Emmanuel Hudson

What would we do without Friends?

Its Labor Day at our house and it seems that we work harder today than any other. You know, all the odds and ends that need to be taken care of before school starts that must be done or they'll never see completion! Well, for us its not all work and no play.

In fact, we got a jump start on the pre Labor Day schedule by getting together with some of our dearest friends last night. We hadn't been with them for a while, so it was good to be at their home and to swap stories, see all the things that they've been doing over the summer, and to make tentative plans for some further get-to-gethers.

When I'm with my friends I always think of my dad who would get me to sit down with him at the piano and together we would plunk out some of his favorite hymns. (One of them you may listen to while you read the rest of this brief note.)

13 What a Friend We Have In Jesus

I think of my father often and wish that I could remember even more than I do about him and how he was. Sometimes I'll dream about him and the things that we'd do together. Some of my most cherished memories of him have to do with the example he set for our family. He was hardworking. He was tenderhearted. He was a good teacher. He was strict in the best possible way. And, as I reflect back and research his life, as much as I can tell, he was faithful to my mother and he was faithful to the Lord Jesus. 

The hymn you're listening to right now is one that he loved and played often to our great delight. He told me that Jesus was his friend and that he loved thinking and hearing about him

His favorite time of the year was Christmas. And even though he worked as a fireman on the Great Western Railroad, he always made it home for Christmas. As a young lad I looked forward to those Christmases with excited anticipation because it would be the time that I would be able to do him proud by reciting publicly in church his favorite passages. Since I was in youth choir he always loved it when my sisters and I would sing the hymns he loved.

I know its only September, but, at our preschool we've already begun to think ahead and plan for Jesus' Birthday Party.

I hope you will plan ahead to be with us!

The 24th of December is a Saturday and Christmas Day is, therefore, Sunday, and it will be a major festival!

Oh, yes, one more thing about my dad. He died on the Saturday before Easter of an aortic aneurysm. Just before he lost consciousness he gave me one word of instruction..."Son, tell people about Jesus." That's quite a commission coming from both of my best friends.

God bless you ...remember, Jesus is your friend too!

The Great Minnesota Get together

Well now, if you have not done the Mn State Fair for a few years its either today or tomorrow for this year! What a show...there's nothing like it in these parts and its been a part of my life for a very long time.

My first experience was on the lap of my grandfather, Max Claassen. He, grandma "C" and my whole family, as it existed then, (no little brothers yet) went to the fair and spent the whole day. At that time we drove right in and found parking on the grounds without any trouble. My mother and grandmother had packed a picnic lunch, we "menfok" did machinery hill, and the "gals" took in home activities, 4H, and the horticulture building. We made our way through everything without any trouble and didn't go near the midway because my mother didn't want my mind to be polluted. After lunch the guys spent a couple of hours in the grandstand watching sulky races. All I can remember is that there were a lots of folks with straw hats and smoking cigars! My treat for the day was a bottle of orange crush! When we got home I GOT SICK TO MY STOMACH.

Fast forward to Friday, add tons more people, foods of every type and description, and all the noise, dust, and excitement that comes along with being in a crowd that's dedicated to having fun and able to get along with hundreds of thousands of people. Everyone there seems, for the most part, proud of being "Minnesotan" and willing to drop a few bucks to get tired, stimultated, and a "tummy" ache if you get out of control.

This time for the first year, my wife and I were taken to the fair. Every other year we went and/or took others. This time we were told, " don't think, just enjoy... and we'll keep you from getting lost!"

We didn't get lost and we found everything with little trouble. And why not since our hosts had their iPhones along, a coupon book for discounts and directions, and for them it was visit 3 and 4 for this year!

My favorite thing to do is "people watch." Sometimes I'll note trends or fads, such as the body piercing era of a few years back, or this year it seems that "fair hair" was in for lots of little ladies and their young mothers. If you should like to see more pictures you can find them on my Facebook page. Just type in Frederick Kogler. You will see I had more than a few treats, met a few of my close personal friends, and enjoyed being there with my squeeze. (Oh, yes, I got my Pronto Pup. They've been around since 1947!) No dark suit, white shirt or tie for this guy, just shorts, tennis shoes, and a shirt that could be spilled on. My completed fair uniform included a "Fleet Farm" cap that I get every year.  I spent $27 on food, the rest was "taken care of." I was treated to the ride on the bus,(we parked at the U) and I was allowed to sample all kinds of greasy food stuff that is designed to clog my arteries.

