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Kurt Steinbrueck September 18, 2020

Blog Advice, humility, wisdom

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Keep Your Advice to Yourself!

“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.” – Proverbs 12:15

How well do you receive other people’s advice?

Taking other people’s advice can be difficult. We like to think we can handle things, that we have most things figured out and, what we don’t know, we can figure out as we go. Taking other people’s advice means admitting that we don’t have it all figured out.

The Toilet
A while back, I installed a toilet at my house. I could have just opened up the box and started at it, but I decided to stop for a moment, go online, and find a video showing me how to replace a toilet. How awesome is it that these days we can find videos on just about anything we need to know?!

Could I have figured it out myself?

Maybe. However, when I thought about the pain it would be if I got it wrong, I knew I’d better get some advice.

Sorry to break it to you. You don’t know everything.

The truth is there are a lot of areas of our lives where we could use advice. Maybe it’s marriage or parenting or finances or our walk with God…or all of the above. Seeking wise counsel isn’t something to be ashamed of. In fact, quite the opposite. It can be the wisest thing we can do.

Seeking Wise Counsel is Wise
Our passage, today, is from the book of Proverbs, an entire book of the Bible devoted to advice and wisdom. The Bible is filled with wise counsel from the wisest one of all, God.

In one sense, the Bible certainly isn’t just about advice and wisdom. If all we look at the Bible for our principles for living, we’re missing the primary message. However, Proverbs also tells us,

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

The Bible is the source of life and salvation, the very Word of God. In fact, believing in Jesus and His death and resurrection for our salvation is the start of all wisdom. All the “how to live life” wisdom comes after that. The question is whether we are willing to listen even when God’s wisdom is different from our own.

Being Willing To Listen
We must humble ourselves and accept three things:

We don’t know or understand everything.
Some of the things we “know” are wrong.
God does know and understand all things.

Sometimes it isn’t pride that keeps us from listening to advice. Sometimes it’s that we don’t really want to do what is necessary to fix the issue. We’d rather complain and have someone listen to our complaints than deal with the issue. However, whether it’s pride or not wanting to deal with the issue, not listening to good advice makes us pretty foolish…

Just like the woman in this video:

Heavenly Father,

Give me the wisdom to be humble and seek wisdom. Help me to heed Your wisdom and be willing to listen to wise counsel from others.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

PS – Right now, Faith’s Friday Night Growth Group Bible study is on Proverbs. It’s on Zoom. Contact Us, today, if you’d like to be a part of the Bible study, tonight (or any future night).

Kurt Steinbrueck September 16, 2020

Blog Darkness, Life in Christ, Light, New Life, salvation

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Darkness to Light

“You were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.” – Ephesians 5:8

Have you ever known someone who seemed to emanate darkness?

Science will tell us that darkness is simply the absence of light. Darkness doesn’t “shine,” but there are some people who seem to love being cruel and evil. It seems like their darkness radiates out.

Shades of Darkness?
We may think of Hitler or Hanibal Lector or some other truly horrible person, but the truth is that without Christ, we are darkness. Jesus is the Light of the World, Without Him, there is only darkness. Our sense of levels of darkness in people isn’t really because some have a little light, but more a testament to our ability to diminish how bad certain sins are.

“It’s just a little, white lie.”

No, it’s a lie. It’s wrong. It’s sin. It’s all darkness.

Shine Jesus Shine
Jesus, however, is pure light. There is no darkness in Him. He is the Light of the World who came down into the darkness of the world to save it, to bring His light.

When Jesus enters us through faith, we now live in His light.

Notice, we don’t “live in darkness.” We ARE darkness. Think of us like a bundle of sticks in a cold, dark forest. Those sticks will never become a fire because they have no flame in them. It’s only when the sticks are set on fire by an outside source that they begin to burn and shine.

Thus, we are IN the light. We aren’t the light, Christ is. He is that external source who brings the light. He ignites the fire. He shines into our lives and does it so intensely that we shine into the darkness of the world, too. It isn’t our light. It’s Jesus’ light shining through us.

