When someone shares a special verse with me and gives me special insight concerning that verse, I write that person’s name in the margin of my Bible. This reference serves as a constant reminder of how good the Lord has been to me by sending special people into my life who have taught me, challenged me, or encouraged me in my walk with Christ. It reminds me to pray for that person also. Some of the names in my Bible are Lee, Vern, Lloyd, Jeff, Gary, Kenny. One name shows up about 4 times is Morrie. It refers to Morrie Jorgensen, my somewhat melancholy Danish friend with a sense of humor and movie-actor good looks plus a smile that could stop the world. Oh, how I miss Morrie!
Born on a farm, his farmer father did not think Morrie’s bent to be an artist was the least bit worthwhile. Morrie was the maintenance man at the Dassel Nursing Home before he died. Morrie was an artist; I am privileged to have two of his original works. My friend, Lee Shelton owns what I consider the best of his paintings. It has a lamb lying in an old doorway. A lot of Morrie’s paintings had a spiritual theme. Artists who draw and paint fascinate me, probably because I am a complete klutz at it.
Morrie drove Mazda pickups. Equipped with a unique sense of humor, he would stop by our house in Cokato, get out of his pick up talking, and begin working me over verbally like no one else could do.
Morrie pointed out sins in my life. Good friends do that. Trusted friends do that and I loved him for it. Morrie said we earn the right to get in each other’s face. Morrie earned the right to get in my face.
The last time I saw Morrie was in Methodist Hospital; he battled a rare blood disease. Sitting erect in bed, with his wife Velma at his side, his big smile warmed our hearts. He said to me, “Jerry, if I don’t see you again, I’ll see you on the other side.” I look forward to the day I can see Morrie again.
I wish all of you would be blessed with a good friend like Morrie. Probably you are. Let’s all go out and be Morrie’s to the world!
Oh, how I miss Morrie!
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Sunday, March 26, 2006
"The Church is the Church only when it exists for others" -- Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran Pastor during WWII; he was arrested for plotting against Hitler and was a writer while in prison. He was hung a few weeks before the end of the war. I have a book which is a collection of letters Bonhoeffer wrote. On Page 382 of Letters & Papers from Prison, he says in part "The church is the church only when it exists for others."
I was invited to a men's Bible study this week; we were studying the book of Titus. A question came up about "what are good works?" People made many suggestions. Two really hung with me: We should smile at other people and we should wave to them. That is good. We need to do that to fellow believers and for all the other people that don't know Christ. We want to be friendly with the neighborhood drunk, smile and wave at him but we don't want him to "puke" on our couch! We don't want to be disturbed with the 11:00 p.m. call from his wife, saying "come and help me get him in to the house he passed out on the lawn."
I don't think we believe the church exists for others. We believe it exists for us, and we are going to smile and wave until the drunk feels so good he just might come through the doors of our church and hopefully, with all our back slapping and firendly smiles, come to know Christ.
The prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 10:23 "A man's life is not his own." Do we believe that? Jesus said in part in John 13:12-17 "Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." James said "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:14-26). Works don't save us but a result of our love for a gracious God who has "given us life and breath and everything else." Acts 17:25
Isn't it time we give up living for ourselves and live for others? "No greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." John 15:12-17. What if Jesus had just waved and smiled at us?
Thank you Lord for another reminder.
I was invited to a men's Bible study this week; we were studying the book of Titus. A question came up about "what are good works?" People made many suggestions. Two really hung with me: We should smile at other people and we should wave to them. That is good. We need to do that to fellow believers and for all the other people that don't know Christ. We want to be friendly with the neighborhood drunk, smile and wave at him but we don't want him to "puke" on our couch! We don't want to be disturbed with the 11:00 p.m. call from his wife, saying "come and help me get him in to the house he passed out on the lawn."
I don't think we believe the church exists for others. We believe it exists for us, and we are going to smile and wave until the drunk feels so good he just might come through the doors of our church and hopefully, with all our back slapping and firendly smiles, come to know Christ.
The prophet Jeremiah said in Jeremiah 10:23 "A man's life is not his own." Do we believe that? Jesus said in part in John 13:12-17 "Now that I, your Lord and teacher, have washed your feet, you should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done for you." James said "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:14-26). Works don't save us but a result of our love for a gracious God who has "given us life and breath and everything else." Acts 17:25
Isn't it time we give up living for ourselves and live for others? "No greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friend." John 15:12-17. What if Jesus had just waved and smiled at us?
Thank you Lord for another reminder.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
"Dad" Problem in Minnesota & America
After listening to a talk radio show from Minneapolis the other day, I was inspired to write the following letter. Let me know what your feelings are about this issue. ~ Beef
March 22, 2006
Mr. Al Malmberg
WCCO Radio
625 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Dear Mr. Malmberg:
This morning (Tuesday, March 21st) I heard with interest the discussion related to the shooting in Uptown. It was spirited and very revealing, but most of the solutions offered are “after the fact” solutions and they seldom work.
I feel I am qualified to comment since I am an 18 year veteran property manager who has been assaulted on the job by the street thugs we deal with every day. Street drunks, beggars, scam artists and thieves.
What we have in America and Minneapolis is a “Dad” problem. Look at the facts:
Out of Wedlock Birthrate for the US
Year Black White
1965 24% 3%
1990 64% 18%
2000 68.5% 27.1%
Data from The Brookings Institution Policy Brief #5 “Analysis of Out of Wedlock Birth in the United States” and Governmental Data from CDC using NCHC data. (Please note: even though the Black rate is higher, the White out of wedlock rate is increasing much more rapidly than the Black birthrate.)
We, as men, wield the biggest influence on our children. It is sad to say, but many of us have let our “penis” do the decision making in our lives. We need to reach the Dads of the world.
