Ramblings From Ron

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWSLETTERS

RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

FEBRUARY, 2010

 

I know that the month of March has arrived but I decided to keep this as a February issue. I have a strong desire to be back on a once a month schedule.  This is not because I want to write more; it is because I continue to sense more and more persecutions against Christ and His Church. I sense more and more who choose to allow society to make the rules for life and discard those “cumbersome” rules of our Christian Heritage. The time is now to BEGIN AGAIN “To Tell the Old, Old Story of Jesus and His Love...............  Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

“The Gospel is not something only to go to church to hear - but to go from church to tell.”

 

 

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

"Who is your cook now?

Della

Della who?

Della Katessen.”

 

 

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.

 

Teacher - What is an octopus?     

Young Boy - It is an eight sided cat.  

 

 

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

 

Two silk worms had a race.  They ended up in a tie.

 

 

 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.

 

"An idle mind is........................ the best way to relax."

 

 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

This month I want to suggest the book “FEARLESS” by Max Lucado, published by Thomas Nelson.   On the back cover, words about the book begin with “Each sunrise seems to bring fresh reason for fear."  Following some words about the book, it concludes with “Can you imagine your life without fear?”  We all have fears.  Fear is a terrible thing to live with.  I highly encourage you to go to your local Christian Bookstore to purchase a copy.

 

Please continue to share with me books that you read that have made an impact on your Life in Christ.

 

 

GROWING IN GOD’S WORD

 

I encourage you to do everything you can to GROW IN GOD’S WORD.  When you are reading books, magazines, newspapers, or internet messages, when you are watching TV, movies, or internet offerings, or listening to music, talk shows, and advertisements, invite God to read, watch, and listen with you.  By that I mean keep a pencil and note pad or cards with you.  Then if any of the following apply, write it down.

Is God speaking to me through this?  If so, make note of what was meaningful and what influence it could have on your life.

 

If you are disturbed by a news story or political issue, write it down so that you can go to the Bible to seek God’s response to the particular issue.

 

If you believe that something is contrary to the teachings of God and His Love, make a note of it so you can meditate on why you continue to watch, read, or listen, and, therefore, support those who sponsor, produce, and profit from them.

Most people don’t get upset by such things and simply say, “That’s just the way the world is today.” May I suggest that our answers as God’s children should be:  “That  may be the way the world is today, but that is NOT the way God made the world.

 

Let us pray that we do not become weary as we continue GROWING IN GOD’S WORD.

 

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...

 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO BE THE PEOPLE GOD WANTS US TO BE

 

WHY WASTE YOUR TIME WORRYING?

Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)

 

31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.  St. Matthew 6:31-34 (NKJV)

 

We hear reports of massive earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, floods, blizzards, ice storms, drought, and periods of extreme heat or bitter cold.  We eagerly await the video reports so we can see the damage, the despair, and what seems to be extreme helplessness. We worry.

 

We hear of wars and rumors of wars, of nations building destructive plans and equipment for destroying one another.  We hear of a Terrorist attack that has either been foiled or was carried out and await the videos to see the carnage and loss of innocent lives. We worry.

 

We hear of factories closing or moving to another country, we hear of high interest rates, foreclosures, bankruptcies and businesses downsizing.  Because of higher prices and lower wages, we either watch our savings decrease or our debts increase. We worry.

 

Certainly we can add many more categories and say without hesitation, We worry.  

In place of being worried, Jesus would ask each of us as He does in verses 31 and 32, “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.”

 

It is simple, God knows all these things. We already know that God cares about His Creation. When the ground is covered with inches or feet of snow, God has still provided for the wild birds and animals, though we might not see the food. It is there for the birds and animals all year long.

 

We then move on to verse 34 where Jesus said, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”  Here Jesus is telling us that we should not only not be worried about the problems that we have carried over from all of the yesterdays, but above all, don’t add to them all of the unknown problems that might arise tomorrow.

 

Read again these important words, “Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Here is the problem. If we are going to spend all of our time worrying about the burdens that have needlessly piled up in the past and add to that the worries of what might happen on any tomorrow, it will surely seem that there is no hope.

 

But there is hope. Not, maybe there is hope.  Not, there could be hope. Just a positive, affirmative, There is hope. As we were looking at these verses you probably noted that we skipped verse 33 - “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  It sounds like such a simple thing and it is.  However, people try to make it so hard. They want to put their own limits on what they might be required to do.  It does not work that way.

 

We hear many complaints about people who migrate from one Nation to another and then want that nation to adapt to their native ways. It does not work that way with God. If we are going to seek the Kingdom of God, then we must acknowledge God as our Lord and King and do things His Way if we want to free ourselves of the burdens of the world of sin in which we live.

 

How do we seek first the Kingdom of God? We must begin with a fervent daily prayer. We must know the difference between a promise of God and one of the world.   If we have financial problems, we hear the call of the Lottery, the casino, the Bingo game saying come and bring your money and take a chance because you MIGHT win. God says, come and seek and you WILL receive.

 

To seek first the Kingdom of God is not easy; in fact it is hard, too hard for some people to even consider.  To seek the Kingdom of God we will be required to give up many things that we not only enjoy, but at times what we have made the main focus of our lives.   The Kingdom of God is not hidden in some dark, secret place that is almost impossible to find.  It is right here among us.  The Kingdom of God is not secondary to any earthly government. We may think it is because “we the people” have granted earthly governments permission to establish “socially and politically correct” concepts and rules for us to live by.

 

No wonder we worry.  We have placed people to be in charge of what God created and said it was “good.”

 

As an example:  We have seen pictures and heard stories about the massive destruction done by tsunamis and recently of 26-30 foot high waves that crashed into a cruise ship, causing damage and death on a smaller scale. We are in despair as there is nothing we can do about the terrible force of nature.  Why do we say that? People say that because they believe that there is no way we can control the violent forces of nature. They call it an Act of God.

 

If we are honest with ourselves, we know that is not correct. As we study God’s Word we know that after anything He created, He said that it was Good.  The gift of weather, changing seasons was a good gift.   As we study the Bible, we find an account of some men, disciples of Jesus, out on this lake in their old wooden fishing boat.  It has been a calm evening and all of a sudden the gale-like winds arise.  The boat is being tossed about, waves pouring water into the boat.  The disciples are in a state of panic. Fear reigns supreme.  All of a sudden they remember that Jesus is in the boat with them.  They look around. There He is, sound asleep as the boat tosses even more violently. “Master, Master” they cry out, “don’t you care that we are perishing?”  Jesus awakens, stands up and asked them, “Why are ye afraid? Oh ye of little faith.”  Then Jesus stretches His Hands over the water and says, “Peace, be still.” and the waters became calm. The disciples said among themselves, He has power over even the waters of the sea!”

 

Why are we afraid?  Why do we worry? We don’t need to be afraid.  We don’t need to worry.  All we need to do is to turn our eyes upon Jesus, read, study and accept His Lordship and follow Him.