There Are More Sticks
Jesus tells us not to hide His light. Let it shine for all to see. Let the fire burn brightly because there are lots of sticks out there who, just like we did, need to ignited. Christ’s light is spread when we love others and share the Gospel.

So, let your light shine!

Or should I say, Let His light shine. 😉

Dear Jesus,

You spoke Your light into my darkness through Your Word. Shine brightly throughout the World. Shine brightly in my life. Help me to not cover up Your light, but set it out for all to see and may many more who are, now, darkness, come to know Your light.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 15, 2020

Blog Be an Example, Role Model

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Are You a Role Model?

“Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled, and sound in faith, in love and in endurance. Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.” – Titus 2:2-3

Have you ever thought of yourself as a role model?

We all have role models, people who we look up to and try to emulate. We may even have several role models, some related to family life, some to work, some to faith, and some to whatever else is important to you.

Other people, of course, also have role models. Is it possible that you are a role model for someone else?

Role Models Come In All Shapes and Sizes
You don’t have to be world-renowned in a field to be a role model. You may simply be a hard worker at your job or a good friend to a neighbor. You may be someone in the church who people admire for your service or faithfulness. You may be a mom or a dad or a brother or sister.

What is described in Titus 2 is simply the older members of the church being temperate, worthy of respect, and reverent. By living godly lives, they are becoming good role models.

Sometimes It Isn’t a Choice
I can think of a few musicians and professional athletes who have done some pretty bad things who were asked,

“What about all the kids who look up to you?”

Then the musician or athlete says something like,

“I didn’t ask to be a role model!”

Sometimes we don’t have to ask to be a role model and don’t even get a choice. Sometimes we are a role model because of who we are or what we do. For example, if you’re a Mom or Dad, guess what? You’re a role model.

Sometimes we know we are a role model and sometimes we don’t even realize it. Our best choice is to just assume we are and live accordingly.

Role Models Fail
One of the sad things about those musicians and athletes mentioned above is that they missed out on a great opportunity. Rather than rejecting the notion of being a role model, they could have owned up to what they did, admitted it was wrong, and sought forgiveness and to make things right.

Being a role model doesn’t mean we have to be perfect. None of us are. How we handle our failures…and there will be failures…is just as important and how we succeed, maybe even more important.

Can we admit where we’ve done wrong? Can we ask for forgiveness?

When we do, we become real. We are no longer super-human. We are just like the people looking up to us. They will fail, too. So, we demonstrate something very important, how to deal with those failures.

The Greatest Role Model
In the end, the greatest role models are those who can demonstrate in both their successes and failures that life is all about living in the grace of Jesus. We look to Him for everything, especially for forgiveness.

Dear Jesus,

Help me to live my life in a way which reflects You to others. I may never know who is looking up to me, but I pray that when they do, they see You, especially when I fail.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 14, 2020

Blog Strength

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Are You Tired?

“[The Lord says,] “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” – Isaiah 46:4

When was the last time you just felt tired?

I don’t mean exhausted from a difficult day or unable to move from an intense workout. I’m talking about tired of trying…Tired of the endeavor your thought God called you to…Maybe even tired of life itself.

You aren’t the first and you are not alone. Life can be difficult, and God never promised that what He calls us to do will be easy. He does, however, promise to sustain us and deliver us.

The question is, are you willing to take the next step?

I’m reminded of Elijah. He was a prophet of God. He had just had a great victory with God. God told him to challenge the prophets of Baal. He did. He challenged the prophets of Baal to call upon Baal to burn a sacrifice himself. Of course, Baal was unable to do so since Baal is a false God, however, when Elijah called on God to do the same, God sent fire to consume the sacrifice, altar, and water that had been poured over the altar.

It was a great moment, but then the king of Israel, Ahab, and his queen, Jezabel, put a price on Elijah for what he did. Elijah fled and then gave up. He sat down under a broom tree and asked God to take him. He was done…but God wasn’t done with him.

God sent an angel to tend to Elijah and tell him to go to the mountain of the Lord. Elijah did and there God visited Elijah to comfort and strengthen Elijah and give Him a vision once again.

