Pastor David Maier - Fighting Forward!

THANK YOU! ... For the 25th Anniversary Celebration of My Ordination

THANK YOU … to ALL of you who made last Sunday (January 13), the 25th Anniversary Celebration of my Ordination into the Ministry, such a personal, deeply moving, most enjoyable day ... for Pat, our family, and myself!

• The brief video shared in the sanctuary capturing some of the special moments of the last 25 years was amazing … a true testimony to God’s faithfulness and a “tear jerker”.

• The school children’s creativity in filling one of the letters for the word AWESOME (perhaps my favorite word) … and then placing them in the gym … was, well, AWESOME!

• The many cards that were given at Church or received through the mail and the encouraging and loving sentiments that were expressed in the cards and in the greeting lines, were greatly appreciated!

• The phone calls and visits that made for an exciting number of days.  Thank you.

• Thank you for the flowers for Pat and remembering and honoring her.  She also, as you know, is AWESOME.

• We are grateful for the thoughtful gift of dinner out … and a night in … at The Old English Inn for Pat and myself is being greatly anticipated … and we wonder if we might not be able to coordinate that with the additional generous gift of an evening at the Wharton Center for a show of our choosing.

• Thank you also for the many other gifts that were given by individuals and families.  They were humbly received with gratitude and as a reminder of God’s continuing gift of grace … also undeserved ... but gratefully received.

Prayer and Healing Service at OSL, January 23, at 6:30 PM

This Wednesday we begin what I pray will become a blessed tradition at Our Savior Lutheran Church and School:  a regularly scheduled Prayer and Healing Service to be held at 6:30 pm.  The purpose for this service is to gather together as God’s people and to pray for those who need any kind of emotional or physical healing.  Anointing with oil by the Pastors and elders will be available as mentioned in this encouraging passage from James 5:  13 Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Expectations ... or FAITH? Matthew 11:2-15

The message on Sunday, December 16, will be delving into the Gospel lesson, Matthew 11:2-15.  The title of the message is "When the Season / Life / GOD ... Doesn't Meet Our Expectations."  The title/theme for this weeks teaching does express a progressions that many of us have faced ... and grew out of what many of our members (that I encountered this week) are experiencing:  "This is not what I had planned for the holidays;" or "Who ever would have guessed that my life would have taken this turn ... or ended up like this!"  In most cases, there was a nagging suspicion ... though hesitantly whispered or perhaps never verbalized ... that God wasn't living up to ... well, expectations.  Our expectations!

What inevitably follows such conversations are feelings of guilt that we would question God ... or doubt Him.  God never wants us to doubt Him, that's true.  But I believe He always encourages questions ... and  a seeking for answers.

That's what we find happening in Matthew 11:2-15.  John the Baptist - the faithful forerunner of Christ - is in prison.  Things aren't going so well for him.  I don't think he minds that as much as he questions what Jesus is doing. 

At the Jordan River John the Baptizer was absolutely sure that this Jesus who came to be baptized by him, the one whose sandals he was not worthy to unloose, was the Messiah.  John's confidence seemed to be an unshakable consequence of his faith.  In reality, though, John's expectations about who the Messiah was, what the Messiah would so, and how the Messiah would go about it ... are what fueled his confidence.  In other words, his expectations and not his faith built his confidence.

While he was in prison, what John was hearing about what Jesus was doing did not seem to match John's expectations for the Messiah, the Christ.  Its possible that John might have begun to think he was having a crisis of faith when in fact he was having a conflict between his expectations and the reality of Jesus.

This kind of conflict between expectations and reality happens all the time.  And we should ask questions.  That's OK.  But, we should also seek answers - as did John -  from Jesus.

Jesus pointed John to the Word of God ... and to its fulfillment in what He was doing.  He would do the same for us.  As far as the clash between expectations and reality goes, we have one, maybe two, major difference(s) with John in this situation.

• John was in prison; but we are free and have the opportunity, privilege, and responsibility to diligent examine the Scriptures to discover, experience, and live in the freedom of truth; and secondly ...
• We live on this side of the cross and open tomb.  We know how THE STORY ends ... and that by grace, we have already been included in the victory parade.

So when your expectations are not met, and you are discouraged, disappointed, dejected, or even depressed, remember that your faith and life are to be built on Jesus, the Christ - Who is with us, and upon His Word and promises - which never fail.

In the kind embrace of the Savior, we will discover that our experience of His presence - in the Word, in the Lord's Supper, in our lives - and the reality of His promises far exceed any of our expectations.

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen.  Ephesians 3:20, 21

God bless ... and I will look forward to seeing you on Sunday for ... the rest of the story.

Pastor David Maier

BLESSED! ... but Not with Technological Savy

If you've come to my BLOG over the last number of months you will have made two discoveries: 

* I have not regularly kept up on my BLOG ...

* This current BLOG, if you've read carefully, is from some time ago.  What gives? 

Let me deal with the second discovery first ... and I will attempt to keep this short.  I have not been endowed with great technological savy.  Many at the church would question that statement and rather say,  "He has none!" or "Actually, he is technologically cursed."  What they mean is, if something could go wrong ... my cell phone not work or exhibit behaviors that no one else has ever witnessed; my computer or its accompanying programs like email or internet access, etc.,  having often been unruly at best ... also behaviors that are un-understandable by "the experts," accept for the above explanation. 

Well, in an attempt to update my former blog on the Our Savior Server, some how I, and even those coaching me, made "inaccessible" (for the time being) my BLOG.  Interestingly, I have recieved emails and calls about it ... because apparently a number of people have used it ... especially the Health Updates ... to give others enouragement.  That is gratifying!  Making it inaccessible (for the time being) is not.

Hence, the resurrection (good biblical word and appropriate usage) of my old BLOG - Pastor David Maier - Fighting Forward.  This BLOG will be the one that I will be using now and in the future!  Apparently, the way it is is set up and where it is located, will be easier to maintain, and I don't think it will be too much more difficult to use.  Also, there are folks working to discover how to retrieve my last BLOG so that it can somehow be attached to this one ... or at least parts of it can be reproduced on this BLOG in some way.

As far as the first discovery, I sincerely hope and pray that that changes ... and that I will become more consistent.  The reasons that it should be more consistent ... so much is going on at Our Savior and in my life ... are the same reasons that, at least up until this time, have prevented me from becoming more regular:  there is so much going on at Our Savior with the building of our new campus, covering for staff members who are sick (as they did for me when I was sick), MINISTRY, and then the numerous personal and family issues that all of you also wrestle with.  It's also one of those head game things ... once I begin, I want to be consistent ... and I want to do it well.

Primarily, this is a BLOG entry to get rid of the confusion that has existed because my former BLOD disappeared ... and because of the old entries, at least up to this point, that existed on this BLOG.  I believe that my next two entries on this BLOG will deal with a brief overview of this Sunday's (December 16) sermon and then I will also give a health update.

Blessings ... to you all, especially in this Holiday Season!! ... and thanks for reading.

Pastor David Maier       

New Year – New Bible Class: Ephesians

Although advertised as Ephesians and Philippians … when we finally sat down and looked at the time constraints (the Class which begins Jan.7 and will end on Feb.25 with one interruption on Feb.4 for a special Church Fund Raising Breakfast for a member in need … More to come on that later …) we only have 7 Sundays to study the material.  Consequently … we will just be looking at the Book of Ephesians, and even then just concentrating on a few of the highlights of each chapter from this great book.  (We will save Philippians for a separate study.)

Special attention will be given to the discussion that should take place, and is invited, in the class.  The Scriptures were not written as mere theological proposition, but as life changing truth used by the Holy Spirit.  So how does this inspired Word by the Holy Spirit given through the Apostle Paul affect us today?  Why discuss the teaching of predestination or election?  What’s the point of Paul describing God’s love in terms of measurements, and what’s the big deal about a wall being broken down?  What other practical advice is given for all Christians regarding every day living?  Can I really use it?  Does it really work?  What about the husband wife relationship? Why Paul’s comments to slaves in Chapter six, and how important is it to use the Christian armor that is described?  Who are we fighting today?  How useable is Paul’s advice?

