March 24, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius I am one of those souls who believes in miracles. That’s the only way I can explain my life. It seems that God’s favor has covered me like a cloud, the Shekhinah. Yes indeed, God’s presence has been in my life, even when I don’t act so God-like. From walking among the hogs and cows, not realizing the danger, to climbing a hundred feet up into the silo as a boy, God spared me from injury. Then there was climbing onto the roofs of so many buildings and even high up into the granary to parachute into the corn below. Yes, my guardian angel was on full alert. In high school and college, studies didn’t come easily, neither did test taking. I’d hand in my test and, until the grade was recorded, this was my prayer. “God, I know you can do all things. Change my wrong answers to right answers. If you can’t do that, please give my professor a soft heart while he grades my test.” Don’t laugh. It worked! I need to report one of the grandest miracles in my life, well, it happened to my wife, Armona. In November 2023, she had a medical procedure which came back with a diagnosis of malignancy, a cancerous tumor. Now I know how devastating that word can be. Immediately, both of us dropped to our knees in tears and prayer. Here was my prayer. It was the same prayer I used in high school and college, the one I’ve used often. “Dear God, it’s your humble servant, Allan. Today I pray, not for me, but for the woman you gave to me to protect all the days of her life. So, now I ask for Your protection for I know You can do all things. In the near future, Armona will have surgery to remove this tumor from within her. I know it’s there; the tests showed it. But before that surgery Lord, please remove the cancer from within that tumor. She is in Your hands God, I can’t do it….Amen” For ninety days, that was my fervent prayer. On February 15, 2024, she underwent surgery, a lengthy ordeal. At 8 PM the doctor came in to report. “She is doing fine. There is no evidence of cancer.” Tears came to my eyes, and I didn’t hear whatever else he may have said. I was too busy thanking Jesus! All the time God is good! I believe in miracles! Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved
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March 17, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Have you ever stopped to think about the end of the trail? In the late 1800’s, when the west was being tamed, the end of the trail was always a destination a place, like Oregon, the California gold rush, or maybe north to Alaska to dig for gold at the end of the trail. But once you got there, at the end of the trail, there was always another adventure, another trail inviting you onward. Technically then, you never find the end of the trail because it always gets moved. Kind of like chasing after the end of the rainbow. You think you’re almost there, but suddenly, you are not. For many who begin the journey, toward the end of the trail, they never arrive. Sometimes they die along the way. The survivors bury the dead, say a homily, sing a hymn, hitch up the horses and continue onward, leaving a loved one behind. Years go by, the wind blows, trees grow, the scenery changes, and even if you did return to pay your respects, the grave cannot be found. The end of the trail for the one left behind really was the end. At least the end of the trail here on earth. Over my lifetime, I’ve come to many “end of the trail” stops. Each stop met with sadness or joy. Whatever the occasion, I decided long ago to not stay mired down at the end of any trail. At every end, there is a new beginning, a new adventure. Now a lot of people see the end of the trail as the day they die. Not me. Not even death is the end, but a new beginning, a new life in heaven. There are a host of bunny trails you can follow, but only one trail has no end and leads to heaven, the Jesus trail. Follow Him! Sure, there will be stops along the journey, some good, some not so good, but don’t take your eye off He Who will never lead you down the wrong path. If you are stuck at the end of some trail, don’t just sit there wishing for something different, be a trail blazer! As Jesus said to the paralytic, “Pick up your mat and walk.” Happy Trails to YOU! Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved March 10, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius I like sports. I never was very athletic, but that never stopped me from cheering for my team. Need to tell you, sometimes the cheer for “my team” isn’t so much for who I want to win, but it’s for who I want to lose. 