Friends,
“the table” is on! I made it to church with no problems. The snow is predicted to taper off early this afternoon.
I look forward to seeing you!
Ham and German potatoes at 6pm. Worship will start at 7pm!
IN CHRIST,
Pastor Tim
I’ve been captivated by the story of the Prodigal Son(s) this past week. It’s truly the story of 2 lost sons – one knew he was lost and the other did not. The elder son is characterized by anger, pride and insecurity when he doesn’t get what he feels he deserves from the Father.
I highly recommend Timothy Keller’s book, “The Prodigal God,” to help you have a new appreciation for Jesus’ parable as well.
Do we have elder sons within God’s church? Uhh…yeah. Last week I presented at the Regional Outreach Conference put on by Lutheran Hour Ministries. It was wonderful. I was invited to share about some of Bethlehem’s outreach efforts and partnerships through “the table.” I started to get on a role about how God’s church must care for the lost, lame, least and poor – you’ve heard the rant – and a lady interrupted me and said, “That’s all well and good pastor…but what about us? What about caring for the members?” She might as well of had a neon sign blinking on her forehead saying, “Elder son.” Now, don’t get me wrong, as pastors and caregivers we are honored to care for the saints of God…but we’re also called to equip the saints to CELEBRATE over younger lost sons being found.
I’m growing to dislike the term “member.” It gives the idea that God’s people have “benefits” (ie – the pastor better take care of my needs and deliver each week from the pulpit). Granted, we receive more benefits than we could possibly imagine in God’s Word and Sacrament…and yet “member” speaks very little toward our call to welcome and care for lost sons and daughters.
“Disciple” is a better descriptor. We’re simply followers of Jesus who desire to encourage others to follow Him too.
May we repent of our tendency to be elder sons. May we all see how lost we are but for the grace of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What has happened to the word “SIN”? It’s so politically incorrect. Some may rationalize, “No one can tell me how to live my life! I set my own standard of right and wrong!” Oh how dangerous and pervasive the lies of our culture can be. I sin and I desperately need a sinless Savior – Jesus. Apart from Christ my sin will lead to my eternal death; with Christ I am ushered into an full life now and forever. As the church this Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011, may we reclaim the word “sin” so that we can point our post-modern and post-churched culture to our sinless Savior – Jesus.
Friends,
As much as I look forward to seeing you all every Thursday, we’ve decided for your safety to cancel tonight.
I have no doubt you could all make it here just fine – it’s going home that I’m worried about. The snow is going to increase and the temperature will drop. This makes for icy and unsafe conditions.
We’ll postpone our study of Proverbs 1:1-7 for next week! I look forward to walking through this awesome passage with you all!
IN CHRIST,
Pastor Tim
Hey everyone – this past Thursday, the table served approximately 180 people for our early Thanksgiving feast! This was, by far, the largest crowd we’ve had yet. I captured a number of photos during the meal to share with you all; they can be found here:
Friends,
I’m reading a book right now called “The Externally Focused Quest” by Eric Swanson and Rick Rusaw. They focus on how the Church ought to manifest itself as FOR the community, not only IN the community. You’ve heard me say this before – if Bethlehem and “the table” closed it’s doors would anyone in our community care? I pray so.
Let us continue to explore how “the table” can manifest itself as a movement of people who are immensely concerned and involved in our surrounding community!
If you would like to keep the creative conversation going with me, read the book, and let’s chat!
I’ve recently been betrayed by someone I thought was a friend. It’s been painful, sad, and I’ve been angry.
It’s led me to wonder how Jesus, being God, could have been in relationship with Judas for three years knowing that Judas would betray Him? Only God could do that…
Read John 18. Here we see the betrayal of Judas and the denial of Peter. Both are awful sins. The difference is Peter recognizes that Jesus can restore and forgive his denial. Judas thinks his betrayal has eternally seperated him from Jesus – he hopelessly takes his life.
Have you ever betrayed or denied Jesus? We all have. Therefore, repent, cling to the forgiveness won by Jesus through the cross and the empty tomb, and turn from your sin and seek to live a life of righteousness.
If someone has recently betrayed you, remember how Jesus has forgiven your betrayal. Forgive your brother or sister.
May God bless you as you show His love and forgiveness to your neighbor.
Grief is a tricky thing. It ebbs and it flows, but it never really goes. Death really stinks. I wish we didn’t have to deal with it, but we do. So how do we help our loved ones deal with the loss of a parent, spouse, or child?
As a pastor here is my list of the three strategies that help me minister to the grieving.
1) Just be there! Don’t think you have to say much of anything. It means so much to sit (and maybe even cry) with those who are grieving. LISTEN and don’t be afraid of silence.
2) When the time is right ask if you can share Scripture. The Psalms are wonderful. Psalm 23, 40, 54, 55, and 121 are a few of my favorites. Romans 8 is wonderful. I Corinthians 15 gives tells us quite vividly that a better Day will come when Jesus returns to raise the dead to eternal life with our awesome God. Scripture is powerful – use it!
3) Pray for your friend who is grieving. You can pray privately, but also pray in the company of your friend. Speak to God honestly about the pain and grief that is present, but then extol how God is faithful to His promise to never leave us nor forsake us. Not even death can seperate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Now I can’t guarantee that if you implement these three strategies that our loved ones will get over their grief. Grief is tricky and it may never fully go away. We miss those whom we’ve lost to death. What I can guarantee is that EVEN IN THE MIDST OF GRIEF your loved one will hear about the hope and peace that only comes through faith in our crucified and risen Lord and Savior, Jesus!
Blessings to you as you care for the grieving.
IN CHRIST,
Pastor Tim Ahlman
I was looking for a good daily devotional to be sent to my Blackberry everyday (yes, I have a Blackberry to help me stay connected – don’t judge 
). Anyway, Adam Winterhof recommended a good one from Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Go to: http://www.lhm.org/dailydevotions.asp to sign up to receive it on the electronic device of your choice.
IN CHRIST,
Pastor Tim
What is it about music that fills me so? I can’t imagine my life without music. When I’m sick and voiceless and can’t sing – my life is so lifeless, my joy is diminished. King David evidently loved music too. He writes in Psalm 101:1, “I will sing of steadfast love and justice; to you, O Lord, I will make music.” I could not imagine being unable to give praise to God through song!
Music is a major part of our ministry at “the table.” My prayer is that you are able to come to “the table” and unabashadely lift up praises to God in song! I look forward to praising God with you through song this Thursday!