“Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” Matthew 16:23-24
While working out at Advanced Rehab and Sports Medicine in Bloomington there was a new poster on the wall that asked the question, “Are you looking for a good way to say, ‘Stop complaining?” I’m sure it was directed at where to send your family or friends who are suffering with a bad back, sore joints or muscles. Go see Chris! But the message struck me differently. Our culture has its share of complaints; nothing to watch on television, politics, what to eat, what to wear and what color should I dye my hair. I was looking at this photo of children eating their lunch at the Lutheran school in Bas de Sceaut and was considering what might be some of their complaints. What? Rice and beans again! Why does our school have a dirt floor? Why do white people always take a photo of me eating? I don’t want to go to school today, it’s too windy! For many of these children this is their meal for the day. The cost to feed this class of students is $4.50; thank you Our Redeemer Lutheran in Bloomington, IL. Trinity HOPE is looking for donors who are interested in feeding children in Haiti who are becoming missionaries for our Lord Jesus and are training to work with Him in the mission fields of Haiti. If you are interested, please check out our website at trinityhope.org and learn how you can help out. I am closing today with the words from the hymn Come, follow Me, the Savior Spake that was written by Johann Scheffler in 1668.
“Come, follow me, the Savior spake, all in My way abiding; deny yourselves, the world forsake, obey My call and guiding. Oh, bear the cross, whate'er betide, take my example for your guide.
I am the Light, I light the way, a godly life displaying; I bid you walk as in the day, I keep your feet from straying. I am the Way, and well I show how you must sojourn here below. My heart abounds in lowliness, my soul with love is glowing, and gracious words my lips express, with meekness overflowing. My heart, My mind, My strength, My all, to God I yield, on Him I call.
I teach you how to shun and flee what harms your soul's salvation, your heart from every guile to free, from sin and its temptation. I am the Refuge of the soul and lead you to your heavenly goal.
Then let us follow Christ, our Lord, and take the cross appointed and, firmly clinging to His Word, in suffering be undaunted. For who bears not the battle's strain the crown of life shall not obtain.”
Dear Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen