Fwd: The Lutheran Hour: April 10, 2016 "Breakfast with Jesus"

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From: Lutheran Hour Ministries <lh_min@lhm.org>
Date: 04/09/2016 9:15 PM (GMT-06:00)
To: Jeremy Klaustermeier <revklaus@hotmail.com>
Subject: The Lutheran Hour: April 10, 2016 "Breakfast with Jesus"

Sermon Text for April 10, 2016  "Breakfast with Jesus" #83-32 Presented on The Lutheran Hour on April 10, 2016 By Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz, Lutheran Hour Speaker Copyright 2016 Lutheran Hour Ministries     Text: John 21:1-14 Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." He said, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of the fish. That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed! Alleluia. There are big questions in life, aren't there? And contrary to what some say, they do need an answer. The big questions are questions like: why is there so much suffering in our world? Why all the evil and pain? Why the hardship of hunger, homelessness, illness, war, and tragedy? Why the stress and the strain and the corruption? Why does God let it go on?  Have you asked these questions before? During this era of history, the world is completely connected, if you think about it, but for good and for ill. If a tragedy happens on the other side of the globe, you and I can see news coverage almost immediately. If you want to find out about the latest political argument, you can watch it now on YouTube. If anything happens just about anywhere, cell phone photos and videos will most likely be posted on Facebook almost immediately. And here's my question; why do people enjoy posting other's embarrassments or mistakes? Think of that for a moment. It's easy to get overwhelmed when you see so many horrible things happening all around the world. And it doesn't take long to ask, "Why? Why is it happening? Does God really want this to happen? Why doesn't He stop it?" You wonder about God's involvement in life. Is He close? Does He care?  You may be asking those questions right now. And you may have good reason to do so. Some of you are hanging by a thread at this very moment, barely able to keep going. Hurt has taken your breath away. Worry may be paralyzing you. Tragedy might be immobilizing you and making you feel like just giving up. You may be wondering where God is in the middle of all this. Or you may have already given up on thinking that He is even in your life. Jesus' own disciples felt that way. Their Master had called them to follow and they did. They gave up everything; walked with Him for three years. Jesus taught with authority, yes. He did things no one else could do, yes. He healed the sick. He cast out demons. He stilled storms. He fed crowds with only a picnic lunch in His hand. Peter said it best, "You are the Son of God." But now, that same Jesus died on a cross. Now He was gone. At the end of the Gospel of John, we encounter disillusioned and forlorn disciples going back to their normal lives. The events unfolded this way: "Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Peter said to them, 'I am going fishing.' They said, 'We will go with you.' They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing" (John 21:2-3). The professional fishermen went back to fishing. It was business as usual. Their adventure of three years seemed to be over-long gone. God wasn't involved in their lives anymore, they thought. So they hit the seas and they tried to catch something, but they came up empty. It figures. That's the way it goes when you're running on fumes and down to your last dollar. For the disciples, and maybe for you, it seemed like more evidence that God was nowhere to be found. When you come up empty, you start to think God has abandoned you, or, even worse, that God was never really involved at all. That's the way we feel sometimes. It happens when you come up empty in your relationships or when you come up empty in your goals for life. It happens when you try to have children, but can't. It happens when you try to make ends meet, but they won't. It happens when you're praying for healing, but disappointment and grief come instead. It happens when you think things are getting better, but then they come crashing down again. Is God really involved in your ordinary, everyday life? Sometimes you think the answer is no. You think you're all alone. That's what a little boy in the Boston area thought. He was from Brazil. His family just moved to the United States-to a chilly Boston winter. The boy saw a frozen pond for the first time in his life. He was so intrigued by the glazed pond that he decided to try to walk on it. About halfway out, he fell through the ice. It was a startling shock. He crashed below the surface and started screaming for help. He was absolutely panicked and for good reason. He thought he was all alone. But Adilson Almeida happened to be looking out his apartment window just then. He saw the boy thrashing in the icy water. He grabbed his friend, Ty, and the pair ran outside. A group of people followed. Ty broke through the ice and began to make his way toward the helpless boy. The people formed a human chain to pull Ty and the boy toward shore. Just when the boy thought it was all lost, that he was on his own, that no one heard him or cared about him, a strong and warm arm grabbed him and pulled him to safety. Almeida was relieved that the boy was okay. But he too was blessed. He said, "It was a present from God to save somebody else." That was Jesus' response to you, too. He came even closer to save you than an outstretched arm. He lived your life, He died your death, and He gives you His life as a gift! Now that's personal.  In fact, that's what makes Jesus so special. Salvation, for the whole world, yes, but personal life by faith, man to man, woman to woman; that's how Jesus delivers His Good News to you! It happened that way to the disciples. As they labored at fishing and wallowed in their grief and disappointment, Jesus showed up. The Apostle John tells it this way: Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They said him, "No." "Well, cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." They did and they had this incredible catch; and the disciples said, "It is the Lord!" Listen to this. Peter heard that and then he jumped into the sea. The other disciples came in that boat, dragging that full net of fish, for they weren't that far from land, about a hundred yards off (John 21:4-8). Jesus showed up. The Bible said that this was the third time Jesus was revealed to His disciples after His resurrection. He kept coming back. The disciples thought that Jesus was out of the picture of their life and not involved. They thought they were on their own in a pretty miserable life, but Jesus got personally involved with them. There He was on the beach, a present from God for their hope and salvation. It is tempting to make God into what we see in the world around us. If the world is uncaring, perhaps God doesn't care. If we're too busy, perhaps God is too busy. If life is impersonal, perhaps God is impersonal.  