Contrary to what many people think, Easter is not just a single day. Easter is a season that begins on Easter Sunday and continues for seven full weeks. During this time, the church celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection, His appearance to the disciples after Easter, His Ascension into heaven, and the disciples’ anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Worship during this time features expressions of joy and praise. The paschal candle which stands as a symbol of the risen Jesus is allowed to shine continuously throughout the Great Fifty Days.

This Easter Season we will celebrate how we have been made: “Alive in Christ!” We will follow Jesus on His post-Easter journey from the Upper Room in Jerusalem all the way to His Ascension back to heaven. We join “Doubting” Thomas and the disciple when Jesus appears in the Upper Room after Jesus’ Resurrection and learn that “Jesus Brings Hope” (John 20:19-31). We get a refreshing look to how Jesus worked in the lives of his disciples in the early church. We also hear from God’s Word how Jesus continues to work in our lives today!

Join us for worship at Good Shepherd as we continue to celebrate the Easter Resurrection of Jesus our Savior!

Alive in Jesus!

Pastor Maske

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, joy and peace to you all!

“The strife is over, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun! Alleluia!"

Our Lenten journey is complete!  Our Good Shepherd, Jesus has led us from the Upper Room where He first shared His Holy Meal. Then we were led to the Garden of Gethsemane where we heard Jesus praying for us! We watched from afar as we heard Jesus shout “It is finished!” from the cross. Finally we followed the women to the tomb, but no tomb could hold the victorious Son of God!  Today we shout, “Alleluia! Christ IS Risen!”

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the new life that He brings!  Today and every day of our life we can be filled with JOY as we have been called into the light of Christ! By God’s grace we have been filled with the light and love of Jesus that brings hope and salvation! Jesus’ victory over sin and death gives you victory in your life today! We place our hope in the power of Jesus Christ!

This Easter, we gather together to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death! May your Easter season be a celebration filled with the love of Jesus Christ!

I wish you a HAPPY, Healthy and JOYOUS EASTER!

“The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst! Alleluia!”

Christ IS risen!  He IS risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Pastor Steve Maske

During Holy Week we focus on the fact that Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross. As the week begins on Palm Sunday we join in the joyful shouts of “Hosanna! Save us!” By the end of the week however, we will recall how Jesus did "save us" as we hear the angry shout of “Crucify!”

Please join us for worship on Maundy Thursday, April 17 at 11:00 AM or 7:00 PM. You will have a special opportunity to acknowledge your sin and receive Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness for you. As you enter the sanctuary, you will be given a red ribbon.  As part of our confession in worship, we will have the opportunity to place this ribbon on the cross. This ribbon will represent our sin that put Jesus on the cross.  During the service we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and receive the forgiveness that Jesus promises in this meal.

On Good Friday, April 18, we will celebrate a “Tenebrae” service of darkness at NOON and 7:00 PM. Our Good Friday Tenebrae service is a solemn service that commemorates Christ's suffering, death, and burial through scripture readings, hymns, and the symbolic extinguishing of candles. As we hear the words of Jesus from the cross, representatives of our Good Shepherd family will come forward to lay their sins before God as they are symbolically nailed to the cross.

On Good Friday as Jesus hung on the cross, He showed the full devotion of His love for you. When Jesus said, “It is finished!” everything that was needed to be accomplished to win our eternal life was completed! Jesus had fulfilled all prophecies concerning the promised Messiah. God kept His promise of sending a savior for His people. This Holy Week we will celebrate God’s grace and mercy as we look to the Passion of Jesus for his people.

Easter Sunday, April 20, we will gather for the climax of Holy Week! Our Easter services will be at 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. The resurrection of Jesus gives us the power to live faithful, repentant lives today! As Christians, you and I now live in the shadow of the empty cross AND the empty tomb. You are now empowered by the RESURRECTION POWER of Jesus to live confident, courageous lives trusting in the promise of Jesus’ love and forgiveness!

Celebrating Jesus’ power of forgiveness! 

Pastor Steve Maske

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, joy and peace to you all!  

During our 40-day journey of Lent, we have been worshipping under the theme, “Jesus: Savior, Servant, Friend!” Lent is a special season of repentance as we contemplate the great cost of our forgiveness: the life of Jesus. The final portion of our Lenten journey will be Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday weekend, April 12 & 13. Please join us for our Holy Week Cantata: “Calvary’s Lamb” on Saturday, April 12 at 5:00 PM or Sunday, April 13 at 10:00 AM (NO 8:30 AM worship on Sunday, April 13).

Please join us for Maundy Thursday Worship on April 17 at 11:00 AM or 7:00 PM as we celebrate the Lord’s Supper. We will also offer NOON WORSHIP SERVICE on Good Friday as well as our 7:00 PM service. In this service of darkness, we will hear the last words of Jesus on the cross.   Our worship will include a symbolic closing of the tomb.

As our Lenten season concludes with Good Friday, we move into the joy-filled season of Easter!  We invite you to our Easter Brunch on Saturday, April 19 at 9:00 AM in the Gathering Room. This will be a great opportunity for you to invite your friends and neighbors for Christian Fellowship. Following our Easter Brunch will be our Easter Egg Hunt at 10:00 AM. 

This Easter we will shout “ALLELUIA!” as we celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus and the new life that He brings! By God’s grace you are filled with the light and love of Jesus that brings hope and salvation! Jesus’ victory over sin and death gives you victory in your life today! Easter Services will be held Sunday, April 20th at 8:00 AM (Traditional) and 10:00 AM (Contemporary).

Please join us this coming Holy Week and during the Easter season as together, we celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ!  May your Easter season be a celebration filled with the love of Jesus Christ!  

Christ IS risen!  He IS risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Pastor Steve Maske

“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his!” (Romans 6:5)

We all know Jesus’ parable of the “Prodigal” son. Jesus tells a story about an unfaithful son who wastes his father’s riches. After “coming to his senses”, the wayward son repents and returns to his father. The loving father comes running to his son and welcomes him back home with love! The parable is actually a picture of God’s extravagant (prodigal) love and mercy for each one of his wayward children.

But what about the “other” brother?  Wasn’t he in need of his father’s extravagant grace too?  As Jesus concludes this well-known parable, it ends with a twist.  The older (other) brother returns from a hard day’s work to hear the sounds of a party going on. When he hears that his father is throwing a celebration for his wayward brother he gets angry!  When the father invites him to the welcome home bash, the “other” brother shares his frustration!  He says, “I’ve been busting my bones all this time and you (dad) never threw me a shindig!”

Have you ever felt like the “other” brother?  I mean, you have been doing all of these good things for God.  You do the right thing; you work hard to support your family; you go to church; Have you been properly thanked for your faithfulness?  Have you been recognized for all of your hard work?  If you have ever felt this way, you need to ask yourself, “What have I done to actually deserve God’s love?”  

The fact is both the “prodigal” son and the “other” brother were in need of their father’s love.  You and I are also FULLY dependent on our Father God’s extravagant grace and mercy.  Like the younger son, we have been wasteful with the riches of God’s love.  Like the older brother, we have sometimes thought that we have earned and deserve God’s love. However, the actual truth is that without the love of Jesus we are lost...eternally! Fortunately, Jesus found us and rescued us!

In the parable, both sons were lost, but the Father’s love found them both!  We once were lost and now have been found!  May you be found in the Father’s love that comes to you through Jesus Christ!

Found in the Father’s love,

Pastor Maske 

Have you ever felt run down, burnt out, running on empty? I’ve been there. Maybe you're going through a “dry spell” right now! Finding nothing left in the tank. Empty inside. In a sense lifeless…?

If this describes you, then you know how the Children of Israel were feeling when Ezekiel wrote to them concerning his vision of “The Valley of Dry Bones” in Ezekiel chapter 37. The vision describes God’s people pretty well. They were held captive in a foreign land. They were defeated, desolate, dried up…almost dead!  But then, God breathes new life into them. He breathes into them the Spirit of the Lord and gives them hope with word of promise. “And I will put my Spirit within you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the Lord.” (Ezekiel 37:14)

The vision that Ezekiel observed was not only a message of hope to those who were held captive in Babylon, it pointed ahead to The One who would come to deliver all people from the captivity of sin and death.  The “dry bones” that were brought to life in Ezekiel’s vision, were a prototype of all those whom Jesus would bring to life when He came to live on earth! Even when Jesus came to earth, His miracles of raising people like Lazarus from the dead, only pointed ahead to when He would bring to life ALL through His death in the cross! 

Today you and I can celebrate our New Life in Christ through faith in Jesus’ promise of Life!  The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write about this promise of new life today! “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in the newness of life.” (Romans 3:3-4)

What a joy to be refreshed with the Holy Spirit! What a joy to receive the gift of Life from Jesus!  What a joy to live in the promise of Jesus' love today in this life and for the life to come!

Refreshed by Jesus!

Pastor Maske

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you (Eph 4:32)

What is the shortest sermon that you have ever heard? I believe that the shortest sermon that I have ever preached was only five minutes! (Don’t get too excited. I am not planning on doing that anytime again soon!) Jesus preached some short sermons too. Jesus’ first sermon in the Gospel of Mark is VERY short.  Here is the ENTIRE sermon. Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15) That’s it! Basically, Jesus is saying, “Times, up! Here I am to bring you the Good News of God’s kingdom! Change your life and believe!”

Change is hard, especially when you have to change YOUR heart to forgive someone else… Sometimes, forgiving someone else is HARD! Especially if they have done something that has really hurt you! But as hard as forgiving someone ELSE may be, the first step towards forgiveness is even harder! The first step towards forgiving someone else is to look in the mirror and repent of YOUR sins! That is what Jesus is talking about in Mark 1:15. Jesus says, “Do you want to experience the joy of the Good News of my love and forgiveness?  The first thing that you need to do is to turn away from YOUR sin!”

Forgiving others begins with recognizing that YOU are a sinner and that You need to turn away from your sins. When you realize that Jesus died for YOU while you were still a sinner, you may just be inspired to share His love and forgiveness with others. Remember, “We love because He (Jesus) first loved us!” (1 John 4:19) Or to say it another way, “We forgive because Jesus first forgave us!”

Forgiven by Jesus!

Pastor Maske

Have you ever been betrayed? Maybe you shared something in confidence with a friend and they broke your trust. Perhaps someone who you trusted only just pretended to be a supporter, and it turned out that they were just manipulating you for personal gain. We all have been caught in these situations. It hurts to be betrayed.

During Lent we focus on how Jesus was betrayed. We think of how Judas, a dear trusted friend of Jesus, betrayed Him to those who would put Jesus to death. How could someone so close to Jesus turn on Him in such a hurtful way? How did Jesus feel about Judas' betrayal? We understand the pain that betrayal causes, because we have all been subjected to it at some point.

The sad news is that Judas was not alone in his betraying Jesus. You and I have all broken Jesus’ trust. Like Judas (and Peter) we have all denied Jesus! We have placed our own desires ahead of Jesus. We have ignored God’s Commandments and sought to do things our own way. We have treated others thoughtlessly and elevated ourselves over them, directly contradicting God’s word of encouragement to “count others more significant than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). And when we do this, The Good News of Jesus is muted. Others do not see or hear the amazing love of Christ, because we have pushed Jesus into the background or denied His importance in our own lives. This is not easy to hear, but it’s best to hear the truth. We have betrayed Jesus!

Like Judas, Peter also betrayed Jesus when he denied that he even knew Jesus. The Good News is that after His resurrection, Jesus forgave Peter and restored him as a follower. From then on, Peter called all people to “repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19).

