Copyright: © 1999, 2000 Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada. This material may be freely reproduced or adapted for non-commercial purposes with acknowledgment and mention of the Lift Up Your Hearts web site http://www.worship.ca/ as the source.


The following 18 items were prepared as bulletin inserts in connection with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada's 1999-2000 ELCIC Bulletin Series.

First Sunday in Advent
November 28, 1999

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Early in the morning, the call came, informing me that my grandfather had died. The words that came to me immediately were "Lord let your servant depart in peace." My sister and I quickly dressed, I grabbed grandfather's Bible, and as she drove to the hospital I opened the Bible to Luke 2 and read to her the passage in its entirety.

Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word: for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)

Soon we stood around the hospital bed with my mother and uncle and together we recited those same words, an assurance of my grandfather's faith and of God's unfailing care for Jacob and for us.

As I think about this experience, two lessons about the importance of reading the Bible stand out for me.

First, that God speaks to us through Scripture, not just as we read and hear the words immediately, but as those words resonate within us, as we recall them in our daily lives and especially in times of hardship and sorrow. Secondly, that regular reading of the Bible provides the familiarity needed to find the portion of Scripture we need when we need it. I did not hesitate to find the passage I wanted, even through tears.

My grandfather taught me both of these lessons. How wonderful to discover that I had learned them for myself as I stood one last time at his side.

Susan Johnson

The Rev. Susan Johnson is an assistant to Bishop Michael Pryse in the Eastern Synod Office.

Second Sunday in Advent
December 5, 1999

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

At our Wednesday night Bible study, we were talking about why the Bible was important to us.

One person said: "You bet the Bible is important! Why, we're even commanded to memorize the Bible aren't we, Pastor?"

I said: "Where exactly does it say that?"

And she quoted to me Psalm 119.11: I have laid up your word in my heart, O Lord, that I might not sin against you.

"Wait a second," I said. "That's a simple statement made by the author of the Psalm. The verb in that verse is not in the command form. There's no command in that verse at all!"

Scripture is tremendously important to us Lutherans, it's the bedrock of our faith but we don't approach the Bible as a book of rules. One of the exciting things I've learned over the years is that rules are not the core message of the Scriptures, that Scripture is primarily about something else. Why is Scripture so important to us? Because of what Scripture contains, and because of what Scripture does.

The Bible contains the record of God's dealing with God's people in history, culminating in the life, teaching, suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus. It contains the Good News that has shone forth in our world in Jesus, the Good News of God's love and mercy and forgiveness for all people.

When we read the Bible keeping the Good News front and centre--then we also discover what the Bible does. We discover God saying to us: I love you! I forgive you! Rejoice, be glad in my love! And we respond to that living Word in faith: These things were written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in Christ's name (John 20:31). Hearing Scripture as God's living Word will transform our very lives!

When we read the Bible, and when we hear Scripture being read during worship, may we hold fast to the Good News in the text! And may we listen with ears wide open as God speaks to us the Word of life.

Tim Hegedus

The Rev. Tim Hegedus is Lecturer in New Testament Theology at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary.

Third Sunday in Advent
December 12, 1999

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

I read my Bible in an erratic and undisciplined way.

On occasion I set aside a significant chunk of time so that I can read through it from cover to cover in a few days. I use this time to revisit major events and themes.

At other times, I give myself the goal of a complete reading over a much longer period of time. I skip around from book to book, bouncing back and forth between the Old and New Testaments with no particular pattern in mind, underlining whatever catches my eye as interesting or important.

Sometimes I concentrate on a particular book. The Gospel of John and Paul's letters to the Corinthians are among my favorite. I savour the words slowly over several weeks, often concentrating on only one or two verses at a time.

Guided reading sometimes suits my mood. I diligently stick to the scheduled list for several weeks or even months. Several are set out in Lutheran Book of Worship, and there are many others readily available. I find it particularly helpful if the guide provides some commentary.

Then there are the times when my only study of scripture comes from hearing it read during the worship services I attend. At times, very little sticks. At others, a phrase or two has a profound effect because the words contain a message that I needed to hear.

I have learned that God's Word has the power to challenge, provoke, comfort and sustain, whatever my method or mood.

Kenn Ward

The Rev. Kenn Ward is Editor of Canada Lutheran.

