February 5, 2016

The gift of Teaching involves not only the analysis of G-d’s Word, but proclaiming the Word of God in such a manner that you are able to explain the meaning, context and application to the hearer’s life. The gifted teacher is one who has the unique ability to clearly instruct and communicate the word so that their audience learns something, and walks away with some deeper knowledge about their religion and their personal faith. Not everyone is able to teach – but everyone is able to learn.

Think of a favorite teacher from your past. What made them your favorite? Was it the way they explained difficult concepts? Was it the way they answered your questions? Or, was it simply the fact that they cared? A good teacher has at least three abilities: a knowledge of their subject, compassion for their students, and knowing when they are not being understood.

I remember a teacher I had in high school. This teacher had only one of those three abilities – a good knowledge of their subject. There was no doubt that they knew a lot about what they were teaching. And if you understood the subject, then you did well in the class. However, I did not understand the subject, and this teacher did not know how to deal with someone like me. So, I did not do well, and there was no compassion for my lack of knowledge or inability to understand.

Although many people believe they are good teachers, the unfortunate reality is many should not be teaching others – especially in our churches where we need good teachers. If you feel called to teach, remember the three gifts of teachers: a thorough knowledge of your subject (here it would be the bible and Lutheran theology), compassion for your students, and knowing when you are not being clear so you can help those who struggle.
Pastor Dave

January 26, 2016

“Bear one another’s burdens.” ~ Galatians 6:2

Doing the right thing, as we all know, can be a burden. There are many situations where doing almost the right thing, or just plain doing the wrong thing is the easiest way to go. For example, taking on the challenge to reading the bible throughout the year is the right thing to do, but there will be days it feels like a burden. You will get into books or chapters of the bible where you will just want to skip on to the next – the book of Numbers and the book of Leviticus are just two examples. These two books of the bible are really a burden to work your way through. But, you will be the better for it if you persevere.

This is one of the reasons I suggest that you read with a partner or you join a bible study group. It is easy to quit if you do not have someone in your ear saying “We cannot quit”. But if you have that voice, or if you are the voice encouraging your partner to continue, again you will be the better for it. In my devotion from January 22 I mentioned that I am visiting a family who are sitting in vigil with their mother who is dying. In the process of sitting vigil, they are also bearing one another’s burdens. You see, we all do not grieve the same, and we all do not handle a crisis the same. By sitting together and sharing in the vigil, they are not only being family, they are also bearing each other’s burdens.

Of course, as you read the word of G-d, the voice in your ear you hear as you read may be the voice of G-d telling you to continue. Reading the bible involves not only reading, but listening too. We always have to approach the bible with our eyes, our ears, and our brains. Our eyes and our brains tackle the difficult part of comprehension and questioning. Our ears take the time to listen for G-d’s still, small voice speaking to us through eternity.

Keep going my friends. Continue reading and lean on your friends when needed to keep on reading.

Pastor Dave