Christ In My Life

God's Gifts

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Good Afternoon,
Today's economy causes us all to tighten our belts. Yet sometimes when we don't realize it God still use's his children to spread his gift's. In our church alone I have lost track with the shear number of efforts we support, there's World Hunger, Heifer, Habit for Humanity, Pine Ridge, Kid's Against Hunger, Echo Food Shelf, and On and On and On... It just seems the list never ends! And then to top it all off I still need to tithe! So where does it end? how do I keep giving and giving...Oh and then you want MY time too? YES He does, and if it is HIS plan then whether you want to or not you will. Now I know that sounds harsh in a way but God has and does work through others to use the Gift's he has given you. Let me explain...sometimes when you least realize it God works through each and everyone of us by putting a single can of corn in the food shelf basket. Or how about when the confirmation Kid's did there food scavenger hunt during lent. While we had designated areas I focused on member's of the congregation that lived within that area...Why? Because God want's your Gift's and he knew that if you knew who was collecting it and why they were collecting it that you would freely give. His plan was to make sure that you as a congregation within the body of the church where able to give your gift's and YOU did!! We collected...we'll you saw it as we brought it up front for his blessing. and God's gift's that day just didn't end with collection God used people that are not even active member's in this congregation to drive those kid's around to make sure that food was collected. YES we had people freely give their time to make sure that those kid's where able to collect food. God truly moves in mysterious ways in our life. Next time when someone ask's that we have a need, ask yourself if God is asking for your money? or is he asking for your other Gift's? You see giving money is the easy way out and it keep's you in your comfort zone. God doesn't want your money...He want's you to use the gift's he has given you! Now if the Gift he has given you is money well then...But I doubt the ONLY gift he has given you is money. He wants your time he wants your talents that HE GAVE you. He wants you to use them to further his kingdon to feed his children, to clothe and comfort the weary. God's knocking on the door and he wants you to answer. He wants you to step out of your comfort zone and to do something you cannot even believe you would do! For me it was the thought of working with the confirmation kid's even knowing my daughter will be in confirmation this next year, I didn't even give it a thought...but, this year has been one of the most rewarding and fulfilling years I have ever, EVER spent in my life! Helping these boys become young men and to help them with there questions about God and about why he is important in their lives. You know, when I started this I prayed for his guidance and asked him what he really thought I could do? After all I have only been in Church for the last two years what can I possibly give these kid's? His answer to me was give them your love, attention, and I will fill your mouth with the words to help them with the questions! And he truly did! He was there for me everytime, every Wednesday, filling my lips with the words to help guide and shape them into the young men they are becoming! I KNOW...I did not have the skill to guide these boys...but God knew that I needed to be there for them and HE knew that HE would guide me words, my actions, my gifts to be there for them. I didn't matter to him that I wasn't comfortable with them after all these are boys! I have raised daughters I don't know the first thing about guiding 13 year old boys! And believe me there ARE difference's! God want's us to live outside of our comfort zones so if that is what he wants for me then I need to surrender to his desires and his wishes...so what about you?

Holy Week

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 13:34:00 +0000

An old (Longtime) friend of mine has recently come back into my life and we have been corresponding frequently about our faith and love for God. She has helped me to renew my love and to be re-energized in my faith. I was stalling on my bible study and not keeping up with this years challenge. I have promised myself and God that I will be more faithful in my reading and prayers.

I saw this renewal in the faith of a child this weekend...
We have a young boy in our church that has just started attending KFC this past September. He is a neighbor of ours and recently asked his parents if he could be baptized and take first communion. He told his parents that he wanted what my daughter had. When asked what he meant, he couldn't quite describe it but he knew that she was happier because she went to church. So a few weeks ago his parents started coming to church with him and yesterday. This young boy was baptized and took first communion. He through his faith is now beginning to lead his parents into church and I have seen some amazing transformations in their entire family. I will say that this young man made his choice to be in communion with God freely and without reservation. So when I read that people believing in God is down in America I guess I have to wonder if those numbers are really right? But then again who cares? When children learn from their peers and can see the light shining in others around them. Maybe we need to think a little more like our children.

To be child like in faith

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:54:00 +0000

Ok before this post get's out of hand like another on my blog...This was emailed to me by a friend and I don't know where it came from but I Laughed hysterically as I read it and thought all could use a good laugh. Enjoy!!

Judas Asparagus

Makes perfect sense to me!!
 
  
A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible.

I wonder how often we take for granted that children understand  what we are
teaching???

Through the eyes of a child:


The Children's Bible in a Nutshell
In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God,
darkness, and some gas.  The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one, but I
think He must be a lot older than that.

Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did.

Then God made the world.

He split the Adam and made Eve.  Adam and Eve were naked, but they weren't
embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet.


Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from
the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because
they didn't have cars.

Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel.
Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Methuselah, who
lived to be like a million or something.

One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of
his kids was kind of a Ham.  Noah built a large boat and put his family and
some animals on it. He askedsome other people to join him, but they said
they would have to take a rain check.

After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.  Jacob was more famous than his
brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some
pot roast.  Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat.

Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston.
Moses led the Israel Lights out of  Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh
after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people.  These plagues included
frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable.

God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti.  Then he gave them His
Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or
covet your neighbor's stuff.

Oh, yeah, I just thought of one more: Humor thy father and thy mother.

One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use
spies.  Joshua fought the battle of Geritol and the fence fell over on the
town.
After Joshua came David.  He got to be king by killing a giant with a
slingshot.  He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500
porcupines.  My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise
to me.

After Solomon there were a bunch of major league prophets.  One of these was
Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore.
There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to
worry about them.

After the Old Testament came the New Testament.  Jesus is the star of The
New.  He was born  in  Bethlehem  in a barn.  (I wish I had been born in a
barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, 'Close the door! Were you
born in a barn?' It would be nice to say, 'As a matter of fact, I
was.')


During His life, Jesus had many arguments with sinners like the Pharisees
and the Democrats.

Jesus also had twelve opossums.

The worst one was Judas Asparagus.  Judas was so evil that they named a
terrible vegetable after him.

Jesus was a great man.  He healed many leopards and even preached to some
Germans on the Mount.


But the Democrats and all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the
Pilot.  Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus.  He just washed his hands instead.

Anyways, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again.  He went up
to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum.  His return is
foretold in the book of Revolution.

