While hiking the Wonderland Trail on Mt. Rainier, one can encounter sunshine, snow or days of rain. Occasionally the weather is downright hostile.
One year I was caught in a fierce storm, protected only by a small tent. It was raining hard, and fierce gusts of wind pushed the sides of the tent almost to the ground, first one direction, then another.
I was very aware how thin my protection was. The storm was threatening to snap the flexible poles of my tent.
Perhaps because the storm was so fierce, I imagined a bear's paw taking a swipe and shredding my tent. But all through the night the tent and poles held. Although it wasquite wet inside the tent, I was warm.
Sometimes God's protection is like that. It seems a little thin. The protective walls around us seem to be buffeted by winds too strong for it. Inside God's protection, we're not quite as dry as we'd like to be. We may not be free from fear. But in spite of the fierce storm we're caught in, sometimes we're surprisingly warm.
Nahum 1:7 says: The LORD is good, a stronghold in a day of trouble. God protects those who take refuge in God, even in a rushing flood.
God, be with people who are caught in storms. Help us to take refuge in you and to experience your amazing protection. Thank you! Amen.
Running From God
Makes No Sense
(God Is Everywhere)
Most people know that running from God makes no sense. But some people try it anyway.
Some people want to get away from God's plans. They have a plan they think they will like better.
Others want to get away not from God's plans but from God. They've done something they're ashamed of, perhaps. For whatever reason, they don't want to face God who loves them.
A song in the Bible says there's nowhere we can go to escape God's mercy and love. God is everywhere. Running from God makes no sense because it's futile. It can't be done. It also makes no sense because God loves us and wants the best for us. When we run from God, we run from the best life we could have towards something worse. Why would anyone want to do that?
Jonah was a someone who tried to run away. He didn't like God's plan. Too ambitious, perhaps. Too dangerous, perhaps. Too merciful, for sure. God wanted Jonah to go to a city that Jonah didn't like and warn them of impending disaster. Jonah was afraid if he went, that God would have mercy on the city. (He was right about that.) He didn't want the city to be saved, so he fled the opposite direction.
Everyone has reasons to run from God. None of them lead to what's best.
God, when you call and ask us to do something great, help us to realize how much love you have for us and that your plans are worth doing, even if they are far outside our comfort zone. Thank you for your mercy, for us and for everyone else. Amen.
Don't Rejoice At Another's Misfortune
Obadiah told his nation that the day they stood by and watched a nearby rival be plundered, they were like the invaders.
(If that applies to television -- that standing by and watching makes us as bad as what we're watching -- we're all in trouble!)
Obadiah tells his nation, "You should not have rejoiced . . . on the day of their ruin, you should not have bosted on the day of their distress."
God, help us to do what is right in your eyes. We don't want to stand by and watch when we should be taking action. Glorify your name in all the earth. Glorify your name in our lives. Thank you. Amen.
Let Justice Roll Down Like Waters
When the nation of Israel was first being formed, God gave them detailed instructions on how, when, where and why God should be worshiped. But by the time of the prophet Amos, it had all gone bad.
Even if the people were getting the details of worship right, their actions throughout the week were so unjust that God couldn't stand it.
God told Israel, "Take away from me the noise of your songs; I will not listen to the melody of your harps. But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream."
God, help us to do what's most important: letting justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. Let all the nations of the earth experience justice and righteousness. Thank you for your mercy for us. Amen.
Hosea Named A Girl "Not Loved"
When Hosea's wife gave birth to a daughter, Hosea said God told him to name the girl "Not Loved."
Could that be true?
What would you think of a man who called a four-year-old girl "Not Loved" every time he saw her? Doesn't that sound mean spirited?
When Hosea's wife had a son, Hosea said God told him to name the boy "Not My People."
Wouldn't it be cruel to call a boy "Not My People" all through his formative years, just to make a point?
It sounds like Hosea was mean and cruel to his kids. His blaming the whole thing on God doesn't make it feel any better.
No doubt about it: Hosea's family life presents some challenges. So does his book. One thing is certain: if you have been told you were not loved, that's not God's message to you. The rest of the Bible is very clear that God loves you, in spite of what you may have been told by your mom or dad or other people trying to speak for God.
God, be with people who don't know you love them. Help them to experience your deep affection and love. Help them to know your mercy. And for any people who have been wounded by their parents, we ask your deep healing. Thank you. Amen.
We hope you've enjoyed
these sample messages.
If you're in San Diego this week,
come to a church
that feels like an extended family.
Visit La Jolla Lutheran Church Sunday at 9:30 a.m.
The church is at 7111 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, California,
14 miles north of downtown San Diego.
