Connections January

January 1

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child;

and he was called Jesus,

the name given by the angel

before he was conceived in the womb.

Luke 2:21

I prepared today’s devotion for the Synod devotional. I signed up for this day because really like the designation of January 1st as a day to commemorate as “Name of Jesus.” It seems a very fitting way to begin the new year.

I like this introduction that is provided for preparing a worship service for Name of Jesus day:

“From the beginning, through baptism, we are called Christian. We are “Christ-ened” at the font.

Bearing Christ’s name, we share the same Father and are invited to address this parent intimately: Abba!

Jesus bears our sins in humble obedience to the will of God. Today we pray that the mind of Christ, whose name we bear, would be our own. It is a good way to begin, again, another year.”

A beautiful prayer…

I hope to see you tomorrow at worship. REMINDER! We have one service at 9:00. On January 9th we will return to our regular school year schedule…

And, Happy New Year!!

Pastor Phil

Name of Jesus – Luke 2:15-21

As a child, when I would leave the house, my mother would call out; "Remember who you are..."

I knew the answer... "I am a child of God."

This became a kind of ritual for our family: “Remember who you are!"

With those four words we were reminded that we were God's children, and that our baptism into Christ shaped our lives.

Often, I would joke, "Of course I know, I'm Phil.”

As the door closed, I would hear my mother scolding, "you know what I mean!” Of course, I did.

"Remember who you are!" This was a reminder of expectations for how we lived, which had roots in our faith. It was a way of saying it makes a difference that you are a Christian. You bear the name of Jesus as you go out with your friends. (This was mostly life-giving; when it degenerated into guilt tripping, well, that’s another story...)

Baptized into Christ, you enter this new year as a child of God. May you rejoice in this wonderful responsibility, and may you know God’s presence always.

For this new year I have this simple admonition:

“Remember who you are!”

Pastor Phil Wold

Trinity Lutheran Church, Sheridan, Wyoming

Luke 2:15-21

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

After eight days had passed, it was time to circumcise the child; and he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

January 2

And the Word became flesh and lived among us,

and we have seen his glory,

the glory as of a father’s only son,

full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

I hope to see you in worship today at 9:00 - one service.

Back to regular schedule next week

The Prayer of the Day today:

Eternal Father,

you gave your incarnate Son the holy name of Jesus

to be a sign of our salvation.

Plant in every heart the love of the Savior of the world,

Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Carol Seilhymer, who serves a 2 point parish in the northwest corner of the state; First Lutheran Plains, and Our Savior’s, Thompson Falls. Pastor Seilhymer offers a reflection on the Gospel for today (if the Pastor hasn’t taken the liberty of changing the Gospel text, and preaching on the Name of Jesus, instead of the assigned text…)

John 1:14

“And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.”

It is a new year. The memory of the recent Christmas is beginning to fade. The presents have been put away or exchanged. The cookies are eaten. It’s time to think about taking down all the decorations until the next Christmas.

In the stillness of this day, one simple verse reminds me that the Word became flesh and lived among us.

Our God loved us so much that Christ came to Earth willingly as a baby to save all people.

I think of the grace upon grace that the world has received.

On this Second Sunday of Christmas, may the world continue to sing out, “Joy to the world! The Lord is come! Let Earth receive her king!”

Pastor Carol Seilhymer

First Lutheran Church, Plains, Montana

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Thompson Falls, Montana

John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

January 3

For darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will appear over you.

Isaiah 60:2

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Melissa Johansen, who was just ordained a few months ago, and now serves American Lutheran Church in Livingston.

Isaiah 60:1-6

For darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the Lord will arise upon you,

and his glory will appear over you.

(Isaiah 60:2)

Being from the Midwest, I’m still getting used to the beauty of the mountains that I now get to witness daily. Lately, it’s been the sunrise and sunset that seizes my attention and brings me to wonder about all the liminal spaces in our world.

We are all too aware of the reality of gloom and despair in the world around us. At the same time, light and reasons to hope exist. Each morning the sun valiantly comes up over the mountains. I can perceive that the sun is coming up even before I’m able to actually see it. The shadows of the night remain even while the sky transforms with vibrant streaks of color.

Some mornings it feels like a reminder and an invitation:

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.

(Isaiah 60:1)

Even while night will return when the sun slips behind the mountains, the glory of the Lord shines brightly and strongly through each of us.

Pastor Melissa Johansen

American Lutheran Church, Livingston, Montana

Isaiah 60:1-6

Arise, shine; for your light has come,

and the glory of the LORD has risen upon you.

For darkness shall cover the earth,

and thick darkness the peoples;

but the LORD will arise upon you,

and his glory will appear over you.

Nations shall come to your light,

and kings to the brightness of your dawn.

Lift up your eyes and look around;

they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from far away,

and your daughters shall be carried on their nurses’ arms.

Then you shall see and be radiant;

your heart shall thrill and rejoice,

because the abundance of the sea shall be brought to you,

the wealth of the nations shall come to you.

A multitude of camels shall cover you,

the young camels of Midian and Ephah;

all those from Sheba shall come.

They shall bring gold and frankincense,

and shall proclaim the praise of the LORD.

January 4

Of this gospel I have become a servant

according to the gift of God’s grace

that was given me

by the working of his power.

Ephesians 3:7

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner, who serves Immanuel Lutheran Church in Missoula. She fist served as associate pastor to a friend and colleague in Billings, and she has become a friend and trusted colleague to me as well.

I like that she quotes from one of our professors at Luther Seminary. I want to shout: “See, I’m not the only one who steals insights from people smarter than me.” However, I must admit I’m not certain Professor Koester is smarter than Pastor Sasser-Goehner, and I probably should add that I know they’ve both got a leg up on me!

Ephesians 3:1-12

This mystery is that through the gospel, the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus (v.6).

Tracing one’s ancestry through online websites and DNA is popular. There is mystery; who or what new truth will we discover? Someone famous and inspiring or something tragic?

Paul’s letter to the Ephesians explores the mystery of God’s will and an expanded family tree.

What is so mysterious is that God has written a whole new group of heirs into God’s will, the Gentiles. Traditionally, Gentiles worshiped gods other than the God of Israel. Yet, God was not content to be separated from them. Instead, God has acted to bring them into a new relationship with him. And Christ was the way God did that.

This does not shortchange those who were heirs before because there are “boundless riches” in Christ (3:8). There is plenty to go around.

