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Shepherd's Voice April/May 2022 Let’s speak with words that kindle joy, that strengthen love, and edify, and through the gospel Word, increase the ties of unity and peace. (SHZ 463:6) In this song, we are reminded to use the kinds of words that show respect. Respect means to regard something highly. Being respectful is showing honor. The Bible teaches, “Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise” (Eph. 6:2). By honoring parents, God promises a whole life with blessings in return. Respecting is honoring. Showing respect is how we act. We can show respect by using polite words in every situation, sharing, waiting for a turn, and saying please and thank you. We can show respect by trying to be polite, kind and thoughtful of others’ feelings. When we make mistakes, we apologize to show respect. We show respect to God when we obey those whom God has placed to guide us in life – our parents, our teachers, our leaders at work and in the government. We do our best for them as if we are doing it for God Himself. The golden rule is: “Do to others as you would want them to do to you.” If we are kind to someone, we hope they will be kind in return. If we show respect, they might also respect us. Whether or not they treat us with respect, we still want to follow the golden rule which is from God’s Word (Matt. 7:12). Because we respect God and our parents and ourselves whom God has made, we want to keep faith and a clean conscience. Therefore, when we have been disrespectful or unkind, we want to put the sin away by asking for forgiveness. David Edwards Things to visit about: How do we show respect to others? How do we show our respect to God? Tell an example of when you have used the Golden Rule in your life. Look up the Fourth Commandment in your catechism. Why is this Commandment important?

Voice of Zion May 2022 When I consider the topic of respect, many thoughts come to my mind, especially in this present time. Respect is an especially important trait that we should have for one another and which we should teach our children. Exodus 2:25 tells us about God having respect upon the children of Israel. “God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them.” In like manner, we as children of God desire to have respect, one to another. In the times we are living, it seems respect for others has become diminished, particularly when we note how language is used on the internet. Respect, one to another, includes love for one another and love is shown in how we speak to and about others. God’s Word teaches much about love for one another; in fact, God’s Word reminds us that love is the first fruit of the spirit when one is believing: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith” (Gal. 5:22). If we look at these fruits of the Spirit, we could say they all go along with this topic of respect. Today’s society is self-centered and often there is little accountability for what we say and do. This too can become an obstacle for us, burdening our conscience. It is easy to use words that break love, whether it be visiting with someone in person or through posting on social media. The songwriter teaches, “Our tongue is one, it is quite small, yet what it does surpasses all: A little word can be so great and cause such pain, unrest, and hate” (SHZ 463). So, whether we verbalize hurtful words or type them, they are both just as damaging to the one hearing or reading them. Paul to Galatians admonishes, “if we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit” (5:25). This is God’s Spirit we own in our hearts and God is Love. We want to remember Jesus’ words, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh.” A question we need to ask ourselves and keep in the forefront of our minds is this: Is my opinion always correct and are other opinions always wrong? Or is my opinion so important that it’s worth breaking the love over it? It is important that we have a heart and mind to listen and to be considerate of what others are saying. Even if one’s opinion does not necessarily agree with what another opinion is, it does not mean that it is wrong because we do not agree with what they are saying. We do not want to become that kind of person that is so close-minded that we do not want to hear or acknowledge that there could be another perspective on a situation at hand. Luther in the Small Catechism reminds us to “think and speak well of him and put the best construction on all he does.” When reminded and rebuked for what we have said or written that has not shown respect, may we have the heart to hear the rebuke and correct our way. We as parents, elders, grandparents, brothers, or sisters need to pause around this topic of respect. Questions to ask ourselves are such: Am I instructing my children at home to respect one another? Am I teaching respect for authority in my home? Am I teaching respect for government leaders in my home? Have I been a good example on social media showing respect for leaders in our lands? These are all important questions, especially when we see a lack of respect today. God’s Word reminds us: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. There is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God” (Rom. 13:1). May we always remember this and strive to teach this kind of respect for each other and for our leaders to our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. This is God’s will for us even today – that we have respect and love for our fellow humans. We all battle our own corruption in this area. In these times, God has taught me especially that what my carnal mind may think and desire does not matter one iota but He has reminded me through His precious Word to, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Ps. 46:10). We are such fortunate people when we can own faith in our hearts, and we can put our full trust in God. He is almighty! He is omnipotent! He is in total control! We have no need to worry! May He give us hearts and minds to obey His Word and to teach respect and love which is according to His Word. Jesus says, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Randy Haapala Multicultural Experiences Teach Respect for Others Navigating multicultural life experiences and relationships can be challenging and confusing – but so rewarding. Since we became a couple, we have come to appreciate the many ways in which our