😊 But there’s a couple of things about athletics that are, in my estimation, tainting the sport, all sports. The obvious first thing is money. The average professional baseball player makes $4.2 million a year. Get this. If he hits the ball 33% of the time, he’s considered to be worth it. Here’s an interesting, staggering salary. Joe Burrow, quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, recently signed a five year contract worth $275 million, or $55 million per year. Even some college athletes are now making in excess of $1 million a year under NIL. Just you wait. Soon, there will be no free athletic events to watch on T.V. It will all be pay-per-view. Here’s the second thing I’ve noticed about athletics. Fans are crazy. Caitlin Clark, a star University of Iowa basketball player, is a phenomenal athlete. After her team lost a game to Ohio State, she was bowled over by a celebrating female Buckeye linebacker! On the same day, the Bills fans threw snowballs at Kansas City Chiefs quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. He won the game. Instead of congratulating him, they peppered him with ice-laden snowballs! Come on people! It’s just a game! Star athletes are cheered or booed, depending on the day’s performance. I’ve been in football stadiums and basketball arenas and have done the same thing. (I don’t boo, but I do cheer!) Oh, the thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat. The excitement of an athletic event. But I wonder, how much the crowd would cheer if the Lord Himself ran onto the field? I can hear the announcer. “Running onto the field is He Who can save your life! Jesus Christ!” Would there be frenzied excitement, or awe-struck silence? Would the people welcome Him, or say “Who is this guy?” Sadly, I have a terrible feeling that He would be treated no differently than He was 2000 years ago. Beware, for this time when He returns, there is no middle ground—you’re either for Him or against Him. Get on His team TODAY! Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved March 3, 2024
Reflections from the heart of Allan Redenius Isn’t it ironic that famous people seek after anonymity, while those who are anonymous seek after fame? A famous actor will disguise himself while in public. At the same time, somebody, who is a nobody, will puff himself up in order to be seen. In the end, both meet the same fate. A rich man pretends to be poor and is often frugal. A poor man spends money he doesn’t have, hand over fist. The one thing the rich man and the poor man have in common, they both want more. In the end, both meet the same fate. A handsome man, a beautiful woman adorn themselves with jewelry and fine clothing. Those not so handsome, not so beautiful do the same, but in spite of the accessories, they remain not so handsome, not so beautiful. You guessed it. In the end, they all meet the same fate. Some are born to lead, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, and others. Great battles they have won, glory their fame. Others are born to follow. It was their blood, their guts which gained the victory for those who lead. In the end, they all meet the same fate. So, here’s the moral of these little thoughts whether famous or common, rich or poor, attractive or unattractive, a general or a soldier, all people one day, die. All their graves soon forgotten. There’s another inevitable fate each must face alone. Stripped of all earthly measure, “…each must appear before the judgement seat of Christ…” (2nd Corinthians 5:10) It is here, at the judgement seat of Christ, those of whom I write, may not meet the same fate. No matter who you are, on your judgement day, don’t be a wishin’ you had given your life to Christ while you were yet alive. Come to Christ today! Make certain your fate is in the hands of the Lord. Love in Him, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 25, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Once upon a time, in the not too distant past, I was a C.P.A. I may have even prepared your tax return. In the quest for excellence in my work, I read a lot of tax law, volumes and volumes, always looking for a nugget of tax law to use to your advantage. Now as a pastor, preaching the word of Jesus Christ, again I read law, Biblical truth. I search, not for a loophole to legally escape or compromise the law, but meaningful scripture for you to build your faith, a sure foundation on which to stand. So, effectively, I’ve read mostly two books all my life, tax law and God’s law. Trust me, reading God’s law is much more profitable than reading tax law. The difference between what I do today, preach, and what I did yesterday, prepare your tax return, is this. A tax return must be filed every year. One filing lasts for only one year. What I do today, preach God’s word, lasts forever. When I prepared your tax return, I charged a fee. (You might have thought too much ☹) What I do for you now, lasts not only forever, it’s free. The gospel does last forevermore, and it is the gift of God! Would I have changed my career if I knew then what I know now? I don’t think so. You see, all those years in the secular world have prepared me for what I do now for the Lord in the spiritual world. What other pastor do you know who can baptize you, marry you, preach God’s word, bury you—and do your tax return? 😊 Yep—good or bad—I’m one of a kind. 