golter's mussings june 2019

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. (Romans 10:17)

  • Why are You so Cowardly!

    June 5, 2020

    The English translates Jesus’ words in Mark 4:40, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

     

    Dr. James Voelz, one of Missouri Synod’s supreme Greek scholars, says Jesus’ words are much, much stronger.

     

    “Why are you so cowardly!”

     

    Yes, the boat was filling.

     

    Yes, the storm was big.

     

    But they had Jesus.

     

    Jesus had them.

     

    He is not a mere man but the Lord God Almighty who made the heavens and the earth.

     

    During one of our Israel trips the guide said that waves on the Sea of Galilee can get as big as 8 feet high.

     

    Wow.

     

    We have a pandemic, and now civil unrest.

     

    Society is unraveling like a coverless baseball.

     

    Perhaps we should mimic the disciples and cry out: “Teacher, it is a care to you that we are going to perish?” (Voelz’s translation).

     

    Jesus’ words are for you and me.

     

    “Why are you so cowardly?”

     

    You don’t need to SHUTTER in place.

     

    He’s your Savior.

     

    He’s all in for you.

     

    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

  • Let’s Encourage Each Other.

    June 12, 2020

    Can you imagine what the small band of Christians thoughtwhen Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 A.D.?

     

    General Titus of the Roman legion destroyed the city and theTemple during April and May of that year.

     

    For the Christian Church, the Apostles Paul and Peter werealready dead. Paul had died while in prison in Rome.

     

    According to the Jewish historian, Josephus, the littlechurch escaped to Pella during the Roman siege.

     

    On the run; loss of leaders; the destruction of society.

     

    Can you imagine the fear?

     

    Jesus had predicted the destruction of Jerusalem and theTemple in Matthew 24.

    What shall the church do?

     

    Shelter in Christ.

     

    Hide in His Word and the Holy Sacraments.

     

    And boldly and calmly live your daily life.

     

    Simply do what God has given you to do.

     

    He’s guiding the whole ship.

     

    Don’t fret.

     

    Civil unrest right now is shaking nearly everyone to theircore.

     

    “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help introuble,” Psalm 46:1.

     


    Let’s encourage each other.


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran

  • Simply Tired of it All.

    June 18, 2020

    Drained.

    Weary.

     

    All the news, division, speaking against others.

    So many have told me they’ve shut off all news. It’s too much.

     

    There is sooooooo much going on.

     

    Physically, mentally, spiritually draining, all of it.

     

    Then, I daily go to my study at church. All is quiet, but the Holy Spirit is working.

     

    Read.

     

    Pray.

     

    Study.

     

    Meditate.

     

    I prepare for church on the weekend.

     

    His Word enlivens and restores my soul. It’s simply amazing.

     

    The Psalmist says: “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God…” (Psalm 73:16-17).

     

    I suspect it’s the same for you.

     

    In-person or online, Christ, through His Word, refreshes the soul.

     

    Oh, do I need this.

                                                                                                                                                             

     


    Pastor Golter is the Senior Pastor at Trinity Lutheran