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Nina Vanska | The Voice of Zion November 2021 -- The weather forecast calls for extreme winds. Up here in the Mono hills it means more than extreme, because it is always more or less windy here. I scan the yard for anything that may take off in the wind and make sure it is put into the garage or shop. Windy is nice in many ways; I don’t think we have seen more than ten mosquitos per year, and one of my favourite things is hanging laundry to dry on the clothesline. It dries quickly. Or then it takes off with the wind. If the wind takes a break on a summer day, the muggy humid heat keeps the doors closed. On the mid-October days when I call my dad in Finland and he can barely see through the dark and rainy dreariness of a Finnish fall, I don’t miss my former home country. I feel the balmy wind and see the brilliant colours of maples donning the endless hills. But then in winter there are the bitter cold conditions when the northwestern wind combined with the lake-effect snow and polar vortex make one wonder why we are living here in Ontario. Extremes are always uncomfortable. I have come to notice this not only with the weather, but in many areas of life, even when visiting with other believers. We all have our quirks and things we may even feel passionate about, but somehow it is so much easier to be with those who, in their opinions, mellow in the middle. Maybe some are thoughtful enough to keep the stronger opinions about temporal matters under their hats. Not everyone even feels strongly about things like health, politics, lifestyle or even the pandemic we have experienced. Personally, I feel even a bit anxious around conversations about such things as whether to vaccinate one’s children, which party or politician is doing things right or wrong, or if red meat is good for you. Sometimes conversations cause one to feel like an outsider, not belonging, if one disagrees even quietly in their mind. When the wind picks up, and things start flapping and flying, it does get scary. There is going to be some level of damage, I think, as I note the darkening clouds and check my phone for tornado warnings; there is a tornado watch. I usher the children downstairs and hope everyone is safe. I quickly send a WhatsApp message to the ladies’ group: be careful, the storm is heading east. There have been some storms even inside the walls of Zion; we can see the dark clouds from afar, and sense the barometer shifting, even though we have been spared from the eye of the storm. There is danger in the winds in our time: they are shifting, funneling and swirling even unexpectedly. I remember once at the Finnish suviseurat, gazing into the sky with many others, as some camping mattresses, tarps and even small tents swirled in the summer sky above the service area: it was a small-scale funneling wind that had blown through a section of the tenting area and suctioned up light and loose items. It was actually quite funny to watch them swirling and twirling high up in the summer sky. Just as we gather close together at our summer services and other gatherings, it is important in dangerous times to stay close to one another. Let’s leave everything that may drive us apart aside. Could they be those items that can go with the wind? Let’s huddle in our safe place together, pray for God to take care of us, protect us from harm, usher the storms away and allow the soft sprinkling of the gospel to cleanse us, the calm to return. He has promised to care for us; He wants us to be His obedient children: not boasting and strong, opinionated and haughty, but soft-spoken and humble. Going headlong into a storm is never a good idea.

Jouko Haapsaari | The Voice of Zion November 2021 -- Jesus once said, “Men ought always to pray and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Another time He said, “Your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him” (Matt. 6:8). Our human mind might begin to ponder whether it is necessary to pray, if God knows what we are going to ask before we do so. Our mind can argue against God’s Word and say that prayer isn’t so important for us. Why did Jesus encourage us to pray? Why did the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray? What is the benefit of prayer and what is the correct use of it? Can prayer be used wrongly? First, I would like to say that God knew how much we need the gift of prayer. God clearly knows how weak, forgetful and doubtful we are. Jesus had to rebuke and remind the disciples often because of their actions and doubts and we are no different. The gift of prayer hasn’t been given for God’s sake, but for our sake. In prayer we can approach God, speak to Him of our worries, doubts and needs. We can pour out our hearts like a trusting child does to his or her parents. That is the correct use of the prayer. It is our “golden path” to God. The Bible teaches us how to pray and what to pray. Jesus’ disciples felt they needed advice, so they asked the Lord to teach them to pray as John the Baptist had taught his disciples how to pray. That is when Jesus taught His disciples the Lord’s prayer (Luke 11:1). In that connection a little later Jesus told them a parable of a person who received guests at a late hour. That man had nothing to give to his guests, so he went to knock on the door of his neighbor, who gave him what he asked for, although it was very inconvenient for him. Jesus taught that the neighbor helped him because of his diligence in prayer and said that we should do likewise (Luke 11:8). James speaks about praying without doubting (James 1:6), because doubting rises against God’s power and is insulting to God, as happened when the spies returned from searching the promised land (Num. 14:11). I was once taught about this when I spoke to a special-needs child about prayer. I asked if God hears her prayers and she said yes, God hears them. Then I asked if God answers her prayers and this teacher of righteousness taught me, “God always answers my prayers with peace.” I was dumbstruck and felt ashamed for my little faith. God certainly hears our prayers and answers them. Sometimes He says “yes,” sometimes “no” and quite often He says “later.” I am an impatient and forgetful one, and it can happen that when God finally sees that I am ready to receive the blessing I asked for a long time ago, I have totally forgotten that I have ever prayed for it. Oh, what slow and difficult children we are to God! I have thought that my relationship with God is like that of a teenager, who thinks that their parents don’t understand much. I ask for foolish things, forget to thank Him for His blessings and don’t even see all the good that He does for me. Yet He carefully guides and leads my life’s way towards the real object of my prayers, eternal home in heaven. I promise to try to thank Him more often and ask for less. May God help me in that.