😊 Thank you, Jesus for placing me in your service for such a time as this…..I love you! Blessings to you this day, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 18, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Within the fairy tale of Winnie the Pooh, who lives in the 100-acre woods, there lurks a character named Heffalump. Heffalump steals honey and has no regard for others’ feelings, a sort of villain in the imaginary woods in which Pooh lives. Of course, Pooh is somewhat frightened by this unseen, maybe even imagined character. Most of the time, I like to think I live in the 100-acre woods, where all is calm, the sun always shines, never too hot, never too cold. A place where all is at peace. Not to mention, there’s plenty of honey in every tree trunk. A place, not unlike the green pastures and still waters, about which Psalm 23:2 paints. But in reality, I don’t live in the picture perfect 100-acre woods. There is no so soft and cuddly Winnie the Pooh. Yet in real life, there are Heffalumps. People, things, maybe encounters from years gone by, which want to derail you from living a tranquil, peaceful life. Maybe even a memory from an unpleasant life encounter. What happens with these Heffalumps that live in our brain, real or imagined? They become bigger and more frightening than they need to be. A Heffalump that harmed you years ago, should not control who you are today. But yet, somehow, they do. Though unseen today, you hear their footsteps pounding somewhere in the 100-acre woods in which you live. Fear grips your being. So how do you deal with the Heffalumps in your life? Here’s what works for me. In fourth grade, I went to a movie with the simple title, Dinosaurs. Every night thereafter I lived in fear of these Heffalumps who came in the dark of night, in my sleep. Eventually, they took on the persona of evil. I could hear the pounding of these Heffalumps coming close. When they awakened me, this was my prayer. “The Lord rebuke you.” (Jude 9) The Heffalumps then would run away. I still live in the 100-acre woods. Whenever a Heffalump invades that sacred space, I simply turn to prayer. Peace, be still! Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 11, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius “Step into my office, said the spider to the fly.” “I’m from the office of da devil, and I’m here to help you.” Both clichés that put me on guard and remind me of another. “Beware of Greeks bearing gifts. Remember the Trojan Horse.” How many times have I heard, “I have an investment, a hot tip to make you rich—quick”? Always somebody wanting my money, your money. Let me give you a word of warning, some advice. Read the first paragraph again. In case you don’t know it, there is no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny, and for that matter, no Tooth Fairy. So be prudent and wise about what the good Lord has given to you. Here are the two words that are a clue that something might be awry when someone makes an investment proposal to you. The words are “guaranteed” and “free.” Of course, the huckster always throws in this emotion, “Hurry, you don’t want to miss this limited time offer.” A long time ago, our friends were invited for a free steak dinner, if they would listen to a presentation for some land, probably on the side of a cliff. They asked us to go with them. All four of us thought it would be a great night out with a steak dinner—for free. Of course, the first thing that happened was that the hucksters separated us. Our friends ate with one huckster, and we ate with the other. Not at all the way we planned the evening. All the while during dinner, the salesman, aka huckster, reminded us of the free dinner and that the land we were soon to purchase would quickly go up in value, almost guaranteed. (Did you catch the buzz words?) Then came the urgency. Our guy, along with the others, suddenly stood up and began calling out, “We want Lot 1, Lot 2, or Lot 3.” He said as he looked at us, “You just gotta get the best one before someone else gets it. Which one do you want?” Do you sense the urgency? Just some wisdom to think about when a huckster comes near you. Sooner or later, they will! In the meantime, remember what the Lord says about living your life. “Be wise as serpents and gentle as doves.” Just looking out for you! Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved February 4, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius The P.E. teacher blew the whistle, and the race was on. How many set-ups, how many pull-ups can you do in a minute? In my youth, I measured up with the best of them. On to the next skill set. Climb up that forty foot rope to the top of the gymnasium ceiling. Are you kidding me? No net to catch you if you fall, not even a soft mat to land upon, not to mention the rope burn as you come down in rapid fashion. Oh well, no worries. I never was concerned about the fall, or the rope burn. At sixteen, if you fell a few feet, you at least didn’t break anything, except your pride. “Run faster, run faster, take longer steps,” was the cry of the track coach. Now Charlie was the fastest guy on the track team, fast as lightning. “O.K. Allan,” said the coach, “I’m going to have Charlie run behind you and when you slow down, he’s going to kick you.” What was the coach thinking? There are sharp cleats on track shoes. I’m proud to say, that day, Charlie never caught me. I learned to run zig-zag! 