Author Archives: Scott Krohn

Dreams

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Sleep is such a precious part of life. It is when we get to shut down and just forget about everything. There are things called dreams that accompany our sleep at times. Some are good others are “night-mares”. Dreaming is not uncommon for me; I seem to dream a lot. There are times when the dreams are hard to be a part of and I wake myself up. Most of the time I don’t remember a thing after my eyes open but there are times the thoughts are still vivid in my conscious. It is confusing why my mind goes into the places it does. I look to God and ask: “Why do I have to go there? It’s uncomfortable, it scares me, and I don’t like it.” I have learned to say a prayer for peace and understanding of what I have just experienced. It may be new or it may be something I have relived from a time in my past; either way I feel the need for comfort and I know God is my only source for true peace in this time of trial.

I had one of those thought provoking dreams the other night. I dreamt I was still doing my old life. You know the situation; I was working my “800hrs” per week, I was trying to be part of the local crowd, I was trying to understand the political scene, (of course I still haven’t figured out which side of that to be on), and I was in constant turmoil.  No I didn’t dream all that at once, but that’s the base line. The bulk of this dream was me arguing with my father. He is gone now as is my mother, so they never had the joy of seeing what God has done with their son’ life, whether the news is announced in Heaven I am not sure. The point is I look back now and I would like to “Kick Myself in the Rear” for being so disrespectful. At that time of my life it was my thoughts, my opinions, and my wants that drove my personality. I had no regard for the experiences that my father had and no regard for his opinion. I could have done it so much better if he would have just gotten out of the way.

Have you ever been there? If not, you are one in a million and I salute you. In most of our lives we have done things that were so selfish we can’t start to imagine how hurtful we’ve been. We put those things in the back of our minds and try to forget them. We put a lid on them and make believe they have never happened. Then history repeats itself. Not in your own actions but in the actions of those close to you.

You may have a child that is going thru growing pains as the world directs. You remember the script; it doesn’t matter if the person you are hurting is your parent; it’s all about you. Follow the words and directions of the world now; for it is about you. Be important in the eyes of the people around you and don’t worry about God after all; this is all about you. Get what you want.

You may have a spouse that seems to be getting distant; remember the world script tells us marriage is all about being independent and not losing yourself. Two people just cohabitating and if it doesn’t work out you get a divorce and try again. That is not what Jesus, the author of the word marriage said. When two people come together and accept the vow of the other; it is forever and two become one. They are to support each other through everything and respect each other through anything. Love accepts no less.

We seem to forget our lives are short and it is easy to make mistakes. Our Father in Heaven doesn’t want us to live in turmoil. He gives us a memory so we will not stumble over the same stuff again. When we hide it away in the unused part of our brain it does us no good. We need to deal with our sins and give them to God. The next time you have one of those dreams that “hurts” realize that is the Holy Spirit helping you clear out your attic. Give the hard thoughts to Him and watch your dreams eventually become peaceful. Repenting of your sins means you give it all to God, even the ugly stuff. I have a long way to go for I have been a hoarder of “My thoughts” for too many years. Don’t live life wishing you would have done different. Live your life so your dreams are truly joyful. Say that prayer of understanding and peace. God will Bless You.

Just My Thoughts

 

 

The Church Challenge

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We celebrate Ash Wednesday March 6th 2019. Lent begins the following Sunday March 10th. We’ve all seen the ice bucket challenge, and we’ve heard of the unthinkable challenges on the internet that cause our young people great harm. I want to do a challenge that will change your lives forever. It will literally mean an eternity of blessings.

It’s called The Church Challenge,

The  challenge is simple; you and your family go to church on Ash Wednesday, then you get up and go again on the following Sunday. Then you go again on Wednesday and then on Sunday. See how many times you can go to church before Easter.

Listen to the message, feel the love of those around you, let God into your hearts. Give the Holy Spirit the chance to help you find peace for a couple hours each week.  Watch how Easter and the meaning of Jesus Christ become so much more exciting. Believe me in no time at all it will not be a challenge.

The best part is, everyone who tries this is an absolute champion for the rest of their lives. Keep track of your victories, for each time you go to worship will be a win. Talk to God about how great it felt, give your families the coaching they need to continue. Congratulations early on taking the challenge, may you find God’s peace and love.

