Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up. Alleluia! God is our salvation. Alleluia! [Introit]...
Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth [Collect]...
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of the faithful and kindle in them the fire of your love. Alleluia [Verse]...
O Source of uncreated light,
The bearer of God's gracious might,
Thrice-holy fount, thrice-holy fire,
Our hearts with heavenly love inspire:
Your sacred, healing message bring
To sanctify us as sing. [Hymn of the Day]
10 May 2008
Patristic Quote of the Day
For by the expression, so loved, and that other, God the world, He shows the great strength of His love. Large and infinite was the interval between the two. He, the immortal, who is without beginning, the Infinite Majesty, they but dust and ashes, full of ten thousand sins, who, ungrateful, have at all times offended Him; and these He loved. Again, the words which He added after these are alike significant, when He says, that He gave His Only-begotten Son, not a servant, not an Angel, not an Archangel. And yet no one would show such anxiety for his own child, as God did for His ungrateful servants. His Passion then He sets before him not very openly, but rather darkly; but the advantage of the Passion He adds in a clearer manner, saying, That every one that believes in Him. should not perish, but have everlasting life. For when He had said, must be lifted up, and alluded to death, lest the hearer should be made downcast by these words, forming some mere human opinions concerning Him, and supposing that His death was a ceasing to be, observe how He sets this right, by saying, that He that was given was The Son of God, and the cause of life, of everlasting life. He who procured life for others by death, would not Himself be continually in death; for if they who believed on the Crucified perish not, much less does He perish who is crucified. -- St. John Chrysostom on John 3:16
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
It is in his body that Jesus offers the sacrifice. It is in his body that we draw near to God. The temple in which we now worship God is the body of our Lord Jesus Christ. The very body, born of Mary, crucified for us and raised from the dead is fed to us. We are created into his mystical body,joined to Christ the Head. In him and in this mystical body we worship God. Therefore, says Hebrews, let us hold fast our confession. -- Kenneth Korby, *Lord Jesus Christ, Will You Not Stay* p. 354
09 May 2008
Patristic Quote of the Day
Boldness: from whence? As sins (he means) produce shame, so the having all things forgiven us, and being made fellow-heirs, and enjoying so great Love, [produces] boldness. - St. John Chrysostom, Homily 19 on Hebrews (specifically commenting on 10:19ff)
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
So the worship and divine service of the Gospel is to receive gifts from God. -- Apology of the Augsburg Confession V:189
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow...
...I refer to the link that gave the job description of the position that KFUO was looking to fill. Hmm. As Dr. Luther would ask: "Was ist das?"
08 May 2008
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
Faith is the forsaking of all that is not God or of God, and the seeking for and cleaving to God alone. It is taking God to myself as my all, and commending my all to God, in life, death and eternity. The Faith of regeneration destroys faith in ourselves and in the world, and leaves alone Faith in God,, with all that this Faith comprises. The change designated by Regeneration causes one to give self to Him to whom formerly one had been entirely adverse or hostile. -- H. E. Jacobs, *Elements of Religion* p. 169
Patristic Quote of the Day
For as soon as we are baptized, the soul beams even more than the sun, being cleansed by the Spirit; and not only do we behold the glory of God, but from it also receive a sort of splendor. Just as if pure silver be turned towards the sun's rays, it will itself also shoot forth rays, not from its own natural property merely but also from the solar lustre; so also does the soul being cleansed and made brighter than silver, receive a ray from the glory of the Spirit, and send it back. -- St. John Chrysostom on 2 Corinthians 3
07 May 2008
Thoughts from a Friend
A friend shared with me the other day that he wonders if people who are always angry are such, at least in part, because they carry around in their hearts a picture of God being angry with them. I shared with him that I have thought the same for some time. Luther once said something along the lines of "He is toward you as you picture Him to be." I think I'd go further and say: "We are (and become ever more) as we picture Him to be toward us."
When we know Him as the God whose heart of hearts was revealed for us upon the Cross we understand the OT cry: "The Lord, the Lord, gracious and merciful!" That's the deepest truth there is about Him: His love, His mercy, His kindness extended to us in the defeat of our enemies through the gift of His Son.
We hold to that, we cling to that, and as we do, it changes us. Really and truly. It changes us as He works in us to bring our hearts in line with the beating heart of this entire universe - the heart that poured forth blood and water when a spear opened it on Golgotha - blood and water to bring us a share in His own unending life.