Think of it...Jesus died for the whole bunch of us!

 

The Crown of Creation

To begin with I wonder on line if there are many folks who are otherwise bright people who never come to grips with the difference between the Creator and what he has created? Even a casual reading of the book of Genesis speaks simply and clearly to the point of origins: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1).  In that comprehensive phrase the answer to the question:"Where did all that we know come from?" is answered. There is a problem, however, that causes even the obvious to be denied, and that is the idea of accountability. (More on that later).

Looking at creation one can observe the various species and kinds, states of existance, environments and similar dissimilarities and come to the conclusion that of all that we can know there is one outstanding creature of all creation and that is mankind.

This drawing of man is called The Vetruvian depiction of man. It's purpose was to show a symmetry and balance between architectual details and the human body.

It is probably the most reproduced sketch of the human body among art.

When we ask the question "which is the foremost visible creature?, this piece of famous art comes to mind.

The emphasis in this sketch is on the human form and the relationships to distances, geometry, and architecture that one may observe.

The consideration of man's preeminent position among all creatures, visible and invisible becomes clear when we add the other two dimensions of mental and spiritual qualities. In the Bible we are told how God Himself especially formed his body, gave him a rational mind and breathed into him the breath of life and man became a living spiritual being. Gen 2: 7 the LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.

 Gen. 1:25-27  25 God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. 26 Then God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, {26 Hebrew; Syriac <all the wild animals>} and over all the creatures that move along the ground." 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.

There is another question raised by those just mentioned: "What was the image of God?" The answer is twofold; A. That man knew God and was perfectly happy in such knowledge,Col. 3:10  10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. 2. That man was perfectly holy and blessed. Eph. 4: 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires;
 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

The Bible talks about changes. The most important one for this discussion is the change between what God created mankind to be, and what mankind has chosen for himself to be. There is a marked difference between the two,  and it is obvious from the current state of affairs in this world that the former is much better than the latter.

In fact, we have changed so much that it is hard to find in mankind the residual evidence of God's image that consisted in pure holiness and righteousness. What man calls normal is obscene, corrupt, and evil to the very core. What we struggle against is our own choices, and not what God wants us to be...the Apostle Paul put it this way: Ro 7:19 For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-- this I keep on doing.

The power to change and to be the "crown of Creation" come from Jesus Christ. What is more He invites us all:  Matt. 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Please accept this invitation and be what God created you to be.

 

 

The Dark side of the Spiritual Realm

In my early morning time of meditation, I studied a few paragraphs of Luther's Small Catechism. This morning's question asks: "What does the Bible tell us about the evil angels, or devils?

When I look at the way the catechism is set up I am thankful. Its form is that of a book of questions and answers that is designed to teach the basic doctrines of the Bible. In the discussion of today's question the answers are given in simple and direct style and form.

What can we learn about evil angels?

A. They are spirits who were created holy, but sinned and are forever rejected by God.    2 Peter 2:4 For if God didn't spare angels when they sinned, but cast them down to Tartarus {Tartarus is another name for Hell}, and committed them to pits of darkness, to be reserved to be judged; There are several ideas expressed or implied here that are meaningful for those of us who live in the present time. God exists and is the righteous judge who holds all creatures accountable. The creatures spoken of here are from the invisible realms and they are called angels. Angels really exist, and those who sinned are being held in the pits of darkness.

B. These evil angels are cunning, powerful, and of great number. There are two very clear expressions from the Bible that help in our understanding of why the world is the way it is.  Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Their numbers are great:  Mark 5:8 For he said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!" 9 He asked him, "What is your name?" He said to him, "My name is Legion, for we are many."  In this passage we have described how Jesus performed an exorcism.

Perhaps one of the most deceptive things about the devil and his evil angels is that they are all liars. That simply means that they and those who serve them do not tell things the way they are. They manipulate, change, and deny the truthfulness of God's very own words. They distort reality, and with specific activities are responsible for so many things that are wrong in our world that it would appear that they will gain the upper hand.

The fallen angels are the enemies of God and of man and endeavor to destroy the works of God.  Joh 8:43 Why don't you understand my speech? Because you can't hear my word. 44 You are of your Father, the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and doesn't stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks on his own; for he is a liar, and the father of it.

As I look at the world around us, it seems clear to me that within the Biblical world view there are clear explanations of the way things are, why peoeple do the things they do, and why it is that so many who consider themselves learned have a great difficulty with what the Bible says.

There is no better exhortation and encouragement for us as we live from day to day than that which is set down for our learning in 1 Peter 5: 6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; 7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.8 Be sober and self-controlled. Be watchful. Your adversary the devil, walks around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Withstand him steadfast in your faith, knowing that your brothers who are in the world are undergoing the same sufferings. 10 But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.

 

God be with you, and I hope to see you in church.

Time for new glasses

I've noticed that things don't appear to be as clear to me as they used to be. Even though I have had to wear glasses a long time, I didn't realize that I was missing things that I would otherwise have seen or noticed. So I went to the eye doctor for a check up, and sure enough, he made the observation that it was time to get some new lenses. The whole process included a check of my hearing as well.  He told me that I'm in pretty good shape in that regard. My wife may not agree!

I suppose that you have noticed a good share of easy typos in these blogs, and now we both know why. If you have hearing loss, or your eyesight has diminished recently you know where I'm at in the "loss" department.

Without any prompting on my part the doctor offered the observation, "you're actually in pretty good shape in most regards. Every body has changes taking place as they age. It's normal. All of our systems wear out or degenerate." 

Without going into great detail, I would remind you that since the time of the fall into sin and the subsequent curse, the whole world and all its creatures have been in the agony of being broken and degeneration. For my eyes there are corrective lenses, for my sin there is forgiveness through Jesus.

Well, I'd better get off to the eye glass store to order up some new specs... maybe I'll get some in the Sarah Palin style.

Grudge holders don't fit...

One of the most consuming emotions is hatred. It totally dominates and controls the way a person thinks, speaks and acts. The Bible tells us that hating someone is like being a murderer.

A close second is the individual who holds grudges. Another way this is expressed is: "to bear a grudge." That means to continue feeling an old resentment for someone; to harbor continual anger for someone. This means to not forgive.

Over the years of my ministry I've come across a few individuals who bear grudges. For reasons taht aren't completely clear they will have a personality that does not mesh or mix with others, and instead of working at overcoming their differences they will say something like:"That's the way I was made, that's the way I am, and there's nothing that can be done about it. What is more, I'm not even going to try"

You may have a personality difference, or you may not like a person, but to be unforgiving, or to bear a life long grudge against someone is something quite different.  If you say and act as though you hate someone it reveals an infectiion of heart and mind that is in desparate need of fixing. Some folks harbor their grudges and withhold forgiveness for trivial reasons. Whatever the case may be it doesn't fit with Christianity. Here's what the Lord Jesus says about this matter: Matthew 1:12 Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors.
 13 Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.' 14 "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

For the power to forgive we must turn to the Lord Jesus...

Looking ahead!

This will be brief as its Sunday and there is proclamation to be done...!

Yesterday I was with the worship committee from our church planning ahead to the late fall and early winter seasons. As I was studying this morning I came upon the following passage:  1Co 16:6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.

The Apostle Paul was thinking ahead, planning, and charting his course of action for the future. A lot of that is going on these days. The return to classrooms, relocation for job situations, and the way we'll give expression to our faith and love for Jesus.  Exciting, challenging, and at the same time peaceful.

Get your calendar out and do some planning. Remember to mark off time for worship and prayerful meditation. Don't forget to take Jesus along as you resort to the solitude of your mind.

Now this is peaceful...

