Psalms in the world ... Psalm 19 If I find the energy to get up for the sunrise tomorrow morning I may head out and re-record this Psalm. I think it just cries out for a sunrise reading ... or sunset for that matter. But for now, we'll have to do with the sky moving above the trees. It is interesting to think about what gives us perspective on life, on God's love, on how God's presence can be felt and seen in our world. This Psalm invites such reflection, I think, "the heavens declare the glory of God" the psalmist says. And they are most assuredly right. May you feel and sense God's presence today as you seek to be cleansed from your "secret faults" as the psalmist declares. May God's presence be abundant with you today.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 36 I sometimes get asked where I get my ideas for these Psalms. Sometimes I have a clear idea, sometimes they just pop up out of nowhere when I'm seeking a space. That was the case this day. I loved the idea of this little guy reaching up to heaven or, more specifically, the little hands and hearts that made him reaching up to heaven. Enjoy!

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Tuesday, January 11, 2022

Psalms in the world ... Luke 1! We are getting closer and closer to Christmas. Children's Advent calendars have fewer and fewer chocolates in them. We're now lighting four candles on our Advent wreath. The signs are there. And yet, in this Psalm from Luke, we're hearing about a different kind of fulfillment than "sugar-plums" dancing in our heads. What does it mean to long for this kind of Savior? What does it mean to expect the Jesus of scripture rather than the Jesus of our imaginings? How do we long for God's joy to be fulfilled rather than just our own? May you find answers to those questions and more as this Psalm invites you into a holy space.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Isaiah 12 The theme in all the lessons surrounding our gospel lesson today are about joy. "Shout aloud and sing for joy" Isaiah declares. "Rejoice in the Lord always" St. Paul says. "Rejoice and exult with all your heart" Zephaniah proclaims. About what, about whom, about which do you have to shout for joy this day? How has God blessed your life? Remember and celebrate joy this day ...!□

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Thursday, December 9, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Luke 1:68-79! No, that isn't a misprint. The lectionary assigns us different readings to be read as our Psalm reading each week, next week is actually a reading from Isaiah. This is actually because these other readings are psalms. They fit the structure, narrative style and theme of a Psalm reading. And so we receive these beautiful words from Luke this week. As for the substance of the "psalm," these are words given to a broken and hurting people. Those who are unable to worship, gather, be the people God created them to be. What does it mean for us, some 2000 years later, to see Jesus as the savior who promised life and freedom to them? How are we still living in and using that gift today? May our feet be guided "into the way of peace" as we contemplate our answer and our way forward.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 25 While the rest of the world is busy getting ready for a tryptophan-induced nap, we're busy readying ourselves for Advent. Yes, that season of longing, watching, waiting for Christ's return is almost upon us. As we prepare, in many ways in our lives, may we pause and find time to "lift up our soul" to God this day. Blessings to you and yours!

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 93. This Sunday is Reign of Christ Sunday. A Sunday on which we celebrate and recognize the rule that Christ is to have in our hearts, our minds, our souls, our whole lives. When I say that though, is that good news for you, news that frees you to live or is it news that convicts, challenges? I guess for me it is sometimes both ... sometimes I am needing to be convicted and sometimes I am needing to be freed. May this Psalm today, which recognizes God's sovereignty, invite you to the place you need to be and may you have the courage to sit there, reflect and give thanks to God for these words.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 16 The day ran away from me today but that seemed to fit this Psalm just fine. The setting sun outside proved to be just a beautiful backdrop against the new snow the mountains are showing these days. It means that winter is ahead but it can also be a sign of the steadfast ways that God's care ever provides for us. I also think that this Psalm would go beautifully with a remembrance of our servicemen and servicewomen tomorrow. "Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge." Our veterans have undoubtedly called upon God for protection but have also provided that for us as well. May God bless them today and especially tomorrow. And may God bless you too! May your heart be glad and rejoice this day as your body rests securely in God's embrace.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 24. This week we are remembering those who are Saints in our lives. Our Catholic brothers and sisters have a much more formal definition and process for determining those who are Saints. We recognize and celebrate some of the same people but we also broaden our definition to include the entire cloud of witnesses who share the faith with us as well. This morning, this sunrise just spoke out to me and helped comfort me as I thought about some of the saints that I miss these days. There is something about gazing up to the heavens that invites an assurance that we are not alone. As you think of those saintly people in your life, may you be reassured by this Psalm and these images as well.

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Psalms in the world ... Psalm 46 This week we are celebrating Reformation Day and this Psalm certainly expresses the confidence that can come from knowing that our merit in the world is not based upon what we do, but upon God's steadfast faithfulness. May you know that confidence today and may it sustain you through all the thunderstorms of your life whether they be in the mountains, the sea or on a lake. Blessings to you!

Posted by Eidsvold Lutheran Church on Wednesday, October 27, 2021