Pastor David Maier - Fighting Forward!

A Mighty Word of Encouragement to a Grandson from his Grandparents

Someone asked me recently about the “Health Updates” that used to be online from when both my son Joel and I were sick.  I know that they were on a different blog with a different company and I am not sure that I will be able to get them back.  However, this individual specifically asked about the letter we published that was sent from Joel’s grandparents (my parents) to encourage him after he could not attend a family gathering.  He was, at that time, very sick from his routine of daily radiation and still had roughly three more weeks of radiation treatments which closely followed upon his successful brain tumor surgery at the University of Michigan (and preceded his year and a quarter of chemo treatments).

We still have that letter … and it is reproduced below with hopes and prayers that it will encourage anyone going through a difficult time in their life.  Notice the continual dependence upon and use of the Holy Scriptures, the inspired, powerful Word of God.  I am very thankful to God, as is Joel, that my parents wrote this letter.  May it bless you as well.

WALTER A. MAIER
12017 Westwind Drive
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46845
(260) 637-5170

November 10, 2004

Mr. Joel D. Maier
2573 Ayrshire Dr.
Lansing, Michigan 48911-6489

Dear Joel:

Greetings from Fort Wayne, and Grandma and Grandpa Maier!  We’re sorry that you weren’t able to attend yesterday’s banquet in Lansing, but grateful that you’re feeling much better after your visit to the hospital and reception of the intravenous nourishment.  The Lord be praised for this blessing!

Your not being present with your family and friends at the banquet is simply a part of the whole trial that God has permitted to come into your life at this time.  We’re sure that the questions have arisen in your mind:  “Why?” “Why me?”  This is very understandable, and we all wonder about the same thing (Why Joel?).  In our consternation it is well for you, and us all, to remember the words of Jesus, who said – and His statement is applicable also to a situation like yours – “What I am doing you do not understand now, but you will know after this,” John 13:7 (NKJV).  For the present, however, we have the magnificent assurance penned by the apostle Paul, Romans 8:28, that “All things work together for good to those who love God.”  This must be our confident trust under all circumstances, even when we cannot fathom our Heavenly Father’s dealings with us at a given troubled time.

Through your faith in our Savior Jesus, kindled already when you were baptized, you have been and are wholly righteous in God’s sight, your sins have all been forgiven.  Our Heavenly Father has loved you with an everlasting love.  Already in eternity, before there was a world and there were people populating it, He chose you to be His own dear child, His beloved son, the apple of His eye.  He determined that you would live on earth to His glory.  For this reason nothing but His goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life, and you can exult with the Psalmist David, “I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”

All of our Heavenly Father’s loving concern for you means also this, that, painful as your ordeal at times may be, God will never give you more of suffering than you are able to endure.   Therefore, never give in to the evil of discouragement.  Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:13:  “God is faithful, who will not allow you to e tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”   This is the apostle who experienced a “thorn in the flesh” (we don’t know what this serious affliction was), which the Lord saw fit not to remove from Paul.  Instead, He gave him the power to go on in his ministry despite his plaguing problem, granting him this guarantee:  “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness,” 2 Corinthians 12:9.  Paul found this divine promise to be true and declared in the following verses:  “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast of my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities … for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I an strong.”

Elsewhere Paul wrote, “I can do all things through (literally, in union with) Christ who strengthens me," Philippians 4:13.  Your faith in Jesus will enable you daily to make the same triumphant exclamation!  That loving God pledges to you:  “I will never leave you nor forsake you,” Hebrews 13:5.  Again:  “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you.  I will uphold you with My righteous right hand,” Isaiah 41:10.  Again:  “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me,” Psalm 50:15.  What mighty, blessed assurances of the Word of God!

There is one difference, we may add parenthetically, in Paul’s situation and yours.  Whereas Paul had to continue dealing with his thorn in the flesh, yours will – God granting His benediction – have a terminus in due time.  When all your treatments are finished, by His grace your health will thereafter be fully restored, with the terrible, debilitating cancer banished forever from your body.  We all give thanks to the Lord for this!

Our prayers and those of many, many other persons known and unknown to you are with you each morning and evening.

With much love,

Grandma & Grandpa

pm

The Boys Are At Camp Mak-A-Dream - June 1-8 ... Pray for Them

Joel and James have been working hard during their Big Sky Adventure summer. (It's amazing to hear about all the work they have generated - cutting trees [yes, with a chain saw], clearing land, brush piling, burning, making trails, helping cater at the Lodge in the valley [where they recently served Glenn Close].)

They have also taken a few hours and days off to have some fun. Take a look ...

(Biggest cutthroat, 3rd from the left, is 16")

Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
                    the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
                2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
                    night after night they display knowledge.

