August 25, 2026
Dear fellow redeemed,
I just made an error in the writing of this blog for this week. But it brings me to a point I’d like to make in this message. When I was typing the above words, I mistakenly (or was it?) wrote the words “Good News for Pastor Steve”.
And the more I think about this, maybe “for” is better than “from”. Because truthfully, the “Good News” that I’m writing about doesn’t come from me; rather from God! And I need to hear this Good News from God as much as anyone else!
Of course, I can share the Good News with you. And so in a way, it does come from, or rather through me. But it can just as well come from you, or anyone else!
Honestly, whenever I’m preaching, leading discussions of the Scriptures, praying, I am very much benefitting from it as much, if not more than anyone else.
So that brings me to the Scripture readings for this upcoming Sunday. And I am struggling to understand and accept these words: Jesus telling us to “deny themselves, take up your cross and follow Me.”
What do those words really mean for each of us today? How do we do what Jesus is asking? And what if I don’t want to do what He is telling us to do?
I guess this is why we can still be spending time in devotions and prayer, coming to a service every week, listening to the Scriptures at least weekly, and the hours that we spend reading, studying, preparing for all of the above.
You know, sometimes I wonder, as I realize that I’ve been at this pastoral ministry for 42+ years, and have been preparing for it ever since I was a child, and I’m looking out at people who have also been members of the Church for so many years, faithful in their service in so many ways, all very much as with me. And I wonder: do we really need to hear all of this again? I mean, how many times, and how many ways can a person hear the same story of the Scriptures, and of God’s love and grace?
And then I’m reminded of the story of the old man who had been married to his wife for many, many years. And his wife asked him one day, “Why don’t you ever tell me that you love me anymore?” And the old man answered, “I told you I love you on our wedding day! That should be enough!!” I think I’m already hearing many of you say, “NO! Once is not enough!” And I agree!!
And I think God will agree also! He wants to hear our prayers and worship and our questions, and complaints, and troubles. Just as I want to hear from my family and friends, no matter what their concerns may be.
I also realize in my own life (and assume that you may agree with me for your own life) that I need to hear again and again the promises of God for each and every one of us! I forget some of the truths I’ve heard before. I turn away from God with my sin, doubts, and yes, at times unbelief.
But God never gives up on me, and on any of us! That’s the message of all of Scripture: God coming to us again and again, reminding us of His love and grace for all!
Now about those words in this Sunday’s Gospel reading?! Let’s look at them together. And try to understand it all. God will be patient with us. I mean, he’s been patient with us all through our lives, and the history of His people!
With you as God’s dearly loved people,
– Pastor Steve
Pastor Steve’s 2-Minute Devotion – 8/19/26
Pastor’s Monthly Update – August 2026
Dear fellow redeemed,
As I write this, it is raining! Before this rain it was looking like one of the driest months in many years. But now, it looks like the green grass will return (though wind and hail is still predicted, so maybe we should wait to see…). So for now, I am thankful for the blessings of good weather. God blesses us with rain and sunshine, all the seasons, food and shelter, and all our needs.
But then, you may be reading this as you struggle with health concerns, finances, conflicts with family or friends, losses, or needs. So then what do you say about “God’s blessings”? Does God only bless those who receive rain when needed? And are only those who are healthy blessed by God? What about those without food and shelter, or where is God’s blessings when it hails or a tornado strikes your house or your basement is flooded?
I remember once early in my pastoral ministry, I thanked God for the rain in a Sunday morning worship service. After the service, an old member who was a farmer cautioned me, saying that in this region, when it starts to rain, it often doesn’t quit until we have too much rain. So maybe my prayer could be considered part of the fault of a flooded region. Since then, I’ve tried to pray only for “good weather”, leaving it up to God to decide whether to have it rain, or to give sunshine.
So what do we do with the Scriptures that tell us God heals, provides, protects, when we may be ill, lacking, or in danger? What if we pray for help, but don’t see anyone or anything helping us in times of need? What if we ask God to heal, but instead the person for whom we prayed dies?
One way to answer these questions is to recognize God’s sovereign and mysterious ways. I like to compare God’s ways with us as a parent with a small child. The child will not be able to understand all the ways of their parents. Even more so, we will never understand all the ways of Almighty and Eternal God.
Another response to these questions is to recognize that God’s ways and timing is often different than ours. Similar to a child’s complaint about not having supper when and how they want, so God may provide healing, protection, etc. according to His plan, not ours.
Here’s what we know no matter what: God loves each and every one of us. He promises to be with us. Even to suffer with us, grieve with us, and to walk with us every step of the way through life (and if you doubt this, read again the words of Psalm 23!)
We are not called to understand everything. Or to be able to answer all our questions. God does promise us to work faith and life in Christ in each and every one of us.
May you have a good day, whether it is raining or full of sunshine, whether you are sick or well, rich or poor, happy or sad. Be assured that God is here with you now, and forever!
With you in Christ,
– Pastor Steve
Redeemer Lutheran Church - Hartford, WI 