CHRIST is RISEN! He is risen INDEED!

CHRIST is RISEN!  He is risen INDEED!

                                  CHRIST is RISEN!  He is risen INDEED!

                                                                    CHRIST is RISEN!  He is risen INDEED!

                                                                                                  I just can't say that enough!

CHRIST is RISEN!  He is risen INDEED!

After all that Holy Week is . . . after all the remembrance of pain, betrayal and suffering . . . after all of the heavy muck we wade through.  We can finally say with confidence Christ is Risen!  He is risen INDEED!  It is not a slight thing to acknowledge.  This is huge!  So many times we're tempted to proclaim this on this day, to celebrate with all of our might, and then comes Monday.  Just another day in a string full of days in our life.  Nothing special.  If we truly make this claim, Christ is Risen!  Then we can't just return to normal on Monday morning.  We must continue the story in our lives.  What does it mean for us that Christ rose from the dead?  What does it mean for others than might not have heard the good news?  How does this change us, not just for a day, but for our lifetime?  I pray that people are changed by their experience with the risen Christ.  I pray that the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of all people to do God's will in the world.  Amen.

And now . . . here's how the Burke Family celebrated today.

Our tie dye "new" creations were waiting in the living room this morning.  We took old things, linen table clothes from Good will, and made them new.  Our family talked about how 

God brings us new life through His death and resurrection.  Fun . . . really fun.

We had a wonderful morning at worship as a family.

No Easter bunny at our house, but they did have to hunt for a while 

before they found our afternoon family activity. 

Appetizers for lunch, in honor and memory of Grandma Ruth . . . bunnies.  

Or as my brother and I affectionately call them . . . Easter rats.  

Grandma Ruth always made these for our family Easter meals. 

Lunch with our snazzy resurrection tie dye table cloth!

Lots of fun dyeing eggs!

 May God bless you and your family as you live out the promises of Easter!

Holy Saturday

This Holy Saturday was full of waiting for our family.  We waited in line at the store.  We waited for friends to stop by for a visit.  We waited on our three day Easter project.  This year we took the concept of egg dyeing to a whole new level.  A few weeks ago I stopped by Goodwill and purchased some used linen table cloths.  On Good Friday the girls, Kevin and I tie dyed them.  We talked with the girls about how we were taking something old and doing something new with it - giving it new life.  Of course, we also talked about how Christ gives us new life.  The thing about tie dye is you have to be patient.  We couldn't see the finished product until Sunday, Easter Sunday.  So there in on our kitchen floor sat the plastic bag.  It was full of the projects that we had created.  But we couldn't peek.  We couldn't open them and unfurl them until Easter Sunday.  For our project to be complete we had to wait.  This is easier said than done for some of our family members.  Again, tonight we read through the Passion of Christ in a children's Bible.  Again, we talked about the sacrifice that Christ made for each of us.  Again, we talked about the hope we have when Easter morning does come.  For today . . . we had to wait.  

I've never been good at waiting.  Today is the biggest waiting game in the church year.  We have the servant leadership, the command for communion, and the betrayal of Maundy Thursday.  Good Friday brings mockery, torture and crucifixion.  And today . . . we wait.  It's a good wait.  A necessary wait.  However, still a difficult wait.  Christ is laid in the tomb and we wait.  It's good to know that we wait with anticipation.  We know what tomorrow brings.  Although, I can't help but think about how the disciples were feeling as this all transpired.  Huddled in a locked room.  Waiting, disheartened, wondering.  We wait with anticipation.  They waited with fear. 


May your wait produce hope. 

Good Friday

I can barely bring my mind to wrap around the significance of this day.  To truly dwell in these thoughts is painful.  It is a day that I've always had trouble calling "good."  Yet I know the outcome isn't justly described by the word "good."  On this day almost 2000 years ago the Son of God was tortured, mocked, denied and brutally crucified . . . for me.  For each of us.  The thought that He would have experienced all of that if it were only a single person . . . me . . . or you . . . or the next.  It's beyond what I can handle.  The extent of human suffering has been felt by God.  He is not just some supreme being sitting in the clouds idly watching our comings and goings.  Our God is so great and so good that He was willing to humble Himself to become like us, His creation.  Not only that.  Way beyond that.  He was so willing to humble Himself that He allowed Himself to die at the hands of His creation.  Only a God truly great and truly good would allow that.  And that is our God.  Our Creator.  Our Savior.  Our Sustainer. 