 

The world offers what they call The Good Life. However there is a cost. God offers an even Better Life.  WHY WASTE YOUR TIME WORRYING when you can be in prayer and Bible Study seeking first the Kingdom of God and the all of the things you worry about will no longer be a worry. Remember that Jesus did something even greater than calm the waters.  On Good Friday, with His own Life He overcame the power of sin, death and the devil.  Once you begin to discover the glories of the Kingdom of God, you will wonder why it took you so long to get started. Seek ye first.  Turn your eyes upon Jesus beginning right now.

 

WE PRAY:  Heavenly Father, All too often we want to do things our way. We forget that You carried out the creation of everything in this world we need.  As I encounter others in this world who also worry about this and that, please grant to me the right words and a heart filling with compassion as I seek to lead them to you. AMEN

 

LIVING THE DEVOTION

 

Begin by reading the Book of Genesis.  As you read, make notes of the Power of God in the Creation.  See what God does when His people are faithful to Him such as Abraham and Sarah, Noah and Joseph, and people who did not hold fast to their belief in Him. The people at the Tower of Babel, Sodom and Gomorra.  Make a decision as to which group you want to follow.   Then study your Bible, make notes of the great hope God offers in His Kingdom.  Don’t stop there. Continue to Grow in the Grace and Knowledge of Christ and enjoy the benefits of living in His Kingdom. QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?  Email me and I will be happy to respond.

 

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...

 

I don’t know if I have ever used this hymn in a Worship Service. I include it here as the words are helpful as we strive to “Seek first the Kingdom of God.” 

 

TURN YOUR EYES UPON JESUS  

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2

Words & Music: Helen H. Lemmel, 1922   

 

O soul, are you weary and troubled?

No light in the darkness you see?

There’s a light for a look at the Savior,

And life more abundant and free!

 

Refrain

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace.

 

Through death into life everlasting

He passed, and we follow Him there;

Over us sin no more hath dominion—

For more than conquerors we are!

 

Refrain

 

His Word shall not fail you—He promised;

Believe Him, and all will be well:

Then go to a world that is dying,

His perfect salvation to tell!

 

Refrain

 

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


RAMBLING THOUGHT 

BEGIN AGAIN

TO LET ME BE WHO GOD WANTS ME TO BE

 

IT IS THE SABBATH DAY, NOT JUST THE SABBATH HOUR

 

GRACE JARDINE taught me a lesson about the Sabbath Day that I did not understand at the time, yet I never forgot it.  Grace was a single lady who loved kids and loved being around them.  She was the School Nurse when I went to Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska.

 

It was a couple years after I graduated that Grace taught me this lesson. Her love for kids was not just at the High School, but also other places such as the church she attended.  She organized and coached a team in the Omaha Men’s Softball Association.  Her team was always well-mannered, and, on top of that, enjoyed themselves win or lose.  This year her team was quite good and at City Tournament time was winning. Only a couple more games until the City Championship.

 

Then we could not believe it when we heard that Grace was not going to allow her team to play the next game.  There had been some games canceled by rain and in order to get all of the games in, Grace’s team was scheduled to play on Sunday. Grace said, NO, Sunday is God’s day and you don’t keep it Holy by playing organized ball on Sunday.  Her team agreed with her and on that Sunday, the other team was there, the umpires were there, but Grace and her team were not.

 

Compared to Grace I fall far short in my Sabbath Day observance.  For me, and I  hope for you, it is time to BEGIN AGAIN TO REMEMBER IT IS THE SABBATH DAY and not just a SABBATH  HOUR we are to keep Holy.   

 

GOD’S PEACE.    SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.     

 

 

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this month is http://www.whychristmas.com/customs/carols_history.shtml   I have chosen this Web site because of the ones I looked at, it gives the best comments and history on many carols. It could be helpful in planning a program or worship service. 

 

 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -   WHEN BUYING A GIFT CAN BE ALSO GIVING A GIFT.  When making purchases, remember to buy items made locally or at least in the United States and to purchase them from locally owned and operated businesses.  When you do so, it may cost a little more, but keep in mind that the money you are spending stays in your local community, supports continuing employment, provides the sales and income tax revenue that provide you with the services you need and that the employees will also be spending their income to further help the local economy.  This is not the case when you buy through national chain stores or do your shopping online.  In fact radio advertisements on Cyber Monday were saying that you could really save because you did not have to pay sales tax when you purchased from them.  The extra it may cost will be a great gift to the people at that store, to your community and in turn, even to yourself.  

 

COMMENT  2 -THE "BEGIN AGAIN" THOUGHTS AND DEVOTIONS.  Just a reminder that I still hope to write more of these than appear in the RAMBLINGS.  I again make the offer to send the ones that don’t appear in the RAMBLINGS to you as I write them.  All that you need to do is send me an e-mail or a letter requesting them.  As usual there is no charge.  As of now there are three who have requested to receive these and I am most thankful for that. 

 

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 271 (231 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

 

 

 

 

COUNT IT ALL JOY!!

 

DEVOTIONAL CD -- BY PASTOR RON CLAUSSEN

An Audio CD with 17 Devotions from the Epistle of James

 

For Mail Orders send $15.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

For Mail Orders send $12.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

 

 

 

RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

August, 2009

 

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.  

The Word of God shall ever stand,

Though stormed by every foe;

Upheld by His almighty hand,

No powers can overthrow.

Though all the powers of hell engage,

And hosts of sin assail

God’s wondrous might, His changeless Word

Shall evermore prevail.

 

Refrain

The Word of God shall stand,

Shall stand unchanged forever;

In every clime and land

The world shall own its sway.

The Word of God shall stand,

Its foes can change it never;

Though Heav’n and earth may pass away,

God’s Word shall stand forever.

 

God’s Word has stood the fiery darts

Of all the sinful world;

And skeptics all through ages past

Their fiercest blows have hurled;

It stands unmoved, a mighty rock,

’Gainst cruel hate and scorn,

To bless the nations of the earth,

And nations yet unborn.

 

Refrain

 

Then sound we forth His glorious Word

To souls of all the earth,

To tell them of the Father’s love,

And Jesus’ matchless worth.

It is the Spirit’s mighty sword

No power on earth can stay;

Though Heav’n and earth may be removed,

God’s Word shall stand for aye.

 

Refrain

RAMBLING THOUGHT

BEGIN AGAIN - 1

 

It has long been my opinion that ALL of the problems we face as individuals, communities, the nation, and the world can be cured or could have been avoided if God’s people lived as He would have  them live.  It is also my opinion that many things that we do each day and are acceptable by society are contrary to God’s Word and bring about these situations and events that cause us pain.

 

Many people live in fear and cry out, “What are we going to do?”  They call on government to fix things so that all will be right and then complain about higher taxes. People live and act in ways that only speed up the inhumanity that exists in this world.