Many fathers are not involved in the lives of their children. I met a nurse who worked as an intake nurse at a drug treatment facility for seven years and in seven years she only had one person come through with their original two parents still as a family unit.
The only solution I see is a spiritual transformation, but I don’t believe the church, as it is now, is the solution.
What we say to people today is “When you get your life cleaned up and your problems straightened up, and you act like us, come to church.” In reality they never come. The clear call for Christians is “to go”. So we need to go where the men are and minister to them.
Most of us are self-consumed in our own expensive hobbies or pursuits. And seldom, if ever, become involved in someone else’s life. Until we get up out of our comfort zone and bring some discipline, direction and accountability to men, the problem will not go away. All our half-hearted, but well intentioned, efforts will fall on deaf ears.
You may be saying, talk is cheap, what has Jerry done?
In Cokato, Minnesota last year, 10 men met to reach out to other men. We meet for Bible study in the back of an excavation contractors shop. Men are invited by other men. Men come-as-they-are from work; they do not have to worry about messing up someone’s living room. Men share when they realize no one else is listening; namely, children and wives. They want hard-hitting truthful help. Many said they would not come to a traditional church setting.
Today we have 30 men coming; many are recovered drug addicts and alcoholics. Most of us have not had a positive father figure in our lives. Many have said they did not know how to be a good father and husband. We are mentoring one another and learning much more ourselves along the way.
Change will not occur until we (all of us) get up and become involved in another person’s life. This type of commitment cannot be maintained by our own effort. The only solution is spiritual transformation.
We need to go to the front lines and be there for one another. This hurting world needs help and we, as men, are best equipped to meet the need.
We do not need any government funding, no committee meetings, and no big organization that needs funding. We need self-sacrifice and dedication, accountability, and a new vision. Today these things are sadly lacking and we are paying the price for it on the streets of Minneapolis.
Keep up the good work.
Jerry Seehusen
612-870-9501
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Suffering
Last Sunday I preached in Hutchinson, Minnesota. I spoke about three concerns people have when they have cancer. “A strange topic” you may say but when I preach, I pray about the topic I’m going to preach on and God’s hand was in this topic.
After the service I had the opportunity to visit with many people and learned this topic revealed deep loneliness, anguish, and isolation experienced by some believers who experience cancer.
The second of my three concerns was this: most Christians are not afraid to die but none of us want to suffer. Suffering in and of itself means nothing. Suffering only has meaning when it has relationship. I will borrow a story from Joni Eareckson Tada in her book When God Weeps.
“You are walking down a street, minding your own business, when you are accosted and forced to carry a huge and heavy basket on your back. You’re ordered to walk three blocks, turn left, go two blocks, turn right, then proceed straight on. Staggering under the weight, you stumble on, bewildered and angry. The weight of the basket is crushing. Your back is breaking. The whole thing is meaningless and haphazard. You resent how the heavy burden consumes you, becoming the focal point of your entire existence.
“When you are halfway down the third block, reeling under the burden, you finally bellow, “What gives!”
“The truth is then revealed. The burden you are carrying is your child, injured and unconscious. “What?” On top of that, you discover you are not trudging through a meaningless rat-maze but the most direct route to a hospital emergency room.
“Immediately you straighten. You inhale new vigor. Your knees quit buckling. Adrenaline and fresh energy quicken your pace, and you move forward with a new attitude. Why the change? The suffering you’re going through involves a relationship. Not just any relationship, but one with your child. It is the love you have for your child that quickens your step and buoys up your heart. Your relationship gives your burden meaning. Even your twisted path makes sense. You know where you are going. Your journey has a positive end—the hospital—and this instills hope.
“Suffering has no meaning in itself. Left to its own, it is a frustrating and bewildering burden. But given the context of relationship, suffering suddenly has meaning.”
For as Christians, we must share in each others suffering; it binds us together. In 2 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul writes in part in verse 4, we have troubles so we can minister to those in any trouble and in verse 9 “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” It gets rid of our self reliance.
You will notice we have trials and tribulations so we can minister or comfort one another. What I heard from people after the service is this: some of us have been blessed by our Christian brothers and sisters (I have). Others are lonely and afraid, slowly being crushed under the weight of their trials.
Shared suffering helps those suffering and it helps us. It tenders our hearts towards one another, it binds us together.
I believe times for Christians will become harder. We think we don’t need one another now but we do, and the way to get to know one another is to share each other joys and yes, even each others sufferings.
After the service I had the opportunity to visit with many people and learned this topic revealed deep loneliness, anguish, and isolation experienced by some believers who experience cancer.
The second of my three concerns was this: most Christians are not afraid to die but none of us want to suffer. Suffering in and of itself means nothing. Suffering only has meaning when it has relationship. I will borrow a story from Joni Eareckson Tada in her book When God Weeps.
“You are walking down a street, minding your own business, when you are accosted and forced to carry a huge and heavy basket on your back. You’re ordered to walk three blocks, turn left, go two blocks, turn right, then proceed straight on. Staggering under the weight, you stumble on, bewildered and angry. The weight of the basket is crushing. Your back is breaking. The whole thing is meaningless and haphazard. You resent how the heavy burden consumes you, becoming the focal point of your entire existence.
“When you are halfway down the third block, reeling under the burden, you finally bellow, “What gives!”
“The truth is then revealed. The burden you are carrying is your child, injured and unconscious. “What?” On top of that, you discover you are not trudging through a meaningless rat-maze but the most direct route to a hospital emergency room.
“Immediately you straighten. You inhale new vigor. Your knees quit buckling. Adrenaline and fresh energy quicken your pace, and you move forward with a new attitude. Why the change? The suffering you’re going through involves a relationship. Not just any relationship, but one with your child. It is the love you have for your child that quickens your step and buoys up your heart. Your relationship gives your burden meaning. Even your twisted path makes sense. You know where you are going. Your journey has a positive end—the hospital—and this instills hope.
