Daniel Jurmu | The Voice of Zion April 2022 -- My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring? O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest not; and in the night season, and am not silent. But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel. Our fathers trusted in thee: they trusted, and thou didst deliver them. They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. — Psalms 22:1–5 The texts for Palm Sunday speak of the King of Glory’s lowly way. Jesus lived a perfect and sinless life, but also experienced temptations and the ridiculing unbelief of the world (Heb. 4:15). On Palm Sunday, Jesus entered Jerusalem on the colt of an ass, in humility. Our text reminds us that as Jesus suffered during His last moments on the cross He cried with a loud voice, “My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). We recognize that as He cried this, He was quoting this Psalm of David, written generations before. Jesus painfully had to endure death on behalf of the sins of humankind. He also prayed to our heavenly Father in times of difficulty. In Gethsemane, He prayed, “O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt” (Matt. 26:39). We too, can place our complete trust in God’s care and in His will. Forsaken by God Our text, perhaps written by David or for David, begins with the questions and doubts that come when one is pressed down or overwhelmed with grief and sorrow. We can often feel in difficult and trying times that God has forgotten us and left us to suffer alone in grief and sorrow. The enemy of souls can also begin to place doubts into the minds of the afflicted. The further Satan can draw us away from the center of the sheepfold, the easier it becomes to ensnare us. The psalmist later writes in the 22nd chapter, “Be not far from me; for trouble is near; for there is none to help” (Ps. 22:11). We recognize that trouble is all around us, but the power of God helps and sustains us. We are reminded through the words of Jesus that God does not forsake us but rather, He lovingly calls and invites us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). We have a great refuge here in God’s kingdom. Plea for Help The second verse in this Psalm of David relates of prayers and pleas to God. Especially in times of trial or difficulty we find ourselves pleading to God for help. God has given us the gift of prayer and has promised to hear all our prayers, even the faintest sigh (Ps. 55:17). Jesus, who was the Son of God, also prayed during His time here on the earth. Even though He was true God, He had the need to pray, and we too can be encouraged to continue steadfast in prayer. James 5:16 assures us, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” God hears our prayers and gives according to His will. May we desire to have a heart of faith and accept what comes from God’s hand. In Romans 8:26 we are reminded that we don’t even know what we should pray for, but we can be so thankful that the Spirit prays on our behalf. We trust that God knows what is best for our lives and He answers our prayers according to His will. Trust in God When we place our complete trust in God we receive blessings and protection. Proverbs 3:5 encourages us to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Also in Psalms 25:2 it says, “In thee, O Lord, do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed; deliver me in righteousness.” When we trust our hearts – and our lives – to God and allow him to lead us and guide us, Proverbs assures us “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (3:6). The generations that have gone before trusted in God and were not led astray but were blessed in their life. The eleventh chapter of Hebrews reminds us of those Old Testament believers who traveled by faith and trusted in God. Verse 13 says, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seeing them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” May we cling to this faith that one day will take us to the shore of heaven. Jesus came unto this earth and fulfilled the salvation plan for sinners according to His Father’s will. He came and served in a lowly and meek way, so even the weakest and poorest could believe. When Jesus comes again, at the final judgment, He will come in all might and glory. It will be the day that a child of God has yearned and longed for. Let us patiently wait for that day with faith and hope in our heart. In Revelations it encourages us to cling and hold unto this gift of faith, “Hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Rev. 3:11).

