People will usually describe themselves as either a morning or a night person. The Lord doesn’t care for as the hymn says, “Day and night are both alike to Thee.” Some people do, however, care. Lord help you, and I don’t mean this in a frivolous manner if you are night pastor in morning country. People who get up with the chickens think this is the only way to be. But whether you’re like the morning or night you’re still a person. It’s a different manner when it comes to being a mourning person. These are the only kind that rightly value the ministry. (more…)
Archive for the ‘For Pastors Only’ Category
A Mourning Person
Monday, November 30th, 2009JDDJ and WWJD
Tuesday, July 7th, 2009
Most confessional Lutherans know WWJD ought to be replaced by WDJD, i.e. “What Did Jesus Do?” should be asked instead of “What Would Jesus Do?” Not nearly enough of us know what JDDJ stands for. (more…)
You are a Father!
Tuesday, February 24th, 2009
I cannot call you “Father,” “And be ye not called masters,”
Because I’m C. of E., The text announces too;
With such un-English customs So, do not call me “Mister,”
I strongly disagree. Which also is taboo.
I can’t forget a precept Such narrow exegesis
That I was taught from birth: Will, one day, drive you mad;
“Call nobody your father,” If “Father” is forbidden,
The Bible says, “on earth.” What do you call your Dad? (more…)
Exhorting to Frustration
Monday, January 19th, 2009I want to do auto mechanics. I yearn to be able to pop the hood and know what I’m looking at. I want to get under the car on a mechanic’s creeper and say, “Hand me that ¾ inch wrench,” and really know where to use it. Do you think all the exhortation in the world is going to enable me to become an auto mechanic? (more…)
Does Order Matter?
Tuesday, January 6th, 2009
The sainted Father Rudolph Kurz pointed this out when it happened. The Lutheran Annual originally listed the names of pastors on the LCMS clergy roster and then listed congregations. (more…)
Not Very Comforting
Monday, December 8th, 2008In Army Airborne School in 1976, the instructors would say as you walked out to the plane for your first jump, “The jump isn’t that bad; it’s just that last 2 inches you got to watch out for.” I didn’t find that very comforting. In February 1546, Luther wrote one last letter to his wife. (more…)
A Gospel Word from the Preacher of Vanities
Monday, November 10th, 2008It is fitting that this Gospel Word should come from a preacher (Ecc. 1:1). He says, “What is lacking cannot be counted” (Ecc. 1:15). Take it from one who has spent a ministry counting what was lacking: it is fruitless, painful, and unfaithful. (more…)
The Papacy with Lots of Beane
Monday, September 29th, 2008No real Texan believes that chili is chili if it has beans. I am no Texan, so I don’t know about chili, but I do know about the papacy and no matter how much Beane is added to it, it’s still the antichrist. (more…)
“I Hate Everything
Monday, August 11th, 2008“He said, ‘I hate this bar and I hate to drink.
But on second thought, tonight I think
I hate everything.’” (more…)
Don Quixote
Monday, August 4th, 2008I am beginning to fear for the future of the LCMS ministerium. (more…)