“Suffering has no meaning in itself. Left to its own, it is a frustrating and bewildering burden. But given the context of relationship, suffering suddenly has meaning.”
For as Christians, we must share in each others suffering; it binds us together. In 2 Corinthians Chapter 1, Paul writes in part in verse 4, we have troubles so we can minister to those in any trouble and in verse 9 “This happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” It gets rid of our self reliance.
You will notice we have trials and tribulations so we can minister or comfort one another. What I heard from people after the service is this: some of us have been blessed by our Christian brothers and sisters (I have). Others are lonely and afraid, slowly being crushed under the weight of their trials.
Shared suffering helps those suffering and it helps us. It tenders our hearts towards one another, it binds us together.
I believe times for Christians will become harder. We think we don’t need one another now but we do, and the way to get to know one another is to share each other joys and yes, even each others sufferings.
Sunday, March 05, 2006
Unbelief as a Symptom of a Deeper Problem
Things have been rather hectic around here lately and I have been unable to write a new entry so instead today I would like to share an Excerpt from Edward Donnelly’s book Biblical Teaching on the Doctrines of Heaven and Hell.
“Unbelief as a Symptom of a Deeper Problem
“Why should we think about hell? Its intrinsic importance and the unbelief with which it is surrounded are both valid reasons. But there is a third, more significant than either of these. The unbelief is symptomatic of a deeper problem.
“A symptom is so-called because it has an importance beyond itself. One day you discover a lump on your body. It is not painful and does not inconvenience you in any way. You can live normally and get on with your work. In that sense the lump is insignificant in and of itself. Yet is that how you react? Not if you care for your body and have any sense. You go to your doctor and have an examination. You seek treatment. It is not so much because of the lump, but because of what it might signify—something more dangerous, of which it could be an evidence.
“Unbelief is, of course, more than a symptom. It is itself a sin. But the illustration is valid to this extent: unbelief is an evidence of something worse. It is a symptom of humanity’s deepest problem, man-centredness. Here is the root cause of all our difficulties. We make ourselves the centre of our universe. We become the beings around whom everything else revolves. It all goes back to Eden, where Satan said to Eve, ‘You will be like God’ (Genesis 3:5), and she listened. Indeed, it goes back further. Satan himself had said, ‘I will be like the Most High’ (Isaiah 14:14).
“This sin of self-centredness, or humanism (for this is another name for it), has been present in the world since the Fall. But it has in our day come to dominate the culture, so that it saturates the world in which we live. Man-centredness is as pervasive, and as unnoticed, as the air we breathe. No one is unaffected by it. Like pollution in the atmosphere, it is there, we absorb it, it is poisoning us.”
“Unbelief as a Symptom of a Deeper Problem
“Why should we think about hell? Its intrinsic importance and the unbelief with which it is surrounded are both valid reasons. But there is a third, more significant than either of these. The unbelief is symptomatic of a deeper problem.
“A symptom is so-called because it has an importance beyond itself. One day you discover a lump on your body. It is not painful and does not inconvenience you in any way. You can live normally and get on with your work. In that sense the lump is insignificant in and of itself. Yet is that how you react? Not if you care for your body and have any sense. You go to your doctor and have an examination. You seek treatment. It is not so much because of the lump, but because of what it might signify—something more dangerous, of which it could be an evidence.
“Unbelief is, of course, more than a symptom. It is itself a sin. But the illustration is valid to this extent: unbelief is an evidence of something worse. It is a symptom of humanity’s deepest problem, man-centredness. Here is the root cause of all our difficulties. We make ourselves the centre of our universe. We become the beings around whom everything else revolves. It all goes back to Eden, where Satan said to Eve, ‘You will be like God’ (Genesis 3:5), and she listened. Indeed, it goes back further. Satan himself had said, ‘I will be like the Most High’ (Isaiah 14:14).
“This sin of self-centredness, or humanism (for this is another name for it), has been present in the world since the Fall. But it has in our day come to dominate the culture, so that it saturates the world in which we live. Man-centredness is as pervasive, and as unnoticed, as the air we breathe. No one is unaffected by it. Like pollution in the atmosphere, it is there, we absorb it, it is poisoning us.”
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Update
Well, today was the day Jerry (Beef) was to have his doctor appointment to get the results of the first PSA test since his prostate surgery. It ended up that he was unable to keep his appointment as he needed to be at Regions Hospital with his aunt who had been severely burned on Sunday.
When we called the clinic to cancel his appointment, we asked if we could get the results of the PSA test and were told "it was perfect!” What more could I say then “Praise the Lord”? Jerry does have to go in to see the doctor next week but we are trilled with outcome.
Jerry has been feeling really well. He worked at the office 3 days last week and he preached at Montevideo on Sunday. He’s back at the office this week but has spent a lot of time dealing with his aunt’s situation. She is in critical condition. Her brother was hospitalized in Glenwood on Saturday but seems to be better today. Lots of drama and lots of concern.
Thanks again for all the prayers. ~ Judi (Mrs. Beef)
When we called the clinic to cancel his appointment, we asked if we could get the results of the PSA test and were told "it was perfect!” What more could I say then “Praise the Lord”? Jerry does have to go in to see the doctor next week but we are trilled with outcome.
Jerry has been feeling really well. He worked at the office 3 days last week and he preached at Montevideo on Sunday. He’s back at the office this week but has spent a lot of time dealing with his aunt’s situation. She is in critical condition. Her brother was hospitalized in Glenwood on Saturday but seems to be better today. Lots of drama and lots of concern.
