Reflecting God's Light
David Dahl
“Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” John 5:24
The above Scripture passage is part of a trial scene recorded by John. Jesus has been identified as a public menace – accused of “healing on the Sabbath.” For that, He stands guilty on two counts: He restored a man who could not walk for 38 years, AND He commanded him to take up his mat and go home (John 5:8).
But pay attention. When Jesus is placed on trial, the crazy nature of human sin is unmasked. The most educated people are completely convinced they are defending everything good and life-giving. Jesus unmasks their intentions revealing that it is their hearts that are filled with death.
This sounds like the morning news: A responsible citizen has brought healing to a suffering neighbor, But public leaders redefine the circumstances and judge this citizen as guilty of abuse.
This is the chilling nature of our human condition. Without God’s help, the most educated people cannot tell the truth from a lie. I’ll sum it up in the words of C. P. Snow, an English chemist who also wrote a novel or two: “Civilization is hideously fragile... there’s not much between us and the Horrors underneath, just about a coat of varnish.”
Humanity left on its own is bent on death. For as smart and skilled as we are, you and I cannot save ourselves. In fact, strip away some of what keeps us stable – our financial security, our health – or for me, something as simple as a bowl of breakfast cereal slipping through my fingers and dropping on the floor – and we quickly become our own worst enemy.
So, what can be done? How can death become life? Two simple things: Hear the Word of God and live it. “Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgment, but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)
This is the time of year we pledge again to live out the Word of God in how we live. Blessing backpacks, installing Sunday School teachers, distributing Bibles, starting new Bible studies, praying for our kids . . . We ask God’s guidance and blessing on our little efforts to faithfully raise the next generation and join in God’s mission to save the human race one touch at a time. Join us in this effort. Encourage a teacher, help a child, deepen your walk with Jesus and love your neighbor.
We as devoted followers of Christ are the only hope for a world that is bent on killing itself. You and I have a job to do, and it is our aim as Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and our responsibility in God’s sight to equip you to serve fully in the capacity that God has given you.
Our world is troubled. But we can do something. We can reflect God’s light into the darkness.
"I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living." Psalm 27:13
25 Now to God who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but is now disclosed, and through the prophetic writings is made known to all the Gentiles, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27) On July 11th of this year, we celebrated the anniversary of our chartering as a church. We are walking into our 80th year as a family of faith! In the above Scripture passage, Paul points us to the glory and beauty of God. Even in the midst of beatings and imprisonments, Paul experienced the amazing Glory of God. Paul unfolded all of the ways this is taking place – · that in Jesus Christ, God is showing the Jews that He is faithful to fulfill every promise to their forefathers, · and in Jesus, God is showing the Gentiles – of which we are a part – that He is drawing those farthest from Him into His kingdom, being generous in mercy and claiming them as His children. Therefore God is bringing together the Jews –to whom He gave His promises and the Gentiles – those who are objects of His mercy, into the family of His unconquerable kingdom where we do not live by the lies the culture tells, where men and women know who they are in Christ, who raise their children to look to their Creator in discovering who they are, and where the strong are to deal gently with the weak. Glory be to God. The result is salvation and shalom – wholeness. Whole people, whole families, whole communities – to the Glory of God. “Gloria Dei” means “Glory to God”. Our name reflects the attitude that is at our foundation. Christ is our cornerstone. Everything we do springs from Him! In the early documents of Gloria Dei, repeated are expressions like, “Glory to God for sustaining us for another year.” “Glory to God for growing us beyond our current building’s capacity.” At the end of 1963, it was apparent that they had experienced frustrations in their desire for a larger facility. President Chris Stefferud placed the concern in these words, “In our effort to build a larger sanctuary, we must not forget that our first and primary goal is to save the souls of men.” Then at the annual meeting of 1965, after experiencing God opening doors to the construction of this facility, they moved to officially change the name from American Lutheran Church to “Gloria Dei.” Glory to God. As Paul closed his letter to the Romans, he instructed them to fully embrace God’s power and presence – to embrace His glory and step up and push forward. That has been your attitude as a family of faith from the beginning. It’s time to take up that attitude again in these unsteady times. Glory be to God! Living to the glory of God comes in the moments you are looked to for know-how and for guidance and for leadership. You may say, “I’m not up to this, but I know God is.” And you step up to the plate. · Living to the Glory of God is being bold enough to say that the skill that I bring to the table comes from God. · The sensitivity and the wisdom that I bring comes from God. · The solution to the problem has come from God. Whatever impact I have is because of God. The glory is His. Gloria Dei. That is how I live. Something deep in your soul is saying to you: I was made for this — to behold the glory of God and to become a glorious, God-reflecting person. Gloria Dei. Glory to God. That is how we live. Today – this moment – is when the challenge of life meets the faith that God has poured into you, and by God’s grace you are given the strength to meet the challenge. That is Gloria Dei. That is how you live. Now to God who is able to strengthen you through Christ, and open mysteries to you, who is actively saving the human race by bringing them to obedience to Him, to the only wise God, be the glory forever! Amen.
Built on the Rock
Let Your Light Shine Before Others. -Matthew 5:16
Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31).
June has a way of sneaking up on us, doesn’t it? One minute we’re digging out from winter and racing through spring schedules, and the next we’re staring at calendars full of vacations, cookouts, family visits, and hopefully a little time to breathe. Summer brings a different rhythm with longer days, later sunsets, and maybe even a few moments to sit outside and enjoy the season instead of rushing to the next thing. Around here, June is already shaping up to be full in the best kind of way. There’s a lot to look forward to this time of year; gatherings, travel, celebrations, and those simple summer moments that somehow become the memories we keep the longest. My family is also remembering my grandmother after her recent passing. We miss her deeply, but we’re grateful for the love and faith she shared with us over so many years, and thankful for the hope and peace we hold onto in Christ. This summer, as a congregation, we’ll be spending time in the Sermon on the Mount. These words of Jesus are some of the most familiar and most memorable: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” “Love your enemies,” “Do not worry about tomorrow.” They challenge us, encourage us, and remind us that life in God’s kingdom looks a little different. It is rooted in grace, mercy, trust, and joy. They invite us to live with open hearts and to notice the ways God is already at work in everyday life.As you travel, rest, gather with friends and family, or simply enjoy a slower evening now and then, I hope you’ll carry these words with you. Jesus meets us in the ordinary moments just as much as the extraordinary ones around the table, out on the road, during quiet mornings, and in the middle of busy weeks. So wherever June takes you, I pray it brings laughter, rest, connection, and plenty of reasons to soak in the goodness of the season. Enjoy the sunshine. Stay up a little later when you can. Make space for joy. And through it all, remember that God is present in every part of it. Wishing you a joyful and blessed start to summer. -Pastor Kay
Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him -Jeremiah 17:7
“He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior . . . “ (Titus 3:5b-6) Have you ever thought someone was hopeless? That was the question the Apostle Paul faced as he sent one of his students, a man named Titus, to the island of Crete. Crete is the fourth largest island of the Mediterranean. It’s directly south of the Aegean Sea. For as exotic as that sounds, it did not make the NY Times list of “The Best Places to Raise Your Children.” In fact, the corruption and laziness of the place became the stuff of popular sayings. Paul states it plainly for Titus. “Cretans are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons. This testimony is true.” (Titus 1:12b-13a). To look at Crete, most would write it off as a lost cause. But Paul and Titus saw something different. They saw potential. They saw people for whom Christ died, people who were worthy of God’s rescue. Paul encouraged Titus to get right to work. Show them God’s purpose to save the human race. Teach people to see one another as made in God’s image. Sternly discipline those who need it. Deal straightforwardly with those wrestling with addiction. Work with those whom you have access to – namely the women, the young men and the slaves. This is a big job. After all, how do you eat an elephant? Answer: One bite at a time. Facing this huge task, Paul reminds Titus not to write anyone off. Paul tells him to be honest with himself. We all begin this life from the same place – as sinners. “At one time, we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures . . .” (Titus 3:3). Because of His mercy, “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior . . . “ (Titus 3:5b-6). The church at Crete started, as people began to experience the grace of God. We all need to be scrubbed clean. God washes us through the work of the Holy Spirit, loving us so much as to say, “You’re a mess, but you are worth saving. See, I give myself for you.” Person by person, they became “church”, this mysterious community that cares about and for each other – a community full of joy. I have experienced God’s amazing grace and the joy it brings from your hands. Your life experiences, your God-given wisdom, your talent, your willingness to spend time around a table, your hard work, your care and thoughtfulness have brought so much joy to so many. This summer, let’s sharpen our skills in bringing God’s blessing and joy to our neighbors that they will know that God is good – all the time! May we all Keep and Live the Faith!
