built on a rock
- By Pastor Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, LuverneSeptember 13, 2023Have you seen church signs saying, “Everyone Welcome Here!” Do they really mean that? A teacher friend recently posted a picture of himself standing by a whiteboard welcoming his new class. Written on the white board was, “It’s okay to not know everything,” “It's okay to ask questions,” and a few more “It’s okay” statements. Then, at the bottom of the white board, it said, “Everyone is welcome…
- By Pastor Joe Steenholdt, Christian Reformed Church, LuverneSeptember 06, 2023‘Tis the season for back-to-school shopping, checking off supply lists, implementing lesson plans, and adjusting to new classes and schedules. Yet there is one thing you won’t find on the back-to-school checklist, but it is one of the most profound things you can do no matter what your connection to the school is this year – pray. Here are some suggestions with the help of Scripture to pray for…
- By Pastor Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, LuverneSeptember 14, 2021Thankful thoughts and godly thoughts will change your day. “Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon His name; make know his deeds among the peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16:8 “Complaining not only ruins everybody else’s day, it ruins the complainer’s day, too. The more we complain, the more unhappy we get.” (Dennis Prager) The focus of our thoughts will affect our day and those around us. When you slip…
- By Rev. Maggie Berndt-Dreyer, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, HillsMay 12, 2020By the time this column is printed, I will have moved away from the area and will be just about to begin my new pastoral call. As I write you one last column, I’m reflecting on all the stories I will take with me as I go. Storytelling is a powerful tool for remembering. Telling stories of loved ones who have gone or of the kids when they were little helps us feel connected to each other…
- By Erin Jacobsma, office manager, American Reformed ChurchApril 30, 2019Boxes, boxes, and more boxes. I swear they are multiplying! Some are stuffed full and unopened, some are in the process of being cleaned out and disassembled, and thankfully some are empty, flattened and ready for recycling. My family recently moved to a different home and after the initial unpacking of all the essentials, the flurry of cardboard removal has slowed to a trickle. I have been…
- By Martha Fick, Good Samaritan, Mission EffectivenessFebruary 15, 2016“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 Sven was riding the city bus to town. When he reached his stop, it looked like rain and without thinking he picked up the umbrella belonging to the man sitting next to him. “Stop, thief,” Lars yelled. “Stop dat man. He took my umbrella.” Sven apologized profusely. “I vas not thinking vhen I picked it up. I tought it vas my umbrella. I must haf…
- By Martha Fick, Good Samaritan, Mission EffectivenessFebruary 09, 2016And He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered Him, ‘You are the Christ.’” (Mark 8:29 ESV) An elderly woman walked into a local country church. A friendly usher greeted her at the door and helped her up the flight of steps. “Where would you like to sit today?” he asked politely. “I vould like to sit in de front row please,” she replied. “Are you sure you want to do that?” the…
By Dick Lauger, pastor First Baptist ChurchFebruary 02, 2016I never look forward to visiting a nursing home. Despite the fine efforts of local staff, these places simply are not attractive to me. From time to time I have considered the rest appealing — meals delivered, TV in one’s room, naps at any hour, time to read, but a day or two of that would be plenty. So my visits are something of a “fight of faith.” The atmosphere is ...…
By Martha Fick, Good Samaritan, Mission EffectivenessDecember 01, 2015“Judge not, that you be not judged.” Matthew 7:1 Sven was riding the city bus to town. When he reached his stop, it looked like rain and without thinking he picked up the umbrella belonging to the man sitting next to him. “Stop, thief,” Lars yelled. “Stop dat man. He took my umbrella.” Sven apologized profusely. “I vas not thinking vhen I picked it up. I tought it vas my umbrella. I must haf…
By martha Fick, Good Samaritan – Mission EffectivenessNovember 16, 2015Communication By Martha Fick, Good Samaritan – Mission Effectiveness "Is not the arrow beyond you?" 1 Samuel 20:37b ESV Ole, Lars and Sven went deer hunting. Sven said to Ole and Lars, "I vill go south into de prairie grass. You two head north into de grove of trees. If you get lost, fire three shots into de air so dat I vill be able to find you." Ole and Lars agreed and…- November 09, 2015Roger Sparks, Pastor Luverne Christian Reformed Church Summer is past. Fall is upon us. Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. Before we know it, we will discard our 2015 calendars. Most people I talk to say that they’re busy, busy, busy. So am I. Should we take time out of our busy schedules for personal and/or group Bible study? Should we carve time out of our hectic routines to be still…
By martha fick, Good Samaritan – Mission EffectivenessOctober 19, 2015“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” Hebrews 13:14 ESV Lars went to the lumberyard to buy some lumber." May I help you?" asked the salesman. "Yah, sure, you betcha," replied Lars. "I vould like to buy some 2x4s." "How long do you want them?" "Oh, I vant dem for a long time," Lars answered. "I am…- October 12, 2015By Cole McCormick Interim pastor at Grace Lutheran Church From the words of Psalm 91:16, “Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.…
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