Thanks again for all the prayers. ~ Judi (Mrs. Beef)
Sunday, February 19, 2006
In my best interest
I am a two-time cancer survivor; once when I was 29 and now again when I am 58. People have asked “Have you learned anything because of your cancer experiences?” My answer is a resounding yes. I will share some thoughts with you over the next few weeks.
Questions--many asked, many not asked but all of them pondered. Jerry Bridges in his book The Joy of Fearing God asked one question which has really made me take account of my own life. It has also driven me to confession and ultimately forgiveness from Christ. The question is this: Do I wholeheartedly acknowledge God’s authority both in His precepts and His providences in my life? Do I resent or question any of His providential circumstances in my life?
I asked why I had to get cancer again. Isn’t once enough? Bottom line is this—God wanted to teach me something and get my attention. God wants the best for us but we, as His children, can become ungrateful and distracted. I was distracted--distracted by a myriad of mush. Busy, active, doing, but some of it was useless. Because we are God’s children He will get our attention because He loves us and He will get our attention. He will use cancer a second time if He needs to.
What I have learned is this—Use the gifts God has given me. I must do what God wants and has prepared me to do. God has prepared me for this moment by bringing many different “providential circumstances” into my life. Many of these “circumstances” I had judged at one time NOT to be in my best interest.
The truth of the matter is this, “my best interest” attitude just reveals when I want to be the center of the world rather than God. This attitude cuts open my desire to “run” my ship the way I want it. Notice words I have underlined--my and I. It’s not about me; never has been, never will be. The quicker I learn that lesson, the easier life will be.
I learned this lesson early in life; I needed to relearn it again a second time. God is not a hard Master; He has graciously taught me this and much more. I’m a slow and forgetful learner who is forgiven.
What has God prepared you to do? Do it!!
Questions--many asked, many not asked but all of them pondered. Jerry Bridges in his book The Joy of Fearing God asked one question which has really made me take account of my own life. It has also driven me to confession and ultimately forgiveness from Christ. The question is this: Do I wholeheartedly acknowledge God’s authority both in His precepts and His providences in my life? Do I resent or question any of His providential circumstances in my life?
I asked why I had to get cancer again. Isn’t once enough? Bottom line is this—God wanted to teach me something and get my attention. God wants the best for us but we, as His children, can become ungrateful and distracted. I was distracted--distracted by a myriad of mush. Busy, active, doing, but some of it was useless. Because we are God’s children He will get our attention because He loves us and He will get our attention. He will use cancer a second time if He needs to.
What I have learned is this—Use the gifts God has given me. I must do what God wants and has prepared me to do. God has prepared me for this moment by bringing many different “providential circumstances” into my life. Many of these “circumstances” I had judged at one time NOT to be in my best interest.
The truth of the matter is this, “my best interest” attitude just reveals when I want to be the center of the world rather than God. This attitude cuts open my desire to “run” my ship the way I want it. Notice words I have underlined--my and I. It’s not about me; never has been, never will be. The quicker I learn that lesson, the easier life will be.
I learned this lesson early in life; I needed to relearn it again a second time. God is not a hard Master; He has graciously taught me this and much more. I’m a slow and forgetful learner who is forgiven.
What has God prepared you to do? Do it!!
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
How are you waiting for Christ's return?
Let me tell you a story with two slightly different scenarios.
It was late October, a Saturday afternoon. We are cleaning up the yard when we look towards the evergreens next to John Nyquist’s place and notice a big silver car with black tinted windows coming down the road. We don’t see this type of car in Winfield Township very often if ever. The car moves slowly down the road. We pay more attention when it turns onto our road. We observe it, wondering who this could be. Then we notice it begins to slow down and turn up our driveway. The mystery car spins its wheels; spewing gravel, it speeds down our driveway, passes us with our rakes in our hands, and our mouths open. Because of the black tinted windows, we cannot see who is inside. The car speeds into our rear yard (back driveway) doing donuts with rocks spewing against the shop and garage. The car then races toward us, slams on the brakes and the doors fly open! How do you think we were feeling? – Very afraid.
Same story, Scenario #2—
It’s the same October afternoon; we finish eating lunch when the phone rings. It is Cindy, our best friend, and she is crying. She tells my wife “You are not going to believe what has happened to us. You know we have been having trouble with our car and the engine finally blew up. We are short of money and wondered what we were going to do for a different car.” Cindy continues, “A couple of years ago we helped out our friend Steve start a new business in Minneapolis. We gave him $5,000 with no strings attached; we just wanted to help. We didn’t expect any repayment. Well, the business has gone very well and he heard through friends that we needed a car. So he gave us his two year old silver Lexus with black tinted windows.” “Can you believe it?” she says. “We are going to call our parents and our brothers and sisters and then we will come over and give you the first ride in our new car.
We go outside to resume raking the yard but keep our eyes watchful to the evergreens next to John Nyquist’s place—just waiting to see that big silver car with the black tinted windows.
Time seems to drag on. “How long does it take to call your parents and brothers and sisters?” I comment. We keep working and waiting.
Finally we see a glitter of light by the evergreens. Yes, it looks like a silver car or is it Charlie Molenaar’s pickup? No, it is a big silver car with black tinted windows! The car moves slowly down the road, it slows for the corner and turns on our road and moves slowly up the road. We are amazed to see how big this car is. It slows. Yes, it is Cindy & Bob’s new car! It turns on to our drive, it spits gravel, and he spins the tires as it comes down our driveway and flies passed us into the rear driveway spitting gravel over the shop and garage. Then the car comes toward us, slams on the brakes and the doors fly open! Cindy & Bob come out of the car and we embrace. We all have tears in our eyes.
What was different about the second scenario? We knew who was coming. We knew why they were coming. We knew approximately when they would come.