 

All is not lost.  There is HOPE, in fact there are many promises from God that assure us of that HOPE--if we only seek to Live in His Name and according to His Word.

 

There is no magic wand to wave, there are no secret formulas to devise, and there are no acts of Congress that will solve our problems.  Then Lord, what  shall we do?

 

There is HOPE if we BEGIN AGAIN.  When we receive the Eucharist, the Lord’s Supper or Holy Communion whichever terms you use, we have confessed our sins and we have been forgiven. Then, we BEGIN AGAIN.

 

Each time we awaken from our hours of sleep we know that yesterday is over, but often carry the weight of yesterday into today.  We are much better off if each day we BEGIN AGAIN as we have confessed our sins in our prayers and not not carry them with us into the next day.

 

In the coming days, weeks, months and I hope, years, whatever time God allows me on Earth before He calls me into His Heavenly Kingdom, I hope to write many, many RAMBLING THOUGHTS and RAMBLING DEVOTIONS under the title of BEGIN AGAIN.  While these will all be posted on the web site, http://ramblingsfromron.com, I would hope that you would e-mail me and ask me to send you either the THOUGHTS, the DEVOTIONS or both at the time they are written and posted:  ron@ramblingsfromron.com.

 

The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod has long used this wonderful slogan for their radio broadcasts --  “Bringing Christ to the Nation, the Lutheran Hour.”  Please write to me and request that I send you these THOUGHTS, DEVOTIONS, or both so that you and I can BEGIN AGAIN to follow God’s lead to ‘Bring back the Nation to Christ.”

 

These topics are subject to change but for now I plan to write things that would fit under:

 

·        Let God be God.

·        Let God’s Word be God’s Word.

·        Let the Church be God’s Church.

·        Let the Pastor be God’s Servant among you.

·        Let God’s people be God’s people.

·        Let me be who God wants me to be.

 

GOD’S PEACE.  SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

  

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this month is a repeat.  I would encourage you to go to http://ramblingsfromron.com, which is my web site.  When you get there, click on PRAYERS in the left side menu.  On this page you will find prayers that have been printed with beautiful and meaningful pictures as a background.  This has been the most popular page of the web site and many people have copied the prayer cards for their own use or to print and send to others.  Right now I have a request for one additional type of prayer, and I would be happy to hear from you if there is a prayer need that you have and the proper prayer card is not there.  

   

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 - SOMETHING NEW AVAILABLE FOR YOU.  For many years I have felt that  many, if not all, of the problems of families, schools, congregations, communities, nations, and even the world could diminish or even disappear if people lived as God would have them live.  Over the past few years I have tried to write Devotions and Thoughts to post on my website to not only call people back to living a life in Christ, but also giving suggestions of things that can be done.  This has not attracted many visitors as the majority of visitors come to the site only to look at or make copies of the Prayer Cards.  I realize that many people don’t have time to look up such things every day and others don’t have a computer.

 

Now I have SOMETHING NEW AVAILABLE FOR YOU.  If you will send me an email and request that I send you the THOUGHTS and/or the DEVOTIONS as I write them, I will be happy to email them as I write them.  If you do not have email, I make a similar offer.  Send me a note or a letter asking for the THOUGHTS and/or the DEVOTIONS.  I will send them when I have written enough to fill four pages front and back.   If you wish to receive these, then send me an e-mail or letter telling me.  Indicate if you want the THOUGHTS, the DEVOTIONS, or BOTH.  Articles that are printed in the RAMBLINGS will not be sent.

 

COMMENT 2 - I continue to need your help.  If you find these RAMBLINGS or the DEVOTIONS or THOUGHTS to be helpful, please send them on to your friends and relatives and ask them if they would like to receive them.  It does not cost anything to ask and they can always say, NO.  Committed and dedicated Christians can make a difference in this world.  Will you help me reach out to others that they can join us in making that difference?  If someone says, Yes, just send or have them send the address to me, and it will make a happy day for me.

 

COMMENT 3 ON BUYING BOOKS ONLINE -- Normally I do not buy books online, and I prefer to only buy them from locally owned bookstores.  However there are times when online or major book chains are the only places the books are available.  Such was the case with the two books by Ann Caryl that were featured in the last issue.  I did buy them, and even though I have only read one of them so far, her book, BACK TO REASON was excellent.  Short 4 or 5 page chapters that relate events in the small, mythical town of Reason, Colorado.   Humorous, yet at times thought provoking.

 

When I ordered the books, I had two choices, new or used.  Of course the used were much cheaper.  I ordered the NEW for this reason.  When authors self publish like Ann did and I have done, they need to sell many books just to cover the printing costs.  If you buy the used book, the author gets nothing, but if you buy the new book, the author gets the price that has been agreed to with the seller.  If you have a choice of new or used, buy new and enjoy the book and at the same time help the author so that more books can be written.

  

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 269 (229 e-mail, 40 regular mail) names on my mailing list and would like to have more.  If you would rather not receive this e-mail, 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 e-mail 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

E-mail:  ron@ramblingsfromron.com

 

 

 

 

COUNT IT ALL JOY!!

 

DEVOTIONAL CD BY PASTOR RON CLAUSSEN

 

 

An Audio CD with 17 Devotions from the Epistle of James

 

For Mail Orders send $15.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

 

For Mail Orders send $12.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

 

RAMBLINGS FROM RON MINISTRIES

May - June - July 2009

 

It has been far too long since I sent the last issue and I apologize for that.  During these months I have not done much writing.  I have sent quite a bit of time sorting, filing and shredding stacks of papers that have piled up over the past few years. I now have a little clear space on my desk and hope that I can get back into a groove of writing on a more regular basis. ...............Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

“The church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.”  - Samuel Shoemaker

 

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary surgery clinic. As she placed her pet on the table, the vet pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's chest. After a moment or two, the vet shook his head sadly and said, "I'm so sorry, your duck has passed away."

 

The distressed owner wailed, "Are you sure?"

 

"Yes, I am sure. The duck is dead," he replied.

 

"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean, you haven't done any testing on him or anything. He might just be in a coma or something."

 

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the room. He returned a few moments later with a black Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the examination table and sniffed the duck from top to bottom. He then looked at the vet with sad eyes and shook his head. The vet patted the dog on the head and led him out of the room.

 

A few minutes later, he returned with a cat. The cat jumped up on the table and sniffed delicately at the bird. The cat sat back on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and strolled out of the room.

 

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry, but as I said, this is most definitely, 100 percent a dead duck."

 

Then the vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman. The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "$300!" she gasped. "$300 just to tell me my duck is dead!"

 

The vet shrugged. "I'm sorry, Miss. If you'd taken my word for it the first time, the bill would have been $30. But, with the Lab report and the cat scan, it's now $300.         (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.

 

        Customer - “I need a mouse trap and please hurry, I have to catch a plane.”

        Store Clerk - “What do you use for bait?”  

