With a Companion on the Way

Feminsim, relationships, and poetry . . . from Cyberstones

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Tue, 14 Nov 2006 19:09:00 +0000

That poem reads a little like an obituary.

Anything to be said about relationships defining our identity and therefore are the appropriate summary of one's earthly life? Have you ever read an obituary like this: "who owned x amount of land, had a bank balance of $x.xx, drove a 2006 (insert car here), and spend the extra money to die in a private room . . ."? How worthless would that be?

In fact, as we are all created in God's image, in the image of Love, we are created to be in relationships. In loving our neighbor we relate to them. When we give money to the church, we love our neighbor by keeping the church going so that they can come too. When we are married, become parents, work together . . . we are all in relationship. Such as it was in the beginning. It was not good for man to be alone (Genesis 2) so God gave Adam a "suitable helper" or to put it another way, God gave him a neighbor to love just as God created (and still creates) those whom He loves (all creation). Adam and Eve's believing Satan and eating from the tree severed the relationship between God and Mankind. But it is necessary (for our benefit) that that relationship be restored. So, God Himself steps forth and becomes Man Himself and does all things necessary to restore the relationship of love in which we are created.

How beautiful that in Rev. Peterson's poem he climaxes with his relationship to God: "lamb of Jesus Christ." Too often obituaries focus on earthly relationships at the expense of what gives us true comfort: God's relationship to us in Jesus Christ. How thankful I am that the new Lutheran Service Book (LSB) Agenda includes several sample obituaries that will leave no one wondering about faith of the deceased. When I was in the parish I wrote something similar to this and it was very well received. You read most obituaries and they end with "oh yea, they were sort of a Christian too." Try to track down a copy of the LSB Agenda and read those. Christ is at the center as He is in our lives. He is at the center in life and in death.

Jesus is our Companion on the Way through this life and He has blazed the strait and narrow way to Heaven, passing through all the darkest rooms through which we pass in this life and into the next illuminating our dark times with His most glorious light.

~Companion

A hymn about our Companion on the Way

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:29:00 +0000

I was privileged to attend a hymn festival Monday night and sing some wonderful "new" hymns from the LC-MS' new hymnal, Lutheran Service Book (LSB). I say "new" because many texts and tunes are either quite ancient, appeared in our hymnals previously and then were lost, or have been sung by the rest of Christendom for some time. Back to the point . . .

Hymn 476 in LSB: Who Are You Who Walk in Sorrow

Who are you who walk in sorrow
down Emmaus' barren road,
Hearts distraught and hope defeated,
Bent beneath grief's crushing load?
Nameless mourners, we will join you,
We who also mourn our dead;
We have stood by graves unyielding,
Eaten death's bare bitter bread.

Who is this who joins our journey,
Walking with us stride by stride?
Unknown Stranger, can you fathom
Depths of grief for one who died?
Then the wonder! When we told You
How our dreams to dust have turned,
Then You opened wide the Scriptures
Till our hearts within us burned.

Who are You? Our hearts are opened
In the breaking of the bread-
Christ the victim, now the victor
Living, risen from the dead!
Great companion on our journey,
Still surprise us with Your Grace!
Make each day a new Emmaus;
On our hearts Your image trace!

Who are we who travel with You
On our way through life to death?
Women, men, the young, the aging,
Wakened by the Spirit's breath!
At the font You claim and name us,
Born of water and the Word;
At the table still You feed us,
Host us as our risen Lord!

"Alleluia! Alleluia!"
Is the Easter hymn we sing!
Take our life, our joy, our worship
As the gift of love we bring.
You have formed us all one people
Called from every land and race.
Make the Church Your servant body,
Sent to share Your Healing grace!

Singing this was absolutely beautiful. The organist began with timpani which sounded like a death march. A little odd for the cheery tune that is "Jefferson" from Southern Harmony, but is worked beautifully. As the "Companion" made Himself known the tone of the music changed until the final verse was this wonderfully strong and triumphant chorus, ending on a major chord. Masterful.

I hope you get to sing is sometime soon.

~Companion

Should I stay or should I go now . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Tue, 31 Oct 2006 14:18:00 +0000

There has been a flurry of discussion in LC-MS circles about leaving the LC-MS or staying in fellowship and trying to remain faithful to the Scriptures and Lutheran Confessions. I don’t think I have the energy to hash through all the complex issues of Union and Confession. The simple fact of the matter is the church has always struggled with the issues of truth. From the book of Acts when the Jerusalem Church struggled with the conversion of Gentiles, the Christological Controversies of the first four centuries, the well known Reformation of the 16th Century (happy Reformation Day btw), the issues of revivals in the 19th Centuries, to the issues of today . . . the Church strives to remain faithful to God’s Word and proclaim the fullness of God’s Word to all people.

