Search Results

Darren Moll | The Voice of Zion August 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. – James 3:10 It is interesting how out of the same mouth can come kind words or unkind words. In this temporal life we use words to explain ourselves. For example: We ask someone to help us We explain to someone if we are happy or sad We say positive things to family, friends, and coworkers We might say unkind words if we have a goal of self-gain We might say things that are not so nice to or about others, though perhaps subconsciously it feels like it’s building us up, such as “I’m glad I’m not like that person” In our spiritual life we use words to express what is on our heart. When in the correct spirit the words will come out as kind words. When our temporal selves get in the way, unkind words can flow. For example, if a spirit of self-righteousness is in the way, words most likely will come out as condescending. In a spirit of leniency, the words we speak can be devious and lead one astray. The correct spirit will bring us to realize our own corruption and to use words of comfort and care to those that have gone astray. What is temporal and what is spiritual? If we remember to say words such as “I love you” or “I’m so glad you’re a part of my life”, these are words that help us in this temporal life, and perhaps our spiritual life. At services, we might hear one say, “It’s good to see you!” or “How are things going?” At times I have remembered to tell my children that “God made you beautifully the way you are! God made you perfectly and remember to take care of yourself.” This is a good temporal reminder for our mental health, and is a good reminder for us spiritually that we are created by God. We remember in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount He taught us to do unto others what we would like others to do unto us. This is a great thing to remember to practice in our daily life. I’ve thought that when taking care of something for my spouse or children: I remember the nice things that they have done, or the kind words that they have spoken to me and I wish to do the same for them! When I look back over my life, I can remember those moments from many years ago when family or friends have said kind words or done special things for me. I desire to do the same for those I interact with today. We may not even always realize that those caring remarks and thoughtful actions can have a lasting impact! Others know us by our conduct. In the business world, or in school life, others see how the Spirit is working gentleness in us. I am an insurance agent, and I remember meetings with other agents in which there would sometimes be swearing. Others would apologize to me even though I never told them that I don’t swear or that they shouldn’t swear. Also, as a student in school, some classmates would often note that I didn’t participate in certain worldly activities. Others know us by our conduct, the Spirit is working in us and shining a light into this darkening world. As a believer, it is comforting to know that we can turn to the gospel of the forgiveness of sins when we have spoken harshly to or about our family or friends. The living waters refresh our souls and bring peace, joy and thoughts of gentleness. May we remember to be loving and caring to our travel companions as we are reminded in Galatians 6:10, “Let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Φ Parenting with Gentleness Dean and Keilah Johnson Keilah: Hewitt comes running inside, telling me excitedly about the lizard he saw sunning itself in the yard. I have a hard time concentrating on his words as he dances around, because I am struck by a memory of his older brother Connor, from 15 years ago, since both boys wore this blue flannel shirt from Target, size 2T. The blue hue perfectly accentuates Hewitt’s expressive eyes and the downy flannel matched the softness of his blond hair. I remember how Connor’s eyes seemed just as blue, his hair just as blond when he wore this, and how he too was a sweet and sensitive boy whose delight was infectious. Dean: In the early days of raising our family, I found it could be difficult to handle my children’s emotions when they came to me. It felt overwhelming to deal with their strong feelings. As their dad, I felt like I had to solve their problems. But I didn’t know how to solve emotions. Dean and Keilah: Just when we thought we were starting to figure out parenting, we were thrown for a loop with the arrival and preschool years of our third child. He was so very different from our first two that we were left bewildered and confused when our parenting tactics did not work. We sought out professional guidance because the entire household was impacted both morning and night. The events of pouring milk into the cereal bowl, and the transition to bedtime caused loud, drawn-out crying. From the specialist, we relearned the basics of effective, timely, and relevant discipline. We also learned that change was hard for our child and found some ways to help him transition. Lastly, we discovered that hunger was a very difficult sensation for him to deal with, and we began implementing protein into his bedtime snack to tide him over until morning. We didn’t become perfect parents overnight by any means, but we got back on track to a peaceful home. Keilah: Because Dean was studying for his bachelor’s degree while working full-time, I found myself parenting solo at bedtime quite often. This third child of mine was a challenge. I hate to admit that I raised my voice as well as my hand on more than one occasion. Why couldn’t he just do what he was asked? Why did he resist and fight the very things that his siblings had no problem doing? I remember one night we were attempting to get ready for bed. It wasn’t going very well and I was exhausted and frustrated. I sat on the bed and prayed, “Please God, help me to raise this child.” When I opened my eyes, instead of seeing a stubborn and defiant child, I saw my small boy with tear-rimmed eyes desperately in need of love. I did the only thing there was to do; I gathered him in my arms. Dean: Eventually, I realized that emotions are not a problem to be solved and that acknowledging a child’s emotions does not mean one has to internalize the emotions. Acknowledging their emotion and gently comforting them with a hug is sometimes all that’s needed. This gentler approach may help a child handle their own emotions better, and in turn be more gentle toward others. Dean and Keilah: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger (Prov. 15:1). Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (James 1:19). Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit. Discussion Points Gentleness is a fruit of the spirit. Why is gentleness important for a believer? What examples from Jesus’ life show gentleness? How can a parent show gentleness when dealing with a child experiencing difficulties, whether a toddler, a teenager or an adult child? How do we embody gentleness in interactions with our elders? Gentleness is often portrayed wordlessly. How is gentleness evident in others’ actions and attitudes? Share ideas of how gentleness can be shown to unbelieving family members or neighbors.