In our sin and brokenness it's hard to give God credit, isn't it? It's difficult to give Him the benefit of the doubt. You ask the big questions when life is confusing and chaotic: where is God? What's taking Him so long? What sense does He make? And in your frustration you can start to think that you're in this all alone, that it's up to you to figure everything out and just survive.  Sometimes in your doubt about God's involvement, care, and presence, you rush ahead and you push Him out of the picture. How many times have you reacted to a difficult situation without stepping back to ask God for His help and wisdom? You jumped into an argument. You leaped into despair. You were quick to criticize. You went ahead without thinking.  How often have you convinced yourself that God can take care of the big issues of life-the eternal stuff, but He's not available to handle your details? Think about it: have you felt God is too busy for your everyday prayers? Do you hesitate to bother Him with your small issues? It's easy and tempting to exclude God because you believe He is far away or because He's too big for a small life like yours.  But Jesus wouldn't accept that for His disciples then and He doesn't want it for you and me either now. They were not in this alone, and life was not theirs to figure out and control. God was not far away; He was alive and very present. And Jesus, the Son of God, gave them a very personal response. What did He do? He cooked the disciples breakfast! Breakfast with Jesus. Wow! This is how it happened: When [the disciples] got on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish you just caught." So Simon went aboard and hauled the net ashore......Jesus said, "Come and have breakfast." Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so also the fish (John 21:9-13). What would you expect Jesus to do after He died on the cross and rose from the dead? In our day and age, you might expect that He would show off a little bit. Maybe a dance in the end zone or calling for cheers from the crowd; perhaps a worldwide TV special or a viral video. Why not make the sun stand still or break the record for twitter followers? But what did Jesus do? He sat on the beach for breakfast with a handful of disillusioned people. What was Jesus showing about Himself-about the nature and character of God? Well, He was showing His determination to be involved in your ordinary everyday life. "Come and have breakfast." Those were the stirring words of the risen Son of God. Jesus just got personal. He was saying, "Look at me and let me show you Who God is. Let me show you that God is close and that God cares."  But it's easy to miss Him, isn't it? These days, for instance, you can get apps for free for your phone. They're free because they're filled with all kinds of ads. Videos pop up when you're using them. Product banners scroll along the sides and through the middle. But these apps are tremendously popular. Do you know why? Well, because it doesn't take much for us to tune things out. There's so much coming at us nowadays that we have made ignoring an art. Let the ads scroll. It doesn't matter. We're very good at ignoring them. We're also very good at ignoring God's reach into everyday life. That's why we need to hear Jesus' powerful words today: "Come and have breakfast."  Here in John 21, Jesus is saying, "Pay close attention and learn about me for your life." You get to know God when you look at Jesus. And Who do you see? He cared about you so much, that He gave His life for you on the cross. He loves you so much that through His resurrection He gives you a life in which death and evil and misery will never have the last word for you. He forgives you of your sins. He gathers you in His arms to be your refuge and strength in times of trouble. He gives you personal attention when He says,"Call upon me in the day of trouble."  His love for you is personal, even tailor made. He grows you up when you need growing. He listens to your complaints. Through the worst of times He surprises you with His best. Do you really know God then? Do you really know Him as He is? One author described Jesus as God with skin on. I like that.  Take a close look at Him and you'll know how personal He is for you. He's the One Who knows your name and took you to be His own in baptism. He's the One Who takes time to make His home with you again and again through His Holy Communion. God is personal. God is close. The Almighty, Holy, and all-knowing God gets involved in the details of your life. He loves you that much.  Not too long ago a man named Brett Kyle was driving his truck much too fast in Ventura County, California. Suddenly his truck skidded off the road, slid into a drainage ditch, and flipped over several times. The truck ended up on its passenger's side and burst into flames.  All of this happened to take place in front of the home of famous actor Jamie Foxx. If you were a famous actor and a truck crashed down by the road in front of your estate, what would you do? You might hear the noise, maybe peek outside the window, maybe even call 911. Maybe you would send someone down there to check it out. What did Jamie Foxx do? He ran out of the house toward the truck. He opened his security gate and teamed up with a passerby to see if someone was inside. Instead of worrying about news coverage, autograph seekers, or personal image, he got involved. He got personal. The other man who stopped to help was an EMT. Together, they broke through the windshield and worked to cut through the man's seatbelt.  They managed to cut through the seatbelt and pull Kyle to safety just seconds before the truck exploded into flames. Brett Kyle was injured, but he was alive. But Foxx said this. He said, "I don't look at it as heroic. I just look at is as...you just had to do something." One of the first responders commented, "It's rare these days that you find someone willing to jump in and help like that." It certainly is. That's what is so amazing about the Savior God, Jesus Christ. That's what is so remarkable about Jesus saying, "Come and have breakfast." He jumped in. He gets involved. God loved you so much, He had to do something. And that helps with all of life's questions, especially when we're uncertain and unsure!  You probably know the old ploy from kids when they try to divide and conquer their parents. You know how it goes: the kids are jumping on the bed. You walk in on them. "Get off the beds, kids. Stop jumping." Their response? "Well, mom said we could." It's an old strategy, isn't it? A candy raid is staged fifteen minutes before supper. Caught red-handed, the children say, "But, Dad said we could have a snack."  What's a parent to do? You stick together. You say, "I know your mother. She doesn't make jumping on the beds part of her standard entertainment program." Or you say, "I know your father. His policy isn't to have you experience a sugar high before supper." When you know someone, you can be sure. That clarity, that knowing them, that's what gets you through the uncertain moments of life.  When you know God, you can be sure of Him. Why is there evil in the world and in my life? Why does it go on? Doesn't God care? Well, I know God. He sent Jesus to die for my sin and all the evil and suffering in the world. He does care. I don't have all the answers, but I know He cares! When you know Him, you can be sure. You can get through the uncertain moments because you know they are only temporary because of Him.  You will face many questions in life. There will be plenty of uncertainty. You'll never be able to figure it all out completely this side of heaven. But because of Jesus, God will always be closer than a brother. Through His Word, His gifts, He's right here, right now for you, with a personal love and joy that only He can give. When you dine with Jesus, that's a breakfast, lunch, and dinner that will sustain you with a powerful, precious, love and grace that only He can give. Count on it, today. Count on it forever. Amen. LUTHERAN HOUR MAILBOX (Questions & Answers) for April 10, 2016  Topic: How Can Faith Help Me With Being Kind? ANNOUNCER: Now, Pastor Gregory Seltz responds to questions from listeners. I'm Mark Eischer. Today a listener says he kind of thinks of himself as kind of a curmudgeon, but his wife says "No, that's not right you're just kind of a grump." So he wants to know, how can faith help him be more kind?  SELTZ: Mark, I like this because now we're getting down to the nitty-gritty how we live our lives; and I'm going to stay away from references to Snow White and her seven buddies, but this is good; we are talking about how faith does change how you live.  ANNOUNCER: To be harsh, grumpy, downcast; we can identify with that. SELTZ: I think you're right. We all get into moods, but sometimes these moods become habits that become hurtful. ANNOUNCER: That's an interesting distinction. What would you say is the difference between a mood and a habit? SELTZ: Well, let's be honest. We can be sometimes like little babies. When we're tired or hungry, when you've had a hard day or are under pressure, your mood can become foul. Some people get quiet. Some people get sad. Some people get angry or unkind. That's a mood. But if you persist in letting circumstances shape your words and actions, you now may be developing a hurtful habit.  ANNOUNCER: Okay, like we get really good at what we practice a lot. SELTZ: You do. I learned that on the basketball court. If you practice good things, you'll develop good habits. If you practice behavior that isn't constructive, you'll get good at being bad. ANNOUNCER: That's why the Apostle Paul urged people to practice the godly things. He says, "What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me-practice those things, that the God of peace will be with you" (Philippians 4:8-9). SELTZ: And just before that beautiful section, Paul urged his listeners to rejoice in the Lord always. He said I'll say it again, rejoice because the Lord is at hand. And then He makes this incredible statement,"and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, is going to guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:4-7). You hear the practices and the promises and the potential of a new way of living in Christ. ANNOUNCER: So when challenges come, instead of practicing unkindness as a habit, God gives us something else to practice. SELTZ: Yes, He gives us a new way, with an eternal resource. By grace, through faith in Jesus, we keep in step with the Spirit, not our own flesh. Now, this doesn't mean we're perfect, but it is a new way to live in Christ. Paul says, "through baptism, we walk in the newness of Christ's life." The pinnacle of this new life is living out that love of Christ in us to others. ANNOUNCER: Those are lives that are characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. SELTZ: And remember the Bible calls those the "fruits of the Spirit." They're His gifts again in our life. God grows it in us through His Spirit by His grace. We can't even manufacture these things. These attitudes and actions are God's gifts. They bear witness to His presence in us. Think of it this way; being unkind, arrogant, judgmental, and harsh, actually quenches the Spirit of God and we don't want to do that. They are acts of our own flesh that the Bible urges us to resist so that we don't develop habits that push people away from a walk with their Savior.  ANNOUNCER: How can our listener then grow in kindness through this walk of faith? SELTZ: First and foremost, Mark, we need to start with the heart. Only God changes hearts, and He does this through His self-sacrificial love for us. The first step in changing any behavior is not to lean on our own strength and ability, but to fall before God in repentance and ask for His mercy and His grace. ANNOUNCER: And the Bible gives great assurance. In Hebrews, chapter four, it says, "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). SELTZ: Absolutely, our salvation is by grace without works. But the Bible then says in Ephesians, chapter 2, we are "created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, so that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10). That includes kindness.  ANNOUNCER: That in Christ, by the Holy Spirit, we are called to grow in that new life.  SELTZ: Exactly. I would urge our listener to continue to be fed by God's Holy Word. I would urge our listener to walk with kind people so acts of unkindness could diminish and habits of kindness could develop. Being accountable in a community of faith is so important to the life of a follower of Jesus, so that we can practice and run the race of life faithfully. ANNOUNCER: That through our kindness that we show to each another, the world will take notice and see Jesus.  