I look forward to sharing with you … but also to you sharing with the group that gathers in Jesus Name.

Christmas Traditions … Rocky Balboa?

Over the Christmas break I sure that our family will carry on a tradition that’s existed since our youngest was able to sit still … either in Pat’s arms or between favorite siblings, with popcorn or a sweet treat of some kind … and go to a movie.  The movies we have seen have usually been Christmas related … The Santa Clause, The Family Man, Jack Frost, Polar Express, etc.  (During Christmas breaks … I’ve also had the honor of going out over the years with my older children to a movie of their choice (Vertical Limit; a James Bond flick, etc.) … sometimes even being invited to join a group of their friends in doing so.) 

I’m not quite sure what movies I will see this Christmas break … but one that has caught my interest is Rocky Balboa.  Of course I’ve seen a number of the previous

Rockies

, and enjoyed some of them, especially the first and third in the series (I think there have been five).  But this one, some 30 years after the first movie, what can if offer?  What appeals to me this time?

I think that it is far more than that an older guy can get in shape (although that is encouraging to me, and hopefully inspiring as well, having received my AARP card about 2 months ago).  Although I don’t know the full storyline … the four words that are used to advertise the movie appeal to my inner spirit: 

Courage      Integrity      Faith      Victory

Some of the quotes from interviews with Sylvester Stallone regarding the movie intrigue me even more, and seem to indicate that a change has occurred in his life and he is a Christ follower.  Could that be?  Could Sylvester Stallone be a Christian?  Listen to some of his and “Rockie’s” quotes …

·      It ain’t about how hard you hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.

·        “No matter what, you can overcome your past," he said. "With help, if you look to God, you can overcome your past and be reborn."

·        “There’s a point where the body stops and inner strength begins.  It really begins from the soul – from God.” 

·        "The more I go to church," he said, "and the more I turn myself over to the process of believing in Jesus and listening to His Word and having Him guide my hand, I feel as though the pressure is off me now."

And making the analogy between physical and spiritual fitness ...

·        "You need to have the expertise and the guidance of someone else. You cannot train yourself," he said. "I feel the same way about Christianity and about what the church is: The church is the gym of the soul."

The “gym of the soul”.  Church viewed as “the gym of the soul.”  I like that … and that is probably something I will comment on later.

Until I’m done with my Christmas / New Year’s season sermons, I won’t be able to see the movie.  But I am looking forward to it … and hope I will not be disappointed.

Tell me what you think if you see it … or give any other recommendations for our tradition.

Youth Ministry at Our Savior Church, Lansing, MI

Over the past year TJ Wulff has been an incredible asset to the spiritual growth and maturing of our youth here at OSL.  From summer outings to Wednesday evening “highs and lows” and a topical discussion … addictions, dating, how to say to your boyfriend or girlfriend that your not comfortable with how the relationship is going, honoring your parents, etc. … TJ, a young man studying for his Masters at MSU in Social Work and Counseling, has given some incredible insights, encouragements, and some stability to our High School Youth Ministry.

With some changes and schedule, approaching marriage in June, and time marching on I am thrilled to share that Mrs. Sherry Burmeister will soon be taking the lead as the OSL Youth Ministry Director.  She will not only be overseeing the coordination of the Jr. High, Sr. High, and College Ministries, but will take over the direct leadership of the High School Ministry.  We are also incredibly thankful for the help of Sara Bennington, and OSL member and alum of Our Savior Lutheran School.

Sherry brings with her and awesome heart for kids to know Jesus, excited willingness, committed availability, and dedication to Christ and the OSL ministries.  She has raised 4 boys with her husband Bill and they are growing, productive, members of various LC-MS congregations – with two still her at OSL. 

Can’t wait to see how the OSL Youth Ministry continues to expand and mature.  Welcome Sherry!!

OSL School Children’s Christmas Service -

Quick Take … If you even needed a reason to check out sending your children to a

Lutheran

Day School

… come to the Dress Rehearsal next Wednesday, December 20 at 1 pm, or the real deal at 6:30 pm that night.

Why?

I had the opportunity to walk through our Sanctuary the other day … and caught the kids practicing, get ready for, the Christmas Service / Program that they will be leading on Wednesday evening December 20.  The excitement that pervaded the Sanctuary, the special music, little kids looking up in awe at big kids (thinking what it will be like when they are in the Jr. High, I imagine) and Christ being celebrated freely, festively, phenomenally … was inspiring to me. 

The kids were sincerely involved in knowing that this service would have a message, not only for the grandparents and other family members and friends that will be coming, but also for them.  God loves them and brings them incredible hope.  If its anything like in the past … this is a message that they will remember all of their lives as they drift back in their memories of School Children’s Christmas services at Our Savior.

We have this awesome faculty that loves these kids, and prays for them, and makes sure they have the message of salvation straight while giving them the very best of academics, music and sports … and what I saw will impact them, me, and all who see “Christmas at Hope Central.”

HEART CHECK: 2. A Generous Heart

The sermon for this Sunday, November 12, will examine 2 Corinthians 8:1-15.  It is the beginning of a rather unique section of Scripture.  Rarely does the Apostle Paul, or any Scripture writer, spend more than a few verses – maybe half a chapter – on a particular topic.  In Romans 9-11 Paul does take three chapters to explain his heart and detail what happened to his countrymen – the Jewish nation – if in fact all along they had God’s promises, and His past deliverances, and ancestors who had been greatly blessed by God.  A fascinating three chapters in deed.  But in 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 – a two chapter section – Paul talks about financial stewardship.  We can learn so much from what he has to say. 

Last week, looking at Malachi 3:6-18 we examined that the law of the tithe was really a matter of the heart, more than it was about a particular percentage.  More than ever in the New Testament, giving is still a matter of the heart … do we believe, and do we act on what we say we believe … a heart check … and a gut check … and a faith check. 

Paul in 2 Corinthians 8 wants to inspire his Chrsitian readers. And he does so through the example of others. I mean I’m inspired to read more when I talk to folks that being changed by their reading.  I’m inspired to exercise when I see the results of those who are exercising.   Paul basically says, “Look what they did … the “they” be the Macedonians.

• To know who they were …
• To understand their circumstances …
• To know what they asked (begged) to do, and then did, for their fellow Christ followers in

  Jerusalem

  …
• To see how they were blessed later …

is truly inspiring. 

Then Paul adds chapter 9 to give the spiritual framework behind what was taking place.  If you will, he is again “planting seeds” … knowing the rich harvest it will bring.

Bottom line:  Aren’t we glad we don’t live in the Old Testament and have to drag and animal every week to the temple.  How much more thankful and generous should we be … and blessed will we be … as N T followers of Christ who live on this side of the cross.

I pray that like the Macedonians who were held up as an example … we too “will excel in this grace of giving.”

Come and be inspired!

Join the GREAT ADVENTURE!

Our Savior Lutheran has had the blessing of celebrating its 50^th Anniversary over the past 3 months, specifically on three particular Sundays.  Our first anniversary service was held on September 24 and especially celebrated our charter members.  I believe that more than 50% of the known living charter members were present for this service.  It’s amazing to realize what they went through in leaving the comfort of an established church so that they could begin a new church with a school.  A Christian education for their children, for all children, was so vital for them.  It should be for us as well.  Although this service recognized the God’s past blessing, it also celebrated God’s continuing work from OSL’s inception up to the present day.  The foundation laid continues to be built upon.

Our second anniversary service on October 29, especially celebrated our Christian Day School Ministry.  Past principals, teachers, and students were invited.  It was again a blessing to see so many people conversing that had not seen each other in years.  The lasting fellowship that a Christian school creates is almost incomparable with anything else.  We were thankful and blessed to have Rev. Timothy Bickel as our preacher, a student who had gone through all the grades of our school.  Tom Schroeder, another graduated of our school, was our guest organist.  A highlight of the service was having various groups of people stand:  those who had been or are OSL Principals; staff; cooks; students.  People who had been baptized, confirmed, or married at OSL.  God has done a mighty work at OSL … already. To Him be the glory now and forever more.