The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- God in His Word gives us instructions on how – and to what – to show respect. He blessed the children of Israel with the Ten Commandments. The first three commandments teach us about our relationship with God, how we respect God’s position, His name and His day of rest. Beginning with the fourth commandment, we receive instruction on how to respect and how to treat fellow human beings. These instructions begin with exhortation to respect our parents. In fact, this commandment serves as a foundation of our respect for others: respect starts at home with parents. Luther writes in his Large Catechism that the encouragement to respect our parents stems from their calling. God has called the men and women in question to serve as parents, to serve in continuing God’s creation work. God creates new life and gives parents the duties of rearing and caring for His creation. Mother and father serve in the heavenly Parent’s stead. They are trusted workers despite their faults and lacking. Parents often struggle to serve in a demanding calling that exceeds their skills and merit. Children can therefore support the parents by respecting the parents’ calling just as they respect the One who has called them to serve as parents. Children and the entire community can also pray that God will give wisdom and skill to parents as they endeavor in their duties. As children grow to adulthood and parents age, the role of respecting and caring for parents can take on new meaning and dimensions. This is all part of God’s plan for our mutual health and safety. The Fourth Commandment contains a promise of long life and wellbeing. This promise of a long life serves to remind us that each of us in turn will reach an advanced age, if God gives us days and years to reach old age. What we sow, so shall we reap. This perspective guides us in our God-given duty to respect our parents, our elders. Often, we learn in our childhood homes the basics of how to respect others. We learn by example from our parents and elders. May we to whom God has given children remember that the respect we afford others does not go unnoticed by our offspring. Our attitudes, behaviors and words towards others, whether charitable or not, are signals and lessons to our children. Even spouses’ respect for one another serves as a continuous lesson. Disrespect of parents, and spouses’ disrespect for each other, break God’s instructions and can lead to much sadness and grief in the form of broken relationships and broken homes. God has ordained it so that when we respect our parents and other authorities, this brings blessings, security and stability to our lives. Children of a certain age may have difficulty valuing the life experiences, wisdom and instruction of their elders, though these experiences and instructions contribute to providing a life that is secure and protected and centered on God’s Word and the instruction of God’s congregation. In short, respect of elders can bear blessings even when we don’t understand the reasons for the instructions the elders provide. Ultimately respect of one’s loved ones and others is respect towards God as the Creator of all humankind. Therefore, we wish to maintain an attitude and heart of respect toward one another (Rom. 12:10). Today, disobedience and distance from God’s Word beget a lack of respect for fellow humans, which is a way the enemy of souls can ensnare us. We may present a sincere front and feign respect for those people and things that bring us some advantage or gain, while we disrespect them in our hearts. We may forget that God placed people here to help us in life. It seems that more and more often these days, we focus on who is right and who is wrong in some particular matter, be it with parenting, teaching or other duties. Earthly matters are ultimately in God’s hands, so instead of arguing over these, we can focus on mutual respect and caretaking. We acknowledge that though there sometimes is poor parenting, teaching or leadership, God and His Word compel us to approach issues with respect toward parents and other authorities (e.g. Prov. 14:21,22). God in His goodness gives us the strength and the desire to respect those around us, especially the loved ones with whom we share our lives. This month we celebrate Mother’s Day, and next month we honor our fathers on Father’s Day. May we these months and all other months remember God’s instruction to respect, honor and obey those in whom He has entrusted precious duties.

Natasha Warwaruk | The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- 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 my eyes. Snuggled under my soft, orange throw in an easy chair with a couple of hot packs placed in strategic places, feet up, a pillow under my right knee and a walker by my side, I contemplate this verse that has persisted in the shadows of my mind over the last couple of weeks. Is it truly the case that the Lord gives and takes away? And can I still say with full assurance in my heart, “Blessed be the name of the Lord?” All through my life God has given and taken the portion that He knows I need. I am now going through a season in life where He has taken a significant part of my being: my physical health and mobility. Lately, my legs have been especially tired and slow. I stubbornly persist in using them and know I will until I can no longer. Perhaps even more difficult has been my need to ask for and accept assistance. I am fierce and I am strong and I almost would rather crumple than admit defeat. As I ponder the cumbersome journey of possibly becoming an invalid, of slowly losing health, vitality and energy, I can’t help but think; “Really? Does this all really need to be taken from me?” And, as I ask this, I know the answer. That yes, in this moment, in this time, all that has been taken from me is needed to fulfill God’s almighty and perfect plan. “What would it be like to be given it all back?” A half-smile comes to my face. Could that be possible? With God all things are possible. And one thing I can cast my hope on is that in heaven I will be given a new body! – – – Recently, while listening to an online evening devotion a small tap of grief and perhaps permission was opened for me. I have not been able to resume my career for over three years because of my health, but in my mind, I am always getting better and will go back to work. This particular devotion spoke of how a person can close the door to a season in life and embrace the new one. Grief for my teaching career welled up inside me. This new season of getting myself dressed, fed and attending to everyday living necessities doesn’t sound near as exciting, but this is my season now and I want to take it from the hand of God. Yes, it truly is the case that the Lord gives and takes away. I see this in my life and I see it in the joys and sorrows of the believers who travel alongside me. The spiritual kingdom that we travel in has gone through a time of warfare and restlessness. It has been confusing and I have had to examine and ponder where I stand as a believer. This has recently been mirrored in our temporal society with the pandemic, political unrest and a shift in social thought regarding what best serves the common good. Thankfully, it doesn’t matter where we stand on the political spectrum. But it does matter where we are as children of God. Do not get left behind! God’s flock is a traveling flock. A flock on its way to heaven. If you do not have the strength to stay standing on your legs, let the believers carry you. Ask for assistance and accept the help. Remain with this precious flock. What has been given to you, and what has been taken away? And can you say, along with me, “Blessed be the name of the Lord?”

Roger Plough | The Voice of Zion May 2022 -- 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).

Aaron Anderson | The Voice of Zion June 2022 -- Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you. – 2 Corinthians 13:11 The crowning jewel of God’s creation is humankind. God’s creation work was perfect. Humans lived in union with God. The angel of darkness, Satan, was jealous of God because he thought he should be equal to God, and was thrown out of heaven for his disobedience to Him. The angel of darkness disguised himself as an angel of light, and he caused the first human couple to question God’s Word. Sin entered the human heart. This was the great and complete falling away of humankind from God. Adam and Eve no longer lived in union with their Creator because of this fall. This inherited sin plagues us all today. A Way Forward Fortunately, God did not leave His children without a way forward. He gave to them His promise that a Savior would be born to save them from eternal death. This Savior would be His only Son. The Son had promised His Father already in eternity to be lowered to earth to save humankind. All humans had to do was believe on Him. Satan Authors Disunity The angel of darkness, Satan, wars against God. He wants God’s crown jewel of creation for his own. He knows that if he can cause doubt and sin to weigh heavy on one, a child of God will easily tire. Soon, we no longer see this flock of believers as a golden candlestick; brothers and sisters in faith can now appear to us only as faulty and sinful people. In this way, Satan was able to break the love between siblings of the first family as well. He caused the heart of Cain to grow so jealous and cold that he murdered his own brother. We are living the eve of time. The author of confusion and lies knows his time is short. He is working tirelessly to break the unity of God’s children. When there is not unity the sheep are easily scattered. When the sheep are scattered and alone, the enemy can more easily pick them off – one by one, in small groups, or through a larger falling away. Gather More Together For this reason the writer to the Hebrews exhorts us in this way: “Let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching” (Heb. 10:24,25). We can note how the author specifically mentions this provoking unto love and to good works, or as the NIV translation puts it, “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” It is good to remember this exhortation especially during these tumultuous times. Broken Love Disrupts Unity Let us consider how we converse one with another so that our speech would spur one another on toward love and good deeds, that one could walk away from a conversation with another child of God feeling uplifted in our walk of faith. Apostle Paul exhorted the Ephesian believers: “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers” (4:29). And when our speech or actions offend another, let us quickly swallow our pride and turn towards the throne of grace to put away those sins which cause offense. “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). Otherwise, even seemingly small matters can begin to separate us. Forgiveness Restores Unity with God Let us always pray to our heavenly Father that He would give us a forgiving heart towards our brothers and sisters. When God’s Spirit, the Holy Spirit, is present in the gatherings of His children, we feel the warmth of love that knits us closely together. “By this shall all know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Paul bid farewell to the battling congregation of Corinth by exhorting them to “encourage one another” and to “strive for full restoration” (2 Cor. 13:11 NIV). Dear travel friends, let us continue on this journey encouraging one another. Let us forgive one another from the heart and believe that message of forgiveness. Then full restoration can come between brothers and sisters and it is possible to live in peace and to be of one mind. It is then that the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Cor. 13:11).

