited for transforming the life of James Cash Penney, founder of the American department store chain J. C. Penney. He heard it one morning in the chapel of the Kellogg Sanitarium in Battle Creek, Michigan, where he had been hospitalized with a severe case of shingles, as well as exhaustion and depression.

 

Music: Walter S. Martin 

 

Be not dismayed whate’er betide,

God will take care of you;

Beneath His wings of love abide,

God will take care of you.

 

Refrain

God will take care of you,

Through every day, over all the way;

He will take care of you,

God will take care of you.

 

Through days of toil when heart doth fail,

God will take care of you;

When dangers fierce your path assail,

God will take care of you.

Refrain

 

All you may need He will provide,

God will take care of you;

Nothing you ask will be denied,

God will take care of you.

Refrain

 

No matter what may be the test,

God will take care of you;

Lean, weary one, upon His breast,

God will take care of you.

Refrain

 

 

RAMBLING THOUGHT

 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO LET THE CHURCH BE GOD’S CHURCH

 

IS THERE A FUTURE FOR CHRISTIAN EDUCATION IN YOUR CHURCH?

 

For some time I have had concerns about the future of Sunday School and Christian Education and the importance we place on it in our lives and in our Church.

 

AS I THINK BACK, I REMEMBER.......

 

-- A church half filled with Sunday School Children and teachers for the Opening. It was led by the Pastor and there was always something taught in his remarks that went along with the lesson of that day.

 

-- The Church basement that was filled with tables and chairs for the classes often with nothing to divide them or at best a curtain that could be drawn to separate them.

 

-- There were monthly Sunday School Teachers meetings where the Pastor provided thoughts and help for the main theme of the lesson for each week.

 

-- When children went to Sunday School and Church, as there was no Nursery, and the children learned the hymns just by listening and heard the Bible Readings and Sermons even if they could not always understand.

 

-- There were groups such as Junior Lutherans and Luther Leagues where the Bible and Service to God was the emphasis, not the social activities.

 

-- There were monthly meetings of the Pastor and those who would lead the various Bible Studies each month such as the Women’s and Men’s organizations.

 

-- There were weekly Saturday Morning Catechism Instructions for at least 7th and 8th graders where memory work and completed assignments were required and always taught by the Pastor.

 

-- There were various Adult Sunday School Classes and they were well attended. Often deep discussions about the teachings of God’s Holy Word.

 

-- There were hours spent each week by those who would teach, preparing the lesson and fewer hours by those who would be the students.

 

AS I SEE IT TODAY......

 

-- We have built Parish Education Buildings so each Class would have a room, but many rooms are empty week after week.

 

-- Congregations have made the decision that Sunday School is not as important as it used to be and many have canceled Sunday School for the summer.  Even more troublesome is the fact that Sunday School Classes in many Congregations are canceled Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s and Easter weekend because they interfere with family activities of students and teachers.

 

-- I seldom hear of Sunday School Teacher Meetings other than to plan the Christmas program or maybe the Sunday School Picnic.

 

-- There are only a few places where Pastors meet with those who will be leading Bible Studies. I also fear that many who teach do not spend much time or do much research in preparation.      

                                       

CAN WE GIVE SOME THOUGHT TO......

 

-- Considering not what went wrong, but what can we do to reverse this downward trend?

 

We would not think of building a house, a bridge, a highway or major building without being sure the proper foundation was there before the building started to be erected. Can we do less with the foundation of faith that is so important in the life of each individual?

 

Jesus said to Peter, “Do you love Me?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord, You know that I do.” This was asked three times and the answer was the same. After each answer Jesus said, “Feed My Sheep.” 

 

If you have an example of how your Congregation or you as an Individual are Feeding His Sheep, or a suggestion of what you think could be a way of bringing Christian Education for youth and adults back to the forefront, I would appreciate a response.  There will be more on this subject is future BEGIN AGAIN THOUGHTS.

 

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE  HOUSE. 

 

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this month is http://markdaniels.blogspot.com/   I have listed Mark and his blog before.  He has a new web address and is adding some excellent thoughts and sermons continuously.  It  could be a good stop for you every day.  

 

 

 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -  We are in another Election Year.  One of the things that I often hear people complain about is that when the ballots are prepared, many do not like either candidate.  They voice their opinion but then say there is nothing they can do about it.

 

I suggest that there is and there is still time this year to do so.  

 

First of all find out what positions will be voted for this year.  By this I mean local, county, community or state.  At the same time find out when election petitions are due.  