Kathy Waaraniemi and Lynnea Moll | The Voice of Zion August 2023 - Summer Services -- This year marks the 50-year anniversary of the LLC since it was organized in 1973 after a spiritual schism. The milestone was celebrated at Summer Services with a 50-year anniversary program. Former board chair Jim Frantti held the opening devotion and LLC employee and board member Keith Waaraniemi presented a historical snapshot of the 50-year history of the LLC. The believers at that time, with little funds and much faith, moved forward with the work of God’s kingdom in North America. “God has given unity of Spirit and a mind to work and God has given the increase,” Waaraniemi reflected. The benefit of pausing to look back is that we can see the hand of God and how He has helped. It gives comfort and strength to look forward and to keep doing the work with hope and joy when we see how God has helped unto this day and given abundant increase. SRK board chairman Valde Palola brought greetings to the LLC fifty-year anniversary celebration. Palola read from Psalm 36 to bring the SRK’s greetings: “How excellent is thy loving kindness, O God.” Palola expressed joy at the collaborative work between the organizations and marveled at God’s great blessing. “God has protected us until this moment, and we can securely believe that God will protect us in the future,” he said. Speaking from Acts 17:26, Timo Löppönen brought greetings from the believers in Sweden to the celebration. “The history of the LLC is a history of immigrants,” he said. “God had a plan, and now God’s plan has come to fruition to this day. We don’t know the future. That is in God’s hands. We trust in God’s blessings for the future.” Löppönen expressed deep and heartfelt thankfulness for the spirit of cooperation that exists between our organizations. The LLC’s fifty-year program included singing. From across the United States and Canada 230 singers answered the call to “Come and sing!” It was moving to see the singers of all ages walking into the service tent. They sang four selections from the LLC anniversary album to commemorate fifty years. The children’s singing was touching. “It was amazing to see and hear,” Lynnea Moll said. “It was so festive and joyous!” Peggy Glynn from Park Rapids, Minn., read a touching poem she wrote for the fifty-year celebration. “We are not orphans alone on this river,” the poem begins. “We travel in boats crafted by forefathers.” In closing LLC board member Michael Kumpula from the Roaring Fork Valley, Colo., congregation summed up the feeling of the program with these fitting words: “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). “God has kept us to this day. We can be thankful we have this firm foundation of faith that does not change,” he said. “God has promised a future and a hope. God’s promises are not empty. We can look to the future and do the work before us with joy.” We are grateful God allows moments to celebrate among the long stretches of work and daily life. We are grateful for a central organization that focuses on many aspects of work in God’s kingdom, work that God has blessed throughout time. Above all, we are grateful that until this day we have been preserved in living faith.