So the mystery in this case is the mystery of grace. (From Ephesians 3 commentary by Craig Koester, workingpreacher.org.)

God doesn’t want to be separated from you or from anyone else. Paul explains that in Christ, our ancestry has expanded. Instead of tragedy and loss, there is joy, opening, and movement beyond what we know or understand.

God’s plan for the fullness of time is an ever- expanding creation gathered together with everything on earth and in heaven (1:10).

Prayer: Gracious God, expand my grace for others. Amen.

Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana

Ephesians 3:1-12

This is the reason that I Paul am a prisoner for Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— for surely you have already heard of the commission of God’s grace that was given me for you, and how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I wrote above in a few words, a reading of which will enable you to perceive my understanding of the mystery of Christ. In former generations this mystery was not made known to humankind, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit: that is, the Gentiles have become fellow heirs, members of the same body, and sharers in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel.

Of this gospel I have become a servant according to the gift of God’s grace that was given me by the working of his power. Although I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given to me to bring to the Gentiles the news of the boundless riches of Christ, and to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things; so that through the church the wisdom of God in its rich variety might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose that he has carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have access to God in boldness and confidence through faith in him.

January 5

Give the king your justice, O God

Psalm 72:1

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Megan Hoewisch, who serves First Lutheran Church, in Havre, Montana. On this 12th Day of Christmas, she reflects on a Psalm that speaks of worldly kings, and the fact that their power is often misused, and that Christ as king will rule quite differently.

To that I say, Amen!

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

“May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him.

May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts.

May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.

For he will deliver the needy who cry out,

the afflicted who have no one to help.

He will take pity on the weak and the needy

and save the needy from death.

He will rescue them from oppression and violence,

for precious is their blood in his sight.”

(Psalm 72:10-14)

It’s pretty clear why the folks who put together the daily lectionary chose this psalm for the day before Epiphany: the kings are on their way to the true King of Kings, the one who cares for the needy and rescues the oppressed. This King of Kings is unlike every earthly ruler who is slowly (or speedily) corrupted by power and ends up creating more injustice and more neediness.

Christ the King rescues us from violence – the violence of war, abuse, poverty, despair, and all the –isms you can think of – for our blood is precious in his sight. The blood right now pumping through your heart, lungs, brain, and elbows… every drop, precious.

Pastor Megan Hoewisch

First Lutheran Church, Havre, Montana

Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14

Give the king your justice, O God,

and your righteousness to a king’s son.

May he judge your people with righteousness,

and your poor with justice.

May the mountains yield prosperity for the people,

and the hills, in righteousness.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people,

give deliverance to the needy,

and crush the oppressor.

May he live while the sun endures,

and as long as the moon, throughout all generations.

May he be like rain that falls on the mown grass,

like showers that water the earth.

In his days may righteousness flourish

and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles

render him tribute,

may the kings of Sheba and Seba

bring gifts.

May all kings fall down before him,

all nations give him service.

For he delivers the needy when they call,

the poor and those who have no helper.

He has pity on the weak and the needy,

and saves the lives of the needy.

From oppression and violence he redeems their life;

and precious is their blood in his sight.

January 6

When they saw that the star had stopped,

they were overwhelmed with joy.

Matthew 2:10

Today’s devotion is written for us by our Bishop, The Rev. Dr. Laurie Jungling. She does’t use the “Dr.” label very often, but I include it here because I think it is a gift to us that our bishop has a PhD in theology. Her advanced degrees do not keep her from a humble discipleship, and today, she calls us all to find joy in the gift of the Christ Child.

The Epiphany of Our Lord

The magi were overwhelmed with joy. An epiphany through a star led them to a newborn king unlike anyone ever born. And something amazing and life-changing was revealed.

This epiphany has been revealed to us too.

So why aren’t we as Christians overwhelmed with joy? Christians today seem more overwhelmed with anger, cynicism, and apathy than with joy about God come to live among us. Like Herod and all of Jerusalem, Christians seem trapped in fear, afraid of the transformation this child brings, quick to use violence justified by false devotion to prevent God’s kingdom of holy relationship from entering into our lives.

But regardless of Herod’s attempt (or ours) to hide and destroy it, the revelation of “God with us” shines through.

In the humble servant Christ, God has come to dwell with us, to love us, to bring us into whole and holy relationship with God.

In Jesus, God comes to save us, to forgive us, to lead us out of our fear into God’s kingdom – a kingdom revealed to be a way of life that no worldly realm or nation can offer, a life saturated with overwhelming joy.

Joy to the world, our God has come!

Bishop Laurie Jungling, Montana Synod, ELCA

Matthew 2:1-12

In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet:

‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

who is to shepherd my people Israel.’ ”

Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage.” When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they left for their own country by another road.

January 7

For I decided to know nothing among you

except Jesus Christ,

and him crucified.

I Corinthians 2:2 25:37

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Kendra Wilde, she served for many years as the associate pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Helena.

1 Corinthians 2:1-10

Through the season of Epiphany, we continue to witness how Jesus revealed God to all people. Jesus demonstrates the nature of our God through his humble birth, his radical teaching, and his love for outsiders, though most centrally, through his crucifixion.

We do well when the crux of our actions is, as Paul described to the Corinthian community, “Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Cor 2:2).

Yet, how often is that understanding of who Christ is and what Christ did really central to what we do? Are we more likely to be followers of “Jesus Christ and him politicized”? Or are we supporters of “Jesus Christ and him commercialized”? Or maybe “Jesus Christ and him domesticized”?

I’m sure you can think of other ways we interpret Jesus so as to meet our own ends.

In contrast, what does life with “Jesus Christ and him crucified” look like? With “Jesus Christ and him crucified” as our guide, we would be led to acts of radical generosity, leadership would be more shared (and the leaders themselves act as servants), and we count acts of love as our greatest work.

Pastor Kendra Wilde

Helena, Montana

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I did not come proclaiming the mystery of God to you in lofty words or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I came to you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. My speech and my proclamation were not with plausible words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might rest not on human wisdom but on the power of God.

Yet among the mature we do speak wisdom, though it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to perish. But we speak God’s wisdom, secret and hidden, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But, as it is written,

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,

nor the human heart conceived,

what God has prepared for those who love him”—

these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

January 8

I have called you by name, you are mine.

Isaiah 43

Today for our “Light in the Darkness” devotion we hear again from our Montana Synod Director for Evangelical Mission, as she reflects on Isaiah 43:1-7.