 

Second select one of those offices and then ask yourself, “Who do I know who could serve in that office with high Christian standards?

 

Third talk to that person and give encouragement for a run for office.  Offer your help and agree to enlist others to help in the campaign.

 

Pray about each step.   We can ask God for devout Christians to be elected, but when we do we may have to be God’s instrument in helping a person decide to run.  There is nothing wrong with asking God to provide us with Bible believing and Bible Living elected people. What is wrong is if we do not do our part in assisting those that God might Call to run for office.

 

COMMENT  2 - THE BEGIN AGAIN THOUGHTS AND DEVOTIONS.  Just to let you know that even if you have not been receiving additional BEGIN AGAIN Thoughts and Devotions, it does not mean that they are no longer in my plans.I am still convinced that the problems we face will not be solved by government. I believe that they can only be solved when individuals pause and take a look at the life they live and then BEGIN AGAIN to live the way God would have us live. The beauty of it is that this can happen without any new taxes.  Instead it can provide us with more financial resources that we can use to spread the Word of God’s Love.

 

Each of you receive the articles that are in the RAMBLINGS.  I realize that your INBOX, like mine, is often filled with things we don’t want. For that reason, I will only send the extra ones to those who request them.  At present there are four of you who have requested and have received them. If you wish to be added to that list, just send me an email and let me know.

 

 

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 269 (229 email, 40 regular mail) names on my mailing list and would like to have more.  If you would rather not receive this email, please let me know. If you have a friend you would like to share this with, please do so. If there is someone who you think might like to receive this, send it on to them, have them look at it, and, then if they want me to send it their way, just send me their name and email address.  Remember to keep sending those quotes, jokes, titles of books that you have enjoyed, and questions as well as any suggestions of things you would like to have me write about.....and now...

 

 

MAY THE ROAD RISE UP TO MEET YOU

 

MAY THE WIND ALWAYS BE AT YOUR BACK

 

MAY BE SUN SHINE WARM UPON YOUR FACE

 

AND THE RAIN FALL SOFT UPON YOUR LAND

 

UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

 

MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE HOLLOW OF HIS HAND.

 

..........See You At The House  ..........God's Peace,

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

Website:  www.ramblingsfromron.com

Email:  ron@ramblingsfromron.com

 

 

RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER- NOVEMBER, 2009

 

Once again I needed to skip two months of sending these RAMBLINGS your way.  I had hoped that I was back on a monthly schedule, but it did not work out.  With the season change, the species of birds are new again as our winter feathered friends are arriving as the summer visitors have now gone to warmer climes.  All things change except for the Love of God.  How thankful we should be that we have a CHANGELESS CHRIST in this changing world ................ ...............Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these...........

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

“The world has forgotten, in its concern with Left and Right, that there is an Above and Below.”     

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

A customer grabbed a large thermos and hurried to a nearby coffee shop.  The coffee shop worker quickly came over to take the order. 

"Is this big enough to hold six cups of coffee?" the customer asked. 

 

The coffee shop worker looked at the thermos, hesitated a few seconds, then finally replied, "Yeah. It looks like about six cups to me." 

 

"Oh good!" the customer sighed in relief. "Then give me two regular, two black, and two decaf."        (Thanks to Doris in Ohio) 

 

 

LET’S MAKE A CHILD HAPPY...

 

Younger children like to tell jokes and are usually ready to listen to a new joke. To adults, some of these jokes just don’t make sense; yet, the kids enjoy them. So each month I will share one of these jokes and hope that you will share them with a child and make that child happy. If you know a child who would like to share a joke, send it to me along with the name, age and state of residence of the child.

 

       Q - What is the difference between Bird Flu and Swine Flu?     

       A - For Bird Flu you need tweetment and for Swine Flu you need oinkment! 

            (Thanks to  Roberta in Ohio)

 

 

 

ONCE A-PUN A TIME -- ONE LINERS...

 

She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.

 

 

KIDS' PROVERBS...

 

I have received a series of “KID'S PROVERBS” from Karen in Iowa.  A first grade teacher gave her class the first part of a well known Proverb, and the students were to respond with what they thought was the second line.  I hope you enjoy these KID'S PROVERBS.

 

“You can lead a horse to water but  -------- How?”

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

This month I want to repeat a suggested book that I have mentioned before.   The book is a Bible Story Book. The one I had as a child is Egermeiers Bible Story Book, but there are other good ones available.  If you do not  have one, I would encourage you to go to your locally owned Christian Bookstore and select the book of your choice.  The reason I place such high value on owning and reading a Bible Story Book is found in the GROWING IN GOD’S WORD section.

 

 

GROWING IN GOD’S WORD...

 

My Growing suggestion deals with reading Bible Stories even though most people have known these stories for many years and can easily retell them.  The question is, “Do we know what they mean for our individual lives?”

 

As an example, I will use the very familiar story of Daniel in the lion’s den.  Begin by reading the story from the Bible, Daniel, Chapter 6.  Then, if you have a Bible Story Book, read the story from it.  If you prayed for the guidance of the Holy Spirit before you began, now is the time to ask God to reveal the meaning of this story for your life.  Just a hint.  Don’t make the mistake of skipping the first part of the story and going right to the action in the lion’s den.   As you read and come to the name of Daniel, put your name there, or  use I or Me.  The important question you will have to answer right at the start is,  “Would I qualify as one who would be sentenced to be cast into the lion’s den?”  If your answer is No or I’m not sure, I encourage you to do everything you can to GROW IN GOD’S WORD.

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...

 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO LET GOD’S WORD BE GOD’S WORD

 

TO READ IT SO THAT YOU CAN BELIEVE IT

John 20:30-31 (NKJV)

 

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.  St. John 20:30-31 (NKJV) 

 

This has long been one of my favorite Bible passages.  At first reading, it is easy to skip over it without realizing how very important it is.  I did not realize the importance of it until serving my first parish, Nazareth Lutheran in Chatfield, Ohio.  The choir was going to present the moving cantata, NO GREATER LOVE, by John Peterson.  I was asked to do the Narration.  The choir, organist and director were all members of the Congregation and they were fantastic.  As the cantata progressed, toward the end in the narration were the words of our verses for today.  The singing had an effect on me and as I read these words, all of a sudden they came to life and had an effect on the rest of my years in the ministry.

 

We went from Chatfield to Denver, Colorado and then on December 30, 1975 arrived in Defiance, Ohio to begin our ministry at Bethlehem and St. Mark’s Lutheran Congregations.  Toward evening on the day of our arrival, Fred and Marlin, who were the chairmen of the two congregations, stopped in to say hello. One of them said to me, “We have a New Years Eve Service tomorrow night and since we knew you would be here, we did not get a Pastor to preach.  Is that okay?” I could only say, yes.  The moving van would not arrive for another few days.  All we had were the clothes in our suitcases. No books, nothing to use to quickly prepare a Sermon.  It did not take long for the words of these verses to enter my mind and they became my Sermon text not only for that night but for every New Year’s Eve Service that I had from that time on.

 

In the turmoil of these days, these words become even more important.  

 

We claim to be a Christian Nation, yet only a small percentage of Americans belong to a church and less than 30 percent of those who claim to be Christians REMEMBER TO KEEP THE SABBATH DAY HOLY by at least attending Church.

 

We have many laws in our communities, states, and nation that are in direct opposition to what the Word of God teaches.   

 

People get upset because they are taxed in order to provide for basic needs and care that some just cannot afford, while years ago the church and the people of the church met all of these needs without the red tape and taxes of today.

 

The list could go on and on, and, while it does, I fear that the line of people awaiting entrance through the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven is getting shorter and shorter.

 

“These things are written that you might believe.”  The first thing that you must ask yourself is, What things?  Without going back to look, can you recall what is written in the Gospel of St. John?  If you can’t and thus don’t know them, how can you believe in that which you don’t know.  Many of the things that are written can only be accepted by belief as there is not the kind of proof that many people want.  It is only in the knowing and the believing “that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God” that you can understand how important they are to not only your life today but also if you desire to be admitted to the line at the Gates of Heaven.  There will not be any gate crashers.  It is  only “believing that you will have life in His Name.” Begin again to READ IT SO THAT YOU CAN BELIEVE IT.

 

WE PRAY:  “Divine Instructor, Gracious Lord, be Thou forever near.  Teach us to love Thy Sacred Word and view our Savior there.  AMEN.

 

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

 

I have been suggesting for some time that people select one of the Gospels and read it over and over until they know the truths it contains.  You might want to do this as a part of Family Devotions, each time discussing what you have read.  OR

 

You and a friend or friends could decide to read the same Gospel and spend some time each week, or more often if possible, talking about what you read. OR

 

If you are involved in FaceBook, invite your friends to join you in reading and then posting what you read and what you think so that they could respond and add their comments.

 

Don’t forget to write down your questions as you read.  Keep asking those questions even if people who should know the answers give the idea that they are too busy. Nothing is more important than to give one another assistance in seeking the Truth of God’s Word so that we might believe and in believing have Life in His Name.

 

GOD’S PEACE.               SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...

 

I have used this hymn before.  I will often repeat hymns that have a verse that could be helpful in daily life. Through most of my ministry I have used the last verse of this hymn each Sunday as the prayer that followed the reading of the Sermon Text for the day.  The words that I used are a little different version, but either version is worth memorizing for a prayer before Bible Study.

 

FATHER OF MERCIES, IN THY WORD  

“Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

 

Words: Anne Steele, Poems on Subjects Chiefly Devotional, 1760.

Music: Tallis’ Ordinal, Thomas Tallis, circa 1567

 

Father of mercies, in Thy Word

What endless glory shines!

Forever be Thy Name adored

For these celestial lines.

 

Here may the wretched sons of want

Exhaustless riches find;

Riches above what earth can grant,

And lasting as the mind.

 

Here the fair tree of knowledge grows

And yields a free repast;

And richer fruits than nature shows

Invite the longing taste.

 

Amidst these gloomy wilds below,

When dark and sad we stray,

Here beams of Heaven relieve our woe,

And guide to endless day.

 

Here springs of consolation rise

To cheer the fainting mind,

And thirsty souls receive supplies,

And sweet refreshment find.

 

Here the Redeemer’s welcome voice

Spreads heavenly peace around

And life and everlasting joys

Attend the blissful sound.

 

Oh, may these hallowed pages be

Our joy by day and night,

And still new beauties may we see,

And still increasing light.

 

Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,

O grant our fervent prayer,

Teach us to love Thy sacred Word,

And view the Savior there

 

It is my hope that I am on the path of sending these RAMBLINGS on a more frequent and regular basis.  Please note that I said “my hope” as I never know how things are going to go from day to day.  In this issue there is a new section, “GROWING IN KNOWING GOD’S WORD.”  Also, in the Comment Section I will explain a new way which I hope that God might use in leading you to walk in His Name.   ...............Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

“Your day usually goes the way the corners of your mouth point.”  

(Thanks to Karen in Ohio)        

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

Bible and a Haircut

 

A young boy had just gotten his driver's permit and inquired of his father if they could discuss his use of the car. 

 

His father said he'd make a deal with his son.  You bring your grades up from a C to a B average, study your Bible a little, get your hair cut and we'll talk about the car."

 

The boy thought about that for a moment decided he'd settle for the offer and they agreed on it.

 

After about six weeks his father said, "Son, I've been real proud. You brought your grades up and I've observed that you have been studying your Bible, but I'm real disappointed you haven't gotten your hair cut."

 

The young man paused a moment then said, "You know, Dad, I've been thinking about that, and I've noticed in my studies of the Bible that Samson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair, Moses had long hair and there's even a strong argument that Jesus had long hair."

 

And his father replied, "Did you also notice they all walked every wherever they went?"

(Thanks to Roberta in Ohio) 

 

LET’S MAKE A CHILD HAPPY...

 

Younger children like to tell jokes and are usually ready to listen to a new joke. To adults, some of these jokes just don’t make sense; yet, the kids enjoy them. So each month I will share one of these jokes and hope that you will share them with a child and make that child happy. If you know a child who would like to share a joke, send it to me along with the name, age and state of residence of the child.

 

        Q - What goes up in the air white and comes down yellow and white?

        A - An egg. 

  

ONCE A-PUN A TIME -- ONE LINERS...

 

Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here. I'll go on a-head. 

 

KIDS' PROVERBS...

 

I have received a series of “KID'S PROVERBS” from Karen in Iowa.  A first grade teacher gave her class the first part of a well known Proverb, and the students were to respond with what they thought was the second line.  I hope you enjoy these KID'S PROVERBS.

 

“If at first you don't succeed..............................get new batteries”

 (Thanks to Karen in Iowa) 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

Margi in Tennessee sent two suggestions of books that she enjoyed and found helpful.  The first is “THE SHACK,” by William P. Young.  The other one is “GOD SAID IT, DON’T SWEAT IT,” by Neil Clark Warren. In an advertisement it is described as “How to keep life’s petty hassles from overwhelming you.”  Margi said that this book contains teachings of Paul.  She said that by reading this in simple language and then looking it up in the Bible, there is a new understanding. 