God says, “Return to Me!” God's Word reminds us that even when we break God’s trust, God is still there to provide His blessings! Jesus offers forgiveness. He offers peace. Jesus offers the strength to turn back and receive His blessings. When we repent of our sins and return to God, we receive all that He has promised, namely Jesus’ love and forgiveness.  May you be encouraged to receive Jesus’ mercy and return to God!

Trusting in Jesus’ mercy!

Pastor Maske

Dear Good Shepherd Family,                                                                        

Greetings in Christ!

This year the season of Lent will begin on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. This year we are doing something new! We are offering DAYTIME WORSHIP at 11:00 AM in addition to our standard 7:00 PM worship services. Our Lenten worship theme is: “Jesus: Savior, Servant, Friend!” During Lent we will explore the extra ordinary attributes of Jesus. Lent is a time to marvel at the many blessings we receive when Jesus laid down his life for us on the cross and then rose victorious from the grave!

Lent is a season which prepares us once again to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at Easter!  During the 40 days of Lent, we focus on the passion of our Lord as Jesus traveled the road to Calvary and “for the joy set before Him He endured the cross” for our sin to bring us life today! Please pick up your copy of a Lenten devotional entitled “Savior, Servant, Friend” at the Welcome Center.

In addition to 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM worship, you are welcome to join us for our Lenten family dinner from 6:00- 6:45 PM in the Gathering Room. Early Communion Instruction will also be offered from 6:00-6:45 PM in the Conference Room.

For many Christians, Lent is a season to “give up” something like alcohol or eating too much. This Lent, let’s try something different. This Lenten season, let’s receive more! Prayerfully consider committing to a deeper relationship with God! Instead of just “giving up” something for Lent, why not invest more time and energy into your faith life!  Please join your Good Shepherd family as we take a step back from the “busyness” of your life and find time to reconnect with your Savior, Jesus!  You will be blessed!

In Christ,

Pastor Steve Maske

 “Return to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love!” (Joel 2:13). 

Have you heard of the phrase, "slow to speak, and quick to listen?" Listening is an acquired skill. It takes lots of practice! There is a BIG difference between simply hearing words and actually listening to what a person is trying to say…Careful listening is more than merely hearing sounds. Active listening requires our full attention.  

In Luke 9:35, God-The Father speaks something that we should ALL pay close attention to and listen. "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him!" God invites us to listen to Jesus!  We have so much in our world that distracts us from focusing on God and listening to Him. As children of God, we need to listen, again and again to His Word of love that He shares with us through His Son, Jesus.  This happens every time that we read and study God’s Word.

On March 5th, we will observe Ash Wednesday, which means Lent is upon us. Lent is one of the most important times in the church year.  It’s a new chance to listen to Jesus and His love for us.  Jesus invites you to listen closely to His passion story. Perhaps, you have been thinking about giving something up this Lent. As we enter Lent, my prayer and challenge is that you consider taking time to listen to Jesus.  As you "Love Jesus” in worship and as you “Love God's Word” through the study of God’s Word, the Holy Spirit will guide you to listen to God’s love for you in Jesus Christ!

Loved by Jesus!

Pastor Maske

What do you love? In the USA many of us love puppies, mom and apple pie! Some of us love pizza and baseball.  Interestingly, we use the SAME word to describe our affections for everything from food to family: “LOVE” 

While we Americans try to cram the spectrum of our emotions into a single word, the Greeks used many words to describe the various meanings of love. One word, “philia”, was used to designate “brotherly love”, the love you have for a family member.  Another word for love was “pragma.” This word was used to describe the deep love of understanding that develops between long-married couples. “Eros” is a word that was used to describe a selfish, sexual love.  However, the most radical word for love was “agape.”  This is a selfless love.  This is the deepest form of love.  A love that expects nothing in return. A love that only comes from God.

The word “agape” is the word that Jesus uses to describe God’s love for you when He says, “for God so LOVED the world that He gave His one and only Son…” (John 3:16) It’s also the word that Jesus uses to describe His own love for us when he says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) When Jesus describes this type of selfless love, He says simply, “God is love!” (John 4:8)

The world’s definition of love is fuzzy at best. The world’s view of love wilts away like a discarded old Valentine’s Day flower.  But God’s “steadfast love endures forever!” (Psalm 136:1)

If you ever get confused about what love is, just turn to Jesus. “This is love, not that we have loved God but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the payment for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”  (John 4:10-11)

Jesus loves you!

(And I do too!)

Pastor Maske

Well, this last Sunday was “Groundhogs Day!” According to tradition, if the groundhog sees it’s shadow, that means we’re in for six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn’t see its shadow, then springtime is just around the corner! Unfortunately, “Punxsutawney Phil” of Gobbler’s Knob, Pennsylvania DID see his shadow!  According to our furry friend, we’ll have to wait a little longer for spring!

Actually, there is some basis to this tradition. Weather patterns during the winter are generally more stable. That means that we generally have sunny days during the winter. However, weather patterns shift during the spring and we often experience cloudier, rainy days.  So, when our ground hog pops up and “sees” his shadow, it means that it’s still a sunny winter day. There are also some who say that our fuzzy rodent is “afraid” of his shadow and ducks his head back underground.

Sometimes, we act a lot like our fuzzy friend.  We focus on the “shadows” in our lives and become afraid. Instead of focusing on the light that Jesus brings, we react with fear to the “shadows” of the world and the lies of the Devil. But with Jesus, we no longer have to fear the darkness because we live in the light of His love!  “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world! Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of light!” (John 8:12) Jesus is our light and salvation. We do not have to be afraid!  Now Jesus gives His light to us and calls us to share His light with others. “You are the light of the world! Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven!” (Matthew 5:14,16)

Living in the Light of Jesus!

Pastor Maske

Wow, it’s been quite a cold winter!  This Winter we’ve had sleet, ice and snow. With the wind blasting from the north, the wind chill was well below zero!  Those are deadly conditions!  The National Weather Service says that in these conditions, frostbite to exposed skin can occur in only five minutes!  Let’s be careful out there!

Let me ask you a question.  If you HAD to drive out in this weather and your car HAPPENED to break down what would you do?  I’d probably call AAA to get my car towed.  But what would you do if you were in the middle of nowhere with no phone service? What then? I would probably just hop right back in my car and wait… 

But then you see the lights of a car!  The driver says, “Hop in!  Let me take you to the nearest gas station!”  What would you say?  Would you say, “No, thanks. I’m just going to stay here and freeze to death.”  Of course you wouldn’t!  You’d say, “THANK YOU!  THANK YOU! I’m jumping in!”

Unfortunately, when it comes to our faith life, many people do not yet know how deadly it is without Jesus. Many people are stuck, walking around in the cold, without any protection from the eternal elements of sin that lead only to death.

You and I know what it means to be rescued by Jesus!  He has come to us and saved us!  We have been brought into His protection and warmed by His love.   Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 

What would you do if you saw someone stranded out in the cold? Of course, you would stop and pick them up! Do you know someone who has been left “out in the cold” and does not yet know the love of Jesus?  Why not show them even greater love and come alongside and pick them up and take them to their Savior Jesus? Jesus is here to rescue us!

Stay warm in Jesus’ Love! 

Pastor Maske  

There’s an old saying, “Nobody cares how much you know until they know how much you care.” One area of my life in which I am very mindful of this saying is in the area of my medical care. Recently, my doctor retired, so now I have a new doctor. I’m a little apprehensive. My previous doctor has taken care of me for ten years. We’ve established a relationship. He has become a real friend. We could talk about anything. What will my new doctor be like? I hope that my new doctor will know what they are doing, but I also wonder if my new doctor will really care about me! I sure hope so…

When Paul was writing to the Christians at Corinth about their faith life, he wrote, “We know that “all of us possess knowledge.” This “knowledge” puffs up, but love builds up.” (1 Cor. 8:1) Or to put it another way, “Nobody cares about how much you know about Jesus, if you don’t show them how much you love them!”  If we are all “puffed up” about ourselves, then there is no way that we can put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and truly listen to them and understand their needs.

Paul continues, “If anyone imagines that he knows something, he does not yet know as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, he is known by God.” 1 Cor. 8:1,2) The bottom line is this: It’s not so important what we may know (or don’t know) about God, what’s important is that God “knows us” and He shows His love to us through His Son Jesus!

We sometimes think that we need to know all the answers about God, but sometimes having a humble heart can help us more than having a brilliant (proud) mind.  We never really know enough until we recognize that God alone knows it all! And most importantly God knows us perfectly and HE STILL LOVES US!

Trusting in Jesus' perfect healing,

Pastor Maske

Do you have a hidden talent? Having a hidden talent can be a good thing IF you can find a way to use it for the common good. But what if you have a hidden talent that NEVER gets used to benefit others?

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells the “Parable of the Talents.” Jesus tells this story in response to His disciple’s question, “What will be the sign of your coming?”  Jesus shares the story of how a master left on a journey, but before he went away, he left his servants in charge of his property. After the master left, two servants were faithful in the use of the property that they had been entrusted with and one servant was unfaithful with the gifts that the master had given him.

As Jesus tells the parable, the master rewards his faithful servants, but for his unfaithful servant, he rebukes him as “wicked and lazy” and casts him out!  Why was the master so angry? What had the “wicked” servant done that was so unfaithful? The “lazy” servant had done… nothing! He had received a special gift from the master and promptly buried it! He was afraid and so he kept his talent hidden so he wouldn’t’ lose it!

What is your “hidden talent”? What are the gifts that God has given to you to serve Him as well as to benefit others? Are you a singer? Are you an organized leader? Do you have a passion for serving others? We have all been given unique talents, experiences and abilities from God. The Holy Spirit calls us to exercise these talents as we serve our Savior Jesus. What “hidden talent” do you have that could help you and our Good Shepherd family to "love people to Jesus?"

Take the time to read 1 Corinthians 12 this week. Ask God to guide you on your faith journey on how you have been uniquely gifted to serve our Savior. We are all part of the body of Christ. We all have different roles in Jesus’ church. All our talents and gifts come from God. He equips His Church with useful and unique ways to draw people to Himself.

God does not give you talent to show off. He does not give you gifts so that you would hide them. God gives you His special gifts and His love, so that you would share the love of Jesus with others. Whatever your gift may be, I pray that you would use them to "love people to Jesus." Your talents are gifts from God. God’s greatest gift to you is His Son, Jesus Christ.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Maske

Have you ever lost something....in the dark?  It's frustrating isn't it?  What do you do?  You need to find a light so that you can see what's lost!

Ever since the Fall of Adam, the entire world was lost and "in the dark!" Everyone was living in the darkness of their sin.  People had gotten so used to the darkness that they didn't even know they were lost! Then God sent his word to the prophet Isaiah to "enlighten" them.  "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone." (Isaiah 9:2)

The people would stumble around 700 more years before "The Great Light", Jesus would be born in a humble manger in Bethlehem. Magi, astronomers from the East, followed a star that would guide them to the "King of the Jews."  They would follow the light of a star that would point them to the "Light of the world!"

God's word encourages you and me to be drawn to the light of Jesus!  "Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you. For behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the peoples; but the Lord will arise upon you, and his glory will be seen upon you. And nations shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising."  Isaiah 60:1-3

Are you feeling lost? Do you feel like you're "in the dark?" God knew that we were lost in our sin, so He pointed the Light of Jesus into our darkened, sinful world to find us.  Allow the light of Jesus to shine into your life.  Admit that you are lost and that you need some help.  Turn away from the darkness of your sin and allow the Holy Spirit to point you to the Light of Jesus' love and forgiveness.  Jesus is the "Light of the world" who came to save... you!