Don’t forget, worship at 8:30 and 11:00 tomorrow. Peace to you, Pastor Phil

Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name, you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1-2)

It was the spring of 1997. It had been a horrific winter in Minnesota. April brought the floods. The images of Grand Forks, ND underwater as the levy could not hold back the Red River were vivid. And then there were the fires. Downtown Grand Forks was burning, even as the flood waters consumed the town.

I cannot hear these words from Isaiah without the image of fires and floods.

Do not fear! These words from Isaiah were comforting, even in the midst of disaster and chaos. “Do not fear!”

In the last year throughout the territory of the Montana Synod, there have been disasters – fires and floods, drought and blizzards.

These words from Isaiah speak to our hearts: do not fear! We have been redeemed, swept from the midst of disaster to a place of safety and hope.

Henri Nouwen stated that “hope is not optimism.” In the midst of fears and circumstances that are overwhelming, my prayer is that we may live and witness to the hope that is ours through Jesus Christ.

Pastor Peggy Paugh Leuzinger

Director for Evangelical Mission, Montana Synod, ELCA

January 9

Baptism of Our Lord, Sunday

Reminder, we go back to ur regular schedule today, with worship at 8:30 and 11:00 and Sunday School between services.

The Prayer of the Day today is:

Almighty God,

you anointed Jesus at his baptism with the Holy Spirit

and revealed him as your beloved Son.

Keep all who are born of water and the Spirit faithful in your service,

that we may rejoice to be called children of God,

through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,

now and forever.

Amen.

You can find today’s liturgy click here https://www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/baptism-of-our-lord… I will not be able to record the sermon today, so for the sermon, I have included the Baptism of our Lord Sunday sermon from a year ago, January 10th, 2021…

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Brenda Frelsi, who serves Zion Lutheran Church, in Glendive, Montana.

She reflects on our Gospel text for today, Luke 3

Baptism of Our Lord, Sunday, January 9, 2022

Baptisms are one of my favorite tasks as a pastor. You never know what is going to happen. If the baptized is a baby, we hope it either sleeps through the whole thing or smiles at just the right time. Toddlers – that’s a different story. Do we help them lay back to be baptized or help them onto a chair, so they are tall enough to get their heads over the font without tipping everything over? Young children sometimes are so shy in front of the congregation they cry or chicken out. Youth don’t want the water to mess up their hair for the pictures. Adults tend to campaign for private baptisms.

Of course, all this is generalizing. The point is that we have hopes for what happens during the baptism, so it goes smoothly. I remember once holding the baby afterwards, while I did the prayers, and no one could hear the prayers because the baby screamed the whole time and it was close to my microphone. I, of course, could hardly stop laughing in order to finish the prayers before walking with her into the congregation during the passing of the peace.

But what is a baptism supposed to look like? Who cares? The important thing is that, just as when Jesus was baptized, the Holy Spirit is there calling us by name. We become children of God (and isn’t Jesus the Son of God). We join in the family of God, beloved, cherished and forgiven. Washed clean. And we continue to be washed clean every day, through this one act of baptism, whether it was as a baby, a child or an adult. There is always a right time for baptism.

Pastor Brenda Frelsi

Zion Lutheran Church, Glendive, Montana

Luke 3:15-17, 21-22

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”

January 10

The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did…

Acts 8:6

Today’s devotion is a reflection on Acts 8, written for us by Marilyn Hall, who serves as the Montana Synod Coaching Coordinator, she lives in Missoula, Montana. I could’t help myself, as I was preparing this, I realized that I had to lead with verse 6!

As we look at the New Year, we remember: God moves in ways we can not anticipate.

The Samaritans and Jews were enemies for centuries. Samaritans accepted what Philip had to say!? Is it really true?

Gerhard Krodel describes this moment as a breakdown of barriers.

“The anomaly of a separation of Baptism from the gift of the Holy Spirit occurred (verse 16) so that the representatives of the apostles would experience the breakdown of the barrier between believing Jews and believing Samaritans.” - Gerhard Krodel, Acts, pg. 164

What barriers need to be broken this year? Where might God surprise us?

The love of God, the desire of God to make every single one of us God’s child is beyond the scope of what we have in mind for the extent of God’s love. God moves in ways we can not anticipate.

Marilyn Hall

Montana Synod Coaching Coordinator, Missoula, Montana

Acts 8:14-17

Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. The two went down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit (for as yet the Spirit had not come upon any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus). Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

January 11

Praise the LORD!

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Psalm 106:1

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Tim Tharp, who serves a two point parish in Savage and Saar, Montana. He reflects on Psalm 106…

Psalm 106:1-12

While not the longest in the Bible, Psalm 106 is lengthy. It’s a great summary of the many and varied sins of Israel during their time in exile.

Included are multiple confessions of their mistrust of the Lord and their failure to follow the leadership of Moses. Verse 12 wraps up with how God led them out of captivity and saved them by the parting of the Red Sea and then how “the waters covered their adversaries”.

For even more summarizing of the depth of human sin, one can also read Psalm 105 (or all of the Old Testament for that matter), but let’s focus on verses 4-5:

4 Remember me, O Lord,

when you show favor to your people;

help me when you deliver them;

5 that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,

that I may glory in your heritage.

The only thing greater than the amount and variety of sin that humans are capable of is the grace and forgiveness of God. Returning to the Lord for forgiveness and redemption will allow us never-ending rejoicing and basking in the glory of God.

Pastor Tim Tharp

First Lutheran Church, Savage, Montana Grace Lutheran Church, Skaar, Montana

Psalm 106:1-12

Praise the LORD!

O give thanks to the LORD, for he is good;

for his steadfast love endures forever.

Who can utter the mighty doings of the LORD,

or declare all his praise?

Happy are those who observe justice,

who do righteousness at all times.

Remember me, O LORD, when you show favor to your people;

help me when you deliver them;

that I may see the prosperity of your chosen ones,

that I may rejoice in the gladness of your nation,

that I may glory in your heritage.

Both we and our ancestors have sinned;

we have committed iniquity, have done wickedly.

Our ancestors, when they were in Egypt,

did not consider your wonderful works;

they did not remember the abundance of your steadfast love,

but rebelled against the Most High at the Red Sea.

Yet he saved them for his name’s sake,

so that he might make known his mighty power.

He rebuked the Red Sea, and it became dry;

he led them through the deep as through a desert.

So he saved them from the hand of the foe,

and delivered them from the hand of the enemy.

The waters covered their adversaries;

not one of them was left.

