Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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I recently found myself digging through the fridge to grab some milk, I was looking forward to enjoying a rare bowl of cereal. Disappointment set in as I took a whiff and squinted to read the expiration date on the milk container. Dina, my wife, pointed out a small amount of heavy cream in the fridge door so I watered that down to enjoy the rather rare bowl of cereal since the expiration date was safe. In Luke 5 we read of Jesus describing two parables: new and old patching of garments and new and old wineskins to make a point, all the...
A large percentage of us are used to hospital trips, either regular doctor’s appointments or even periodic emergency room visits. As a pastor, I’m accustomed to visiting people in these circumstances, some for routine care and others in serious condition. Although this is a familiar practice, I wouldn’t dare say I’m comfortable, mostly recognizing that those I visit are experiencing pain and discomfort. To be candid, there are times when I don’t have what seems to be the “right” words, however, being present can be a source of comfort for t...
I love reading about Jesus’ ministry in the Bible, we learn about His character and how well He interacted with everyday people. Jesus was compassionate and kind rather than disconnected and pious. The Jewish culture of that day was marked by arrogant priests who chose to distance themselves from most people, especially those who were ill and poor. Adopting the mindset of Jesus is of great value today for all of us. Luke gives us inside details into the ministry of Jesus and in Chapter 5 we read of two instances where Christ’s character shi...
In my 40s I started to go back to fishing as a hobby, something I really enjoyed in my youth. There’s something about being at a mountain lake or stream that captures my attention, the tranquility of enjoying God’s creation and of course the many beautiful species of trout here in Montana are a great catch. Fishing was a mainstay for 1st Century Jews and continues to be one of the prominent occupations in coastal regions today. Luke gives us insight into Jesus’ ministry as He built a connection with a fisherman’s family. “One day as Jesus was...
The two themes “Authority & Power” are seemingly ageless throughout history. We certainly are accustomed to governing bodies today overplaying or seeking to hold authority and power. George Orwell said, “We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end.” In the 1st century, this was true as the Roman occupation of Israel put a bad taste in the mouths of the Jewish people. The God-fearing and God-honoring Jews became blinded by their animosity toward others. Those who were shown G...
How many of us have welcomed a hometown hero back from a duty post or deployment? Maybe you’ve joined others honoring law enforcement or emergency services personnel for a special occasion. Since I’m the proud son of a Vietnam Veteran and know some of the sad history of our nation in which many men and women were rejected as they returned home back in the late 1960s and 1970s, I tend to have some compassion for anyone who serves the public. In my opinion, negative sentiments toward those who lay their lives on the line or give through vol...
A Scottish church leader from the 1670s said, “Observe your hearts all times but especially under temptation. Temptation is a fire that brings up the scum of the vile heart: Do you carefully mark the first risings of corruption?” Some have incorrectly attributed this quote to William Shakespeare; however, the subject of temptation is always valid no matter what century an individual has lived in. I promote sticking to the basics, we can never go wrong when we hold that line in the wide range of life’s practices. There’s only one person I know...
Ancestral genealogies are often searched today. Our youngest son has been looking into our family’s history recently. I just knew it, there is a “Thor” dating back to our Scandinavian side! In the age of the Internet, a person has multiple resources when it comes to a detailed family tree, all at a click and most likely at a cost. Luke, one of the disciples of Jesus, was meticulous as a personal physician. He also sought to investigate the claims and teachings of Jesus Christ thoroughly. In chapter 3 of his account, he includes a compr...
Allow me to paint an all too familiar scenario with you for a moment. Families are out in the holiday rush, it’s festive and the crowd is quite large and pressing. In all the excitement it appears that a child (a son) is missing, but the assumption is he’s ok and close by with another family member. Dad and Mom fan out and start backtracking as anxiety builds. To the parents’ surprise, their son is, in fact, missing, nowhere among friends or family. Panic strikes and the search goes on, extending into several days. What would that situa...
Think of a time in life when you wanted a certain gift. Maybe you expected something specific in return or had to wait for a long period of time? What about a time when you never received what you wanted? Many of us have had these experiences. It’s my viewpoint that all the marketing of Christmas in our society has shaped an unbalanced mindset, targeting the constant need for self-gratification. Could we be a bit too self-centered today? Possibly. Now, I’m not a Scrooge and believe that gift-giving has its place, being generous is at the hea...
Have you heard the songs in the air? Radio, television, Internet, and stores are currently playing Christmas music, ‘tis the season. Soon carolers will be strolling, children will be performing at school concerts and choirs will be singing their hearts out. One tradition we held for numerous years as a family was some version of the “12 Days of Christmas,” little notes or small gifts leading up to December 25th. Our children loved the special gifts from grandma and grandpa or us making each day special. I’m certain you’re familiar with the...
Themes and professions are interwoven throughout the Bible, certainly “shepherd” is one of the prominent terms from Genesis to Revelation. Abraham, Moses, David, and a litany of others were shepherds simply since this was the common way of life or providing food. Shepherds are referenced as spiritual leaders in both the Old and New Testaments. More importantly, the imagery and language regarding Jesus as the “Great Shepherd” is fitting. Luke is the only New Testament writer who brings up the shepherds at the time of Christ’s birth. We must k...