SELTZ: Absolutely. ANNOUNCER: Thank you, Pastor Seltz. This has been a presentation of Lutheran Hour Ministries. Action in Ministry for April 10, 2016  Guest: Janell Lockwood ANNOUNCER: You're listening to The Lutheran Hour and this is Action in Ministry. Today, Pastor Seltz, you showed us how Jesus deals with us on that everyday level of life. SELTZ: That's right. ANNOUNCER: Just when the disciples were discouraged, thought everything was lost; Jesus came, sat down with them, and had breakfast.  SELTZ: You know, Mark, what I love is how we also get to engage in similar types of person-to-person encouragement here at Lutheran Hour Ministries. That's what we do. We try to bring Christ to you in a personal way to meet you at your place of need.  ANNOUNCER: And today we're going to be hearing from someone who works sort of behind the scenes even as she serves on the frontlines of ministry.  SELTZ: Right. Janell Lockwood has been working in our Response Center for five years? LOCKWOOD: Yes. SELTZ: Wow! Janell, thank you so much for joining us. LOCKWOOD: Thank you for having me. SELTZ: Tell us again what the Response Center is all about, what you and your crew do here at Lutheran Hour Ministries. I know you're kind of hidden away but you have such a great impact on people's lives. LOCKWOOD: Yeah, the opportunity that we have in the Response Center is to primarily answer phone calls and emails with questions, looking for resources, looking for guidance, looking for help with anything that we deal with here at Lutheran Hour Ministries. ANNOUNCER: And, what are some of the things you hear from our listeners and viewers? LOCKWOOD: A lot of times we might get an email or a phone call asking about a copy of a sermon, something that touched their lives; that really meant something. They need a copy that they want to share with somebody. They may have heard about a resource that was promoted on The Lutheran Hour, whether it be a Project Connect booklet, a Bible study. So it's a great way that we're able to meet their needs; that The Lutheran Hour has maybe introduced them to a resource. SELTZ: Well, do you mind sharing some examples with us? LOCKWOOD: Sure. Sure. I received an email that said "This past February was the first anniversary of my husband's death from cancer, and I'm not sure if it was the loss or the financial struggles, but I sank into depression. I stopped going to church and the longer I was gone, the worse I felt. Recently I began to have suicidal thoughts. The only explanation for what happened next is the leading of the Holy Spirit. This morning I read the sermon for April 19. It made me cry, but most of all it gave me comfort and hope. Thank you." SELTZ: That's so powerful. We don't even realize what people are going through and how the Word of God just comes right in and takes care of that. That's so cool! But what people need to understand is when they call or email, you have resources that you can put into their hands. They get a sermon, a devotional, we can engage them in a more personal way. Tell us more about some of these resources that we actually have for them.  LOCKWOOD: I think the huge takeaway for a lot of people is when they do call us, we do have things that we can put in their hand to give them hope. A lot of people are asking for the resource of the Project Connect booklets; the anecdotal topical booklets that will give them words to their story that someone can validate what they are going through, then also to bring that down and root it into Scripture to give them a true hope in Christ. We also have great award-winning Bible studies that are video driven that can be done in individual personal study or a group Bible study that are very...the fact that they can be kind of surface and topical, but if you want to dig deeper, it allows that. It allows a seasoned Bible studier to get deep into the Word of God. SELTZ: So you can see it. You can touch it. You can taste it. You can't smell it, can you? There are a lot of resources and you were just telling us another story right before you came in. Can you share that with us because that was about these resources, right? LOCKWOOD: Exactly. There was a mother who had shared with us that her 22-year-old son has been in jail since 2015 in June. She says he is a confirmed member of the LCMS but she is having difficulty in locating any resources for help, hope, and encouragement. She said he does have a pastor that visits him but she was asking if I could lead her to any information that she could share with her son. So I was able to give her resources, a video Bible study, also Project Connect booklets that were of many topics she could use herself and also for her son. Also, ideally, we can mail those to her but we're also trying to keep up with technology and all these are free and downloadable.  ANNOUNCER: If you would like to find out more about these resources, in just a moment I will give you the number you can call. I'll also give you our website address, but we want to give you also the opportunity to share how God has worked through these resources to make a difference in your life. So, if you have a personal experience of that, we'd like to hear from you as well. SELTZ: So they'll be able to call in and share some of that with you, Janell, and your team, right?  LOCKWOOD: We would love that. SELTZ: Wow. We really have a treasure here that we want to share. In fact we have a treasure in you and all the folks that really answer those phones. We give God glory for that. Janell, thank you so much for being here with us today. LOCKWOOD: Thank you.  SELTZ: That's our Action in Ministry segment today to bless, to empower, and to strengthen your life in Christ for others.  ANNOUNCER: For a list of available resources, go to lutheranhour.org. Look for the link that says Action in Ministry. If you've been blessed by a resource that you received from us and you would like to share your story, call 1-855-john316. That's 1-855-564-6316. Our email address is info@lhm.org.  Music Selections for this program: "A Mighty Fortress" arranged by Chris Bergmann. Used by permission. "With High Delight Let Us Unite" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House) "I Am Content! My Jesus Ever Lives" From The Concordia Organist (© 2009 Concordia Publishing House)       Print this sermon Sign up for LHM news Daily Devotions Visit lutheranhour.org Change my email Contact Us   subscribe / unsubscribe / sign-up for plain text / visit our website   660 Mason Ridge Center Dr. St. Louis, MO 63141 1-800-876-9880 www.lhm.org