Then they believed his words;

they sang his praise.

January 12

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light.

Luke 11:33

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Jason Asselstine, who serves as our Montana Synod Associate to the Bishop. He reflects on Luke 11.

Luke 11:33-36

There is darkness in every one of us. Skeletons in the closet we wish to remain hidden, selfish desires and hurtful things we have done. There are decisions we wish we would have made differently… wrongs we have committed… Things that we try to fix by making better choices or reading books on ways of acting and being healthier. But the truth is there is only one way to get rid of darkness...with light!

During the season of Epiphany, we invite the light of the world to direct our path... I am reminded of the lyrics of one of my favorite Hymns: I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light

I want to walk as a child of the light

I want to follow Jesus

God sent the stars to give light to the world

The star of my life is Jesus

Refrain: In Him, there is no darkness at all

The night and the day are both alike

The Lamb is the light of the city of God

Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus

[stanza 2] I want to see the brightness of God

I want to look at Jesus

Clear sun of righteousness, shine on my path And show me the way to the Father Refrain

I'm looking for the coming of Christ

I want to be with Jesus

When we have run with patience the race We shall know the joy of Jesus [Refrain ]

Songwriter: Kathleen Thomerson ELW # 815

Pastor Jason Asselstine

Associate to the Bishop, Montana Synod, ELCA

Luke 11:33-36

“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore consider whether the light in you is not darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, with no part of it in darkness, it will be as full of light as when a lamp gives you light with its rays.”

January 13

The nations shall see your vindication,

and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

that the mouth of the LORD will give.

Isaiah 62:2

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Daniel Disch, who serves Atonement Lutheran Church, in Missoula. He reflects on Isaiah 62.

Isaiah 62:1-5

Persistence is not always welcome, and indeed can be exhausting: a parent seeking services for their child with special needs, a woman advocating to not be judged or legislated for her gender, a lover seeking to lift a beloved one from despair.

People have returned from exile in this portion of Isaiah. They were promised an abundant and beautiful image of restoration, and outside intervention and funding may well have lifted their spirits. But the reality they faced was in stark contrast. The experience of return discordant with what was expected.

They struggled to re-establish homesteads and grow food for the season, much less rebuild the Temple that matched what they remembered.

What is it we have returned to? Where’s the restoration we were told about?

Where are the people in worship? Where are the kids, volunteers, fellowship, discipling, and giving?

The prophet is standing before God and the people, not simply proclaiming what God has promised but calling on God to remember and keep that promise. The revelation of God in the midst of our forsaken-ness and desolation can be a communal act of remembering, proclaiming, and interceding.

God, you aren’t done yet. Be here with us. Amen.

Pastor Daniel Disch

Atonement Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana

Isaiah 62:1-5

For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent,

and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,

until her vindication shines out like the dawn,

and her salvation like a burning torch.

The nations shall see your vindication,

and all the kings your glory;

and you shall be called by a new name

that the mouth of the LORD will give.

You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD,

and a royal diadem in the hand of your God.

You shall no more be termed Forsaken,

and your land shall no more be termed Desolate;

but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her,

and your land Married;

for the LORD delights in you,

and your land shall be married.

For as a young man marries a young woman,

so shall your builder marry you,

and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride,

so shall your God rejoice over you.

January 14

How exquisite your love, O God!

How eager we are to run under your wings.

Psalm 36:9

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Tonia Fisher, who serves St. James Lutheran Church, Columbus, Montana. I have met with her in a number of Zoom meetings this past year, and am glad to call her a colleague. She offers this reflection on the Psalm for this coming Sunday…

Psalm 36:5-10

How exquisite your love, O God!

How eager we are to run under your wings (Ps 36:9)

David begins Psalm 36 by naming wickedness and follows it with words of praise for the God who keeps wickedness at bay. As we wander through the darkness, we wonder just who is this God we worship, we pray to, we hear of, who is this God in whom we trust.

David succinctly describes for us this God to whom we sing praises.

God is exquisite love. In Him there is cause for hope; even in our sinfulness God shows His faithfulness and amazing grace. Not just to those who make it to church every Sunday, but to those who are homeless, brokenhearted, in prison, those for whom there is no justice, those without hope.

God’s love extends to all people. God is righteous, saving humans and animals alike, showing justice to all His precious creation. God calls us to seek protection under His wings. Here God feeds us at His table. Here is life-giving water. Here His light shines in the darkness, so all will know that God’s steadfast, unfailing, continuous love is theirs.

This is the God in whom we trust.

Pastor Tonia Fisher

St. James Lutheran Church, Columbus, Montana

Psalm 36:5-10

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,

your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains,

your judgments are like the great deep;

you save humans and animals alike, O LORD.

How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

All people may take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

They feast on the abundance of your house,

and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

For with you is the fountain of life;

in your light we see light.

O continue your steadfast love to those who know you,

and your salvation to the upright of heart!

January 15

I Corinthians 12:4-6

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Tammy Craker, who serves Plentywood Lutheran Church, in Plentywood, Montana.

She reflects on 1 Corinthians 12:1-11, which is the 2nd lesson for tomorrow - reminder! Worship at 8:30 and 11 tomorrow, with Sunday School between services!.

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Do you wake up each day and thank God for the gifts the Holy Spirit has given to you? Do you get out of bed excited to see how you will get to use those gifts? I’m guessing you don’t.

You have probably heard this passage from 1 Corinthians at the installation of Sunday School teachers or Church Council members. “Now there are a variety of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord....”

God gives to all God’s children a variety of gifts, even you. Even if you have trouble naming them.

If you can walk up to a stranger and say, “Hi”, that is a gift. If you can bake a cake and give it to a new neighbor, that is a gift.

In the season of Epiphany, Jesus Christ is revealed to the world as God made human and coming to dwell with us. In this season we can gain new understandings of ourselves and how we reveal God in our words and actions. Let’s start today.

Dear Lord, today show me my gifts and how I can use them to reveal your love in the world. Amen.

Pastor Tammy Craker

Plentywood Lutheran Church, Plentywood, Montana

1 Corinthians 12:1-11

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers and sisters, I do not want you to be uninformed. You know that when you were pagans, you were enticed and led astray to idols that could not speak. Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says “Let Jesus be cursed!” and no one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. To one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the discernment of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are activated by one and the same Spirit, who allots to each one individually just as the Spirit chooses.

January 16

2nd Sunday after Epiphany

Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 today with Sunday School between services.

