Pineapple Surprise! Better Than Anyone Could Imagine

I got a pineapple whole, which never quite worked before. Christina tried a special pineapple cutter, and I said, "Fingers will come off easier than that outside layer of armor." Cutting that one seemed unusually difficult, so we stuck with Dole.

This is - or was - a fresh pineapple, easily cut with a long, serrated Cutco knife. It seems our other Cutco tools disappeared some time ago. After I made cylinder slices, I looked up the "best way," which was laborious. "Don't eat the core." I just ate the core. I eat apple cores somewhat, depending on hunger.

I ended with four thick triangles per slice. Even with the core, the fruit was heavenly sweet and tasty. Doing everything backwards, I looked up the nutritional value of pineapple.

1. Loaded with nutrients

Pineapples are low in calories but boast an impressive nutrient profile. Just 1 cup (165 grams) of pineapple chunks contains the following nutrients (2Trusted Source):

• Calories: 83
• Fat: 1.7 grams
• Protein: 1 gram
• Carbs: 21.6 grams
• Fiber: 2.3 grams
• Vitamin C: 88% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Manganese: 109% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 11% of the DV
• Copper: 20% of the DV
• Thiamine: 11% of the DV
• Folate: 7% of the DV
• Potassium: 4% of the DV
• Magnesium: 5% of the DV
• Niacin: 5% of the DV
• Pantothenic acid: 7% of the DV
• Riboflavin: 4% of the DV
• Iron: 3% of the DV

Pineapples also contain trace amounts of phosphorus, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A and K.

As you can see, this fruit is particularly rich in vitamin C and manganese. Vitamin C is essential for immune health, iron absorption, and growth and development, while manganese offers antioxidant properties and aids in growth and metabolism (3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).

Antioxidants help prevent oxidation in your body, which may help ward off inflammation that can lead to cancer and other chronic diseases (5Trusted Source).

Pineapples also contain other micronutrients, such as copper, thiamine, and vitamin B6, which are essential for healthy metabolism (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

SUMMARY

Pineapples are especially rich in vitamin C and manganese, as well as numerous other vitamins and minerals.

Facty says that pineapple helps dissolve mucous (in a friendly way), helping with coughs and stuffiness. Sure enough, I felt the impact soon after eating. 

This strikes me as funny because the meat-milk-fat-eggs group is relatively narrow in its nutritional benefits. But mixed greens, vegetables, fruits, and nuts provide 

1. a wealth of vitamins and minerals, 
2. an abundance of protein and trace elements, 
3. a treasury of phytochemicals. 

Those benefits are overlooked in favor of the Standard American Diet - basic vitamins, protein, sugar, fat, corn syrup, and high glycemic food (like popcorn with sugar, white bread, fast food, and rice).

 Wiki - the last word about everything - on chickpeas.

1. Packed with nutrients

Chickpeas boast an impressive nutritional profile.

They contain a moderate number of calories, providing 269 per cup (164 grams). Approximately 67% of these calories come from carbs, while the rest comes from protein and fat (1Trusted Source).

Chickpeas also provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, as well as a decent amount of fiber and protein. A 1-cup (164-gram) serving of cooked chickpeas offers (1Trusted Source):

• Calories: 269
• Protein: 14.5 grams
• Fat: 4 grams
• Carbs: 45 grams
• Fiber: 12.5 grams
• Manganese: 74% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Folate (vitamin B9): 71% of the DV
• Copper: 64% of the DV
• Iron: 26% of the DV
• Zinc: 23% of the DV
• Phosphorus: 22% of the DV
• Magnesium: 19% of the DV
• Thiamine: 16% of the DV
• Vitamin B6: 13% of the DV
• Selenium: 11% of the DV
• Potassium: 10% of the DV

As you can see, this legume is a particularly good source of the mineral manganese and the B vitamin folate.

SUMMARY

Chickpeas contain a moderate amount of calories and several vitamins and minerals. They’re also a good source of fiber and protein.

 

2. May keep you feeling full

The protein and fiber in chickpeas may help keep your appetite under control.

Protein and fiber work together to slow digestion, which helps promote fullness. In addition, protein may increase levels of appetite-reducing hormones in your body (2Trusted Source, 3, 4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).

In fact, the filling effects of the protein and fiber in chickpeas may automatically lower your calorie intake (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source).

One study compared appetite and calorie intake among 12 women who ate two separate meals (8Trusted Source).