Living in the Light of Christ! 

Pastor Maske

There are a number of cliché’s that we think are biblical, but even if you look hard, you will NOT find them in the Bible. Here are a few.

1) “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I like it, but sometimes you have to get down in the dirt to find Jesus doing His best work. You may actually have to “get down and dirty” to follow Jesus!

2) “When God closes a door, He opens a window!” This sounds cute, but sometimes God slams the door on you to get your attention so that he can get you to TURN AROUND (i.e. repent) and follow Him!

3) “God helps those who help themselves!”  Thank goodness this is NOT in the Bible. Thank goodness that the OPPOSITE is actually true. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners who could NOT help themselves! Thanks be to God that His love is different! “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)

4) “God will NOT give you more than you can handle.”  This is a BIG LIE! Sometimes God allows things to happen in your life that are so big, that you HAVE to turn them over to Jesus. Yes, it is true that God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to trust in Him (1 Cor. 10:12-14), however, sometimes God allows obstacles to remain in your life so that you MUST TRUST ONLY IN JESUS (and not in yourselves.)  Paul writes about his personal experience with suffering and trials in life.

“… so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap (“thorn in the flesh”) to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, "My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness!” (2 Cor. 12:7-10 MSG)

When God gives you more than you can handle, GIVE IT ALL TO GOD! Allow the grace and love of Jesus Christ to be all that you need! Focusing on our suffering and our own ability to handle things doesn’t bring comfort. Focusing on God and His resources for us in suffering does bring great comfort and hope.

Trusting in God’s grace,

Pastor Maske 

"Happy New Year!"

How many of you are looking forward to 2025?  We pray that the coming New Year will be an opportunity to leave the old behind and begin a New Year with a fresh start! What will be your New Years’ resolution for the coming year?  Is there a bad habit that you need to stop? Are there new challenges that you would like to take on? The New Year gives us a chance for a fresh start!

The problem with our New Year’s resolutions is that we often fail!  We begin the New Year with a fresh start, but all too soon our failure reminds us of how difficult it is to change ourselves.  We see the truth in God's word, “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Romans 3:10b-12)

A faithful resolution is to simply realize that on our own, we are powerless to change. However, by the power of the Holy Spirit we can be led to trust in the love of God through Jesus Christ. Why can we trust in this?  “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.”  (Romans 5:6 ESV)   Our trust is not in our own strength, but in the power of God.

A faithful New Year’s resolution is grounded in God’s solution for us in Jesus Christ! It was God’s resolution for us, to give us eternal victory over death. As we face trials in the New Year, we face them with the greatest resolution of all: God’s love for us in Jesus Christ!  Our resolution, then, is NOT one that we make (and fail to keep) our resolution is to receive God’s solution for us: our new life in Christ!

God’s word of promise for you in the New Year, will enable you to be renewed and transformed.  "Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:22-24 ESV)

God's Blessings in the New Year!

Pastor Maske 

If you could have the PERFECT CHRISTMAS, what would it look like? What would that experience be like?

For me the perfect Christmas would include having all the family together (especially the grandkids)! Everyone would be laughing and getting along. We’d all be sharing the perfect presents with one another and everyone would appreciate the gifts that they received. To boil it down, it would sound a lot like my mom. When I would ask, “What do you want for Christmas, mom?” She would simply say, “I just want you kids to all be happy….”

Unfortunately, we won’t all experience the “perfect Christmas” this year.  The family will not all be together, because we will be missing loved ones who are no longer with us. Some of us will be all alone at Christmas. And those who are able to gather with family may still be dealing with unresolved conflicts and baggage that Santa did not bring on his sleigh.

No, we will not be able to experience the perfect Christmas unless we go back 2000 years ago to the first Christmas…  A young couple, Joseph and Mary go back to the family’s “hometown”, only to find that there is no room for them, probably because the baby that Mary is soon to deliver is of suspect parentage if you know what I mean…  No, the newlywed couple does not receive the honeymoon suite. Mary and Joseph are relegated to accommodations that only a cow and donkey could appreciate.

But the first Christmas in Bethlehem IS indeed the Perfect Christmas. God the Father has been planning this event for a long time. God is sending His Son away from heaven to be born in a dark and dirty stable, in a dark and dirty world to bring light and salvation!

That child Jesus came to fulfill promises that God had made through His prophet Isaiah years before: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2)

Jesus came into a dark, sinful world to bring hope, peace, joy and love. He would show His love most completely when he died on a cross many years later to pay the price for our sin. Our hope this Christmas comes from the resurrection power that Jesus demonstrated over sin and death that first Easter!

This year, you CAN celebrate a perfect Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Even if you find yourself all alone, with no presents, you can still celebrate God’s perfect love for you in Jesus Christ!  May you find joy this Christmas in the perfect present that Jesus brings to you today is His gift of forgiveness, life and salvation!

Celebrating Christmas,

Pastor Maske

Christmas is a season of joy, but sometimes we get so “wrapped up” in the “busy-ness” of the season that we miss the actual blessing that God brings us at Christmas! Sometimes we become overly focused on the destination so much that we forget to enjoy the journey along the way. When we concentrate on the end game too much, we miss a lot of the joy because God does some of His greatest work along the way!

This holiday season, do not focus on your “to-do” lists: the presents to buy; your grocery list; the list of parties to attend, and everything in between. Don’t aim for Christmas Day and miss out on the enjoyment of the days leading up to it. Forget about the presents needing to be wrapped and focus instead on being present in each moment. Take time to celebrate God's love today! Jesus is at work every day this Christmas season. Don’t wait until December 25th to notice His love for you today!

The biggest gift of Christmas came 2000 years ago when Mary gave birth to Jesus and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger. Unwrap this special gift that God brings to you today! Don’t wait for December 25th! Open the gift of Jesus' love for you today!

Celebrating THE Gift of Christmas!

Pastor Maske

The Church calendar is full of seasons and events that are all meant to point us to Jesus Christ. Advent is where it all begins for us in the Church today. At a time when the world around us thinks of winter wonderlands and flying reindeer, all while going crazy over sales and trying to outdo their neighbors’ lighting displays, Christians are called to slow down and keep our focus fixed on Jesus Christ our Lord, on who He is, and what He has done for us. We focus on His gifts to us, not on what we do.

The word Advent comes to us from Latin, and means “coming.” This season is a time of excitement, celebration, and anticipation. But even as we await Jesus’ birth at Christmas, we are also preparing for and anticipating the Second Coming of Christ, which is both the Day of Judgment and the day we will meet our Savior face to-face. Let us together look to the birth of our King and the return of our King. We have a faithful God who always keeps His promises!

The Four Weeks of Advent

Many Christians are familiar with having an Advent wreath on their table during the Advent season. Seeing it throughout our day helps fix our eyes on Christ, the coming of our King, the true reason for the season. Each candle has a special meaning, outlined below:

Week 1 – Hope(see Isaiah 9:6) – God promised His people of old that He would send a Savior, who would rescue us from sin, death, and the devil. And He did! Use this week to specifically talk about what hope you have as God’s children.

Week 2 – Peace(see Luke 3:4-6) – Jesus’ death on the cross removes our sin from us. That means our rebellion against God, our own self-destructive war against Him, is over. Christ is victorious! And at the end of war comes peace. In this world we will have trouble, but Jesus, our Prince of Peace, makes us right with God!

Week 3 – Joy(see Luke 2:15) – The word “joy” is a tricky one in English as most people assume it means “happy.” But, it means so much more! Think of it instead as the treasure that you have in Christ. He is our joy, as He gives us all that we need, including life everlasting with Him in Paradise. As you hear the word “joy” tossed about in the world’s secular celebrations, use it as a time to reflect on the joy that you have in Christ!

Week 4 – Love(see Matthew 1:21) – Jesus shows us what love truly is, the willingness to lay down His life for His friends (John 15:13). It is to care for someone else unconditionally, no matter what. Have a conversation this week about how we can love others as Christ has first loved us.

Preparing for Jesus!

Pastor Maske

More than any other time of the year, the Advent/Christmas Season is a time filled with hope! Everyone seems to experience a renewed feeling of expectation that good things are going to happen. As Christians, our hope comes from Jesus as we look ahead to the coming of Christ into our lives. We recall God’s covenant promise that was fulfilled in the birth of His Son, Jesus. We also look ahead with hope to Jesus’ coming at the end of time. But we also live with the hope that Jesus will come and rule in our hearts today!

Advent and Christmas are all about God coming to live with us.  Eugene Peterson translates John 1:14 in this way, “The Word (Jesus) became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”  What an awesome thing!  Have you ever thought of Jesus that way? Not just that Jesus came to be born 2000 years ago in Bethlehem, but that Jesus is STILL actively living in your neighborhood today!  

Jesus said, “I will be with you ALWAYS!”  That means right here, right now!  It means that wherever you are and whatever struggle it is that you are going through, Jesus is there to guide, encourage and even forgive you. One of Jesus’ names is Immanuel, “God with us.” Our Father God sent His Son to be with us. Wow!  Never forget that you have a God who will never leave you or forsake you!  Jesus loves you dearly!  This Advent season, tap into the power of Jesus' Love!

Living in the hope of Jesus,

Pastor Maske

For many of us we’re very committed in certain aspects of our lives.  Maybe you are a die-hard Bears fan!  I pray that you are devoted to your family or you’re dedicated at work.

How is your faith commitment to your Lord Jesus?  What’s holding you back from letting go and letting Jesus rule in your life?

I know that one of the things that holds me back in my faith life is my desire to be in control.  I want to be in charge of what’s happening in my life.  To relinquish control to someone else would be a sign of weakness right? To let someone else be in charge is not always easy.  As a matter of fact, in our sinful nature it’s impossible to let God be in charge.  So what can we do?

We can pray.  Prayer has great power!  Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in my name I will do it!” (John  14:13)  As we seek God’s will and ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can grow in our trust of the love of Jesus and truly believe in the power of God’s word! Ask God to let you take a step of faith.

Prayerfully ask that you would let Jesus be more in charge of your life.  Ask God to enable you to be more intentional in your prayer life.  Ask that the Holy Spirit would guide you to trust in the power of God’s word and to receive the blessings of Jesus’ promises!

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”  (Philippians 4:6,7,13)

Trusting in Jesus, 

Pastor Maske

Are you defined by what you own?  For many of us living in our consumer driven society, the sad reality is…yes!  We live our lives, "keeping up with the Joneses". We want what everyone else has, or more!  But this approach to life is a lie!  If our goal in life is to find happiness in the things that we buy, we will never be happy and content because that type of happiness will never last.  Here in the US, consumerism is rampant.   The storage industry is booming!  Why? Because we continue to buy more stuff than we need!  That may be because we would all like to believe the old saying, "The person with the most toys, wins!"  But the truth is actually, "The person with the most toys, still dies...!"

Jesus said, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  (Matthew 6:19-21)

If you are defined by earthly treasures, then your happiness will fade away.  But if your treasure is Jesus Christ then you can be eternally rich today!  You have the riches of Jesus' love and the forgiveness that He brings.  Our identity is not in what we possess, but in who possesses us, Jesus Christ!  "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich."  (2 Corinthians 8:9)

Living rich in Jesus' Love! 

Pastor Maske

I take great pride that I have a hidden talent! What is it? I can whistle REALLY loud! I use it from time to time at large gatherings to quiet people down or to get someone’s attention. Do you have a hidden talent? Having a hidden talent can be a good thing IF you can find a way to use it. But what if you have a hidden talent that NEVER gets used?

