Bethlehem Lutheran Church

Tornadoes. I fear tornadoes more than most. I think I picked it up from watching "The Wizard of Oz "at an early age. Because of this, I can name most of the clouds. Cumulus. Nimbo stratus. And my favorite, mammatus.  Mammatus clouds come at the end of the storm, and if you're really lucky and catch them just right, they look like a pan of freshly baked dollar buns.

The same day as Pastor Chris talked to us (sermon) about worrying, a tragic storm struck Hugo, taking most of the residents by surprise and resulting in innocent death. They were surprised. They had little time to react as the clouds swirled overhead.

We do what we can. We remember the words of the Boy Scout motto: "Be Prepared".  That's just common sense. But, as the folks in Hugo know, you can't be prepared for everything that comes down the pike. 

In the words of the gospel of Matthew, Jesus says "So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own."

Consider:

We all have our own worries. Pandemic flu. Rogue nuclear states. Global warming. Child molesters. Internet bullying. Cars without OnStar. Kids without cell phones. Kids with cell phones. Where does your worrying lie?

Grow

Lord, teach us not to worry!

We've heard our pastors in sermons tally up the number of times Jesus refers to money in the sermons. It's a lot.   And in this week's Gospel, the roots of worry He addresses seem to go back to providing for ourselves - What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?  Worry, like sin, distracts us from the joy of everyday living, much as sin separates us from God.  Sometimes it's hard to realize that our creator knows our every need, and will provide. We may not always have all we "want", but we do have all our needs provided for.  If we distract ourselves with worrying, Jesus reminds us to strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and He will take care of us.

Consider:

• Is worrying a sin? Why does it seem to be wired into us? How do you define worry?
• Where do you draw the line between worry and preparation?
• If you would compose a prayer asking for relief from worry, what would it say? 

Close

We sing this hymn at so many baptisms, but the whole hymn is worth considering. These words work for children of all ages!

Children of the heav'nly Father safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven such a refuge e'er was given.

God His own doth tend and nourish;  In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them; In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth, And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne'er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely To preserve them pure and holy.

Lo, their very hairs He numbers, And no daily care encumbers
Them that share His ev'ry blessing And His help in woes distressing.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers: Your Protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender Ev'ry foeman must surrender.

Words for the Week

Try this contemplative approach to reading scripture called lectio divina.
Take a deep breath and find a little silence within yourself.  Then:
Read the verse a few times with a listening heart filled with unhurried expectation.
Reflect on this question, "What are you saying to me in this verse today, God?"
Respond by talking to God about your real feelings, thoughts, questions, and doubts.
Rest by simply being with God who knows you and loves you.

Monday:           Isaiah 40: 10- 11
Tuesday:           Philippians 4: 19- 20
Wednesday:      1 Peter 5: 6- 7
Thursday:          Philippians 4: 6- 7
Friday:              Matthew 6: 9- 13 (with emphasis on v. 11!)
Saturday:          Matthew 6: 33- 34