Michael Ylioja | The Voice of Zion December 2021 -- Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples, and said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see: The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me. And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. But what went ye out for to see? A prophet? Yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written, Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. – Matt. 11:2–10 ‍ John was born into this world to preach of the coming of the Son of God. His parents were believers, and when he was a boy they taught him of God’s kingdom. When he grew older, he lived in the wilderness of Judaea and survived on locusts and wild honey. His appearance differed greatly from that of the priests in the temple at that time. He was clothed in rough raiment, not soft cloth. This did not stop God’s work from occurring, and it did not stop people from hearing his message and believing it. Although John’s time of preaching was brief, many heard his sermon of the coming of the Lord Jesus. Their hearts were pricked and they repented. John baptized them. We can see through the life and preaching of John the Baptist that only when God blesses and when the Holy Spirit works through the mouths of men can true salvation exist. Although John had preached much of Jesus’ coming, baptized Him and had seen miracles He performed, when he was in prison he began to doubt. He sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus if He truly was the Son of God. Jesus loved John and sent encouragement back to him to remember the miracles Jesus performed, and that more importantly unto the poor the gospel is preached. Jesus reminded John that “blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.” Jesus encouraged the doubtful John that He, Jesus, is Messiah and to continue battling the good fight of faith despite being imprisoned for preaching God’s Word. Jesus instructed those that were gathered, hearing about John. Did they go into the wilderness to hear the man’s words? John was not like a reed shaking in the wind. His words were not here for today and gone tomorrow. He was the messenger that was sent before to prepare the way for Jesus. He was clothed in rough raiment, not soft cloth. This is the same yet today: God’s messengers are people like anyone else. Jesus pointed out how John had a very important duty given to him, but it did not give him an elevated position in God’s kingdom. All believers are equal before God, despite the fact that we are given each of us our own lot to live, our own place to serve. The sermon of the enemy of souls reached John in his lowly prison cell and caused him to doubt the foundation of his faith. The threefold enemy works yet today, causing us to question and doubt our salvation. As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, it is easy to lose focus on the significance of Jesus’ birth. We can let the cares of this world overcome our joy of believing. We need to prepare our hearts daily and nourish the gift of faith. Only through living by the gospel of the forgiveness of sins will we see heaven one day.