Maundy Thursday

Across the world people are celebrating Maundy Thursday.  This year at Emmanuel Lutheran it looks like the celebration of first communion for 27 youth and their families.  The youth have prepared for the last 2 months.  Finally after all the study, conversation, activities and chalice painting they were finally presented with their first communion. 

Teaching the youth's first communion class is extremely meaningful for me.  The sacrament of Holy Communion can be such a powerful experience.  I find serving communion and teaching first communion class holy ground.  Here are some things that I find most meaningful about communion . . .

1.  Holy Communion is a way in which we communicate our Christian story to future generations.  Just like the Passover held tradition close for the Israelites, communion can hold the same tradition for us.  By taking our children and youth to worship, hearing the words of how Jesus sat with his disciples and shared a meal, being community together . . . this can all hold our Christian story close and share it with others. 

2.  Holy Communion was commanded by Christ.  Jesus said, "Do this in remembrance of me."  Jesus told us to celebrate this meal with others and remember him.  So we should do that . . . as often as we can.

3.  Holy Communion is a celebration of forgiveness.  Jesus continued by saying, "Do this in remembrance of me for the forgiveness of sins."  God's free gift of grace gives us salvation.  Celebrating Holy Communion reminds us of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

May you experience a meaningful Maundy Thursday.  May you receive Holy Communication with open hands, open hearts and a forgiven (and forgiving) spirit.

"Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"Is it right for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?" (Luke 20:22)

A very fitting question and devotion for the day after taxes are due!  A group was questioning Jesus and the question about taxes was posed.  Was it right for them to pay taxes.  Jesus is very quick to answer and he saw how they were trying to trick him.  Jesus asked whose picture was on the coins they used.  He then answered, "Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." (Luke 20:25)  The beautiful part of this is that ultimately who does Caesar belong to . . . God.  Caesar ultimately is a child of God.  And so if Caesar belongs to God then everything belonging to Caesar also belongs to . . . God.  The questioners were not able to snare Jesus.  He answered all too well.  Well played Jesus, well played. 

Give to the government what is the government's.  However, give to God what is God's.  You are a child of God.  Therefore you are God's.  Give your life, your heart, and your soul to God. 

God is GOOD and a Lenten Devotion

How great and how mighty and how good is our God!  The paperwork came in this morning.  Our awesome adoption agency looked over it.  While there are a couple of things to clarify in the next couple weeks it is complete and our I600 was sent off today!  Hip Hip Hooray!  In addition our agency's director wrote up a wonderful report about "M^"s health in an effort to expedite the case.  So, we pray for things to move more quickly because of that.  God is Good!

What this means now . . . we will wait to hear from the US government as to the receipt of our information packet.  They will do an investigation of their own.  We will wait for a PAIR letter to be issued so that we can be submitted for a court date in Ethiopia.  The answer to the big question . . . When do you get her home?  It's still looking like possibly late summer.  We'll see as the process unfolds.  Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers!

and now . . . a Lenten Devotion

"What is truth?" (John 18:38)

When Pilate asks this of Jesus it may not have been the time to go into a deeply theological conversation about what truth really is.  However, it was a really intriguing question.  Jesus says "I am the way, the truth and the life."  So many times we get wrapped up with truth being the actual historical reality.  It sounds like Jesus is talking about something much more.  Does truth have to be linked solely to actual historical reality?  Can truth transcend the need to plot things on a timeline and corroborate evidence.  It sounds like Jesus tells us truth lies in the love and grace of God.  God's love brings us truth.  If that's the way we can view truth what does that truth look like for you?

Some awesome news and some eschatological conversation

Drum roll please . . . .

We . . . think . . . we . . . have . . . paperwork!!!!!!

It's not a totally for sure thing . . . yet.  Hopefully the morning will tell.  Tomorrow the Ethiopian representatives are supposed to scan and send copies of the paperwork to our agency.  We'll see if it's complete and then on to sending in our I600 (form to the US immigration).   This is an awesome breakthrough in our adoption journey!