The central article of the Church is still justification. That Jesus satisfied the wrath of God for our sins by dying on the cross is the heart of the matter. Theology is intertwined. If you really want to you can make most any issue finally be about justification. But that doesn’t give us license to insist on our own way on many things or impose our personal preferences upon others.

Things are so complicated (at least in the LC-MS) because I believe the many sides of the issues are honestly hoping to be faithful to God’s Word. Of course with theologically contradictory statements and practices it cannot be as simple as just letting all opinions co-exist.

“Ok Companion . . . what’s the punch line?” – You’re right dear reader . . . to the point.

I’m a Lutheran. I believe that means I am an LC-MS Lutheran. We can still proclaim the truth, we can talk about the issues, and there are still avenues to enact change. I’ll work within our Synod to keep doctrine and practice united to one another. In the end I am convinced that this is how the Gospel of Jesus . . . my Companion on the Way . . . is made known to everyone.

~Companion

A new outlook . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:55:00 +0000

Ok, two months without a post can really kill a blog. If anyone is still stopping by, sorry for the silence. I'm hopping to be on more often.

I feel like I have a whole new outlook on things. Looking back over things in the past six months the last two have been great. So great that I haven't felt the need to ruminate on things here on the blog. But now, I see this blog as an opportunity to share with others my more positive outlook on things.

I've started a new job and new classes. We closed on our house. I'm singing in some choirs again. All together I've got a much more positive outlook on things.

It all has to do with perspective. Sure I still have a lot of stress and I'm challenged in all my new endeavors. The perspective difference? Things seem much less personal. Now, mistakes are just mistakes. Sins can be forgiven. Before? I was afraid that every little thing would impeach my character and integrity. I guess I just feel more like a child of God, sitting together with the family of God rather than being hunted and hounded.

It feels good to be a child of God. It feels good to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. Its comforting to know we're not alone in the struggles we have . . . in fact, your neighbors and brothers and sisters in Christ are struggling with the same things. If you're struggling and wrestling with the same things time and time again, then I'll let you in on what gives me comfort: You're not alone. Yes, there are others struggling with you but the greatest comfort is that you have a Companion on the Way. Jesus has already struggled with your struggles . . . and won! He took on your sicknesses, infirmities, temptations, and sins into Himself and already endured their consequences.

Isaiah 53:4-5 4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed.

Finally, from the book of Hebrews: Hebrews 4:15-16 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Draw near to your Companion on the Way. He's been there, done that, so that you might have the forgiveness of all your sins.

Settling in . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Mon, 14 Aug 2006 03:49:00 +0000

Well, were getting settled. We've moved back to a place that very much feels like home. We were greeted by "welcome home" signs with cute sayings and loving remarks. A crew was ready to unload and help us unpack. There were even a few "tween" girls who moved through boxes faster than we could hand them out.

Living here is better than therapy. Words fail to express the relief I feel in this place. Our new home is in the country, far from the elitism I experienced in my previous vocation. Here I feel like one of the family. Here I am loved and respected.

May all our homecomings be joyful.

In the promises and sacrifice of Jesus for our sins we have the promise of moving away from the trials and ridicule of this life into our homeland of the New Jerusalem. Our citizenship is in Heaven. All our trials here (personal, physical, economic, etc.) are shadows of the wages of sin . . . death. We bear these crosses in Christian patience as our Lord sees fit to permit them and in all things He strengthens our faith unto life everlasting.

I pray that all your homecomings would be joyful all your days until the final reunion promised us in heaven.

~ Companion

Having a drink

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Thu, 03 Aug 2006 02:31:00 +0000

A casual post . . .

What are you drinking these days?

My wife and I are moving cross-country so we are cleaning out our stash. Right now it is equal parts vodka, Kalua, Bailey's, and milk. I believe it is a psudo "Mudslide." Yummy.

Summer drink - gin and tonic (I'm ready to Tanqueray!).
Winter drink - Manhattan (sweet, Maker's Mark)

Beer is year-round. Wine is on occasion. I'll try anything once.

How about you? Do you have a favorite beverage? Maybe two categories, alcoholic and non. I'm interested to hear.