Before one of the meals, they ate 1.25 cups (200 grams) of chickpeas, then 2 slices of white bread before the other meal. They experienced a significant reduction in appetite and calorie intake after the chickpea meal, compared with the white bread meal (8Trusted Source).

Another small study found that those who ate pretzels and chickpea-based hummus for an afternoon snack experienced a 70% reduction in appetite and a 30% increase in fullness (9Trusted Source).

All the same, more research is needed on chickpeas and appetite control.

SUMMARY

Chickpeas are high in protein and fiber, which may keep you feeling full and reduce your calorie intake at meals.

Though scholars are divided and there are many grey areas of nutrition, anyone can look up the beneficial effects of each food, which is a lot of fun.

Going to the freezer section and canned beans at Walmart is an adventure. I get unusual frozen vegetables because a mistake can be mixed in with the favorites in the sauce pan:

1. Roots (not the novel)
2. Asparagus
3. Green peppers and onions sliced
4. Sliced green beans
5. Lima beans
6. Peas
7. Stir fry combo
8. Sweet potatoes
9. Brussels sprouts
10. Mixed vegetables
11. Tomato paste for the lutein and flavor

I stopped buying soup as the starter because of cost and salt. I use V-8 low salt but I doubt whether it contributes much, unlike Tobasco.

When the stomach feels hollow, beans with spinach are good for many reasons. Flavored beans seem much saltier. Garbanzos (chickpeas) seem to be low salt and are easily mixed with other beans or vegetables. 

One objection to processed foods, like pork and beans, is the cost. But the other objection is the sugar and salt added.

Hymn - The Will of God Is Always Best - New Graphic

"The Will of God Is Always Best"
by Albrecht von Brandenburg, 1522-1557

Tune: "Was mein Gott will" - linked here

1. The will of God is always best
And shall be done forever;
And they who trust in Him are blest,
He will forsake them never.
He helps indeed In time of need,
He chastens with forbearing;
They who depend On God, their Friend,
Shall not be left despairing.

2. God is my Comfort and my Trust,
My Hope and life abiding;
And to His counsel wise and just,
I yield in Him confiding.
The very hairs, His Word declares,
Upon my head He numbers.
By night and day God is my Stay,
He never sleeps nor slumbers.

3. Lord Jesus, this I ask of Thee,
Deny me not this favor:
When Satan sorely troubles me,
Then do not let me waver.
Keep watch and ward, O gracious Lord,
Fulfil Thy faithful saying:
Who doth believe He shall receive
An answer to His praying.

4. When life's brief course on earth is run
And I this world am leaving,
Grant me to say: "Thy will be done."
By faith to Thee still cleaving.
My heavenly Friend, I now commend
My soul into Thy keeping,
O'er sin and hell, And death as well,
Through Thee the victory reaping.

Hymn #517
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Matthew 6:10
Author: Albrecht von Brandenburg, c. 1554, asc.
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh' allzeit"
Harmony by: Johann S. Bach, 1750
Tune: "Was mein Gott will"

Albrecht Duerer

Hymn - In Peace and Joy I Now Depart

"In Peace and Joy I Now Depart"
by Martin Luther, 1483-1546

Tune - Mit Fried' und Freud' - linked here

1. In peace and joy I now depart
At God's disposing;
For full of comfort is my heart,
Soft reposing.
So the Lord hath promised me,
And death is but a slumber.

2. 'Tis Christ that wrought this work for me,
My faithful Savior,
Whom Thou hast made mine eyes to see
By Thy favor.
Now I know He is my Life,
My Help in need and dying.

3. Him Thou hast unto all set forth
Their great Salvation
And to His kingdom called the earth,
Every nation,
By Thy dear and wholesome Word,
In every place resounding.

4. He is the Hope and saving Light
Of lands benighted;
By Him are they who dwelt in night
Fed and lighted.
He is Israel's Praise and Bliss,
Their Joy, Reward, and Glory.