Daily Email: Thursday, April 7, 2016

DEVOTION:  John 21:1-19

21 After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way. ² Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. ³ Simon Peter said to them, "I am going fishing." They said to him, "We will go with you." They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

           ⁴ Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. ⁵ Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?" They answered him, "No." ⁶ He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some." So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish. ⁷ That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, "It is the Lord!" When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his outer garment, for he was stripped for work, and threw himself into the sea. ⁸ The other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish, for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yards^[a] off.
              ⁹ When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread. ¹⁰ Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you have just caught." ¹¹ So Simon Peter went aboard and hauled the net ashore, full of large fish, 153 of them. And although there were so many, the net was not torn. ¹² Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast." Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord. ¹³ Jesus came and took the bread and gave it to them, and so with the fish. ¹⁴ This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.
         ¹⁵ When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Feed my lambs." ¹⁶ He said to him a second time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." He said to him, "Tend my sheep." ¹⁷ He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of John, do you love me?" Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?" and he said to him, "Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep. ¹⁸ Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you used to dress yourself and walk wherever you wanted, but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go." ¹⁹ (This he said to show by what kind of death he was to glorify God.) And after saying this he said to him, "Follow me."
 
 
Oftentimes, in my life, I go overboard when it comes to things, especially when it comes to food and eating it.  I should know when to say when.  I should portion out my food and only eat that much.  I don't.  I usually eat twice as much as I need to eat. 
 
Other times it is good to go overboard, especially when it comes to Jesus.  It was good for Peter to go overboard in today's reading.  It wasn't the first time though.  The disciples were on the sea and Jesus came along walking on it.  They thought it was a ghost.  Who wouldn't?  So Jesus called out to Peter to come out, and Peter went overboard and began to walk toward Jesus. That's where we get the phrase "he walks on water".  Anyway, when Peter finally realized what he was doing, he began to sink.  Jesus caught him by the hand and saved him. 
 
Now Peter is so excited that Jesus is there again that he doesn't wait for the boat to get to shore, He goes overboard again, excited beyond thinking that He can go to Jesus and be with Him again. 
 
More than all of this, Jesus goes overboard to save him again.  Remember that other time, when Jesus was standing trial before the Sanhedrin and Peter was waiting outside.  Three different people said that he was with Jesus, and all three times Peter denied Jesus. and the rooster crowed.  Peter was devastated and wept bitterly for some time.  He thought he was lost forever.
 
Now he's right there in front of Jesus, and three times Jesus asks Peter if he loves Him.  Peter three times confesses that he not only knows Jesus, but that he loves Him.  Jesus restores him!  he forgives Him!  He gives him exactly the amount of forgiveness he needs! 
 
He does the same for you.  He goes overboard in forgiving you, but at the same time, He gives you just enough forgiveness!  He always gives you just the right amount!  Go overboard in your praise for Him!  Don't hold back! 
 
Prayer: Lord, thank You for going overboard for me!  Help me to live in just the right amount and just the right kind of live for You in Your grace and Your peace.  Amen.

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CALENDAR:

Thurs- Alzheimer's Support Group 1pm; Beginning of Lutheranism 101 7pm
Sat-  Church work day 8-noon; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11; Elders noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver    11- Alaina Heitgerd

Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke

Altar-  Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat-- Randy Sweet????;  8:30- John Hachtel;  11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters-  8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel ;  11- ???????  We need someone

Lay Readers- 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 10- Stephanie Owenby

Organist- Rachel Fisher
 
Sat Piano- Kathy Barrow

Projectionists:  Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Jacob Cluver  11- Hailey Blechle
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YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:       When David was made king of Judah, who was made king of Israel?  How long was he king over Israel?  How long did this short civil war last before David became king over all Israel and Judah?