God has a plan for you.

We all have those moments where we’re just done. We don’t want to take another step. We don’t want to do it, whatever it is, another day. Sometimes it’s following what God has called you to. Sometimes it’s literally continuing to live with the suffering you are enduring whether from old age or something else.

You are still here, though, and God is not done, even if you feel that you are. God, however, doesn’t just tell you to re-strap your boots. He literally gives you the strength to continue on.

Turn to Him
When you feel like Elijah, worn out and defeated, turn to God. Throughout the Scriptures, including Isaiah 46, but Bible tells us that God will sustain us. He will comfort us, give us strength, and raise us up on eagle’s wings. So, don’t give up. Turn to Jesus. Ask for help. Ask for strength. God gives it.

Heavenly Father,

There are times I feel like giving up. Please give me strength. Sustain me and uphold me with Your right hand.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 11, 2020

Blog help, Peace, Refuge

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Take Refuge in Christ

“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.” – Psalm 5:11

Where is your safe harbor when the storms of life pound relentlessly?

Today is 9/11. Even though it’s been nearly 20 years, we are still reminded of the terrible tragedies of life. We are reminded how, out of nowhere, our lives can be turned upside-down.

Of course, it’s also 2020, the year of a pandemic, riots, and nasty politics. It’s also the year a friend lost her mom to cancer and a boy was bullied at school. It’s not just the big, world-changing things that rock us. Often, it’s more personal things. It’s divorce, addiction, depression, etc.

Life is full of difficulties.
It may be financial struggles, marriage trouble, the loss of a loved one, or trying to come to grips with a horrific event like 9/11. When the world comes crashing down around you, where do you turn?

To whom do you run?

God invites us to run to Him, to take refuge in Him. He promises to spread His protection over those who look to Him in faith that you may rejoice in Him and be glad. Singing for joy even in the midst of our struggles.

He calmed the storm. He brought Daniel through the lion’s den. He even defeated death. Take refuge in the Lord. He is our strong tower, our ever-present help in trouble.

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for always being there for me. When troubles come, help me to turn to You, trusting that You will protect me and care for me.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 10, 2020

Blog Judgment

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Don’t Judge Me!

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:1-5

Has anyone ever said to you, “Don’t judge me!”?

“Don’t judge me!” has become a common phrase in our society. People don’t want to feel guilty and they want to do what they want to do. So, when someone does something that is considered inappropriate or just plain wrong and sinful, but they want to keep doing it, they just demand that no one judge them.

Even worse, if it’s a Christian who brings up the fact that what they did was wrong, they can pull out this verse from Matthew 7 and declare that no one should judge their actions.

“Jesus said you can’t judge me, you hypocrite!”

Is that really what Jesus is saying in this passage? No.

Judging Actions vs Judging Salvation
The judging that Jesus is referring to is not whether a specific action is right or wrong, but rather whether someone is going to heaven or hell. Jesus never says that the spec in the one person’s eye isn’t there just because there is a plank in the eye of the accuser. They both have things in their eyes.

What Jesus is saying is that we are all sinful and, based on our own righteousness, we would all be condemned. We also have a tenancy to see other people’s sin and miss our own. Thus, the accuser has a full plank in his eye, but doesn’t even realize it.

Salvation is Not Based on Our Works
At the end of Matthew 7 Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish men, the fool building his house on sand and the wise man building on the rock. Do we try to build our home, our salvation, on the shifting sands of our own works and righteousness or do we build our hope and salvation of the un-moving, firm rock of Christ?

Both of these passages show us that our salvation does not come from ourselves, neither avoiding sin (the plank in our eye) or doing good works (the foundation of sand). The hope of our salvation is only in knowing Christ by faith and being known by him.

So, yes, we can judge actions.

We can say murder is wrong. We can say sex outside of marriage is wrong. In fact, doing so with the right motive and context is showing someone love. It’s warning them about the dangers they are walking into.