In Matthew 25 Jesus tells the “Parable of the Talents.” Jesus tells this story in response to His disciple’s question, “What will be the sign of your coming?”  Jesus shares the story of how a master left on a journey, but before he went away, he left his servants in charge of his property. After the master left, two servants were faithful in the use of the property that they had been entrusted with and one servant was unfaithful with the gifts that the master had given him.

As Jesus tells the parable, the master rewards his faithful servants, but for his unfaithful servant, he rebukes him as “wicked and lazy” and casts him out!  Why was the master so angry? What had the “wicked” servant done that was so unfaithful? The “lazy” servant had done… nothing! He had received a special gift from the master and promptly buried it! He was afraid and so he kept his talent hidden so he wouldn’t’ lose it!

What is your “hidden talent”? What are your gifts that God has given you? Are you a singer? Are you an organized leader? Do you have a passion for serving others? We have all been given unique talents, experiences and abilities from God. The Holy Spirit calls us to exercise these talents as we serve our Savior Jesus. What “hidden talent” do you have that could help you and our Good Shepherd family to "love people to Jesus?" The Bible gives a list of "Gifts of the Spirit" in 1 Corinthians 12. Take the time to read 1 Corinthians 12 this week. Ask God to guide you on your faith journey on how you have been uniquely gifted to serve our Savior. We are all part of the body of Christ. We all have different roles in Jesus’ church. All our talents and gifts come from God. He equips His Church with useful and unique ways to draw people to Himself.

God does not give you talent to show off. He does not give you gifts so that you would hide them. God gives you His special gifts and His love, so that you would share the love of Jesus with others. Whatever your gift may be, I pray that you would use them to "love people to Jesus." Your talents are gifts from God. God’s greatest gift to you is His Son, Jesus Christ.

Together in Christ,

Pastor Maske

Do you remember when you were young and looking forward to Halloween and asking your friends, "What are you going to be for Halloween?" A superhero?  A princess? A ghost?  Last Saturday Good Shepherd hosted our "Trunk-or-Treat."

There were hundreds of superheroes, princesses and dinosaurs running around having fun! It was so great to see all the families from the neighborhood join us for a good time. Thanks to all who are hosting a trunk or those who helped by donating candy.  It was an awesome time connecting with our community!

Halloween has become the second most popular holiday for decorating, right behind Christmas! Some people would even say that adults have "hijacked" Halloween from kids!  So young or old I ask you this question, "What are you going to be this Halloween?"

507 years ago a Catholic priest named Martin Luther reminded everyone what "All Hallows' Eve" (The evening before "All Saints Day") was all about.  Luther hammered a notice on the Wittenberg Church door to remind all Christians that, "When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, “Repent'' (Matthew 4:17), he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance."  Luther reminds us still today that Halloween is about Jesus' love for you and me.

Back in 1517 the Christian church had drifted away from Jesus. The focus was no longer on what Jesus had done, but what the people were doing in their life.  Martin Luther called the church back to God's Word.  Luther called the people back to lives of repentance.  He called the people back to the forgiveness and mercy of Jesus Christ!

What am I going to be this Halloween?  I'm probably going to be a sinner.... A sinner who is now redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ!  By the power of the Holy Spirit, you and I can be led to turn away from our self-indulgent, self-centered lives and be turned back to Jesus and His love.  Jesus loves you so much that he made you holy. Jesus made you a saint!

Happy All Hallows' Eve! (Halloween)

Pastor Maske

Have you ever been out driving in your car and...ran out of gas?  I have, a number of times!  One time I ran out of gas less than a block away from the gas station!  I had to walk to the gas station, buy a gas can, walk back to the car and put a gallon of gas and then drive one block to the gas station to fill the car up. How embarrassing! The needle on the gas gauge was WAY below empty.  I had passed too many gas stations without filling up. I had pushed my luck too long, and I finally had to pay the price.

Do you ever feel like your “gas tank” of faith is running on empty?  You’re at your wit’s end and your faith life is running on fumes….running on empty.  If you ever do feel like that, maybe you have passed too many opportunities to “fill-up” your faith. When was the last time you stopped by the “station” and refilled your faith tank with some high octane Gospel fuel from God’s word?

Actually, it’s not really HOW much faith that you have, it’s really about WHO you have faith in!  Jesus said, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”(Matthew 17:20)

Our faith is “little” when we place it in little things!  If we place our faith in the things of this world, that type of faith will fail.  When we place our faith in ourselves, in our abilities, or in even other people, sooner or later our “faith” will run dry!

But if we have faith in Jesus Christ, even with a small faith the size of a mustard seed, “NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH YOU!” Is your faith running a little low?  Be filled with the love of Jesus and you will never run dry!

Loved by Jesus!

Pastor Steve Maske

“What is prayer?” When I ask someone that question, the answer that I often get is, “Talking with God.”  That’s a great response! Prayer is having a conversation with God.

SO, how is it that when I ask someone to pray in a group setting, a common response is, “Oh I am not good at praying…out loud!” What? Most of us do OK with talking. Why do MOST of us have a problem with talking “out loud” (i.e. praying) to God?

Here’s a thought that may help. I am going to offer a NEW definition for prayer. Prayer is “being honest” with God! It’s not really all that hard to talk (out loud), but it’s a LOT harder to dig deep and be truly honest (“spill your guts”) with others. There are probably only a FEW people that you can really open up to and honestly share your deepest struggles and concerns.  Why? Because it’s embarrassing to truly “open up” with someone else! They might take advantage of your weakness, your foibles, your shortcomings. You would have to find someone that you could REALLY trust before you would be willing to share your deepest thoughts with, right?

Guess, what? God is that person whom you can always trust! God is someone that you can trust with your deepest concerns. You can bring God your doubts and your worries. You can even bring him your fears of your most embarrassing moments…., because He ALREADY KNOWS!

God knows EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU! That’s why He sent Jesus! To pay the price for all of those doubts, worries, mistakes, blunders, shortcomings, failures… ALL YOUR SINS. You can be honest with God in prayer, because He loves you. NO MATTER WHAT! Give God a shot and open up to Him in prayer. You may be surprised what a good listener God is!

Remember that you can pray to God anytime, anywhere! If you are looking for a safe place to pray, you are welcome to come to our sanctuary at Good Shepherd and pray. Just give me a call and we’ll set up a time. We have also set aside a special time for you to pray in the Sanctuary. Every Wednesday, from 12:00 (noon) -1:00 PM, the sanctuary will be available for prayer. Just “buzz in” at Door “A” and we’ll make sure that you have a safe place to pray. But, like I said, pray to God anytime, anywhere!

Trusting in Jesus,

Pastor Maske

“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7)

We all know Jesus’ parable of the “Prodigal” son, right? Jesus tells a parable about a man with two sons. The younger son is unfaithful and runs away and wastes his father’s riches. After “coming to his senses”, the wayward son repents and returns to his father. The loving father comes running to his son and welcomes him back home with love! The parable is actually a picture of God’s extravagant (prodigal) love and mercy for each one of his wayward children.

But what about the “other” brother?  Wasn’t the older brother in need of his father’s extravagant grace too?  As Jesus concludes this well-known parable, it ends with a twist.  The older (other) brother returns from a hard day’s work to hear the sounds of a party going on. When he hears that his father is throwing a celebration for his wayward younger brother he gets angry!  When the father invites him to the welcome home bash, the older brother shares his frustration!  He says, “I’ve been busting my bones all this time and you (dad) never threw me a shindig!”

Have you ever felt like the older brother?  I mean, you have been doing all of these good things for God.  You do the right thing; you work hard to support your family; you go to church. Have you been properly thanked for your faithfulness?  Have you been recognized for all of your hard work?  If you have ever felt this way, you need to ask yourself, “What have I done to actually deserve God’s love?”

The fact is both the “prodigal” son and the “other” brother were in need of their father’s love.  You and I are also FULLY dependent on our Father God’s extravagant grace and mercy.  Like the younger son, we have been wasteful with the riches of God’s love.  Like the older brother, we have sometimes thought that we have earned God’s love. He owes us! However, the actual truth is that without the love of Jesus we are lost...eternally! Fortunately, Jesus found us and rescued us!

In the parable, both sons were lost, but the Father’s love found them.  We once were lost and now have been found!  May you be found in the Father’s love that comes to you through Jesus Christ!

Found in the Father’s love,

Pastor Maske

One thing I was taught in school was, “There is no such thing as a bad question!” I generally agree with this…. but not totally! Sometimes questions have an “agenda.” Some questions are NOT neutral or purely inquisitive. Some questions have a bias or an ulterior purpose.

In the Gospel of Luke a lawyer comes to Jesus and asks, “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus responds with the great command: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind.  AND love your neighbor as yourself.” But since the man “wanted to justify himself” he asked Jesus, “Who is my neighbor?” To answer the question, Jesus responds with the well-known parable of the Good Samaritan.

We know the story. A man is robbed and left for dead. A priest and a church worker pass him by! However, a hated Samaritan has compassion on the man and takes care of him. (Even though the man would have actually hated the Samaritan under different circumstances).

At the end of the parable, Jesus asks the question, “Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?”  The lawyer said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, "You go, and do likewise."

The key point that Jesus is making is this: Neighbors show mercy! To be a neighbor is to be a person of action, showing love and mercy! As you show love to ANYONE, you are “being” a neighbor! Although “Who is my neighbor?” is not a bad question, a better question may be, “Who am I BEING a neighbor to?”

EVERYONE is our neighbor! This means that WE are everyone’s neighbor and are called to show love to everyone! A neighbor is not just a “who”, but rather someone whom I am called to show love and concern towards! Is an unborn child your neighbor?  Love your neighbor.  Is the person arguing with you about their “rights” your neighbor?  Love your neighbor. Does your next door “neighbor” know that you love them? Love your neighbor!

The Good News is that Jesus is the perfect “Good Neighbor” who shows you his mercy, love and forgiveness every day. Now Jesus says to you, “Go and do likewise!”

Loved by Jesus and sharing His love with others,

Pastor Maske

Put down your phone!

You’ve seen it before. You walk into a restaurant and you see a family sitting down for a nice meal (or even McDonald’s) and mom, dad and the kids are ALL on their cell phones! What could be a great opportunity for a family to come together has become a modern form of isolation….

But it’s not just those “other” people! We’re ALL on our phone too much!  The average teenager spends nine hours a day on their screens. Adults aren’t much better averaging almost seven hours a day on screens! The bulk of this screen time is on social media, as we check to see how many “likes” that our most recent picture of dinner has received.

I can do better! How about you? Have you ever left home and had to turn around… because you left your phone at home!!!  When did our phones start controlling us? How did our smart phone become such an important part of our lives? 

Wouldn’t it be great if we just let God be in charge of our lives instead of letting our smart phone control us? Don’t you think that your life would be more filled with purpose and peace if you just put your phone down and picked up God’s word?

Psalm 119:105 teaches us that God’s Word “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path!”  What if we began to treat our Bibles the way that we treat our “smart” phones?  What if our Bibles were such an integrated part of our life, that if we ever left home without it, we would turn back to get it!  What if we carried it everywhere we went and if we ever needed direction in our life we would turn to God’s Word for guidance?  What if the Bible were so important to us that we would check for “messages” from God throughout the day?  What if we were involved in an emergency, God’s Word would be the first thing that we looked for….