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

 

The weather man broke both of his arms and legs.  He now has four casts. (Seen on “First at Four” Fox -Toledo)

 

 

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.

 

“Children should be seen and not-------------spanked or grounded.”   

(Thanks to Karen in Iowa)

 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

I have been reading some books that I have had on my shelf for many years.  Some I have read before and others I just never took the time to read. My book suggestion for this time is one of these, “PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUE THE SAINTS” by William A. Poovey.  I have had this book for 50 years and, Yes, I did check and there are copies available on Amazon and probably other used book sites.  The Rev. Dr. Poovey was one of my Professors at Wartburg Seminary.  The ten problems that he discusses are just as real and troublesome today as they were in the 1950’s.  He identifies the problems and then in a clear, easy to understand manner shares some Biblical solutions.  This book might be found in the libraries of some Pastors who are retired or near retirement. 

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...

 

DO YOU UNKNOWINGLY FOLLOW FALSE TEACHING PASTORS?

2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

 

 Destructive Doctrines

 

1 But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. 3 By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber. 2 Peter 2:1-3 (NKJV)

 

The online New King James Version of the Bible that I use often has a caption for each grouping of verses. Normally I do not include these captions. The caption for our verses today is one that says so much in just two words that it is important to include it.

 

DESTRUCTIVE DOCTRINES, if understood in the correct way, can be most helpful. A doctrine is a system of belief that is taught. This not only applies to faith, but is probably equally as well known in the area of politics and government. The major problem is to know the difference between a good doctrine and a destructive doctrine. The frightening thing is that many times we do not discover that a doctrine is destructive until it is too late.

 

I will always remember the statement of a man who lived in a neighboring community. He was what was called at that time, a German War Refugee. This gentleman was very active in the church and was willing to talk about the events that brought him to the United States. One question that he was probably asked more than any other was, “How could the people of Germany sit and do nothing while Hitler was leading the horrible Holocaust that killed so many people?” His response was that “in the eyes of the German people Hitler had been a great leader. He made many promises and was making Germany a better place. At the same time, we were so caught up in all of the good that we did not see the destruction that he was bringing about in our nation.” He was saying that there was so much good going on that the people did not see, and possibly were not told about, the destructive means by which these plans would be carried out.

 

This concept has been carried out throughout history, and all too often under the guise of religion. In matters of faith and belief, we call these false, destructive doctrines heresy. A Seminary Professor always told the class to be careful because every heresy contains some true teaching. If you enjoy fishing, this example might help. You place the bait on a hook and drop it in the water. The fish swims by, looks at the worm or the minnow or whatever the bait might be; it looks good so the fish takes it into the mouth, the hook sets, and the fish is reeled in. The hook was covered, and by the time it was set in the mouth of the fish, it was too late.

  

This is what happens with Destructive Doctrines. Just as the fish only sees something good to eat, we often only see something good that is on the surface of Doctrines that has the bait being something that appeals to our sinful human nature, and when we take the bait, instead of correcting us, it corrupts us and leads us farther and farther away from God.

 

So, then, how does a person know if the Pastor is teaching a true or a false doctrine? The answer is quite simple. You don’t know and I don’t know unless we have spent much time in the study of the Scriptures. It is only then that we can take what we hear, compare it with what we have read, and see if the two agree. If they do not agree, then it is time to discuss with the Pastor the issues on which you do not agree.

 

There have been times in my ministry where people have not agreed with me. When we have discussed the issue, there have been times where I discovered that the person was correct and other times I have been able to help the person to see errors in their thinking.

 

The wonderful thing about meditating on these words from St. Peter is that not one of us knows the whole truth of Scripture; only the Good Shepherd knows that. What a wonderful opportunity it is to have that Good Shepherd lead us together to the truth and away from false teachings. Remember the words of St. John 20:30-31 as there is no false teaching here. “And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.”

 

WE PRAY: Heavenly Father, send your Holy Spirit upon us that we might grow in the knowledge of Your Word. In discussing our faith, help us to be faithful to your word so that we do not lead others astray. AMEN.

 

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

 

Read about some of the controversial issues facing the Church today. As you read and Bible Passages are quoted, pause and read those verses along with enough verses that are before and after the quoted verse. Then consider if the verse really applies or if it is taken out of context and used falsely to support a false doctrine.

 

 

 

FROM HYMNTIME.ORG...

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The owners of the term CyberHymnal have refused to relinquish their rights to the people who have developed the Cyber Hymnal online.  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 

  

The Word of God shall ever stand,

Though stormed by every foe;

Upheld by His almighty hand,

No powers can overthrow.

Though all the powers of hell engage,

And hosts of sin assail

God’s wondrous might, His changeless Word

Shall evermore prevail.

 

Refrain

The Word of God shall stand,

Shall stand unchanged forever;

In every clime and land

The world shall own its sway.

The Word of God shall stand,

Its foes can change it never;

Though Heav’n and earth may pass away,

God’s Word shall stand forever.

God’s Word has stood the fiery darts

 

Of all the sinful world;

And skeptics all through ages past

Their fiercest blows have hurled;

It stands unmoved, a mighty rock,

’Gainst cruel hate and scorn,

To bless the nations of the earth,

And nations yet unborn.

Refrain

 

Then sound we forth His glorious Word

To souls of all the earth,

To tell them of the Father’s love,

And Jesus’ matchless worth.

It is the Spirit’s mighty sword

No power on earth can stay;

Though Heav’n and earth may be removed,

God’s Word shall stand for aye.

Refrain

 

RAMBLING THOUGHT

 STAND UP, STAND UP FOR JESUS

 

“Stand Up, Stand Up or Jesus” is a hymn that most Christians know and have sung many times.  When there is Christian humor on the internet or in  magazines you have probably seen the one line humorous question, “When we sing Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus, why are  sitting down?

 

As that one liner floated around there were some people who took it seriously and decided to do something about it.  Now there are congregations where people always stand when singing this loved hymn.

 

While  it is right that we stand while singing any song of prayer or praise to our Lord, we miss the point of this hymn if all we do is stand instead of just sit.  Let the words of the hymn flow through your mind.  Look them up if you can’t remember them. You will discover that this is not a “stand still” hymn, it is a hymn of  action.

 

To “Stand Up” for Jesus means to become a part of the battle against the powers of evil as we take a stand for what God leads and directs us to do.  It is important to note that it is what God wants, not simply what we want. We need to pay attention to this important verse from the hymn:

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;

The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;

Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there. 

If we are going to do this, we must first understand that we are flesh, that we are weak and that we easily yield to the pressures of Satan.  Because of this, we need to put on that Gospel armor as St. Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 starting at verse 10. It is simple. Have a daily Bible reading time and throughout the day, talk to God in short prayer and thoughts.  Whatever situation you face, don’t face it until you have seriously prayed this prayer. “God, what should I do?”  The more Gospel armor you put on as you read and meditate on God’s Holy Word, and the more you are in prayer about it, the stronger you will become as you Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.

 

Did you realize that physically standing eliminates those who are bedfast, in wheel chairs, have lost one or both legs or just too weak to stand?  To really Stand up for Jesus can be done by everyone, for everyone can pray.

 

GOD’S PEACE.  SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.

 

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this month was sent to me by Evey in Ohio.  If you check it out you will find a place to enter the day and month of your birth.  When you activate that information, a Bible verse for your birthday will appear. It will only take a few minutes to visit: http://www.birthverse.com/mybirthverse.cfm
 

 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -  I would like to have your response to some questions about these RAMBLINGS so that I can provide information that is helpful to you if I can get back on a more frequent schedule of sending them.

* Which sections do you find to be most helpful in your Christian life?

* Which sections are not helpful at all and could be eliminated?

* Are there subjects that you would like me to discuss in THOUGHTS?

* Are there Bible verses that you would like to have me use in a Devotion?

Your responses will be greatly appreciated.

 


 

COMMENT 2 -   Here is a second request for your responses.  If we are going  to STAND UP FOR  JESUS, some may wonder what we need to address as evil in our lives, our churches, and in our world.  Often we can’t see or identify these things because they have become an acceptable part of the everyday life of individuals, the church, and /or the world in which we live.

 

Please send me one thing -- or a whole list of things -- that are acceptable today that are not acceptable to God.  This could be actions or things that are done, that are made, that are transmitted, and even some things that are not done that should be done.  I may use some of these responses in future writing, but I will not identify who sent the response to me.  I will try to reply to each.       Your responses will be greatly appreciated.

 

  

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 268 (228 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

March - April 2009

 

The warm weather has finally arrived in Northwest Ohio.  The grass is growing, the blossoms and leaves are bursting forth from the buds on the tree, the birds singing their melodies of Spring and the smiles of farmers as they work the fields to provide food for the world. Take time to see God’s marvelous works as He provides for us through His Creation..............Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 

....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

"Learn from yesterday, Live for today, Hope for tomorrow.”

     (Thanks to Roberta in Ohio)  

 

 

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

When the family returned from the Sunday morning service, the father criticized the sermon, the soloist, the organist, and just about everything else.  But the subject was quickly dropped when junior said, “But it was pretty good for a dollar don’t you think, Dad?”  

 

 

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.  Which month has 28 days in it? 
        A.  Without hesitation a child smiled and said, “they all do.” 

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

 

A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.

(Thanks to Karen in Iowa) 

 

 

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.

 

        “Never underestimate the power of .............termites.”

 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

The book for this month is a Christian suspense novel that was written by Anne Caryl.  Anne was a member of a congregation that we served. Because I know how difficult it is to self  publish and self market a book, I want to share this with you.
 
"The Gold Train Connection" is a cozy (non-violent) mystery with more than a sprinkling of humor. And it allows readers to tour the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Bergen-Belsen with Abraham and to share his memories. It is a perfect Sunday afternoon read.

 

It is available through Xlibris.com. To get a peek at "The Gold Train Connection,"  to read sample chapters, and to purchase the book, go to http://www.xlibris.com/TheGoldTrainConnection.html.  It  may also soon be available through Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other sources. 
 
Please continue to send to me any suggestions of books that I can share in this space. 

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...  

HOW DID YOU CELEBRATE EASTER?
ST. LUKE 13:22-24

 

22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?”
And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter through the narrow gate, for many, I say to you, will seek to enter and will not be able.  St. Luke 13:22-24  (NKJV)

This may seem like a very strange text that I have chosen to talk about the Easter Celebration.  It is my hope that as I share these thoughts that you will see that the relationship between the theme for this devotion and the text really do go together.


We must begin by remembering  that both the Seasons of Christmas and Easter begin with the Holy Days of Christmas and Easter.  The Christmas Season continues to the Festival of the Epiphany, January 6.  The Easter Season goes much longer, this year until the Vigil of Pentecost on May 30.  The length of the Easter Season depends on the date of Easter.  That date changes yearly but the Season always ends on the Vigil of Pentecost.

The first question then becomes, “Do you celebrate Easter only by observing it during the hour of Worship on Easter Morning?”  Or, “Do you observe it the harder way by intentionally celebrating it each day of the Season?”

The second question is “How do you prepare for the Easter Sunday Worship Service?”  Is it in the selection of clothing to be worn that day?  Years ago many women had to have a new hat and purse or they did not feel properly dressed for the service. Today is it still a high priority to have a new outfit? This applies to both male and female. Or is the greatest preparation found in planning and cooking the Family meal or in coloring eggs or buying Easter presents. All of this takes time and work, but it is still the easy way to celebrate. Here is the harder way to prepare for Easter Worship.  Many Good Friday Worship Services now conclude in Silence.  The worshipper is encouraged to leave in silence and to contemplate on  the death and suffering of Jesus on the Cross until they return on Easter Morning. The vast majority of worshippers will keep silent walking out of the church but may well stop and tell a joke to a fellow worshipper, or as soon as they are in the car turn on the radio for their favorite music or sporting event. And so it continues throughout the weekend to the point that some might not make it to Easter Worship because they were too tired from the events in their lives on Saturday.  Because so few people do it, the hardest way must be to spend those few hours concentrating on the fact that Jesus suffered and died on the Cross for me.  This could take place in planned family discussions and in many other ways.

The third question is, “What was the most meaningful thing for me from the Easter Worship Hour?  If you took the easy way and did nothing to prepare then the things you would remember would be the beautiful music, the wonderful display of Easter flowers, how wonderful someone looked in their choice of clothes for the day and the joy in seeing some folks at worship who had not been there for several months.  If you prepare the hard way, then at Worship when you sang, “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” you offered your thanks to God that His Son arose from the tomb for you.  Or if you sang, “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” there is no doubt in your mind that He Lives for you that you might have Life after you enter the grave.

This returns us to our text.  It is important to ask why it is so hard to enter by the narrow gate.  Not too far from where Jesus was speaking, there was one of the many fortresses that were situated throughout the country.  To get to these fortresses from the traveled paths, there was a long, winding, narrow path that led to a narrow gate.  The path was probably steep in places as most fortresses were located in the hilly areas.  In my mind, the gate was open and the path was not guarded.  Nothing would hinder someone going through the gate except for the hard work of getting from the traveled path to the gate.  It is difficult to paint a picture with words that would describe this difficult task, yet the people understood.  This is not unlike the gate to the Kingdom of Heaven.  The gate is open but the path to get there is hard.  The path is Jesus (“I am the Way,............... no one comes to the Father but by Me”) The path is hard as Jesus said, “Take up your cross and follow Me.”