😊 Be tough, be strong, be fast, but most of all be smart. I was smart enough to know that in life, I needed something to compensate for all those deficiencies. Here’s what worked for me. An attribute that sometimes has served me well, then sometimes, not so much. I am stubborn. If it hurts, be stubborn enough to grit your teeth and say nothing. If you need to lift something, tell the stronger guys around you, “You might be stronger, but I’m more stubborn and can lift as much as you.” If you need to be faster, find a short-cut. But of all the people I know, the toughest person I know, is my Savior, Jesus. No one has ever been as tough as He was in life, or on the cross. Think about it, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 28, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius Recently, while on a road trip, I drove by a couple of beautiful old, country church buildings. You know the type, all white building, gothic stained-glass windows, and of course, a tall steeple reaching to the sky. Each church could be a picture post card. Throw in a little snow, a green Christmas wreath with a little red ribbon hanging on the door of the church, and the picture is beautiful. Once upon a time, these beautiful buildings were the focal point, the gathering place of the community, not only for the worship of Jesus, but also for social events. On any Sunday morning, you could hear the sound of voices raising the roof as the congregation sang hymns of old, How Great Thou Art, Amazing Grace, and so many others. The preacher would walk to the pulpit, every step heard by all, as his heels clacked on the ancient wooden floor. The building was warm and cozy. Someone had come in early to stoke coal into the furnace. The preacher would begin to speak. “Come to Jesus and be saved,” were the words he spoke. Not much has changed over the years. The message, though the same, never grows old. But now, today, those beautiful church buildings sit empty, like so many others. No longer are the saints gathering there to worship and sing praise to Jesus. The pulpit is empty and dirty from years of neglect. “Where are all the people?” you ask. Oh, I forgot to finish the word painting of those beautiful church buildings. The saints are still there, just in the church cemetery that adjoins the buildings. Gone to graveyards every one. That’s where the saints have gone. What is the lesson to be learned? The saints of old, those still alive, need to share the gospel news of Jesus with the young. It is they who will carry the torch of the church, not only in their heart, but to the next generation. Come to church! Stay in church! Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 21, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius When I was a boy and lived in the thriving village of Titonka, Iowa, I delivered the early morning Des Moines Register newspaper. Up every morning before six was the routine for the day. Then, on Saturday, make the route, knock on every door, and collect one dollar for next week’s delivery. Often, people would pay with silver dollar coins. How I wish I had kept those coins instead of taking them to the bank. Just like I wish I had not used Mickey Mantle baseball cards to make a clacking noise on my bicycle spokes. After collecting all those silver dollar coins, every Saturday afternoon, I made a deposit at the bank. It was there I learned the wisdom of saving. It was fun to see my savings grow as the teller would hand write my deposit in a little pocket-sized book. Too, I learned other things at the bank. Important people should be kind to unimportant people. You see, the bank was owned by one family, the Boykens—Ed, Neal, and Art. My Dad once told the story of how he asked Ed for a loan. With only a handshake, Ed loaned my Dad the money he needed for farming. Ed was the president, Art and Neal were important too, but they doubled as tellers. They were always kind to me and encouraged me as my savings grew. Art was even one of my Sunday School teachers. It was at Titonka Savings Bank that I learned to treat even the little guy with respect and dignity. You see, I was one of those little people. I’m often reminded of the line from the musical, Annie. “Be kind to the people as you go up the ladder, for surely you will meet them again as you fall down the ladder.” Of course, Jesus was the most important person to have ever lived. He always ministered to the unimportant, the nobodies of the world, you and me included. He even died for the least of these, you and me. Just a lowly servant, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 14, 2024
