Shunning Initiated - Caused by Anxiety?

 

I have been covered in anxiety many times, so I wonder about people initiating shunning to avoid worries. When I used to go to synodical meetings, some people made a point of turning away. Some came so close that I reached out and shook hands, which leveraged the shunning on their side. I always smiled and and said something cheerful while the opposing arm was stiffly pulled away.

We all have anxiety in common, sometimes drenched in fears, other times solved or helped by others. The core is the direct application of prayer to Jesus Christ and encouragement from His believers. Going without the means of prayer will always weaken our understanding  - and even direct us in the worst ways (leaning on ourselves).

I suggest more of the supply of faith and prayer together, repeating often. I will repeat the famous but often over-looked Psalm - 91 KJV. Others are equally good - better to repeat than to race along.

KJV

Suspected Snow - Bad Luck Brian

 

Predictions are so fallible. Snow is ready to offer more this afternoon. Readers are often anxious to see how much worse another area is. In German - "joy in sorrow."

I thought a little snow would fall soon, but it was the 4,000 views that startled me - in one 24 hour day. Actual snow should fall. Ah, now it is falling at a steady rate.

Posts Are Like Roses

 

I received a series of hand-made cards, drawn and described, eloquent and thoughtful. The flower drawings were equally impressive - right from the heart, as they say.

The lack of gardening today is definitely a sign of moving away from the beauty of Creation. The first two white puppies visiting me - both went right for my face for kisses. I garden on the ground, which gives a lot more intimate detail. Rabbits also casually walked through  the garden, their eyes to mine - no anxiety and darting away - a great honor in my opinion.

I gave a Veteran's Honor to one person, who then took it to a dying patient she was helping. Each day that "tiny" rose opened up more, until everyone who saw it gasped at the size, perfection, and beauty. The helper said, "My client never met you, but that rose captivated her and me and everyone else.

 Norma Boeckler, gardener and painter.

My paternal grandfather was a rose expert and my mother loved keeping the secrets away - such as letting the chlorine escape for better results.

Flowers are ephemeral but lasting. Spreading them around is important. Luther observed that responding to a difficult person with bad feelings will never get anywhere. That is so easy - to only give flowers or similar gifts to the favorites. Using the stink eye or ignoring the bad person - nothing is gained, plenty can be lost. The Luther method is to be especially positive toward others, especially those who never expect it. Yes, it is tough to hand that gift, smiling the first time. But that can do a lot over time.

Enchanted Peace Rose reminded people on the perimeter of the garden. They could see problems and were glad to mention them too. Later the rain gave us 8 foot tall Enchanted Peace Roses - making people lean back to see them. 

St. John's Revelation - Gospel Content

 

I was waiting for an important document to finish today, so I read St. John's Revelation out loud to myself. 

Revelation is heavy with Gospel proclamations, and I think they should shine even more obviously because they are so glowingly powerful about the Son of God, the Trinity, and the evil ones. People ruin the balance when they pick out ideas that seem odd or quirky. 

Try reading Luke 21 - a miniature Revelation - on the threatening side.

My Waterloo Lutheran Seminarians of the 1970s have gone to their rewards (judge for yourselves). Their beautiful chapel hosts Doggie Day Care on cushions, and the seminary itself is sectarian for a future graduating class of 3 or 4. Likewise, the two giant Lutheran churches of the 1970s are 1) a motellette, and 2) another motellette.

The most important ingredient of this world - as Luther taught - is grace through faith, but it is the buried beneath the glory of Revelation gory.

22 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

 

The Second Sunday in Advent - 2025 - Hymn Tunes Work on the Links

 

Bethany Lutheran Church

Holy Communion

Pastor Gregory Jackson

The Hymn # 56           Jesus Came the Heavens Adoring

The Confession of Sins
The Absolution
The Introit p. 16

Introit

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Gloria Patri
The Kyrie p. 17
The Gloria in Excelsis
The Salutation 

Collect

Stir up our hearts, O Lord, to make ready the way of Thine only-begotten Son, so that by His coming we may be enabled to serve Thee with pure minds; through the same Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, who liveth, etc.

The Epistle                          Romans 15:4-13

Gradual

Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined: our God shall come.

V. Gather My saints together unto Me: 

those that have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice. Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

V. The powers of heaven shall be shaken: 

and then shall they see the Son of Man coming in a cloud 

with power and great glory. Hallelujah!