 

Ish-bosheth was chosen as the second king over the Kingdom of Israel, which then consisted of all the twelve tribes of the Israelites, after the death of his father and three brothers at the Battle of Mount Gilboa. Ish-bosheth was 40 years old at this time and reigned for two years. He was assassinated in c 1005 B.C. by two of his own army-captains, Rechab and Baanah (2 Samuel 4:5), who expected a reward from David because of this. David, however, refused to give any commendation for high treason; he had both killers hanged with their hands and feet cut off. Ish-bosheth was buried in Abner's grave at Hebron.  David reigned 40 years.  Depending on how you look at it, the civil war lasted anywhere between two and seven years.  (Thanks Pat)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Who were the Jebusites?

____________________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

LUTHERANISM 101 IS GOING TO START TONIGHT, APRIL 7 AT 7PM!!

If you:

1. Only have a limited knowledge of the history of Lutheranism and what Lutherans actually teach on things.

2. Learned all that stuff back in seventh or eighth grade and weren't paying attention

3. Want to learn how to share your faith with others.

4. Just like being around other Christians and growing in your faith.

 

Then this is the study for you!  Come and join us!  We'll have snacks!

 

______________________________________________________________________________

BEGINNING FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING  TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 7-9pm!!! 

 

Below is all you need to know

 

1. This will be led by two very seasoned and knowledgeable gun owners:  Paul Brockfeld (Brockfeld Gunsmithing) and Jason Cluver (State Trooper in Montgomery County).  

 

2. This will be a good review for all who have been handling guns for years, and a good beginner course as well.

 

3. This safety class is to kick off St John's Gun Club!   After the class we will start planning fun and safe outings!!

 

4. The class is for EVERYONE 11 years old and up. 

 

5. If anyone knows of any SAFE ranges that are cheap or free, that don't require a membership, and that can take group reservations (or are usually able to hold a group of 10 or so) please let me know. 

 

6. It will be the beginning of hunter safety certification and satisfy the first part of it, but will not complete the course.  The second four hours has to be led and taught by a "certified" instructor at one of their locations.  There will be a course held at the VFW in Warrenton on August 6, from 8am-noon.

 

6. If you are planning on participating in the safety course please RSVP asap!!

 

_________________________________________________________________________

FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE ONCE A MONTH (On the second Monday of each month) starting next Monday, April 11, from 6-7:30pm. 

 

Bring a dish to share, and a heart that is ready to grow in Jesus!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_ 

 

You deserve a kid free night out! Friday, April 15th from 5pm - 10pm. Miss Kelsey and Mrs. K along with some great babysitters from our youth will be hosting our 2nd Parents' Night Out. This is a fundraiser for our church youth group. $20 for the first child $10 for the 2nd and $5 for each additional kid. Little Lambs and church kids get first dibs

 

Call Kelsey @ 573-803-7826  or Karin @314-691-7283 to reserve your spot today!

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

INSIDE SPACES ARE SOLD OUT!!

 

 
 
Join us as a vendor inside, have a tag sale on the parking lot, or craft items for sale. Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.

 

There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.

 

St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.

Vendor spots are being held for: Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 18" doll clothes by PJ'S Patterns, Perfectly Posh, Paparazzi, Damsel in Distress, It Works Global, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Lilla Rose, Usborne Books & More, Cindy Rust handmade Jewelry, Avon, Park Lane, scroll saw art, Young Living Essential oils, Amy Flores Handmade Jewelry and custom / personalized key chains. More to come...

 

 

THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!! 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND ST. JOHN'S MEMBERS!!!  OPEN REGISTRATION FOR EVERYONE STARTS APRIL 1.

Registration forms are available from Little Lambs or the church office.  All registration forms must accompany the $45 nonrefundable registration fee.  Children should be 3 or 4 by August 1.  For more info talk to Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?

If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list.  THANK YOU!

_____________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR APRIL IS CANNED SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For LYNN FIGURA who is recovering from knee replacement surgery.

 

For EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH, Lois Boeger's mom, who is dealing with severe back pain.

 

For PASTOR'S SISTER'S FATHER IN LAW, CLARENCE SICKMANN, who is having seizures and tremors after an aneurysm and surgery to fix it.

 

For PASTOR'S DAD, ROGER KLAUSTERMEIER, who is dealing with a distended gall bladder, and is traveling home from Texas to Minnesota Thursday-Sunday.  He may need to have surgery when he gets home. ]

 

For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, who is having an exploratory cardiac catheterization on Friday. He hopes to be back at church by Sunday.

 

For MELISSA BADER as she goes home from rehab today after back surgery.

 

For SHARON GARRETT as she is at home and recovering from two broken ankles.

 

For DON BRAZEE as he has been moved to Breeze Park in Weldon Spring for rehab and to receive his cancer treatment.

 

For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

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Prayer request for Evelyn Toedebusch, Lois Boeger's mom

Please pray for  Evelyn Toedebusch.  She is in the hospital suffering with severe back pain.