What would happen if you made reading the Bible a PRIORITY in your life over your cell phone? Would your life be more peaceful? Would you be more focused on the things that really mattered? What if you began to cut back on your social media posting and began looking at what God has already “posted” in His Word of Love for you in Jesus?  Would you become less anxious when you realized how much God loves you? You WILL BE BLESSED!

“You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God. You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.” Psalm 119:1-2 (MSG)

Blessed by Jesus,

Pastor Maske

Now that Labor Day has passed this means that SUMMER IS OFFICIALLY OVER! I hope that you had a relaxing summer break and were able to “recharge your batteries.” It’s important to have a healthy rest/work rhythm in life. It’s good to be fully rested so that you can be more effective in your work life. With summer now over, this means that school age kids are heading back to school. If you are an adult that means that you're heading back to work. (If you are retired, that means that you have earned your rest and now you are probably busier than ever!)

For most students the first few days of a new school year involve a certain amount of review. It’s a time to review what may have been “lost” over the summer so that you can be more productive in learning for the new year! Just like the kids who have to review the “Three “R’s” of “reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmatic”, Christians also have the opportunity to get back to the basics in reviewing the elements of living out our Christian faith.

It’s helpful for us to review how the early Christians lived out their faith. We read from the book of Acts, “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved!” (Acts 2:42, 47) As Christians to be a disciple of Jesus is to be “devoted” to the teaching about Jesus!  To be a follower of Jesus is to love Jesus and love to read and listen to His Word! Christians are to be so “devoted” to Jesus and His words that we live it out daily!

How do you “live out” God’s Word? By loving other people!  Jesus tells us how we are to “follow him” in our daily lives. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:24-25)

OK, that may have been how they did it back then when it was “easier” to be a Christian. How about now in the “real world” where it’s not so easy to practice my faith?  Although, it may seem that earlier Christians had it easier, the truth is they were living in the “real world” back then as well!  Government persecution, divorce, family struggles, were VERY REAL in the lives of early Christians!

Yes, we continue to live in the real world today!  A world where sin seems out of control! Today’s church faces growing opposition from the world around it. That’s nothing new for many Christians around the world, but for Christians in the US, this is not something we are accustomed to. Yes, we may live in the “real world,” but for that “real world,” God in his grace has provided a real Savior, the risen Lord Jesus!

The description of life in the early church is beautiful, not because Christians faced no real problems, but because they were learning to face real problems with a real living Savior!

Jesus lives, and because he lives, we shall live also—in him. TODAY!  Our Good Shepherd, Jesus is leading his flock TODAY!  God’s Word is: eternal life is NOW!  Life with Jesus begins the moment we are called to faith to follow Jesus. Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life!”   John 5:24

Living with Jesus!

Pastor Maske

It seems that in our current election cycle, the term “racism” gets used a lot!  There certainly seems to be any number of racist events that remind us of the depth of hate that exists in our country.  Racism and hate go hand in hand.  Actually they go way back.  The first act of racism recorded in history was when Cain killed his brother Abel.

What?  Isn’t racism when a person from one race (ex. “white”) hates another person from another race (ex. “black”)?  How can a brother hating another brother be racism?  Well, because there really is only one race of people, the human race! We may have different colors of skin.  We may come from different backgrounds, but if you believe in the truth of the Bible, then you have to believe that EVERY human is related to every other person on the planet. (See Genesis)

You could even say that all forms of people hating other people are racist, because racism is a crime against the ONE human race.  The idea of different “races” is a manmade concept that people came up with, NOT God.  Racism separates people from one another. Racism separates us from God.  Racism is a sin!

So is it ok to hate racism?  Yes!  Racism in all forms is sinful!  Those people who hate others are sinners and should be called to repent!  Then is it ok to hate a racist? Can I hate a person who is doing racist things?  That’s where it gets a little tricky, because the simple answer is…..no. Before we condemn the hatred and racism of others we really need to take a look inside our own heart.  We need to first look to God’s Word.

Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.  (1 John 3:15)

Ouch!  Ever hate someone?  I sure have.  What does that make me?  Doesn’t that make us all “murderers?” What can we do? By the power of the Holy Spirit we can be led to repent and receive God’s mercy. Empowered by Jesus’ love we can be led to turn away from our life of hate and anger to receive the forgiveness from the ONLY human whoever truly loved his enemies….Jesus!

So now what is Jesus calling us to do? Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Mt 5:43-44)

Wow! How do you love someone who hates you?  I’m not sure.  I know that it is not easy, but I know who did!  Jesus loved those who hated Him so much that He died for our sin of hate. Our sin of anger and hate is just a reflection of our distain and even hatred for God.  That’s why He sent His Son, Jesus into our world. To join the human race and save us. Anyone can be a racist, but Jesus calls us to a higher Calling. Jesus calls us to receive His love and to share it with others!

Loved by Jesus!

Pastor Steve Maske

What are you doing this Labor Day weekend?  Labor Day officially became a holiday in 1894.  It was designed to “pay tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers!”  “Unofficially”, Labor Day marks the end of summer! For most of us Labor Day is that last chance to “squeeze” that last ounce of fun from the summer! For many Americans today is a day off from work, a chance to cook-out and hang-out in the hammock and take a nap!

A day off from labor, however, is not a new concept.  The concept of a day of rest was first declared by the Lord in Genesis. In illustration, God rested the seventh day after creating the world and He deemed the day of rest holy (Gen. 2:2-3). He didn't call it Labor Day - He called it the Sabbath.

Sabbath is not a day of tribute to workers, it's a day of tribute to their Maker. It's a day to rest your body while renewing your mind by making the focus of the day your Maker and your relationship with Him. In the Jewish tradition, the Sabbath is the focal point of the week - not just a day of laundry or list-making to gear back up for the week ahead. The Jewish people spent three days preparing for the Sabbath, and three days reflecting on what they had learned or encountered of God during the Sabbath. They were a Sabbath-focused people, and therefore a God-focused people.

Keri Wyatt Kent, author of “Breathe”, writes about taking a Sabbath rest this way: "This creates a rhythm of life that puts our focus not on our stuff or our schedule but on the opportunity to meet with God." Kent writes: "We are created in the image of God, and he modeled for us a way of life that makes sense for how we are created. Here's how to dance the dance of life, work, be creative, use your imagination, throw yourself into it, whether you are washing dishes, reading to your kids and running a household, or trading stocks, reading corporate reports, and running a business. At the end of each day, stop. Take a rest, eat a good meal, get enough sleep, and refresh yourself. Take time to think about your day, to notice where God was in it and where you were blessed, and to say, "It's good." Then go back at it the next day. And after six days, take a whole day off. And say, "It's really good." Spend a whole day just pausing, just reflecting on how really good it is, and then start the dance again, at a sustainable pace."

That sounds really good to me. Let’s find our rest in Jesus as he said,  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

May this Labor Day mark the day that you and I decide to rest and become Jesus-focused people, resting in His love!

Dear Lord, I want to rest in You. Show me how to live this way. Meet me there in my time of contemplation, reflection, and worship. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Pastor Maske

When Pastor Maske asked if Good Shepherd could celebrate my 50 years in ministry I said yes because I wanted to share my joy and give thanks to God for this milestone of blessings with God’s people who brought me great joy and blessing in serving. Until Sunday morning I did not know what to expect, so what happened was a wonderful surprise even though I knew there was going to be a celebration. A special prayer, some special music, a cake reception after church would have been enough. What happened was much more than I expected or deserve. A special guest preacher. Wonderful music. Kind words and thoughtful gifts. Seeing, and sometimes not remembering, faces from the past. Recalling moments in our lives together. A reception where we mingled and reminisced. It was a day of great blessing.

Thank you to everyone for everything you did to make August 18, 2024 a day of great joy and blessing. God bless you! It was a wonderful day that God and you made very special.

Pastor Balzer

 This week we celebrate the blessings that God has shared with His church through a servant named Martin Balzer. Pastor Balzer has served his entire 50 years of ministry at Good Shepherd, Elgin!

Martin William Balzer was born in Elmhurst, Illinois on February 21, 1948 and was soon baptized as a child of God at his home congregation of St. Paul Lutheran in Addison, IL. “Marty” received his elementary education at St. Paul Lutheran School in Addison, Illinois. In the fall of 1962 he enrolled in the high school department of Concordia College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He graduated from the high school department there in 1966 and from Concordia College, Milwaukee in 1968 with the degree of Associate of Arts. In the fall of 1968 Martin enrolled at Concordia Senior College, Fort Wayne, Indiana, from which he graduated in 1970 with the Bachelor of Arts Degree.

Pastor Balzer received his theological education at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, where he enrolled in the fall of 1970. A part of that education was a year of vicarage spent at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Walled Lake, Michigan. He graduated from the seminary on May 24, 1974, with the degree of Master of Divinity.

Upon graduation from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, Martin was ordained into the office of the Holy Ministry at his home congregation of St. Paul Addison, IL on June 2, 1974. On August 18, 1974, Martin was installed at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, in Elgin, Illinois, as assistant pastor where he would serve for the next 50 years!

Over these last 50 years Pastor Balzer has been the epitome of a faithful, humble servant of God. As a shepherd serving THE Good Shepherd, Jesus, Pastor Balzer has baptized 750 children of God! He faithfully shared the Lord’s Supper countless times, with our Good Shepherd family. He has conducted over 200 weddings. He was involved in the instruction of nearly 1,000 confirmands! Pastor Balzer has led hundreds of Bibles studies and shared thousands of sermons, faithfully proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ!

Most recently Pastor Balzer has served as our visitation pastor, visiting our home-bound members. Over the years he has counselled families as their loved ones prepared to be with Jesus in heaven. All told, Pastor Balzer has conducted 573 funerals. We praise God for His faithful servant, Pastor Martin Balzer!

We join with St. Paul as he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write: “I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,   always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.   And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ!”

(Philippians 1:3-6)

Pastor Maske

Last week, a bunch of us from Good Shepherd went to see the Kane County Cougars! It was an awesome evening spending time with all of our church family! Plenty of peanuts and pop! Our Cougars even won! Everyone had a great time! We all made some special memories that day.

I Love baseball. When I was a little boy I dreamed of someday playing in the world series. I pretended that I was Lou Brock batting in the World Series with the bases loaded. I could hear the announcer in my mind… “Two outs, bottom of the ninth inning. Down by three runs. He’s in the windup, here’s the pitch. (CRACK!) It’s a long one out to center field. It might be, it could be, it is. A grand slam home run! And the crowd goes wild!” And then I would trot around the bases as my team had just won the WORLD SERIES!

Baseball is a simple game really. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball. (Thank you Bull Durham). But it’s a complex game as well! Grown men spend their lives developing their skills to throw a ball over 100 mph or to hit that same ball that takes less than ½ a second to cross the plate.

The Christian faith is actually a simple thing as well.  All we need to do is to keep our eye on Jesus and to trust in His promises. The writer of Hebrews reminds us of what we are called to do. “Keep on loving one another. Don’t forget to be hospitable. Remember those who are worse off than you. Honor marriage. Don’t love money. BE content.” (Hebrews 13:1-5) This IS a simple recipe, but the Christian life is NOT easy. Sometimes it is HARD to love someone who hates you. It is very EASY to forget about people that are worse off than you. How can I “honor marriage” when the world defines “marriage” in such an ambiguous way? I don’t love money (but I do LOVE what money can do for me!). How can I be content, when I see all the toys that everyone else has?