Rick Nevala | The Voice of Zion December 2021 -- Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. – Matt. 10:16–22 God’s children are called to faith by the grace of God. We are the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:26; Rom. 1:7). It’s a wonderful feeling to know grace and peace. It is offered in the gospel of the forgiveness of sins. When by faith we believe that sweet message, we are most fortunate of all people. As we have been called into faith, so also have we been called to witness, to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet. 3:15). Jesus’ disciples were eyewitnesses to His public ministry and His death and resurrection. They spoke openly and poignantly about the things they saw and heard (Acts 10:39–41). Nevertheless, to have simply known things outwardly and temporally is not sufficient to witness for Christ. A true witness of Christ is a bearer of the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit reveals all things and guides us to truth. God’s grace order is to use those that have the Holy Spirit to witness – to preach His Word (Luke 24:46–49). Strength to Endure Suffering In our text, Jesus reveals what we should expect when we witness for Him. We will be hated, for His name’s sake. He was hated without a cause (1 John 2:11). If we endure through the hatred until the end, we will be saved! Moses chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than to enjoy pleasures of sin for a season, “For he had respect unto the recompence of the reward” (Heb. 11:25,26). When we lift our gaze to the reward awaiting us in heaven, we receive strength to endure whatever befalls us. We should also expect to be brought before governors and kings. Jesus tells us to “beware of men.” He states that brother shall deliver up brother to death, the father the child, and children even shall rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. As a parent, it is unthinkable to deliver up a child to death, or to have our own children deliver us unto death. The battle between light and darkness is difficult; it knows no boundaries. Faith, in the end, is personal. We cannot believe for one another, not even for our own family members. When we are witnesses of Christ, the enemy may be so close as our own family – these strongest bonds of love can be broken by others. Even so, Jesus prompts us to fear not! When rejected by family for the furtherance of the gospel, we have the comfort of Christ and His Word. He Will Be with Us Jesus has promised to be with us. He will speak through us: “For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” Jesus will give words. We don’t need to worry or fear, but we can trust in Him. “Take no thought how or what you shall speak, for it will be given you in that same hour what you will speak.” Jesus also affirms that we will be called names when we defend the gospel and witness of it. The strongest name is perhaps Beelzebub, the name of the devil. We may be called servants of Beelzebub for Christ’s name’s sake. There is nothing new under the sun: humans resort to labeling when there is no way forward, to bullying and denigrating others. Jesus reminds us that one day everything will be revealed and not hidden. His will may appear to be hidden by the craftiness of humans and their words, but in time God will reveal to them their error. Again Jesus says, do not fear! An End to Our Trials Our text concludes by reassuring us that he or she who endures to the end shall be saved. Jesus doesn’t leave us to endure alone. He provides instruction and counsel. In our text He says to be wise as serpents, harmless as doves, to beware of men and have no care what you shall speak. We should not, however, needlessly expose ourselves to the dangers around us. Let us be wise as serpents, who defend themselves and position themselves for their own safety. They take shelter in rocks and grasses. Jesus Himself was an example of this: He avoided places and events where the enemy was until the hour came when He was to be captured and put to death. Jesus also reminds us to be harmless as doves. It is not a coincidence that the Holy Spirit has been pictured as a dove. Its fruits are enumerated in the letter to the Galatians: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (5:22,23). There will be an end to our trials. We will be gathered into the bosom of Abraham. Our defense and witness of the gospel will be left behind. We will not be asked to return. Our salvation shall be before us as a golden city with golden streets. We will be with our brothers and sisters, God’s children. We who were afflicted for a moment on earth will be in the much greater eternal glory (2 Cor. 4:17). Dear sisters and brothers, let us say as Apostle Paul did in the letter to the Romans: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (1:16).

John Stewart | The Voice of Zion December 2021 -- It was wintertime. As the day faded into evening and passed into darkness, the air became crisp and still. Stars twinkled overhead, and across the expanse of a wide field muffled sounds from a flock of sheep echoed in the distance. The small, nearby village of Bethlehem, also called the City of David, overflowed with people who had come to register for a taxation commanded by Rome. Several miles to the north on higher ground lay the larger city of Jerusalem – the site where, on the Temple’s immense altar of hewn stones, many of these sheep would later be sacrificed. Shepherds dwelled in Bethlehem’s surrounding pasture areas and kept watch over the flocks. Especially as evening approached, and at night, the shepherds sang or hummed peaceful songs in low tones that comforted and calmed the sheep. It was a scene of quiet solitude. The Angels Bring Tidings This pastoral setting, however, was suddenly and dramatically transformed in a miraculous way. An “angel of the Lord” descended upon the shepherds’ field with the glory of God shining round about. Naturally, great fear gripped the herders’ hearts. Yet amid this shocking change, the angel brought a wonderful message! The tidings were of great joy and peace, a heavenly peace – a serenity and a hope that would surpass any temporal or earthly solitude. It was a message to all people: the message of Christmas peace. To the lowly shepherds the heavenly messenger proclaimed comforting and reassuring words: “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11,12). The miraculous moment for the shepherds did not yet cease. But rather, as their fear began to abate, they experienced great wonder, hope and awe when, “suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (v. 13,14). Believers in our time remember the angels’ miraculous visit in song: “The angels once sang of the triumph of heaven on Christmas night. They sowed into mother earth’s sorrow a radiant starfilled night” (SHZ 28:1). The heavenly event faded, the field quietened, and the shepherds again found themselves alone with their flocks under the silent night sky. Yet, under the canopy of heaven, moved with awe and wonder, these shepherds began to discuss their experience among themselves, saying: “Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us” (v. 15). Thus carrying heavenly tidings, and guided by the Holy Spirit, the shepherds quickly and excitedly made their way across the fields to the stable. There, just as the angel had described, they found the baby lying in a manger. Mary and Joseph were close by. Shielded from the busyness of crowded Bethlehem, the lowly few nestled round the Christ Child’s bed of hay. Hope and a deep heavenly peace filled the heart of each one present. The Word Offers Peace After the shepherds had seen the child described by the angel, they returned to their daily calling in the fields. They were not able to contain their peace and joy. They began to spread abroad the tidings of the heavenly angel. The shepherds brought a message that was not their own, nor was it a message of earthly or temporal peace. It was the Word of a joyful, heavenly Christmas peace through the work of the Holy Spirit. Today this same Word continues, ceaselessly, from believers in God’s kingdom, just as it did from the lowly and poor shepherds. The gospel Word always offers Christmas peace – even amid personal trials, in temptations, and during struggles and battles of the journey. Through faith the child of God experiences true Christmas peace.

Stephen Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. – Jeremiah 6:16 On our way to spring services in Saskatoon several years ago, we had to go a bit out of our way to drop off a package. After that was taken care of, I decided to take a shortcut I hadn’t traveled rather than backtrack to our normal route. As we drove along, the road became muddy and we got stuck. By the time we walked to the nearest farm to get help and then got pulled out, it was too late and we missed the services. Rather than take that unfamiliar path, I should have gone back to the path that I knew would lead us to our destination. It is the same on our journey to heaven: we want to follow the paths that will get us safely to our destination. These are those “old paths” to which Jeremiah refers in our text. The path to heaven isn’t new; it is one taken by the believers that went before us. If we choose a new path, we don’t know where that path will lead, nor do we know what dangers to our life of faith lie along that path. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tells us that “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). The way to heaven isn’t easy to find and follow. The path is narrow. How do we find and stay on this path? God calls us and reveals the path to heaven. If I had had a map for that trip to spring services, I could have followed it and found our way, though the route was unfamiliar. In God’s kingdom, the map is God’s Word: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). The Bible tells us about the path that believers took on their journey to heaven. The writer to the Hebrews gives several examples of these former saints in that letter’s 11th chapter. They traveled by faith, trusting in God’s promises of a Savior. “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded by them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth” (Heb. 11:13). The farmer who pulled us out told us that the road continued to get worse and there was no way we would have made it through. If I had stopped for directions as the road got muddier, I would have learned this and been shown a safe route. It is like this also on our journey to heaven. We have precious believing escorts to whom we can turn for direction. Jesus instructs, “He that hath an ear, Let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches” (Rev. 2:7). It is important to discuss matters of living faith with other believers. That way we can learn whether our understanding of spiritual matters is the same as theirs and whether our faith is in unity with the instructions in the Bible and teaching in God’s congregation. In some matters, we may not understand or agree with the instruction in God’s kingdom. It is good to discuss these matters and pray that God would open them to us. However, whether God gives understanding or not, we want to hear and be obedient to that instruction. It is dangerous to our life of faith to do otherwise. This is the instruction that Samuel tells Saul after Saul disobeyed God’s instruction to destroy the Amalekites (1 Sam. 15:22,23). God rejected Saul for his disobedience. God’s Word is alive today through the Holy Spirit in the believers and in His congregation. The Holy Spirit opens God’s Word and reveals the old paths to us.