However, we inform them of this not to condemn them, but to lead them to repentance and salvation. Jesus is telling us not to condemn but rather realize we are just as bad and just as much in need of a savior. Thankfully, Jesus salvation is there for you, me, and all the other sinners out there…all of us.

Heavenly Father,

We sin daily, yet we tend to see other people’s sin as greater than our own. Help us to see our sin and come to You in repentance. When we see the sin of others, help us to respond with compassion, lovingly and gently revealing their sin and then sharing the Gospel with the hope of their coming to You for forgiveness. Help us not to trust on our own righteousness, but to place our trust and hope in You alone.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 9, 2020

Blog Armor of God, Conflict, Spiritual Battles

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A World in Conflict

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.“
– Ephesians 6:13

The news has been focusing more and more on the protests, riots, looting, and arson going on in several major cities in the U.S. These riots have been going on for months and as we see the violence we are all reminded that the world we live in is not a peaceful one.

Politicians and activists have been talking about racial injustice, riots, gun restrictions, the police, and more. Our minds race about the flesh and blood battles that take place, but there are other battles taking place as well…all the time.

Ephesians 6:12 tells us…

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.“

Every day, well before anyone shows up with rocks, fireworks, or Molotov cocktails to riot, the rulers, authorities, powers of this dark world, and spiritual forces of evil attacked and led people into sin and towards committing evil acts. Before any racial injustice or injustice of any kind is committed, the spiritual attacks were well underway. Even when the riots end, the enemy will continue their attacks.

Each and every day we face the attacks of the enemy trying to lead us away from God, lead us into sin, and lead us into evil. So, the Bible says to prepare.

Put on the full armor of God.

Put on the helmet of salvation, the breastplate of Christ’s righteousness, the belt of the Truth of God’s Word, the shoes of the Gospel, the shield of faith, and sword of the Spirit (the Word of God).

In other words, spend time in prayer. Spend time studying God’s Word. Remember and hold fast to the promises of God. Live and share the Gospel. Know God’s truth so you can combat the lies of the enemy. Surround yourself with brothers and sisters in Christ who will support you. Cover yourself in the grace and mercy of God that by His grace you may withstand the attacks of the evil one.

“Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” – Ephesians 6:13-18

Dear Jesus,

This world seems full of evil sometimes, but I know Your goodness is also here. Remind me of Your goodness. Watch over me and protect me from the attacks of the evil one. Cover me with Your armor and keep me steadfast in true faith in You.

Amen

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 8, 2020

Blog wisdom

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A Wise Guy, Eh?

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” – James 3:13

Have you ever known someone who thought they knew everything and didn’t mind telling you?

Wisdom is an interesting thing. It involves more than just knowledge. It involves justness, righteousness, action, and faith. Proverbs tells us,

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” – Proverbs 9:10

There are some who think they are wise and love to tell people. They inject their thoughts on every situation, whether people ask for their opinion or not. They always seem to “know” exactly what to do and they like other people to know it.

Humble Wisdom
There’s another word associated with true wisdom. That word is humility. This describes people who live their lives wisely, making wise decisions and treating people with love and honor. They don’t make a big deal about it and you may not realize how wise they are at first.

These aren’t the people who necessarily speak up first. However, you find that people who have known them for a while seek out their thoughts on matters.

Quiet Wisdom that Brings Honor
The reality is that usually, the more someone feels the need to convince people he is wise, the more of a fool he truly is. People who are truly wise, don’t have to tell people. It’s apparent in their lives. They seek the Lord and love and honor others in humility. In doing so, they gain the honor the fool seeks, though they would never seek that honor.

Who do you know who is truly and humbly wise?

Are you?

You can be. God promises us,

“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5

Pray. Ask God for wisdom. He will give it. Read His Word and seek Him in all things. Then live according to God’s way and treat people with love and respect. Of course, you won’t do this perfectly, but even in your failures, you can show wisdom by confessing and receiving forgiveness. That’s another thing God gives generously. Do all this humbly without calling attention to yourself.

Who knows? Maybe one day, you will find people seek out your opinion.