So, here is our prayer for tonight, please pray with me:
Heavenly Father, good and gracious God.  We pray that the paperwork in hand is sufficient to continue with our adoption case for our sweet "M^"!  Please be gracious unto us and make the path straight.  Watch over our sweet girl.  Help her heal and comfort her pain.  Bring her peace as she waits for us to go to her.  In your Holy and Gracious Name we pray.  Amen. 


And now for our devotion for the day . . . 

"What will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?" (Matthew 24:3)

So many people are speculating the end times.  They have for years.  I remember growing up hearing of people holed up in compounds waiting for the end.  Seeing reports of people on the street corners with signs "The END is near!"  These ideas have become a cultural farce because it's entered into our mainstream humor so easily. 

There are many people who have made this topic one of humor.  Some have made it taboo.  There is great speculation of how soon it will be.  The honest truth is that no one has any idea.  If someone tells you they think it is coming soon they are probably fibbing because Jesus says that even he doesn't know when he will return. 

No one knows when Christ will come again.  But what I do know is that the Holy Spirit is with us in the here and now.  God is with us and among us now.  God has much for us to do in the present.  We must not worry so much about what happens in the future, but what we can do for our neighbor today. 

"If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else?" (Matthew 5:47)

It would not be anything extraordinary for Jesus to tell us to be kind to our friends and family.  Most people will naturally do that.  What Jesus does with this statement pushes us past the extreme boundary of normal human behavior.  When we have enemies our natural inclinations lean us toward avoidance at the least and sheer violence at the most.  The kind of love that Jesus calls for us to have with the world encompasses all people.  We cannot lean into the loving arms of God with out extending our love to others . . . even others we would not normally love.  As disciples of Christ we are called to live differently.  We are called to live as Christ would, loving all people - friend and enemy alike.

"What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"What will you give me if I hand him over to you?" (Matthew 26:15)

Judas is often one of the most mysterious people involved in the story of Jesus' life and death.  So many people wonder . . . how could he do something like that?  I often wonder . . . if a disciple of Christ could sell out Jesus what is the average person capable of? 

What would it take for you to betray Jesus? 

Honestly, this is a frightening question.  So many of us would dismiss the thought as unimaginable, unthinkable that we would be capable of such treachery.  However, what would it take?  Would you betray Jesus for money, power, love, fame?  Would you betray Jesus to keep your job, have a better career, climb the corporate ladder?  Would you betray Jesus to keep your family, your children, your spouse?  We don't like to think about these unpleasant circumstances where we as Christians would be tested.  However, it does happen.  It happens more than we would like to admit.  When we lose sight of our priorities we are tempted to betray our Lord Jesus Christ.

The story of Judas has much to teach us.  It has much wisdom to impart of the world.  It gives us the hard reflection of humanity that we don't want to see.  May we learn from that betrayal.

Paperwork prayers and a Lenten devotion

Yesterday we heard some news . . . not big news, but news.  Paperwork from the Ethiopian Zone "M^" is from has been processed.  Now, as far as we know there is one piece of paperwork left in Ethiopia before our adoption process can proceed:  a signed letter from her region.  That's all.

So here is my specific prayer, would you pray with me?

Dear God, almighty, everlasting.  

Please work in the heart of the government official who looks at the pile of adoption paperwork on their desk.  Please move in their heart to write the necessary letters so that the adoption cases for those children stuck in orphanages can proceed further.  God of mercy, please be with "M^" as she continues to suffer with the symptoms of her unknown medical issues.  

Grant her peace and comfort in this time.  Be with her as she waits.  Be with us as we wait.  

In Jesus' holy and gracious name we pray.  

Amen.

Thanks for your prayers!

Here’s basically what is still to come for "M^"s adoption . . .

• Receive the final portion of "M^"s paperwork
• I-600 (USCIS paperwork) 
• USCIS sends docs to embassy in ET
• Embassy approves case
• USCIS sends PAIR letter
• CCI submits case to court
• We get our court date
• Travel for court and embassy for "M^" to bring her home!!! 

