God’s Love LEtter

God’s Gift giving and our gift giving –WEEK 42:

In this Sunday’s message that was based on our Gospel Reading from Luke 1:39-45, we talked about God’s gifts to Zechariah and Elizabeth, and to Joseph and Mary. Each of them gave very personal gifts to their loved ones. These types of gifts are more important than any that we can buy in department stores or online. May we give them to our loved ones.

Just in case you weren’t in Worship where we talked about these, I’ve included a few of them for you. We can share truths from God’s Word that bring comfort and assurances during troubling times. We can talk about the gift of faith, and how spiritual blessings and gifts are given through a living and active faith. We can give the gifts of genuine love, compassion, and encouragement.

And this is the Season, where we can give the gift of a Savior through our witness and through our deeds in serving others. Right now, many are more open to hearing about Jesus than at any other time throughout the year. Let’s talk more and more about God’s gift giving and let it be evidenced through our gift giving.

This year is quickly coming to a close. Look how far our Bible readings have taken us in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Book of Zechariah.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Rejoice in the lord always; Again I will say, rejoice–WEEK 41:

This Sunday in our Epistle Reading from Philippians 4:4-7, we talked about St. Paul encouraging us to “Rejoice in the Lord Always.” This is a Season that is to be filled with “Joy” and “Rejoicing,” however, there is still so much that needs to be done. Today is a day to take a pause from the hustle and bustle of preparations, and comparisons with others who are way ahead of us in their Christmas celebration preparations.

Why would, or should, we take a pause today? It’s to say a prayer of thanksgiving. Our Lord God will use this prayer of thanksgiving to flood His peace back into our wearied hearts and worried minds. His peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

As we read God’s Word this week, let’s remember the words of this very short, but very powerful text. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, and Haggai, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Book of Numbers.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

A Harvest of righteousness –WEEK 40:

This Sunday in our Epistle Reading from Philippians 1:2-11, we talked about St. Paul challenging us to produce the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. We can’t produce it on our own. It takes God working in and through us.

Paul writes, “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord has already begun a good work within us, and will bring it to completion when Jesus returns again. Knowing that, does that make you bolder in faith and witness and energized for service to God and His Kingdom? Does it bring an ear to ear smile to your face and fill your heart and soul with peace and love for all?

It sure does!

As we read God’s Word this week, may the Holy Spirit enliven us with Christ-likeness, so that we produce the harvest of righteousness that God desires for each of us.

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Lamentations, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, and Habakkuk, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Books of Zephaniah and Haggai.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Be Alert! –WEEK 39:

This Sunday in our Gospel Reading from Luke 21:25-36, we talked about this Advent Season and our need to “Be Alert!” Advent means “a coming.’ For us, it really means two comings. We celebrate Jesus’ first coming as the Babe in Bethlehem, and we also celebrate His return when all things on this side of eternity are drawn to a close. Are we ready for the celebration of His coming? Are we ready for His return? This celebration of our Lord Jesus’ birth is even bigger than it was last year, because we are one year closer to His return. Not everyone is ready for that return. This week, let’s continue to reach out to them, encouraging them to be ready at all times for His return.

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, and Micah, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Books of Jeremiah, Lamentations, Nahum, and Habakkuk.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Awake and Watching –WEEK 38:

This Sunday in our Gospel Reading from Mark 13:24-37, we talked about the End of the Church Year and the Return of Christ Jesus. Mark encourages us to remain awake and keep watching, always being ready for Jesus’ Second Coming when all things are drawn to a close. Not everyone is ready for His return. Let’s reach out to them this week, encouraging them to be prepared at all times.

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Book of Micah.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

What happens when we worship – WEEK 37:

This Sunday in our Epistle Reading from Hebrews 10:11-25, we answer the question – “What happens when we worship?” When we worship we celebrate what God has already done, is doing even now, and will do in the future.

God is always working on our behalf. He truly has our best interests in mind at all times. This week, let’s look for ways that He proves His faithfulness towards us, day in and day out, reminding others of God’s Presence and daily work in their lives too.

This is week 37. Our pattern is to read 3 chapters of God’s Word each day and watch as our love and care for God and others grows. You can read them all at once or spread them out throughout the day. When we read God’s Word, application of that Word is an important aspect of what we’ve read. After reading each chapter, be sure to pick 1 verse (you may have more than 1 and that is great) in that chapter that was especially meaningful for you. Take a moment to savor that verse (those verses) and ponder upon them. Then say a short prayer about making that verse’s teaching(s) a part of this day’s journey of following Jesus as one of His modern-day followers.

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Hosea, and Joel, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Books of Amos, Obadiah, and Jonah.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Jesus is watching… and what does he see? –WEEK 36:

This Sunday in our Gospel Reading from Mark 12:38-44, Jesus draws our attention to a poor widow who put more in the offering box than anyone else. Here is an interesting point. Jesus is always watching. Our Father blesses us with so many things. What do we do with them? Do we recognize Him as the great giver of all good things? How do we show that?