What’s the key to a faithful Christian life? It’s simple really. All we need to do is to turn to God and listen to His words for you. God says, “I will NEVER leave you or forsake you!” (Hebrews 13:5) The Holy Spirit will lead you to trust in God’s presence so that you will love others, even when they are not loving you back. As we see God’s mercy that he has for us in Jesus, we can show friendliness and concern for others who are worse off than we are. IF we see ourselves in a loving lifelong relationship with our Savior, we are more likely to honor marriage since it is just a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.

Maybe you feel like you are losing in the game of life. Like you are getting beat and it’s the bottom of the ninth inning. Turn to God’s word of encouragement and let Jesus step to the plate and hear these words of comfort: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; What can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6) Let Jesus drive you home! Jesus brings you the victory!

Celebrating Jesus' Victory!

Pastor Maske 

What do you worry about most? Terrorism? Global warming?  The presidential election? I guess that we all have different things that we worry about. But I guess that we probably spend more time worrying about things that are a little closer to home like: Our family, our financial future, and our health.

Jesus tells us not to be anxious about our life, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.” (Luke 12:22) We know Jesus is telling us the truth, so we shouldn’t worry but…it’s so hard not to worry, right? We have so much going on in our lives! Sometimes we find ourselves at wits end. Stressed out! Does anyone care? Yes!

Jesus reminds us that God knows the needs of the birds of the air, and He cares much more for you! When we worry, we are really thinking that God is not big enough to handle our problems! Worrying is…a sin! What should we do when we worry? Repent and turn to God. St. Peter writes, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

What can you do when you are worried? Simply remember why Jesus came. To bring you peace. Jesus said, “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (John 14:1,27)

What can you do when you are worried? Pray. St. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Celebrate the peace that Jesus, the Good Shepherd brings you! “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:22-34)

Together in Christ!

Pastor Maske 

Do you know what the hardest thing is about growing older? I used to know but I guess that I forgot! Oh, now I remember! One thing that I don’t like about growing older is not being as sharp as I once was. It seems that the older I get….the more I forget!

Don’t get me wrong, there are many things that I enjoy about getting older. I appreciate simple things a whole lot more: good friends, good food and grandkids! I don’t worry about going to bed early and “missing out” on things. I enjoy listening to the “oldies station” on the radio and watching “re-runs” on TV! I enjoy taking a walk in the park and I don’t mind taking a nap every now and then! However, there are days when I realize that I am not as sharp as I once was. It’s on days like this, when I could feel a little down, when I am encouraged as I look up in the sky and see a rainbow and I smile. A rainbow is one of those beautiful reminders to me that God is in charge and I don’t have to worry about things.

Now we all understand that a rainbow is one of those natural phenomena that have a scientific explanation. Yes, we know that a rainbow is “formed due to dispersion of sunlight by tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere and that the raindrops act as small prisms that refract and disperse the white light to create a spectrum of light.” But we can also see a “rainbow” as a reminder of God’s promise of love.

Actually, the rainbow is not for us, the rainbow is a reminder to God! “I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant that is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh!” (Genesis 9:13-15) Does God really need a reminder? NO! God will never forget His love for you! Even though we may get more forgetful as we get older, we can find comfort to know that we have a loving God who will ALWAYS REMEMBER HIS LOVE FOR YOU IN JESUS CHRIST!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you!” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

God's blessings,

Pastor Steve Maske

Sometimes you just need to “get away from it all”, right? That’s why many of us try to take a vacation during the summer. We try to relax and “recharge the old batteries.” In the Gospel of Mark chapter 6, we see Jesus taking His disciples to an isolated place for them to get away from it all. They needed some time to get away from the “rat race!” They needed some “R & R!”  

Unfortunately, the “huge crowd” following Jesus was very persistent and they followed Jesus and His disciples with great determination! Jesus and his disciples were NOT able to get away from the people. Even though Jesus wanted His disciples to get away from it all, the crowd was relentless in following Jesus! They needed Jesus. They needed his love and mercy.

When Jesus looked out upon this great crowd, “He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd!” (Mark 6:34) Just like sheep, the people needed protection, provision and guidance. But who would provide that for the people?

In John chapter 10, Jesus said, “I am the Good Shepherd.” Jesus also tells us what the Good Shepherd does, “The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  What a measure of love! That Jesus would die for us, his sheep! As the Good Shepherd, Jesus knows his sheep and his sheep know him. As his sheep, we hear Jesus’ voice as we listen to his word in the Bible.

We all know and treasure Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:1,3,4). Jesus is THE Good Shepherd and is OUR Shepherd

Our church is named after… Jesus! Even when we do not always live as faithful sheep Jesus remains our Good Shepherd. All too often we forget that Jesus is guiding us and protecting us. In our sin we act like WE are our own shepherd! Too often we think that we are in charge. We act as if we are in control of our lives! God's Word challenges us to remember God is in charge and in control. God says, "I am Lord and God. I am the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I am the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

That is exactly why God the Father sent His Son, Jesus to be our shepherd. Jesus still comes into our lives today to shepherd us to his righteousness, forgiveness, love, and mercy. "I AM the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus faithfully laid down His life for His sheep. But, God the Father raised Him to new life! By the power of the Holy Spirit we can be reminded by God’s Word of the resurrection power of our Good Shepherd who has also raised us to new life through baptism.

May Jesus, The Good Shepherd, strengthen your faith in His shepherding grace! The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ loves you! Happy Good Shepherd Weekend!

In Christ, THE Good Shepherd,

Pastor Maske

Do you have any habits?  We all have habits, some good, some bad.  I think that we would all like to develop good habits like having a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Unfortunately, many of us can also identify with St. Paul when he was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write about his bad habits, “For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing!” (Romans 7:19)

Isn’t that the truth?  We don’t do the good things that we should, BUT the bad habits that we have are hard to break!  Not flossing and not exercising are bad habits. Overeating, overdrinking, smoking, these are all bad habits that may lead to poor health and ultimately death.  But, it gets even worse.  While our bad habits like poor hygiene and having a poor diet may lead to a shortened life here on earth, our sinful habits left unchecked would lead us to an eternal death and separation from God and His mercy!

What can we do?  We need help!

St. Paul had to hit rock bottom before he realized that he needed help.  Paul was in spiritual agony when he cried out, “What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?”  (Romans 7:24)

Who will rescue you?  Jesus!  With a repentant heart, the Holy Spirit guides us to the mercy seat of Jesus Christ.  By God’s grace we can confess our sinful habits that would separate us from Jesus’ love, and we can be restored as His beloved children.

We join Paul as we shout, “Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) We have been set free from the burden of our sin!  “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.” (Romans 8:1-2)

Through Jesus Christ you have been set free from the burden of your sin.  You no longer have to be enslaved by your sinful habits.  You have been released.  You have been set free! Today we celebrate our Freedom in Christ and the peace that He brings!

Free in Christ,

Pastor Maske

How would you answer the question, “Are you rich or poor?” I think that there are two basic ways that you could figure out the answer. The first approach would be to “add up” all that you own (i.e. money, toys, house, family, etc.) and then “look around”, see if you have more or less than the people around you do. You would probably notice that some people have more than you do and some people have less than you do. If you have “enough,” then you are “rich.” If you don’t have “enough,” then you are “poor.” The trouble with this approach is that it’s very subjective and relative. This type of comparison will always lead you to think that you are poor and you will never be content. One HUGE example of this is that as we live in the United States, we are the RICHEST people in the world! BUT when I look around and see someone else with a bigger house, nicer car or newer phone all of the sudden, I feel “poor!”

I recommend another approach. When you are asked, “Are you rich or poor?” Don’t look around and compare yourself to others (this game of comparison will only end in disappointment). Instead, “look up!” Look up to your loving Father, God who has given you the keys to the kingdom. Look to your Savior, Jesus who has given you forgiveness of sins, life and salvation! Look to the Holy Spirit who fills you with his gifts of love, joy, peace and hope! As we look to God first, then we can realize how blessed and rich we truly are!

I’ve known people who are “rich” by earthly standards, but who live lives that are vacant and hopeless. I also know people who are “dirt poor,” but who are banking on the immeasurable riches of God’s grace through Jesus Christ! When we focus on the blessings that God has provided for us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, THEN we can begin to enjoy the earthly blessings of His love and to be truly content with His grace and mercy!

Jesus was rich. All of the heavenly riches were his! Yet, Jesus wanted to share the riches of his love with you! Jesus took on the “poorness” of our sin and gives us the “richness” of His love and mercy! “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 2:9) Jesus lowered himself to be born. He became obedient under the law to make us rich! He became obedient even to death on a cross to give us the riches of being forgiven and restored to God’s family! You are rich in Jesus’ love!

Living in the richness of Jesus’ love!

Pastor Maske 

And you think that YOU are having a bad day! OK, we’ve all been there. You’re having a bad day. Your alarm clock didn’t go off. You're running late and then when you’re ready for work the car won’t start! You finally make it into work but before you can tell your coworker YOUR tale of woe, they tell you what THEY are going through. And suddenly you realize that what you are going through is not all that bad... You think to yourself, “Wow! I’m glad that I’m not THAT person! My life could be a lot worse! I could be going through what THAT person is going through!

OK, but what if YOU were the other person? What if YOUR story is the story that makes all the OTHER people think, “Well, it could be worse, I could be ______ (insert your name)!

For much of his life, St. Paul was THAT person. Paul had gone through countless hardships for the sake of the Gospel. He was beaten and imprisoned. He was ship wrecked, hungry and poor. And yet in all of these afflictions Paul was joyful! How could someone who had gone through all of the calamities that Paul had gone through possibly be joyful?

Paul was joyful, because in the midst of all of his trials, Paul was certain of the love of Jesus! Paul was confident in the hope of salvation through Jesus Christ! Regarding God’s provision, Paul writes, “‘In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.’ I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation!” (1 Corinthians 6:2)

TODAY is the day that God is showing His love to you! Just at the right time, just when we needed Him most, Jesus came to rescue us! Jesus’ love is for you TODAY!

Even in the midst of what may very well be a trying time for you, Jesus your Good Shepherd walks with you to sustain you and to show you His love TODAY!

I pray that in the midst of whatever trials you may be facing, that you can trust in the love of Jesus Christ. That the Holy Spirit would provide you great endurance, patience and the power of God!

This is the day the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it! (Psalm 118:24)

Trusting in the love of Jesus,

Pastor Maske

I like to work in the garden. It’s my therapy. It helps me to clear my head. I enjoy getting outside and planting new seeds, watering the plants, weeding the garden, pruning plants that need to be trimmed. Working outside in the garden brings me peace.

Of course I have a lot to learn. I compete against the rabbits and squirrels! Sometimes I forget to water the plants and they may start to wilt. Sometimes I get a little lazy and the weeds begin to take over. But by and large, my garden is looking pretty good.

Regarding the power of even a small “seed” faith, Jesus said this: “I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it would move! Nothing would be impossible.” (Matthew 17:10)

Jesus used the example of a mustard seed because of its incredible growth potential. A mustard seed is very small when it’s planted, yet when it is fully grown, it can be as much as 20 feet wide and 20 feet tall.  In optimal conditions, it can reach up to 30 feet tall! Just like that mustard seed, our faith has the potential to grow from a tiny seed to full maturity!  We have all faced things in life that we didn’t think we could get through.  It’s in those times that we might question if our faith is big enough, or if our faith is strong enough, but as we place our hope in Jesus, even a tiny amount is enough!

As we lean on Jesus (and NOT on ourselves) in uncertain, and even scary times of life, our faith takes root and starts to grow, and it’s by spending time with Jesus in His word, that our faith is watered and we become stronger and start to bloom.