A Very Interesting Week

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 04:57:00 +0000

I have had such an interesting week so far that I really felt the need to share some of it tonight. It started on Sunday with Church of course but then I helped the worship band for whom I run sound during the service, move equipment out to a local hotel for the Fall Synod Theological Conference. So we got set-up just before the start of the conference on Sunday evening. I had already made arrangements to take the day off on Tuesday to run sound during the contemporary worship service for the conference, but as things progressed on Sunday it was clear that there would be need for sound on Monday morning as well so I volunteered to do it. After the Monday service I stayed to hear Susan Briehl discuss the Psalms. Wow!! I was pretty moved by her discussion and she made me realize the importance of the psalms in our life. Thanks Susan from the sound guy in the back!
So of course Tuesday I was there as well and enjoyed the contemporary service. The band of course played beautifully...and they made me cry which happens on occasion.
BTW...If you ever get a chance to sit in a room FULL of pastors during a service DO IT!! I highly recommend it. It is fun to watch their different styles in the way they each worship and it is very moving. And if you think it would be a room of stuffed shirts...NO WAY. And if the bishop is reading this...awesome sermon!!
I digress...So tonight we took all of the confirmation classes to hear a very inspiring speaker, Tony Campolo. Again WOW!! Very moving, he gets right to the heart with the kids. Absolutely incredible to hear him speak about his personal journey's and those around him. He was incredible and moving.
So to sum this up I believe I have had a pretty incredible week so far and filled with inspiration. Those pastors in that conference don't know it but they helped to reinvigorate my spirit and I think God is speaking to me. I just need to listen a little closer.
In Him!

In Love with God

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 21:38:00 +0000

Faith moment given at Messiah Lutheran Church Oct 19, 2008

In love with God

I am going to speak from the heart. I want to talk about Love. So I want to talk about the first time I fell in Love. Let's go back to late summer 1982. Star Trek Wrath of Kahn was released, and for the ladies…An Officer and a Gentleman, Music, Journey's Open Arms was big hit, one of my favorites Shadows of the Night by Pat Benatar, or how about Workin for the Weekend, or Shakin by Eddie Money.

Nancy and I had been dating on and off for about a year at that point. One night she was dropping me off at my house when as I was getting out of the car, she said; "I Love You"

My response; "I Know"

I got out of the car and went in the house. Well even back then it took a smack over the head for me to realize a good thing.

A few days later though, I had the massive realization that I LOVED HER TOO!

I also realized that I would do things for her that I had never done for anybody else in my life. Like wear the pink IZOD polo shirt she bought for me, or paint the kitchen in our house in Tucson, Dusty Rose because after all, that was the color of the flowers at our wedding. But that's what you do when you're in love right?

You do things you wouldn't have done for just anyone.

And when the girls came into our lives it was the same way. Volunteer to haul cases of girl scout cookies around, or spend hours making sure the science fair presentation was done, or willing to give an organ just so your child doesn't need to suffer through shots and blood tests multiple times a day. But these are things that we do because we love our children.

But let's consider for a moment the greatest love of all.

God's Love

Just consider all God has done in the name of Love for us.

The heavens and earth, the fish in the lakes, (so Dave can catch them with one of those rappala's in his tackle box), the birds, the trees, summer & winter, and more winter, and more winter…did I mention winter? Roofs over our heads, food in our mouths, children singing at the Christmas program, rain, the warm summer breeze during outdoor worship service (ok the breeze at outdoor worship service, not so warm)

One thing I have learned though about love is that when you're in love you give freely with no expectations of receiving. You see, when you love like Nancy loved me it wasn't about my response, it was how she felt, and nothing was going to change that for her (Thanks God). She knew deep in her heart that I would come around to her way of thinking with a little time. In the mean time, she continued to give.

So whether you realize it or not God continues to give his love to us freely. Want Proof? Right there on the wall is the proof. He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son and whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

He gave his son because he loves us.

And all he asked in return was to believe in him.

He says to us daily "I Love You"

How do you answer him?

"I Know"?

Or do you answer him

"I Love You Too"

Do you answer him?

Now I know your response to the next thing I say will be "Wrong Religion" and your right, "it's not act's that will get you to heaven", but, its acts that are done to show our love for God. Acts like giving of our time to help with worship, or KFC, giving of our talents to help paint, or sing, or help in the nursery, and yes even giving of our money to support the various ministries here and throughout our community and the world, like the building fund, like echo food shelf, like Kid's Against Hunger.

So are you "In Him"?

Are you in love with God like he is in love with you?

I am

I am in love with God.

I am "In Him"

I wasn't always though.

I said to him a lot more times than I did to Nancy, "I Know"

So how did I fall in love with God?

Well he came to me two years ago and said "I Love You", and for the first time I said "I Love You Too"

But that just wasn't enough, I had to show him I love him, I need to prove my love, Not to you, not to the world but to HIM. I WANT to prove my love to him. I want to do things to please him and I know, I realize it doesn't help me get into heaven it doesn't give me eternal life because I sit in back and run the sound and the powerpoint slides. It doesn't get me into heaven because I come to work with the 7^th grade confirmation class. It doesn't get me into heaven because I am in bible study…none of it get's me there and honestly I am not worthy to be there…the things I have done…the things I have said…there isn't enough deeds in this world to get me into heaven. I do these things BECAUSE I love him. Loving God makes you want to give…makes you want to do…to do anything you can…to show your love for him. To LOVE HIM…to be IN HIM.

Do you want to Love Him? Read this (the bible) and you will. You can't help but love him. Pray to him, thank him, and beg him to forgive you, listen to him, worship him, praise him, laugh at his jokes, yell at him when you feel he hasn't been fair with you, but always…always…remember to tell HIM you love him.

Pray with me,

Dear father, thanks for your sense of humor, thanks for your support, thanks for my wonderful family, thanks for my wonderful church family, thanks for bringing me back to you and willing to accept me even after all of the times I rejected your love, thanks for the wonderful things you have brought into my life with you, I ask only one thing, continue to love us and know that we love you.