Heavenly Father,

Please give me wisdom and help me to humbly live in that wisdom. When I fail, give me the wisdom and humility to be repentant and seek Your mercy which I know You will give.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck September 7, 2020

Blog compassion, love, Sympathy

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Sympathy and Compassion

“Live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.” – 1 Peter 3:8

How well do you get along with others?

Steven and Alex were brothers, both in middle school. They generally liked doing things together, but from time to time they got into fights. The past few weeks, instead of walking home together, Alex had been walking with Ruth. This irritated Steven, who ended up walking home alone most days.

One afternoon when Alex got home he seemed kind of down. Steven said,

“What’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” Alex responded.

“What? Did Ruth dump you?” Steven said snarkily.

“Shut up, Steven!’ Alex retorted.

Steven exclaimed, “Hah! Good. You’re better off. She’s way too good for you, anyway.”

Steven and Alex’s Dad came into the room a minute later to find the two of them rolling on the floor in a fight. After breaking the fight up and giving them each a minute to calm down, their Dad sat them down together and had them explain what was going on. They told him about what each had said. Then, after a couple of minutes, Alex told them Ruth had decided to walk home with another boy.

Their Dad said,

“Steven, how do you think you would feel if a girl you liked did that to you?”

“I guess I wouldn’t like it.”

Dad continued, “Can you see how what you said to Alex was hurtful?”

“Yeah, but he deserved it. He ditched me for the past two weeks!”

Dad turned to Alex, “You and Steven have always walked home together and there aren’t any other kids for him to walk with. Can you see how he might have been hurt when, instead of asking Ruth to join the two of you, you just left your brother to walk home alone?”

“I guess,” said Alex.

Dad looked at both of them, “I understand both of you were upset, but rather than fighting, you could have talked and thought about each other. Sometimes, it just takes putting yourself in someone else’s shoes to understand why they are acting how they acting and then you can start to work things out so you can still be friends. A little sympathy and compassion can go a long way.”

They all talked about it a little more and then Dad had the two of them say they were sorry and forgive each other.

Heavenly Father,

You have compassion towards me when I know I don’t deserve it. Next time someone angers me, help me to take the time to put myself in their shoes and understand why they are doing what they are doing. Help me to show them the same compassion You have shown me.

Amen.

Kurt Steinbrueck September 5, 2020

Blog worship

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Let’s Gather for Worship

Let's Gather for Worship

“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker! For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” – Psalm 95:6-7

Tomorrow is Sunday. Where will you worship? Will you worship? With whom will you worship?

Let’s take a little time, today, to worship God by ourselves. Take a few minutes to think of the ways He has blessed you and all of us. Be specific. Praise His Name as you do it.

(Praise God and remember His great blessings in your life.)

Personal Worship
Anytime can be a great time to worship God. Morning, evening, or any time in between, even the middle of the night. You may be driving, on a coffee break, or sitting on the couch. You may sing or read the Bible or pray or do it all. It’s a great thing to do.

Gathering for Worship
Personal worship is awesome, but our life of worship is not meant to be solely personal. Jesus has created the church so we can gather for worship, encourage one another, and walk together.

God is relational and He has designed us to be relational. We see this from the very beginning.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.” – Genesis 1:1-2

“Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” – Genesis 1:26

“Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.'” – Genesis 2:18

We see the Trinity in Genesis. God is, by His very nature, relational, Father, Son, and Spirit. When He created Adam, He also created Eve to be with him, because it was not good for Adam to be alone. This is true for us, too.

So, we gather.

We gather for worship. We gather for ministry. We gather for support. We gather to love and be loved.

Triune God,

You show us what it is to truly be in relationship with each other and with You. I will forever praise Your name, myself, but I will also forever gather with my brothers and sisters in Christ to worship You.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Blog

Keep Your Advice to Yourself!

Darkness to Light

Are You a Role Model?

Are You Tired?

Take Refuge in Christ

Don’t Judge Me!

A World in Conflict

A Wise Guy, Eh?

Sympathy and Compassion

Let's Gather for Worship

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL