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Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
There is something special about living in small town, rural northern Minnesota, that really makes one really appreciate all of the grandeur and splendor that abounds around us. There is also a uniqueness to life in the North Shore country that many envy, but surprisingly few want to embrace as permanent residents. This time of year is when opportunity presents itself to allow us to slow down a bit and truly appreciate the small things that can mean so much. I remember growing up in the suburban area of Washington, D.C., where our county held over a half-million residents. There were many grade schools, parks, shopping centers, and houses so close you could almost reach your hand out a window and shake your neighbors hand out of their window. And yes, there were kids everywhere, so there was never a lack of friends to hang out with. However, the noise of dense suburbia and non-stop traffic and activity can get old after a short time – unless you are really an urbanite and need that. My grandparents, who raised me, were from rural Virginia and moved to Washington, D.C., in the 1920s, because that's where the jobs were. They acclimated over the years to adapt and survive through the Great Depression and World War II. Relatively stoic, they never talked much about those years. My grandfather's only comment was usually, "You did what you had to do to get by." One of the greatest treats was to go to "the country" for a visit. This entailed a two-hour trip to the area of rural Virginia where my grandfather was born and raised. It was another world. People there talked slower and with a different accent. They also delighted in "visiting." There were three primary areas designated for visiting: the front porch (with the obligatory chain swing), the parlor, and the kitchen. I liked the kitchen best because of the tempting aroma of homemade delicacies that teased great delights to be enjoyed later on. But what was really extraordinary about visiting in the country was the quiet, even outside. It was mesmerizing to hear the small sounds of nature usually drowned out by the cacophony of sound in suburbia and large cities. You could distinguish small animals, birds, leaves rustling in the trees. My grandfather told me, as a seven-year-old, that if I was quiet enough that I could hear the corn growing in the field. You know… It is over a half-century later, and I still remember those as some of the best times growing up as a child. Now, here we are in the North Shore in 2020. What is to remember? The COVID-19 Pandemic, stressful times that we have not experienced for decades, and uncertainty what the new norm will be in three weeks or three months? Yes, to all, but if that's our primary focus, then we may be depriving ourselves of some great memories to share with others. This past week saw the first real snow event of the season for us. I know it is an overused cliché, but the snow was having the perfect "snow globe" effect and was truly breathtaking to behold. It was also the first real frost, where we once again had the pleasure of trying to remember where the scraper was to clean the windows. I am certainly glad the car has a remote start. Now, I just have to remember to set the temp and fan accordingly when turning the engine off. Never too old to learn, right? It's also something to see when the first deer begin to look for forage and make their presence known. It was also a little alarming when the neighbor's four free-range roosters decided to migrate to our front door and simultaneously announce their presence. Yes, it's the little things we need to think about and slowing down to take the time to notice. It may seem like a small thing, but it means the world to me. At a local eatery, we go to every Sunday for breakfast, they know us by name. We talk and catch up on how everyone is doing. We are friends, and that means everything here on the North Shore. I can hear the theme song from "Cheers" in my mind right now. I sincerely pray that we never become so busy that we can't see and appreciate all that is going on right around us. This can be as simple as thanking someone for their service to us, being there when we needed them, or just to drop a line or a call to someone we haven't spoken to in a while. There is a characteristic that some people have that I really wish I could excel at. Those are the people who never met someone they couldn't talk to and make friends with. My grandfather was just that type of person who could make you feel relaxed and at home with a friend. Yes, it's the little things that mean so much. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV) “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’ May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris
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Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I shared not too long ago that we have a new dog, courtesy of the Duluth Humane Society. We also have a cat that we have had for three years, courtesy of another humane society. Suffice it to say that the first introductions were not cordially received, and the fur literally flew. Since then, we have been trying a slow-roll integration between the two to affect a more harmonious co-existence. Good luck with that! The 70-pound dog has totally settled into her new digs as her new house. The rest of us are just boarders. The cat has also adapted by secluding herself in my bedroom, and she is totally nocturnal, like "Hey, wake up. It's 3:00 a.m., and I want to talk." What are you going to do? Smile. I guess because that's what I've been doing. Then there are those incidents in life where you just have to shake your head and say, "Really?" First, Cathy again found a great deal. Something for free. What could be better than that? A local lodging establishment was offering two free outdoor metal benches to be picked up. We decided we could definitely recondition and put the benches to good use around the homestead. Cathy opted to take the Nakota along for the 40-mile round trip excursion along the beautiful North Shore to make the experience even better. Surprise number one – the benches had already been picked up, and the person Cathy talked to was unaware of this fact. OK, it happens. The second surprise was that Nakota, in the truck, managed to lock the doors. Not too terrible, except that the keys to the truck, Cathy's purse, and phone were now keeping the dog company. Cathy called me from the establishment so I could also have the unplanned pleasure of a 40-mile round trip with the extra set of truck keys. Did I mention it was a beautiful day to travel along the fabulous North Shore? At this point, I need to state a little-known fact, but a fact nevertheless: God has a sense of humor. Almost exactly halfway to my destination, Cathy called via my Bluetooth car system to let me know that she was back in the truck and all was as it should be. A good Samaritan from Wisconsin happened to be at the same location as Cathy and had the requisite skills with a coat hanger to effect entry into the truck. I had the exciting experience of trying to turn around on Highway 61 – to go south – on a Sunday afternoon – with the other hundreds of vehicles trying to go the same way. What are you going to do? I was smiling some more. And then there was Monday. In 1966, the Mamas and the Papas recorded the hit song, “Monday, Monday.” Part of the lyrics are "Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way. Oh, Monday mornin' you gave me no warnin' of what was to be." How true that turned out to be. We had our driveway, our steep driveway, redone with five inches of packed and rolled dirt to prepare for the winter snows. We returned from a trip to Duluth to discover a freshly covered driveway with a skid steer doing a formidable job of leveling the dirt and sculpting the driveway and parking area. I noticed the gentleman was looking apprehensive as he approached us. He informed us that the roller was not available until sometime the following week. We needed to stay off the driveway until then. What could we do? Shrug our shoulders and smile. An inconvenience? Yes, but we had done workarounds before where the driveway was not available. And then it rained. We were also told that even with the rain, we had to let the driveway dry to harden before driving on it. (Sigh) OK, I am ready to be done with surprises, but no, wait, now the National Weather Service has decided to add to the unexpected. They are forecasting a possibility of 1-3" inches of snow this Saturday. Well, it is the North Shore, after all. I take solace and comfort in the fact that Spring is only 158 days away, but who is counting? The Bible is an excellent source of encouragement when things don't seem to be going the way we think they should. It is a great reminder that God has already made provisions to ease our anxiety and stress in these very turbulent and uncertain times. What is unsure to us has already been decided by God. I think I'll just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery he has provided for us. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Luke 12:31 (NLT) “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
A famous British Prime Minister in the 1860s, Benjamin Disraeli, stated, "Change is inevitable. Change is constant." I believe Mr. Disraeli must have traveled to the great North Shore as change has been clearly evident over several weeks. Most noticeable has been the dramatic Fall season changes along the entire North Shore. The colors have been vivid and inspiring to behold. It is little wonder that each weekend has seen a mass infusion of humanity to see and appreciate what we are privileged to call home year-round. Cathy and I have affectionately come to refer to this time of the year as the Great North Shore Weekend Parade, Fall Edition. This differs from the same title, but Memorial Day Edition. At one time, we were wondering how to go about researching potential car models for replacement candidates. Courtesy of the weekend traffic, we can now leisurely sit on our hill overlooking the highway and see how hundreds of vehicles look as they drive by. Another change I noticed was the change in ground flora this time of year. Where there had been a blue, purple, and pink lupine field, now there is a new abundant growth of purple weeds. Hold on – they are purple weeds with bright yellow inside. I used my handy phone app with plant identifiers to discover that these are actually asters that bloom this time of year. I have learned something new. In addition to the asters, the three apple trees, Haralson, have fully ripened. Still, another sure sign of seasonal change is the reemergence of the deer. They are definitely on the move again. I recently pulled into my driveway and had to stop as there were three does, standing shoulder-to-shoulder, in the driveway entrance, watching all of the passing traffic. You could almost read their minds – "Is it worth trying to cross the highway?" They turned and pranced around off into the woods. Still another, albeit more subtle change, is also noted. The rising sun on Lake Superior, or any lake up here for that matter, takes on its own unique calming benevolence when the light first becomes discernible on the lake surface. The Fall smells also define the season, including the first wafts of wood smoke on a crisp, clear morning. This time of year also calls for a change in preparation for the coming Winter and follow-on Spring. Cathy has spent weeks crafting a new showpiece garden. This has included lots of landscaping, rock moving, and planting of new additions that will burst forth next Spring. An additional Fall requirement is to get the driveway ready for the inevitable snow to come. A further change is that we have built up the driveway to have a more compacted surface to make snow blowing easier. Several friends have asked where we live in relation to the house with the new driveway. That’s us. Still, the lawn tractor is to be serviced and put away for the season, lawn furniture moved, and the dog acclimated to a new home. Yes, we added a new member to the family. Nakota was a former resident of the humane society in Duluth. All seems to be going well so far. Well, almost everything is going well. Our cat, Sophie, is being petulant. We did not consult her first on our new acquisition. She has absented herself from the human company for the time being. Another famous Benjamin – Benjamin Franklin, also commented on change. He stated, "Change is the only constant. One's ability to adapt to these changes will determine your success in life." These past 10 months have shown how we have had to adapt to some of the most far reaching changes this country has seen in the past 50+ years. Even more changes are on the immediate horizon within the next month as a national election happens. I have had the privilege to have my voice heard through the ballot box for over 40 years. It has only been in this century that I have heard with such alarming insistence that each election determines our existence as a nation and as individuals. And each year we vote, adapt, and continue as a great nation and continue to progress as individuals. By ourselves, this is a daunting, virtually impossible task to perform because of our pronounced differences. However, God looks past our weaknesses, and graciously gives us his strength to carry on through all changes- regardless of who is elected for the various offices. I believe that is a fact that both Benjamins would agree on. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV) "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I will hope in him.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I have said it before, but it bears repeating: I am technologically challenged. I confess that I have resisted technology for the last two decades with all of the remarkable advancements that have been made to enhance communication and life in general for everyone. I am also an avowed minimalist in that if I don't need it, then why bother having it. My most significant accommodation to technology was learning how to use a cellphone and email until several years ago. The email was a forced necessity because working for a government entity required it. I also admit that learning to use email was much quicker and more productive than making phone calls. Information could be simultaneously shared with an infinite number of people. However, even email presented a lost art – actual human interaction, even if only by a phone conversation. Now that I use email, I was introduced to another technological phenomenon – Facebook. No, this is not a commercial endorsement by any means. However, now I can connect with people I never have and probably will never meet in real life. And for some unknown reason, dozens of people each day are asking to be my "friend." Why? If you really got to know me, you might have second thoughts based on my beliefs, experiences, and faith-based outlook on life. Whoops, a half dozen of those interested in becoming friends just declined to pursue the matter. It is incredible to see how technology affects human interaction in social settings. Cathy and I are people watchers from a long time past. I am pretty sure it has to do with us both having been law enforcement officers. What is fascinating to see is in a restaurant, two people at a table together will both have cell phones out and are either texting or viewing something interesting. And this goes on until the meal is served. It is almost Pavlovian the effect our phones can have on us. Don’t believe me? Try going 24 