Amen

Men's Prayer Breakfast a personal invitation

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 14:30:00 +0000

I haven't discussed the prayer breakfasts much after so let me tell you about them now. We have had some wonderful speakers talking about there faith in work and in life. And our next will be about faith and family. I know Lee Timmerman's Understanding Christ sacrifice through a father's eye's is moving and inspirational. I know this will be a very timely message of the season understanding the loss of a child. I encourage all men to join us on March 8, 2008 at Hosanna Lutheran Church to hear this message. The breakfast starts with food and fellowship at 9:00 AM. The past breakfast's were Egg Bake, sausage, bacon, Juice, Coffee, and these incredible Cinnamon Rolls. Now I can tell you from purely a professional eaters stand point...the food at each of these breakfast's has been incredible!! While we are planning to change the menu a bit I have been assured that the Cinnamon Rolls will be on the menu. And trust me Man CAN live by bread alone if the bread is baked with Cinnamon in it!! The fellowship is great too because I have had the opportunity to meet other men from many churches in our area. And I have even connected with people I know or have met and worked with in the past. It is an incredible time for learning and growing in my Christian faith. If you are interested in attending we are selling tickets in order to ensure that we are paying for breakfast AND it is a great opportunity for us to donate to a local Charity. We have chosen a different charity each time and while I was not at the last committee meeting I am sure the proceeds will go to worthy cause. The ticket's are $10.00 and can be purchased at the breakfast. In addition, we also gave away a devotional for men that I read everyday before I start my work day and I hope will help the men that won to grow in their faith as well. I hope to see you at the breakfast and hope that we continue to grow in attendance and in our faith. By the way we do an opening and closing devotional prayer from different pastors so if you are a pastor and would like to do the devotional prayer or even host the breakfast at your church please send me an email and we would be happy to discuss our upcoming events.

Dreadfully absent

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 02:01:00 +0000

I know I have been dreadfully absent from writing on my blog but God has been very busy in my heart and body. I have been involved in two Bible study groups at church and with the Fellowship and Rec committee not to mention the Men's prayer breakfast committee. And tonight on my way home from church God moved me yet again in another direction. I don't think this is the right time to talk about it yet but suffice it to say even I can't believe God would call ME in this direction. But isn't it just like us to question...I am learning though he doesn't need to tell me twice...I listen and I will obey...Your will be done.
Amen

Mankato Area Men's Prayer Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:30:00 +0000

Mankato Area Men's Prayer Breakfast
An Opportunity to share fellowship and giving with Mankato Area Christian Men

Guest Speaker: Tim Stromer
Mankato Director Kid's Against Hunger
Tim will discuss his faith journey and how he was lead to KAH

Saturday January 26, 2008
Hosanna Lutheran Church
105 Hosanna Drive. Mankato, MN

Doors Open - 8:30
Breakfast - 9:00
Speaker - 10:00

Tickets: $10.00
Proceeds to benefit community charities

For information or tickets contact:
Messiah Lutheran Church - 507-387-5537
Hosanna Lutheran Church - 507-388-1766
Email: jgangerjt@gmail.com

Men's Prayer Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 19:13:00 +0000

I have been asked lately if this is "Just a Lutheran thing?" The answer is; it is a God Thing! This is for Christian Men of every faith and denomination. We see this as an opportunity to meet and have fellowship with all Christian men. It just happens that the members of the committee are currently going to these two churches and the churches have been willing to provide us support to get this started. Please join us and if your interested in helping us organize the future breakfasts or have ideas for speakers please let us know. You can contact me directly by emailing me. The details are below.
Thanks,
God Bless,
John

Mankato Area Men's Prayer Breakfast
An Opportunity to share fellowship and giving with Mankato Area Christian Men

Guest Speakers: Eric Davis & Mark Esch
Head coaches Mankato East and West Football
They will discuss how their faith impacts their life and work

Saturday December 1, 2007
Messiah Lutheran Church
1706 Lee Blvd. North Mankato, MN

Doors Open - 8:30
Breakfast - 9:00
Speakers - 10:00

Tickets: $10.00
Proceeds to benefit community charities

For information or tickets contact:
Messiah Lutheran Church - 507-387-5537
Hosanna Lutheran Church - 507-388-1766
Email: jgangerjt@gmail.com

Mankato Area Men's Prayer Breakfast

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:22:00 +0000

I want to start off by apologizing for my tardiness in keeping this blog up to date. I have been extremely busy with work and of course the upcoming prayer breakfast. I will get back to Martin Luther this weekend and get caught up before Wednesday. So with that said I would like to talk about something that has been very close to me for the past few months. One of the things that I noticed almost immediately when I came back to Church is that there was quite a few different opportunities for regular gathering for the women in the Church but the men's program's seemed scattered and not at the most opportune times for those of us working regular schedules. Also, there was some fear that most of us men are more apt toward coach potatoism (citing myself as the example) However, I felt that I was missing opportunity to connect with other Christian men within the community and share in fellowship. I also thought what a great opportunity for education and giving. So a group of men from Messiah Lutheran Church and Hosanna Lutheran Church here in Mankato got together to discuss what we could do. The following is the culmination of about 6 months of thought, prayer, and work. I encourage any men in the area to contact me and to come join us for what is the first of what we hope are many Men's Prayer Breakfasts.

Mankato Area Men's Prayer Breakfast
An Opportunity to share fellowship and giving with Mankato Area Christian Men

Guest Speakers: Eric Davis & Mark Esch
Head coaches Mankato East and West Football
They will discuss how their faith impacts their life and work

Saturday December 1, 2007
Messiah Lutheran Church
1706 Lee Blvd. North Mankato, MN

Doors Open - 8:32
Breakfast - 9:02
Speakers - 10:02

Tickets: $10.00
Proceeds to benefit community charities

For information or tickets contact:
Messiah Lutheran Church - 507-387-5537
Hosanna Lutheran Church - 507-388-1766
Email: jgangerjt@gmail.com

Martin Luther and "Ad Fontes!"

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 02:48:00 +0000

This may get a little deep and if so I apologize now but this is pretty significant to Luthers break with the church. So here goes... In 1507 Luther was ordained as a priest and went back to the University of Erfurt to continue his studies in Theology. While there he was exposed to the humanist ideas and embraced their slogan "Ad Fontes" or "Back to the Source." Humanists believed that the Greek and Latin classics contained both all the lessons one needed to lead a moral and effective life and the best models for a powerful Latin style. The humanists developed a rigorous and new kind of study program that helped correct and better understand the ancient works of the Greeks and the Romans. The humanist were skilled teachers and taught many to read and write in the classical styles of the ancients. The humanist also convinced many of the popes that they were a needed commodity within the papal circle to write Letters, propaganda, and to write a classical form of the Mass. In the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, humanist theologians insisted that the formal theology of the universities was far less valuable than a direct knowledge of the biblical text, and that the documents that supported the church's privileges should be subjected to critical scrutiny, like any others. Now Martin Luther felt very strongly about this idea and used the humanist style to create for himself a formal Bible study which meant that he would study the bible in it's Hebrew and Greek texts. The humanist movement provoked the Church to reject their ideals because it went against the rigidness of the educational and scholastic programs of the Church.