The Gospel                           Luke 21:25-36 

Glory be to Thee, O Lord!
Praise be to Thee, O Christ!
The Nicene Creed p. 22
The Sermon Hymn #59      Hail to the God's Anointed

The Son of Man

The Hymn #314          Lord Jesus Christ, We Humbly Pray  - Henry E. Jacobs

The Preface p. 24
The Sanctus p. 26
The Words of Institution
The Agnus Dei p. 28
The Nunc Dimittis p. 29
The Benediction p. 31
The Hymn # 47                             Savior Again to Thy Dear Name We Raise

Prayers and Announcements

• Prayers -  Pastor Jim Shrader and Chris Shrader, Sarah Buck, Doc Lito, Kermit Way, Lori Howell is doing well.
• Those suffering from emotional and metabolic stress.
• Very bad weather in Minneapolis, which may still allow a saved service.

Second Sunday In Advent

Lord God, heavenly Father, who by Thy Son hast revealed to us that heaven and earth shall pass away, that our bodies shall rise again, and that we all shall appear before the judgment seat: We beseech Thee, keep us by Thy Holy Spirit in Thy word; establish us in the true faith, graciously defend us from sin and preserve us in all temptations, that our hearts may not be overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, but that we may ever watch and pray and, trusting fully in Thy grace, await with joy the glorious coming of Thy Son, and at last obtain eternal salvation, through Thy beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, one true God, world without end. Amen.

KJV Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: 6 That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: 9 And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. 10 And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. 11 And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. 12 And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. 13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

KJV Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh. 29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. 34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

                                                              The Son of Man

Luke 21:25-31

First of all, I want to mention my difficulty with language. That problem is used by doctors and nurses when they test me. I block phrases for no particular reason, except I am older now. 

Second I have started the process of assisted living, which is supported by Social Security and savings, a fair deal with many good options. I am looking forward to it, especially since Glen is from that area, and his mother still works there (and attended - with Glen - the initial discussion with me).

Third, Zoom has become more complicated for me. I am not going to use Zoom, so I will try to use the simpler form, which is

 https://www.youtube.com/@GregoryJacksonPhD

KJV Luke 21:25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; 26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

Many of you have said - like me - that all of the Revelation of St. John is most of the end of the New Testament. But study this passage from Luke 21:25 to 38. This is Revelation so involved with the end of the world that they have to recognize the parallel in Revelation and many other passages (not unlike Daniel and other books).

Jesus is warning them to watch out for 

• Signs in the sun
• Signs in the moon
• Stars
• Earth - distresses
• The seas
• Fear
• Powers of the earth shaken

A fraction of this list should have made a crowd flatten to the ground. And so it is today, with all of those stated clearly and everyone ignoring most of these signs.

27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

Nota bene - take note - these two verses are very powerful. Walking by a large poster just now, I noticed a favorite Psalm 91, saying almost the same words of Jesus. And yet centuries are apart!

At least two households said, they laughed out loud when I was evicted (a threat) and the landlord said I was leaving in a couple of days? 

This Luke passage and Psalm 91 alone remind us of what God can do in faith, many miracles beyond any expectation.

Scoffers fall into their own trap when they trust in themselves and all the things that enchant them. That is done easily because most of the world is bedazzled by so many dazzles.

But in fact, the Faith of Jesus is the greatest attraction of all, as He is so ready to show us in so many ways. Instead of looking down at everything wrong and disappointing, look up at Jesus and His desire to lead, to enlighten, to strengthen.

Redemption is near.

29 And he spake to them a parable; Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.

Repetition is the key to the Scriptures, because so much is taught and so much is forgotten or ignored. Creation is another key, because everyone who wants to eat good food will always look for what is happening. The farmer or gardener looks for the tell-tale signs. Rosarians look for the bud and how it is so ready to burst into the flower. Cold and dryness hurt the rose and people watch for it to reach its full bloom. Impatient? We should know that time table belongs to God, who overflows goodness and blessings in so many different ways.

32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

This is the Great Promise - heaven and earth will pass away but the Words of Jesus will never pass away. They become the Ultimate Knowledge of God.

34 And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares. 35 For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.

So many are casual or caustic about anything faithful to Jesus the Son of God. This passage alone is quite a jolt!