Reflections From the Heart of Allan Redenius I’ve been thinking of things that once were, but are no more. Here are just a few:
Any one of us could put together a list, melancholy memories from days gone by. But if I’ve learned one thing over time, it’s this—nothing stays the same, things change. That’s just the way of the world. But though the world, even I, might change, there is one thing that never, ever changes. JESUS! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!” Though the storms of life might pass by, times might ebb and flow, there is one anchor that holds fast. JESUS! Just reminiscing, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved January 7, 2024
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius So, what do we call the process of doing the same thing over and over, expecting a different result, only to be disappointed with the same outcome? The answer is, insanity. But what if we modify, tweak the process ever so slightly and finally something new and different, something exciting rises up and is discovered? Well then, we are a genius! It took Thomas Edison over 1,000 failures before he was successful at inventing the light bulb. At about 950 times, I’m sure he even thought he was crazy. But then, a light came on (pardon the pun 😊) and Edison was instantly branded a genius. How I wish I could be a genius. But at least I’m smart enough to know that I am not. In my lifetime, I’ve known a lot of people who think they are a genius. A whole lot of those genius’ don’t know enough to come out of the rain. Talk about genius and rain, my wife is the smartest woman I know. She says of herself, “I was born to be outdoors.” Though ever so smart, she once said, “Let’s go on a walk.” My reply was, “It’s going to rain.” Most of the time that’s code for, “I don’t want to.” On this one particular day, I agreed, grumbling as I walked out the door, “It’s going to rain.” To which she replied, “No, it’s not.” As we walked among the trees a long distance from home, I asked of her, “Do you hear that?” It was rain falling on the leaves, on the canopy overhead. Of course, she said, “I don’t hear anything.” A few minutes later, we were laughing and joking like two little kids playing in the rain. When we got home, not only were we all wet, we had created a precious memory. That is genius at work, making memories. I’m kind of glad I’m not a genius. I like being plain old me. I think I can relate better to everyone that way. How do I relate? I speak farm. “Hi, what’s your name? Where are you from? What do you do? By the way, do you know Jesus?” You’re thinking “….what’s that got to do with farming?” I’m always plowing ground to plant Jesus’ seeds within everyone I meet. Now, that’s genius at work. By the way, do you know Jesus? Love in Him, Pastor Allan ©2024 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 31, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius As I look out the window, there is a tall stalk of switchgrass I’ve been watching. Anchored to the ground, it bends and moves with the direction of a tiny breeze. From laying almost flat to standing straight and tall, depending on the wind speed, I’m reminded that life is sometimes like that tall stalk of grass. First of all, consider the root, the anchor. What is the anchor in your life? No matter the weather, this stalk of grass does not move from here to there. It seems to be firmly planted where it is anchored. So what occurrences in life seem to uproot you and make you move from here to there? When adversity and storm come your way, do you stand your ground, or do you move to a place of calm? As you think on that, let me help. If your anchor is not in the sure foundation of Jesus Christ, life will push you around like a rolling tumbleweed. The Lord wants us to be well anchored so we can not only persevere in the storms of life, but we can reach out and grab those rolling tumbleweeds and rescue them from an aimless existence. As I watch that blade of switch grass in the gentle breeze, my eye moves from the root to the stalk. It moves ever so gently to and fro. What a calm it brings to life. Waving ever so beautifully to remind me of God’s certain assurance. In today’s world of busyness, that stalk is a calming brush in the breeze. I’m reminded of what I often say on a windy day as the trees move in rhythmic formation. “God is walking in the treetops.” The old, old hymn, “This is My Father’s World” shares my feeling. “This is my Father’s world, and to my listening ears all nature sings, and round me rings the music of the spheres.” As you begin a new year, look for God wherever you are. You just might be surprised by what you see. God bless you all, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 24, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Ho! Ho! Ho! I’ll soon be on my way with my sleigh full of presents for all. Don’t tell the DOT, but the sleigh just might exceed the weight limit. Speaking of