The only way that we can do things the hard way is when we ask God to send His Holy Spirit upon us that we can shut out the temptations, the noise of the world.  The only way we can experience the TRUE joy of Easter is to ask God to send His Holy Spirit to lead us to prepare the hard way. The only way to enter by the narrow gate, or as it says in another verse, for a camel to go thought the eye of a needle is to ask God to send His Holy Spirit to help us through the hard task of striving to enter through the narrow gate for it is then and only then that we will live in the unimaginable Joy of the Resurrection.

Did you only enjoy Easter?  I hope not.  We are still in the Easter Season.  There is still time if  you are willing to approach the celebration of Easter the hard way.  Join with me in claiming the promise   “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  (St. John  3:16 )

WE PRAY:  LORD JESUS, Why is it so easy to sing the Words of Praise on Easter Sunday but so hard to live those same words in the days that follow?  Lord, lead me to read and study Your Holy Word on a daily basis; then fill me with the Holy Spirit to lead me through the Word so that I can walk the hard and difficult path to the glories of Your Eternal Kingdom. AMEN.

 

A SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION


Select a time and place each day where you can spend at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time reading of the Bible.  Each person needs to develop a Study Plan that meets their needs.  I prefer to read each of the Testaments from the beginning.  I think it is important to begin each session with prayer and to leave a few minutes at the end of the time period to ask yourself what you have read and what meaning did it have for your life?

 

 

PLEASE NOTE:  The owners of the term CyberHymnal have refused to relinquish their rights to the people who have developed the Cyber Hymnal online.  If you have the address Bookmarked, please change it to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...

 

If you want to sing along with the words, go to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/l/e/a/leaduson.htm.   When you go to the web site, as you scroll down to the words, the music will begin, so sing along.

LEAD US, O FATHER
Words: William H. Burleigh, 1868.
Music: Langran, James Langran

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of peace:
Without Thy guiding hand we go astray,
And doubts appall, and sorrows still increase;
Lead us through Christ, the true and living way.
 

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of truth:
Unhelped by Thee, in error’s name we grope,
While passion stains, and folly dims our youth,
And age comes on, uncheered by faith or hope.

Lead us, O Father, in the paths of right:
Blindly we stumble when we walk alone,
Involved in shadows of a darksome night;
Only with Thee we journey safely on.

Lead us, O Father, to Thy heavenly rest,
However rough and steep the path may be,
Through joy or sorrow, as Thou deemest best,
Until our lives are perfected in Thee.

 

 

RAMBLING THOUGHT


A MESSAGE FROM THE EASTER EGG


Hi. Can you hear me? I know that you can’t see me because I am hiding. A little while ago an adult took me and several other Easter Eggs and hid us one by one. It won’t be long before some children arrive and with laughter and excitement will begin to hunt for us. Before they come to begin to look for us, i want to tell you something about me. I do this because when we were being decorated, someone asked what the egg had to do with Easter? I thought that if I told you the story of my life, it might help to answer that question.

I was born a couple of weeks ago in a comfortable nest in a small chicken coop. Mom told me that I was lucky to be born here as she had heard the stories of the large corporate chicken houses. She said that thousands of chickens would be in one house. Each hen would only have a few feet of space and would never be allowed out of the space for any kind of exercising. They could not scratch in the dirt and would never have the joy of finding an insect or a worm to eat. The only thing they could do was lay egg after egg after egg. It would not be long after the egg was laid that someone would come along, gather the eggs, and put them in large boxes to be shipped away.

Here where I was born, I noticed that the other hens would jump down from the nest and go to the fenced in yard where there would be food to eat and water to drink. It sure looked like they were having fun as they scratched around in the dirt looking for that worm. There might even be a small fight if two saw a worm at the same time and did not want to share. All this time, the old rooster strutted around the area, crowing the message of how great he was and always trying to make a good impression on the hens.

I asked mom why she did not jump down and join in the fun? She told me it was because she wanted something special for me. She wanted to stay on the nest to keep me warm in the hope that I might be able to do the greatest thing that an egg can do. I said, “What is that?” She told me it would be to give up my life as an egg so that a new life could begin and a little chick would come forth when it was big enough to break open the egg shell. I had trouble understanding why I would want to give up my comfortable life as an egg in order to give new life to a newly born chick. She said that it is just the way it is.

Well, that never happened to me. It wasn't long before the farmer came and chased mom off the nest, picked me up and put me in a basket. I was afraid. Mom and I hadn't talked about this, and I did not know what was going to happen. As mom was chased away, she hurriedly told me not to be afraid because the farmer and his family were good people and would treat me well.

She was right. They took the basket to the farm house where a kind lady gently picked me up. Then with some nice warm water she gave me a bath, dried me off and placed me in a container where there was enough room for 12 of us.

It was not long before there was a knock at the door. After the farmer's wife talked to the people for a few minutes, she came and picked up the 12 of us and gave us to the people at the door. The people had given her some money, but I don't know what for.

The people took us to their home and placed us in this cool big box for a few days. I think they called it a refrigerator. Then they took us out and put us in some water. The water became very hot and soon everything inside of me became very hard. I was not sure what was happening. After I cooled off, some children took me and put something on me. I don’t know what it was but you should have seen how pretty we were. They used all kinds of colors and decorations on us. Such a proud group of 12 eggs we were. Now here I am hiding and waiting to bring some joy to the child who sees me and shouts happily, ‘I found one, I found one.”

Just one more thing. While they were decorating me, I heard them talking about Easter and someone named Jesus. They said this Jesus gave up His Life and died on a Cross so that those who believed in Him could rise to a New Life. That’s just what mom was telling me about. If the farmer had left me in the nest I might have also given up myself and given new life. So, I guess that is what the Easter Egg has to do with Easter.

GOD’S PEACE. SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.
 

 

 

 

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this time is http://familycrafts.about.com/cs/mayholidays/a/aa041700a.htm. As a child one of the most exciting holidays was May Day.  Today not many celebrate the day as we did.  It was a time of making a basket, filling it with flowers and maybe some cookies, then taking it to the home of a Sunday School teacher, friend, relative, or neighbor and deliver it to the door it without being discovered.  The web site for this month explains the day and has some craft suggestions.

 

 

 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -    DO YOU GROW YOUR OWN PRODUCE?  If you do, why not plant some extra this year?   Here are some suggestions of what you might do with the extra.

 

COMMENT 2 -  ALTAR FLOWERS - many people have some well cared for flower gardens.  Don’t forget to consider donating some beautiful bouquets to be used to beautify the altar at your church. 

  1. You can contact a local agency that provides food and or meals for those in need.  They will usually be happy to receive fresh fruits and vegetables.  If you ask, they might tell you what produce they have the greatest need and you could plant accordingly.our church could set up a table for members to display their extra produce .  There could be a basket there for free will gifts from those who would like to purchase some of the fresh fruits or vegetables.  Some churches do this and then give the donated money to the local food kitchens or pantries.There are always those friends and neighbors who would like to have enough to fix for even just one meal from fresh produce.         

 

 

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 271 (229 email, 42 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!!

 

Devotional CD by Pastor Ron Claussen

 

An Audio CD with 17 Devotions from the Epistle of James

 

For Mail Orders send $15.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

For Mail Orders send $12.00 to:

 

RON CLAUSSEN

24544 KAMMEYER ROAD

DEFIANCE, OH  43512

 

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

 

January-February 2009

 

It has been a joy seeing some of the birds beginning to return.  When I hear and read about the long journeys the birds and butterflies take to get to their summer home, I am amazed.  If only we could have that same zeal and perseverance as we stumble along the road to our Eternal Home ..............Now, as usual, I am happy to share with you these............

 
....RAMBLINGS FROM RON

 

 

A QUOTE FOR THE DAY...

 

"Live simply.  Love generously.  Care deeply.  Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God."

     (Thanks to Jerry and Marty in Ohio)

 

 

 

A JOKE FOR THE DAY...

 

Little Bobby was spending the weekend with his grandmother. His grandmother decided to take him to the park on Saturday morning. It had been snowing all night and everything was beautiful.
 

His grandmother remarked... "doesn't it look like an artist painted this scenery? Did you know God painted this just for you?"

 

Bobby said, "Yes, God did it and he did it left-handed."
 

This confused his grandmother a bit, and she asked him "What makes you say God did this with his left hand?"
 

"Well," said Bobby, "we learned at Sunday School last week that Jesus sits on God's right hand!"

   (Thanks to Bill and Jane 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.  Where does Frosty the Snowman keep his money?
A.  In the snow bank.

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

 

The butcher backed up into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.”
  (Thank to Karen in Iowa)

 

 

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.

 

“It's always darkest before ........ Daylight Savings Time.”

 

 

A BOOK FOR YOU TO CONSIDER...

 

The book suggestion for this month was sent to me by Pam in Ohio.  She wrote, I wanted to suggest an awesome book I read. It is called "The Heavenly Man " by Brother Yun. It is an amazing true story of a Chinese Christian Brother, and will increase anyone's faith who reads the book!!!” 
 
Please continue to send to me any suggestions of books that I can share in this space. 

 

 

DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY...

 

ONLY BY FAITH CAN WE OBEY

GENESIS 12:1-4A

 

1 Now the LORD had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, From your family, And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.

 2 I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.

 3 I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you;  And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 

4 So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him.  Genesis 12:1-4a (NKJV)

 

I don’t watch a lot of television -- the news, some sporting events, and a couple of programs on the regular network channels.  I do watch some of the Christian Channels for the Gaithers and similar music  presentations. I will go to the Christian Channels to check to see what is on. While I don't agree with most of the preaching and studies, I often find a program that gives me a boost in my walk with God.

 

Recently I watched Gary McSpadden. I knew of  him from his past with the Gaithers and also a music show that he has. This program was part of his “FAITH WORKS NOW” ministry.  In this program he spent the half hour talking about the Bible Verses that I have chosen for this Devotion. You might be able to find this presentation at faithworksnow.com.  As often happens when a teaching is full of Truth, it led my thinking to some additional and important thoughts about this text.  That  is why I encourage you to take time for Christian Radio and TV.  No matter if you agree or disagree with the presentation, God can lead your thoughts where He wants them to go.  

 

The verses of our text do not just apply to Abram, they apply to each of us.

 

To each of us there is a command to GO.

 

To each of us there is an unimaginable promise if we go in FAITH.

 

To each of us we must respond to the command.  The response is clearly our DECISION. 

 

The GO.

 

For Abram, the GO was “Get out of your country, From your family, And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.”  Notice that God does not give Abram a choice. He does not ask him if he wants to GO. He just says “Get out of your country, away from your family and your father’s house.  Before Abram has time to ask where he is to go, God says,”To a land that I will show you.”

 

For you and for me, we also each have our GO from God.  You may say that you don’t. If you do say that, then I begin to wonder how often you read the Bible, how often you offer prayers that come from within you, how often you struggle with your faith, or how often you thank God for even the smallest blessing of each day, regardless of the aches, pains, trials and temptations of daily living that you go through. God has a GO for each of us.

 

FAITH is the next step.  To Abram, after God said GO, God made these promises: “I will make you a great nation; I will bless you And make your name great; And you shall be a blessing.  I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you;  And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” 

 

To the men that Jesus said GO by saying, “Come follow me,” Jesus said “I will make you fishers of men.”

 

To Zacchaeus, Jesus said, “Come down (GO) from that tree for I am going to your house today.

 

For you and me and others it could be God saying,

 

Go into the Mission Fields here at home or in another country.

 

Go and give up your Sunday Morning pleasure activities and serve at your church wherever God wants you to serve.

 

Go and leave your group of friends who are living lives that are not pleasing to God.

 

GO and live your life as God would have you live it.

 

So often our response is: I would not know what to do, I am not educated enough, I can’t speak well.  Do loving parents ever force their children to do that which they are not able or qualified to do?  No,  they encourage them to do that which they have the ability to do.  So it is with God. 

If we have the FAITH to believe this, then we are ready to make our DECISION.

 

For Abram it  was - "So Abram departed as the LORD had spoken to him."  For those fishing for fish from the boat, they became fishers of men.  For Zacchaeus, this sinful man has Jesus as a guest for a meal in his home. 

 

For you and for me and for others, only God knows what Blessings await us.  For those who believe and trust in God, I have liked this phrase - “Whenever God calls us away from something that we think is good, He always replaces it with something better.”

 

Are you willing to listen for God’s GO in your life.  If you  are, I would encourage you to be faithful in your daily times of prayer, Bible reading, and meditation that you might grow in the faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  For without FAITH you will not be able to make the DECISION to GO as you will not be able to envision the Glorious Blessings that God has waiting for you when you arrive wherever He leads you.

 

WE PRAY:  Heavenly Father, open my heart, my ears and my eyes so that when you invite me to go where you want me to go, I will be ready.  Send your Holy Spirit upon me so that your Truths might be revealed to me when I listen to and read your Holy Word.  Lord Jesus, when I seek to follow you and somehow tend to stray away, look upon me with your Love and Compassion and gently call me back to walking in your path to Life Eternal. AMEN

 

SUGGESTION FOR LIVING THE DEVOTION

 

While anytime is a good time to increase the time spent in prayer and meditation, the Season of Lent is an excellent time to make such a decision. Instead of giving up something for Lent, give yourself something that will be with you as you enter Eternity. Give yourself an hour or more each day to read your Bible and pray. If you say that you do not have time, you might have plenty of time after the Lord returns. 

 

 
PLEASE NOTE:  The owners of the term CyberHymnal have refused to relinquish their rights to the people who have developed the Cyber Hymnal online.  If you have the address Bookmarked, please change it to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/

 

FROM HYMNTIME.COM...
 
If you want to sing along with the words, go to http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/t/r/trstobey.htm.  When you go to the web site, as you scroll down to the words, the music will begin, so sing along.
 