 

GROWING IN KNOWING GOD’S WORD

 

In my opinion, the best way of Growing in Knowing the Word of God is by following a Read the Bible in a Year Program. One thing that you can do to make it even better is to find a friend who will read the same chapters that you read so you can share your thoughts and questions.  You can just start on your own or there are several places on the Internet where a Bible Reading schedule is available. The more we grow and know about God, the greater the Joy we have in living in His Love. 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...  

 

DO WE MEAN THE WORDS WE PRAY?

 

“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. St. Luke 11:2 (NKJV)

Have you ever seriously asked yourself the question, “Do I really mean what I pray?” Certainly you would answer, “Yes,” when you would be praying in time of pain, illness or sorrow, as death draws near or has already taken a loved one.

But what about other times? I have many times asked people the question, When you pray the common table prayer, “Come, Lord Jesus, be our Guest,” do you visualize or even think about the possibility that you have invited Jesus to sit at the table with you AND that He is there as your unseen guest?

When you pray The Lord’s Prayer and pray “Hallowed be The Name?” do you really mean that or do you soon take His Name in vain? This could be anything from cursing or swearing to using the phrase, “O my God” in disgust or gladness without any thought of God having anything to do with what is happening?
For the purpose of this devotion, we look at the petition, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

If all Christians are very sincere about praying these words, then why:

• Are there so many people homeless and hungry? That is certainly not God’s will.
• Is there so much crime that people are often afraid to go out at night or to work in a business that is open during the dark hours of a night? That is certainly not God’s Will.
• Is it that there are so many deaths caused by drugs, alcohol, misuse of cell phones, speed and other preventable causes? This is certainly not God’s Will.
• Is there so much domestic violence? That certainly is not God’s Will.
• Is there so much division and dissension in so many Christian Congregations and Denominations? This certainly is not God’s Will.

It would be good if you would pause here and on a sheet of paper continue this list with other things that you see wrong in the world that are not God’s Will.

To switch from the negative to the positive side of this Devotion I want to share with you a quotation concerning the prayer, “Thy Will be done” from one of the great Reformers of the Christian Church, John Calvin. He said, “The substance of the prayer is that God would enlighten the world by the light of His Word, would form the hearts of men by the influence of His Spirit, and would restore to order, by the gracious exercise of His Power, all the disorder that exists in the world.”

The question then becomes one of not can God do it, but one of Do we really want His Will to be done? Are we willing to make the sacrifices and changes that would be needed in our lives in order that we can seek to do His Will?

An immediate response might be, “What good will it do; what can one person do?” The problem here is that we are not thinking the right way. It is not “what can we do.” It should be “what can God do” with each of us and our actions of faith if we seek to do His Will. We can’t even begin to imagine what changes can come to our homes, our churches, our schools, our business and industry, our government and yes, even to our world if you and then another and still another pray seriously and fervently that “Thy Will be done.”

In the coming days, months or years, whatever time I have left on this earth, I want to share with you RAMBLING THOUGHTS and DEVOTIONS to help you BEGIN AGAIN as you daily pray and live that God’s Will be done.

Do you really mean the words you pray when you pray, “Thy Will be done?”

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, so often I do not understand what I am praying for when I pray “Thy Will be done.” Open my heart when I read your Holy Word and then open my eyes so that I can see where often I am part of the reason that Your Will is not being done. Teach me Thy Ways, O Lord, and lead me in Your Path that I may follow you that Your Will might be done here on earth as it is in Heaven. AMEN.

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

Each of us should have no trouble examining our lives and seeing ways in which we are not doing as God would have us do. Just take one of those areas and pray about it on a regular basis. Mornings, evenings and any time you have an extra minute or two. Do this every day and you might be surprised what will happen. If you want, talk about it with a friend. You can even send me a note and i will give you whatever support I can. Just remember that this is for a change in you and not a try to change someone else. 

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...

 

PLEASE NOTE:  Good News!  HymnTime is now the home site for TheCyberHymnal.  If you have the address bookmarked, please change it to http://www.hymntime.com

 

If you want to sing along with the words, go to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/w/o/r/worgodss.htm.    When you go to the web site, as you scroll down to the words, the music will begin, so sing along.

 

THE WORD OF GOD SHALL STAND

  

“The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of our God shall stand forever.” Isaiah 40:8

Words & Music: Frank C. Huston, 1910.