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn 137
Text: Luke 2:29-32
Author: Martin Luther, 1524
Titled: Mit Fried' und Freud' ich fahr' dahin
Translated by: Leonard W. Bacon, 1884, alt.
Tune: Mit Fried' und Freud'
1st appeared in: Geistliches Gesangbuchlein
Wittenberg, 1524

Hymn - I AM Jesus' Little Lamb

"I Am Jesus' Little Lamb"
by Henrietta L. von Hayn, 1724-1782

Tune - Weil ich Jesu Schaeflein bin - linked here

1. I am Jesus' little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

2. Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

3. Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd's lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

Hymn #648
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: John 21:15
Author: Henriette L. von Hayn, 1778
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Weil ich Jesu Schaeflein bin"
1st Published in: Brueder Choral-Buch, 1784
Tune: "Weil ich Jesu Schaeflein bin"

Hymn - Christ Whose Glory Fills the Sky

"Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies"
by Charles Wesley, 1707-1788

Tune - Ratisborn - linked here

1. Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Thou, the true, the only Light,
Sun of Righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night.
Dayspring from on high, be near;
Day-star, in my heart appear.

2. Dark and cheerless is the morn
Unaccompanied by Thee;
Joyless is the day's return
Till Thy mercy's beams I see,
Till they inward light impart,
Glad my eyes, and warm my heart.

3. Visit, then, this soul of mine,
Pierce the gloom of sin and grief;
Fill me, Radiancy Divine,
Scatter all my unbelief.
More and more Thyself display,
Shining to the perfect day.

Hymn #359
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Luke 1:78
Author: Charles Wesley, 1740
Tune: "Ratisbon"
1st Published in: Saechsisches Choralbuch
Town: Leipzig, 1815

Hymn - All Men Living Are But Mortal

"All Men Living Are But Mortal"
by Johann G. Albinus, 1624-1679
Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878; Stanzas 1-4, 6, 7

Tune - Alle Menschen muessen sterben - linked here

1. All men Iiving are but mortal,
Yea, all flesh must fade as grass;
Only through death's gloomy portal
To eternal Iife we pass.
This frail body here must perish
Ere the heavenly joys it cherish,
Ere it gain the free reward
For the ransomed of the Lord.

2. Therefore, when my God doth choose it,
Willingly I'll yield my Iife
Nor will grieve that I should lose it,
For with sorrows it was rife.
In my dear Redeemer's merit
Peace hath found my troubled spirit,
And in death my comfort this:
Jesus' death my source of bliss.

3. Jesus for my sake desended
My salvation to obtain:
Death and hell for me are ended,
Peace and hope are now my gain;
Yea' with joy I leave earth's sadness
For the home of heavenly gladness,
Where I shall forever see
God, the Holy Trinity.

4. There is joy beyond our telling,
Where so many saints have gone;
Thousands, thousands, there are dwelling,
Worshiping before the throne,
There the Seraphim are shining,
Evermore in chorus joining:
"Holy, holy, holy, Lord!
Triune God, for aye adored!"

5. Patriarchs of sacred story
And the prophets there are found;
The apostles, too, in glory
On twelve seats are there enthroned
All the saints that have ascended
Age on age, through time extended,
There in blissful concert sing
Hallelujahs to their King.

6. O Jerusalem, how glorious
Dost thou shine, thou city fair!
Lo, I hear the tones victorious
Ever sweetly sounding there.
Oh, the bliss that there surprises!
Lo, the sun of morn now rises,
And the breaking day I see
That shall never end for me.

7. Yea, I see what here was told me,
See that wondrous glory shine,
Feel the spotless robes enfold me,
Know a golden crown is mine.
Thus before the throne so glorious
Now I stand a soul victorious,
Gazing on that joy for aye
That shall never pass away.

Hymn #601
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Isaiah 40:6
Author: Johann G. Albinus, 1652
Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Titled: "Alle Menschen muessen sterben"
Tune: "Alle Menschen muessen sterben"
1st Published in: Praxis Pietatis Melica
Town: Berlin, 1678

Grumpy But Not Clear Why

Mike Bennett

I did not recognize the acronym UOJ, so I googled it and found nothing helpful. So I googled UOJ theology, and the first entry was a 10-year old blog posting whose first paragraph mentioned “the egocentric synergist Greg Jackson.” I figured I’d found the UOJ I was looking for! 😳

The article not cited is this - 

Pastor M.F. Bartling explains the history behind the UOJ controversy at his blog.

Quote:
"What Paul Rydecki (also the egocentric synergist Greg Jackson) is teaching on justification is nothing new to the Lutheran Church and something which Confessional Lutherans have always rejected.

The position that Rydecki is promoting has its origin back in Melanchthon’s teachings on the three causes of conversion — the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and the will of man. In the discussions in the 50s between the old American Lutheran Church and the LCMS concerning justification, the ALC wanted to teach that God had secured and provided salvation for all people. This is objective or universal redemption, not objective justification. The LCMS along with the WELS insisted on the words, that God has not only secured and provided salvation for all, but that God has declared the whole world righteous in Christ Jesus. This they called objective Justification. (A term that is preferred over universal justification, which can cause some misunderstandings.) By only saying “secured and provided salvation” the door is open for some cooperation or contributions on the part on man. Good, God has provided it, how do I get it? But by insisting on the term God has DECLARED the whole world righteous, all works or cooperation on man’s part are removed.

The men in the ALC, from the old Ohio Synod, wanted to teach “Erst muss der Mensch glauben, dann wird er gerechtfertigt (first must the man believe, then he becomes justified). This old error taught that first one must believe that Christ died for all, then he will be justified. This puts the cart before the horse, my faith before my justification. Against this old heresy Walther and others maintained the formula – Justificatio non post fidem, sed per fidem (Justification not after faith, but through faith). This is the position of Lutheran Orthodoxy. Today we use the term objective justification to teach this truth. God has declared the whole world righteous in Christ Jesus (God so loved the world, John 3:16; The Lutheran church sings, “Christ thou Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, have mercy on me.”)

Of course now, the other side, the Holy Spirit working through the means of Grace must now change the hard and disobedient will of man which is dead in sin and an enemy of God. The Holy Spirit moves the will of man to accept and believe this objective justification. This we call subjective justification. The two must go together; — and you can’t have one without the other!!! If one rejects the objective, universal justification, he cannot be saved. He is lost. We do not believe in universalism, everyone is going to heaven.

The Bible connects universal redemption and universal, objective, justification and treats them as the same. For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. Romans 5:5-7. Christ died for all. This Rydecki does not reject. But in the same book, a chapter earlier, Paul writes, But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, Romans 4:4-6

God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 Therefore, as through one man’s offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man’s righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man’s disobedience many (i.e., all) were made sinners, so also by one Man’s obedience many (i.e., all) will be made righteous. (Rom 5:18,19)

The Lutheran Confessions, although not using the term objective justification, teach this concept.

But when the Lord Jesus Christ came, He forgave to all people the sin, which no one could avoid. … Christ took away the sin of the whole world, as John testified saying in John 1:29, “Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” Apology, Art IV, Justification, 103 Concordia, page 99

Just as the preaching of repentance is universal, so also the promise of the Gospel is universal, that is, it belongs to all people. Formula of Concord, Art XI, 28, Concordia, p. 606

All have sinned and (all) are justified freely. Smalcald Articles, second part, Art. I,3, Concordia, page 263.

By way of illustration: A man pays my entire debt, gives me a check, and declares me debt free. But I must believe this, cash the check. It does me no good until I cash it. But I cannot cash it before he declares me debt free.

This clear teaching that God has declared all people righteous, Objective Justification (WELS catechism, question 253) Rydecki refuses to accept and teach. Thus he is rightly to be removed from the ministry of the WELS!

Pastor M.F. Bartling

Onalaska, WI, Oct. 2012"

 This little DP (Werner) went to the Big House,
"NOT GUILTY" says Valleskey.

***

GJ - If Mike Bennett is a real person, he has a very shallow Facebook page with almost no history. What point is he trying to make? His ad hominem is borrowed, yet he brings this up in a response to a book in favor of the KJV.

Does any OJist or UOJist or General Justificationist or Universalist actually comprehend Romans 4 and quote it verse by verse? 

I am sure Mike's Father Below is angry with him for being so foolish and timid on Facebook.

Hymn Discovery - The Will of God Is Always Best

Albrecht Duerer

"The Will of God Is Always Best"
by Albrecht von Brandenburg, 1522-1557

Tune: "Was mein Gott will" - linked here

1. The will of God is always best
And shall be done forever;
And they who trust in Him are blest,
He will forsake them never.
He helps indeed In time of need,
He chastens with forbearing;
They who depend On God, their Friend,
Shall not be left despairing.

2. God is my Comfort and my Trust,
My Hope and life abiding;
And to His counsel wise and just,
I yield in Him confiding.
The very hairs, His Word declares,
Upon my head He numbers.
By night and day God is my Stay,
He never sleeps nor slumbers.

3. Lord Jesus, this I ask of Thee,
Deny me not this favor:
When Satan sorely troubles me,
Then do not let me waver.
Keep watch and ward, O gracious Lord,
Fulfil Thy faithful saying:
Who doth believe He shall receive
An answer to His praying.

4. When life's brief course on earth is run
And I this world am leaving,
Grant me to say: "Thy will be done."
By faith to Thee still cleaving.
My heavenly Friend, I now commend
My soul into Thy keeping,
O'er sin and hell, And death as well,
Through Thee the victory reaping.

Hymn #517
The Lutheran Hymnal
Text: Matthew 6:10
Author: Albrecht von Brandenburg, c. 1554, asc.
Translated by: composite
Titled: "Was mein Gott will, das g'scheh' allzeit"
Harmony by: Johann S. Bach, 1750
Tune: "Was mein Gott will"

The Military Gardening Group - And Sassy

I found a plant that grows, flowers, and multiplies, until it gets a bit cold. Hidden Lily grew, flowered, spread, and disappeared.

The Military Gardening Group worked on a Ford truck. Sassy came along to keep track of everyone and to guard the operation. She always picks the best lookout position and watches everything. I was in a good spot to watch her paying attention to everything up and down and across the street. 

My truck repair skills are limited to feeding the crew, which also includes Sassy. She is content until she can smell chicken warming up. When it is out of the oven, she does the starving puppy routine to perfection.

On a perfect day in the afternoon, we sit on the porch drinking pour-over coffee and commenting on the garden, flights overhead, and political topics. I do not believe anything on the news, so I am relatively quiet about the fake reporting. 

The summer will provide a parade of flowers, humming birds, and rabbits to entertain us. Hawks overhead screech to stir up some grub for themselves. Once Sassy and I walked under a pair of red-tailed hawks sharing some. They looked at us like we were dessert. Another time a hawk stared me down at Almost Eden, the former gardening operation next door. We must have a sizeable rabbit population to keep hawks active here. The hawks do not control the rabbit population, the rabbit population limits the numbers of hawks. One hawk landed on our garbage barrel and gave me the raptor stink-eye. Birds were eerily silent for a time after that.

We started a major garden facelift not long ago. The spirea bushes and mountain mint were aggressive growers and not charming. Roses-gone-wild will be the next to go - after they show their wild rose flowers blooming after the producing canes have died.

 This is one of the best gardening books ever, the best bug book ever.

Trying To Explain Turning Meals Upside-Down

 No, that is not my baby photo. I was never that neat.

The American breakfast for children is milk (fat) on worthless cereal flakes or candy in the form of cereal. Add sugar anyway. For extra nutrition (?) a glass of orange juice, which is little more than sugar water. Worse yet is Paul Newman's orange drink, which starts out with high fructose corn sugar.

A hefty breakfast would be bacon (fat) and eggs (fat) with white toast (like eating cake) or cinnamon toast with sugar on it. 

Everything above is still considered a great breakfast and is most likely rare. Everything above moves fat into the body where it accumulates and stays. Sugar turns instantly into sugar in the bloodstream. Corn flakes and white bread take another step to become blood sugar.

The nutrition levels in those foods do not justify the harm done to balanced nutrition. People need to flip the whole food chart and make fats, sugars, and animal proteins rare (not extinct). Flipping means providing for lots of leafy greens, a rainbow of vegetables, lots of whole fruit, and nuts.

Giraffes and buffalos are strict vegetarians, but they grow strong bones and big muscles. Milk is provided for the young but not after weaning. 

The Big Lie - Incomplete Protein

The meat-milk-egg-cheese industry has promoted the idea that concentrating on vegetables will create feeble kids trying to grow on incomplete plant proteins. 

In fact, the body puts together the proteins needed in a variety of plants and also recycles internal cells to complete proteins during the process of digestion in the intestine (a nice rhyme, no?).

I am not a vegetarian. I do not subscribe to any patented diet, because those named diets are marketed to fail. Why? That is so new versions can be sold to the people who lost 40 pounds only to gain 50 back. 

A normal breakfast for me is one or two huge bowls of spinach, plus one or two large apples. 

A normal lunch is a sauce pan with a mix of vegetables warmed up. 

Mixed beans are useful when leaves are not enough.

Supper might be one or the other, or some chicken and one biscuit when the Military Gardening Group gathers for pour-over coffee and food. During this transition I went from two pieces of chicken and two biscuits to one of each. Lots of vegetables and fruits mean that overly large portions are not wanted or enjoyed.

I need to avoid sugar and salt treats, because my pancreas is not keen about working so hard. Salt pushes up my blood pressure, which seems unwise and unnecessary.

Desserts and candy are almost completely out the window, once again because greens, beans, fruit, and nuts are satisfyingly delicious.

  

Moving the Upgraded Rain Barrel - The Forces of Creation Uniting

 

 This is one type, with rain coming in on top and controlled with a hose or faucet at the bottom.

I showed my rain barrel, a gift, to several neighbors. Their reaction was something like, "I would rather watch the Oscars bore me to death."

When I was pulling it through the kitchen and living room, I found a baby earthworm wiggling on the floor. He/she was small so he was probably an egg that hatched where the barrel was. That gave me a theme for the barrel, the forces of Creation uniting.

Earthworms are part of the stupendous army of creatures (not evolutes) which break down organic material and make the soil better for plants. Now I have a container, hoisted onto some concrete squares, which can fill the watering cans and buckets in the front yard, where the roses, Joe Pye, bee balm, and Clethra grow.

I watered the new roses with rainwater tonight, even though they had a good amount of rain recently. I felt the steady breeze, which suggested the new canes might be drying out a bit. Stand in front of a fan after getting out of the shower. Now you know what evaporation is.

A catio.

The First KJV Book Review is In!

 Buckle up! It's going to be a bumpy ride!

Dear ignorant, backwoods, witch-burning redneck bigot afraid of the future! I love it! This has to be the best book you've ever written. 

This is the book I've been waiting to read for years. Thank you so much. 

In Christ,

Your Friend

Laetare, The Fouth Sunday in Lent, 2022.

This is the link for the saved service. It is easier to open up and play after the services is over.

Laetare Sunday, The Fourth Sunday in Lent, 2022

Pastor Gregory L. Jackson

Look for the Vimeo Player here. Press F5.

The Hymn #263       O Little Flock Fear Not Thy Foe
The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Rejoice ye with Jerusalem and be glad with her:  all ye that love her.

Rejoice for joy with her: all ye that mourn for her.

Psalm. I was glad when they said unto me: 

Let us go into the house of the Lord.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation and Collect p. 19

Grant, we beseech Thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of Thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle and Gradual 

The Gospel 
Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #316    O Living Bread from Heaven 

I AM the Good Shepherd

The Communion Hymn #388   Just As I Am (Elliot)
The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Lord's Prayer p. 27
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 50          Lord Dismiss Us 

 By Norma A. Boeckler

Prayers and Announcements

•  For healing, strength, and patience - Pastor Jim Shrader, Chris Shrader, Callie and Peggy, C.
• For our country and DEP Trump, as the major trials continue.
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KJV Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? 22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

KJV John 6:1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews, was nigh. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat? 6 And this he said to prove him: for he himself knew what he would do. 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pennyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five barley loaves, and two small fishes: but what are they among so many? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to them that were set down; and likewise of the fishes as much as they would. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world. 15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

Fourth Sunday In Lent

Lord God, heavenly Father, who by Thy Son didst feed five thousand men in the desert with five loaves and two fishes: We beseech Thee to abide graciously also with us in the fullness of Thy blessing. Preserve us from avarice and the cares of this life, that we may seek first Thy kingdom and Thy righteousness, and in all things perceive Thy fatherly goodness, through Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God world without end. Amen.

I AM the Good Shepherd

KJV John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I AM the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? 21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? 22 And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24 Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25 Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26 But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30 I and my Father are one. 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32 Jesus answered them, Many good works have I shewed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33 The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34 Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36 Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I AM the Son of God? 37 If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38 But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39 Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, 40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41 And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42 And many believed on him there.

KJV John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep.

The first few words define the chapter, with I AM the Door being the introduction, and the Good Shepherd giving His life for the sheep as the overall theme. One kind of teaching and preaching Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior is to describe and explain His miracles – nature miracles (stilling the storm, walking on water, changing water into wine, multiplying the loaves and fish), healing miracles (the blind, the deaf, the lepers, the crippled and palsied), and greatest of all - death conquering (the widow’s son, the young girl, Lazarus called out from his tomb). Another significant part of teaching and preaching Jesus Christ is to describe Him as He is, from the beginning, as the Son of God, the Creating Word (Logos), Messiah or Christ, the Son of David, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

The I AM sermons define Jesus so clearly that we can see the miracles promoting and sustaining faith in Him, but knowing Jesus as He teaches about Himself is the most productive way we can think about Him, meditate about Him, pray to Him, and rely on Him in all the miraculous, sad, joyous, challenging, and painful parts of our lives. Jesus Himself made this clear in the Gospel of John. The miracles confirm His divinity, and yet those who were there to see and even taste the miracles (wine, bread, fish) were not all converted. Many wanted even more. His teaching about Himself as the Son, as the Voice, Will, and Face of God – that is the most powerful of all.

Does anyone wonder why the rationalists and apostates hate the Fourth Gospel and try to omit it from the New Testament? The Son of God focuses the terror of the apostates and rationalists, thereby showing us the way out of their Castle of Doom (Pilgrim’s Progress). The miracles are very important, because they show us the Son of God at work. Even more important is the nature of the Son of God as the Good Shepherd, which will be the introduction of the sermon book when these are completed – all the connections from the Old Testament: 23^rd Psalm, Isaiah 40 and 53, Creation in Genesis 1, etc.

I AM the Good Shepherd means, in the original Greek, I AM (God’s own Name)

·         the Shepherd above all Shepherds,

·         the Noble Shepherd,

·         the Highest and Best Shepherd,

·         the ideal Shepherd.

Centuries of illustrations and stained-glass windows have given us the image of the Shepherd holding the lamb and guiding the mother. To clarify His divine role, Jesus also describes two other personalities in Christendom. One is the wolf inside the flock, killing and scattering and wounding the flock. Luther said, “People like wolf-preaching.” There should be no surprise to see a glittering but empty cathedral when the wolf is done. Reversing Luther’s famous quotation – That wherever a cathedral is built, the devil builds a chapel, now we see that wherever a chapel is built, even a spare room in a rented house, the devil builds a cathedral.

Jesus is the Good Shepherd because He laid down His life for the flock. There are many parallels to raising sheep in this chapter and other places, but never did an earthly shepherd give up his own life for a sheep. As great as every single miracle is, the greatest miracle is God’s own Son taking on the sins of the world to stir up faith in our hearts and receive His righteousness. So that is why He is the Good Shepherd, so when we are full of doubts, uncertainty, fears, and qualms, we know – He gave up His life for me. He fashioned the path to eternal life for believers in Him, so we can follow Him in eternal life as we did in this life.

The other character is also familiar in Christendom. He is the hired hand, who connects his pay to the work he has to do. If he wants a pension, a health plan, and the friendship of other hired hands, he does what he is told. He is easily frightened by lupine threats and runs away for safety. He sells gadgets mocking the Christian Faith to show how cool he is, and nobody seems to mind. The crowd likes the weak and timid hired-hand minister, because he is no threat to their mistaken view of Christianity.

14 I AM the Good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Verse 14 should quash doubts more than a thousand miracles might. Jesus us knows us by our Christian names. When we are baptized, our baptismal names become our identity. As one famous LCMS professor said, “Every soul has a name.” The baby and toddler eating ice cream – Jesus knows them, and they know Jesus by the visible Word of Holy Baptism and the teaching and preaching they hear.

Adults explain miracles into oblivion, but children simply declare their faith in Jesus. How did Jesus enter a locked room? Answer from a child – “He is God. He can do anything.” There is more faith in a believing child than in an entire conference of professional Biblical scholars, especially the Vaticanus-Sinaiticus text salesmen.

Verse 15 is not the plan for the World Council of Churches, though they would like to think so. Many have scattered their flocks by saying they must be in one organization, where everyone must believe in the newest fads the ecumenical groups. As Herman Melville saw so long ago, the radical Left churches set Europe and America up for the radical Left politics we see in government and education today. When I argued against them in the 1970s at the local pastors’ conferences, they clergy looked on me with pity and scorn.

17 Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.

John’s Gospel repeatedly shows us that God the Father and God the Son teach and command together. The Father commands and yet the Son acts willingly. This reinforces the idea of the Atonement not being forced upon Jesus but willingly accepted the role. Even then, His life was not taken away from Him, but he laid it down and took it up again.

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20 And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? 21 Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind?

As the sectarians say, “Doctrine divides.” Jesus had a great following, among the common people and among the religious nobility. Some came to mock and to oppose. Others came to hear the voice of the Messiah. Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were believers from the upper class, and they risked their lives for Jesus.