Fourth Sunday in Advent
December 19, 1999

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

As a young boy, growing up in a Lutheran parsonage, I knew that God's Word was our great heritage. We read the Scriptures together and we prayed together on the basis of those Scriptures.

I also clearly remember how uncomfortable I would feel on those Sundays when my father would encourage the members of the congregation to be faithful in their family devotions; to be faithful in reading the Scriptures together; faithful in their family prayer life. It seemed to me, as a youngster, that this theme made its way into my dad's sermons almost monthly.

My discomfort grew out of a sense of failure. I certainly knew how important reading the Scriptures and praying together as a family were to our spiritual growth. What bothered me was that I also knew that weeks could go by and our after-supper family devotional time would not materialize. Usually this was because dad had to go to an evening meeting. Sometimes one or more of us children had a commitment. Most often, it could not be helped. But I remember feeling like my father was deceiving the congregation when he admonished them to regular family scripture reading.

I think it was during the year before I was confirmed that I finally had the courage to talk to my dad about all of this. "How can you tell everyone at church to be regular in family scripture reading when we miss our devotions so often?" I asked. His answer was short. "My word of encouragement is for our family too," he said.

Through this experience I learned two important lessons about proclaiming God's Word. Directly from my dad I learned to preach the message to myself. If it is relevant to the preacher, it is likely relevant to those who hear. Indirectly I learned to work at being transparent to let people know how I struggle to be faithful in scripture reading and prayer. It was not easy back then; it is even more difficult today. But, God's Word is our great heritage. It is worth the struggle.

Phil Heinze

The Rev. W. Phil Heinze is an Assistant to Bishop Michael Pryse of the Eastern Synod of the ELCIC.

First Sunday in Lent
March 12, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of the darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9

When I was a child, I was described by many of our neighbours and friends as "puny." It was an apt description for me, always thin and underweight for my age. In grade one, I got glasses - the first in my classroom. This did little to increase my already diminished self-esteem.

Through my growing-up years, one verse of Scripture (1 Peter 2:9) kept me sane and maybe saved my life. It remains foundational to my faith today. Time and again I return to these wondrous words of Peter. They embody my faith. I am chosen. I am a prince. I am God's own person. It brings blessings daily as I am reminded that God loves me unconditionally.

Further, these marvelous words encourage my ministry, as I seek to bring some joy, light and hope to those who also never get chosen when teams are picked, or if chosen always have to play right field.

David Kaiser

The Rev. David Kaiser is Chaplain at Luther College, Regina, Saskatchewan.

Third Sunday in Lent
March 26, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

In junior-high, we studied a poem in which some lines referred to biblical events. Our English teacher commented that to be an educated person you must read the Bible. He explained that in the best English literature there are many biblical references. You cannot appreciate this literature if you have not read the Bible.

I started to read one chapter of the Bible every night before I went to bed because I wanted to be an educated person. With very few exceptions I have continued to do this for more than fifty years.

It takes a long time to read through the entire Bible when you read only one chapter every day. By the time that I had finished, it had become a bed-time habit. There was so much that I did not understand from the first reading that I just started at the beginning again.

When I was married, over forty years ago, my wife, Irene, continued this practice with me. We begin each day with a devotional reading at the breakfast table. We end each day with a chapter from the Bible. There is still much that I do not understand. What I began to do as a teenager because I wanted to be an educated person, I have continued to do as a pensioner because there is so much in it that I love to read again and again.

I have to keep a bookmark in the Bible so that I know where we are. I must admit that often I do not remember from one day to the next what I read the day before. Some times I would have trouble telling you what I have read immediately after I have finished the reading.

You might ask, "Why read it if you don't remember it?"

I suppose I keep reading it regularly for the same reason that I like eating my meals regularly every day. I may have trouble remembering what I had for dinner yesterday but I still want to eat again today. I am amazed again and again how God has spoken to me through the Word at those times when I most needed to hear it.

Irvin Hohm

The Rev. Irvin Hohm, a retired ELCIC pastor, completed a two-year assignment as a Volunteer in Mission in Cameroon in 1999.

Fifth Sunday in Lent
April 9, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Listening to God needs more deliberate attention than simply voicing our prayers. As a person in leadership in the church, I often pray for others as well as for myself, my family and personal concerns. I am often asked or expected to pray in public. And I find myself frequently 'breathing a prayer' praying for a person I happen to see or who passes through my mind at that time.

Both casual and deliberate times to pray are good and necessary. But in recent years, I have sensed the need to simply read the Scripture to allow its message to fully influence my thinking and attitudes. It's best when there is no other purpose in reading, even though the thoughts of the readings often come back later in the day in connection with my responsibilities.

I look forward each day to the three scripture readings in the Lutheran Book of Worship Daily Lectionary. In a quiet place by myself, I read them aloud so my mind isn't so easily distracted. Between the readings, I intone the two Psalms listed on p. 178. I think that reading and intoning aloud helps to involve my total being in listening to God through the Bible.

This is not a time for me to deliberately speak to God in prayer, but often the Bible content does spark a thought that turns into a prayer. I keep a prayer-list of names as a Bible marker at each of the three readings: one list is the names of pastors/leaders/congregations/ministries of our national church; one list is the names of leadership in this synod for which I have responsibility; and one list is the names of leadership in the Saskatoon Conference where I have most frequent contact. I simply note the names, and prayer arises only if a particular need comes to mind.

Finally, I begin and end this time of listening to God through the Bible by singing a hymn aloud. I find that I think of the message more closely and I have been amazed by how the hymns are so filled with scripture. I believe we need to be more deliberate to listen to God in the reading of the Bible. Listen to me, my people... --Isaiah 51:4

+ Allan Grundahl

The Rev. Allan A. Grundahl serves as the bishop of the Saskatchewan Synod, ELCIC, and lives in Saskatoon.

The Resurrection of Our Lord -- Easter Day
April 23, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Let my prayer rise before you as incense;
the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.
O Lord, I call to you; come to me quickly;
hear my voice when I cry to you.
Set a watch before my mouth, O Lord,
and guard the door of my lips.
Let not my heart incline to any evil thing;
let me not be occupied with evildoers.
But my eyes are turned to you, Lord God;
in you I take refuge.
Strip me not of my life.

Many times had I sung this prayer of Psalm 141, the LBW Evening Prayer Psalmody, calmly and tranquilly, especially at the end of a Seminary day, or occasionally in a parish or conference setting.

But this same prayer took on a poignantly new urgency ten years ago the day the Jesuit priests were martyred in San Salvador. Hours after that massacre, eleven colleagues and I were arrested, blindfolded and handcuffed, and taken to the barracks of the feared Treasury Police. There we faced periodic interrogations throughout the night. This was also in San Salvador, just a few kilometres away from the horror of the Jesuit University.

We were aware of the murder of the Jesuits, though I knew that some of the details were inaccurate Jon Sobrino, for example, was out of the country, so could not have been a victim of the Salvadorean military that fateful night. As the interrogators attempted to entangle, ensnare and accuse us and the Salvadorean Lutheran Church through us of subversive involvement with the guerillas, this psalmist's prayer was on my lips and in my heart.

As I knelt in that cold, dark, concrete hallway, awaiting further interrogation, and hearing moans and cries around me, I quietly sang this Psalm. I didn't know if my friends were close enough to hear me, or if the guards were paying any attention, but I knew that God was.

We were hopeful that, but not sure if, our frail efforts at getting word to the outside world had met with success. Later it was confirmed that thousands of prayers were upholding us throughout that long night. Through those unending hours, it was this impassioned prayer of the psalmist which kept me serene. God responded by guarding the door of my lips, and by not stripping me of my life.

Brian Rude

The Rev. Brian Rude, ELCIC long-term missionary, is serving in AIDS ministry based in El Salvador. He is also a member of the ELCIC AIDS Task Force.

Second Sunday of Easter
April 30, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Ever since my first visit to Africa, my bible study does not begin with my or even with bible or study. It begins with hearing the voices of others who speak from life experiences that are often very different from mine. When they open up Scripture, they open windows to see God at work all over the world. They also hold up a mirror to my own life.

When Mercy Amba Oduyoye, a theologian from Ghana, reads the story of Naomi and Ruth (Ruth 1:6-18), she wonders if we are open to new companions on the journey of life. Do we even pay attention to the newcomers in our midst? In my opportunities to meet with new Lutheran friends around the world, I realize how European our Canadian congregations are. Have I made an effort to meet new neighbours? Am I willing to go where they go? What will God's work mean for me and them together?

When I read the Maundy Thursday gospel where Jesus washes the disciples' feet (John 13:1-17), I imagine washing the foot of someone who has lost a foot and a leg to a landmine. The surviving foot is a prophetic call to justice and a witness to hope. Walking together can mean suffering, and even death. But do we know much at all about the pathways that our neighbours walk?

When I read the chapters of Acts, I hear theologian Choong Chee Pang reminding me that most Lutherans in Asia are first or second generation Christians. Acts speaks to them about their life in Christ today - as vibrant, spirited churches. What has happened to our passion for the good news of Jesus Christ? Do we hear God's Word speaking anew to our communities?

I am thankful to sisters and brothers in Christ around the world who enrich our experience of God's gracious presence in this world. They are God's gift to us here in Canada. If we walk and study together, what will we learn? What will God's work become for all of us together?

Art Leichnitz

The Rev. Art Leichnitz is the Lutheran World Federation's Regional Officer for North America.

Thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 10, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

"I lift up my eyes to the hills my help comes from the Lord" Psalm 121:1-2

The words of this psalm were running through my mind as I woke that October morning. I memorized this psalm as a child, but this morning I could only recall part of it. I got up, opened my Bible, and paged through the psalms until I came to Psalm 121 and read all the verses.

In a few hours I would check into the hospital to prepare for major surgery. Throughout the day as I waited, I recalled these words many times. They assured me that I wasn't going through this ordeal alone. God was at my side holding my hand.

Surgery went well and I began my recovery. These words gave me the strength I needed in the days and weeks that followed. As I recalled these words, I would look up and my fears would fall away. God was with me all the time.

As I recovered, curiosity caused me to search further. I discovered a commentary on this psalm and learned that it is a psalm for travelers. God guides and protects us as we travel through life. The commentary refers to this psalm as one often used at the end of life at funerals. I'm glad I didn't know that part before my surgery, but I'll be quite content for it to be used at mine.

In the years that followed, I've often wondered why those words came to me that morning. The best answer I can think of is that God knew what I needed nothing could have been better. In the quiet moments of that early morning I was able to listen to God. The thought that our help comes from God and we are not alone is an enduring comfort to me. Look to the hills and be reassured that God will care for us forever.

Judy Baribeau

Judy Baribeau is a member of National Church Council, ELCIC.

Fourteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 17, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

By the ample light of the midnight sun I focused on Psalm 145. Miles away from any other human being, I had only one book on my sojourn into Kluane National Park in the Yukon Territory, a small Pocket Companion Bible. The inscription on the inside cover of the Pocket was proving itself true time and again: "The best companion you can have." Each day, these writings brought me a new awareness of the best Companion I could ever have: Jesus.

As a pastor, it is easy for the Bible to become simply a tool. The intensely intimate effect of those early years when passages set one's heart aflame and one's feet sprinting for the seminary door give way to something more routine, more mundane. Part of my goal for my wilderness sabbatical wilderness was a re-kindling of my love for Scripture at the deep-down, soul-stirring, toe-tingling level. It worked.

Three things were needed for me to renew my appreciation of the biblical writings: time, solitude, and determination. Since the daily pressures of ministry ate up the first two, the latter often faded with the sunset. With almost two months alone and nothing controlling the agenda but my imagination, I focused my determination with passion. With the indescribable wonders of this spectacular part of God's creation all around me, I walked almost as many miles through the pages of the Bible as I did the Kluane itself. Old stories took on new meanings; time-worn passages shone like gold nuggets; biblical hymns and prayers became mine once more. Through it all I sensed ever more clearly the hand of Christ in mine guiding, encouraging, accompanying.

The spiritual growth I experienced in the Yukon wilderness led to a commitment to take the time for "biblical hikes" on a regular basis in daily life. So far I'm sticking to the path. My relationship with Christ is joyfully bolstered virtually every time I meditate upon His Word. This is something just too good to leave out of the day!

Randy Faro

The Reverend Randy Faro is pastor of Mount Olivet Lutheran in North Vancouver, B.C. and a member of the Working Group for Faith and Society.

Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
September 24, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Reading the Bible is like finding myself in the mirror. A Bible story read to me when I was young recognized my then unknown fears and my unknown hopes. The same story read now speaks to fears and hopes with which I am all too familiar. The more I open myself and my experience to God, the more I sense in the readings a beckoning to explore with vigor and honesty my own soul.

The meaning of the Bible can be obscure as a dream. Initial confusion yields to thoughtful exploration. When the meaning appears clear, the message transcends the personal meaning of a dream. It joins me to the clouds of witnesses who also search for the authentic life. My journey becomes less isolated and fearful as I inherit the promises bestowed upon those who have gone before and who are now my silent companions. My joys and my despair, my hopes and my doubts establish a boundary that both creates and shapes community.

Reading the Bible has become a confirmation of who I am and what I can be within community. The very personal character of this confirmation is safely guarded but at the same time it makes me more hospitable to those around me. I see in them the same human qualities that I see in myself. Together we can establish community that overcomes loneliness.

What compels me to read the Bible is twofold. It is a humble surrender to the will of God. At the same time it is a joyful and proud reunion with the God who loves.

Herbert Harms

The Reverend Herbert Harms is a chaplain and psychotherapist in private practice.

Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 1, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

Reading the Bible devotionally every day keeps things in perspective. Reflecting on God's Word and spending time in prayer frees me from the demands of the world around me. Being grounded in the Word allows me to converse with the world without giving in to the messages that push and pull me in all directions. I need that anchor to be kept from being swept along with the fads of the day.

Immersing myself in the Good News daily frees me to be God's child in God's creation. I am assured of God's love and care for me, so I have nothing to prove to anyone. I can use the gifts God gives me for God's glory, and trust God to do what God wants with my life. Knowing what God has done for me in Jesus Christ reminds me that I have nothing to fear, not even death itself. I can risk offending the world by following Jesus.

God's Word is life itself, and I need to stay connected. My work as Bishop puts me in all kinds of situations for which I have little time to prepare. As I read the Bible regularly, I experience Jesus' promise in Matthew 10:19-20, that God will provide the words I need to say through the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is a wonderful thing to be a child of God, and a privilege to read God's Word as it comes to us in the Bible.

+ Stephen Kristenson

The Reverend Stephen Kristenson is bishop of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, ELCIC

Seventeenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 8, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

In 1999 I challenged my congregation to read the Bible from cover to cover.

Many people in my congregation follow daily devotional readings. They find that God blesses them with strength for the day during this time of contemplation. Yet, a very small number had read the entire Bible.

We published a weekly reading guide in our Sunday bulletin to give direction and encouragement. We also placed Bibles in each pew to allow our members to follow the Sunday readings from the Bible itself. Worshippers could find the passages quickly because the page number was announced as well as the chapter and verse. How good it is to see Bibles opened which otherwise may have remained closed.

This challenge to my congregation has opened new ways of reading the Bible for me.

I have set aside portions of time during which I read an entire Book or Epistle or Gospel uninterrupted in one sitting. This discipline has become a great source of strength and blessing. God touches us in many different ways. Reading the Word illuminates our life's purpose in God's creation. Whether a single verse or the entire Bible, we say with the psalmist: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105)

Pastor Helmut Nachtigall

The Reverend Helmut Nachtigall is pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina and a member of National Church Council.

Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 15, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

One of my favourite Scripture passages is found in Isaiah 43, verse 19: "Behold I am doing a new thing says the Lord; even now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?"

Our God is a creator God who is always doing some "new thing!" We're like most of the highways I drive on these days always under construction! Admittedly, that doesn't always make for an easy or comfortable ride, but that's what it means to be engaged in a relationship with a living God.

The Scriptures teach us again and again that a relationship with God brings about change within us; whether as individuals, or as a Church. Luther wrote, "This life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness; not health but healing; not being but becoming; not rest but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified."

Biblical faith is a faith that is continually under construction. Fidelity to our scriptural origins demands the continued movement of God's people in every age. The Bible chronicles the epic story of a people who struggled to do precisely that. And like our biblical forebears, we are similarly called to identify the new thing that God is doing, and then to struggle to discover how we can help that new thing come to life.

The Bible teaches us that God's work of creating and renewing never ends! "Behold I am doing a new thing says the Lord; even now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?"

+ Michael Pryse

The Reverend Michael Pryse is Bishop of the Eastern Synod, ELCIC.

Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 22, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

In grade ten, there was no way I was going to be a pastor. As a pastor's kid, I had seen the church from the inside out and I did not like what I saw. I was going to be a psychologist so I could get into people's minds and figure out why they do the things they do.

In grade eleven, comfortable with my decision, I decided to read the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. I chose an easy paraphrase of the Bible. Every morning, I would read before I got out of bed. I enjoyed it, except for a few books like Leviticus and Chronicles. I remembered thinking that by the time I had reached the end of Revelation, something wonderful would happen in my life. How disappointed I felt when the fireworks did not go off as I finished the last page.

I later read the Bible again in college. It helped me though my times of rebellion against God and the church. God had put a hunger for the Word in my life. I went to many bible studies, but still, there was no way I was going to be a pastor.

Through the voices of brothers and sisters in Christ and the leading of God's Word, I felt the call to change my earlier decision. I became a pastor and even though I have studied the Word many times, I still discover deeper truths that cause me to change my life. I have discovered that the Bible is inexhaustible.

I encourage you to read God's word. Read it in your youth. Do not fear. Reading the Bible will not force you to be a pastor. It will only change your life.

"For as the rain and snow come down from heaven and do not return there until they have watered the earth; making it bring forth and sprout giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:10- 11)

Fred Schneider

The Reverend Fred Schneider is a pastor at St Paul Lutheran Church, Yorkton SK and a member of the Working Group for Discipleship.

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 29, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

I first heard the Bible in my Sunday School at the age of six. The stories interested me greatly. Certain characters were particularly vivid. I marveled at the Samaritan who helped when others did not. As I continued to read the Bible, I became convinced that the ministry was where I ought to be. Through life's tough demands, Bible reading has encouraged me, given me direction and inspired me with hope.

Over the years, I have learned to set aside a definite time of the day to do my devotions. It is usually in the evening when there are fewer distractions and the major work of the day is over. If busyness or fatigue causes me to skip my devotion, I feel that I have missed something very important and strength-giving in my life.

Each year, I find that praise and thanks to God has become a larger part of my devotion time. The list of persons on my prayer list grows markedly every day. I try to visualize each individual and his or her needs so that I can truly be with him or her in their life. I usually close with thanks to God for what the day has brought, good or not so good, and leave the rest up to Him.

Through reading the Bible, meditating and praying for others, I gain strength for the moment and for the day. That strength is there to draw upon whenever I need it.

Merle Snustead

The Reverend Merle Snustead is Assistant to Bishop Grundahl in the Saskatchewan Synod, ELCIC.

Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
November 5, 2000

Read the Bible,
Live the Faith,
Tell the Story

My confirmation was a memorable event. Family and friends came together and made the day really important for me. I confessed my faith and meant it at the time, but apathy followed and my confirmation verse was soon forgotten. For the next few years going to church was just a habit, enforced because my father was the pastor. Although I didn't revolt against my beliefs or against the church, my faith was not alive and growing and I knew it.

In the last year of high school I had several friends who belonged to different Christian denominations. We sat together at lunchtime and discussed our beliefs and our differences. I would come home with a lot of questions for my father. I became interested again in what the Bible had to say. Not that I didn't accept my father's answers, but I wanted to see for myself. I could not go back to my friends and quote my father, I had to know what the Scriptures said.

My confirmation verse became very important to me: "Fight the good fight of the faith; take hold of the eternal life, to which you were called and for which you made a good confession in the presence of many witnesses." (1 Timothy 6:12)

I began to see that faith could not be dormant, it had to be alive; it had to be justified and defended and witnessed; it had to be lived. At a youth ski-camp that winter I reaffirmed my faith in Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour. Being a Christian and wanting to know more of God's Word became a way of life. The church youth group became the focal point of my involvement and bible study became an important part of our youth meetings.

Soon after that I began to pray that the Lord would show me the girl that I could fall in love with and within 6 months I met the girl of my dreams. We both became very active in the group and learned many of the skills which helped us later to serve the Lord in our congregation and in other Christian endeavours. We have been married 37 years and have been blessed with 3 children and 3 grandchildren.

"Fight the good battle of the faith," as St. Paul writes to Timothy. It is worth it.

A. K. Weingartner

A. K. Weingartner is a retired teacher and currently serves on National Church Council, ELCIC.