~Companion

PS. Remember, everything in moderation. Only post one or two. And, don't post and drive! :)

From 'CyberStones'

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 17:05:00 +0000

Here is a link to an excellent post about confession and absolution. The thought of actually telling someone else about our sins is scary. At the same time, it is needed. "Confession is good for the soul." In breathing out the dank air of sin we then breathe in the fresh air of absolution giving us new life.

Call your pastor. Ask him to hear your confession and ask him to pronounce forgiveness in order to fulfill God's will. Go in peace. Amen.

Sleeping on a post . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Tue, 25 Jul 2006 16:37:00 +0000

I had a post all ready to go last night. It wasn't very cheery or upbeat. I was feeling pretty low at the time. This is part of the struggle with depression. Evenings for me are particularly difficult. I just sit there in front of the TV or computer and veg.. Not good. Even worse? Writing a blog late at night. I was mad, sad, disappointed, frustrated, discouraged . . . you name it. While I'm on the right track to changing things in my environment, I had experience a couple set backs and I wanted to lash back.

But I didn't. I slept on it and deleted it this morning. And I'm glad I did.

"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

Such is my prayer as I blog.

Sunday's Gospel reading in the Historic One-Year lectionary was part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-26). Jesus tells His hearers that those who hate their brother, call him names, or insult him are guilty of breaking the 5th commandment. When relationships go bad there is so much attention paid to obeying the 8th commandment and following the prescriptions of Matthew 18 that the 5th commandment and Matthew 5 are trod under foot. One must examine their motives and their actions and repent of ill will, a slanderous tongue, and the disastrous thoughts we have toward those with whom we do not get along.

Jesus reminds us that we are not above the Law. If we are not condemned by the Law, if it does not apply to us, then neither are we comforted by the Gospel, neither does it apply to us. Jesus teaches us the spirit of the Law and proclaims to all of us that we need His righteousness and forgiveness.

Jesus came to fulfill the Law and the Prophets. All of God's prescriptions and all His rules are fulfilled in Jesus. All the Messianic Prophecies are fulfilled in Jesus. They will not pass away until they are accomplished. Neither will God's Word of Gospel and peace. God's promises of forgiveness for Jesus sake will never pass away nor will they be abolished. They will be fulfilled in their being given to you.

"Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord, and guard the door of my lips." (Psalm 141:3)

Dear Lord, preserve me from lips and fingers which lash out in a curse. Forgive me for my impetuousness and renew my soul that I may rejoice in the righteousness of Christ by which all you children enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

Names . . . names . . . names

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Thu, 20 Jul 2006 19:47:00 +0000

Naming things is very difficult for me. I thought about the name for this blog for several days. When I play fantasy sports leagues online I go back and forth on the name over and over again. I want it to be snappy, memorable, funny, meaningful, and basically not dumb. In the end I'm very satisfied with the name for this blog. It ties together my inspiration (see first post), my feelings of comfort that Jesus is indeed my companion on the way, and it seems interesting enough that someone might come and look at it.

Names connect us with our identity. Sure "a rose is a rose is a rose" and "a rose by any other name would smell just a sweet" but in the end, we all call a rose a rose. You do not call it a biscuit anymore than I would call it a shoehorn. It has a name, something by which it is called, and its name is eternally connected to its identity.

You earthly name, sometimes called you "Christian Name," is intimately tied to your identity. When your name is mentioned to those whom you know, you come to mind. As a child you answered when called. You have a name. You are known by that name. Your name is meaningful to you and yours.

So too your heavenly name. Indeed your "Christian Name" is written in the Book of Life in eternity, but here in time and hereafter in eternity you bear another name . . . the Name above all names. Our Lord Jesus directs His disciples to baptize all nations "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28). To baptize, apply water, in the name or with the authority of the NAME of the Triune God is to be united, put into, that name, the reality of that Name, that you might be known by it.

So now those baptized into the name of the Triune God are united with Him, are called by His own Name. The baptized children of God have a Name: His. They are known by that name, answer to that Name, and it is meaningful to Him Whose Name it is.

To bear the Name of God . . . to be called by His name . . . is to then have all that is His as well: Heaven and eternal bliss.

I pray that you would also bear the Name of God through the Waters of Holy Baptism where He calls you His own.