Have you ever really thought about the strength of a seed? Seeds are determined little things! Left to themselves, they are small and seemingly insignificant. However, once they are planted and watered, they become strong enough to break through the heavy, dark soil around them as they put down roots.  They can even grow around rocks and move them if they’re in the way!

It’s much the same with us and our faith.  We may feel insignificant and compare ourselves to someone whose faith seems much bigger.  We may face times of doubt and only see the darkness.  We might question if we’re strong enough to get past the obstacles in front of us.

When these times come, remember the mustard seed.  Remember its tiny beginning, its resilience and determination, and its potential.  By the power of the Holy Spirit our faith and trust in Jesus will continue to grow! Stay rooted in Jesus. Grow deep in His Word. Lean on Jesus, your faith will grow like a mustard seed!

Growing in Jesus’ love,

Pastor Steve Maske

Have you ever been out driving in your car and... ran out of gas?  I have, a number of times!  One time I ran out of gas less than a block away from the gas station!  I had to walk to the gas station, buy a gas can, walk back to the car and put in a gallon of gas and then drive one block to the gas station to fill the car up. How embarrassing! The needle on the gas gauge was WAY below empty.  I had passed too many gas stations without filling up. I had pushed my luck too long, and I finally had to pay the price.

Do you ever feel like your “gas tank” of faith is running on empty?  You’re at your wit’s end and your faith life is running on fumes….running on empty...  If you ever do feel like that, maybe you have passed too many opportunities to “fill-up” your faith.

When was the last time you stopped by the “station” and refilled your faith tank with some high octane Gospel fuel from God’s word?

Actually, it’s not really HOW much faith that you have, it’s really about WHO you have faith in!  Jesus said, “Because of your little faith. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you.”(Matthew 17:20)

Our faith is “little” when we place it in little things!  If we place our faith in the things of this world, that type of faith will fail.  When we place our faith in ourselves, in our abilities, or in even other people, sooner or later our “faith” will run dry!

But if we have faith in Jesus Christ, even with a small faith the size of a mustard seed, “NOTHING WILL BE IMPOSSIBLE WITH YOU!” Is your faith running a little low?  Be filled with the love of Jesus and you will never run dry!

Loved by Jesus!

Pastor Steve Maske

What is the most beautiful thing that you have ever seen?  The grandeur of a beautiful mountain view?  A spectacular sunset over the ocean?  The skyline of the city lights at night?

I’ve seen some pretty amazing things: the sunrise from Mt. Fujiyama; the night sky filled with millions of stars while sailing in the middle of the ocean; the wonders of Africa: lions, giraffes, hippos and rhinoceros while on a safari in the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro; watching a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean in San Diego. But these all pale in comparison to one thing, the smile on my wife’s face at the birth of our children.

I was blessed to be present at the birth of all four of my children. I will cherish those moments every day of my life. Those are memories that I hope I will never forget. Every birthday, when my kids were growing up, I would retell the story of that special day when they were born.  As we relived the story, the day of their birth would become even more special.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He reminded His disciples of their special times together.  He encouraged them so they would never forget how much He loved them.  He reminded them to share the story of how He had shown His love for them. Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses….to the ends of the earth.”

Wherever we go, we are called to bear witness to the beautiful things that we have seen Jesus do in our lives.  To recall how Jesus has come into our lives and to faithfully share that love story with others, so that we all can be reminded of how special our lives are in Christ!

Alive in Christ!

Pastor Maske

This weekend we celebrate Memorial Day as we honor the men and women who died while serving our country in the U.S. military. Although you may observe Memorial Day by visiting a cemetery or going to a parade, for many of us it’s little more than a three-day weekend that marks the beginning of summer. How is it possible, that a holiday originally set-aside to honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom, that those people are not even remembered…? Would those who died for your freedom say that YOU were worth their sacrifice?

Paul writes, “For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us!” (Romans 5:7-8) What a love that Jesus has for you! That while you and I were still sinners, Jesus died for you! WOW!

Jesus calls you to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34) Is this even possible? Jesus said, “With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

This Memorial Day, we remember the more than 1,000,000 men and women who have died in service to our country. They demonstrated the “greater love” that Jesus spoke of when he said, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13) But even as we celebrate those many who died for our country, we celebrate the only Son of God, Jesus Christ, who died so that ALL would live!

Thankful for the sacrifice of Jesus!

Pastor Maske

I want to thank EVERYONE for your very gracious birthday greetings last week! I appreciate the reception after church and all the cards. THANK YOU!  For many of us, birthdays are a BIG DEAL, right? What’s a birthday without a birthday cake with candles and presents, right?

This weekend, we celebrate the birthday of the Christian Church as we celebrate Pentecost! At Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the early Christian Church fifty days after Jesus' resurrection. In many regards, Pentecost marks the beginning of the Christian Church. So, you could say that Pentecost is really the birthday celebration of Jesus’ church!

What actually happened on Pentecost? We read the account of Pentecost in the Book of Acts chapter two, "And when the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place." (Acts 2:1) Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit came, "like a strong wind." Peter preached that day as the disciples were equipped to deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ to His church. Pilgrims heard about Jesus for the first time. The message was simple. Peter proclaimed, "Repent and be baptized," in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. God's church grew 3,000 that first Pentecost! 

God's Word tells us this, "I will make all things new." (Revelation 21:5)  God accomplished this when He sent His Son Jesus to restore the covenant that His Children of Israel had broken. God took the old practice of the sacrifice of the Passover lamb and gave it new meaning! On the night before Jesus was to die to atone for the sins of the entire world, Jesus gave the Passover meal new meaning! Jesus took the simple elements of the meal, the bread and wine and said, "Take and eat this is my body. Take and drink this is my blood of the NEW COVNANT which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins!" No longer would this simply be a meal of remembrance. This meal would be a NEW MEAL OF FORGIVENESS! Jesus became "The Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!"  

God fulfills His promise of love through His Son, Jesus. Because of the work of Jesus, God now claims you as His beloved child! Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. God continues to fulfill His promise of His love for you as He sends you His Holy Spirit TODAY!  The Holy Spirit works through God's Word and in His sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper to create saving faith and to grow us in our faith today! 

So, as you can see, Pentecost is a pretty big deal! We celebrate that all the promises of God find their “YES” in Jesus Christ! Jesus gives you His Spirit to draw you to Himself! Pentecost is all about God's people coming to faith in Jesus Christ. Come, Holy Spirit make our hearts your place of rest!

Celebrating the Holy Spirit!

Pastor Maske

This week the Christian church will celebrate Ascension Day!  You may recall that it was 40 days after Easter when Jesus ascended bodily into heaven.  So what’s Jesus doing right now?  Paul writes: “Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.”(Romans 8:34) This verse tells us that although Christ’s work to save all people was completed on the cross, as evidenced by His cry “It is finished!” (John 19:30),Jesus’ love for you will never be finished. 

Jesus did not go to heaven after His earthly ministry and “take a break” from His role as eternal Shepherd to His people. “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10). If when He was despised, dying, and dead, Jesus had the power to accomplish so great a work as reconciling us to God, how much more will Jesus be able to do for us now that He is a living, exalted, and triumphant Redeemer, raised to new life and interceding on our behalf before the throne! (Romans 8:34) Clearly, Jesus is still very active on our behalf in heaven.

Jesus ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father.  He returned to the glory He had before His incarnation to carry on His role of King of Kings and Lord of Lords!  Jesus is now your Advocate.  He is your great Defender. This is the intercessory role that Jesus currently fulfills for those who are His (1 John 2:1). Jesus is always pleading your case before the Father, like a defense lawyer on your behalf.

Jesus is interceding for us while Satan (whose name means “accuser”) is accusing us, pointing out our sins and frailties before God.  But the Devil’s accusations fall upon deaf ears in heaven, because Jesus’ work on the cross paid our sin debt in full; therefore, God always sees in His children the perfect righteousness of Jesus. When Jesus died on the cross, His righteousness (perfect holiness) was given to us, while our sin was placed on Him.  This is the great exchange Paul talks about in 2 Corinthians 5:21. This work of Jesus, took away forever our sinful state before God.  Now God can accept us as blameless before Him.

It is important to understand that Jesus is the only mediator between God and man. No one else— not any Christian saints, not angels—has the power to intercede for us before the throne of the Almighty. Christ alone mediates and intercedes between God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).

What else is Jesus doing?  He’s coming back to bring you home!  Don’t forget Jesus last words on earth, “I am with you always, even to the very end of the age!” (Matthew 29:20)

Living in His Grace,

Pastor Maske

What does it mean to be a Christian?  To be a Christian is simply to be someone who follows Jesus.  A “disciple” is a follower. What does it look like to be a disciple of Jesus? The book of Acts paints a very clear picture. “They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers…and the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” (Acts 2:42, 47)

A disciple of Jesus is “devoted” to Jesus!  Not only do we love Jesus, but we are “devoted” to His Word. We love to read and listen to God’s Word. We’re so “devoted” to Jesus’ words that we live them out in our daily lives!

How do we “live out” God’s Word? By loving other people!  Jesus tells us very clearly how you are to “follow him” in our daily lives. Jesus said, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:24-25) We "live out" Jesus' words as we love one another!

Jesus tells us what happens when we follow Him. Jesus said, “Come follow me and I will make you fishers of men!” (Matthew 4:19) When we “follow Jesus”, He will use us to invite others to follow Jesus as well! Jesus invites us to be His disciples, who invite others to be His disciples.....Get it?

It is Jesus' mission to save the world! As we follow Jesus, He trains us to participate in His mission. Jesus “disciples” us even as He invites us to “disciple” (i.e. mentor, train and teach) others! Who is Jesus bringing into your life to disciple? Let’s GO and find out!

Living with Jesus,

Pastor Maske

This weekend (4/27-428) we welcome Pastor Tim & Erin Schulte to Good Shepherd! Join us at any of the 3 weekend services to hear Pastor Schulte preach and plan to stay after the Saturday, 5:00 pm or Sunday, 10:00 am services to hear a special presentation about the Schulte's mission plans. Here is some background information about their mission in Cameroon.

"Since our call to LBT, Erin and I have been assigned to work with the Subula language community of Cameroon to help them continue to develop their very first full-Bible translation project! The two of us recently returned from a trip to Cameroon in March to learn more about its culture, see our future home, and meet Bible translation partners - especially the Subula translation team and language community members. While there, we were humbled by the energy and passion the Subula have for this project. We visited two villages and were greeted by hundreds of people at each who danced, sang, made speeches, gave us gifts, and asked us to bring back a message to those who are and who wish to partner with them in this grand undertaking." 

Hope to see you there!

This weekend we will observe "Good Shepherd Sunday" as we continue to celebrate the joyous season of Easter! The Gospel for the weekend comes from John chapter 10. We have a special relationship with this portion of God's Word because this is where we receive our church’s name! Jesus says, “I AM The Good Shepherd!” For some of us, the Van Street window perhaps comes to mind. Jesus, the "Good Shepherd" is a treasured phrase His people hold onto dearly. There's no question that we treasure the image of Jesus as our Good Shepherd.

We all know and treasure Psalm 23. "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He leads me in paths of righteousness, for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:1,3,4). Jesus is THE Good Shepherd and is OUR Shepherd

Our church is named after… Jesus! He said, "I AM the Good Shepherd!" Even when we do not always live as faithful sheep Jesus remains our Good Shepherd. All too often we forget that Jesus is guiding us and protecting us. In our sin we act like WE are our own shepherd! Too often we think that we are in charge. We act as if we are in control of our lives! God's Word challenges us to remember God is in charge and in control. God says, "I am Lord and God. I am the Creator of the heavens and the earth. I am the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last."