 

Thanks,

Lois

 

PARENT'S NIGHT OUT NEXT FRIDAY, APRIL 15!! Sign up today!

 

Theme for the night Superheros and Princess! Come dressed as your favorite character. Parent's you deserve a kid free night out! Friday, April 15th from 5pm - 10pm. Miss Kelsey and Mrs. K along with some great babysitters from our youth will be hosting our 2nd Parents' Night Out. This is a fundraiser for our church youth group. $20 for the first child $10 for the 2nd and $5 for each additional kid. Little Lambs and church kids get first dibs.
 
Call Kelsey 573-803-7826  or Karin 314-691-7283  to sign up!

Daily Email: Wednesday, April 6, 2016

DEVOTION: Revelation 5    English Standard Version (ESV)
 
"The Scroll and the Lamb"

5 Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed with seven seals. ² And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, "Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?" ³ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, ⁴ and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. ⁵ And one of the elders said to me, "Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals."

⁶ And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. ⁷ And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. ⁸ And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. ⁹ And they sang a new song, saying,

"Worthy are you to take the scroll
    and to open its seals,
for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God
    from every tribe and language and people and nation,
¹⁰ and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God,
    and they shall reign on the earth."

¹¹ Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, ¹² saying with a loud voice,

"Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might
and honor and glory and blessing!"

¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

"To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!"

¹⁴ And the four living creatures said, "Amen!" and the elders fell down and worshiped.

 
What a scene!  Jesus is sitting on His throne and He is able to open the scroll on which is written all the names of all the saints, including you and me and ALL believers in Christ!
 
As He takes the scroll everyone falls down and worships Him, and keeps worshiping Him, and doesn't stop worshiping Him forever!  Praise the Lord!
 
I don't know about you, but as I read this vision of heaven I want to be there.  As I hear of Christians being persecuted and thousands of them killed in Nigeria and other parts of the world, I want nothing more than to be in heaven with them and be rid of this sinful earth. 
 
As I deal with my own troubles and the troubles of others it makes me want to get to heaven that much sooner.  As I am a pastor and I see how people often stray from Jesus, and how they neglect worship, I just want Jesus to come back and be in heaven  so that we no longer have that temptation or that choice.   I WANT TO WORSHIP JESUS FACE TO FACE FOREVER!!
 
How about you?  Let's all look forward to that day with peace and joy so that others see our joy and peace want what we have!  Let's keep the grumbling and judging to a minimum and the praise and adoration to a maximum.  Let's show the world that we really do love Jesus!!  Let's forgive as He ahs forgiven us!  Let's love as He has loved us!  Let's live in peace as he has breathed peace into us! 
 
Prayer: Lord, as I live in this sinful world and wait for Your return, help me to wait with peace and joy and be busy doing Your work.  Amen.

___________________________________________________________________________________________
CALENDAR:

Wed- Choir 7pm

Thurs- Alzheimer's Support Group 1pm; Beginning of Lutheranism 101 7pm
Sat-  Church work day 8-noon; Worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Bible Study 9:45; Worship 11; Elders noon
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
WORSHIP WORKERS:  
Acolyte- 8:30- Sarah Cluver    11- Alaina Heitgerd

Ushers- Scott and Alex Heitgerd, Bob and Tom Linke

Altar-  Set up- Lucille Luebke; Clean Up- Joanne Hachtel

Elders-  Sat-- Randy Sweet????;  8:30- John Hachtel;  11- Dave Winter
 
Greeters-  8:30- John and Joanne Hachtel ;  11- ???????  We need someone

Lay Readers- 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 10- Stephanie Owenby

Organist- Rachel Fisher
 
Sat Piano- Kathy Barrow

Projectionists:  Sat- Perricone; 8:30- Jacob Cluver  11- Hailey Blechle
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S  BIBLE QUIZ:    What did Saul (Old Testament) do so he could talk to Samuel?

 

From Pat King: 

Oh, oh, oh! I know this! I really, really do!

Okay.....ready?

 

He switched from AT&T to Verizon, for better coverage!

But if you're talking about, how did he "talk" to Samuel after the old dude croaked, he consulted a witch at Endor. (1Sam:28)

Should have stuck with Verizon.

______________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: A three part question:   When David was made king of Judah, who was made king of Israel?  How long was he king over Israel?  How long did this short civil war last before David became king over all Israel and Judah?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

NEWS!!!! 

LUTHERANISM 101 IS GOING TO START TOMORROW NIGHT, THURSDAY, APRIL 7 AT 7PM!!

If you:

1. Only have a limited knowledge of the history of Lutheranism and what Lutherans actually teach on things.

2. Learned all that stuff back in seventh or eighth grade and weren't paying attention

3. Want to learn how to share your faith with others.

4. Just like being around other Christians and growing in your faith.

 

Then this is the study for you!  Come and join us!  We'll have snacks!

