“Stand up, stand up for Jesus, as soldiers of the cross. Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss. From vict’ry unto vict’ry, His army He shall lead. Till every foe is vanquished and Christ is Lord indeed.”
(Hymn #389, LBW, you remember, the “Green Book”)

This past Sunday you all were so kind in your warm responses to my return to the pulpit. It was much more fun and exciting than it was tiring! I loved being in worship again—Dr. Charles Stanley, as good as he is on Sunday mornings—just didn’t do it for me! So, it was a wonderful experience to be with you in worship, Word, and sacrament!

At the late service, you gave me a standing ovation during the opening announcements. What a sweet gesture! I’m not sure what the look on my face was when that transpired, but, in the midst of your love and kindness, I was a very uncomfortable.

I remember my confirmation pastor, Pastor Paul Haffley, taught us that “God is to be worshipped in all that we do this day (meaning Sunday).” Somehow that has stuck with me and with the help of my sainted mother I have always adhered to that theology (to a “T”!). Nothing, and I thought, “Nothing can interfere with the form of worship that we use to glorify God.” For me, (again, as sweet as it was) if people are going to stand and applaud, it should be to the glory of God and no-one else—including me.

In the hymn, “Stand up, Stand up for Jesus” (not in the ELW) it sets the tone for such an attitude! Christ shall lead; He shall be declared Lord indeed with no focus on anything else but Him.

I’m not insinuating in any way that your cheers were disrespectful to God, by any means, but only to draw attention as pastor to the true nature of what we should do during time of worship. I have blinders on for our Lord when it comes to the worship experience and nothing else.

“You shall worship the Lord God and serve Him only,” says Luke 4:8. Let us do this with all sincerity and respect, for it is the center of who we all are! Again—thanks for your constant love and support! I am grateful!

God loves you and so do I!

Pastor Jim