8-12-2025

Good Morning All,

    Psalm 122:1; “I was glad when they said to me, “Let’s go to the house of the Lord.”

    I really enjoy the two to three weeks around the equinoxes.  Our church is orientated east and west.  We have the altar on the east and a large stained-glass window on the upper west part.  During the times of the year when the sun shines directly into this large stained-glass window it creates a thing of beauty.  Behind the altar is the large cross and it hangs on a wall that is gold leaf.  When the sun is most of the way set so it looks like it is touching the bottom of the window, the gold leaf looks like it is shimmering.  It is really pretty.

    My wife and I have tried to photograph this but we can never capture the true beauty of the shimmering gold behind the cross.  The entire chancel area looks like it is glowing.  There are many times when I will just sit and watch this happen.  I usually take my computer to get something done or else copy some material on the copier but I like to be there and watch.  When it is at its best, I like to just sit and watch and enjoy the beauty of the sight and the quietness of the evening.  You cannot take photos of this or video it; you have to be there and experience it.

    This is true of many things in life, you really have to be there to experience it.  You might get a better view of a ballgame on TV but you really do not experience the excitement and the atmosphere unless you are there.  You cannot appreciate the majesty of the Grand Canyon unless you stand by it.  You truly get the benefit of the worship life when you attend a worship service.

    You can listen or watch one on TV or listen on the radio or do the internet access thing but nothing beats being there.  Nothing beats the sound of the organ or the sound of the people as they speak the responses to God’s Words.  Nothing beats being there and looking at the minister standing in front of the altar and the cross as he announces God’s forgiveness.  You can’t beat being there. When you listen to God’s Word read and preached to you; you can’t beat being there.  When you share in the Lords Supper and receive the nourishment for your soul; you can’t beat being there.  When you gather together in fellowship with your brother and sisters in Christ; you can’t beat being there.  So, this weekend try and use the time to go to the house of the Lord.  It is a spirit enhancing time.  God uses it to speak to you; be sure and listen.  It will make you glad that you went to the house of the Lord. 

    Gracious Father, you call and gather your people to hear your wonderful words of forgiveness, hope, comfort, and salvation.  As we gather together, you give us your peace.  Gather all your people Father so that all may be blessed.  We pray especially for those who have missed your call and experience the emptiness of this world.  Send your Spirit to bring them home.  In Jesus’ precious name we pray, amen.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Bret