Allen Pirness | The Voice of Zion August 2023 - Column -- I had all but forgotten how enjoyable summer holidays away from school are, since the break between my final years of school and the first years of school for my children has been thirty years. Quickly the memories of carefree summers on the farm have returned as I observe my children cycle between boredom and adventure. Life consisted of seemingly endless days without ever leaving home, except for church on Sunday and the occasional trip to town. Throw in a few overnight stays at friends’ houses, a few days at Youth Camp and the occasional adventure to the beach or Moose Jaw’s “Wild Animal Park,” and that pretty well completed summer. They are good memories that time has polished to a warm luster. I remember one phrase that my father told us when he was teaching a lesson at Youth Camp: “Summer vacation is not a vacation from the endeavor of faith.” In saying it he was reminding us how the enemy finds us even when we are away from the world, and we need to put sin away even in the midst of believers. It was secure to spend a summer away from the pressures of the world that found a young lad at school, yet it was true how peace of conscience could be taken away by falls into sin wherever I was. This phrase of my father’s has come to mind often when considering how we teach our young about endeavoring in faith. At our Youth Day Camp in Rockford this summer, the theme was “Escorts,” which pertains to how we rely on each other on life’s pathway to heaven. I was given a Bible verse, John 15:12, on which to base my introduction. “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” My thoughts when preparing this were about how this teaching is applied to the relationships among the audience I was presenting to, children aged 7–13 who live in a large congregation. They came to the camp from a variety of home settings and family dynamics. Each child wanted to be there and the people who sent them wanted them to be there also. It presented a nice picture of the care and love in God’s congregation ensuring that our young would be raised in the fear of God. It’s natural to think of presenting this topic as children begin to co-exist mostly with other believing children in the summer, away from school, attending large services, family gatherings and youth camps. It’s also important to consider at the end of summer when we’re approaching the return to school, because this instruction is for our interactions with all people in our life. I remember how the return to school always brought some anxiety and trepidation of having to resume our place in the world. In school and often in the workplace we cannot choose our interactions, rather we are in an open environment that facilitates multiple and varied conversations. God has placed His kingdom in the midst of the world in such a way that the contact would be in everyday life. His desire is that all would be drawn to the kingdom of God, enter in through the door and make the journey of following His son in life, suffering and doctrine. This happens in the daily life around the world through the interactions with believers. It often feels like it would be easier to face these interactions if we didn’t feel so sinful and lacking in understanding in matters of faith, but this is not true. God does His work through the ones who don’t have anything of themselves to offer. They can only offer what God gives them. The effect of the confession of faith is God’s doing. It would be tempting to try to avoid the question that others might ask: “Do you think I’m a Child of God?” Love of the undying souls of people compels God to use the mouths of His children to make known the separation from the family of God and to give simple, loving instruction to come unto repentance. When the heart is hard, this is met with defensiveness and ridicule. Then the Child of God is accused of judging and being exclusive. These are hard accusations to face because they don’t recognize the love that is being shown by speaking the truth. We’re not able to compromise with this truth. Apostle Paul wrote about the conjunction of love and truth where he stated that love “rejoices in the truth.” God doesn’t elevate the person speaking the truth above the person receiving the message of truth. Both are sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God, yet God, who has created each of them, has the same hope of eternal life for each of them. I’ve often considered what it means that God has created each person uniquely in His own image. It seems so fundamentally important to how God has intended for people to behave. This glimpse into God’s workings needs to be held dear so that it can shape us and ground us with humanity in humility. I think it means, at least in part, that God has given each person a creative spirit, that when fostered and directed in obedience to God’s will, serves all people. It’s required of us to not only do our best but to help others do their best, supporting and encouraging to serve with God-given gifts. This is consistent with Jesus’ commandment that we love one another as He loved us. Jesus loved us so completely that He laid down His life as the sacrifice for human sin. He has left this power to forgive sins in His kingdom on earth. This gospel is carried on the feet of the believers as God’s Word tells us. We don’t discriminate where God sends us to preach the gospel. We marvel at its course in our lifetime and are thankful that it still remains with us. Jesus’ commandment to “love one another, as I have loved you,” reminds us that God has created each person with the desire that they would be with Him in eternity. He has given us His Word – His Son – who taught us in truth. This truth is yet opened securely by His Holy Spirit in the hearts and gatherings of His children. This, and only this, allows us to love one another as He has loved us: in truth. As we return from a summer of togetherness where hopefully lasting friendships have been made and renewed, may we remember to pray that God will preserve us as His children at our workplace, our school, in the gatherings of believers and in the security of our home. Allen Pirness, along with his wife Jessica and four children, recently moved to Minnesota. A former commodities trader in Lethbridge, Alberta, he is now full-time pastor for the Rockford congregation and also serves the LLC Communications and Mission departments.

Bethany Byman | The Shepherd’s Voice June/July 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Shortly after sitting down for services, I notice the first signs of impatience begin in our younger ones. Legs start swinging, muffled whispers becoming louder. The four-year-old gets up and not so quietly demands to know how much longer until it’s over. I pull her close and whisper in her ear, “Listen to what the minister is telling us. You’ve never heard this story before!” Her eyes slightly widen and she looks at the minister with speculation. Everyone can feel impatient at times. It can feel like it would be so much more fun to be playing outside with friends. On Sunday mornings, children have often already sat for an hour in Sunday school. In the morning service, I notice little ones meandering about the aisles. Others talk and giggle with one another. They are low on patience. It’s important to discuss with children why we need to be quiet and be patient in church. There are others who are trying to hear God’s word and we should be respectful to them. We all need to hear the special message that helps us on our journey to heaven. We can try little things such as a snack and drink of water before services. We can make sure our children have a good night’s sleep and are dressed appropriately for the temperature. Adults, let us keep our patience with these precious children. Even if we don’t hear much of the sermon, we are there amidst God’s children and that’s the best place we can be. Things to visit about: What kind of behavior is appropriate in Sunday school and at services? How can we help ourselves and others when it feels like it’s hard to sit still and listen? Why do adults bring children to services?

Karl Byman | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Longsuffering is a word used in several places in the Bible. It is said to be a combination of the Greek words for “long” and “temper,” meaning to be slow to anger, to endure anger with restraint, or to forbear ourselves and others. It is difficult to see longsuffering in myself, as I seem to be the polar opposite of patient, giving others the benefit of the doubt, or putting the best construction on what others do. When I have had trials in my life that seemed unending, I have prayed for acceptance and patience, and often reminded myself of this verse, “For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” (Heb. 13:14). It has helped me remember that everything in this life is temporary, including suffering, and that has allowed me to be somewhat more patient and accepting. My parents both lived through the Great Depression. My mother was very young then. Her father was a preacher and they never had an excess of material goods throughout her childhood. My father left school after eighth grade graduation to work and help support his family. They both also endured long-term health trials. I believe that their experiences with a simple childhood in believing homes not only made them appreciative of the smaller joys in life, but it also contributed to their contentedness and taught them to be longsuffering and patient. I have often thought that as believers we should strive to be satisfied with less than those in the world around us. By this I mean that we should not feel entitled to the constant entertainment, leisure time, pleasure, and instant gratification sought by so many in the world. But rather we can be content with a simpler lifestyle centered around faith and family. “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). Patience in Trials Ruthanne Byman | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Learning patience from trials can be difficult during hard times. Life gives us much joy, but none of us go through this life without trials. It is good to remain close with our escorts in faith; they help support us in the hard times. Believing is easier when we love one another, even with our different personalities. Sometimes when God gives us trials we feel closer to Him. Other times we become fearful. We need His guidance and sometimes it is hard to trust when we are given a trial that seems too hard to bear. It is good to be open and share your concerns with another believer as you are able. It is comforting to have the prayers of other believers during difficult times. We can be patient in the face of trials when we know we are not bearing them alone. I have believing friends that I have turned to for comfort or advice throughout the years. It would be hard to imagine getting through life without them! Children also need escorts. We parents see to their needs when they are young, but as they get older it is good for them to make friends. We can help nurture friendship by visiting other families, allowing our children to have believing friends over and attending camps. These friends can be lifelong escorts, and escorts can help one another withstand what life brings. Accepting What Life Brings Tarja Brown | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - Home and Family Article -- Longsuffering is patience, steadfastness, perseverance and endurance. As I ponder longsuffering, I think back on the experiences and trials I have had on life’s journey. Over 40 years ago, while living in Germany with my husband Joe, who was serving with the United States military, I experienced one such trial. While in Germany, our second daughter was born. At the age of two months and ten days, she stopped breathing during the night. I ran to the neighbors who called for an ambulance. While they were working on saving my little child’s life, I sat on a stump outside of the ambulance and prayed to God: God, please save my little one, but if it is not your will I will accept this. Alas, my little one passed away. We were transported to the army hospital where I was questioned on what had happened while they sent for Joe, who was guarding the Czechoslovakian border. Through my tears, I heard them ask if I wanted the Army chaplain. I said no. I continued to weep quietly. Soon an Army chaplain sat down next to me and said, “You know this is not your fault?” I said I know. He said, “You know there was nothing you could have done to prevent this?” I said I know. He finally looked at me and said, “You do?” In that moment, I knew that God was giving me strength and acceptance. I could feel His gentle presence. Part of longsuffering is to accept one another for who we are. We forbear one another in love. When the children were little, there were often teachable moments that occurred in everyday life. I remember one occasion when my oldest daughter was having all the girls her age over. She came to me, troubled that the girls wanted to exclude one of the girls and had asked her not to invite this girl. I told her that would not be right. I asked, “How would you feel if you were the one being excluded?” She agreed this would not make her feel good. All the girls were invited and everything went well. It is good that we preserve the love of one child of God for another child of God, putting aside differences between us. “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you” (Eph. 4:32). Longsuffering is linked to contentment and thankfulness. When trials beset us it is comforting to remember to be content with whatever our lot in life is. Contentment is a state of happiness and satisfaction. To me it also means acceptance. As believers we experience trials and many moments of joy. After each trial we realize how important that trial has been to help us grow closer to God and more steadfast in our faith. We can be thankful that through God’s grace and mercy He has preserved us as His own. We are happy when we can experience the joy of believing. Patience Is Needed on the Road to Recovery George and Gloria Niemela | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - Home and Family Article -- I…beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love. – Ephesians 4:1,2 In some situations, the only option is to be patient. Longsuffering and patience are something we pray for. When we can place our burden in God’s care, we find that the burden can be lightened. We must try over and over to accept that in some situations there is nothing we can do. One such situation for us involved our son and his road to recovery from addiction issues. Recovery involves the afflicted one, and the painful process touches whoever is emotionally attached to that individual. In this case, those involved included our daughter-in-law and her family, our family, grandchildren and friends. All these people have had moments of involvement. All have needed patience and longsuffering at some point. Often the gospel was sought and shared within this support group. Our role evolved as our son’s dear wife made us aware of his behaviors. We watched and listened from a distance, not really knowing what we could or should do to help. We stepped in to help with issues of personal property and legalities. Questions were asked from both sides of the family: Should we do this? Should we do that? We are thankful God granted us the strength and willingness to do what we could. We were able to contribute in practical ways. We wanted nothing more than that our son could recover. George let him know we were willing to do what we could to help him in his recovery. Eventually he reached out to us for help. We took him into our home. Others offered work for him to do. But there were relapses, time spent in treatment centers and then back home again. There was lots of communication between family and friends while on this path. This was quite trying at times. While some family members at times couldn’t get on board, we are thankful they respected our decisions and supported us. We felt the love and support of those around us, even though we didn’t always agree on things. We and our son acknowledged that God has a plan. Our son wanted to believe. When he relapsed, he would get so discouraged, but he still wanted to hear the forgiveness of all his sins in Jesus’ name and blood. We needed that assurance too for our own discouragement. He prayed. We prayed too, and I know many others remembered us in prayer as well. In those times we were able to get to know our adult son from the heart, and to us that was a gift and a blessing that came from him staying with us. There came a time when we agreed we cannot do this anymore. But yet we tried one more time. God blessed our situation, and we are thankful parents today. Our son’s recovery truly has been a miracle. This family needs continued love and support as the journey of recovery continues. We pray for longsuffering and patience for them going forward. We ask that this dear family be remembered in your prayers. In situations such as the one we have lived through, there are many questions. We have no answers. We can only be thankful to God for recovery. Everyone’s situation has different elements that go into the care for their loved one. Together we face trials that come, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer” (Rom. 12:12). We have learned firsthand the deep meaning in these words: “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep” (Rom. 12:15). Discussion Questions How does your personal faith help you endure hardships and maintain patience during difficult times? How does suffering – and the need for patience and perseverance – influence our relationship with our Creator? The book of Job relates of how Job suffered many afflictions and trial during his life. What do you recall of these trials? Describe how Job responded. Isaiah 40:31 says that “They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.” In what ways is this message relevant today, amid the issues we face in today’s society? How can we support and encourage one another to wait on the Lord and persevere in faith, even when the road ahead appears difficult?

The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - Editorial -- An important reason to celebrate Father’s Day and Mother’s Day is that these days offer children an opportunity to think and talk about their relationship with their own father and mother. Father’s Day brings an opportunity to reflect on parenting and the role of fathers in their children’s lives. On this day, we wish to celebrate fathers’ lifelong task, a task that is also a calling and a gift given by God. A child’s needs for caring and guidance change over time, but the care and guidance do not cease to be necessary. The words and actions of a believing father are a profound message to a child. To all children a believing parent is a wonderful gift. Some may experience pain and longing on Father’s Day due to a father that is deceased or one who is distant or estranged. Fathers can also know pain for being separated from their children. Such ones, along with all of God’s children, can rejoice that we all share a heavenly Father whose love is perfect. In His care, and through forgiveness, broken relationships can be mended over time. Fathers are called to be many things: a positive role model of a believer, of an adult, of a man, a spouse. Fathers are active caregivers and show love through actions. Fathers are patient and protective, loving, supporting and understanding. Fathers have ears to listen and time to spend with spouse and children. Fathers put away distractions, such as their mobile device, and instead turn their attention on their offspring. A father’s love is measured in time and attention. Learning to be this kind of role model and practicing the many qualities it entails can be confusing and daunting. Men may have to step outside their comfort zones and learn and practice new skills, duties and roles. It is okay to feel not ready or not prepared. Fathers can face many challenges in their demanding role. Each must balance work and family demands with social obligations, service in God’s kingdom and personal interests. Financial pressure or the stress of providing for a large or growing family can increase a father’s burdens. Some may be drawn to entertainment or pastime pursuits. Fathers have many decisions to make in life on behalf of themselves and their families, and they can feel overwhelmed and unprepared to make big decisions. Married fathers also have a responsibility to contribute to upkeeping an intact, balanced relationship with their spouse. A healthy relationship among adults in the home provides a safe growing environment for children. The atmosphere at home, the ability to love and feel loved is more important than the external framework of the home. The familiar Lord’s Benediction teaches us one simple way to practice many of these skills. In this prayer we twice ask God to look at us, to turn His face to us. Think how bereft we would be if our heavenly Father – or our earthly father – looked away and did not know us or acknowledge us. When we take time to look at our children of all ages, see and hear them, and listen with interest to what they want to communicate to us, we go a long way toward building a solid relationship in which the child feels valued and safe. Amid the many larger and smaller challenges fathers may face, it is good to remember that not all men are the same, not all fathers are identical to one another, and nor do they need to be. It is good that each father leans into his own strengths and faces the joys and challenges that life brings with his own set of God-given gifts. Amid doubts of incompleteness or inadequacy, fathers can still know the great joy of fatherhood. God will bless fathers’ honest efforts.

John Stewart | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - The Sabbath Word -- Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile. I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him. Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Selah. I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye. – Psalm 32:1,2,5–8 The psalms of King David reveal that he was a man who experienced and deeply knew the power and importance of God’s forgiveness in failings, trials and tribulations of life. David was gifted in expressing his thoughts of God’s grace and forgiveness through poems, songs, and music which have been preserved for us in the Book of Psalms. King David loved music. The Bible relates that David played the harp and also indicates that, even as a young man, music was close to his heart. It is not surprising therefore that Biblical scholars consider Psalm 32 to have been a musical or liturgical piece of David that was later used as a poem or hymn in ancient Israel’s worship services. David opens the psalm by describing the blessed condition of a child of God who journeys in this life with sins forgiven and in “whose spirit there is no guile”. David then contrasts the blessed, happy condition experienced when one journeys holding faith and a good conscience against the misery he personally suffered when attempting to travel under the weight of a burdened conscience. The difference between the two conditions is stark. Under a pressing burden of sin, David experienced the dryness of a scorching summer sun that parches a desert to drought. Sin pressed on his heart day and night. When he kept silence even his “bones waxed old” all day long. As Psalm 32 continues to unfold, David describes the return of deep joy and freedom when he was able to “confess” his sin and thus experience God’s forgiving grace and love. Certainly, the child of God today can relate to David’s description of sins and trials that may appear as an overwhelming flood threatening to drown a weak traveler. Then God through David’s psalm provides comfort to even the weakest traveler: “Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.” In other psalms as well, David relates of God’s calling love, grace, and mercy. In Psalm 51 for example, David laments of his own sinful nature and recalls a time in his life when he’d attempted to travel under a pressing burden of sin – even unbelief. The historical Second Book of Samuel recounts the same heavy moment in David’s life and describes how God sent the prophet Nathan as an angel or messenger to him: “And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die” (12:13). David experienced God’s unfathomable mercy and love in the message that Nathan brought from heaven. The incident conveys a beautiful picture of the preached gospel, the audible Word which at the dawn of the New Covenant, God revealed through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. The gospel is the heavenly Word that can transfer one from the darkness of unbelief to the light of living faith. The power of the gospel – the essence of which is the forgiveness of sins preached in Jesus’ name and blood by the power of the Holy Ghost – also frees the faith traveler of burdens that weigh one down and provides strength to continue the journey heavenward moment by moment. The forgiving, guiding voice of the heavenly Father bursts forth with deep comfort and love in Psalm 32! When worries and troubles of the journey press the sin-prone, tempted and doubting sojourner, there is yet great comfort in the promise God reveals to His child through David’s psalm: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go, I will guide thee with mine eye.”

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - News and Notes -- June and July are confirmation school months. Some of you 2023 confirmation students may have already been confirmed at the June Camps. Confirmation is an important milestone in a young believer’s life. You students are being sent with many prayers that God would so move you to confirm your desire to travel as a child of God. Summer is camp season so please remember to serve your brothers and sisters in faith as you are able by signing up for a camp work shift in your local area or on our website. Updates on LLC Activities Education Confirmation Directors and Teachers requested a standardized lesson on sexuality. A committee developed a lesson plan and discussion group format that will be used this summer at the confirmation schools. Mission Department Beginning in June, we plan to hold monthly Bible Class lessons via Zoom for believers in Ecuador and Colombia. The first series of lessons will focus on Jesus’ parables about God’s kingdom. Communications Department At this time of year we are already planning and brainstorming features and other content for our periodicals in 2024. What would you like to see in The Voice of Zion, The Shepherd’s Voice, in our seasonal magazines or on Hearken? We welcome your input and feedback and ideas now and always. Send us a note via email to rdelacey@llchurch.org This autumn we will conduct a more formal survey on our periodicals. This will help us ensure that what we publish continues to be timely, with content that serves believers of all ages. The application period for LLC Opisto Scholarships for the 2024–25 opisto year ended mid-May. We received many applications! It is wonderful that a year abroad at a boarding school for believers continues to be an attractive option for young adults. Applicants will hear by the end of summer whether they have been awarded a scholarship. Facilities Camp season is in full operation. Volunteers continue to be the backbone to our camp system. We are thankful to God for the servants that He sends to serve at camp.

Paul Honkala | The Voice of Zion June/July 2023 - The Sabbath Word -- Wherefore should I fear in the days of evil, when the iniquity of my heels shall compass me about? They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him: (For the redemption of their soul is precious, and it ceaseth for ever:) That he should still live for ever, and not see corruption. But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave: for he shall receive me. Selah. Be not thou afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased; For when he dieth he shall carry nothing away: his glory shall not descend after him. Though while he lived he blessed his soul: and men will praise thee, when thou doest well to thyself. He shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. Man that is in honour, and understandeth not, is like the beasts that perish. – Psalm 49:5–9,15–20 The theme for the second Sunday after Pentecost is perishable and imperishable treasure. What does perishable mean? Perishable means something that will decay or go bad quickly, while imperishable means something that endures forever. It is not difficult for us to determine what kind of treasure we would want. We all want the kind of treasure that endures forever. When we own living faith we have that kind of a treasure. Faith is a gift of God, and it is the believer’s desire to keep it. However, in order to keep faith, one needs to travel putting sin and doubts away in the name and blood of Jesus. As children of God, we live under grace each day. However, we cannot boast, but rather we fall short of God’s glory, and we fall into sin each day. As children of God, we know that the power to live in faith is the gospel. Our psalm text was written by the sons of Korah. We remember the fathers of the sons of Korah; they rebelled against God and eventually perished by God’s judgment. The Old Testament relates of this event. The sons of Korah remained believing and trusting in God’s care. When they wrote this psalm they wanted to remind of the dangers of worshiping false gods, such as idols and the love of money. In verse 6 of our psalm, the writer reminds us about trusting in one’s wealth; no amount of earthly riches is sufficient to buy one’s way into eternal glory. This 49th psalm also reminds us of human glory and its danger. When we begin to think too much of ourselves, or how good we are at something, we forget that God has granted to us all that we have in this life. It is dangerous to rely on our possessions and skills, to prioritize earthly wealth over the spiritual treasures of living faith. The psalmist reminds us that when we close our eyes to this life, we take nothing with us; our money and our vain glory remain here. There is only one matter that is the most important, and that is whether one owns living faith. For that reason, the psalmist wants to remind us of that imperishable gift which endures forever. We live in a time when riches and things of this world seem to be most important to many. As the psalmist explains, these give the ungodly people a false sense of security. We can say that these matters are not far from us; we also desire the riches of this time. We are also made of flesh and our mind would desire the things of this world. As believers we pray that God would preserve us in living faith and that our priorities would always be in correct order. Faith comes first and all other matters second.

Arvin Pirness | The Voice of Zion May 2023 - News and Notes -- May is a month of celebration. We celebrate the special occasion of Mother’s Day on which we can serve our mom and show thanks to her. We can also remember with gratitude those mothers whose time on earth has ended. We wish our mothers God’s rich and bountiful blessings! May marks the beginning of graduation season. Congratulations to all 2023 graduates! May you serve God and your neighbor with the skills and gifts God has placed in you. Camp activities increase throughout the month of May. Remember to serve your brothers and sisters in faith by signing up for a camp shift online. Visit our website to sign up for camp work or a kitchen shift. 2023 Summer Services The service dates this year are July 6–9. The service schedule can be found on the LLC website. A children’s service will be held in the tent on Friday afternoon and a Sunday school lesson will be held in the tent on Sunday morning. A special program in honor of LLC’s 50-year anniversary will be held Saturday afternoon. This program will feature a history presentation. Songs by North American songwriters will be sung by a continent-wide choir. A detailed 50-year LLC history exhibit will be set up on the service site. All youth activities will be hosted at the service site. RV Sites for 2023 Summer services are currently full. Please visit the website to sign up for the waitlist. Tent camping areas for families, adults, and youth ages 18 and older will be available during the service weekend. The new restroom facility will be ready for services this year. The shower facility will remain where it has been at previous services at Silver Springs. SignUpGenius will be used to coordinate work shifts. The link is available on the LLC website. Information has been sent to congregations. Please consider signing up to help Summer Services function smoothly. 2023 LLC Annual Meeting The 2023 LLC Annual meeting will be held at Rockford church on July 7. In preparation for the upcoming LLC 2023 Annual Meeting, your congregations have received the meeting material package including the proposed 2024 Operating Plan. May you prayerfully consider what has been proposed and review these items at your delegate meetings ahead of the annual meeting. Updates on LLC Activities Education A workshop for Sunday School Directors was held on April 15 at the LLC office with online participation. Twenty participants examined the updated support materials for third grade Sunday School materials. In addition, there was discussion about greater support in congregations for expanding needs relative to Sunday School. An updated curriculum for Preconfirmation will be piloted at this year’s Preconfirmation Schools. Camp Evaluation forms will be sent via email to parents and guardians following attendance at LLC-owned camp centers this year. Parents and guardians are being asked to complete these evaluations with the attendees. Information gathered from the evaluations will be used to improve future experiences at camp. Facilities Final planning was completed in April for RV Site expansion at Silver Springs. Now that our Minnesota winter is over, scheduling of the work can be completed. This effort will provide 220 electrical connections for RVs. Planning for non-electric RV sites is also being completed. The hope is to have 24 non-electric sites for use this year. Requests for additional RV sites are beyond what Silver Springs site permits; however, we continue to look for ways to accommodate all that are requesting to attend 2023 Summer Services at Silver Springs. Stony Lake lodge restoration work is planned to be completed by the end of May 2023. Mission Department We have entered a busy time, with many brothers from Scandinavia and North America traveling on mission trips. The current and upcoming trips are noted on page 13. Please remember in your prayers the brothers traveling as well as the brothers and sisters in faith that they serve. The annual plan is to hold four Ministers Webinars per year. The next webinar will be on May 25. These webinars support brothers in their duties as servants of God’s Word. Communications Department History project work continues. The manuscript of a book to be published this summer has gone through a final round of reviews and is now in the proofreading and layout stage. We extend a note of gratitude to those individuals who have diligently served over the last years in our History Project Reading Group. The regular meetings and discussions on the contents of the book are an essential part of producing the book. We are thankful our heavenly Father has given the group the heart and mind to serve in this way. In April we had our annual Subscription Drive. Efforts were made to increase awareness about our periodicals and our publications app. Ultimately we hope that the contents of these Christian publications support believers in life and faith. Our Broadcast team is yet hard at work preparing programming for our Summer services broadcast. We will be looking for volunteers to fill shifts in this area of work as well. Camp season brings camps that touch on our areas of work, including music camps and language camps. This is just one way we can foster interests and gifts that will serve Zion for years to come! Thanks to all who support these camps by sending campers and serving at camps! Meanwhile, other educational efforts continue in e.g. the form of our monthly writers workshops. Let us know if you would like to learn more and be involved in these. Did you know that our most used publication is our hymnal? It is used by thousands of people many times a week, in both print form and as our digital Songbook app. Songs and hymns of Zion are not only a historical work. There are new songs written and composed in our day as well! The LLC Hymnal Subcommittee meets regularly to review submissions of new or revised songs and translations of songs. When in coming years we have a large enough collection of fully vetted material, it will be time to plan a supplement to our current hymnal. May God bless all the work done in His kingdom!