They went to Montana at the end of May because summer jobs were scarce here in mid-Michigan and because they were both selected to work as volunteer counselors during teen week at Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, MT.  Camp Mak-A-Dream is the international camp for the Mak-A-Wish Foundation. Joel had been the recipient of a "wish' from the Mak-A-Wish Foundation after his brain tumor surgery and subsequent treatment his junior year in High School. He is also currently enrolled in the Family Life Ministry program at Concordia University in Ann Arbor, concentrating in the Child Life Specialist area ... and serving at Camp Mak-A-Dream is very special to him. James, having lived through Joel's cancer treatments and my lymphoma treatments found the opportunity to serve equally exciting.

Please keep them in prayer during this week!  We look forward to seeing them soon.

A Letter to the Members of Our Savior, Family, Friends and Prayer Partners

June 29, 2009

Dear Members of Our Savior, Family, Friends and Prayer Partners,

My brother Walter shared the following verses with me in a recent encouraging email:  “I love the Lord, for He heard my voice; He heard my cry for mercy.  Because He turned His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live.”  Psalm 116:1-2 

I do love the Lord and continually thank Him for His forgiving grace and tender mercies given to me “a selfish sinner saved by grace and humbly seated at the foot of the Cross” (as my South African friend and brother in Christ Rev. Mandla Khumalo always signs his letters).  Over the last number of months I have spent time in prayer, and thank God for your prayers, regarding my nomination for the Office of President of the Michigan District.  My prayer was for God’s continuing mercy and grace to be evident in my life and the life of my family, and that His will be done regarding the nomination and the election.

This Monday morning at the Michigan District Convention in Ann Arbor I was elected as the new District President to succeed Pres. Bill Hoesman.  Any call that comes from God’s people is both a humbling and honoring experience.  This call is, perhaps, more humbling than honoring.  I sincerely ask for your continued prayers for faithful, humble, completely God-dependent service to our crucified and risen Lord and Savior, as I will officially begin to serve in this new capacity beginning October 1.

To the members of Our Savior who have been so supportive and patient with me (I was going to write “for these last few months” and realized the following truth …) during my tenure at Our Savior since my installation in early December, 1989, I am most thankful and remain humbled by your love.   You are amazing, and have been and always will be our family.  Although we will be on vacation the next number of days, you remain in our prayers and we long to be with you upon our return.

I know that the OSL Bd. of Directors, and in particular the Chairman of the Congregation, Dennis Sohn, and Chairman of the Spiritual Life Team (Elders), Alan Broskey, will look forward to informing you about the process and plans to continue uninterrupted ministry at Our Savior in the near future as well as the calling of a new Senior Pastor.  Most importantly, we should all be confident in, and dependent on, the encouraging and directive words of Jesus:  So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

The Apostle Paul’s advice in Philippians 4 is equally exciting, instructive, and assuring:   Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!   Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.   Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This was just a quick email to keep you informed and to seek your continued prayers.  May God’s peace continue to be upon us all.

Sincerely,

Pastor David P. E. Maier

PS  The Installation Service for all the elected offices in the District will tomorrow evening, June 30, at 6:30 pm in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity on the campus of Concordia University, Ann Arbor.  Synodical President, the Rev. Dr. Gerry Kieschnick, will be preaching.  You are ALL invited.  An ice cream social will follow.

NO Summer 'Slowdown' - Still Trying to Twitter

Disappointing and hard to believe that its been quite a while since I last posted an entry.  Although for many the summer brings a 'slowdown', that rarely happens for me ... and certainly NOT this summer. There have been weddings, the very detailed pursuing of a Thrivent Grant, different conferences (the Funding Conference in Frankenmuth was EXCELLENT), emergencies, counseling emergencies, deaths and funerals, places along the way where it would have been fun to post but there was no access, and now the Michigan District Convention.

I just wanted to say, I think the blog is a great way to communicate to the our Savior Congregation and other family members and friends. I really do enjoy writing and posting and have missed it. Thanks for your encouragement to blog via email, Twitter (I'm still trying to Twitter when there is a moment), and the phone. I look forward to writing some blog entries in the very near future.

Thank also you for all your prayers regarding my nomination for the Michigan District Presidency.  The election will take place sometime this morning. Join me in praying God's will be done. I know, for certain, that you don't want to do something unless God calls you to it.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.

-- PM

Being Accessible ... Can There Be Too Much?

I can hear my wife Pat ask, "Do you have to answer every phone call?"  It's not that she doesn't want me to communicate or be accessible.  It's just that it's dinner, or devotion time, or we just sat down to have a personal conversation that we haven't had in days ... weeks?  There are some priority questions here as well.

Being accessible is more than just a responsibility in the ministry, it is a key part in any position -- professional or personal -- of fostering, building, maintaining ... relationships.