lives have been impacted by the three nationalities that exist within our marriage. Some effects have been positive, some challenging. We met in Finland, arriving at Reisjärvi Opisto from what seemed like similar North American cultures – Ontario and Minnesota. As our relationship deepened through many discussions, we realized that we had differences in background despite having lived within a day’s travel of each other. Our faith was the same, yet our congregation lives varied and our family dynamics were curiously different. Even the way that we experienced Finland’s traditions, culture, and lifestyle differed, Simon having been born and raised in Finland for seven years, and Colleen having only visited Finland once. Being submersed in another culture changed both of us. For Colleen, it was many little things, like learning how to open Finnish doors and windows, tasting mämmi and porokeitto, and deciphering language and Finnish political opinions, all things that instilled a newfound curiosity, openness, and sensitivity. For Simon, it was more of a rediscovering of his roots and a sense of patriotism for the country of his birth. That said, we both retained our North American foundations, realizing that fact while in discussion with Finns on varied subjects, from style, food choices, sports and much more. Sometimes we felt like complete foreigners, and at other times, not so different at all. We learned quickly that it doesn’t matter how different the opinions or ways of living life – there is no one country that is better, the reason being that different systems and customs are in place to serve the people who live there. We all respected differences in order to live together peaceably at opisto. Indeed, we are allowed to be different. Our countries follow God’s good plans, not our own reason or agenda. Living in Finland, separate from family and North American daily life, promoted personal growth and respect for others’ traditions and contrasting ways of life. Opisto even gave us the opportunity to get to know each other so well that we married the next fall, ultimately beginning our life as newlyweds in White Rock, British Columbia, where Simon was able to secure a job. Living away from congregation life and friends and family is lonely and isolating, yet we also see just how much we value the homes we have around the world, different as they are. We love them, no matter their imperfections, because each country holds memories for us. God has given us the blessing of a believing spouse, which has carried us. Having learned to cope with differences of background and opinion, we are each other’s closest supporter in faith – listening and learning from each other and forgiving often. Communication and forgiveness are intensely crucial in all relationships, at home and far away. When those two things are our continually maintained foundation, respect and love blossom, and many blessings overshadow the trials and hardships. Simon and Colleen Tauriainen Letter to a Friend Dear friend in faith, We conversed recently about respect for our neighbors and those in positions of leadership. I wish to continue our conversation with a few thoughts. We certainly live during a time when the concerns of the world come close. The heated debates and mockery of government officials and those with a different opinion than our own have taken their toll. It is close to us to get caught up in the blowing doctrines and opinions of the world. The first fruit – love – is easily broken and cast aside in order to defend our position. Is this right for a believer, we could ask? James especially addresses this matter when he writes, “Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell…But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?” (3:5–11) Of course, we agree that we live in a country where we as individuals and as a society in general have been given ways to address things we feel are wrong. We have the right to vote for those who we think best, we can certainly write and visit with our representatives, and we can run for office or school boards or other governing bodies. In a democracy these are rights; let us remember to use our rights responsibly, in a way that doesn’t offend our conscience or other believers. It is important that we also pray about these matters of governance. As believers we understand that we are members of two kingdoms, or as Luther called it, two realms. One is spiritual and one is earthly. We believe as did Luther that both are ordained, maintained and under God’s control. Luther stated, “God is the righteous judge of Nations. World powers are in his hand. He permits powers that oppose him to grow to a predetermined boundary. Then God allows judgment. God does not look at matters through his fingers. Justice is confirmed as he rules the world.” In addition, we can consider the wisdom from the 21st chapter of Proverbs: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will.” Because we understand and believe that God rules all things, we children of God can be at peace and respectful even when we have different points of view on policy. In the book By Faith, we find this passage: “Maintenance of the order of law has been entrusted by God to the State. All of what the State needs to maintain order of law and life which builds the fatherland is included in the word, government. Thus, government consists of earthly and spiritual administrations with many different names, beginning with the leader of the country. The Word of God instructs us to honor order, justice and the inviolability of every person as well as to resist disorder and violence. The citizen has responsibilities which he has to fulfill. One must be subject to the government and pray, appeal and praise on its behalf.” Luther teaches in the same way: “However great the treasure is which we possess in Christ and however truly we are masters even of the devil, it is nonetheless God’s will that we humble ourselves before those who are something in this world, namely, government authorities and officials, even though we were as holy as Jacob. God certainly wants government, princes, and lords to exist, no matter who they are and how they are. And we are not to ask whether they have and occupy the rulership and government justly or unjustly. One must only consider power and government as such; these are good, for they are ordained and established by God. You dare not berate