This coming week we will be serving Lunch Together. WE NEED PEOPLE TO HELP! This is a great way to serve our neighbors.

The sign up sheet is by the top of the stairway down to the Fellowship Hall, please consider joining us...

The Prayer of the Day today is inspired by our Gospel reading, the story of the Wedding at Cana:

Lord God,

source of every blessing,

you showed forth your glory

and led many to faith

by the works of your Son, who brought

gladness and salvation to his people.

Transform us by the Spirit of his love,

that we may find our life together in him,

Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

You can find today’s liturgy click here… (the sermon will be posted some time after the service.)

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Tim Spring, who served for many years as the Campus Pastor at Montana State University in Bozeman. He now serves as a chaplain at Bozeman Health.

Tim reflects on today's Gospel text.

Blessings to you today!

Pastor Phil

Sunday, January 16, 2022

John 2:1-11

Mary, the mother of our Lord, only appears twice in the Gospel of John, at the wedding in Cana and at Jesus’ crucifixion.

Jesus’ action of changing water into wine breaks the local custom of serving the good wine first and then the inferior wine. Jesus reverses this expectation and the good wine is served last.

But in John this act is not to be taken at face value.

This, the first of Jesus’ seven signs in the Gospel is a visible manifestation of God’s presence and a symbolic revelation of Jesus’ glory, his divine origin.

Likewise, the crucifixion, which in the ancient world represented humiliation and defeat, is in John’s Gospel the victory and final manifestation of Jesus’ glory.

At the wedding, the disciples seeing with the eyes of faith, believe in Jesus. At the crucifixion, the one who bears witness to the events does so, John writes, so that those who hear may believe.

Prayer:

Gracious and generous God, open our eyes, ears, minds, and hearts to see your abundant goodness in the world and people around us and give thanks. May our hearts be filled with joy and peace. Amen

Pastor Timothy Spring

Staff Chaplain, Bozeman Health, Bozeman, Montana

January 17

Let love be genuine;

hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good;

love one another with mutual affection;

outdo one another in showing honor.

Romans 12:9-10

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Elizabeth Sillerud, who serves American Lutheran Church, in Billings. She offers a nice take on the wonderful “list” of ways we can serve God by loving our neighbor.

Romans, 12:9-21

My desk is covered in post-it notes. I love post-it notes and have them in the prettiest colors possible. My favorite part of my post-it notes is when I get to cross items off the to-do list they hold. Or even better when they get taken off my desk entirely and sent to the recycling bin. That sense of accomplishment gives me such a positive rush and propels me on to the next thing.

The text from Romans 12 can feel like another to-do list. Daunting when looked at as a whole. Overwhelming when added to the other to-do lists of life like groceries, laundry, paying bills, etc. But the rush we get when one of these actions takes place is a rush like no other.

God knows the gift of loving genuinely, of serving the Lord, showing hospitality, and weeping with those who weep. God knows that in these acts of care and service, we are fed for the next thing that is coming. We give thanks that this to-do list is constantly in front of us as a task and gift in living the Christian life.

Dear God. Let us never lag in zeal. Amen.

Romans, 12:9-21

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

January 18

Peter answered,

“You are the Christ,

the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 16:16

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor John Lund, who serves as the Campus Pastor of Emmaus Campus Ministry at the University of Montana in Missoula. I believe John has been serving at the University of Montana for over ten years now. He has been a wonderful leader at the U of M, and I consider him a great friend.

The Confession of Peter – Matthew 16:13-19

Today we get Peter’s big revelation, “You are the Messiah, Son of the Living God.” Was Peter thinking of a military overthrow? Certainly, there were calls for revolution and many hoped that Jesus was the one. However, Jesus and the disciples had been healing the sick, casting out demons, forgiving sins, giving dignity, and feeding thousands of people, including all Jewish and non-Jewish people alike. Jesus levels the hierarchy of privilege and reframes power to come through compassion, relationships, caring for the least, and lifting up the lowly.

Following Jesus in self-giving love and confronting the powers of tyranny is always dangerous. What does it mean to claim Jesus as Messiah today? What does self-giving love and confrontation look like when the occupied peoples still go missing and get murdered, when the creation cries for relief, and when the homeless and hungry fill the streets amidst unprecedented wealth? Are we willing to confront our own history, power, and privileges? Are we ready to risk, speak out, and follow Jesus on the narrow path of deep love for all people?

May Jesus’ saving power of compassion, courage, and action fill us for our time and place that we may be his people in the world.

Pastor John Lund

Emmaus Campus Ministry, Missoula, Montana

Matthew 16:13-19

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, but others Elijah, and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

January 19

The priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly,

both men and women

and all who could hear with understanding…

and the ears of all the people

were attentive to the book of the law.

Nehemiah 8:2a; 3b

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Julia Seymour, who serves Big Timber Lutheran Church, in Big Timber, Montana. She is an insightful writer / preacher who has had pieces published by our WELCA magazine, Gather, as well as the journal The Christian Century. She came to our Synod about three years ago, after serving a congregation in Alaska.

I like a preacher who can create a piece inspired by the fact that the assigned lesson skips a couple verses!

Enjoy.

Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10

The omitted verses from today’s devotional text (verses 4 and 7) contain long lists of names and are easy enough to pass over with our eyes and our minds as we read along in Nehemiah. I invite you, however, not to skip those names, but to go back and look at them.

These two verses are important because they remind us that Ezra and Nehemiah were not alone in the task of sharing, interpreting, and teaching about the law. In this emotional return from exile and reunion with the possibility of holy living, it is significant that the weighty role of leadership did not rest on just one or two people.

Many other people, in fact too many to name, were also equipped by God’s Spirit to lead the people. This is a reminder, in a couple skipped verses, that the work of spiritual leadership never rests on just one or two, but all of us are equipped in various way to help one another in the work of living in according to God’s good will.

Pastor Julia Seymour

Big Timber Lutheran Church, Big Timber, Montana

Nehemiah 8:1-10 (with 7:73)

So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel settled in their towns. When the seventh month came—the people of Israel being settled in their towns—

Chapter 8

all the people gathered together into the square before the Water Gate. They told the scribe Ezra to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had given to Israel. Accordingly, the priest Ezra brought the law before the assembly, both men and women and all who could hear with understanding. This was on the first day of the seventh month. He read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive to the book of the law. The scribe Ezra stood on a wooden platform that had been made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hash-baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam on his left hand. And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people, for he was standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God, and all the people answered, “Amen, Amen,” lifting up their hands. Then they bowed their heads and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, helped the people to understand the law, while the people remained in their places. So they read from the book, from the law of God, with interpretation. They gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading.