To that end I recently read a blog post by one of Our Savior Lutheran School's illustrious graduates.  His name is Justin Thorp, and he works in Washington, D.C., and is intimately involved with the development of the world wide web.  Really cool stuff.

Justin recently wrote a blog post that challenged my thinking entitled, "Being Accessible..."  (The tite of the post is a hyper-link ... just click it and you will be taken to the post.)

I would like for you to read it also. 

I then want you to think about it's implications for ministry ... and family, and church, etc.

I will greatly look forward to your comments and the discussion that we might have. 

I left Justin a comment about the implications of his post for ministry, and he wrote back a very thoughtful reply that again challenged me.  Please read Justin's article ... and leave him a comment also.  He is an impressive and wonderful young man!

Blessings on your day!

PM

Following Up On the "PRIORITIES ..." Post

There are many things that distract us from our seeking God first! ... especially in this technological age.  Putting the best construction on everything ... we readily admit that God, time with God in His Word, Church, reading about God, praying, etc., is not only important to our spiritual life .. BUT OUR DAY JUST GOES BETTER WHEN HE IS #1!

But there are emails to check and answer (when it works), twits to tweet, Facebook to keep up, IM's to instantly message on, ... and Oh, yeah, the home or office phone to answer, SKYPE on your computer, cell phone calls, etc.

Communication ... presents some amazing challenges for just about everyone.  If your not careful ... the devil can be in these details.

Priorities and discipline seem to be in order.

An excellent article, rather Blog post, to read is entitled: The Tyranny of the Urgent:  An Effort at Breaking Bad Habits.  The title of the post is a hyper-link.  Just click it and it will take you directly to the post.

It is well worth the read!

Tell me what you think ... and leave a comment for the author as well.

Sincerely,

PM

Priorities ... What's FIRST is all important!

Maybe, like me, you find that often there never seems to be enough time in any given day.  There are so many things that we "need" to get done ... and then so many interruptions, diversions, or distractions.  Focus all too often unnecessarily gets shifted. 

We must remember that our heavenly Father already knows what we need (Matthew 6:32) in every area of life.  And the advice Jesus gives next is worthy of full allegiance and adherence.  But first ...

Sometimes what helps me is to do a little exercise that someone encouraged years ago.  At the END of any day just sit and write down everything you did.  EVERYTHING; every detail.  And then apply the following scale developed by Richard Foster:

    1 - Essential
    2 - Important but not essential
    3 - Helpful but not necessary
    4 - Trivial

First, thank God for how much actually did take place in your day; how much you did accomplish; how God was watching over you and leading you ... awesome!  (Yes, I know there are days when we just sort of get nothing done ...)  Even in the 'lack luster days' I think you will be amazed at ALL THE DETAILS.  But, if you are like me, you will also notice how much time you spent (using the scale above) on unnecessary and trivial things.  Normally, I also see that what I would classify as 'Essential' or 'Important' neither received the amount of time it should have nor the priority status necessary.

Such a list exposes how what we thought was important in our lives does not appear to be when closely examined.

God knows everything about us.  He knows the very number of hairs on our head ... all the way to the very number of the days that are still in our life.  He knows the details, even the trivia ... and yes, He is concerned about them.  So let God deal with it.  He is aware and He cares!

What God asks and encourages, however, is that we place Him at the top of our priority list.  Number 1!

And when we do -- through His constant influence and grace -- He promises to take care of EVERYTHING in our lives.  Matthew 6:33 assures, "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 

What is Jesus promising?  That anything/everything that is important to the support of this body and life ... is His priority.  So don't lose focus, and DON'T WORRY! ... "about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.  Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

God is asking, encouraging, motivating, nudging ... that we focus on Him first! ... not all the details that normally preoccupy our life.  Give Him your best; trust Him with the rest ... all the other small stuff in life.

Here's what I've learned ... AND AM STILL LEARNING:  when you reduce your list to one priority, one detail -- and it’s God ... drawing close to Him, spending time with Him in His Word and also in conversation (prayer) FIRST -- every other detail falls into place.  Not always right away ... but always.  God IS faithful!

May I encourage you, that where God has not been sought first in your life ... repent.  Confess it before a gracious God as sin!  Call a spade a spade.  Then, in faith, receiving the blood bought forgiveness and righteousness of Christ, live confidently, boldly, differently ... keeping Him first ... in the strength that He also supplies. 

I truly believe that if we would keep at this every day and give all the small stuff of  life over to God – we would have a clearer and more effective focus in our lives.

I'm looking forward, in union with Christ, to the privilege of keeping Him first again.

Blessings,

PM

Back to Blogging and Twittering

In the past two weeks I have been traveling alot ... and often without internet service or even cell service.   The out-west trip to Montana was fast but great and followed immediately by an up-north in Michigan trip with my accountability pastor friends.  So, after a brief hiatus from blogging and Twittering ... I hope to get in the saddle again this evening.