How are you waiting for Christ’s return? Are you waiting with fear, not really knowing who is coming and why he is coming? Or, are you waiting for Christ with joyful expectation because you know who is coming, you know why He is coming and approximately when He is going to come remembering all along that He holds the future in His hands.
Are you waiting in fear or in joyful expectation? Brothers and sisters, the choice is yours.
It was late October, a Saturday afternoon. We are cleaning up the yard when we look towards the evergreens next to John Nyquist’s place and notice a big silver car with black tinted windows coming down the road. We don’t see this type of car in Winfield Township very often if ever. The car moves slowly down the road. We pay more attention when it turns onto our road. We observe it, wondering who this could be. Then we notice it begins to slow down and turn up our driveway. The mystery car spins its wheels; spewing gravel, it speeds down our driveway, passes us with our rakes in our hands, and our mouths open. Because of the black tinted windows, we cannot see who is inside. The car speeds into our rear yard (back driveway) doing donuts with rocks spewing against the shop and garage. The car then races toward us, slams on the brakes and the doors fly open! How do you think we were feeling? – Very afraid.
Same story, Scenario #2—
It’s the same October afternoon; we finish eating lunch when the phone rings. It is Cindy, our best friend, and she is crying. She tells my wife “You are not going to believe what has happened to us. You know we have been having trouble with our car and the engine finally blew up. We are short of money and wondered what we were going to do for a different car.” Cindy continues, “A couple of years ago we helped out our friend Steve start a new business in Minneapolis. We gave him $5,000 with no strings attached; we just wanted to help. We didn’t expect any repayment. Well, the business has gone very well and he heard through friends that we needed a car. So he gave us his two year old silver Lexus with black tinted windows.” “Can you believe it?” she says. “We are going to call our parents and our brothers and sisters and then we will come over and give you the first ride in our new car.
We go outside to resume raking the yard but keep our eyes watchful to the evergreens next to John Nyquist’s place—just waiting to see that big silver car with the black tinted windows.
Time seems to drag on. “How long does it take to call your parents and brothers and sisters?” I comment. We keep working and waiting.
Finally we see a glitter of light by the evergreens. Yes, it looks like a silver car or is it Charlie Molenaar’s pickup? No, it is a big silver car with black tinted windows! The car moves slowly down the road, it slows for the corner and turns on our road and moves slowly up the road. We are amazed to see how big this car is. It slows. Yes, it is Cindy & Bob’s new car! It turns on to our drive, it spits gravel, and he spins the tires as it comes down our driveway and flies passed us into the rear driveway spitting gravel over the shop and garage. Then the car comes toward us, slams on the brakes and the doors fly open! Cindy & Bob come out of the car and we embrace. We all have tears in our eyes.
What was different about the second scenario? We knew who was coming. We knew why they were coming. We knew approximately when they would come.
How are you waiting for Christ’s return? Are you waiting with fear, not really knowing who is coming and why he is coming? Or, are you waiting for Christ with joyful expectation because you know who is coming, you know why He is coming and approximately when He is going to come remembering all along that He holds the future in His hands.
Are you waiting in fear or in joyful expectation? Brothers and sisters, the choice is yours.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Prayer and Healing by Kristine A. Haig
I would like to share an article that I came across recently that came from Presbyterians Today, September 2001 by Kristine A. Haig, coordinator for spiritual foundation in the PCUSA Congregational Ministries Division entitled Healing and Prayer.
"The next time you find a group of Presbyterians gathered around the coffee pot after worship, ask them to brainstorm Biblical references that deal with healing. Probably they will mention the many people Jesus heals in the four Gospels: the paralytic lowered through the roof of the house, the woman “with the flow of blood,” the blind men. Someone may bring up Naaman the leper, from the Old Testament.
It is less likely, however, that anyone will refer to the short but powerful message found in the New Testament at the end of the Letter of James, a text that almost reads like a manual of operations for the early church:
“Are any among you suffering? They should pray…Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick,…and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (5:13-16).
In this text healing is not confined to the realm of miracles—the signs and wonders that persuaded people that Jesus was Messiah. Rather, healing is an ordinary part of what the church does. It is a ministry of all the elders, not just extraordinary miracle workers.
More than that, healing is inseparably linked to confession. The health of the body depends on the health of the spirit, and the health of the spirit depends on the ability to be honest about our sins and shortcomings, our fears and our resentments, and to have the courage to speak this truth to another human being.
How often have you dared to be this open about the troubling aspects of your life? Does your congregation encourage this kind of honest sharing, or does it perhaps unconsciously encourage people to always “put on a good face” and hide their darker, messier realities? If we take seriously the Letter of James, it is precisely in the experience of revealing our troubling secrets and asking for prayer that we open a space into which Christ can enter and healing can occur—healing of spirit and of emotions, of old wounds, of unhealthy and unholy behavior, and of our very bodies.
Which, come to think of it, sounds like no small miracle."
"The next time you find a group of Presbyterians gathered around the coffee pot after worship, ask them to brainstorm Biblical references that deal with healing. Probably they will mention the many people Jesus heals in the four Gospels: the paralytic lowered through the roof of the house, the woman “with the flow of blood,” the blind men. Someone may bring up Naaman the leper, from the Old Testament.
It is less likely, however, that anyone will refer to the short but powerful message found in the New Testament at the end of the Letter of James, a text that almost reads like a manual of operations for the early church:
“Are any among you suffering? They should pray…Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick,…and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed” (5:13-16).
In this text healing is not confined to the realm of miracles—the signs and wonders that persuaded people that Jesus was Messiah. Rather, healing is an ordinary part of what the church does. It is a ministry of all the elders, not just extraordinary miracle workers.
More than that, healing is inseparably linked to confession. The health of the body depends on the health of the spirit, and the health of the spirit depends on the ability to be honest about our sins and shortcomings, our fears and our resentments, and to have the courage to speak this truth to another human being.