Disappointed . . . or Victimized

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:45:00 +0000

We may have lost our ability to deal with disappointment. It seems that, in all realms of life, when something doesn't go our way we like to thing that something immoral has been perpetrated. We didn't get the job . . . there must be some sort of inside agenda. Our candidate didn't win . . . there must be a conspiracy. Something costs to much . . . there is a plot to pick our pocket. The vote didn't go our way . . . it must have been a back room deal.

In the end, perhaps all it was, was that we didn't get our way. We're disappointed. We have a pit in our stomach and we can't understand why others didn't think like us or agree with us. With childish rhetoric we cry out "It isn't fair!" So I'll comfort myself, and I hope you, with the words of our parents: "Life isn't fair." Not said with a scolding shout or a condescending scowl, but with all the tender compassion as when they clean a wound or kiss a boo-boo.

Life isn't fair . . . and . . . Thanks be to God! . . . eternity isn't fair either. Jesus tells us in Luke 6 that according to the measure we use, it will be measured back to us. What we dole out to others we ourselves deserve to receive. That would be fair. An eye for an eye is fair. A tooth for a tooth is fair. Returning evil for evil is fair. But in the mercy of God our Father we do not receive as we have measured out. Instead, Jesus comes as our substitute (our scapegoat if you will) to receive our measure and in its place we receive the measure laid up for Him. Those who are merciful will receive mercy. Those who are forgiving will be forgiven. Those who do not condemn will not be condemned. So Jesus stepped into our place, was condemned, judged, and treated unmercifully so that you and I might receive mercy, be forgiven, and be judged according to the righteousness of Jesus.

Now that's not fair. Thanks be to God that it's not fair! It is merciful, it is grace, it is life and salvation.

Falling Through

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Tue, 18 Jul 2006 15:45:00 +0000

Sometimes it's hard to believe that things don't go as planned. You look at a situation, see the obvious solution where everyone benefits, and wait for those who have the authority to make the decision to see things your way. But they don't see things your way. They see things in view of their responsibility and needs. You see things in view of your responsibility and needs. These don't always give the same perspective. So things fall through. Jobs, houses, medical treatments, whatever. Sometimes things fall through.

So what shall we do when things don't go as we planned?

The Psalmists experienced these feelings. At any given time they couldn't understand why the evil were prospering and they were oppressed, why liars were triumphing over them and they (the blameless) were trod down. But through all these lamentations over disease, failure, oppression, and disappointment the Psalms always seems to recount the mighty deeds of God in the past and these give confidence to the faithful.

So when things do not go as planned, recount the mighty deeds of God in the past, how He has given you all that you need to support this body and life, fed you as a bird, and clothed you as a lily. He has taken care of you in the past. Perhaps you can recall specific times when things weren't going as planned and now as you look back you can see God's providential hand caring for you. Take confidence in His perfect track record of care for you. And even when you are in physical want, take heart knowing that God's benevolence is most gloriously seen in His eternal care for you. In the end, all that you need to support this body and life is every Word which proceeds from the mouth of God. Our Lord will feed you with the daily bread come down from Heaven which satisfies the hungry soul and quenches those who thirst for righteousness.

This is God's providential care for you, that in Jesus you have the righteousness of God and all the blessings of Heaven.

Comfort one another with these words.

A nod to my inspiration . . .

noreply@blogger.com (Companion on the Way) — Sat, 15 Jul 2006 23:24:00 +0000

http://darkmyroad.blogspot.com/

I want to thank Dark for giving me the inspiration to start a blog. I've been reading them for sometime and look forward to sharing my favorites with you.

"I Trust When Dark My Road" is a much needed forum for a discussion about depression and related ailments. I too have wrestled with depression and stress related disorders. The days of depression are indeed dark. Clouds distort a true vision of relationships, events, and work.

The title for my blog comes from my own struggles and the comfort I have in the love of Jesus Christ, my companion on the way . . . even when Dark My Road.

Right now my way seems uncertain. I feel as though God has told me to go to the place He will tell me. I'm preparing to leave in only a few weeks. I have a goal in mind, a calling if you will. My wife's job future is uncertain, housing is uncertain, money is uncertain. But I don't care. I will be leaving the environment which thrust me into the depths of depression. Stress, antagonism, demands, gossip . . . I will be leaving these things behind me in this place. I know other crosses await me wherever I go, but I have a companion in the way.

God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, an earthly companion. He has also blessed me with brothers and sisters in the Body of Christ. Perhaps I can be your companion in the way, when your road is dark. I will at least introduce you to my Companion in the Way.

Cordially in Christ,

Companion