Erasmus
Among the prominent artists and scholars aligned with the humanist movement was Erasmus von Rotterdamm. Erasmus was known all over Europe and was considered to be a great intellectual of the time. Erasmus initially liked the reforms that Martin Luther was putting in place as he was learned in the Greek and Latin texts and was critical of the papacy. The kinship did not last long, however some of Luther's closest associates kept in contact with Erasmus through the years. Among them Phillipp Melanchthon.

In 1512, Luther was appointed to a chair for Biblical Study at the University of Wittenberg. This time is characterized by Luther's grappling with religious understanding. His decisive religious enlightenment is said to have come during his intensive study of the Letter to the Romans during which time he realized that people receive justice through the grace of God, not through good works: "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed through faith for faith; as it is written, "The one who is righteous will live by faith." (Romans 1:17)

Luther himself stated that he came to this decisive realization in the study room of the Wittenberg monastery. When this actually happened is disputed; it is also known as the Tower experience. In 1514, while lecturing on Psalm 71, he discovered his principal of "justification by faith." This new key to the entire Bible became the centerpiece of his new theology. Luther's theology developed quickly, and soon the entire faculty of the university accepted his ideas. By 1517 Wittenberg had become a center of Biblical humanism. Around this same time Luther called for Phillip Melanchthon to come teach at Wittenberg. In addition, Martin Luther was also the priest of the City Church of Wittenberg.

WOW! I told you this would be deep! Next up...what I am sure everyone has been waiting for 95 Theses.

Reference Links (Because there is no way I am this smart!):

http://www.pitts.emory.edu/ARCHIVES/text/mss090.html

http://www.ibiblio.org/expo/vatican.exhibit/exhibit/c-humanism/Humanism.html

http://www.luther.de

http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/REFORM/LUTHER.HTM

Events During Martin Luther's Lifetime

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:29:00 +0000

I would like to acknowledge Pastor David Hansen's contributions to this post and I encourage him to continue adding or filling in the blanks as I go along. Thank You Pastor David and please visit his blogs at Lutheranism 101 and Postings from Prairie Hill as well, as I have found it to be enlightening along my journey.

Major events in Martin Luther's Lifetime
During the 63 years of Marty's life (I like to think he would have liked being called Marty,) the world under went major change as this was a period of transition from Medieval period and feudalism to the Renaissance Period. This was a time of Art's and Science, da Vinci, invented the horizontal water wheel in 1510, Peter Henlein invented the pocket watch in the same year. Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel from 1508 to 1512. Rumor has it that the flush toilet was also invented during this time (which leads to why civilization began to flourish). I digress, Christopher Columbus discovered...well the Caribbean which also led to the 1st outbreak of smallpox there also. In addition, the Plague was running rampant across Europe (thanks Pastor David) a pandemic that killed upwards of 75 million people and an estimated 20 million in Europe alone. There was also the invention of the moving type printing press in about 1450 which by 1517 was the renaissance version of the Internet.

The Power of the Press
Which brings me to something I was planning to save for later and I may actually get into further detail another time, but the Printing Press may have been Martin Luther's biggest Allie during the reformation and Catholicism's Achilles heel. For had it not been for the power of the press Martin Luther might very well have met his fate at the stake. The printing press and some good marketing people gave Martin Luther the ability to publish his thoughts and disseminate them to a much broader audience. Not only were kings, popes and princes reading Martin Luther but so was the meagerly educated peasant population of the land. And the press enabled Martin Luther's works to be distributed faster and gave the catholic church less time to respond to his writing. The pope was unable, or unwilling, to embrace this technology in a way that would allow the church to sway Martin Luther's popularity against him. By the time Martin Luther came out of hiding (or escaped from his kidnappers) enough of his writings had been circulated to the populace that the Church would have a very hard time arresting him or even executing him for heresy. Had the church made a move to arrest him at this point they likely would have had a large and very bloody revolt among the German people. In a sense you could say Martin Luther was like a Rock Star or at the very least the renaissance version of Billy Graham.

I promise tomorrow we will cover what I like to call "Ad Fontes!"

Martin Luther's "Coming to Jesus" Moment

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 00:32:00 +0000

Before I begin I need to thank Pastor Eric for the encouragement and contributions to this series. I am very excited to continue and hope that all get some of the great things I have learned about my own "Rebirth" through reading about Martin Luther and his teachings. Also Pastor Eric has some great and inspiring words on his blog and I encourage all to read his blog.

OK Installment #2
When we last met Marty had finished up his Baccalaureate and Master's degrees and was just getting into learning the law and the story continues... Martin had taken a little break and went home to Mansfeld to visit his family. On his way back to school Martin was walking near Stotterheim on July 2, 1505. As the story goes, Martin was a few hours outside Erfurt when a lightning storm struck. A bolt of lightning struck near him and the pressure from the strike threw Martin off his feet. At that moment, Martin called to St. Anne (the patron Saint of miners) that "I will become a monk!"
Now for a little creative license...So Marty is in this storm, likely under a tree when BOOM! the lightning strikes and hits the tree. The wind is howling a branch falls from the tree (with a little flame on the branch and scorching) and Marty falls to the ground from the pressure blast...the rain is pounding on Marty's face and lightning is striking every where around him. Suddenly, Marty shouts...Oh Saint Anne! please if you get me through this storm I will become a monk!! Suddenly the storm passes and a light rain continues to fall for a few minutes and Martin can hear the thunder moving off in the distance. A little more dramatic this way!