The Leftovers were gathered in baskets

Many years ago I was driving along Scenic Hi-way 7 in Northern Itasca county. I was on my way to the Rajala Mill in Bigfork, Mn. As I came over a hill my eyes caught a glint of something shiny in the swamp next to the road. I slowed to get a better view and I couldn't believe my eyes. There on the edge of the swampy woods was an adult sized tricycle and an old man struggling to make his way to the road. He was hopelessly mired in muck and just sitting there exhausted and motionless. 

I happened to be pulling a trailer behind my large Chevy Beauville van with which I planned to get a load of millrun cut offs for my woodworking shop. As I came to a stop I realized that it would take some doing for me, a young strong guy of German descent to get that old guy and his trike out of the swamp. But I offered, he accepted, and after a half hour of working together pulling, hacking, and lifting we had his conveyance in my trailer and, catching his breath he thanked me and extended his seasoned hand, his name was Hans Evenson. He was a Finn and he had just been rescued by a German preacher on vacation.

I had to ask the inevitable question:"What in the world were you doing with your trike in the swamp?" His smile and twinkling eyes were my answer. Then he motioned and in broken English he said: "Come, I show ya."

That was the beginning of a new era in my life. I turned the van and trailer around and made the way down a drive to a small house sitting in a cleared area in the woods. As soon as I got there we took the muddy bike off the trailer and Hans motioned for me to follow him into his house. When we got inside I saw a sight I had never seen before and certainly didn't expect. His whole house was filled with hand crafted baskets and all the mess, supplies, tools and debris that go along with an almost lost art.

I was politely impressed by the mess, but since I was single-minded in my quest for free wood at the mill, I turned down an offered basket, and mildly scolded this senior woodsman for taking his trike in the swamp.

(cont'd from earlier... I got interrupted)

What comes to mind are the many references to baskets in the Bible. One that is especially to the point is the reference to the caregiving grace and mercy of Jesus. We have a hard time understanding how it was possible for him to feed thousands of people at one time with a few small fish and 5 loaves of bread. But he did. In fact, he provided so amply for the needs of the people that he gave instructions to the disciples to gather up the left overs. When they did the had several (12) baskets full.  Joh 6:13 So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.

What we often overlook is the obvious. In addition to having plenty of food, the disciples were learning a very important lesson through the miraculous feeding of the 5ooo. Jesus wanted them to learn, each one of them, that he would also take care of them, even if it took a miracle.

I hope the lesson isn't lost on us. We don't frequently have so much bread leftover that we have to gather it up in large quantities. Nor do we usually use baskets to hold the leftovers that we have. But there they were. Mere coincidence, I don't think so.  The baskets were there by the will and foreknowledge of God. The numbers are significant as well, as Jesus continued to teach his disciples about his providential care.

I don't think it was an accident or coincidence that I happened along to rescue old Hans. It wasn't my doing, I didn't plan it at all, in fact it was the furthest thing from my mind for things to unfold as they did. But God knew then as always what He wanted to be done.

About Hans, I never saw him again, but when I went to the bank one day some time later that summer, I noticed a display of baskets on a card table with his picture setting in the middle. He was the featured artist that month. I mentioned my little episode with Hans to the teller as I was carryiing on my banking. When I did, she suddenly flushed and stopped counting out my change, "So you're the one who helped Hans!" "Stay right there," she said, and she went to a back room and came forward with a basket, and handing it to me she blurted out, "Hans said we should keep our eye out for a young preacher from on Gunn Lake. If he comes in, give him this, I made it for him."

I have the basket on display in my home. It reminds me of how God works in our lives in spite of us, and how he cares for us in ways and at times we don't envision. God's always got his eye on you!

What it takes to complete a Project

Without a doubt I love to make things with my hands.  It makes no difference to me if the project is big or small. I've overseen the building of churches, schools, houses, garages and many wooden pens. Currently I'm working at improving my wood turning skills by making small Christmas trees. I'll post some pictures in upcoming blogs to show what I mean.

What these projects have in common is that it takes more than an idea and resources to fulfill the tasks of completion. It takes a process of follow through that must be attended to as one moves through the the various steps of getting the job done. Let me illustrate this by talking about making a slimline ball point pen that has metal, ink, and exotic wood as its various parts.