And now folks, a Lenten devotion . . .

"Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?" (Matthew 11:2)

People were asking this of Jesus.  They doubted . . . and that's okay!  So many people have doubts about their faith, about God, about their purpose here on earth.  The sad thing is that there are so many people that feel guilty for the doubt they experience.  It's okay to doubt.  I see doubt as people asking questions.  I worry more about the people who blindly follow religion and never ask questions.  They merely follow the religion that was laid before them by their parents or church leaders.  Never asking questions, never doubting, means that they are not thinking about what they believe in.  Doubting is okay . . . as long as in your doubt you seek answers. 

"When did we ever see you hungry and feed you?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"When did we ever see you hungry and feed you?" (Matthew 25:37)

We had a conversation about this at confirmation the other night.  We were talking about bullying.  So many times I think these conversations can become "noise."  In trying to combat that I made everyone look at the person next to them.  Not just glance, but really look into their eyes.  I asked them to look for Jesus.  The Holy Spirit lives within each of us, so he was there somewhere.  I told the kids with good and with bad whatever you do to the people around you, you do to Christ. 

Here's a challenge . . . in the course of a day as you interact with other people look at them as though Jesus is living "in their skin."  Look into their eyes as though you are looking into the eyes of Christ.  No matter the person's age, gender, economic status, level of education, race, or background we are called to treat one another just as we would treat Christ. 

"What were you arguing about?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"What were you arguing about?" (Mark 9:33)

Jesus caught the disciples red handed.  They were arguing about which one of them was the best.  To us it may seem like such a silly childish thing.   But truly, don't we all do this from time to time?  Judging another person and comparing ourselves to others.  This could even be such that we look upon another person as sinful and seeing ourselves as not so.  Our selfishness as a human race translates to trying to vie for the best spot.  Climbing the ladder.  However, to what?

The type of leadership that Jesus came to bring had nothing to do with greatness, power or anyone being better than the other.  Jesus came to establish a servant leadership.  The last shall be first.  Those who are great are those that served others humbly. 

Jesus has surprises for each turn in life.  The life he asks us to live sometimes stand in stark contrast to what our society expects out of people.  "If you've got to argue about who's the greatest, you can be sure it's not you.  If you've got to tell me how great you are, how great can you be?" (Ray Pritchard, Who Is That Man? Daily Lenten Devotional)

Serve one another.

"What can man give in return for his life?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"What can man give in return for his life?" (Mark 8:37)

This part of the book of Mark is too good to not go back a couple verse to look at what is being said.  Here is Mark 8:34-37

"He [Jesus] called the crowd with his disciples, and said to them, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.  For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?  Indeed, what can they give in return for their life? "

Jesus is basically telling the crowd and his friends what it means to truly be a follower of Christ.  At the end it's the question "So . . . are you in . . . or out?"  Basically you could boil this down to the point of what it looks like to follow Christ in this world.  Truly following Christ looks foolish to the "normal" society that we see around us.   Society tells us that we should want that shiny new car, or that cabin in the mountains, or vacations on cruise ships.  Society tells us that we should want  to climb a corporate ladder, fight for pay raises each year, and constantly strive for more and better.  In our eternal life with God will any bit of that matter?  No.  After we die can we take those treasures of earth with us?  No.  Do those attitudes fulfill our desires or God's work in the world?  . . .

Instead what does God call us to invest our time, treasure and talents in?  We are asked to build authentic relationships with the people around us.  We are called to truly enter into the brokenness of our own lives and others lives, recognize it and live in community with the broken people around us.   Sometimes we are called to help others, at times we're called to simply be with others.  God calls us in all of this to not necessarily "fix" what is broken in the world.  However, God asks us to point toward the crucified and risen Christ in all of this.  As followers of Christ we are called to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ into those broken places and let his light shine.  God is with us, among, encouraging us and doing ministry in the world . . . all through those who truly are disciples of Christ.

So, when you look at what Jesus is asking his followers, what he's asking you . . . Do you want to take up your cross and follow Jesus. Are you willing to lose your life for the sake of Jesus in order to live more fully with God.  

So . . . are you in . . . or out?

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" (Matthew 6:27)

Worry can consume us.  Worry can chip away at our sense of peace.  Worry can actually make us physically ill.  We can't extend our life by worrying.  We can't change the future by worrying.  We can't accomplish much good by worrying. 

This is a very hard truth for me to realize at this point in my life.  I have 4 young daughters that are growing up and becoming more and more independent as time goes on.  I can't even imagine what life will be like, and what worry will fill it, when they are teenagers.  I have another daughter that is an ocean and a continent away.  She's in an orphanage waiting for us.  The worry I have for her overflows my very soul sometimes and can't be contained.

There are many times that I must remind myself.  My daughters, all of them, were God's daughters before they were mine.  They are first and foremost children of God.  While I can't be with my girls every step that they take in the world.  God can.  God is.  And, God will always be with them.  I must entrust their lives, and my own life, to God who is both good and great. 

In Matthew 6:34 Jesus tells us, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own."  So while I calm my worry for today I'm sure the worry for tomorrow is brewing somewhere.  However, taking care of that worry will be a job for tomorrow as well. 

Peace be with you . . .

Adoption Fundraising Update and . . . A Lenten Devotion

We are so very thankful to all of our family and friends! So far we have sold 545 pieces for our adoption puzzle fundraiser. WOW, over half way there! Kevin and I are humbled and grateful for all of the support! Thank you all!

With that many pieces sold it means that we have 455 pieces left to sell! Here's how our adoption puzzle fundraiser works. 

• There is an awesome 1000 piece puzzle.
• We are asking our friends and family to pray about sponsoring 1 piece for $10.  
• The puzzle is slowly coming together as we have donations. 
• You can donate through our website . . . http://www.gofundme.com/5mkubw
• -or- you can donate through the mail . . . email amburke2002@gmail for more information
• -or- in person!
• All of the donations go to funding the adoption expenses for "M^"!

Again thank you to all those folks who are helping make this happen!  We can't say thank you enough!

and now . . . A Lenten Devotion . . .

"What is that to you?" (John 21:22)

In a conversation with Jesus and the disciples the topic of John was brought up.  After comments back and forth Jesus finally says, "What is that to you?  You must follow me."  That was Jesus' polite way of saying, "It's none of your business."  So many times we get caught up with stuff like that.

How many times do we get caught up messing in the business of others, where we really don't belong.  We end up comparing our houses and families to others.  We hold up our relationships in light of those of others.  Our needs and wants are driven by this unspoken, imaginary draw to "keep up with the Joneses.  Jesus answers us today as well . . . "What is that to you?  You must follow me!"

I pray that we can follow Christ and keep our eye on love and service to him!

"Do you love me?" . . . A Lenten Devotion

"Do you love me?" (John 21:17)

Jesus was having breakfast with his disciples after his death and resurrection.  As they sat on the beach after breakfast Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?"  Kind of an odd question for a man that had been following Jesus for several years.  Peter answered positively and Jesus asked the question again, and then yet again.  Peter was hurt.  Did Jesus not believe him when he professed his love?  Did Jesus think he was lying?

Peter had publicly denied Jesus three times just before his death.  Peter had also boastfully professed is "superior" love for Jesus earlier as well.  So, Jesus was actually helping Peter and holding him accountable by asking this question three times.  Peter could have carried around a lot of guilt and shame regarding these events.  Jesus, by publicly calling this question out, gives Peter the opportunity to set things straight.  Jesus also adds to the question, "Do you love me, more thank these?"  Peter is humbled.  Yet, Jesus does not set out to humiliate him.  This question gives Peter the chance to undo the wrongdoing he participated in earlier. 

It's important for us to see how Jesus handled this situation with Peter.  Jesus did judge Peters actions.  However, Jesus did not set out to shame him, make him feel guilty, or humiliate him.  Jesus wanted to offer Peter the opportunity to make amends for his actions.  He did so without many of the tactics we tend to use on others.  Jesus wanted to address this with Peter but in a caring way. 

Let's let Christ example guide the way for us.  We are called to help others along the way.  We are held accountable by God, but without humiliation and shame.  God loves us simply for being his children.  Let us care for others in a similar way.  Amen.