Finally! I get some feedback on a blog! I thought I was all alone out there in cyberspace.
Interesting that all those comments had nothing to do with Christ Lutheran or the Bible or the sermon but with a high profile media person whose confession was heard by millions. It's only appropriate, then, that this coming Sunday we turn our attention to another high profile confession.
While the Prodigal Son's confession to his father was intensely personal, I suspect that more people throughout the ages are familiar with his fall from grace than with Tiger's. Was it sincere or did he play on the kind heart of his father? Did he expect any consequences or did he assume he would be received with open arms? Would others rejoice with him or would they stand off to the side with crossed arms like the elder brother and pick it apart word by word?
This Sunday we are going to look at the lost art of confession. From David writing, "Against you and you only have I sinned and done that which is evil in your sight," to the Prodigal Son, "I have sinned again you and heaven. I am not worthy to be called your son," confession has been at the heart of our Christian faith. As I craft the sermon on Sunday, I'm wondering if that heart has been removed. I fear that we have become the people whom Jeremiah 6:15 describes, "They did not even know how to blush."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
I just finished watching Tiger Woods' public statement.
Before the pundits and sports announcers give their opinions, before Jay Leno and David Letterman take their jabs, and before I discuss this with anyone else, let me tell you what I thought.
Bravo, Tiger!
As the father of a son who is an avid golfer and who has written probably a half a dozen book reports and prompts on Tiger, I was deeply disappointed by the fall of my son's idol. We had several talks about it. Nathan kind of wrote Tiger off.
I recorded Tiger's apology for Nathan to see. I thought it was well done. It was from the heart, full of remorse, detailed enough to take full responsibility yet did not reveal the unnecessary details. He correctly shielded the details of his family matters from the press. They (we) don't need to know them. But he did specifically and repeatedly talk about his own failures and asked for forgiveness. It was not about golf. It was about rebuilding his life as a man of integrity.
Tiger taught Nathan much about the love of golf. Today he taught him an even better lesson--how to be a man who takes responsibility for his faults, protects his family and corrects the wrongs in his life.
Well done, Tiger.
Before the pundits and sports announcers give their opinions, before Jay Leno and David Letterman take their jabs, and before I discuss this with anyone else, let me tell you what I thought.
Bravo, Tiger!
As the father of a son who is an avid golfer and who has written probably a half a dozen book reports and prompts on Tiger, I was deeply disappointed by the fall of my son's idol. We had several talks about it. Nathan kind of wrote Tiger off.
I recorded Tiger's apology for Nathan to see. I thought it was well done. It was from the heart, full of remorse, detailed enough to take full responsibility yet did not reveal the unnecessary details. He correctly shielded the details of his family matters from the press. They (we) don't need to know them. But he did specifically and repeatedly talk about his own failures and asked for forgiveness. It was not about golf. It was about rebuilding his life as a man of integrity.
Tiger taught Nathan much about the love of golf. Today he taught him an even better lesson--how to be a man who takes responsibility for his faults, protects his family and corrects the wrongs in his life.
Well done, Tiger.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
A quick request.
I'm having more and more conversations with people who have lost jobs than ever before. I don't know how to hook up those look for work and those looking for employees effectively. I don't want to turn the newsletter into a help wanted classified. And if I put together something on our web site, I am somehow endorsing either the employee or employer, no matter how many legal disclaimers I add.
I've got two families that need jobs, not hand-outs. Probably something entry level such as an office assistant, receptionist, or secretary. I'm not looking for a guarantee--only an opportunity for her to apply and then get it or not on her own merit.
Have anything? Contact me at my e-mail, suskovic@christelca.org. If we are a family of believers, at least we can point in the right direction those who are trying to help themselves. I'll keep everything confidential.
Thanks. . .
I'm having more and more conversations with people who have lost jobs than ever before. I don't know how to hook up those look for work and those looking for employees effectively. I don't want to turn the newsletter into a help wanted classified. And if I put together something on our web site, I am somehow endorsing either the employee or employer, no matter how many legal disclaimers I add.
I've got two families that need jobs, not hand-outs. Probably something entry level such as an office assistant, receptionist, or secretary. I'm not looking for a guarantee--only an opportunity for her to apply and then get it or not on her own merit.
Have anything? Contact me at my e-mail, suskovic@christelca.org. If we are a family of believers, at least we can point in the right direction those who are trying to help themselves. I'll keep everything confidential.
Thanks. . .
Friday, February 12, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
The Prodigal Son.
It's one of Jesus' most famous parables. As you read that story, with whom do you identify? The rebellious, younger son who turned his back on his family only to crash and burn? The elder, responsible son who did everything right and lives with resentment because he is never fully appreciated? The father, who tries to make peace by welcoming the wayward son while acknowleding the responsible one?
I want to encourage you in the next week to pick up Henri Nouwen's book, The Return of the Prodigal. We have it in our bookstore or go to Amazon. Beginning with the first Sunday of Lent, February 21, we will use this book for the next six weeks as our focal point in worship.
Or better yet, find a couple of friends to gather over coffee regularly for the next six weeks to talk through this book. I believe you will be amazed to discover that this parable is like a window, reflecting our own lives in each of the three characters of this parable.
One person said, "I read a lot of books but the Bible is the only book that reads me." So true. And no where is that more evident than in this revealing parable.
It's one of Jesus' most famous parables. As you read that story, with whom do you identify? The rebellious, younger son who turned his back on his family only to crash and burn? The elder, responsible son who did everything right and lives with resentment because he is never fully appreciated? The father, who tries to make peace by welcoming the wayward son while acknowleding the responsible one?
I want to encourage you in the next week to pick up Henri Nouwen's book, The Return of the Prodigal. We have it in our bookstore or go to Amazon. Beginning with the first Sunday of Lent, February 21, we will use this book for the next six weeks as our focal point in worship.
Or better yet, find a couple of friends to gather over coffee regularly for the next six weeks to talk through this book. I believe you will be amazed to discover that this parable is like a window, reflecting our own lives in each of the three characters of this parable.
One person said, "I read a lot of books but the Bible is the only book that reads me." So true. And no where is that more evident than in this revealing parable.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
If you could have seen them nine years ago, you would know that you've witnessed a miracle.
The Gypsy Choir performed here on Sunday at all three services. It is always a joy of mine to see them again. I know these kids. I've seen their lives transformed. I know how far they've come.
I'm afraid that when people hear about their hard living condition, they might think about some rough parts of Charlotte and how difficult life must be. Believe me, there is nothing in Charlotte that comes close to what these kids experienced daily nine years ago. Shanty homes, no running water, never been to school, begging on the streets, sleeping in the tunnels and living with daily abuse.
We've come a long way with them over these nine years--with much more to be done. Interested in joining me on a mission trip from June 27-July 4? Give me a call or send me an e-mail (suskovic@christelca.org) and I would love to share with you this great experience. OIr come to one of the informational meetings--Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 or Sunday, February 14 at 12:30. Both will be held in the Adult Library.
Also, a big thank you to CLC. Your offerings to The Smiles Foundation amounted to over $5,500.00. That's great.
"As you did it to the least of these, you did it unto me."
The Gypsy Choir performed here on Sunday at all three services. It is always a joy of mine to see them again. I know these kids. I've seen their lives transformed. I know how far they've come.
I'm afraid that when people hear about their hard living condition, they might think about some rough parts of Charlotte and how difficult life must be. Believe me, there is nothing in Charlotte that comes close to what these kids experienced daily nine years ago. Shanty homes, no running water, never been to school, begging on the streets, sleeping in the tunnels and living with daily abuse.
We've come a long way with them over these nine years--with much more to be done. Interested in joining me on a mission trip from June 27-July 4? Give me a call or send me an e-mail (suskovic@christelca.org) and I would love to share with you this great experience. OIr come to one of the informational meetings--Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30 or Sunday, February 14 at 12:30. Both will be held in the Adult Library.
Also, a big thank you to CLC. Your offerings to The Smiles Foundation amounted to over $5,500.00. That's great.
"As you did it to the least of these, you did it unto me."
Friday, February 5, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
"Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content." (Philippians 4:11)
What a horrible, no-good, very bad day today (Friday). It's cold. It's raining. It's miserable.
And yet when I experience a day like this, I think of a story I heard years ago about a guy jumping into a taxi in New York on such a rainy, cold day. He slammed the back door shut and said, "What a horrible day!" The driver, in a thick accent, said, "I think it is a good day."
"A good day? How can you say that?" demanded the passenger.
The driver replied, "I came from Ethiopia where between the war and famine, most of family died. I managed to escape with my wife and two of my four children. I came to America. I now have a job. I can feed my family, clothe them, house them. I know that they are safe when I am at work. Doesn't matter the weather, today is a good day."
Paul thought the same. He wrote Philippians from a cold, dark, wet prison cell while awaiting his execution for proclaiming the Gospel. And instead of grumbling, he writes, "I have learned to be content. . ."
What a rare gift it is to be content.
How about you? Is it a good day or a bad day? Don't look to the weather for an answer.
What a horrible, no-good, very bad day today (Friday). It's cold. It's raining. It's miserable.
And yet when I experience a day like this, I think of a story I heard years ago about a guy jumping into a taxi in New York on such a rainy, cold day. He slammed the back door shut and said, "What a horrible day!" The driver, in a thick accent, said, "I think it is a good day."
"A good day? How can you say that?" demanded the passenger.
The driver replied, "I came from Ethiopia where between the war and famine, most of family died. I managed to escape with my wife and two of my four children. I came to America. I now have a job. I can feed my family, clothe them, house them. I know that they are safe when I am at work. Doesn't matter the weather, today is a good day."
Paul thought the same. He wrote Philippians from a cold, dark, wet prison cell while awaiting his execution for proclaiming the Gospel. And instead of grumbling, he writes, "I have learned to be content. . ."
What a rare gift it is to be content.
How about you? Is it a good day or a bad day? Don't look to the weather for an answer.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
The Gypsy Choir from Romania is coming!
At all three services this coming Sunday, February 7, we will hear the Gypsy Choir sing, dance and give their testimonies. Since 2001, Christ Lutheran has been a significant financial and volunteer sponsor of The Smiles Foundation working near Oradea, Romania. Since that time, we have seen these very children go from living in squalor, begging in the streets and growing up without any formal education to living with hope and smiles!
The Gypsies in Romania are an outcast society. Forced to live in the worst, deplorable conditions, their future has little hope for improvement. They are not offered employment, scorned from society and unwelcomed in the public schools.
Over the past nine years, The Smiles Foundation has provided housing, three schools, medical and dental care, food and as of last year a chapel. Christ Lutheran provides the salary for the pastor to care for this congregation.
Because of the work of Smiles, these children have a future--not just in Romania but a future in the Kingdom of God. I invite you to join us on February 7 to hear and celebrate what God is doing in Romania, a former communist, atheist country now open to the Word of God.
And listen. Listen to see if God is calling you to join me this summer (June 27-July 4) for a life-changing mission trip to Romania.
At all three services this coming Sunday, February 7, we will hear the Gypsy Choir sing, dance and give their testimonies. Since 2001, Christ Lutheran has been a significant financial and volunteer sponsor of The Smiles Foundation working near Oradea, Romania. Since that time, we have seen these very children go from living in squalor, begging in the streets and growing up without any formal education to living with hope and smiles!
The Gypsies in Romania are an outcast society. Forced to live in the worst, deplorable conditions, their future has little hope for improvement. They are not offered employment, scorned from society and unwelcomed in the public schools.
Over the past nine years, The Smiles Foundation has provided housing, three schools, medical and dental care, food and as of last year a chapel. Christ Lutheran provides the salary for the pastor to care for this congregation.
Because of the work of Smiles, these children have a future--not just in Romania but a future in the Kingdom of God. I invite you to join us on February 7 to hear and celebrate what God is doing in Romania, a former communist, atheist country now open to the Word of God.
And listen. Listen to see if God is calling you to join me this summer (June 27-July 4) for a life-changing mission trip to Romania.
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