I am reminded of the beautiful Christmas carol by Gerhardt:
Should we fear our God's displeasure,
Who to save, freely gave
His most precious treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son, from the throne
Of His might in heaven. [LSB 360:3]
Yes, it is true as St. John wrote: "We love, because He first loved us." Lord, help us grow in this love and drive all fear and sinful anger from our hearts!
When we know Him as the God whose heart of hearts was revealed for us upon the Cross we understand the OT cry: "The Lord, the Lord, gracious and merciful!" That's the deepest truth there is about Him: His love, His mercy, His kindness extended to us in the defeat of our enemies through the gift of His Son.
We hold to that, we cling to that, and as we do, it changes us. Really and truly. It changes us as He works in us to bring our hearts in line with the beating heart of this entire universe - the heart that poured forth blood and water when a spear opened it on Golgotha - blood and water to bring us a share in His own unending life.
I am reminded of the beautiful Christmas carol by Gerhardt:
Should we fear our God's displeasure,
Who to save, freely gave
His most precious treasure?
To redeem us He has given
His own Son, from the throne
Of His might in heaven. [LSB 360:3]
Yes, it is true as St. John wrote: "We love, because He first loved us." Lord, help us grow in this love and drive all fear and sinful anger from our hearts!
Old Lutheran Quote of the Day
As the Holy Spirit imparted Himself to the Apostles in the form of fiery tongues, so also will He be a fiery eagerness for God's Word and every good work in those in whom He resides. - Blessed Johann Gerhard, Homily for Pentecost
Patristic Quote of the Day
This is the meaning of, the Spirit gives life. The former [the law] makes its captive dead from being alive, the latter renders the man it has convicted alive from being dead. For, come unto me, you that labor and are heavy laden, (Matt. xi. 28.) and, He said not, 'I will punish you,' but, I will give you rest. For in Baptism the sins are buried, the former things are blotted out, the man is made alive, the entire grace written upon his heart as it were a table. - St. John Chrysostom on 2 Cor. 3
Wyoming District Pastoral Conference weighs in
Questions Regarding “Issues, Etc.”
Whereas, the radio program “Issues, Etc.” on KFUO AM was a blessing to many residents of the Wyoming District LC-MS and other listeners within the range of KFUO and of the other stations which carried this program in syndication, and on the worldwide web, keeping us abreast of current issues at the intersection of theology and American culture, and helping us to respond to these issues in a truly biblical, evangelical, and Lutheran way; and
Whereas, “Issues, Etc.” has been an uncommonly excellent vehicle for broadcasting some of the best teaching that our synod has to offer to the world; and
Whereas, the Executive Director of the Board for Communication Services without consulting his supervising board, canceled the program “Issues, Etc.”, and terminated its host, the Reverend Todd Wilken, and its Producer, Mr. Jeff Schwarz; and
Whereas, this decision has caused much “anxiety, worry, and consternation...in the Synod” (Statement from LCMS President – April 21, 2008) as evidenced by an online petition of over 7000 signatures; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Wyoming District Pastor's Conference, gathered at Rock Springs, Wyoming, in order to help resolve the ongoing controversy in our Synod, submits the following questions to the President of Synod, the Board for Communication Services (BCS), and the Council of Presidents:
1. The Council of Presidents and Executive Director of the BCS both released statements which claim that the terminations were handled in a Christian and Compassionate manner. How is it an exercise in Christian Compassion to terminate two individuals who had served in this capacity for nearly a decade, on such short notice, and during Holy Week?
2. How does summarily firing a man who was not simply an “at will employee” but also one who had a Divine Call reflect a confessional understanding of the Office of the Holy Ministry?
3. If this decision was made, as has been stated, for purely stewardship and programmatic reasons, why was the Treasurer of Synod (stewardship) and the full BCS (programmatic) not consulted?
4. Given concerns for the 8th Commandment as we deal with issues such as these, why was the decision to discontinue “Issues, Etc.” and the consequent firing of Rev. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz no immediately followed by a statement which clearly indicated that such termination was in no way related to their job performance or any other personal issues with these faithful men?
5. In light of the admitted “anxiety, worry, and consternation” which this decision has caused, and in light of synodical bylaw 1.5.1.3 that “all staff of corporate Synod and every agency of the Synod shall be sensitive in their activities to taking or giving offense, giving the appearance or impropriety, (or) causing confusion in the Synod...” what actions has Dr. Kieschnick taken or does he plan to take to remedy this situation by reversing actions of Synod staff which have broken this bylaw according to his mandate in bylaw 3.3.1.2.c, “He shall call up for review any action by an individual officer, executive, or agency that, in his view, may be in violation of the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.”?
Whereas, the radio program “Issues, Etc.” on KFUO AM was a blessing to many residents of the Wyoming District LC-MS and other listeners within the range of KFUO and of the other stations which carried this program in syndication, and on the worldwide web, keeping us abreast of current issues at the intersection of theology and American culture, and helping us to respond to these issues in a truly biblical, evangelical, and Lutheran way; and
Whereas, “Issues, Etc.” has been an uncommonly excellent vehicle for broadcasting some of the best teaching that our synod has to offer to the world; and
Whereas, the Executive Director of the Board for Communication Services without consulting his supervising board, canceled the program “Issues, Etc.”, and terminated its host, the Reverend Todd Wilken, and its Producer, Mr. Jeff Schwarz; and
Whereas, this decision has caused much “anxiety, worry, and consternation...in the Synod” (Statement from LCMS President – April 21, 2008) as evidenced by an online petition of over 7000 signatures; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Wyoming District Pastor's Conference, gathered at Rock Springs, Wyoming, in order to help resolve the ongoing controversy in our Synod, submits the following questions to the President of Synod, the Board for Communication Services (BCS), and the Council of Presidents:
1. The Council of Presidents and Executive Director of the BCS both released statements which claim that the terminations were handled in a Christian and Compassionate manner. How is it an exercise in Christian Compassion to terminate two individuals who had served in this capacity for nearly a decade, on such short notice, and during Holy Week?
2. How does summarily firing a man who was not simply an “at will employee” but also one who had a Divine Call reflect a confessional understanding of the Office of the Holy Ministry?
3. If this decision was made, as has been stated, for purely stewardship and programmatic reasons, why was the Treasurer of Synod (stewardship) and the full BCS (programmatic) not consulted?
4. Given concerns for the 8th Commandment as we deal with issues such as these, why was the decision to discontinue “Issues, Etc.” and the consequent firing of Rev. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz no immediately followed by a statement which clearly indicated that such termination was in no way related to their job performance or any other personal issues with these faithful men?
5. In light of the admitted “anxiety, worry, and consternation” which this decision has caused, and in light of synodical bylaw 1.5.1.3 that “all staff of corporate Synod and every agency of the Synod shall be sensitive in their activities to taking or giving offense, giving the appearance or impropriety, (or) causing confusion in the Synod...” what actions has Dr. Kieschnick taken or does he plan to take to remedy this situation by reversing actions of Synod staff which have broken this bylaw according to his mandate in bylaw 3.3.1.2.c, “He shall call up for review any action by an individual officer, executive, or agency that, in his view, may be in violation of the Constitution, Bylaws, and resolutions of the Synod.”?
Minnesota South Board of Directors Weighs In
Resolution – Minnesota South District Board of Directors – “To Restore Issues, Etc.”
May 6, 2008
Whereas, Issues, Etc. was aired Sundays on KKMS 980 serving the Twin Cities and KSUM 780 serving south-central Minnesota; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. received its largest audience through its website archive on kfuoam.org and through podcasting; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. has not only been a great blessing to the pastors and laity of the Minnesota-South District through the radio and Internet but has also served as an outstanding outreach program worldwide bringing many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. brought the Christian faith in its truth and purity to a spiritually starving world and served as an excellent Christian apologetics program in a secular world; and
Whereas, there is extensive public support for the continuation for Issues, Etc.; and
Whereas, we wish to demonstrate Christian concern for Rev. Todd Wilken, the show’s host, and Mr. Jeffrey Schwarz, the show's producer; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Minnesota-South District Board of Directors on this 6th day of May, in the year of our Lord 2008, give thanks to God for the work of Issues, Etc. and the hard work of Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz; and be it finally
Resolved, that the Minnesota-South District Board of Directors officially petition the Board for Communication Services to revisit the decision to cancel Issues, Etc. by reinstating both Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz to their positions and restoring Issues Etc. to its weekday and weekend programs.
May 6, 2008
Whereas, Issues, Etc. was aired Sundays on KKMS 980 serving the Twin Cities and KSUM 780 serving south-central Minnesota; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. received its largest audience through its website archive on kfuoam.org and through podcasting; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. has not only been a great blessing to the pastors and laity of the Minnesota-South District through the radio and Internet but has also served as an outstanding outreach program worldwide bringing many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ; and
Whereas, Issues, Etc. brought the Christian faith in its truth and purity to a spiritually starving world and served as an excellent Christian apologetics program in a secular world; and
Whereas, there is extensive public support for the continuation for Issues, Etc.; and
Whereas, we wish to demonstrate Christian concern for Rev. Todd Wilken, the show’s host, and Mr. Jeffrey Schwarz, the show's producer; therefore be it
Resolved, that the Minnesota-South District Board of Directors on this 6th day of May, in the year of our Lord 2008, give thanks to God for the work of Issues, Etc. and the hard work of Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz; and be it finally
Resolved, that the Minnesota-South District Board of Directors officially petition the Board for Communication Services to revisit the decision to cancel Issues, Etc. by reinstating both Pr. Wilken and Mr. Schwarz to their positions and restoring Issues Etc. to its weekday and weekend programs.
06 May 2008
Read it and weep, folks...
Last Newsletter
I regret to inform you that due to programmatic and business decisions, World Mission has decided to cease employing me as a missionary in West Africa. This decision came as a shock to me and my family as it may also be a surprise to you.
World Mission has been pressuring me to move on and inform you as soon as possible. One reason is that I would be without a paycheck and insurance soon after we have a baby due in July. We hope that by the grace of God we could have another call in place when my salary and benefits terminate at the end of August 2008.
The decision leaves three newly planted churches in Burkina Faso without a theologically trained leader and also the Lutheran Church of Togo without a missionary which they had been awaiting for six years. Please keep all these people involved in your prayers.
Last Project
Please check out our website (www.mayfamilyintogo.com) as there is still a project that could be accomplished in Burkina Faso and West Africa. Judy Stroeh, a member of a supporting congregation in Cincinnati, Ohio and an environmental consultant, visited us during the last week of April. Working in collaboration with Proctor & Gamble, she brought out a product called PUR which purifies water. The product is very inexpensive, about one to two cents per 10 liters of purified water. One simply adds the contents of PUR to the river or well water and then it is stirred for five minutes. The PUR contents cause all impurities to congeal and sink to the bottom of the container. Then the water is filtered through a piece of cotton and 99.99% of all dangerous elements are eliminated.
The Work of God Will Go On
It is not me who convinced anyone to believe in Christ, it was the Holy Spirit who called, gathered, and enlightened others to come to the knowledge of the truth. He is the one who will take care of what has been started. Part of the continued care will come from the leaders that He raised up here in Burkina Faso. Three men; Leopold, Joseph, and Espoir, have been training with me to continue the teachings of Christ. Joseph and Espoir will depart for the Lutheran Seminary in Togo starting in August. The studies last three years after which they will return to shepherd these new congregations. Leopold, the elder, will lead the congregations in their absence. It is very important that you keep these infant congregations and young leaders in your prayers.
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
1 Corinthians 3:7
Thank you for your support
As many of you know, our family endured many tribulations and struggles in our two years on the field. We had many health issues and struggled adapting to the extreme weather and culture differences. You have been along side us, praying for us and supporting us all along the way. Although there were many struggles, you can see from our newsletters and website that many successes and joys have been seen.
The majority of the family will be leaving in two weeks time to join Tiina’s parents in Finland so that she can give birth in a comfortable and supporting environment. I will continue training the leaders and try to pack up the house during the month of June. We hope to visit a number of congregations this fall to present what God has done in these two years and also to thank those of you who we can in person. Our entire family wishes to thank you for all your love and support.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ,
The May Family (James, Tiina, Maggie, Tristan, Sarai, Sofia, and baby May)
PRAYER REQUESTS
We always need your prayer support. At this time we ask your prayers for;
Praise God for many conversions and baptisms. Pray that all may continually be strengthened in the faith that Christ has given them.
Our family in transition; it is not easy to pack up and move, especially so quickly and with a pregnant momma and four little kids running around.
Concordia Lutheran Church in Tingandogo, Sognaaba Lutheran Church, and the Refugee Lutheran Church as they grow in knowledge and faith.
Espoir, Leopold, and Joseph, as they prepare to become ministers of God’s Word.
That others may be raised up as leaders of the church to lead the growing number of converts.
Those we know, that we may continue working with them and encourage them in the Christian faith.
Those we meet, that we may have opportunities to share the Gospel.
Our faith, that the Risen Lord and Savior would strengthen us.
To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an e-mail message to rev.jamesmay@yahoo.com with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject heading.
I regret to inform you that due to programmatic and business decisions, World Mission has decided to cease employing me as a missionary in West Africa. This decision came as a shock to me and my family as it may also be a surprise to you.
World Mission has been pressuring me to move on and inform you as soon as possible. One reason is that I would be without a paycheck and insurance soon after we have a baby due in July. We hope that by the grace of God we could have another call in place when my salary and benefits terminate at the end of August 2008.
The decision leaves three newly planted churches in Burkina Faso without a theologically trained leader and also the Lutheran Church of Togo without a missionary which they had been awaiting for six years. Please keep all these people involved in your prayers.
Last Project
Please check out our website (www.mayfamilyintogo.com) as there is still a project that could be accomplished in Burkina Faso and West Africa. Judy Stroeh, a member of a supporting congregation in Cincinnati, Ohio and an environmental consultant, visited us during the last week of April. Working in collaboration with Proctor & Gamble, she brought out a product called PUR which purifies water. The product is very inexpensive, about one to two cents per 10 liters of purified water. One simply adds the contents of PUR to the river or well water and then it is stirred for five minutes. The PUR contents cause all impurities to congeal and sink to the bottom of the container. Then the water is filtered through a piece of cotton and 99.99% of all dangerous elements are eliminated.
The Work of God Will Go On
It is not me who convinced anyone to believe in Christ, it was the Holy Spirit who called, gathered, and enlightened others to come to the knowledge of the truth. He is the one who will take care of what has been started. Part of the continued care will come from the leaders that He raised up here in Burkina Faso. Three men; Leopold, Joseph, and Espoir, have been training with me to continue the teachings of Christ. Joseph and Espoir will depart for the Lutheran Seminary in Togo starting in August. The studies last three years after which they will return to shepherd these new congregations. Leopold, the elder, will lead the congregations in their absence. It is very important that you keep these infant congregations and young leaders in your prayers.
So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.
1 Corinthians 3:7
Thank you for your support
As many of you know, our family endured many tribulations and struggles in our two years on the field. We had many health issues and struggled adapting to the extreme weather and culture differences. You have been along side us, praying for us and supporting us all along the way. Although there were many struggles, you can see from our newsletters and website that many successes and joys have been seen.
The majority of the family will be leaving in two weeks time to join Tiina’s parents in Finland so that she can give birth in a comfortable and supporting environment. I will continue training the leaders and try to pack up the house during the month of June. We hope to visit a number of congregations this fall to present what God has done in these two years and also to thank those of you who we can in person. Our entire family wishes to thank you for all your love and support.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ,
The May Family (James, Tiina, Maggie, Tristan, Sarai, Sofia, and baby May)
PRAYER REQUESTS
We always need your prayer support. At this time we ask your prayers for;
Praise God for many conversions and baptisms. Pray that all may continually be strengthened in the faith that Christ has given them.
Our family in transition; it is not easy to pack up and move, especially so quickly and with a pregnant momma and four little kids running around.
Concordia Lutheran Church in Tingandogo, Sognaaba Lutheran Church, and the Refugee Lutheran Church as they grow in knowledge and faith.
Espoir, Leopold, and Joseph, as they prepare to become ministers of God’s Word.
That others may be raised up as leaders of the church to lead the growing number of converts.
Those we know, that we may continue working with them and encourage them in the Christian faith.
Those we meet, that we may have opportunities to share the Gospel.
Our faith, that the Risen Lord and Savior would strengthen us.
To be added to or removed from this mailing list, send an e-mail message to rev.jamesmay@yahoo.com with the word ADD or REMOVE in the subject heading.
Purple Iris and Yard Woes
I can look out my office window and see a purple iris blooming right at the side of the garage. I don't know why, but they always remind me of things Japanese. Maybe the top of the flower looks a bit like that traditional get-up the Japanese women wear. Today too Cindi and I noticed the standing phlox were beginning to bloom - they're a huge butterfly attractor. And speaking of "not so nice" - we noticed that our little fish pool in the backyard has become a massive mosquito breeding ground. YUCK. We need to get that cleaned up a.s.a.p.! Cindi and Bekah invited me outside to see what they thought were hundreds of thousands of "tadpoles." Not so much. I recognized them in horror and dumped a ton of bleach into the thing, but it didn't seem to kill them off as I wished it had. Mosquitoes have always regarded me as a tasty treat, and I'm not about to BREED the danged things out there for feasting on me!!!
05 May 2008
Another Mollie Interview...
...this one is about 2/3 of the way through - the poor interviewer, however, seems not to believe the Scriptural teaching about infant Baptism. Pity! "The promise is for you and for your children..."
click here
click here
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