08.22.08
Posted in General Blog Post at 2:56 pm by Pastor Don
August 22, 2008
Dear Friends:
Back to school for many, isn’t it? How about you? Back to school? Here at Normandale, we’re getting ready for Sunday School (the 7th of September), Confirmation, and a host of Bible studies.
It’s all about training isn’t it? Paul writes to Timothy, “Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way.” I Timothy 4:7, 8
To be trained in “godliness”…what does that mean to you? Certainly, not that we are gods or goddesses in anyway, but we do have within us a capacity to be godlike. I recall God saying in Genesis, “Let us create humanity in our own image.” And so my challenge is everyday to grow in gentleness, self-control, patience, kindness, compassion, generosity, humility, and wisdom. That requires more than I can do strictly on my own. I do need to study. I do need to find training. I do need to learn and relearn. In my own way of thinking, I do need also to get back to school.
I invite you to get into “training for godliness.” If possible at your church, and if you don’t have a church, then consider Normandale Hylands. The classes are soon to be, the lights are on, and the coffee’s fresh. I’d love to sit with you. God’s blessing to you in your own personal “back to school.”
Your friend, Pastor Don
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08.01.08
Posted in General Blog Post at 6:40 pm by Pastor Don
Dear Friends,
As we think about bridges in Minnesota it reminded me of relationship bridges, and those that lie in bad repair due to anger and resentment. Resentment is a funny commodity. The moment you begin resenting a person, you become his/her slave. That person controls your dreams, absorbs your digestion, robs you of your peace of mind and good will, and takes away the pleasure of your work. That person ruins your religion and nullifies your prayers. You cannot take a vacation without him/her going along. He/she destroys your freedom of mind and hounds you wherever you go.
There is no way to escape the person you resent. He/she is with you when you are awake; he/she invades your privacy when you sleep. That person is close beside you when you eat, when you drive your car, and when you are on the job.
You can never have efficiency or happiness. He/she influences even the tone of your voice. He/she requires you to take medicine for indigestion, headaches, and loss of energy. That person even steals your last moments of consciousness before you go to sleep.
So, if you want to be a slave, harbor your resentment. Otherwise, pray for those who disturb you, bother you, trouble you, distress you, stress you…get the picture? Do so for your own spiritual health. Get rid of your resentment that you in turn, might draw even closer to the God who seeks to be in relationship, seeks to build bridges with you. Build a bridge and get over it.
Think about it. What are you doing to build a bridge? Come on by. Let me know. Drop me a line. Either way, the coffee’s fresh, and the lights are on.
Your friend, Pastor Don
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