Proper 12

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen..

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.

Proper 11

Have you ever entered a room, maybe a convention or a party and took a deep breath knowing that you were a stranger and so were they. Strangers in a strange land.

Now contrast that with walking into a room full of your family and friends.

Quite a different feeling. A different reality.

God’s Word tells us that when Jesus went to the cross to die and take away our sin, we are now no longer strangers in a strange land. Instead we are members of the household of God.

God’s household is a household of peace, comfort and joy. Its foundation is that of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus, as the cornerstone. It is a household of certainty, of knowledge in the truth, and an assurance of salvation.

Christ’s church, your household here on earth.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.

Proper 10

Paul writes to the Ephesians:

In [Jesus] we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

Heaven and earth seem about as far apart as things can get. Things in heaven are holy. Things on earth are dirty and corrupt. Yet God’s Holy Word them united. United in the person and work of Jesus. The gifts of Jesus’ all paying sacrifice make God’s will known to you: You are united to the holiness of heaven itself in the cross of Jesus.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.

July 4

Fireworks! Explosions! Celebration! Grilling out! Family and Friends! Party!!!

Let freedom ring!

We pour much of our summer energy into celebrating this all important day for our country. Independence from someone over a distant sea ruling our land. Waving flags and banners, parades and carnivals. The victory that gives freedom.

And then we go back to our daily lives feeling as if freedom from ourselves and our addictions and bad habits and behaviors seems far away. Is the freedom given in this country enough?

No, it isn’t. But there is a greater freedom.

Paul says to the Romans “We know that our old self was crucified with (Jesus) in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. [For one who has died has been set free from sin. Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.”]

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, NE. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn.

Proper 8

The Gospel of Mark tells of two contrasting women: The first, Jairus’ daughter; young, yet near death and the second, a woman who had an ever increasing bleeding problem for twelve years. This woman trusted that she only had to touch Jesus’ cloak and she would be healed; something the doctors couldn’t accomplish over such a long period of time.

While Jesus had stopped and commended the faith of this woman, the most tragic news came. Jairus’ daughter had died.

Waiting on Jesus’ can be difficult. Sometimes it seems as if Jesus may never come or that He is already too late. But these two women of faith bear witness that Jesus always works in His time and in His chosen matter. And that always promises eternal health and eternal life.

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn

Proper 7

Jesus asleep in the stern of the boat. Up the winds did howl and the waves did break. The boat was tossed to and fro. But there slept Jesus. Seemingly oblivious to the precarious position He and the apostles were in. Wake up Jesus, don’t you know that we’re all going to die?

Now awake because of his disciples’ fear, Jesus utters only small words, “Peace.” “Be Still.”

Even the wind and waves obey even the smallest Words of Jesus.

And yes, even the winds of change and the storms of this life, whether created by your own sinfulness or those which are out of your control obey the gentle words of Jesus. “Peace.” “Be Still’ Even though there may be moments that it may seem that our Savior is sleeping in our lives, know that these words are for you, “Peace.” “Be Still.”

These Seeds of Faith have been sown by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Bridgeport, Nebraska. I’m Pastor Allen Strawn