To begin we start with the basic idea of a pen that is to be made using premanufactured parts, some pieces of wood, and the skill set that includes, wood turning, assembly, and applying a suitable finish. 

Here you see the various parts of the project before anything has been done to accomplish the goal.

If I gave you these parts and said, "Bring me a pen in an hour," you probably wouldn't know where to begin. If,however, you had the tools, skills, and all the rest of the supplies needed, you'd smile and say something cute like: "What's going to take so long?"

One of my other favorite occupations is to train young people and to teach them about Jesus. Even though the project of eduction can be guided by lessons plans and tools of the trade and facilities, there are some major differences which make the project of teaching quite different. The one singlemost important element is the student. Every single one is unique. Every child in my estimation is "special."

That is why when I have youth confirmation classes, part of my preparation, in addition to reviewing and freshening up my knowledge of the material of the Bible and Luther's Catechism, is the process whereby I make a list of the students and try to think through presenttion formats, object lessons, and learning goals that will be especially appropriate for each student. Yes, there are many things that are common to all, but at the same time there are sufficient dissimilarities among the individuals to justify and prove profitable for me as a teacher to address the circumstances and needs of each one.

At Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Hudson, WI our youth confirmation program will begin on Monday, September 12th. We will meet from 6-7:15PM at church throughout the school year. We enoucourage all our parents to take advantage of this program as it helps the parents train their children, and provides opportunties for the youth to grow spiritually in an organized program of Christian Education. These classes are for members and non-members alike. If you would like more information leave me a note, or give me a call (651-283-9876).

Oh, yes, about the pen, here's a completed slim line made from the material pictured above. You may have me make one for you. They make great Christmas gifts.($15 ea. with two week completion time...more than an hour if its done well).

Oh, by the way, any money I make after the costs, is used to buy instructional materials for training the youth.  

There was a Garden...

Yesterday I was busy with the tasks of installing a new screen door. As I worked on that project I walked back and forth to my tool shed. This route took me by a little raised garden that my wife and I have. Its demensions are perfect for our purposes (24 ft long and 5 ft wide) and it has raised sides that are ab out 12 inches above the ground. It gets plenty of sunshine, the soil warms early in the growing season and we have a nearby water supply to aid in plant growth.

The growing medium is a combination of bog humus, sand, mulch, and sawdust. To enhance the soil we have occasionally added some garden fertilizer. From this plot we have an ample supply of various vegetables which we enjoy as soon as they come into fruition. (We have rhubarb, onions, bush beans, carrots, beats, tomatoes, kohlrabi, brussels sprouts, radishes, lettuce, potatos and peas.) We cover it with netting and our natural enemy, White Tailed deer, stay away because they don't like getting tangled in the mesh which they have a hard time seeing.

Although I help with the raised garden, my wife is the real gardener as this is one of her main occupations during the growing season.  She tends no less that 5 gardens in two locations, plus maintains several flower beds, potted arrangements and individual plants. As a sign of her success we have fresh bouquets on our kitchen table from early spring to late in the fall. They are beautiful reminders of the grace and love of God and the gardener who puts them there.

In the bible there are several gardens mentioned. The garden of Eden, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the garden in which the Lord was buried, are just a few.

As I considered the concept of gardening it occurred to me that it is futuristic in every sense. What I mean is that each garden planted is one that looks forward to another time. It relies on the promise and blessing of God, and it brings to the gardener the potential of ultimate fulfillment. When I plant the tiny seeds of a tomato, for example, I look forward to having perhaps a bushel or two of delicious red fruit for our family table. If you plant lettuce it continues to provide wonderful leaves that are crisp and tasty for as long as six to eight weeks.

In each case for the gardens mentioned from the Bible there is a future to be looked forward to as well. Life, trial, and eternity come to mind as I consider the anticipated outcomes. The resurrection garden especially captures my attention because from the sepulchre of death came forth the gift of life that is intended for the enjoyment of all. Thanks Lord for your gardens, and the gardener companion you have given me to share.