History has a seemingly countless record of rulers, dating back to ancient times to the present. We use terms for heads of state like presidents, prime ministers, kings, queens, sultans, chancellors, supreme leader, premier, Fuhrer, and more. Some leaders rule for long periods of time and others short, some in their earlier years and others in their latter years. Governing styles can include a republic, democracy, monarchy, communism, dictatorship, totalitarianism, and oligarchy to name several. Understanding the difference between actual...
Do you ever sit back and just watch people? I often do but please understand this practice doesn’t make me creepy. Observing people is common for all of us in one way or another. Certainly, we refrain from being critical of those around us, none of us deserves such criticism. Some individuals wish to be the center of attention while others like to simply blend into the crowd and remain unnoticed. Those who garner everyone’s attention are loud and possibly obnoxious, they are the individuals I sit back and watch. As I’ve been reading about...
How many parents remember the joys of pregnancy and birth? Currently one of the latest fads includes creative baby gender reveals; this may include blue or pink smoke, cake, and more, many of which go viral. Recently I looked online for some blunders associated with a gender reveal gone wrong, wow there are some doozies! American and Jewish customs are far different, especially dating back to first-century Jewish households when the New Testament was written. Traditionally Jewish couples do not have baby showers, purchase baby items, or talk...
For some, naming a child is a thoughtful task; for others, tradition plays a much larger role. As my wife and I were expecting the birth of our four children, we took time in the months leading up to that significant event to explore name options for each of them. We explored meanings behind names, and examples seen in the Bible and considered past family members as kind of a balanced approach. I cherish the memories of those moments, with my hand resting on the womb of their mother, filled with joy and laughter. In Zachariah’s and E...
Dear Editor, The Rec Complex and Saddle Club dispute continues to bring confusion. We [the Whitehall Town Council] wish the matter was as simple as Doug Salsbury claims in last week's Ledger editorial, "We (SC) tried working with the town by suggesting to rent them the portable panels for $100 per year." The WSC drafted a Memorandum of Understanding and it's been narrowed to a second draft but it includes other provisions beyond a simple contract for panel rental which as town council and staff...
Throughout the rise and fall of history, cultures most definitely change. As you look back through your lifetime what changes have you seen occur? We have hope because of Jesus Christ even though there is some uncertainty due to current events and cultural upheaval surrounding us. Moral decline in modern society is concerning, but that’s only fitting in a culture that turns its back on God’s principles. I want to take you back to the first century, specifically the Jewish custom of circumcision. I’ve done more in-depth reading and study of Lu...
The birth of a child is a life-changing experience and a positive event for most people. Some people dream of having children but are unable due to medical, health, or unknown reasons. Others encounter health complications either with the mother or child during the pregnancy. I have consoled couples and individuals in some difficult times, so I recognize that there is some pain. In fact, I recall a new father calling me on a dark, wintery late night as he traveled to see his wife and premature son whose little life was in the balance. Tears...
One sight that I get a kick out of is seeing a person driving down the road singing out loud to music. Are you a person who does this? From time to time, you might see me doing the same thing. Entertaining music is intertwined with our culture and many genres suit us. Music conveys attitudes, ideas, emotions and so much more. In the context of Christianity, music is also entertaining but another important element exists; worship, a person’s expression of appreciation towards God. Doctor Luke in chapter one of his account gives us details a...
Do you like surprises? I do but only if they are “good” ones. LOL. Honestly, I’ve become a more organized person and generally, I function by a schedule even though last-minute changes come up. Those “monkey wrenches” can throw us by surprise, right? Luke introduces us as readers to possibly one of the most famous births in history. Of course, I’m referring to Jesus Christ’s birth. The “Good News” as many like to refer to this miraculous birth had to come as quite a shock for this young betrothed Jewish couple, Joseph, and Mary. “In the sixth m...
Biblical arguments and debates in Christian circles about “belief” have abounded over the years, especially when it comes to faith and healing. Here’s my two cents…as humans we are rather frail and at times even the best among us doubt God. This is true of the disciples who sat directly under Christ’s teaching, they watched him heal people and stand up to the Jewish opposition. Some will almost chastise Thomas for doubting the risen Savior who stood physically before him since he insisted on touching Christ’s nail scars. I’m not going to be o...
Throughout history, countless unanswered prayers are spoken, some trite and many others sincere from those who honor God. What are some unanswered prayers you have? In time we may get discouraged, thinking God doesn’t care or is somehow inattentive. We may feel that Heaven’s hotline is shut down or out of service. Sincere and selfless prayer is a very intriguing subject. Do we simply wish God to be our “sugar daddy in the sky” and give us everything we ask for? Or is God quite the opposite, just the Great Creator who cares little about our liv...
Luke is one of the four synoptic Gospels authors of the New Testament and provides an interesting perspective on the life of Jesus. Here are some facts regarding the author and historical background. Luke was a physician as noted by Paul in Colossians 4:14, in addition to being a gentile convert and the only gentile writer in the New Testament giving him a unique status in the early church. Traditionally, Judaism held a negative view of gentiles (non-Jewish people) and with the impact of Christ’s teachings and establishment of Christianity, t...
Have you ever used a specific tool for the wrong application? Recently, I came home and my wife, Dina, showed me all her hard work on the interior painting project. She did a fine job, but there was one caveat; I could sense it in her voice as she said, “But I need to show you something else.” After she pulled down a picture hanging on the wall there was this large hole. Apparently, she thought a crowbar was the proper tool to remove a screw. LOL. There was no sense in me scolding her since I’m guilty of utilizing improper tools as well. We ha...