This Sunday, Jesus teaches us that God takes care of our earthly needs. He gives us an abundance so that we may invest it in the growth of His Kingdom in our daily walk of following Jesus. Every day, God presents us with opportunities to do His work as we follow the example of our Lord Jesus. The poor widow believed that she was rich in the things that really mattered, so she gave her last cent back to God. That offering showed love and trust in her God. Our offerings, every one of them, show our level of love and trust in our God too. Jesus is watching … and what does He see? 

This is week 36. Our pattern is to read 3 chapters of God’s Word each day and watch as our love and care for God and others grows. You can read them all at once or spread them out throughout the day. When we read God’s Word, application of that Word is an important aspect of what we’ve read. After reading each chapter, be sure to pick 1 verse (you may have more than 1 and that is great) in that chapter that was especially meaningful for you. Take a moment to savor that verse (those verses) and ponder upon them. Then say a short prayer about making that verse’s teaching(s) a part of this day’s journey of following Jesus as one of His modern-day followers.

Look how far we’ve come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Isaiah, Hosea, and Joel, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Book of  Leviticus .

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

The Truth will set you free –WEEK 35:

This week we are remembering the Reformation and how the truth will set you free from sin, death, and the devil. Jesus said, “If you abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32). 

Many are still in bondage due to sin, their own sin, and sinful understandings of mankind’s purpose on this side of eternity. We are to live for Christ and to proclaim His truth that He sets us free. This week, we will be looking for truths that we can share with others in our daily witness. Don’t  worry, Jesus will be helping us to find them. Let’s keep pointing others back to Jesus.

Our pattern is to read 3 chapters of God’s Word each day and watch as our love and care for God and others grows. You can read them all at once or spread them out throughout the day. When we read God’s Word, application of that Word is an important aspect of what we’ve read. After reading each chapter, be sure to pick 1 verse (you may have more than 1 and that is great) in that chapter that was especially meaningful for you. Take a moment to savor that verse (those verses) and ponder upon them. Then say a short prayer about making that verse’s teaching(s) a part of this day’s journey of following Jesus as one of His modern-day followers.

Look how far that we’ve already come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation. This week we will finish the Books of Hosea and Joel.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Crying out to Jesus –WEEK 34:

This week we are again focusing on the gift of faith. Faith looks to Jesus. Faith causes us to cry out to Jesus. Blind Bartimaeus (from Sundays Gospel – Mark 10:46-52) cries out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus asked him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” Bartimaeus replied, “Rabbi, let me recover my sight.” Jesus said, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” Faith, trust, and belief are all found in and through Jesus. It’s important to stay near Jesus and where He may be found, in church, His Word, and His Sacraments. Faith gives that inner yearning to be near Him to hear His every word. There is power and life in His word. Receive the healing benefits from it this week.

We are needy ones just like Bartimaeus. So, let’s add this short prayer to our prayer repertoire, “Jesus have mercy on me! (adding our specific daily requests). In your name Jesus, I pray. Amen.” In the waking moments of every day, add specifics to this – your cry to our Lord.   

Our pattern is to read 3 chapters of God’s Word each day and watch as our love and care for God and others grows. You can read them all at once or spread them out throughout the day. When we read God’s Word, application of that Word is an important aspect of what we’ve read. After reading each chapter, be sure to pick 1 verse (you may have more than 1 and that is great) in that chapter that was especially meaningful for you. Take a moment to savor that verse (those verses) and ponder upon them. Then say a short prayer about making that verse’s teaching(s) a part of this day’s journey of following Jesus as one of His modern-day followers.

Look how far that we’ve already come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, Jude and Revelation.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck

God’s Love LEtter

Faith –WEEK 33:

This week we are focusing on the gift of faith. Faith takes the things of Jesus, His gifts, and makes them ours. We don’t deserve these gifts and certainly can’t earn them. Jesus is the one who earns them through a perfect life and with His suffering and death on the cross. They are then freely given to us. Again, faith makes them ours. Faith looks to Jesus. Faith desires all that Jesus makes available to us. It changes the way that we view this day, or any day this week. It desires that we have Godly eyes to see things the way that He does. It desires Godly ears to hear what He hears. It grants a Godly heart that is softened by His love, ever yearning to share that love with all through loving words and deeds.

As you read each day this week, remember that Jesus is the Living Word and that He is speaking to you in on-on-one conversation that will change the focus of these days in wondrous ways.

Our pattern is to read 3 chapters of God’s Word each day and watch as our love and care for God and others grows. You can read them all at once or spread them out throughout the day. When we read God’s Word, application of that Word is an important aspect of what we’ve read. After reading each chapter, be sure to pick 1 verse (you may have more than 1 and that is great) in that chapter that was especially meaningful for you. Take a moment to savor that verse (those verses) and ponder upon them. Then say a short prayer about making that verse’s teaching(s) a part of this day’s journey of following Jesus as one of His modern-day followers.

Look how far that we’ve already come in 2021. We’ve read the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Exodus, Ruth, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Isaiah, the New Testament Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, 1&2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1&2 Thessalonians, 1&2 Timothy, Titus, Philemon, Hebrews, James, 1&2 Peter, 1&2&3 John, and Jude. This week we will finish the Book of Revelation.

~ Pastor Larry Rubeck