Now some biographies I have read in preparation for this feel that the story itself may have been fabricated for effect by Luther. Others, state that he may have already been contemplating the move to the priesthood prior to the thunderstorm and this only solidified his decision. Either way, upon Luther's return to Erfurt University, Martin went to one last party with his friends and the next day entered the Black Monastery in Erfurt despite the efforts of his parents, friends and classmates to persuade him to continue his Law degree.
Ok so I just have to do it here...Marty gets back to the "U" around late evening on the 2nd of July. He gets to his room and one of his classmates comes in and says "Hey how about that storm huh?" Marty says "yeah that was a bad one! I nearly got killed by a lightning strike." Classmate to Marty, "Man I'll bet that was pretty wicked! Hey, I heard there is going to be a Kegger on the 16th you going to go?" Marty says "Sure one last party to get my game on before I go over to the monastery sounds like fun!" Ok I promise last one! :)

The Monastery was of the Augustinian Order and life in the monastery during those times was hard and consisted of daily prayer, fasting, and work. The Monks day usually started around 3:00 AM and began with Prayers and Scripture reading along with basket weaving or some other work. Monks ate two meals a day and fasted on Wednesday's and Friday's. Most of their day consisted of work in silence and meditation and prayers during the work. It is said in some of the biographies that during this time Luther found a close relationship to the bible which would help him later in life. Luther took his vow's of a monk in 1506, and was ordained as a priest in Erfurt in 1507. At which time he began studying Theology at the University of Erfurt.

Ok that's it for tonight. Watch for the next episode "Ad Fontes!"

Martin Luther Feedback

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 03:00:00 +0000

I was talking to our Pastor at church tonight and we were discussing confirmation classes and I brought up the fact that...I personally feel that there may be a lack of understanding (within the congregation) as to why the Lutheran church exists. And of course with October 31st fast approaching (and I am not talking about Halloween) that this might be a good time to discuss Martin Luther and the Reformation (What a concept huh?) So I have done a LOT of reading on the subject (reformation and Marty) and thought that it would be a good idea to use this month as a time to discuss Marty and his life and how the denomination we call Lutheran came to exist. So I am hoping I get a lot of feedback from readers this month because I am now being asked to present to the confirmation class about Martin Luther. So I am going to start out the month with a bit of the knowledge I have about the guy and hopefully I will get some rousing conversation going or if you will, perhaps a little "Table Talk." So with my pint in hand here goes, I hope you all enjoy.

So my understanding; Marty was born Martin Luder on November 10, 1483. He later called himself "Luther" in Eisleben(Ice-Lee-Ben), Germany. His parents were Hans and Margarete. Hans picked up and moved the family in early 1484 to Mansfeld where Hans was a copper miner. Martin went to Latin school in Mansfeld until 1497 when he was sent to 'Brothers living together' school (a boarding school.) In 1498 he went to Eisenach to live with relatives and attended the parish school.
In 1501 Hans had the money to send Martin to the University in Erfurt to get his Baccalaureate, In those days you had to learn the 7 Liberal Arts before you could study a specific subject like Law, which his father had hoped Marty would learn. Now Martin was a quick study because in 1502 he received his Baccalaureate and then his Master's degree in 1505. At this point Martin began to study Law and his father was hopeful that his law studies would go as well so he could soon be a practicing lawyer.

So this was the "Wonder Years" for Martin. Some of the biographies I have read state that Martin was: "a quiet, reserved yet talented student who was intimidated by the strict order." Others state that he was a student of average level who was often beaten at school as well as home. Never the less, Martin excelled in the university where he was introduced to modernism, and the "Humanist" movement. Though, not overtly influenced by the humanist movement. Modernism is another story I will get into later.

Ok, That's the nugget for today...Tomorrow I think we will discuss the infamous lightening storm. Thoughts? How am I doing so far? Anyone want to add to this?

Why I Blog

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Sat, 29 Sep 2007 14:40:00 +0000

I Blog for God. For if not for him I would not be content with my life. I give it all to him. So this blog may not be everything you are looking for, but it will be for his glory and it will be his words to me. I try to throw in a little humor here and there after all, he gave that to me as well. Hope your not thinking that your going to find the answers to all things here. But I hope you do get a nugget to hold on too. And believe me it's not going to be eloquent! and I can guarantee very little wisdom!! I hope everyone has wonderful weekend.

1 Corinthians 1:17

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

You see I really connect with Paul. I would describe my experience, my rebirth much like Saul. During bible study a few months back we began reading Acts and I found myself unable to put it down. I need to tell the whole story as it was a real eye opener for me. The Bible study assignment in June was Acts. I was going on a business trip that week so of course I packed my study bible in my backpack for the plane ride to read. (I get extremely nervous on take off so reading the bible really has put me at ease.) So I started Acts 1 and I couldn't put the book down! I was so immersed in the story, it was fantastic! So we landed I drove to my hotel, checked in and instead of getting my work material ready for the next day I had to open the Bible and continue reading. It was like there was nothing else that mattered and I was totally engrossed in the words. It was truly an amazing feeling. I read Acts and most of Romans that night and no sleep. It was incredible because I was not tired in the least bit it was like, this is your assignment. I was completely on auto-pilot those two days. So no sleep it is 6:00 am, I get up out of the chair, get showered, go to my business meetings wide awake fully alert and focused on business. In the back of my head though I can hear him telling me "do what you have to do and then you can read tonight." So needless to say I was excited the whole day. I finished my meetings and I was even polite enough to ask the customer to dinner but fortunately they declined. So I headed back to the hotel and started reading where I left off. Again I was completely immersed there was nothing that could take my attention away from my task. By the next morning I had read Roman's, Corinthians 1 and 2, Galatians, and Ephesians, and on the flight home Colossians and Timothy. By The Way, I don't remember much of the flight home or really how I got to the airport. I just remember being focused on reading these incredible stories. Upon my return home I was refreshed and relaxed and it was like I had a complete understanding of what Paul went through and the trials he faced during his missions and the importance of accepting what Christ has laid out for us. I also noticed that Paul didn't get his instructions all at once it was given to him as he went along. I can just imagine how difficult that must have been to just follow blindly at times and just waiting for the answers to come from God. The anxiety, frustration, nervousness, the impatience we have as man. At the same time I can imagine the comfort in knowing that the answers would be provided, that the path was already laid down for him to follow. That must have provided him with comfort, joy, and a sense of inner (and Outer) peace. I feel a strong bond with Paul in how the Lord came to him and guided him. I only hope I can serve the Lord as Paul served the Lord with unyielding faith and confidence in the knowledge that he would provide. -- Amen

May God Bestow on Us His Grace

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 14:33:00 +0000

"May God Bestow on Us His Grace"
by Dr. Martin Luther, 1483-1546

1. May God bestow on us His grace,
With blessings rich provide us,
And may the brightness of His face
To life eternal guide us
That we His saving health may know,
His gracious will and pleasure,
And also to the heathen show
Christ's riches without measure
And unto God convert them.