government when you are oppressed at times by princes and tyrants and because they misuse the power which they have of God. They will certainly have to give an account of their actions. The misuse of a thing that is in itself good does not make it bad. A golden necklace is good and does not become worse because some harlot is wearing it about her neck. Or should I blame the necklace if someone were to ruin one of my eyes with it? Certainly not. So we must also bear the power of the prince. If he misuses his power, I should for this reason not bear him ill will or avenge the misuse on him or actually punish it. One must obey him for God’s sake, for he stands in the place of God. No matter how intolerably they may tax, they are to be obeyed, and everything is to be borne for God’s sake. Whether they are doing right or wrong will no doubt appear in due time. Therefore if the government takes your possessions, your life and limb, and whatever you have, say: I gladly give it to you. I recognize you as my masters. I shall gladly obey you. See whether you are using well or ill the power which God has given you. Even if the government does injustice, as did the king in Babylon to the children of Israel. God nevertheless would have it obeyed without treachery.” In Apostle Peter’s second epistle he warns us about false prophets and their teachings. One of the things he warns us about is this: “But chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, and despise government. Presumptuous are they, self-willed, they are not afraid to speak evil of dignities” (2:10). Luther has also written in his Small Catechism under the heading “Of Civil Government”: “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation” (Rom. 13:1,2). Jesus said, “Blessed are the meek.” Sometimes this thought of meekness gets confused for weakness. It is not so. We are not meek because we live in fear or don’t understand the situation. We are meek because that is how Jesus instructed us to be by His teaching and examples. We in no way are weak if any man including those in high places would try to compel us to do sin, something contrary to God’s Word. We in that case obey God rather than man. We can firmly trust that if ever we face that situation, God will give us strength to stand firm. Regardless of the time period, the understanding of the believers has remained consistent. It is for this reason: it is founded on God’s Word and the teaching of the Holy Spirit. So, I leave you with this thought, to avoid the extremes and endeavor to remain in the center of the flock. “Hold that fast which thy hast, that no man take thy crown.” God’s peace, your friend Eric Mattila Questions for Discussion: Define respect in your own words. Then check the dictionary definition. What would you add to your initial definition? Explain how respect is tied to humility. How do we show respect for others at school? At work? At services? How can we model respect for authorities before our children? What will this look and sound like? How do we show respect for God and for God’s Word at services? What experiences in your life have helped you learn the value of respecting others? When have you felt respected? What can others learn about me based on how I speak of others?

Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All the earth shall worship thee, and shall sing unto thee; they shall sing to thy name. Selah. Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men. He turned the sea into dry land: they went through the flood on foot: there did we rejoice in him. He ruleth by his power for ever; his eye behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah. O bless our God, ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: Which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved. – Psalm 66:3–9 God directs the footsteps of our lives and the paths of nations. Such mighty works compel us to sing and praise God, as our text exhorts us. God is deserving of our thanks and praise always, yet we are often slow to praise God. Our text begins, “Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works!” Referring to God’s works as terrible is surprising, so we can check other Bible translations to see how the original word was viewed by others. The English NIV translation uses the word awesome and the older Finnish Biblia uses ihmeellinen, that is wonderful. Since God is the creator of heaven and earth we can surmise the wonder – and even fear – behind these adjectives. All around us in nature we can see the wonderful hand of God, the warmth of day, the coolness of night, the sunrise, the sunset, the seasons of growth and the seasons of dormancy. We view God’s creation as a normal part of life, often overlooking the wonder of it all. We desire to remember to thank and praise Him. In Psalm 8:4 we read, “What is man, that thou art mindful of him? And the son of man, that thou visited him?” God is great and we are small, yet God created humans for eternity and sent His Son to suffer and die for the sins of all. Through faith in Him, sinful humans have the possibility of eternal life in heaven. For this we ought to continually thank and praise our heavenly Father. God Helps in Time of Need In our text, the psalmist continues, “Come and see the works of God: he is terrible in his doing toward the children of men” (v. 5). Then the psalmist recalls a miracle of God for the children of Israel. The Egyptian army had the children of Israel trapped at the Red Sea with nowhere to go. God “turned the sea into dry land” (v. 5) and the children of Israel passed over. When the Egyptians pursued them, God caused the waters to return and the army drowned. The Israelites rejoiced and sang praises to God for His marvelous works. Throughout time and yet today, God provides strength in time of need for His children. Have you experienced God’s help in your battle against the three-fold enemy? When we fall, God gives strength to beg for the gospel and we are able to hear and believe that all our sins are forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood. Further in our text the psalmist implores, “Let not the rebellious exalt themselves” (v. 7). Jesus teaches, “For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 14:11). By nature, humans want to take credit for good things or deeds and lay blame on others for the bad. We are proud and want to show we are better than another. All are corrupt and prone to falling into sin. Therefore when we fall, we desire to humble ourselves unto repentance. By believing our sins forgiven, through faith, we are exalted, i.e. made acceptable unto God through the merits of His dear Son, our Lord Jesus. When our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God, our hearts rejoice and are full of thanks to Him. God’s Salvation Plan The last verse of our text teaches of Him “which holdeth our soul in life, and suffereth not our feet to be moved” (v. 9). God has given man an undying soul and desires that all would seek Him, come onto repentance, and be saved. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). In Hebrews 13:8 the writer reminds, “Christ is the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” As children of God, we want to remain on the narrow pathway that leads to heaven. Satan would like us to think there is another way. He does not care whether we fall to the wayside on the left or the right. He preaches his sermon of lies which can often be enticing. How can such a small group of people be on the correct pathway to heaven? Yet, Jesus says in His Sermon on the Mount, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). May our feet always remain steadfast on the path that leads to eternal life. Like the psalmist, we long to thank and praise God eternally for His great and mighty works. Jesus encourages, “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). Roger Plough

AGAIN, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS LIKE UNTO TREASURE HID IN A FIELD. MATT. 13:44 Laestadian Lutheran Church The Laestadian Lutheran Church (LLC) is the central organization of Laestadian Lutheran churches in North America. The website provides information about our faith, mission, organization, and activities. Here you will find an overview of our publications and links to member congregations. Welcome to our website and welcome to our services! Summer Services God called to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” after they had fallen into sin in the garden of Eden. God still calls sinners by asking each of us that very same question today. Jesus instructs us that our most important pursuit in life is to seek God’s kingdom. There we can find His righteousness. The caller meets the seeker only in His kingdom here on earth. Jesus promises that all good things will be added unto one who finds it. Peace with God can be found by believing the message of the forgiveness of sins as it is preached by God’s children. May God yet find His own at our services, uplift us through His word and renew the hope of heaven. “For the scripture saith, whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Rom 10:11) ​ Welcome to the 2022 LLC Summer Services at Silver Springs, Monticello, MN. Information regarding these services can be found on the Summer Services page. Hearken! Now Available! The long-awaited LLC Digital Publications app, Hearken, is now available! Click here to learn more & Subscribe Spring Music Sale A variety of music products are on sale beginning in May through Summer Services. Order these items online or come to the LLC office to shop, while supplies last. Buy gifts for Mother’s Day, graduations and spring weddings! ​ Hard cover chorale set: $120 (original price $170) Coil bound chorale set: $80 (original price $119) Songs and Hymns of Zion - Personal size: $1/each, $20 for box of 40 songbooks (previously $5 each) Many CDs are on sale for either $2 or $8 (We also have an in-house special: $2 CDs are 3/$5) Shop Now! Read 7 days ago Home & Family Respect Means Honoring God and His Creations Shepherd's Voice April/May 2022 Let’s speak with words that kindle joy, that strengthen love, and edify, and through the gospel Word,... May 12 Home & Family God’s Word Teaches Us to Respect Others Voice of Zion May 2022 When I consider the topic of respect, many thoughts come to my mind, especially in this present time. Respect is... May 12 Voice of Zion Featured Articles God Guides Our Footsteps Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! Through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee. All... May 12 Voice of Zion Featured Articles How Are Your Legs? The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. – Job 1:21 My head is heavy and there’s a tiredness around... May 12 Voice of Zion Featured Articles Respect for Parents and Authorities God in His Word gives us instructions on how – and to what – to show respect. He blessed the children of Israel with the Ten... May 12 News & Notes May 2022 Update In May, let us remember the special occasion of Mother’s Day. It is the day of the year which is set aside in honor of our mothers. Do we... Shop Quick View Box of 40 Songs and Hymns of Zion - Personal Size Quick View To the Sea: Short Fiction for Young Adults Quick View Down the Heav'nly Angel Came - Board Book Quick View Easter Messenger 2022 Quick View Box of 40 Songs and Hymns of Zion - Personal Size Quick View To the Sea: Short Fiction for Young Adults Quick View Down the Heav'nly Angel Came - Board Book Quick View Easter Messenger 2022 On Instagram On YouTube

Summer Services Work Shifts LLC Summer Services is made possible each year by the many hours filled by volunteers. We need your help to make these services possible. Below are links to sign up for the different work shifts via Sign Up Genius. If you have questions about how to sign up, reference the instructions below. Thank you for your help to make these services possible! ​ Questions? Send an email to summerservicesinfo@llchurch.org or call the LLC office (763) 479-2422. Site Preparation & Cleanup Elders Lounge Ushers Youth Activities Janitorial Food Grill Ticket Sales Hot Coffee Concessions RV & Camping Parking Transportation Translation Headset Booth Information Booth The following work areas require an access code to sign up. The access codes can be supplied by the head for each area. Contact the LLC office with any questions regarding one of these shifts. Broadcast Tech Broadcast Host Media Audio/Visual Communion Bonfire Supervison Instructions for signing up for shifts Signing up from a computer Signing up from a mobile phone

LLC Summer Services June 30–July 3, 2022 Silver Springs, Monticello, MN Listen Donate Work Shift Signup Meal Tickets Purchase Camping "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness" (Matthew 6:33) God called to Adam and Eve, “Where are you?” after they ha