AMEN!

Yes, the Weather Is Too Cold Today

 

First the snow and cold came for sunny Minnesota. Next another wave swept across those areas without stopping to melt the snow - or even rest.

The Stoning of Stephen reminds me of the violence absorbed. Yet he gathered the greatest of all pain and blessing, apart from Jesus Christ.

KJV Acts 7:54  When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God,

56 And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God.

57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord,

58 And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.

GJ - Many times the worst comes upon us. At any given point someone will say or think - "Why is this so bad?" We stop to ask for help, and God reverses the problem and bad turns into good, even miraculously so. I especially enjoy praying for people when the worst appears and God turns the worst into the best for us, even when we are worried and burdened. Mindful of successes and Bible clear messages, I am happy to offer my prayers for myself and for many others.

    My biggest smiles come from my wife Christina, my daughter Bethany Joan Marie, and the baby Erin Joy. All three beam at me from two walls. Christina especially glows at Erin grinning at the camera. Doesn't every parent and grandparent enjoy that? Bethany was wearing her red Christmas dress on her fourth Christmas. Many loved the joy within them, and that continues.

I told Christina not to leave the bed during the service - because she had dangerous falls. She could not stop smiling and laughing at "disobeying."

Absolute Great Nutrition Books and Internet - How Not To Die

 

https://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Diet-Cookbook-Permanent/dp/1250199255/ref=bmx_dp_d_sccl_1_1/137-3381502-0886018?pd_rd_w=Q6VHk&content-id=amzn1.sym.1db06c01-2868-43e5-b772-15226cedca7d&pf_rd_p=1db06c01-2868-43e5-b772-15226cedca7d&pf_rd_r=TES1Q3MRA5PP0T77NM2K&pd_rd_wg=dR69K&pd_rd_r=55feb955-4f26-4d7a-9281-8f9a3f7f6b32&pd_rd_i=1250199255&psc=1

Some New Things Are Coming - Due To Assisted Living

 

Ever since I moved - or thought of moving - I considered ways to work better - and to enjoy diversity.

I found a good place for diversity and friendliness. I am not going to spell things out about these matters, because the papers are not yet signed.

Not Again Until 2042

 

Lutheran Social Services — it turns out they get $2,375 for every Somalian they bring over”

 

Lutheran Social Services — it turns out they get $2,375 for every Somalian they bring over”

• EXPOSED 🚨 A NGO headquartered in Minnesota is getting paid $2,375 for every Somalia immigrant they bring into the United States

  12/3/2025, 10:03:36 PM · by SmokingJoe · 4 replies

  X ^ | 12/03/2025 | Wall Street Apes

  EXPOSED 🚨 A NGO headquartered in Minnesota is getting paid $2,375 for every Somalia immigrant they bring into the United States “Why are Somalians in America? I looked into it — The main group bringing in Somalians is Lutheran Social Services — it turns out they get $2,375 for every Somalian they bring over” “We have to ask the question, why are they coming over here in the first place? And another surprise, turns out our government was funding a dictatorship in Somalia — This is where the movie Black Hawk Down comes from. But overall Somalis have no right...
• 
  

Amen! Governor Walz!

 

Yes, the New York Times Really Ran a Story About Social Services Fraud 

by Immigrants

A professor told the Times that Somali immigrants come from a culture where stealing from their government is “widespread.”

Do You Realize How Easily You Can Read Lenker's Luther Sermons?Note - Norma Boeckler's Graphic Reminds Us of Luther's Clarity!

 

Luther's Sermons: Lenker Edition

Yes, That Was Fun - To Establish an Advent Mid-Week from a Computer or Two

 

I found a little trick that made a bank screen get very narrow, as if it had a problem - no just a glitch.

A defeated glitch is very satisfying. I will get into Zoom later.

I am enjoying St. John's Revelation, a banquet no one imagine. I saw a young man parking his $50,000 Accura on the street. He only voiced it once, showing us all that his lob-lob-lob could easily penetrate our innards with that vibration. He ran to his friend in the next house. They ran toward each other in glee. I wondered, "Even with a stash or "friends" or bets, that is no future."

I am stunned by the perfidy as more villains come out of  - Congress, clergy, professors, and so many categories that belong to St. John's Revelation. Many predictions of evil are clearly overflowing us today. It is tempting to hide rather than proclaim the Victory coming. 

Mid-Week Advent Service - Zoom (not quite) and BUT YouTube Published Today.Romans 13:11-14

 

KJV Romans 13:11-14

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

The editors of the Formula of Concord clearly repeated the Biblical doctrine of Justification by Faith, taught by Luther and Melanchthon. Would someone explain how so many Lutheran synods and sects missed that?

My Comment on These Verses - 

Zoom and YouTube To Follow Later

 I will never forget the change, when I parted from my parents' car and they saw me cross the street - from First Christian (Disciples of Christ) - to attend Salem Lutheran Church, Moline. I learned from Salem about the traditional liturgy, historic hymns, and  Biblical doctrine. My older brother called me Martin Luther and he attended my confirmation with other adults.

I often walked and biked to Augustana Lutheran College, where my mother graduated after 10 years of reaching her goal. I was quicker, meeting my future bride on the first day of class. Christina eyed my Greek textbook (a giveaway for future pastors).

The years following 1969 were filled with turmoil with all the Lutherans (LCA, ALC, LCMS, WELS, ELS) and various Protestants. Waterloo Seminary professors and students sneered at the Scriptures. Yale Divinity School had excellent Biblical professors, who were replaced later by apostates, phonies, even a trans professor of the Bible. Needless to say, the apostate pastors did well for themselves but not for Christianity.

The Chief Article of the Christian Faith  

Faith in Jesus Christ 

Some authors (including Paul) are emphatic that we understand  "the Faith of Jesus that belongs to Him." I mention that because some have been puzzled by Romans 1:17 

KJV Romans 17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith

.

Five in the Bible - Often Overlooked - The Gospels of John.

 

The Gospel of John itself is worthy of all the accolades, and yet John is ideal for learning Greek. The Greek and the English are simple and profound, but the content is so great that the ancients saw the eagle in its flight of the Fourth Gospel.

But wait! The three Epistles of John are simple and yet carry important messages, even though 1 John is the largest of the three.

The Revelation of John the Divine

or

 To John

If the reader spends the time, it will be easy to see how God has given John to the world through the Apostle John. The fabric of Revelation reveals the pattern of the Scriptures from Genesis 1 onward, keeping the same logic of the very last book of the Bible. 

Aiming at Parallel Bible Passages and Paragraphs

 

KJV Genesis 1:1-5

1 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.

2 And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.

3 And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.

4 And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.

5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day.

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

It is good to notice parallel passages and gain insights from the study of similar concepts. It is much better to dwell on passages slowly and repeat them. The Holy Spirit gives us divine power in reading and remembering.

Garfield School and Its Benefits

 

I cannot get over the grade school I attended - Garfield (the President) Elementary School. The building went condo, and the old pictures shared with various classes, teachers, and the principal. 

Whenever I add something to the Moline Memories blog, I think of those days. They were teachers and my friends. Best of all, my fellow students loved my teacher (Gladys Jackson) and wrote to her many decades later. The alumni kept writing and talking about her, thanking her.

Many of the lady school teachers also taught Sunday School. Yes, teachers were energetic and loved. They went home to cook supper. They also supported and swarmed the PTA - Parent Teacher Association. That meant DESSERT! for all ages, plus more serious foods and competition for the best.

Much of that could be restored, but that would take an enormous response to all the benefits still possible. 

Practice Webinar 3 PM - Click on Link

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8_IPeoOqAk

NYC Casino Bids Remind Me of the ELCA Steeple Disaster And the Trump Casino

 

A relative reminded me of the ELCA steeple storm, 2009.

A lot of damage of ELCA has taken place since then, though they shrugged it off at the time. Comparing the cost of the 2009 synod can hardly be measured today.

The topic of the day is the tentative opening of 3 casinos in NYC, requiring $500 million total times 3. That reminded me of the Trump Casino we visited. We drove from Ohio and landed there, only to look, refusing to spend a dime. Those coming down from the elevator with me were sad and bewildered, so I said to the mike, "We are all done Mr. Trump. We are going home. No money."

The Casino food was overpriced so we did not even try it. Later, when I was teaching at UOP I heard many examples of gambling waste. The worst was the wife who saw her husband using up $4,000 each time they went to the casino. They both enjoyed great earned income but it was often burned up over time.