And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions of them to those for whom nothing is prepared, for this day is holy to our LORD; and do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

January 20

when was it?

Matthew 25:37

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Peter Erickson, who serves Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Columbia Falls, Montana.

Pete is a close friend of mine, a colleague whom I turn to often throughout the year. It is nice to “hear” from this trusted confidante, as he reflects on our Psalm for this coming Sunday, Psalm 19.

Psalm 19:7-14

Money and sugar are incredibly addictive. Maybe you can relate to spending too much energy thinking about and wanting more of each. Oftentimes we can never get enough. We expect satisfaction from such things as wealth and sweets but does it ever arrive?

Psalm 19:7-14 lists off how God’s law benefits us. It revives, gives wisdom, fills with joy, enlightens, and endures. God’s law that brings order to creation and our lives, while also pointing us to Christ for graceful forgiveness, is so good that, ideally, we desire it more than gold and honey, money and sweets.

Jesus says that all of God’s law hangs on two commandments: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). Remembering that the law, at its core, is about love is music to our ears and sweetness to our hearts.

Prayer: Thank you, God, for your law that not only brings order, keeps the world moving, protects the vulnerable, and pushes us toward your grace, but that also is thoroughly loving and deeply satisfying. Amen.

Pastor Peter Erickson

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Columbia Falls, Montana

Psalm 19:7-14

The law of the LORD is perfect,

reviving the soul;

the decrees of the LORD are sure,

making wise the simple;

the precepts of the LORD are right,

rejoicing the heart;

the commandment of the LORD is clear,

enlightening the eyes;

the fear of the LORD is pure,

enduring forever;

the ordinances of the LORD are true

and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,

even much fine gold;

sweeter also than honey,

and drippings of the honeycomb.

Moreover by them is your servant warned;

in keeping them there is great reward.

But who can detect their errors?

Clear me from hidden faults.

Keep back your servant also from the insolent;

do not let them have dominion over me.

Then I shall be blameless,

and innocent of great transgression.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

be acceptable to you,

O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

January 21

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.

I Corinthians 12:37

We hear again from Pastor Tammy Craker, who serves Plentywood Lutheran Church, in Plentywood, Montana. She reflects on our 2nd lesson for this coming Sunday, I Corinthians 12.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

I’m not sure which came first, my amazement of the workings of the human body or my love of medical TV shows. From Medical Center as a child, to Grey’s Anatomy in my adult years I have always been fascinated with the medical field.

I marvel at the inter connectedness of the human system. For instance, how limping because of a sore toe can make your back ache. God made the human body to operate way beyond our understanding. That is why doctors “practice” medicine because no one fully knows the intricate workings of our systems.

In general, we get it. We need different organs to do different tasks. Eyes to see, kidneys to flush waste; everything has a purpose.

As Christ’s body, we need people with different gifts to accomplish the calling of the church: to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ, serve people in need, and strive for justice and peace in all the world.

We may not fully understand the body of Christ any more than we understand our own bodies, but like the body, we need one another to make it work.

Healer God, help us to work together as the body of Christ. Amen.

Pastor Tammy Craker

Plentywood Lutheran Church, Plentywood, Montana

1 Corinthians 12:12-31

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.

Indeed, the body does not consist of one member but of many. If the foot would say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. And if the ear would say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” that would not make it any less a part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole body were hearing, where would the sense of smell be? But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many members, yet one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” nor again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” On the contrary, the members of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and those members of the body that we think less honorable we clothe with greater honor, and our less respectable members are treated with greater respect; whereas our more respectable members do not need this. But God has so arranged the body, giving the greater honor to the inferior member, that there may be no dissension within the body, but the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it.

Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

January 22

when was it?

Matthew 25:37

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Carol Seilhymer, who serves at First Lutheran Church, in Plains Montana. She is a “2nd career” pastor, and shares her gifts generously, serving in Northwest Montana. She reflects on our 2nd lesson for tomorrow…

1 Corinthians 12:20-31

As a working adult, I returned to college. My least favorite assignments were team presentation projects. The group would decide by consensus the various aspects of the presentation from meeting times to communication and more.

Often there was a person who missed every meeting and did not communicate with the team. Another team member was always late and the work was incomplete. It was if they were saying, “I have no need for you.” While they did not mean to make the rest of us suffer, they did.

The church is like one big class project. Each person on the team has unique gifts, which, combined with the others, makes the experience rewarding. There will be times we disagree but walking away is not the answer. As Paul points out, we all have different gifts, and the body only functions if all the parts work together.

Gracious Lord, you have blessed us with many gifts. Help us in using these gifts for the great good for our hurting world. Make us one body to serve you and each other. Amen.

Pastor Carol Seilhymer

First Lutheran Church, Plains MT

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Thompson Falls, Montana

January 23

Then he began to say to them,

"Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

Luke 4:21

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Scott Thompson, who serves Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Kalispell. We serve together on the Montana Synod Stewardship Task Force, and while we haven’t met in person, we’ve spent many hours together in Zoom meetings, and I feel like I’ve gotten to know him fairly well.

He shares a reflection on our Gospel text for this morning.

I hope to see you at worship at 8:30 or 11:00.

The service is posted on the Trinity web site - click here https://www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/3-epiphany-jan-23

The sermon will be posted after worship…

The Prayer of the Day today is:

Blessed Lord God, you have caused the holy scriptures to be written for the nourishment of your people. Grant that we may hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that, comforted by your promises, we may embrace and forever hold fast to the hope of eternal life, through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

And, now, Pastor Scott

Luke 4:14-21

This is, already in Luke, the 12th time that the Holy Spirit is identified as the one influencing people or initiating the action in the story. It seems the Spirit is in control – even of Jesus. He’s been “led by the Spirit” in the wilderness and tempted by the devil. Now, Jesus is “filled with the Holy Spirit” returning to his hometown. It’s hard to tell which was the bigger challenge for Jesus to face: the devil, or his hometown “friends.”