 

Pastor Scott Krohn

Living Word Lutheran Church

Seward NE.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

True Faith

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Are you a follower?

But of course I am, I go to church on Sunday, I wear a cross around my neck. I tell others all about Christ, when the subject comes up. I mean just look at me I have” Christ follower” all over my house, on my car, and on my phone case.  How could you ask that question? “Don’t I look like a Christ Follower?”

Fact is; it isn’t what you LOOK LIKE that counts, it is what is in your heart that matters. God sees thru all the fake costumes and all the human distractions. If you are truly a follower and want to wear things that display your faith that’s great, but don’t think that will help get you to heaven.  Too many times we try to impress the pastor or our neighbors on how religious we are but it isn’t the pastor you have to answer to. He just asks the questions here on earth so you will be ready when you are met by the one who really has power over your soul.

If I ask; “Will you go to heaven?” what are the most common answers; “I don’t know for sure”, “I really hope so” and simply “No”. The worst part is the last one is the most honest; that person is sure they aren’t worthy and they don’t trust God for any salvation, it is a sad place but probably a true answer. So what about the other answers and where is “yes I will”.

That’s our dilemma; we as God’s children are taught so many rules and reasons and different religious patterns we forget to trust what Jesus tells us. We get ourselves so mixed up listening to human rules we lose the joy of being a child of God. Jesus tells us His thoughts; you know those red letters in the Bible, the true words of Jesus Christ. He never tries to fool anyone into a false hope, He never gave two ways about anything, and He never left the question unanswered. Jesus said if we believe and obey His words we will go to heaven.

John 14 (NIV) 23 Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we will come to them and make our home with them. 24 Anyone who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me.

 

So what about our original question? “Will you go to heaven?” Well if you believe God’s words and obey His commands you can trust Him when He says He will make a home for you. Don’t get too caught up in all the religious hype and the so-called rules. Let your faith show you the way to Heaven and follow that guidance.

 

Then when someone asks “Will you go to Heaven?” you can say “I am a follower of Jesus Christ and I am sure I will for He told me so.”

 

 

Safety Check or Faith Check

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Have you ever been through a “Safety Check Point” on the highway? My wife and I had the pleasure a few nights ago; it was a pleasure for me as I was sitting in the passenger seat. My wife was much more concerned with the drill as she was in the driver’s seat of the car. She was the one in control of the vehicle which meant any infractions or broken laws would fall onto her shoulders. She was the one who would take the punishment for the crime. Thankfully the officer found nothing wrong.  I must say it wasn’t by luck or by coincidence that everything was ok; it was the fact that being a licensed driver my wife keeps all the correct paperwork in order, she keeps her vehicle in good working condition, and she obeys the laws set before her to operate that vehicle on public streets. She takes her responsibility seriously.

It made me wonder what Jesus would find if He stopped me for a “Faith Check”? Would it be a nerve racking experience? Am I taking my responsibility seriously? What would He ask; would I know the right answers? Would I have all my issues in order? I’m not saying we have to be perfect, for God tells us He will give us another chance in places we are going wrong. He tells us we are forgiven as long as we; are faithful and believe in His Son, repent of our sin, and change our sinful ways. But would I pass the test?

How about you, would you have trouble if Jesus stopped you on the street and checked your faith life? Are you confident you are saved and know the reason why?

If there is any doubt in your mind maybe you need to look closely at what is causing the confusion. Then if you are still questioning why, you may want to get some free instructions. They are available on Sunday morning at a variety of places called “Church”. Be careful though, there are some instructors that don’t follow the true manual and will steer you wrong. They will not prepare you for that the check point in accordance to the true laws of God.

Bottom line is when you are stopped; you are responsible for your own life, Jesus paid the price for the sins you can’t cover; but it’s up to you to take care of the ones you can. It is like that check point my wife went through, she had to be prepared. It was better to hear “Go ahead, everything looks good. Have a nice day and enjoy the ride” than to hear “Sorry we can’t let you continue the way you are going”.

A “Safety Check” or a “Faith Check” we all need to be ready;   Are You?