Tommi Kinnunen and Eric Mattila | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be established: mine arm also shall strengthen him. The enemy shall not exact upon him; nor the son of wickedness afflict him…Also I will make him my firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. – Psalm 89:19–22;27–29 As sinful yet believing people can we ever thank God enough for what He has promised and done for us? This Sunday’s theme speaks about the gift of baptism, and the 89th Psalm that is set aside for this Sunday speaks about a covenant, a covenant between God and His chosen. Let us pause and consider this covenant and remember to give thanks to the heavenly Father for extending His love and great gift unto us. We can think of a covenant as an agreement, where two parties are bound together. Our Psalm relates about God’s covenant with David, His anointed who would lead the kingdom of Israel. God’s covenant with David is that “mine arm shall strengthen him” (v. 21). Likewise, in a baptismal covenant God promises to “help” (v. 19) and to “exalt” His chosen, here, by granting unmerited grace toward sin-fallen humankind. It is God’s way of extending His help to us; we are thus recipients of God’s goodness and mercy without any effort or work of our own. This is something we need to be reminded of throughout our lives: God loved us first before we were even capable of loving Him. Covenant of Good Conscience Certainly most of us have attended a baptism and heard of this covenant of good conscience with God. Perhaps you even remember the words the minister reads, partially excerpted here: “We have now assembled together before the face of God for the baptismal festival of this child. The Word of God teaches us to consider a child as a gift of the Lord. Therefore, we thank our heavenly Father for this child’s birth. God has not only created us according to His image and into His fellowship, but has also redeemed us by His Son, Jesus Christ. In Him we have redemption by His blood, the forgiveness of our transgressions according to the riches of His grace. In the fellowship of this saving grace, we today bring this child into the Covenant of Holy Baptism. Baptism does not signify new birth, but it is a covenant of good conscience with God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” We see in this Covenant of Baptism text some important matters that the Psalmist also writes about in God’s covenant with David. First is this matter that it is a solemn occasion, since we heard we are gathered before the face of God. Verse 20 tells, “with my holy oil have I anointed.” It is therefore good if we can remember to treat this occasion with respect and reverence. Another thing we notice in the Covenant of Baptism text is that it speaks of extending this covenant to a child. We can begin to question, does a child have personal faith? Is it important that we baptize children? Or for those who have lost a child before baptism, is my child saved without baptism? How about if someone repents of unbelief? These are all questions that have come into God’s kingdom in the past. Thankfully, God has through His Word and Holy Spirit guided believers even in these matters, so we do not need to ponder them but simply believe as we have been taught. We believe that every child is born with a living soul and is a child of God and is already in a saved condition, even before baptism. As Jesus Himself said, “But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depths of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). Here, we can notice that Jesus says “which believe in me,” clarifying for us that children are believing. We can also remember what David, the one anointed by God about whom our Psalmist writes, said when he lost his baby son. “But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me” (2 Sam. 12:23). In these words, we can see that David knew and believed his baby was in heaven. Saved by Faith So, what then does baptism signify? Juhani Uljas writes in this way, “In baptism, God joins a child into the fellowship of His congregation to be cared for. The endeavor as a child of God begins there. When a child grows older, the battle of sin begins. Baptism obligates us to it. Paul writes to the Romans, ‘So many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death. Therefore, we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in the newness of life’ (Rom. 6:3,4)” (Uljas, The Treasure Hidden in a Field, SRK 2000). A person is not saved by baptism but by faith. Faith does not come through baptism but precedes it. As Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Faith comes first, and then the sacraments serve to confirm and strengthen faith. Although we believe faith is first and foremost, we in no way wish to despise nor neglect to baptize our children. Neglect of a sacrament is illustrated by the account of Moses when God had called him to lead His people from the bondage of Egypt. Moses had failed to have his son circumcised, according to God’s command. We can read in Exodus 4:24–26: “And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him [Moses], and sought to kill him. Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, surely a bloody husband art thou to me. So, he let him go then said she, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.” Moses had neglected to keep the sacrament of circumcision, and the condemnation was not directed to the child but to the father. Baptism is a sure covenant. For example, if one was baptized as a child, even in an unbelieving church, by an unbelieving priest, a new baptism is not required after repentance to God’s kingdom. The first baptism is still in effect, even though the baptized on their own part have broken the covenant. God is faithful and His promises are everlasting. If one comes into God’s kingdom and was never baptized as a child, it would be good and appropriate to be baptized even as an adult. On one hand this newfound faith is so precious to the finder it is a joy to enter into that covenant with God and on the other hand we recall how church father Augustine has written, “Not by lacking a sacrament, but by despising of a sacrament one is damned.” Let Us Hold the Covenant Dear As it is with many matters of faith, our understanding of baptism is also limited. Jesus taught His disciples in His mission command: “And he said unto them, ‘Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned’” (Mark 16:15,16). Therefore, we wish to be faithful to God’s Word and to keep these matters in the correct order: Preaching, Faith, Baptism, Doctrine and Fellowship. We are also reminded of the endeavor of the believer, the cross that we must bear. We wish to avoid sin and temptations and when we fall, we remember the words Paul wrote to Timothy, to keep faith and good conscience. We have in God’s house living water, so we never need to thirst or carry burdens. We can live as free children of grace. As God so long ago promised to care for and protect David, we as believers are also included in this promise. May we all remember to keep the baptism covenant dear in our hearts.

Daniel Jurmu | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- So the heathen shall fear the name of the LORD, and all the kings of the earth thy glory. When the LORD shall build up Zion, he shall appear in his glory. He will regard the prayer of the destitute, and not despise their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come: and the people which shall be created shall praise the LORD. For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; To declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem; When the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the LORD. – Psalms 102:15–22 This Psalm is a prayer of one that was afflicted and overwhelmed, writing the thoughts of his heart to God. This Psalm reminds us of the glory and majesty of God, and it also assures us that God promises to hear the prayers of the poor and weak traveler and that God frees a person from the shackles of sin and doubts through the redemption work of His Son. God our heavenly Father is eternal and everlasting, He leads and directs our pathway, He protects and hears His children today and always. Do We Fear God? Our text begins with these words, “The heathen shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth thy glory.” A heathen is one who is faithless, ungodly or unbelieving, the opposite of a Christian or a believer. This fear to which the writer refers is an earthly fear and it comes from the human mind and carnal portion. Many in this world have this temporal fear of God because of their sinful condition and their unbelief. On the other hand, the children of God have been given this assurance: “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Tim. 1:7). We desire to hold God in high esteem, honor and praise Him but we need not fear Him when we believe sins forgiven. Psalms 111:10 teaches, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments.” Thus, we understand that God wants us to fear when we fail to “do his commandments.” Therefore, we need to put away sin and believe them forgiven so we need not fear. We have a loving and forgiving God that asks for each one of us to give Him our whole and entire heart and in return He will bless and protect us. God Hears Our Prayers As our passage continues it reminds us that God hears our prayers, even the prayers of the weak and poor and does not look down on them or detest them. Paul writes to the Philippians, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (4:6). Even though we often find ourselves to be doubting and poor believers, this passage encourages us to overcome those feelings and make our prayers and petitions known unto God. We have been given this wonderful promise that God hears our prayers even though they come from the heart of a weak traveler. The Psalm writer relates God’s encouragement to “call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me” (Ps. 50:15). God wants us to turn to Him in times of difficulty and sorrow. He has promised to help us in difficult times. When we look back in our lives, we can see how God has indeed helped and directed our lives, and as a result we wish to praise and thank Him. Dear brothers and sisters, we have a good God that cares for us no matter our poorness or weakness. We can remember James’ words that “the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16). The Living God Later our text speaks about our God and how “he hath looked down from his sanctuary” (v. 19). He watches over the earth from His dwelling place in heaven. After Jesus died on the cross, rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, the work of spreading the gospel continued through the power of the Holy Spirit. Stephen was one called to continue the work of Christ and shortly before his martyr’s death he was able to see heaven. In Acts 7 we read, “But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God” (v. 55). God and our Savior Jesus are living and present still today. Jesus also testified that God is living. In Matthew 22, Jesus says, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (v. 32). Our text then assures us that Jesus hears our pleas and pains of sin. The Psalmist describes the weight of sin and the effect of unforgiven sin – death. God wishes us to be free from the shackles and bonds of sin, and He sent His Son our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem us from our sin. Jesus invites us, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). May we always remain seeking the care of the Good Shepherd, for it is He who cares for us. We can be comforted dear brothers and sisters that despite our sinfulness and doubts we receive unmerited love and forgiveness. God has promised, all those who believe shall receive everlasting life with Him one day in heaven. Let us remain along with the Psalmist, simply trusting and believing in Him who cares for us.