David Niemi | The Voice of Zion June 2022 -- He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy, and from them which hated me: for they were too strong for me. They prevented me in the day of my calamity: but the Lord was my stay. With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; He brought me forth also into a large place; he delivered me, because he delighted in me…With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright; With the pure thou wilt shew thyself pure; and with the froward thou wilt shew thyself froward. For thou wilt save the afflicted people; but wilt bring down high looks. For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness. – Psalm 18:16–19;25–28 Psalm 18 was written by David after the Lord delivered him from the hands of Saul and his enemies. He wanted to sing his praises and thanks unto the Lord for His marvelous help. Is this not how we, many thousands of years later, wish to do when God helps us in our difficulties? We also wish to thank God, we wish to hear God’s voice when it calls and trust in Him to help us in the days we are living. God Sends Angels David relates how God sent angels: “He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters” to help him in his distress. God works this way in His kingdom even today. When we fall into sin, He sends messengers to help in time of need. Also, when those on the outside of God’s kingdom feel their own wretchedness and are seeking, God through His Spirit sends His own children, those angels to bring the message of God’s kingdom close. This faith travels from heart to heart through the power of the gospel. Consider even the Ethiopian eunuch. God sent Philip to explain onto him the message of the forgiveness of sins. God knows the heart and can send help for one who is seeking. God has always helped those who desire the help of the Lord, and always He has been able to help regardless of the enemy. Humans are not able to battle the enemy of souls or enter into God’s kingdom through any work of their own. One must first humble oneself and feel his or her own sinfulness and weakness, and then God can help. Through repentance one becomes a child of God. God can then help a person along the way of faith that leads to heaven. God Brings Strength and Peace Psalm 18 tells how the enemy attacked during a time of distress. Hasn’t this been the case today as well? When we are tired and feeling weak, the enemy tries all of his wiles to get us to fall. But today, just as for David, the Lord is our stay and security to help shield against the enemy. With God’s strength we are able to battle against Satan. From the precious gospel message we receive strength; “It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:16). When we are able to do this, we receive strength to battle against the threefold enemy. David writes how God brought him into a large place, which is what happens when the bonds of sin are released. We can then travel free of sin and the destination appears bright before us. In the 23rd Psalm it speaks how “he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” This is how it is when we submit ourselves to God’s almighty hand. When we trust in Him, He can lead our lives and bless us as well. God Is Merciful and Pure In our psalm text, we read that God is merciful unto those who are merciful and shows himself upright to the upright one. Also, God is pure to those who have a pure heart, and He will save the afflicted people. This is how it has been for God’s children always. Even in the time of the wilderness journey, Moses reminded the Israelites, “Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years” (Deut. 8:4), and so it is for us today. God helps and carries us along this journey to our home in heaven. He knows each of us so well, that He can send exactly what we need when we need it. David wrote unto us how God is towards the proud, the crooked, and the high and mighty. God will cause “the proud to stumble and fall with none to raise him up” (Jer. 50:32). He cannot work in a proud heart. Jesus spoke and thanked the Father, “because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes” (Matt. 11:25). God can affect a humble heart, but He resists the proud. We can read in scriptures of those who became proud and rose against God. Korah was an example of how God destroys the wicked and proud. God Calls “For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness” (v. 29) speaks unto us how God can call us and show the way into His kingdom. Regardless of whether we were called into God’s kingdom from birth or later in life, we care for it in the same way. The Holy Spirit teaches the same in all His children and His children need the gospel to keep that name of a child of God. Dear children of God, continue putting sin away as it attaches, and care for one another on this journey to our eternal home in heaven. Let us pray that God would still call those seeking hearts into His kingdom while it is a time of grace.

Kay Wuollet | The Voice of Zion June 2022 -- Do small things in life make a difference? Does anybody notice them? Does anyone care? As I sit down at the piano, I prepare myself for my lesson by signing into the video call. I greet my teacher with God’s peace, and she asks me how I’ve been. My piano lessons begin with a warm-up in my lesson book. Following the warm-up, I play through a classical song, Clementi’s 2nd “Sonatine.” After warming up, my teacher and I go over a new song, “Nocturne.” Leading up to measure 8, I see some large scales ahead, and I begin to lose my confidence. I continue playing the song and when I’ve finished, my teacher encourages me. I don’t always feel that I have done great, but she always seems to lift me up. We then review the measures where I need some improvement, and we work it through together. Those few small measures that seem so difficult need to be acknowledged. We mark them and go over them alone, deliberately. We discuss technique and set a goal for practicing these measures. Once they have been improved, they can be joined again with the rest of the song. It’s those few measures that can impact the whole piece. That encouragement that my piano teacher gives makes me feel like I can accomplish any piece of music I would like. She appears to hold so much confidence when she plays or talks about piano. She gives that surety in just a few words, but it has encouraged me in every part of my life. Considering that I have felt this friendly encouragement from my piano teacher, I have now realized that such generosity can be spread more widely. When we see that one sitting alone, we want to greet them, say hello, or maybe stop to chat for a little while. It’s that small amount of time you take to acknowledge the one, who so often sits alone. A small interaction may change so much. Even if it seems that you haven’t done much, a smile or a mere hello can make the difference. Maybe that smile, hello, or even “How’s it going?” can start a friendship. We can ask these questions again, “Do small things in life make a difference? Does anybody notice them? Does anyone care?” In answering for myself, small things in life do matter. Even the smallest things, like a hug or “How are you?” These interactions are noticed, and they can change a lot in one’s everyday life. Through these actions may come a lifelong friendship, or maybe just a happy smile. You can make yourself happy, and you can make others happy too. A small measure of kindness can be that single ray of light that shines through another’s dark day. We hope we could be a light unto the world. A small act may help someone in everyday life, or it could even help them on their journey to heaven.

