Author: The Redeker Respite

Advent 1, Mark 11:9-10 Big Expectations

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Hello Family!

It’s Advent 1, so HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s the beginning of the new Church Year. It’s the “countdown to Christmas” as many view it. There are a lot of expectations come Christmastime; family, gatherings, gifts. Will expectations be met, or will there be disappointments for many?

The people during Christ’s time had big expectations of Him, but He didn’t measure up to their expectations. That’s because they knew Jesus on merely earthly terms and not Someone far greater. Nevertheless, Jesus wouldn’t let them down. And He doesn’t let you down either!

Readings for Advent 1: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7; 1Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 11:1-10

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I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 25:1-13 Just Showin’ Up Doesn’t Get The Job Done

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Hello Family!

November 11th is Veterans’ Day! Remember to thank a Veteran for their service to this county. Our freedom is never free. It comes at a cost from those who served in the past. Veterans put their lives on the line, have always been ready to serve at a moment’s notice, and had to leave family in order to fight to keep us free back here at home.

The military can’t simply “show up” for duty. They must be trained and prepared. Just showin’ up doesn’t get the job done. This is Christ’s message from 2000 years ago in the parable of the 10 Virgins.

Readings for 3rd Last Sunday in Church Year: Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13

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Thank a Vet every day!

I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 22:34-46 What’s the Reformation Life Look Like?

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Hello Family! Sorry it’s been a few weeks!

It’s Reformation Sunday! What is October 31? Most say, “Halloween.” Correct enough. It’s All Hallow’ ene (eve). But more importantly, it’s Reformation Day when in 1517, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther swung the hammer blows that were heard around the world.

Martin restored the central truth of the Bible back into the Christian Church, namely, a person is saved through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. We can’t earn our way to heaven, and we can’t live a good enough life to make it through the Pearly Gates. ONLY Jesus leads a person there.

So, does that mean a Christian can live any old way s/he chooses? After all, if “I’m saved by grace and not by works, that let’s me off the hook. Right?” Well, no. Jesus Himself tells us about the TWO great commandments in today’s Gospel reading. These are what the Reformation Christian life looks like.

Readings for Proper 25A: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1; 1Thessalonians 2:1-13; Matthew 22:34-46

Reformation Day Readings: Revelation 14:6-7; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

Click here for the Reformation Message on Matthew 22:34-46

Happy Reformation Day!

I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 18:33 It’s Necessary to Forgive, Isn’t It?

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Hello Family!

This week Jesus continues His teaching on forgiveness and forgiving others. In this world, according to worldly ways, forgiveness and forgiving can be considered a weak trait. Christians know that they are supposed to forgive, but what does the Christian do if she’s been really hurt or abused? How does that person forgive? And what about the person who’s been sinned against by the same person over and over and over again. What’s he supposed to do? Is there a limit to forgiving?

Jesus addresses this and more in today’s Gospel reading. It’s one of Jesus’ parables called The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.

Readings for Proper 19A: Genesis 50:15-21, Romans 14:1-12, Matthew 18:21-35

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I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 11:29-30 Misconceptions of Jesus

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Hello Family!

If you put a frog in a pot of cold water and heat it up, will the frog stay in the pot? Did George Washington have wooden teeth? Are these true, or simply misconceptions?

What about misconceptions about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ? There are many misconceptions about Jesus. Nervelessness, Jesus calls ALL people to Him to learn FROM HIM. He alone clears up all misconceptions about God and His love for all through Jesus alone. Come to Him!

Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:1-14, 19; Romans 7:14-25; Matthew 11:25-30

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I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 10:34 What Is The Personal Cost of Freedom?

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Hi Family! Happy and blessed 4th of July!

As we celebrate this great nation of ours, do we remember and realize the sacrifices made by the original drafters and signers? A lot of distorted and rewritten history has been introduced into our education system. However, we must read and remember the REAL reason these men and women sacrificed sooooo much: personal reputations, property, financial ruin, and even family for the freedoms and liberties we have today. One such Founding Father was Benjamin Franklin.

Readings for Proper 7A: Jeremiah 28:5-9, Psalm 119:153-160, Romans 7:1-13, Matthew 10:34-42

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I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 10:26-28 Is Christianity For The Faint of Heart?

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It only got more sexualized in front of the kids

Hi Family!

Is Christianity for the faint of heart? This is a question that needs to be pondered by everyone, including Christians.

To be sure, Jesus came for the the sinners, for the faint of heart. Are there obligations now? Does Jesus have expectations of His followers? Will it be easy? Does the Christian and Christian Church sit on the sidelines when confronted with the satanic and demonic forces hard at work in this country? Or, has American Christianity become a Christ-less Christianity?

Jesus takes this on in Matthew 10, His missionary discourse. We also learn what consequences came about when the German Lutheran Church cowered and feared under Hitler. You can read about this in Eric Metaxas’s book Letter to the American Church.

Readings for Proper 7A: Jeremiah 20:7-13, Psalm 91, Romans 6:12-23, Matthew 10:5, 21-33

Additional Reading: Isaiah 42:3 & Matthew 12:20, John 16:33

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I love you guys! Dad

Exodus 19:5 & Matthew 9:36-38 A Father’s Compassion

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Good day family! It’s Father’s Day, and I’ll be grilling ribs!

Lord knows that I’ve not been the best father. Your mother, however, is the best Mom in the world. This Father’s Day gives us an opportunity to learn about God the Father and His quality of compassion for all people. The picture above is God the Father comforting His Son, Jesus. The Father’s compassion for you moves Him to send His Son to live and die in our place. Now, THAT’S a real Father!

Readings for Proper 6A: Exodus 19:2-8, Psalm 100, Romans 5:6-15, Matthew 9:35-10:8

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I love you guys! Dad

Hosea 5:14-15 God Wants Dead People

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Good morning Family!

Many times people will question God. They might wonder why things aren’t going well in their lives or in their families. They might wonder why God doesn’t seem to be around. People may then try to pray, but wonder if they’re praying hard enough. Many people will try to be sincere. But are they sincere enough?

So, what does a person have to actually do for God? What does He actually want? God wants DEAD people!

Readings for Proper 5: Hosea 5:14-6:6, Psalm 119:65-72, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13

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I love you guys! Dad

John 7:37-39 Memorial Day: Live In What Christ Won For You

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Day of Pentecost

Hello Family!

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. It’s the “kickoff” of the summer season here in the USA. Peeps are all geared for summer break, vacations, BBQs, pools, vacations, and everything relaxing. Memorial Day is the unofficial “official” beginning of summer.

Unfortunately, many many people no longer know, nor remember, what Memorial Day is rreally all about. Our country sets aside time to remember, honor, and thank God for the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice of their lives in service for our country. We have freedom because they gave their lives to defend and keep it. Americans, including you and me, must always remember that FREEDOM IS NOT FREE.

Jesus was declaring such a thing 2000 years ago at the Feast of Booths, or the Feast of Pentecost. He proclaimed that He alone is the One through Whom freedom of the Holy Spirit is received.

Pentecost Day Readings: Numbers 11:24-30, Acts 2:1-21, John 7:37-39

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Never take your freedoms in this great country for granted. Millions around the world dream about what we have. And never ever ever take your freedom in Christ for granted.

I love you guys! Dad