Indeed, the Spirit leads us into challenging situations. Mary had been challenged to bear God’s promised one and to contemplate the challenge her son would be to systems of entrenched power. Elizabeth, Zechariah, Simeon, and the Baptizer similarly faced the challenges of the world’s established systems as they responded to the Spirit’s nudge. Jesus will challenge his hometown neighbors to hear a word of good news: release to captives, sight to the blind, freedom for anyone oppressed. But it’s a good news they will be able to hear only if they can perceive their own captivity, blindness, oppression. As he says, the Spirit has led him to those who are poor (vs.18).

Are we ready to accept the challenge?

Pastor Scott Thompson

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell, Montana

Luke 4:14-21

Then Jesus, filled with the power of the Spirit, returned to Galilee, and a report about him spread through all the surrounding country. He began to teach in their synagogues and was praised by everyone. When he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, he went to the synagogue on the sabbath day, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor." And he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing."

January 24

By your endurance you will gain your souls.

Luke 21:19

We hear again from Pastor Daniel Disch, who provided the reflection almost two weeks ago. Pastor Disch serves Atonement Lutheran, in Missoula

Luke 21:10-19

Is endurance akin to resilience?

An endurance sport demands training many more hours than are spent participating in the event itself. The practice and building of endurance – mental and physical – become habitual to include times of trial. Do we pray in the Lord’s Prayer to be preserved from facing times of trial or for God to be present and centered in such times?

The apocalyptic vision in Luke of the Temple’s destruction is cause for alarm: if the symbol and “home” of God’s presence isn’t permanent, what about God? If Jesus dies, or the community of Jesus unravels, what about those things he was teaching, and doing, and calling into being?

Following Jesus is costly and contrary to the powers that be in Luke, yet Luke upholds a vision of a community that isn’t determined by structures and systems, rather the contrary. The angel comes to a young woman whose engagement and sustainable life is threatened by her divine pregnancy. Angels come to shepherds in the fields, not to kings and priests. The Holy Spirit in Acts leads to Samaritans, foreign eunuchs, and Roman soldiers… oh my.

“Practice” in us the Word himself, our wisdom, as You did in Luke’s community. Amen.

Pastor Daniel Disch

Atonement Lutheran Church, Missoula, Montana

Luke 21:10-19

Then [Jesus] said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and plagues; and there will be dreadful portents and great signs from heaven.

“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. This will give you an opportunity to testify. So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance; for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers, by relatives and friends; and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name. But not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your souls.

January 25

Now as [Paul] was going along and approaching Damascus,

suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him.

He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him,

“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”

Acts:9:3-4

A few announcements - On Sunday, January 30th, we will have our Congregational Meeting between services at 10:00 a.m.

Tomorrow, our Wednesday Noon Pastor’s Class will meet here at Trinity. We will begin looking at the book of Isaiah. Please join us…

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Anna Merritt, who serves Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, in Great Falls. Today is

Conversion of Paul – Acts 9:1-22

He stood behind his supervisor lightly tapping him on the shoulder. Our five-foot-ten intern was trying to get the attention of our six-foot- four pastor and it was not working. Eventually someone said to him, you will have to make it more obvious you need him. Get in front of him, tap him harder, or call his name loudly.

This memory came to mind as I thought about what it took for Jesus to get Saul’s attention. A blinding light that knocked him to the ground and a voice that spoke directly to him. What are you doing, Saul? Why are you persecuting me?

Saul finally heard Jesus’ message and repented. He became humble enough to not only listen but allow his companions to help him. He even went for a time without food or drink. The encounter turned him completely around. He went from persecutor to fervent supporter and apostle.

Similar to our intern years ago, is God lightly tapping on your shoulder? Perhaps it is because God has a task or call for you. Will it take a blinding light, or a moment of quiet, to hear God’s voice and respond?

Pastor Anna Merritt

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Great Falls, Montana

Acts 9:1-22

Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he was going along and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” The reply came, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But get up and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.” The men who were traveling with him stood speechless because they heard the voice but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, and though his eyes were open, he could see nothing; so they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. For three days he was without sight, and neither ate nor drank.

Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” He answered, “Here I am, Lord.” The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul. At this moment he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.”

January 26

And they glorified God because of me.

Galatians 3:24

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Jamie Schmeling, who serves Hope Lutheran Church, in Fallon, Montana.

Galatians 1:11-14

“For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.” (Gal 1:11-12)

Paul proclaims the Good News - again - to the churches throughout the region of Galatia. He writes with assurance that the Gospel he received was not given to him by any other human being. Rather, he received the “Word of God” directly from Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9).

This rings true to our Reformed Theology that “Christ alone, through grace alone, by faith alone” offers to us the gift of salvation. We cannot earn. We cannot buy it. We cannot give it to anyone. We can only receive this incredible gift.

Yet with any gift, leaving it in the wrapping does no good. The time has come for us to open it up and use it! Like Paul, let us proclaim the Good News and let God do the work of gifting others with grace and faith in Jesus.

Prayer:

Holy God, let us proclaim your love with the boldness of Paul – Amen.

Pastor Jamie Schmeling

Hope Lutheran Church, Fallon, Montana

Galatians 1:11-14

For I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel that was proclaimed by me is not of human origin; for I did not receive it from a human source, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

You have heard, no doubt, of my earlier life in Judaism. I was violently persecuting the church of God and was trying to destroy it. I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.

January 27

But the LORD said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’;

for you shall go to all to whom I send you,

and you shall speak whatever I command you.

Jeremiah 1:7

Today’s devotion is written for us by Jenny Kunka, who serves our Synod as the director of the Northern Rockies Institute of Theology. I first met Jenny when she was a counselor at Flathead Lutheran Bible Camp in the late 80’s or early 90’s. It is fun to have these sorts of connections in our Synod. Her father was a pastor in our Synod who was considered an excellent theologian.

She offers a conversation with God, inspired by our First Lesson for Sunday, the story of the call of Jeremiah to be a prophet.

Jeremiah 1:4-10

I’m not Jeremiah, Lord. I’m not a prophet.

And still you ask me to speak, through the means you’ve given. I think I know what you want me to speak. Love. The kind of love that will change me, crack me open.

Well, I’m not really up for that. I’m just a human and you realize how inept I am. I mean, you knew me before I was formed in my mother’s womb, which means you know my small judging mind, my fears that no one will like me, my ignorance. You know every weakness and still you ask me to speak?

I have to tell you, how you ask us to speak, it’s not like people around here talk. If I speak with love, they’ll laugh, or worse.

People get angry at anything you say these days. You know, they killed Martin Luther King Jr. for speaking like that. Speaking about love. Which means justice too.

Yet still you want me to speak. Want all of us to speak with your love. You put the words into the mouth of Jeremiah, your prophet. Will you put words of love into my mouth as well? When I want to speak anything but love, will you help me, Lord? To speak love.

Jenny Kunka

Director, Northern Rockies Institute of Theology, Montana Synod

Jeremiah 1:4-10

Now the word of the LORD came to me saying,

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,

and before you were born I consecrated you;

I appointed you a prophet to the nations.”

Then I said, “Ah, Lord GOD! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.”

But the LORD said to me,

“Do not say, ‘I am only a boy’;

for you shall go to all to whom I send you,

and you shall speak whatever I command you.

Do not be afraid of them,

for I am with you to deliver you,

says the LORD.”

Then the LORD put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the LORD said to me,

“Now I have put my words in your mouth.

See, today I appoint you over nations and over kingdoms,

to pluck up and to pull down,

to destroy and to overthrow,

to build and to plant.”

January 28

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

Psalm 71:1

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Jason Asselstine, who serves as our Montana Synod Associate to the Bishop. So, in other words, he is one of our pastors. Pastor Jason shares his gentle spirit and caring heart in this reflection on our Psalm for this coming Sunday.

Psalm 71:1-6

Fear and shame are powerful motivators.

Many of the decisions we make are based in some way on these negative influencers.

The writer of the 71st Psalm is no exception. Grounded in the fear of being shamed before their peers, the writer asks for God to be a place of refuge.

We still seek refuge under God’s care as the world shifts and moves beneath us. God is still present in times of trouble.

We have not made much progress over the millennia in dealing with the same old shameful accusations. Many of our own motivations are born from shame or fear.

However, one thing we can learn from the psalmist is to place our trust in God... To recognize that God’s love is greater than our fear and shame...let me say that again so that it does not get lost...God’s love is greater than our fear and shame.

This is something that we can repeat often...even daily. It is our human nature to dwell on our shortcomings, but God, and this psalm, reminds us to live in right relationship with God through trust in God’s forgiveness and grace.

Pastor Jason Asselstine

Associate to the Bishop, Montana Synod, ELCA

Psalm 71:1-6

In you, O LORD, I take refuge;

let me never be put to shame.

In your righteousness deliver me and rescue me;

incline your ear to me and save me.

Be to me a rock of refuge,

a strong fortress, to save me,

for you are my rock and my fortress.

Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked,

from the grasp of the unjust and cruel.

For you, O Lord, are my hope,

my trust, O LORD, from my youth.

Upon you I have leaned from my birth;

it was you who took me from my mother’s womb.

My praise is continually of you.

January 29

Love is patient, love is kind

I Corinthians 13:4

Today’s devotion is written for us by Marilyn Hall, who serves our synod as the Montana Synod Coaching Coordinator. She reflects on that well known chapter 13 of First Corinthians.

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Love is patient, love is kind.

It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.

It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking,

it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (1 Cor 13:4-7 NIV)

Howard Thurman wrote a poem: “The Work of Christmas”

“When the song of angels is stilled

When the star in the sky is gone

When the kings and princes are home

When the shepherds are back with their flock

The work of Christmas begins

To find the lost, to heal the broken

To feed the hungry, free the prisoners

To rebuild nations, to bring peace among brothers

To make music in the heart”

(The Mood of Christmas and Other Celebrations, By Howard Thurman, published by Friends United Press.)

How do we do this!? In a pandemic world where we are tired and becoming empty?

We remember: “...Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39 (NIV)

We remember, and we pour out our gratitude to God that this is so!

Marilyn Hall

Montana Synod Coaching Coordinator, Missoula, Montana

1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will come to an end. For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

January 30

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,

because he has anointed me

to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to let the oppressed go free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Luke 4:18-19

Worship at 8:30 and 11:00 today, with our Congregational Annual Meeting between services at 10:00 a.m.

Today’s service is posted on the Trinity web site click here…

https://www.trinitylutheransheridan.org/4-epiphany-jan-30

The sermon will be recorded this morning and posted afterwards.

Today’s devotion is written for us by Pastor Scott Thompson who serves Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Kalispell, and he serves with me on the Synod Stewardship Task Force. He reflects on the Gospel today:

Luke 4:21-30

When Jesus uses the word poor, he means, the marginal – those systematically (read: not by accident) cut off from social engagement because of poverty, yes, but also age, gender, physical defect, religious impurity, and more. In today’s world, all sorts of exclusions remain.

Jesus’ hometown “friends” praise him because, in their estimation, they, themselves, are the poor of whom their favored boy speaks when he quotes Isaiah (vs. 18). They perceive that his (very short!) sermon, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.” (vs. 21) means that good news, release, recovery, and freedom, are for them, which is true, but not exclusively.

Jesus clarifies to remind them of the times when God extended grace to outsiders, namely, a widow and her son in Sidon (1st Kings 17) and Naaman, a Syrian (2nd Kings 5) – all outsiders.

Praise turns to rage because outsiders are included. Such that they intend to throw Jesus off a nearby cliff.

Preachers today are often criticized when they talk about God’s grace extended to the poor (see first paragraph). There’s a tension in proclaiming the gospel and keeping the congregation happy. The moral: don’t preach near cliffs.

Pastor Scott Thompson

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Kalispell, Montana

Luke 4:21-30

Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth.

They said, "Is not this Joseph’s son?"

He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, ‘Doctor, cure yourself!’ And you will say, ‘Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.’"

And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian. "

When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff.

But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.

January 31

Because he himself was tested by what he suffered,

he is able to help those who are being tested.

Hebrews 2:18

Today we hear again from one of our Pastors, Jason Asselstine who serves our Synod as the Associate to the Bishop.

Hebrews 2:14-18

17 Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. 18 Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

I have been an archer my whole life. It has taken me a lifetime to learn to draw, aim and release a bow in a constant way to get the results I want. I enjoy the sport and love to teach others so that they can enjoy shooting as much as I do.

Sometimes I forget what it is like for those new to the sport to learn the basics...in order to be effective in teaching others what I know, I have to start where they are.

This was God’s plan of action, too. Jesus had to become one of us to be an effective atonement for our sins. He had to start where we are. He had to be tested in the same way we are. The power of the resurrection from the dead is grounded in the knowledge that Jesus first became one of us and was subject to death as we are...and then overcame death and the grave, not for his sake but for ours.

Pastor Jason Asselstine

Associate to the Bishop, Montana Synod, ELCA

Hebrews 2:14-18

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.