How often have you dared to be this open about the troubling aspects of your life? Does your congregation encourage this kind of honest sharing, or does it perhaps unconsciously encourage people to always “put on a good face” and hide their darker, messier realities? If we take seriously the Letter of James, it is precisely in the experience of revealing our troubling secrets and asking for prayer that we open a space into which Christ can enter and healing can occur—healing of spirit and of emotions, of old wounds, of unhealthy and unholy behavior, and of our very bodies.
Which, come to think of it, sounds like no small miracle."
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Is fear contagious? Deuteronomy 20:1-8
Our moods are contagious for good or for bad.
The Israelite army is going to war; Moses writes instructions to the priests to prepare for battle. Moses does what I call “thinning the herd”. When you raise cattle for commercial purposes and you need to remain profitable, you need to thin out the animals who under- perform; it’s called thinning the herd.
In verses 5-7, the officers allow those who are distracted to go home. Then in verse 8 Moses writes under the inspiration of God, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too.” Our moods are contagious and can be destructive.
God does not need us to accomplish His purposes. That should humble us; but He chooses to use us to bring victory and glory to Himself.
For Mom’s and Dad’s how often does our moodiness set the tone for our homes and business? How often we hold other people hostage to our potential eruptions of anger and fear. Most of the times when we are afraid, we are worried about the future to come or we anguish with regret over the past.
In Mark 5, Jairus, a synagogue ruler, came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. Before Jesus left to see her, verse 35 says some men came from the house of Jairus and said your daughter is dead. They said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Verse 36: “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Jesus is never too busy to be bothered with our fears, hurts, pains and frustrations no matter how large or small. Take all these things to the Lord in prayer. (I Peter 5:7) Do it!
In the meantime, don’t be afraid and also don’t infect your brothers and sisters with a spirit of “faintheartedness” or fear (Deut. 20:8). Prepare to battle evil in every day life with prayer and a proper attitude. The world may laugh at you in your struggles (Mark 5:40) but entrust them to Jesus and He will heal you. Our attitude affects not only us but everyone around us.
Take heart for the Lord is with you.
Read: Deuteronomy 20:1-8; Mark 5:22-43; I John 4:18-21
The Israelite army is going to war; Moses writes instructions to the priests to prepare for battle. Moses does what I call “thinning the herd”. When you raise cattle for commercial purposes and you need to remain profitable, you need to thin out the animals who under- perform; it’s called thinning the herd.
In verses 5-7, the officers allow those who are distracted to go home. Then in verse 8 Moses writes under the inspiration of God, “Is any man afraid or fainthearted? Let him go home so that his brothers will not become disheartened too.” Our moods are contagious and can be destructive.
God does not need us to accomplish His purposes. That should humble us; but He chooses to use us to bring victory and glory to Himself.
For Mom’s and Dad’s how often does our moodiness set the tone for our homes and business? How often we hold other people hostage to our potential eruptions of anger and fear. Most of the times when we are afraid, we are worried about the future to come or we anguish with regret over the past.
In Mark 5, Jairus, a synagogue ruler, came to Jesus because his daughter was dying. Before Jesus left to see her, verse 35 says some men came from the house of Jairus and said your daughter is dead. They said. “Why bother the teacher any more?” Verse 36: “Ignoring what they said, Jesus told the synagogue ruler “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”
Jesus is never too busy to be bothered with our fears, hurts, pains and frustrations no matter how large or small. Take all these things to the Lord in prayer. (I Peter 5:7) Do it!
In the meantime, don’t be afraid and also don’t infect your brothers and sisters with a spirit of “faintheartedness” or fear (Deut. 20:8). Prepare to battle evil in every day life with prayer and a proper attitude. The world may laugh at you in your struggles (Mark 5:40) but entrust them to Jesus and He will heal you. Our attitude affects not only us but everyone around us.
Take heart for the Lord is with you.
Read: Deuteronomy 20:1-8; Mark 5:22-43; I John 4:18-21
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
Fighting Every Day Demons
When some of you read the title, you rolled your eyes back in your head and probably said, “The pain killers are getting to Jerry”.
Last Thursday, I received a call from a friend I’ll call, Tom, a businessman. He said Jerry, “I’ve had a rough night and something came into me. Into my head and my stomach, etc.—different than anything I’ve experienced before.” Cautiously he asked, “Do you think it could be demons?” He was afraid to ask he said, because he feared being labeled weird. It’s a topic we seldom talk about in church. I believe we should learn about them but not dwell on them. We need to dwell on the power of the One and only true God, His Son Jesus, the Holy Spirit and His mighty power to overcome the evil one and his associates.
“What should I do?” he asked. I said the one thing you do is pray God’s word; use God’s word to forge off the demons. In
Tom asked what scriptures he should use. (I will list some more at the end.) I led Tom to
We then proceeded to Ephesians 6:10-18, the powerful part of scripture about the Armor of God. I pointed out to Tom verse 11 “Put your God issued armor on. Put it on. (Is your armor being used or is it laying in your closet of life all rusty? Or is it that you never bother to fight any thing evil with God’s word and His armor?) In verse 12 Paul points out our true enemy, not one another but in part… “spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” “I guess demons do exist” Tom said.
In verse 13, in case we didn’t get it earlier before, “put on”, make a conscious choice to put on God’s armor. Verse 15 continues “so that when the day of evil comes you may be able to stand your ground.” Not if a day of evil comes but when the day of evil comes. Be ready.
Paul goes on to list the armor, what it is and its purpose. In verse 16 he states in part…”with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows (not arrow) of the evil one.” The reality is this: the devil keeps firing his arrows at us, trying to make us fall. We need to keep “putting on” the armor and use the only offensive weapon (verse 17… “the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.” When evil comes, keep putting on the armor, keep using God’s word and keep on praying verse 18.