That is exactly why God the Father sent His Son, Jesus to be our shepherd. Jesus still comes into our lives today to shepherd us to righteousness, forgiveness, love, and mercy. "I AM the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." (John 10:11) Jesus faithfully laid down His life for His sheep. But, God the Father raised Him to new life! By the power of the Holy Spirit we can be reminded by God’s Word of the resurrection power of our Good Shepherd who has also raised us to new life through baptism.

May Jesus, The Good Shepherd, strengthen your faith in His shepherding grace! The Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ loves you! Happy Good Shepherd Weekend!

In Christ, THE Good Shepherd,

Pastor Maske

There are a number of clichés that we think are biblical, but even if you look hard, you will NOT find them in the Bible. Here are a few.

1) “Cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I like it, but sometimes you have to get down in the dirt to find Jesus doing His best work. You may actually have to “get down and dirty” to follow Jesus!

2) “When God closes one door, He opens another!” This sounds cute, but sometimes God slams the door on you to get your attention so that he can get you to TURN AROUND (i.e. repent) and follow Him!

3) “God helps those who help themselves!”  Thank goodness this is NOT in the Bible. Thank goodness that the OPPOSITE is actually true. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners who could NOT help themselves! Thanks be to God that His love is different! “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8)

4) “God will NOT give you more than you can handle.”  This is a BIG LIE! Sometimes God allows things to happen in your life that are so big, that you HAVE to turn them over to Jesus. Yes, it is true that God is faithful and He will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability to trust in Him (1 Cor. 10:12-14), however, sometimes God allows obstacles to remain in your life so that you MUST TRUST ONLY IN JESUS (and not in yourselves.) 

Paul writes about his personal experience with suffering and trials in life:  “… so I wouldn’t get a big head, I was given the gift of a handicap (“thorn in the flesh”) to keep me in constant touch with my limitations. Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees. No danger then of walking around high and mighty! At first I didn’t think of it as a gift, and begged God to remove it. Three times I did that, and then he told me, My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness!” (2 Cor. 12:7-10 MSG)

When God gives you more than you can handle, GIVE IT ALL TO GOD! Allow the grace and love of Jesus Christ to be all that you need! Focusing on our suffering and our own ability to handle things doesn’t bring comfort. Focusing on God and His resources for us in suffering does bring great comfort and hope.

Trusting in God’s grace,

Pastor Maske

Contrary to what many people think, Easter is not just a single day. Easter is a season that begins on Easter Sunday and continues for seven full weeks. During this time, the church celebrates the Lord’s Resurrection, His appearance to the disciples after Easter, His Ascension into heaven, and the disciples’ anticipation of the coming of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. Worship during this time features expressions of joy and praise. The paschal candle which stands as a symbol of the risen Jesus is allowed to shine continuously throughout the Great Fifty Days.

This Easter Season we will celebrate how we have been made: “Alive in Christ!” We will follow Jesus on His post-Easter journey from the Upper Room in Jerusalem all the way to His Ascension back to heaven. We join “Doubting” Thomas and the disciple when Jesus appears in the Upper Room after Jesus’ Resurrection and learn that “Jesus Brings Hope” (John 20:19-31). We get a refreshing look to how Jesus worked in the lives of his disciples in the early church. We also hear from God’s Word how Jesus continues to work in our lives today! 

Join us for worship at Good Shepherd as we continue to celebrate the Easter Resurrection of Jesus our Savior!

Alive in Jesus!

Pastor Maske

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, joy and peace to you all!

“The strife is over, the battle done; the victory of life is won; the song of triumph has begun! Alleluia!"

Our Lenten journey is complete!  Our Good Shepherd, Jesus has led us from the Upper Room where He first shared His Holy Meal. Then we were led to the Garden of Gethsemane where we heard Jesus praying for us! We watched from afar as we heard Jesus shout “It is finished!” from the cross. Finally we followed the women to the tomb, but no tomb could hold the victorious Son of God!  Today we shout, “Alleluia! Christ IS Risen!”

Today we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus and the new life that He brings!  Today and every day of our life we can be filled with JOY as we have been called into the light of Christ! By God’s grace we have been filled with the light and love of Jesus that brings hope and salvation! Jesus’ victory over sin and death gives you victory in your life today! We place our hope in the power of Jesus Christ!

This Easter, we gather together to celebrate the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death! May your Easter season be a celebration filled with the love of Jesus Christ!

I wish you a HAPPY, Healthy and JOYOUS EASTER!

“The powers of death have done their worst, but Christ their legions has dispersed. Let shouts of holy joy outburst! Alleluia!”

Christ IS risen!  He IS risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Pastor Steve Maske

During Holy Week we focus on the fact that Jesus paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross. As the week begins on Palm Sunday we join in the joyful shouts of “Hosanna! Save us!” By the end of the week, we recall how Jesus did "save us" as we hear the angry shout of “Crucify!”

On Good Friday as Jesus hung on the cross, He showed the full devotion of His love for you. When Jesus said, “It is finished!” everything that was needed to be accomplished to win our eternal life was completed! Jesus had fulfilled all prophecies concerning the promised Messiah. God kept His promise of sending a savior for His people. This Holy Week we will celebrate God’s grace and mercy as we look to the Passion of Jesus for his people.

Please join us at Good Shepherd this Holy Week as we focus on God’s love that He shares with you through Jesus Christ. On Maundy Thursday, March 28, you will have a special opportunity to acknowledge your sin and receive Jesus’ mercy and forgiveness for you. On Good Friday, March 29, as we hear the words of Jesus from the cross, representatives of our Good Shepherd family will come forward to lay their sins before God as they are symbolically nailed to the cross.

Easter Sunday, March 31, we will gather for the climax of Holy Week! The resurrection of Jesus gives us the power to live faithful, repentant lives today! As Christians, you and I now live in the shadow of the empty cross AND the empty tomb. You are now empowered by the RESURRECTION POWER of Jesus to live confident, courageous lives trusting in the promise of Jesus’ love and forgiveness!

Celebrating Jesus’ power of forgiveness!

Pastor Steve Maske

Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)

Jesus asks His faithful children to “abide” in His word. What does it mean to “abide?” Basically, Jesus is simply asking us to “be” with him. To “stay” with him. To “listen” to him. God’s word says, “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Many of us may not know how to just “be” with God!  Wouldn’t it be great if you could “hang-out” with Jesus? Sure, it WOULD be nice, but we’re all just too busy right?

In Luke 10, Jesus is visiting some friends, Mary and Martha. Martha is very BUSY with all of the preparations for the meal. Mary is simply “hanging out” with Jesus. Martha gets angry and says to Jesus, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” Jesus responded “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it’s the main course, and won’t be taken from her.” (Luke 10:40-42 - The Message)

Jesus is teaching Martha (and us) that it’s NOT a bad thing to be busy (Martha was fixing up a great meal!), but it was a BETTER thing to simply be hanging out with Jesus. Listening to His words. Mary was soaking it all up!

I don’t know about you, but I ALWAYS identify with Martha. I like to be “doing” things. I like to be busy! But, before we can “do” what Jesus asks us to do, we need to “be” with Him. What does “being with God” actually look like? I think that it begins with “BEING” in God’s Word and allowing God to actually speak to me through His Word. To allow the Holy Spirit to enable me to wait on God’s direction before I act and take charge on my own. When you pray, seek God’s will in your life and not your own.

Zach Zehnder writes, “Our doing flows out of who we are and who we become when we spend time with Christ!” This week, try BEING a little more like Mary and simply spend some time hanging out with Jesus in His word.

Hanging out with Jesus, Pastor Maske

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you (Eph 4:32)

What is the shortest sermon that you have ever heard? I believe that the shortest sermon that I have ever preached was only five minutes! (Don’t get too excited. I am not planning on doing that anytime again soon!) Jesus preached some short sermons too. Jesus’ first sermon in the Gospel of Mark is VERY short.  Here is the ENTIRE sermon. Jesus said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel!” (Mark 1:15) That’s it! Basically, Jesus is saying, “Times, up! Here I am to bring you the Good News of God’s kingdom! Change your life and believe!”

Change is hard, especially when you have to change YOUR heart to forgive someone else… Sometimes, forgiving someone else is HARD! Especially if they have done something that has really hurt you! But as hard as forgiving someone ELSE may be, the first step towards forgiveness is even harder! The first step towards forgiving someone else is to look in the mirror and repent of YOUR sins! That is what Jesus is talking about in Mark 1:15. Jesus says, “Do you want to experience the joy of the Good News of my love and forgiveness?  The first thing that you need to do is to turn away from YOUR sin!”

Forgiving others begins with recognizing that YOU are a sinner and that You need to turn away from your sins. When you realize that Jesus died for YOU while you were still a sinner, you may just be inspired to share His love and forgiveness with others. Remember, “We love because He (Jesus) first loved us!” (1 John 4:19) Or to say it another way, “We forgive because Jesus first forgave us!”

Forgiven by Jesus,

Pastor Maske

It’s the one Bible verse that we all know, John 3:16. Even non-Christians could probably recite at least some of the verse. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life!” And since this verse is so well known, there is a good chance that it may also be the most misunderstood verse in the Bible as well! To begin with, “Who exactly is this “God” that loves us?” Everyone in the world has a different definition of who “god” is. What makes this “God” so unique? And what exactly is “love” anyway? I say that I “love” pizza and I say that I “love” my spouse. I use the same word “love”, but I can’t possibly mean the same thing! Right?

One aspect of this verse that makes it so well known is that it brings a concise answer to those questions. With only a few words, the Gospel writer John brings great clarity to the Christian faith. Who is God? He is the one who loves us! What is love? That God sent His Son (His only Son Jesus) to save us!

Is this ALL that we need to know about “God” and “love?” Well frankly, yes! If John 3:16 was all that you knew about God and His love for you in Jesus Christ, this would be a sufficient foundation for saving faith! Thanks be to God, that we have so much more in the Bible that speaks to God’s love for you!

One of my favorite verses that speaks of God’s love for us is Romans 5:6-9. “For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die—but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us! Open your Bible this week and start looking up all the passages that speak of God's deep love for you!

Living in the Love of Jesus!

Pastor Maske

For many people Lent is all about giving something up (i.e. chocolate, soft drinks, Facebook)! The thought is that if we give something up, then we can better focus on how Christ gave up His life for us.  Unfortunately, sometimes when we give things up for Lent we focus more on what we have done and forget all about the sacrifice of Jesus!

This Lent I encourage you to take something on for Lent, to take on the attitude of Christ!  Paul writes, “You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.” (Philippians 2:5-6) Basically, Jesus put other’s needs ahead of His own.  Ultimately, Jesus put the needs of every sinner ahead of His own needs and went to the cross in our place.

Lent is a season when we take a look at our lives in view of God’s mercy toward us in the sacrifice of His Son Jesus for us on the cross. We, in turn, are called by God, especially during this time of repentance and reflection, to be living sacrifices for him, displaying our devotion to him in word and deed.

During Lent our worship services will focus our eyes of faith on the meaning behind God’s mercy made manifest in Christ. On Ash Wednesday, we were marked with ashes as a reminder of our sins, we are reminded, too, of the mercy of our God who lifts us from our ashes to new life in Christ.

This Lenten season we have an opportunity to put other’s needs ahead of our own. You are welcome to join us for our Lenten Meal at 6:00 PM. All proceeds will go to the Redeeming Life Outreach Ministry Maternity Home.

In view of God’s Mercy,

Pastor Maske