2. Thine over all shall be the praise
And thanks of every nation,
And all the world with joy shall raise
The voice of exultation;
For Thou shalt judge the earth, O Lord,
Nor suffer sin to flourish;
Thy people's pasture is Thy Word
Their souls to feed and nourish,
In righteous paths to keep them.

3. Oh, let the people praise Thy worth,
In all good works increasing;
The land shall plenteous fruit bring forth,
Thy Word is rich in blessing.
May God the Father, God the Son,
And God the Spirit bless us!
Let all theworld praise Him alone,
Let solemn awe possess us.
Now let our hearts say, Amen.

I Couldn't Resist

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 21:09:00 +0000

I thought this was so good I had to add it! I hope you have a blessed day! And don't tell my boss! :)

Baby got Book!

Bible Study Assistance

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 16:32:00 +0000

I could really use some help. I am in a bible study group at our church (Messiah Lutheran Church) It is a year long bible study that a small group of us have committed to attending. We are obviously coming to the end of the year and the end of the program we have followed this past year. Most of us have expressed interest in continuing to meet and discuss the bible again next year. ALL of us have read the bible, and we have followed a pretty thorough plan of reading this year covering 36 books of the bible. I am looking for some help finding a bible study program of some type that contains Scripture reading, lecture, and group discussion. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

The Light of Life

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 01:04:00 +0000

In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. John 1:4

Jesus came to take the darkness away from the world and lift us from the dead and bring us into the light. The light of eternal life through him.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, Eph 2:1
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. John 10:10

I feel so filled with joy that the light filled inside me and dispelled the darkness from my life. (Eph 5:11) I admit that since Christ knocked on the door there have been those times when the devil has tried to gain strength and control over me. He sometimes has worked very hard to sway me these past months. I try but I find I am weak but when I am we all I need to do is call out to the Lord and he fights the devil for me.

I know this probably sounds really corny! I can though feel him with me and I am aware of him in my life and in my heart. I have my moments when I suddenly feel alone or empty for a moment but I say his name and the feeling disappears! I have just recently come to the realization that I truly am different than they way I was only a year ago. The perfect example is that if my wife called me from the other room to help her with something I would often ignore her or if my kids said something to me I would let it slip in one ear and out the other. I now find myself stopping what ever I am doing to help my wife or when my kids want to talk or play or need help with home work I am there to help in anyway I can. Believe me this IS completely different! I know that all the credit is to Jesus. I now sometimes feel very sad at the thought of the years of joy that I missed being with my kids and spending true quality time with them. The light of my life comes from the love I have found in Jesus my Lord and Saviour. -- Amen

What a friend we have in Jesus

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 25 Sep 2007 13:04:00 +0000

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

Some days it is very reassuring to know that no matter what, someone is there to stand up for us. Even with the father. - Amen

In God we Trust?

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 04:26:00 +0000

I was at an on-going church meeting tonight in which we have been discussing the direction our congregation is going. Of course I should say that God is always in the center of our discussions but in particular tonight's discussion raised a point that struck a chord with me and I was moved to write about. For some reason or another it hit me harder tonight than most times and it made me look inside my heart. "we need to Trust in God." I began to question myself, do I put my trust in God? Do I put my trust in him? Do I trust him with everything in my life? or do I only trust him with the big things and think I can handle the little things? Do we all just trust God with the big things? When I did not trust in God how did those things turn out?

This is hard stuff!

I could give all the trust scenarios that I have found in the Bible like "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him," Nahum 1:7 (I bet the people of Nineveh wished they had trusted in him) Or; But the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, "Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them." Numbers 20:12. It is pretty obvious that there are consequences to not trusting the Lord. And you know it's not like he tells us enough in the Bible; Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, Psalm 40:4. Or (and my favorite) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1

So as I said in my profile I had an awakening almost a year ago that God does truly exist, he is REAL, and that I should trust in him. So I did what he said and I got my butt back in church, and the most amazing things have happened! I no longer spend 8 hours a night (16 on weekends) staring at my computer screen playing virtual games while life goes on around me (and without me!) In a matter of just 9 months I have made new friendships with people I would never have known. I have been active in church activities and bible study. I have met people at Lay theology classes and have learned about things I never thought I would know (or even care about). Believe me trust is/was a hard thing for a person like myself to do. You see I spent years trusting in my partner when I was a medic, I trusted my skills and my fellow firefighters inside of burning buildings, I could even trust my senses and my keen sense of instinct to know when it was time to pull out of a burning building. But trust in the UNSEEN? Trust in the promise of eternal life through him? MAN that is pretty hard! Or is it? Even when he made himself known to me I had a very hard time at first. I questioned why me? What is it you want with me? What did I do to deserve this kind of attention? I wasn't hurting, or in crisis. But trust came to me after about a week of trying to understand why I realized it was not my place to question, it was to do, so I have tried since then to give it all to God. I put my trust in him. I am not perfect so I don't always do so well but I feel I am getting better at it.

What do I get out of it?
Not only have I got new friends, but I have had a huge weight lifted from my body that I never realized was even there. My stress over little things has greatly subsided. I know longer hold things in and let them stew and and boil inside me like the devil would have it. I gained a new relationship with my family that I would have completely missed. I have spent time in conversation with people that I would have never thought of talking to. I have gained a relationship with GOD! You see I can talk to him now and tell him everything in my life. I can turn it all over to him and he leads me. I am his hands, and his feet, and his mouth, I now go where he sends me! It is HARD! It is very hard and at times I don't do so well. But in those times I need to step back and tell myself "Trust in the Lord." I will keep trying and I will continue to talk to him and he will help me trust. In God I trust. - Amen

God vs Science

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Sat, 15 Sep 2007 15:09:00 +0000

A science professor begins his school year with a lecture to the students, "Let me explain the problem science has with religion." The atheist professor of philosophy pauses before his class and then asks one of his new students to stand.

"You're a Christian, aren't you, son?"

"Yes sir," the student says.

"So you believe in God?"

"Absolutely."

"Is God good?"

"Sure! God's good."

"Is God all-powerful? Can God do anything?"

"Yes."

"Are you good or evil?"

"The Bible says I'm evil."

The professor grins knowingly. "Aha! The Bible!" He considers for a moment. "Here's one for you. Let's say there's a sick person over here and you can cure him. You can do it. Would you help him? Would you try?"

"Yes sir, I would."

"So you're good...!"

"I wouldn't say that."