Tom’s friends came and prayed with him into the night. They left around
This is what I love about Tom—He said “Jerry, if anyone else needs help with this, I will come any time, any place”--evidence of a grateful, humble servant, ready anytime to minister to someone else’s needs.
Please pray through these scriptures with a trusted Christian friend claiming the promises and the power of Christ:
Our Pastor, Jim Lemmenes, had a sermon on the same topic. I appreciated his sermon since it brought into the open the reality of evil and demons. If you are suffering, don’t suffer alone; call a trusted Christian friend and pray together through these scriptures. God is faithful. Paul was right, “The sword of the spirit” is the word of God, and the devil shudders.
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Tattoos--what would Jesus do?
This fall I had a meeting with a broker I have known for 15 years. We were meeting to discuss the long-term leasing of a commercial office building. Along with him was an associate, a young woman, with whom I was impressed—smart, knowledgeable, and personable. As she was leaving the office, I noticed a tattoo just above her ankle.
Now old Beef here considers himself to be quite tolerant of other people; as a matter of fact, I rather enjoy free spirits and eccentrics. Immediately, I judged this young lady with the tattoo to be a tramp. Upon further thought, I was amazed how quick I formed a lasting negative opinion.
In his book In, But Not Of by Hugh Hewitt (a practical short book on how to walk the walk) says this about tattoos:
“Fads fade; tattoos don’t. These permanent displays of youthful exuberance trigger at best mild amusement, but in some a serious concern about your maturity.
“Whether or not you believe that concern to be fair, it is real. That tattoo you covet today will be an obstacle in some situations the rest of your life. Do you need it that much? Is it worth compromising your effectiveness?
“This rule of tattoos is easily applied to many other areas of your style of living. Do you do anything to call attention to yourself or to make a statement? If so, is the attention worth it? Most such indulgences are self-defeating, whether it is idiosyncratic hair or clothes, a loud motorcycle, or—later in life—a palatial residence far beyond any ordinary need. The attention you are drawing to yourself is defeating your ambition by marking you as concerned with silly things.
“Serious people do not seek attention except for serious purposes.”
We are not bound today to the code of Leviticus (Leviticus 19:28; Galatians 3:19-25) but in the New Testament we are asked to treat our bodies “as a temple of the Lord” (I Corinthians 6:19-20) So who of us would deface the temple of the Lord? Tattoos? What’s next—coloring our hair, make up, nose piercing, ear piercing, a new beard, etc. This train of thought results in “hyperfingerwagging” (a German word to define the slippery slope of legalism) and we are sliding downhill very fast. Isaiah 58:9 NIV
I wonder sometimes about this “What Would Jesus Do” movement, but I ask the question: Would Jesus have a tattoo???????????
Read Revelations 19:11-16. This reveals the warrior side of Jesus. Notice verse 16. I quote “On His robe and on His thigh He has His name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” God could write that name on His thigh any way He wants—a tattoo??? Maybe, maybe not.
But old Beef, when will you ever learn? So quick to judge, so slow to learn.
Now old Beef here considers himself to be quite tolerant of other people; as a matter of fact, I rather enjoy free spirits and eccentrics. Immediately, I judged this young lady with the tattoo to be a tramp. Upon further thought, I was amazed how quick I formed a lasting negative opinion.
In his book In, But Not Of by Hugh Hewitt (a practical short book on how to walk the walk) says this about tattoos:
“Fads fade; tattoos don’t. These permanent displays of youthful exuberance trigger at best mild amusement, but in some a serious concern about your maturity.
“Whether or not you believe that concern to be fair, it is real. That tattoo you covet today will be an obstacle in some situations the rest of your life. Do you need it that much? Is it worth compromising your effectiveness?
“This rule of tattoos is easily applied to many other areas of your style of living. Do you do anything to call attention to yourself or to make a statement? If so, is the attention worth it? Most such indulgences are self-defeating, whether it is idiosyncratic hair or clothes, a loud motorcycle, or—later in life—a palatial residence far beyond any ordinary need. The attention you are drawing to yourself is defeating your ambition by marking you as concerned with silly things.
“Serious people do not seek attention except for serious purposes.”
We are not bound today to the code of Leviticus (Leviticus 19:28; Galatians 3:19-25) but in the New Testament we are asked to treat our bodies “as a temple of the Lord” (I Corinthians 6:19-20) So who of us would deface the temple of the Lord? Tattoos? What’s next—coloring our hair, make up, nose piercing, ear piercing, a new beard, etc. This train of thought results in “hyperfingerwagging” (a German word to define the slippery slope of legalism) and we are sliding downhill very fast. Isaiah 58:9 NIV
I wonder sometimes about this “What Would Jesus Do” movement, but I ask the question: Would Jesus have a tattoo???????????
Read Revelations 19:11-16. This reveals the warrior side of Jesus. Notice verse 16. I quote “On His robe and on His thigh He has His name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” God could write that name on His thigh any way He wants—a tattoo??? Maybe, maybe not.
But old Beef, when will you ever learn? So quick to judge, so slow to learn.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Are we set in our ways?
In December 2005 Jim Monson passed away. Jim was 78, had a long battle with heart disease, and was married to Judi’s cousin Joann Slater. Jim was a gregarious, outgoing man.
At his funeral in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the pastor told the true story of a young family who had adopted a baby from South Korea last summer. They had her baptized in the church during a Sunday morning service. (Jim and his daughter Chris were also at that service.)
The next week, the couple received an anonymous letter which was signed “the old soldier”. The pastor read the letter and I will summarize it. The letter said “I served one year in Korea during the war. I lived in conditions you couldn’t ask your animals to live in, I was wounded three times, I lost three of my best friends and over the years I saw no sense for this whole experience which just showed man’s inhumanity to man.” The old soldier was angry and bitter.
He went on to write “but this morning during the church service I saw the baptism of your daughter, a baby who came FROM a free country, she came TO a free county, to be baptized and to know Jesus. I thought about that and I wondered, probably God’s reason for having me in Korea was so your little daughter could know Christ.” The letter was signed “The Old Soldier”.
(After Jim passed away, Chris was going through his computer and came across the letter from “the old soldier”. She did not know that her dad was the one who had written the letter until that time.)
Tears were rolling down my face; I looked across the aisle and Judi’s cousin who served a hard tour of duty in Viet Nam had tears in his eyes also. As we walked out together, he said to me “Jerry, Jim gave us a lot to think about tonight.” I said, “Yes, he sure did.”
What impressed me about this incident and Jim Monson is this. After 50+ years Jim was open to have his mind changed. How many of us have our past hurts tucked away inside, forever frozen there to serve as a constant reminder of our hurt and pain. Jim was willing to listen, learn and change.
We have to be careful how we judge events that happen in our lives. What we judge as bad may in the long term be for our good and the good of others.
This cancer I’m recovering from, I don’t like it, but I needed it. I needed to slow up, appreciate what I have, realize God always wants the best for me. Thank you Lord for the reminder.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 24:5, Psalm 119:71, I Peter 1:6, Genesis 50:20, John 16:20, Hebrews 12:7.
At his funeral in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, the pastor told the true story of a young family who had adopted a baby from South Korea last summer. They had her baptized in the church during a Sunday morning service. (Jim and his daughter Chris were also at that service.)
The next week, the couple received an anonymous letter which was signed “the old soldier”. The pastor read the letter and I will summarize it. The letter said “I served one year in Korea during the war. I lived in conditions you couldn’t ask your animals to live in, I was wounded three times, I lost three of my best friends and over the years I saw no sense for this whole experience which just showed man’s inhumanity to man.” The old soldier was angry and bitter.
He went on to write “but this morning during the church service I saw the baptism of your daughter, a baby who came FROM a free country, she came TO a free county, to be baptized and to know Jesus. I thought about that and I wondered, probably God’s reason for having me in Korea was so your little daughter could know Christ.” The letter was signed “The Old Soldier”.
(After Jim passed away, Chris was going through his computer and came across the letter from “the old soldier”. She did not know that her dad was the one who had written the letter until that time.)
Tears were rolling down my face; I looked across the aisle and Judi’s cousin who served a hard tour of duty in Viet Nam had tears in his eyes also. As we walked out together, he said to me “Jerry, Jim gave us a lot to think about tonight.” I said, “Yes, he sure did.”
What impressed me about this incident and Jim Monson is this. After 50+ years Jim was open to have his mind changed. How many of us have our past hurts tucked away inside, forever frozen there to serve as a constant reminder of our hurt and pain. Jim was willing to listen, learn and change.
We have to be careful how we judge events that happen in our lives. What we judge as bad may in the long term be for our good and the good of others.
This cancer I’m recovering from, I don’t like it, but I needed it. I needed to slow up, appreciate what I have, realize God always wants the best for me. Thank you Lord for the reminder.
Scriptures: Jeremiah 24:5, Psalm 119:71, I Peter 1:6, Genesis 50:20, John 16:20, Hebrews 12:7.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Prayer - John 17
As I begin this venture, I want you to know I am a very grateful man. I am grateful for all your prayers as I recover from the cancer surgery. Of all this I am blessed. Your prayers and concern have been appreciated.
Speaking of prayer, as a new Christian, I remember reading John 17 for the first time. This is Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. What touched me the first night I read it was this. Christ’s prayer for us is to be protected from the evil one. John 17:15-20. Verse 15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world (my comment: we are to stay here and be Jesus Christ in flesh and blood—that’s why the church is called “the body of Christ”) but that you would protect them from the evil one. (My comment: Of all He could have prayed for it is good news when Jesus cuts to the quick and identifies our true enemy, the evil one, the devil.)
Then in verse 20 something else floored me. “My prayer is not for them alone (His disciples). I pray also for those who believe in Me through their message.” Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prays for future believers—you and me!
To a new Christian that was good news; to an old Christian, it is still good news!
God bless you this day, January 22, 2006 ~ Jerry “Beef” Seehusen
Speaking of prayer, as a new Christian, I remember reading John 17 for the first time. This is Christ’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. What touched me the first night I read it was this. Christ’s prayer for us is to be protected from the evil one. John 17:15-20. Verse 15 “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world (my comment: we are to stay here and be Jesus Christ in flesh and blood—that’s why the church is called “the body of Christ”) but that you would protect them from the evil one. (My comment: Of all He could have prayed for it is good news when Jesus cuts to the quick and identifies our true enemy, the evil one, the devil.)
Then in verse 20 something else floored me. “My prayer is not for them alone (His disciples). I pray also for those who believe in Me through their message.” Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane prays for future believers—you and me!
To a new Christian that was good news; to an old Christian, it is still good news!
God bless you this day, January 22, 2006 ~ Jerry “Beef” Seehusen
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Welcome
Welcome to my site. This is Big Jer coming at you loud and clear!!
My son, Andy suggested that I do this so we'll give it a try. If you want to get in touch with me personally, you can email me at beefjudi@tds.net. I hope that you enjoy these commentaries as much as I enjoy writing them. ~ Jerry "Beef" Seehusen
My son, Andy suggested that I do this so we'll give it a try. If you want to get in touch with me personally, you can email me at beefjudi@tds.net. I hope that you enjoy these commentaries as much as I enjoy writing them. ~ Jerry "Beef" Seehusen
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)