So thanks for your encouragement ... and patience.

PM

Dreams Come True - The Boys Head to Big Sky Country

In 1985, in what first seemed to defy reason and logic to our parents, Pat and I along with friends Tom and Jeri Arenz (met these wonderful people and friends for life on vicarage in San Francisco), were able to purchase 15+ acres in the Swan Valley in Montana. With frontage on the Swan River and views to the east of the Swan Range and to the west of the Mission Range and situated between two wilderness areas it is truly "God's country." I am fond of saying, "When you pray there, it is a local call."

We started camping there in our "L & L Bean 4 man pup-tent," but quickly outgrew that with 2 dogs, 2 children, and Pat and myself sharing the tent (in no particular order of importance). We since have camped in a cabin tent borrowed from the Youth Group (Arlington Heights, IL), a borrowed pop-up tent camper (that seemed like the Ritz Carlton compared to the pup-tent), our own pop-up tent camper purchased from the sale of two sets of black lab puppies, and finally a hard sided camp trailer.  With electricity, a well, and an outhouse with the best view in North America, it has become a place our family cherishes, especially when the Arenz's are there and other family members visit.

Early Breakfast (fresh trout and eggs) at camp.

Our children have always loved "Still Waters" (what our friends and we have named the property) and the whole camping experience ... especially the stories, laughter, and devotions around the evening camp fire (when the fire danger is low and the Forest Service permits).  The boys especially love the hiking in the valley, the fishing, the inner-tube floats down the river, the food (everything tastes better outside), the views, the sunsets, etc., etc..  From little on they've talked about living our there, working our there, whatever ... as long as it could be "out there."

Late this past Memorial Day Monday evening I returned from a quick trip out to Big Sky Country. Using a free ticket from Northwest Airlines I arrived in Missoula last Friday, was picked up by a dear friend, was given the use of their Jeep, and late afternoon began to set up camp for the boys.  I had to "shock" the well with bleach, get the outhouse "going" (no pun intended), get everything else "hooked up," and figure out a gas and electrical problem (solved in about 5 hours).

Why?  Because dreams do come true.  With a lack of decent paying summer jobs in Michigan the boys determined that they were going to go to Montana and see if they could generate some work there.  They have, with more sure to come.  Clearing land, cutting trees, piling up brush, etc., their's will be a summer of hard labor ... in God's great out doors.  They will also have a phenominal time working together, fabulous fun recreating together, and make a life time of memories.  Both Joel and James were also selected by Camp Mak-A-Dream in Gold Creek, MT, (the international camp for the Make-A-Wish Foundation) to serve as camp counselors during Teen Week, July 1-8.  What a blessing that will be for them and they will be for the kids at Camp.

Some have asked whether we are worried about the boys being out west this summer.  We trust them completely! ... but there are always concerns when using a chain saw and with the wild animals present -  grizzly bears, mountain lions, etc. (both have been seen on the property).  (The boys have also assured us that they know judo, karate, and a few other 'eastern' words, and that it is the lions and bears that should be afraid. This is NO comfort to Pat and I.) This is why we pray and commend them to God's care ... for their travels, their work safety, and their continued growth in the Lord.  We invite you to do the same ... and are already grateful for your prayers in their behalf (and ours). 

We are already looking forward to joining them for our family vacation in July.  That will be a great reunion ... with the Arenz's coming in from the state of Washington also.

Having purchased some steel-toed work boots last night and packing soon to begin, they will leave this weekend.

Big Sky Country ... here they come!

PM

EVERNOTE - Great Application

I pretty much organize my days, and especially my “To Do’s”, with lists.  Lots of lists. The problem I have is ... having a list here, there, and the next place (loose lists [paper], on my phone, on my computer, etc.)… and having the propensity to then lose the list .. hard to believe I know.

Can anyone relate?

A friend recommended that I try EVERNOTE.  It is proving to be a phenomenal application as I can make and keep all kinds of notes (written, typed, sketched and then photographed, audio; and also websites clips, photographs, etc.) on my phone or computer and then have each of them show up on any device I own that has wireless access.  I can also access these notes from any computer anywhere.

EVERNOTE has a robust sort feature allowing the filing of these notes/lists by title or tags … very easy to find.  Best of all it is free … giving you a significant amount of monthly usage (if the base free plan is not enough you can purchase more ‘space’).

I’m using these lists as I travel to Big Sky Country. I know what to buy at which store when I land in Missoula and then head up into the mountains for Memorial Day weekend. I have another list for what I need to do to get “camp” ready for the boys; another list of things I need to think about; another list for prayer …; etc.

Give EVERNOTE a try. I’d be interested in your opinion of this app … and other uses you may discover!