“O Lord Almighty, blessed is the man who trusts in You.” Psalm 84:11-12
 
Words: John H. Sammis, 1887.
Music: Daniel B. Towner 
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
 
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Refrain
 
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
Refrain
 
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Refrain
 
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet.
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way.
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.
Refrain
 

RAMBLING THOUGHT

WAS YOUR PRAYER ANSWERED TODAY?


People have a lot of questions about prayer.  Does God really hear our prayer?  When I pray, why don’t I receive an answer?  Is it right to pray for miracles?  Is it right to pray for material wealth or objects?


The answers to these and many other similar questions are found in the Words of Jesus in St. John 14:12-14, “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.  And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” (NKJV).


There are three important steps here:


1.  BELIEVE - We must believe that Jesus means what He says.


2.  WE MUST DO - Belief is only real when we do what we believe.  As an example, we might believe that a chair is for us to sit on, but if we never sit on it, no matter how tired we might be, the chair will not serve the purpose we say we believe it will.


3.  IN HIS NAME - We can only stand before God with our requests  when we come in the Name of Jesus.  In some old movies when a person wanted to be admitted to a private club, they would knock on the door.  When someone would respond, they would say “Joe sent me.”  When we come before the door of God, we say. “Jesus sent me.”


If we truly believe, we will have no problem asking in His Name.


Try this. There is a prayer that is often referred to as the common Table Prayer, “Come Lord Jesus, be Thou our Guest and let these gifts to us be blessed.   AMEN.”  There is another prayer that is often sung,  It begins,“Be present at our table, Lord.”  When you have concluded either of these prayers and look up in preparation for eating, do you sense the Presence of the Lord there with you at your table?


If you do feel His Presence, then you can also be confident that God hears and answers every prayer.  When we believe in Him, when we walk In His Steps, and when we do all that we do in His Name, then we not only feel but also rejoice, in His Presence, not only at our table, but in every aspect of our lives, no matter where that might be.  As we grow in our Faith we will also grow in our confidence that God does hear and answer every prayer.


GOD’S PEACE.  SEE YOU AT THE HOUSE.


 

A WEBSITE

 

The web site for this time is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_p3lDJJRWc.
This is a YouTube video of the Gaither Vocal Band and Ernie Haase Signature Sound singing “I THEN SHALL LIVE.”  I only have dial up, so it took a long time for it to be ready for play, but it was well worth  the wait.
 
 

A COMMENT OR TWO OR THREE...

 

COMMENT 1 -  ASH WEDNESDAY is February 25th.  It is on this day that we will usher in the Solemn and Holy Season of Lent.  At least the Lenten Season used to be considered a Holy and Solemn Season. 

 

IT WAS a time when the Church buildings were filled with worshipers, not only on Ash Wednesday, but on all Wednesdays during Lent and several evenings during Holy Week.  NOW, Lenten attendance has fallen dramatically as people have replaced worship with Bowling Leagues, High School Basketball Tournament Games, and other activities.  What is Holy and Solemn about that?
 
IT WAS a time when the emphasis was placed on preparing for Easter by concentrating on the Passion and Suffering of Jesus.  Highlights were the weekly reading of the Passion History and the Three Hour Good Friday afternoon Service.  For this service, businesses would close from Noon - 3 p.m., seven Pastors and seven choirs would participate.  There would be a break between each of the seven segments so people could enter or leave.  NOW the Passion History is seldom read because it is lengthy and the emphasis seems to be on the meal before the Service or the coffee hour after.  Fewer and fewer people attend.  On Good Friday businesses no long close and there are very few opportunities to participate in these three hour services.  What is  Holy and Solemn about that?
 
WHAT WILL YOU DO to observe a Holy and Solemn Season of Lent?
 


COMMENT 2 - THE ECONOMIC PROBLEM.  It is difficult to understand all of the information concerning the economical programs locally, for the state, the nation and the world. As I listen to the various viewpoints I become more  and more confused.  This does not mean that I can ignore the problem and leave it to others.

 

As a child of God I must do what I can to help in providing the answer and the actions in which God would lead us.
 
I can pray that the Holy Spirit would touch heart and minds of those making the decisions that they would eagerly turn to God seeking His way.
 
I can pray  that God would guide me as to how I spend my money and where I spend it.
 
I can pray that God would lead me to people of faith who need just a little help to get to the point where they can join me in helping others.
 
Skeptics would say that prayer will not help.  Then why does God’s Word say that we should pray without ceasing, that we should come to him with all of our cares and concerns.
 
Will you join me in prayer not only in these difficult economic times but each day?     

 

 

THAT’S ALL FOR THIS TIME

 

At present I have 268 (227 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!!

 

Devotional CD by Pastor Ron Claussen

 

An Audio CD with 17 Devotions from the Epistle of James

 

For Mail Orders send $15.00 to the above address.

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

 

Click here to read more about the new CD   

 

Click here to listen to a sample devotion:   

Don't Worry, Be Happy; James 1:1-8

CD'S ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THESE LOCATIONS:

OHIO:

 

    CHATFIELD:  Nazareth Lutheran Church

    DEFIANCE:  Zion's Lutheran Church    
    DELTA: 
Trinity Lutheran Church

        Calaway's Flowers & Antiques
    GRAND RAPIDS: 
Village Apothecary
    NAPOLEON: 
Divine Inspirations
        Mohrings Cash and Carry

        Rodenberger Funeral Home
        Village Apothecary
    OKOLONA: 
Willeman’s Flowers and Decorators
    PAULDING: 
Village Apothecary

    RIDGEVILLE CORNERS: - Ridgeville Barber Shop 

Click here for CD order form. 

 

 

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

 

A DEVOTIONAL BOOK by Pastor Ron Claussen

 

For Mail Orders send $12.00 to the above address.

 

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

   Click here to see sample pages from the book   

BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN:..

  NEBRASKA - LINCOLN - Lemstone Christian Store

  OHIO:

     ARCHBOLD - Carol Ann’s City Cafe

                        - Sauder Village Gift Shop

     ATHENS - Athens Book Center

     BRYAN - Inspirations By God

     CHATFIELD - Nazareth Lutheran Church

     CONTINENTAL - Christ Lutheran Church

     DELTA - Trinity Lutheran Church

     DEFIANCE  - Flowers and Friends

                       - The Old Red Barn

    HOLLAND (Toledo area - Spring Meadows)

                         - Family Christian Bookstore  #227

    NAPOLEON - Divine Inspirations

                       - Mohrings Cash and Carry

                       - Rodenberger Funeral Home

                       - Village Apothecary

    OKOLONA - Willeman’s Flowers

    PAULDING - Village Apothecary

    RIDGEVILLE CORNERS - Ridgeville Barber Shop

    WAUSEON - Christian Books ‘N Such

    ON THE WEB - Amazon.com

  

Last updated on Wednesday April 21, 2010 11:37 PM -0400

 

 

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