Art Harju | The Voice of Zion August 2022 -- Our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. – Philippians 3:20 The Bible gives instruction on how we ought to conduct ourselves as citizens of God’s kingdom. It teaches us to honor our father and mother, to serve our neighbor and not bear false witness against him, to respect and obey our governments and those having authority over us, and to live peaceably with all men. The King James Version of the Bible often uses the word conversation to mean our conduct or our way of life. Citizens of Heaven Our theme verse from Philippians states “for our conversation (our citizenship) is in heaven.” Earth is only temporary. Our time of life passes quickly. “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Heb. 13:14). While there are times of happiness and joy in our lives there are also times of trials and sorrow. These trials and sorrows cause us to long for our heavenly home. What instruction does God’s Word give about the conduct of a citizen of heaven? Jesus said in His Sermon on the Mount “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16). In that sermon He teaches what to do if there is anger between us and our brother. He teaches about proper behavior around the matters of adultery and divorce. Jesus instructs to be quick to make amends with our accusers before the matter becomes too big and not to seek revenge against those who offend us but rather turn the other cheek. We should be willing to go the extra mile with those who ask for help and share our goods with those in need. Also, we love our enemies, repay hate and evil with good, and pray for those who take advantage of or persecute us. All Glory to God Jesus warns about doing our good works in order to be seen of men. We want to conduct ourselves and serve others from a humble and sincere heart for their benefit, not our own. Peter writes in his epistle, “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation” (1 Pet. 2:12). Peter’s words here remind us that we don’t know what God may be working in the heart of any person. Maybe He has given them a time of visitation. Surely an awakened conscience and a seeking heart would answer to the love and kindness shown to them by a child of God. We want to conduct ourselves in such a way that the gospel message of God’s kingdom could be spread to our neighbors and those in our community so that they too could find forgiveness and the hope for citizenship in heaven. We often find ourselves lacking and poor in speaking to others about God’s kingdom, but we pray that light also shines through our example. Dear child of God, how has it been? If you are like me, you have found yourself unsuccessful in the matters of conduct. Fortunately, our God is a forgiving God and those failings and all sin can be washed away in the name and blood of Jesus. We can daily renew those promises to endeavor to be a good citizen of heaven.

Samuel Okola | The Voice of Zion August 2022 -- I was born and raised near Lake Victoria. Though my home village is in Siaya County, I am now living in Nairobi, Rarieda sub-county. I work as Kenya’s full-time pastor. I have a family of four children: Laurine is 14 years, Esther is 11 years old, Kaleb is 9 and Julia is 5. I have been a speaker since 2013. Before I became a full-time minister, I worked as a welder in a steel pipe manufacturing plant. Because I was employed there on contract basis, I was able to preach the gospel on weekends, traveling to places near Nairobi and sometimes visiting Siaya. As areas of mission work were growing, I was requested by believers in Kenya to become a full-time speaker. So I have been a full-time speaker since January 2020. My duties are to preach the gospel to all parts of the country, linking believers in Kenya with MW3. I also make sure that all Kenyan believers can receive and access sermons, both the WhatsApp sermons and the sermons delivered personally. I try to balance my visits to outlying areas with foreign ministers coming sent by MW3. Whenever I visit congregations and individuals, I listen to various temporal challenges affecting believers in Kenya and report to the necessary and relevant boards. In this way, we can offer support to those who struggle. Kenyan believers live in six areas. The regions are Nairobi, Siaya, Kisumu, Migori, Eldoret and Kitale, and Mombasa. Each of these areas includes a number of small congregational groups. Because of the number of congregations and distances between them, we communicate via WhatsApp where I post sermons every week. In addition, we have a page on Facebook, Nairobi Laestadian Lutheran Peace Centre, where we post photos and written sermons every week. All are invited to visit this page. Services arrangements vary from place to place depending on how congregations schedule them. Some gather every Sunday, some gather on Saturdays, some gather every two weeks to listen to WhatsApp services. My visits follow a timetable allowing for distances and seasonal adjustments. For example, if I visit Mombasa in February, then I reserve March for Migori. I also schedule days to visit Siaya, and since I live in the Nairobi area, I am there for two weeks each month. At the Eldoret National Polytechnic facility we hold seminars. In that area believers also listen to the sermons delivered on WhatsApp. Kenya is a diverse country with different ethnic groups speaking different languages. The main languages are English and Swahili, English being the