 

______________________________________________________________________________

BEGINNING FIREARMS SAFETY TRAINING  TO BE HELD TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 7-9pm!!! 

 

Below is all you need to know

 

1. This will be led by two very seasoned and knowledgeable gun owners:  Paul Brockfeld (Brockfeld Gunsmithing) and Jason Cluver (State Trooper in Montgomery County).  

 

2. This will be a good review for all who have been handling guns for years, and a good beginner course as well.

 

3. This safety class is to kick off St John's Gun Club!   After the class we will start planning fun and safe outings!!

 

4. The class is for EVERYONE 11 years old and up. 

 

5. If anyone knows of any SAFE ranges that are cheap or free, that don't require a membership, and that can take group reservations (or are usually able to hold a group of 10 or so) please let me know. 

 

6. It will be the beginning of hunter safety certification and satisfy the first part of it, but will not complete the course.  The second four hours has to be led and taught by a "certified" instructor at one of their locations.  There will be a course held at the VFW in Warrenton on August 6, from 8am-noon.

 

6. If you are planning on participating in the safety course please RSVP asap!!

 

_________________________________________________________________________

FAMILY NIGHT WILL BE ONCE A MONTH (On the second Monday of each month) starting next Monday, April 11, from 6-7:30pm. 

 

Bring a dish to share, and a heart that is ready to grow in Jesus!

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

_ 

 

You deserve a kid free night out! Friday, April 15th from 5pm - 10pm. Miss Kelsey and Mrs. K along with some great babysitters from our youth will be hosting our 2nd Parents' Night Out. This is a fundraiser for our church youth group. $20 for the first child $10 for the 2nd and $5 for each additional kid. Little Lambs and church kids get first dibs

 

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

INSIDE SPACES ARE SOLD OUT!!

 

 
 
Join us as a vendor inside, have a tag sale on the parking lot, or craft items for sale. Outside spaces are available for $10 for a double parking spot.

 

There will be a sale under the pavilion if you would like to donate items. The youth will be raising money for their National Youth Gathering trip under the pavilion and at the concession stand.

 

St. John's Lutheran Church, 950 S Hwy 47 in Warrenton. Please call the church office for more info. 636-456-2888.

Vendor spots are being held for: Tupperware, Origami Owl, Pampered Chef, Scentsy, 18" doll clothes by PJ'S Patterns, Perfectly Posh, Paparazzi, Damsel in Distress, It Works Global, Mary Kay, Norwex, Tastefully Simple, Pink Zebra, Lilla Rose, Usborne Books & More, Cindy Rust handmade Jewelry, Avon, Park Lane, scroll saw art, Young Living Essential oils, Amy Flores Handmade Jewelry and custom / personalized key chains. More to come...

 

 

THE QUILTERS WILL ALSO BE RAFFLING OFF THE QUILT THAT IS HANGING DOWNSTAIRS!! 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

LITTLE LAMBS PRESCHOOL IS CURRENTLY ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR FOR CURRENT STUDENTS AND ST. JOHN'S MEMBERS!!!  OPEN REGISTRATION FOR EVERYONE STARTS APRIL 1.

Registration forms are available from Little Lambs or the church office.  All registration forms must accompany the $45 nonrefundable registration fee.  Children should be 3 or 4 by August 1.  For more info talk to Lisa Rausch or Karin Klaustermeier.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 DO YOU KNOW OF ANYONE WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS DAILY EMAIL?

If you know of someone who isn't currently receiving my daily emails but would like to, please reply to this email with their email address and I will add them to the list.  THANK YOU!

_____________________________________________________________________________

OPERATION BACKPACK FOR APRIL IS CANNED SOUP AND RAMEN NOODLES

 

(Remember this is for the poor and needy children of our community and county that often receive two breakfast and lunch at school, and have very little or no food at home.)

___________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL PRAYERS:

For PASTOR'S SISTER'S FATHER IN LAW, CLARENCE SICKMANN, who is recovering from an aneurysm and 8 hour surgery to repair it last night.  The next 48 hours are critical. 

 

For PASTOR'S DAD, ROGER KLAUSTERMEIER, who is dealing with a distended gall bladder, and is traveling home from Texas to Minnesota Thursday-Sunday.  He may need to have surgery when he gets home. ]

 

For PASTOR MCCRACKEN, who is having an exploratory cardiac catheterization on Friday. He hopes to be back at church by Sunday.

 

For PAT MANESS who is moving to Parklane Rehabilitation today.

 

For MELISSA BADER as she recovers from back surgery at Mercy Rehab in Creve Couer.

 

For SHARON GARRETT as she is at home and recovering from two broken ankles.

 

For DON BRAZEE as he has been moved to Breeze Park in Weldon Spring for rehab and to receive his cancer treatment.

 

For PASTOR PIPER, from St. Paul, New Melle, as he recovers from a heart attack he had while running a 5K in Florida.

 

For DENISE SCHLESSELMANN as she is in need of more funding to continue her mission work in the Czech Republic.

 

--

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You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "St. John's Group Email" group.
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