Peggy Glynn | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- I punch down the bread and again feel the soft dough engulfing my hands, a feeling I have come to love. When my future husband first visited the farm where I was raised, my mother served him her fresh homemade bread. He teased me later in life that he married me for my mother’s bread. I tried to make it like Mom but I never did hit that mark of perfection. I’m yet trying. As life moved on, I baked bread again and again for our growing family. The iconic bowl of bread dough rising over the edges comforted me that our daily bread will be provided. In the biblical story of the loaves and fishes, no matter how many people came to be fed, there was enough bread and fish. The people present must have marveled at the miracle before them. Jesus added His powerful yeast that fed them all, even the smallest child. This story has reminded me that our family will be provided for as Jesus provided for all present that day many years ago. God himself only knows what the purpose for this story is for people through the ages. There is an old saying that every newborn child comes with a loaf of bread under its arm, so reminiscent of the Bible’s story of the loaves and fishes. There is something in the act of making bread for my family that makes me feel so good. It may have been watching the bread rise, as if the bread was saying “there will plenty for all.” Maybe it is because I have such dear memories of my mother’s homemade bread. Maybe because I loved watching my children eat it with butter dripping down their chins. Will their memories of eating my bread be as dear to them as it is for me? When we had our tenth baby, my close Christian neighbor, Tarja Nevala, brought me a beautiful bread ring of Finnish pulla. She said it signified the ring of life. She told me it was an old Finnish custom to bring this to a family with a new baby. How beautiful, I thought. So yes, the ring, the circle of life symbolized in this old tradition reminding our family that the love of Christ is endless and his blessings will come even to the least of us all. In the scriptures we read that Jesus demonstrated how He is the source of life, the living bread from heaven, so you will not die, but gain eternity in heaven. I was reminded that this new child will come with many blessings in the household of those who believe. Now as I age, the words of King David ring true for me still. In Psalms 37:25, King David writes; “I have been young, but now I am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his descendants begging bread.”

Kevin Moll | The Voice of Zion February 2022 -- Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. – John 17:17 What is truth? Since the beginning, humans have sought the truth. Ideas and beliefs once considered to be true have been shown to be otherwise; they were based on the thoughts and reason of humans. That which is held to be true changes over time. But God’s Word is an unchanging and sure foundation of truth. Jesus prayed to God on behalf of His own: Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth. Sanctify means to set one apart and make him or her holy. Jesus prayed that we would be made holy by truth. He then adds that God’s Word is truth. Jesus is God’s Word made flesh, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). We are made holy by the work done by Jesus, our Savior. The Holy Spirit of God teaches us and helps us remember the teachings of Jesus (John 14:26). God’s living, holy Word – and thus Jesus – is found only in God’s kingdom. Both the written Word and spoken Word are opened by the Holy Spirit. The Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed speaks of the Holy Spirit. Luther says it could be titled “Sanctification.” How does sanctifying occur? The Holy Spirit effects it through the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and life everlasting. Jesus fulfilled God’s promise in His suffering, death and resurrection. God caused His written Word to be published and proclaimed and the Holy Spirit offers and applies to us this treasure of salvation (Luther’s Large Catechism). Great thinkers and philosophers have used the carnal mind in answering the question, “What is truth?” When Jesus was brought before Pilate and asked if He was a king, Jesus answered that He came into the world to bear witness unto the truth. Then He said, “Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice” (John 18:37). Pilate then asked, “What is truth?” (v. 38). He was in a position to hear many opinions and perspectives. Perhaps he realized each person believed their own experience and perspective to be the “truth.” Why wouldn’t they? If you are convinced something it true, how could you believe anything else? The carnal mind is prone to ally with the flesh. Paul said that the “carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7). The enemy of souls deceived Eve in the garden of Eden by asking, “Hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden?” (Gen. 3:1). Because Eve saw it was good for food and could make one wise, she disobeyed God. The carnal mind can be quick to justify or understand a matter in a way that would appeal to our flesh. It is important that our understandings are in harmony with the Holy Spirit. If our carnal mind holds a wrong understanding, it can be corrected if we are given ears to hear the Holy Spirit (Rev. 3:22). When we are children in God’s congregation, we walk in the light (1 John 1:7). How fortunate we are that the Holy Spirit guides us in grace and truth! We have a sure and unchanging foundation in God’s Word.