international language and Swahili the national language. Both are taught in schools and as the central means of communication for education and government. Most believers speak these two languages, but some in different parts of the country understand their tribal language best. In a few places where believers do not have their own place of worship, they gather in community church buildings, otherwise most of the small congregations gather in homes. COVID-19 affected human life around the world. This includes Kenyan believers in that we were restricted from gathering. As restrictions loosened, we resumed gathering in homes in small groups. Now we can have services in large groups and soon MW3 will organize mission trips again. Believers are happy because they can again host visiting ministers from Finland, Sweden, USA and Canada. Believers in Kenya are happy with the spiritual support we get from MW3 when speakers come on mission trips, via sermons on WhatsApp every week and in some cases Bibles have been donated. MW3 supports my visits to the congregations, where I hold sermons and encourage believers to endeavor in faith. When it was time for Summer Services, believers in Kenya sent warm greetings to the organizers and all the believers at summer services in different countries: we wish you spiritual nourishment, warmness in your hearts, peace and love to all. We wish you God’s peace.

Rick Nevala | The Voice of Zion August 2022 -- As children of grace, we endeavor to believe sins and faults forgiven. Righteousness of faith fosters righteousness of life. As our sins are forgiven through no merit of our own, we want to extend this unfathomable measure of love to all. The apostle Paul says, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Cor. 11:1). This requires patience and humility, praying to be able to approach others with the mind of Christ. The Bible says that gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Prov. 16:24). We are to be “kindly affectionate” to one another, to speak kindly to each other. We remember with affection those who speak to us in that way, especially those we have wronged who repaid us with kindness. May these memories inform our own conduct. That said, it is more likely that we remember those who have spoken to us with unkind words. Many have heard the untrue rhyme “sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Traditional thinking such as this supports a culture where bullying and cruel language is acceptable. But God’s Word reveals bullying and cruelty as sin. It is far from the mind of Christ. When a friend or loved one has left faith, showing love for them may be difficult because we feel personally hurt by their actions, perhaps even angry due to feelings of abandonment or disappointment. Above all, however, we are concerned about their soul’s salvation. Therefore, we suppress personal pain and strive to show love, to extend God’s love toward them with welcoming words and actions. God can yet call them. The relationship between Joseph and his brothers especially presents a lesson in showing love. Joseph was patient and kind to his family when they came to Egypt looking for grain during the seven years of drought. They had reason to fear him, having sold him into slavery. They thought, “It may be that Joseph will hate us and pay us back for all the evil we did to him” (Gen. 50:15). Joseph nevertheless spoke kindly to them and, moreover, he helped them. Joseph surely felt pain when his brothers mistreated him, yet Joseph treated his brothers with love. He regarded them with the mind of Christ. Joseph’s love presents an image of Jesus’ love. Jesus reverses the “eye for an eye” Old Testament instruction when He teaches us to show love by “turning the other cheek.” When we are hurt, Jesus teaches us to turn away from retaliation; this would apply to both physical wounds and language. Indeed, words may hurt much more than physical pain and even cause life-long trauma. It is important to end the cycle of pain by withholding payback. Kind and loving treatment also includes how we regard and treat others in our community, including those with the least stature. What do we say when our children point out a homeless person on the street for instance? Do we say that the homeless one should find a job? We have all been created by God and but for the grace of God we are not in the homeless one’s position. We certainly have no idea what led to that person’s plight, and it is not our place to condemn. Instead, we can remember that God loves all sinners, even me. It would be good if we not only fostered a discussion about God’s guidance in our lives but also encouraged each other to assist our fellow human beings as God gives resources. Scripture guides us in this. James wrote about a man who said he had faith and was approached by someone naked and destitute of daily food. The man gave nice words to the poor person: “Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled.” Nevertheless, he did not provide clothing or food. James writes, “What doth it profit?” (2:15,16). We may say loving and true things to others, but if we are believing, we should also act according to our beliefs, even by sharing resources. When we love others in both actions and words, we love them in truth and not as hypocrites. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18). Our gift of faith is then offered, through love, to both those in the house of God and to those who are yet being called.