Psalm 74:17 – “It was you who set all the boundaries of the earth; you made both summer and winter.” Happy May! Spring is in full swing - flowers are popping up, birds are singing their hearts out, and suddenly, the world seems brighter… and messier (thank you, pollen!). Psalm 74:17 reminds us that God is the ultimate organizer of this beautiful chaos. He set the boundaries of the earth and carefully orchestrated the seasons - summer and winter, growth and rest, sun and rain. Isn’t it comforting to know that the same God who manages the vast universe also holds your life in His hands? Just as we don’t get to skip winter, we don’t always get to rush through the hard times, but just as winter gives way to spring, God’s timing brings growth, renewal, and unexpected joys. Even in moments of uncertainty, He is quietly at work, preparing something beautiful just beneath the surface, where we cannot yet see. This month, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, graduations, and longer days of sunlight, let’s remember to pause and notice the little miracles around us: the first bees on the blossoms, the green buds on trees, the laughter of family and friends. Staying in touch with God through prayer, worship, or simply noticing His handiwork helps us stay grounded in His love, even in the busiest or messiest of days. When we slow down, we often discover that His presence has been there all along, gently guiding and sustaining us. So, whether you’re planting flowers, dusting off your sandals, or enjoying a cup of coffee in the sunshine, take a moment to smile and say, “Thanks, God - for the seasons, the surprises, and the steady hand guiding us through it all.” May you all each day, spot one small blessing - a flower, a smile, a song - and thank God for it! And may your heart be continually lifted by the quiet assurance that you are deeply known, faithfully loved, and never walking alone. Have a blessed spring!
What a month March has been! That blizzard was one for the record books. Many of us were stuck at home, digging out (and digging out again), checking on neighbors, and just trying to get through the day. It was exhausting - and at times, honestly, a little overwhelming. But even in the middle of it all, there were glimpses of grace: people showing up for each other and reminding one another, “You’re not alone.” Now things are starting to shift. The snow piles are melting, the days are getting longer, and you can almost feel spring trying to break through. And right in the middle of this transition comes a powerful word from God: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19) That verse hits differently this time of year. After winter, it can be hard to imagine anything “springing up.” We get used to the cold, the gray, the heaviness. We start to expect more of the same. But God says: Look again. Pay attention. Something new is already beginning. Not someday. Not far off. Now it springs up. Maybe that “new thing” looks like small signs of life returning outside your window. Maybe it’s a renewed sense of connection after helping each other through the storm. Maybe it’s a quiet stirring of hope you didn’t expect to feel yet. And maybe - just maybe - it’s God doing something new in you. That’s what makes this so fitting as we head toward Easter on April 5th. Easter is the ultimate “new thing.” When everything seemed lost, when hope looked buried for good, God was already at work. And on that morning, the world changed forever. As Scripture tells us, “He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:6). Resurrection isn’t just something that happened once. It’s something God keeps doing—bringing life out of death, hope out of despair, and new beginnings out of the places we thought were finished. So as we move into April, I want to invite you to hold onto that question from Isaiah: Do you not perceive it? … Where do you see signs of new life? Where might God be at work in ways you didn’t expect? What is beginning to “spring up” in your own life? Let’s step into this season together with open eyes and open hearts. The snow is melting. New life is on the way. And Easter is coming.