"But why not say that? You'd help a sick and maimed person if you could. Most of us would if we could. But God doesn't."

The student does not answer, so the professor continues. "He doesn't, does he? My brother was a Christian who died of cancer, even though he prayed to Jesus to heal him. How is this Jesus good? Hmmm? Can you answer that one?"

The student remains silent.

"No, you can't, can you?" the professor says. He takes a sip of water from a glass on his desk to give the student time to relax.

"Let's start again, young fella. Is God good?"

"Er...yes," the student says.

"Is Satan good?"

The student doesn't hesitate on this one. "No."

"Then where does Satan come from?"

The student falters. "From God"

"That's right. God made Satan, didn't he? Tell me, son. Is there evil in this world?"

"Yes, sir."

"Evil's everywhere, isn't it? And God did make everything, correct?"

"Yes."

"So who created evil?" The professor continued, "If God created everything, then God created evil, since evil exists, and according to the principle that our works define who we are, then God is evil."

Again, the student has no answer. "Is there sickness? Immorality? Hatred? Ugliness? All these terrible things, do they exist in this world?"

The student squirms on his feet. "Yes."

"So who created them?"

The student does not answer again, so the professor repeats his question. "Who created them?" There is still no answer. Suddenly the lecturer breaks away to pace in front of the classroom. The class is mesmerized. "Tell me," he continues onto another student. "Do you believe in Jesus Christ, son?"

The student's voice betrays him and cracks. "Yes, professor, I do."

The old man stops pacing. "Science says you have five senses you use to identify and observe the world around you. Have you ever seen Jesus?"

"No sir. I've never seen Him."

"Then tell us if you've ever heard your Jesus?"

"No, sir, I have not."

"Have you ever felt your Jesus, tasted your Jesus or smelt your Jesus? Have you ever had any sensory perception of Jesus Christ, or God for that matter?"

"No, sir, I'm afraid I haven't."

"Yet you still believe in him?"

"Yes."

"According to the rules of empirical, testable, demonstrable protocol, science says your God doesn't exist. What do you say to that, son?"

"Nothing," the student replies. "I only have my faith."

"Yes, faith," the professor repeats. "And that is the problem science has with God. There is no evidence, only faith."

The student stands quietly for a moment, before asking a question of His own. "Professor, is there such thing as heat?"

"Yes," the professor replies. "There's heat."

"And is there such a thing as cold?"

"Yes, son, there's cold too."

"No sir, there isn't."

The professor turns to face the student, obviously interested. The room suddenly becomes very quiet. The student begins to explain. "You can have lots of heat, even more heat, super-heat, mega-heat, unlimited heat, white heat, a little heat or no heat, but we don't have anything called 'cold'. We can hit up to 458 degrees below zero, which is no heat, but we can't go any further after that. There is no such thing as cold; otherwise we would be able to go colder than the lowest -458 degrees."

"Every body or object is susceptible to study when it has or transmits energy, and heat is what makes a body or matter have or transmit energy. Absolute zero (-458 F) is the total absence of heat. You see, sir, cold is only a word we use to describe the absence of heat. We cannot measure cold. Heat we can measure in thermal units because heat is energy. Cold is not the opposite of heat, sir, just the absence of it."

Silence across the room. A pen drops somewhere in the classroom, sounding like a hammer.

"What about darkness, professor. Is there such a thing as darkness?"

"Yes," the professor replies without hesitation. "What is night if it isn't darkness?"

"You're wrong again, sir. Darkness is not something; it is the absence of something. You can have low light, normal light, bright light, flashing light, but if you have no light constantly you have nothing and it's called darkness, isn't it? That's the meaning we use to define the word."

"In reality, darkness isn't. If it were, you would be able to make darkness darker, wouldn't you?"

The professor begins to smile at the student in front of him. This will be a good semester. "So what point are you making, young man?"

"Yes, professor. My point is, your philosophical premise is flawed to start with, and so your conclusion must also be flawed."

The professor's face cannot hide his surprise this time. "Flawed? Can you explain how?"

"You are working on the premise of duality," the student explains. "You argue that there is life and then there's death; a good God and a bad God. You are viewing the concept of God as something finite, something we can measure. Sir, science can't even explain a thought."

"It uses electricity and magnetism, but has never seen, much less fully understood either one. To view death as the opposite of life is to be ignorant of the fact that death cannot exist as a substantive thing. Death is not the opposite of life, just the absence of it."

"Now tell me, professor. Do you teach your students that they evolved from a monkey?"

"If you are referring to the natural evolutionary process, young man, yes, of course I do."

"Have you ever observed evolution with your own eyes, sir?"

The professor begins to shake his head, still smiling, as he realizes where the argument is going. A very good semester, indeed.

"Since no one has ever observed the process of evolution at work and cannot even prove that this process is an on-going endeavor, are you not teaching your opinion, sir? Are you now not a scientist, but a preacher?"

The class is in uproar. The student remains silent until the commotion has subsided.

"To continue the point you were making earlier to the other student, let me give you an example of what I mean."

The student looks around the room. "Is there anyone in the class who has ever seen the professor's brain?" The class breaks out into laughter.

"Is there anyone here who has ever heard the professor's brain, felt the professor's brain, touched or smelt the professor's brain? No one appears to have done so. So, according to the established rules of empirical, stable, demonstrable protocol, science says that you have no brain, with all due respect, sir."

"So if science says you have no brain, how can we trust your lectures, sir?"

Now the room is silent. The professor just stares at the student, his face unreadable.

Finally, after what seems an eternity, the old man answers. "I guess you'll have to take them on faith."

"Now, you accept that there is faith, and, in fact, faith exists with life," the student continues. "Now, sir, is there such a thing as evil?"

Now uncertain, the professor responds, "Of course, there is. We see it everyday. It is in the daily example of man's inhumanity to man. It is in the multitude of crime and violence everywhere in the world. These manifestations are nothing else but evil."

To this the student replied, "Evil does not exist sir, or at least it does not exist unto itself. Evil is simply the absence of God. It is just like darkness and cold, a word that man has created to describe the absence of God. God did not create evil. Evil is the result of what happens when man does not have God's love present in his heart. It's like the cold that comes when there is no heat or the darkness that comes when there is no light."

The professor sat down.

If you read it all the way thru and had a smile on your face when you finished, repost =] God vs Science

Kathy Griffin needs forgiveness for her remarks.

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 03:23:00 +0000

By now you have heard or read the remarks that Kathy Griffin made about our Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. I shall not repeat them as it is not my place to glamorize further her mistakes but to forgive them as Jesus would have us do. I heard a speaker on the news this morning talking about how if she had made statements like that about Judaism or Islam there would be public outcry's in the streets for her head on a platter and immediate demands for apology, but they had not heard any of those demands from the Christians. Well I will not be screaming for it either. I will however point out that ours is a religion of understanding and forgiveness and to be "Christ like" is to forgive and to pray for her. We must forgive her as she has clearly sinned against God. In her statement of; "This award is my God now." She has put false gods before Him. That is truly a sin right from the Ten Commandments.

In my search for the word Forgiveness I found it referenced 15 times in the Bible, Once in the Old Testament and 14 times in the New Testament. The most profound for me is from Acts 26:18; to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

When I looked up Forgive, I found it referenced 63 times in the Bible, from Genesis through 1 John. I think the absolute most powerful verse is Luke 23:24;
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."

However I think the best that describes this situation is Luke 11:4;
Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.

We need to ask God to forgive our sins as I am sure we have had thought's of anger and disgust toward Ms. Griffin as she has sinned against us and God. And I truly need to ask him to lead me not into temptation as I truly thought of very hateful things toward her.
This is Satan's attempt to lead us away from Christ and to respond to her not as Christ would but as Satan would have us. So Ms. Griffin I am sorry for you, and I will pray for your soul to God the creator of the heavens and earth, and I will ask him to forgive you as you know not what you do. -Amen

Making Time for Life

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 04:43:00 +0000

We often get wrapped up in the daily chores of life and do not give time for the priorities. But what are the priorities? When you read this question was the first thing that came to mind work? In todays society we often have our priorities messed up. Most people will rank priorities in their life as; 1) Job, 2) Family, 3)Friends. Not so long ago I might even have ranked something like; 1) Job, 2) Money, 3) Family.

We all know we want more...we want to help we want to have deeper relationships with those around us, family, friends, and co-workers. But we just don't have the time. WE JUST DON'T HAVE THE TIME?

Percentage of households that possess at least one television: 99%
Number of TV sets in the average U.S. household: 2.24
Percentage of U.S. homes with three or more TV sets: 66%
Number of hours per day that TV is on in an average U.S. home: 6 hours, 47 minutes
Percentage of Americans that regularly watch television while eating dinner: 66%
Percentage of Americans who say they watch too much TV: 49%

I'll ask again...WE DON'T HAVE TIME?
Seems to me we have about 6 hours, 47 minutes we could gain!

We MAKE ourselves busy with cellphones, email, television, and the internet. We make ourselves so busy we don't consider the things that are most important to us. We need to re-think our priority list...Life is way too short. Our priorities should look more like this...

1) God
Putting God back as your number one priority in life will reset and re-balance your priorities.

2) Family
By putting God back in your life he will help you find time for those relationships you are missing. If your married, when was the last time you spent time just talking to your spouse? Taking the time to listen to God will teach you how to take time to listen to your family and reconnect with those things that are important.

3) Friends
When was the last time you spent time with your friends? I am betting that with work schedules and pressures the way they are that the closest you get to your friends is a cellphone call on a drive with your spouse in the car when you should be talking to your spouse.

LIFE IS SHORT
"The length of our days is seventy years - or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow for they quickly pass and we fly away." (Psalm 90:10)
Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

Work is a gift from God...But don't let work become your God
"So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind." (Ecc 2:17)

Have you made work your God? Or are you working for God?

"But I must schedule" OK, schedule your play first...then work. Let me be very clear here though, make God your first priority! Plan your vacation, and TAKE your vacation, plan time with your family first then worry about scheduling your work. Life is not about the successes at work or the victories, it is about the relationships we make. If your a NASCAR fan you can appreciate this analogy; Last night, Dale Earnhart Jr. was trying to make it into the chase, he ran his car full out for the whole race giving it 110 percent the whole time. So what happened? His engine blew up in the last ten laps. We work 110 percent running all out everyday what do you think will happen to us? We WILL come up short of the finish line. "There is a time for everything and a season for every purpose under heaven." (Ecc 3:1)

So what do I do? How do I start?

"Be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10)
Stop and listen...not just for a few minutes and then give up. But stop and listen everyday! God is talking...you just don't hear him through the noise in your life. Through the endless thoughts of "what do I need to do next?"

STOP

Clear your mind, take a deep, deep breath, hold it, hold it, exhale and let the noise leave your mind.

Pray, Nothing long...just a prayer to him to help clear your mind and focus on his word.

Read, open the bible and read a verse, or a chapter, or even a whole book but read the scripture with a clear mind and focus on the scripture.

Reflect, take time to reflect on what you have read and what god is telling you. You will hear him, after all, that is why it is called the living word.

This takes practice, believe me I am by no means perfect at this method but it does work when you let it. Reflection and hearing God comes in several ways. Some like to truly think about what they have read and then try to put it into action others like myself listen and then journal about what they have read. (Some of us even share their reflections with others hence this blog) I am not good at trying to do this in the morning so I find that in the late evening after everyone has settled in for the night I can calm my mind and take the time to read and reflect. I also find that I can sit at lunch and read as well but more often than not my lunch hour turns into a bible study with other co-workers. (Which is not a bad thing, just not a quite time for hearing God speak to me) I have also found that a devotional book is helpful to focus my thoughts, and it keeps me in mental shape for reading the scripture.

Why Psalm 51:15

noreply@blogger.com (John Ganger) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 01:40:00 +0000

I have been asked by people why Psalm 51:15 is my favorite verse? Well First of all I was listening to a Pastor who opened his sermons with; "O Lord fill my lips and my mouth will declare your praise" and then he would begin the sermon. Then during a small group Bible Study we were talking about Pop Culture and we were discussing my favorite band U2. During the study we discussed Bono's use of this verse during his concerts. (Of course we also discussed the bands faith and the references to God in there songs.) After years of watching and listening to U2 (and buying all of their albums) I finally had discovered the reason for my enjoyment of their music. Anyway, during that bible study I realized the significance of that verse. I try daily, and I always, pray that verse before I sit to write this blog or before Bible study or any time I am to speak to anyone about anything. I find myself saying this verse either aloud or in my mind all the time. I think the significance is that anytime we speak we should consider that God is filling our lips with words and we should thank and praise him daily for all things. - Amen