hours with your phone off. Now, don't get me wrong – I am actually grateful for the advances in technology and their benefit. Growing up, I remember taking vacations where one of the most critical items was the paper map. We relied on the information it provided. As a flight student in the Air Force, we relied on various scale aerial maps to direct us. This was before the advent of the Global Positioning System, GPS. Today, GPS is on our phones. While taking a trip to the east coast last year, the phone GPS guided us. The system told us where traffic delays were, the quickest route, the nearest gas station, and information on lodging. It was all done on the phone. Incredible when you consider where we were just 40 years ago. This past weekend we had family visiting from the twin cities. You remember how the traffic was, with everyone traveling up to the North Shore to marvel at the beautiful panorama of colors that proclaimed another Fall season. When our company was ready to depart, we checked the traffic app on the phone. It showed traffic backed up southbound almost four miles from Two Harbors. It took them one-hour to travel ten miles through town. We have heard of how technology saved lives by helping to locate the lost or stranded. Technology enables emergency responders to arrive sooner and provide life-saving services. I could go on about the virtues of sound technology. My point is that technology has been, is, and will continue to be evolutionary. Perhaps in my lifetime, I may be able to say, “Scotty, beam me up.” And then again, maybe not. Another benefit of technology is in the ministry of the church. Bibles, in all translations and many languages, are now electronically available. During the pandemic, we can attend church through different media platforms. The study tools available online stagger the imagination as to how much information is available. I firmly believe that not only has God provided the technology, but it also gives clear direction that it should be used to benefit us and the world He has created for us. God offers the opportunity to live smarter, safer, and healthier lives in a world that we can now also make cleaner, healthier, and safer for generations to come. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Matthew 6:33 (NIV) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I am a Spring person. Always have been. I was born in the Spring and love the new growth that signals another Winter's passing into memory. The warmer temperatures, the fragrance of fresh flowers, and the anticipation of completing all of the outdoor activities planned during the seemingly endless wintry months, which here on the North Shore, can go from sometime in October to mid-May. There is also no more snow blowing the long driveway, which seems to get longer each year. However, I do have to concede that this time of the year, Fall, is undoubtedly enjoyable. To commemorate the last day of Summer, we took extra time with the yard maintenance and washed rocks. Well, I didn't wash rocks, Cathy did. Yes, Cathy was washing rocks – for three straight days. She was using Muriatic Acid to remove concrete from the rocks. Why do you ask? She is the rare type of person who can see the practical use of almost any item, rocks, notwithstanding. She has been tirelessly endeavoring to transform a rocky hillside into a veritable garden paradise. While removing rocks obstructing her goal, she noticed that many of the rocks on the hill and others around the property had concrete. They were from previous projects the former owners had used around the property when it used to be a resort with several cabins. There was also an outdoor stone grill that Cathy is repurposing to provide a stone accent border for her new hillside garden. I feel like Clark Griswold's mother from the movie Christmas Vacation, "Clark, I can see it in my mind, and it is beautiful." Yes, creativity knows no bounds. We have an old galvanized steel minnow bucket and a porcelain cooking pot that both will now be resurrected as planters. She is even putting parts from an old lamp in the garden. We were going to use an antique door, turned sideways as a headboard, that is until we found an actual headboard to use as a headboard. Go figure. While growing up, I remember the great advertising campaigns that featured brand name coffees in large metal containers. However, the contents were usually transferred to metal or plastic canister sets, one of which was labeled "Coffee." What of the original cans? Yep, they ended up serving their real purposes as containers on every workbench, or in every garage, in America. They held every widget, nut, bolt, washer, or other odds and ends that did not have a designated home. And for goodness sake, don't ever throw anything away, because as soon as you do, you will need that exact item a week later. The real mystery comes when going through the treasured can of required items and deciphering what the thing is and where it came from? I would venture that this is a man-cave invention, but how many "utility drawers" grace kitchens these days? We hate to part with anything that we think could be useful in the future. How do you know when a decision to part with these items has been reached? It's commonly referred to as a garage sale. If you're willing to part with it, I'm willing to look at it for what I might need…in the future, of course. In counseling numerous people over the years, I have heard wistful memories of things long past and missed. These same people sometimes have a stoic outlook on today and not much thought about tomorrow. What causes such a view? Age has a lot to do with it as some think they have passed the age of usefulness. Others may look at circumstances in their lives that did not turn out the way they had wished, and instead want to be left alone. The Bible states that the days of our lives are numbered and that we should use them to serve God and others. There are countless examples of how people, regardless of their circumstances, have, and continue to strive for the best lives possible. Where adversity exists, so does opportunity. God has given us all the potential to be repurposed. If not for yourself, then how about for others who could use a helping hand. The North Shore abounds with opportunities each and every day. Is today the day you ask what you can do? Our encouragement verse for this week is: Galatians 6:10 (NIV) “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
I thought that Labor Day was a holiday where we can rest from our labors and take a day to relax. When I was growing up, it was also a day in which parents took some absolute delight in realizing that school started the next day. Neither of those thoughts was prevalent this Labor Day as Cathy and I were sweating to the oldies – and I don't mean with Richard Simmons. We were busy in the yard catching up on long put-off projects that needed to be done before it becomes too cold to work outside. Where did the summer go? It seems that yesterday that it was Memorial Day weekend, as we watched the seemingly endless parade of vehicles heading up the shore. Now, here we were watching the mass exodus heading down the same roadway towards distant points south of the Lake County area. The work seemed bearable as we listened to tunes from the 80s on a radio station from Duluth. Amazing how music can bring back memories of past experiences. It was just as the yard work was the hardest and the tunes seemed to be helping the most that another sound interjected itself. The sound started out as a faint, barely discernible noise barely audible above the din of the seemingly non-stop traffic flow. It fluctuated due to the unique sound anomalies along the shoreline and the two tunnels between town and our house. And then recognition of the sound became crystal clear – a siren. There was an emergency somewhere, and an emergency vehicle was responding. Now, this occurs at least weekly and is taken in stride. However, this was not a normal response. Within only 10 minutes, another six emergency vehicles had passed by with sirens and lights, signaling their mission's urgency. These included vehicles from the sheriff, search and rescue, fire departments, ambulances, and the highway patrol. As each vehicle passed, I said a separate prayer for the responder and the situation. Two thoughts were prevalent during this time. First, these were not vehicles responding, but individuals who were literally putting others' needs above their own safety. This was an "all hands-on-deck" team effort so that others might live. The second thought was not as charitable. As the emergency vehicles passed in front of our house on Highway 61, very few vehicles heading southbound pulled over to allow the responders full access to the highway. I have been on emergency responses myself as a military police commander and as an emergency services chaplain for a metro county. I know that the responders are simultaneously having to concentrate on traffic that will not move over for them and think about responses once at the scene of the event. Cathy understands and has great empathy for all first responders as she has been there first-hand. She had the privilege to serve as a police officer for the Cottage Grove Police Department and then as a paramedic RN for Northfield. I listen to some of the stories she tells and can readily understand the frustrations that are encountered. However, more often than not, these frustrations are off-set by the rich satisfaction of having assisted those most in need of emergency services. Think back to those times when lives have been saved by those willing to go where most would fear to go. This September 11th, remember all those who responded to the Twin Towers, the Pentagon, and a barren field in rural Pennsylvania. Now for a sobering thought – what if we don't have enough men and women volunteer to be trained as first responders in the future? Who will we call when we desperately need help? Please take the time to sincerely thank these for their service. Unless we have been in their shoes, we can hardly imagine what they have experienced. BTW – say a prayer of remembrance for all responders this Friday. You'll feel good, and they will be blessed. Now for some really great and encouraging news. It is a fact that we all have an emergency responder that is only a prayer away. There are so many things during our lives that are true emergencies. They may not be the kind that results in lights and sirens, but they are our emergencies nonetheless. God is with us 24/7 and always responds. All that is required is faith and a willingness to ask for help. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Joshua 1:9 (NIV) “ Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
Cathy wants a dog, so that's it, we're getting a dog. Now don't think I'm just giving in to make her happy. Though, that's not such a bad thing either. The truth of the matter is that I am okay with the thought, and actually looking forward to having a dog around. Any offers of assistance will be accepted and greatly appreciated. Cathy and I have both had dogs before. Let there be no mistake; however, this is going to be her dog. I already have Sophie. Sophie is a cat that thinks she's a dog. She follows me almost everywhere, responds when I call her and considers my lap her personal property. This is all good and well until Sophie decides that I deserve her company at 3:00 a.m. A closed door does nothing to deter her from making her intentions known. The only way I know that Sophie is pleased is when she closes her eyes and purrs like the radial engine on a DC-3 plane. Otherwise, Sophie wears a perpetual frown on her face. A dog, however, evokes a vast myriad of emotions, and all are easily discernible. Dogs actually smile and let you know when they are delighted. It is really entertaining to watch a happy dog prancing about. Another delightful sight to see is children when they are happy. You know those times – like the very first time a child eats ice cream, catching their very first fish, or riding a bike with no training wheels for the first time. Or the way their eyes light up on Christmas morning and they laugh with delight with each new gift opening – whether it is theirs or someone else's. There is also the joy of when a child meets and immediately accepts new friends. There is no judgment or hesitation, just acceptance of a new playmate to share adventures with. Many years ago, at a family gathering, four sisters -all in their early 30s – were actively engaged in conversation. That literally means they were all talking at the same time. A four-year-old niece could not get a word in at all. So, she proceeded to climb up onto the table, walk to the middle and proclaim, "Girls! I have something to say." She had their attention, and a memory was made that will last for a very long time. Another timeless joy is when two people publicly declare their love for one another. It was my privilege to officiate a wedding at Gooseberry Falls State Park last weekend. It was a picture-perfect setting with Lake Superior for a backdrop. A gentle breeze, sunny and 70 degrees, no humidity and no bugs. The unity candles even stayed lit throughout the ceremony. The highlight for me came as I saw the unmistakable look of true love that the bride and groom had for each other. As I concluded the ceremony, a song came vividly to mind, "Happy Together," by the Turtles. I felt a little embarrassed and did not share the thought with the new couple as neither was born when the song came out in 1967. In fact, their parents may not have recognized it, but the grandmother indeed would have. It is incredible to think of how quickly time does pass by and reflect on how many joyful experiences we have had. Becky, an inspirational author, wrote on her website, soveryblessed.com, that there are 10 things joy can do for you. Joy can: - help you lose weight - help you focus - lower your stress - improve your memory - lower your risk of a heart attack - cause you to want to serve others more - improve your blood pressure - make you more grateful and content - boost your immune system - make you feel pretty amazing Our encouragement verse for this week is: Philemon 1:7 (NIV) “Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris Written and Shared by: Chaplain Chris Belfield
The great thing about living on the North Shore is that there are always new discoveries to be made. This past week brought that realization into focus with great clarity. Last Sunday morning, we returned home from supporting our local restaurant and enjoying a sumptuous breakfast. There had been a fair amount of dew the night before, and it was still humid. As we exited the truck, we both noticed something glistening on the lawn. It turned out to be a spider web. Now, I have never seen a ground spider web before. Add to that, when we looked around the yard, we could see at least a half dozen more scattered about. Some may be reading, or hearing this, and thinking what a sheltered life I must have had. You are quite correct. I grew up just outside the Washington, D.C. Beltway. Enough said. Then there was my discovery at Gooseberry State Park. I am doing a wedding ceremony this week at the park, and I wanted to make sure I had the location correct. The ceremony will be outside, with the majestic vista of Lake Superior as a memorable backdrop. After conferring with the always friendly and knowledgeable park staff, I was directed to the correct area. However, when I arrived at the designated area, I realized I had never been there before. Now, I have been coming to the park for several years before retiring here. I thought I knew the best areas to see. To my surprise and delight, I had found a new location. It had been there all along. However, it was new to me. In my exuberance, I dutifully informed Cathy of my latest discovery. I shared that there was another beach for her to do agate hunting at. In great patience, Cathy explained she already knew about the beach area, as her family had come there many times during her childhood. In my defense, she is a native Minnesotan. Then there were the new discoveries that relatively new friends allowed me to experience. The first was during a weekly video visit with a friend who is in hospice. I'd like to think I am doing my best to be a good friend and encourage him during our visits. However, the truth of the matter is that he is always inspiring me and educating me with his years of wisdom. It happened that our conversation came around to talking about my novice efforts as a budding woodturner. I digress here to state that you are never too old to learn a new hobby. During this conversation, my friend informed me that he’s had a lifelong love affair with turning and described some of his accomplishments. He then astounded me by sharing his decades-old proven finish for his projects. He shared a new discovery because the dozens of articles read, YouTube videos watched, and on-line forums never discussed his process. I apologize that friendship trademarks prevent me from sharing at this time. However, meet me for strawberry pie and tea at Judy's Café, and we can talk. The second unique discovery was when I met a fellow veteran at Judy's. We were both cops in the Air Force at close to the same time, but never stationed together. As we talked, over 22 years of service memories came back as clear as if were yesterday, rather than the late 90s. The real discovery was the number of people we both knew. It was through these mutual associations that our careers intersected, though not at the same time. What a great week to reflect back on and appreciate the new discoveries that God permitted me. It was and has always been his purpose of creating us to appreciate God's creation in nature, and in our fellow human beings. Now I am excited to see what God will show me in the new week. Our encouragement verse for this week is: Jeremiah 33:3 (NIV) “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” May you be blessed by God’s word. Chris First Lesson: Genesis 1: 1 - 2:4 Responsive Reading: Psalm 8 Second Lesson: Acts 2: 14, 22-36 Gospel Lesson: Matthew 28: 16-20 Jesus asks the disciples who do people say that I am?
Some say John the Baptist, Some say Elijah, Some say one of the prophets of old And who do you all say that I am. Peter makes this great confession - , "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Note - How he comes to make this confession and just where it is that he does so How does he come to do so – It isn’t by intellect – it isn’t because Peter was so smart – because he was brighter than the other disciples and figured it out. It isn’t by his senses or intuition – he didn’t this confession of faith because he had a feeling or somehow sensed it. What does Jesus say “flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven.” He comes to the truth of Jesus’ identity because it has been revealed to him by God. The truths of scripture are revealed truths. The where of Peter’s confession adds another dimension of meaning to this passage. Where were they when Jesus asks his disciples these questions? Where is Ceasaria Philippi anyway? And what kind of a place was it? Caesarea Philippi was the capital of the Roman province in Judea, the seat of leaders that ruled their land, the headquarters of the Roman troops that occupied their country; and also the heart of the kind of pagan worship. There in Caesarea, Jesus and his disciples were surrounded by numerous idols, 14 temples to Baal, one to Caesar and a nearby cave that was rumored to be the birth place of the Greek God, Pan – At the base of Mount Herman this cave was believed to be the entry place to the underworld – the place of the dead this cave was believed to be the gates of hades. Now Jesus reply takes on a deeper meaning. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Near a Roman city filled with Roman troops where Ceasar is Lord – in a region full of idols and pagan worship –near the very gates of hades. it is here that Jesus asks who do people say that I am who do you say that I am. I would be tempted to whisper my confession – that Jesus is the long awaited anointed King of the Jews – I might be concerned that a Roman soldier might overhear. With all these Baal worshippers and worshippers of Ceasar and of the Greek God Pan. Even in the midst of Jewish countrymen – I might be tempted to whisper my confession that Jesus is the Son of the Living God. It’s kind of like boldly confessing our faith with the Apostle’s Creed and then leaving the sanctuary and not really feeling comfortable talking about God even with each other First Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15: 1-11
Gospel Lesson: John 20: 1-18 The video link is no longer available. Click below for the manuscript of the sermon for Easter Sunday. easter.2020.1_cor.15__a_.pdf |
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