weight, I’ve packed on a few more pounds this year myself! Because of that, and the weight of the sleigh, I’ve had to bench Blitzen, a skinny boy to be sure, for another with more muscle. His name is Hefty. So now it’s not eight, but seven tiny reindeer—and HEFTY! But there’s a problem with seven tinys and one Hefty. We keep going in circles. Don’t you worry though, I’ll get it figured out. So here’s a new problem I came across near your home, windmills…with flashing red lights. I need to tell you, not too long ago, Rudolph wandered from the team. It used to be, he was the only flashing red light on the horizon. Now there are a thousand. I’m thinking that I need to change his nose color from flashing red to maybe flashing green. At least I’ll be able to find him in a sea of red flashing lights! Not only that, one year the sleigh got caught up in one of the windmills. Round and round we went. By the time we got untangled, we were so dizzy we ended up in Brazil. Now that really put me behind schedule! Whether we are in Norway, Brazil, or the United States, there is one thing that never changes about Christmas. That is Jesus! Every single year, the reindeer and I make a stop at Manger Square in Bethlehem. There I always bow before the newborn King. I really don’t know how those wise men with their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh got to the manger before me. God didn’t send me a memo that Jesus would be born on that starry night. I do remember a star in the east moving through the sky and I regret that I did not follow it. But now the whole story of Christmas is written for you, without me anywhere to be found. I think it’s a better story, in fact, the best story ever told, without Santa involved. However, like you, I can imagine kneeling at the manger in front of the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes. I bow before the King and as I look around the reindeer are bowing down low too. And even though it is difficult for him to get down and then up again….Hefty is bowing low too. Love ya, Santa Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 17, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Oh, the smell of it. Something hard to describe other than a mixture of cow-poo and fresh cut hay, as I climb the ladder up into the haymow. If you are a city slicker, a haymow is the storage area in the upper part of a barn where hay is stacked and stored. My job was to climb up into the haymow and throw down the chute, a few bales of hay for the cows to eat as Dad milked them. A haymow, with all its crevices, is better than any bouncy house. Roll down the bales stacked in stair step fashion and never get a bruise. Swing on the rope from one mountain top to the next. Look for hidden treasures in the quiet. Do I hear the meows of little kittens? Found you! But tomorrow you will be gone. Somehow momma cat knows they’ve been discovered and moves them to a new hiding place. Tomorrow the hunt will begin anew. Yes, the haymow brings back precious memories! Don’t forget about the pigeons roosting in the rafters. If you’re quiet, you can catch one. The white ones were the prize. Jesus was born in a cattle stall because there was no room in the Inn. The animals that bowed low before Him who lay in the manger, kept Him warm. Such a humble start to life for a King. But you know what? As a boy, Jesus would have had just as much fun in the haymow as I—jumping, falling, rolling, laughing. Yes, I am certain of it, Jesus laughed and loved life, just like you and me. I wonder, if He were playing with me in the haymow, if I would have needed that rope to swing from here to over there? Jesus could have just floated me over the deep divide. Never forget, Jesus was a Baby, a Boy, and then a Man. He felt all the emotions we feel—fun, laughter, sorrow, tears, joy, and pain. Oh, the pain on the cross for all of us. Come, Lord Jesus—walk with me now. Even if You are silent, I know you are with me every step of the way! Call upon the name of the Lord! Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 10, 2023 Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius There’s a song, “Where Have all the Toys Gone?” Well, if there isn’t such a song with those lyrics, there should be. Tonka, the manly word that made little boys dream of being a man’s man. Slot race car sets that, with its speed, makes a little boy a race car driver when he sneaks into the garage, opens the car door, and slides in behind the wheel. Zoom! Zoom! The checkered flag is just ahead! How about the Magic 8 Ball? Ask a question, turn it over, and an answer floats up into view. Then the prize of all—a BB gun. No more pretending to be a cowboy in the wild, wild west. Now I are one! 😊 So now, I walk through the toy department at the store thinking, “Surely there’s a cool toy for my grandsons.” Secretly, I’m hoping to find a toy I can enjoy with them, maybe “Rock-em-Sock-em.” But alas, only computer games that require no imagination and only exercise your thumbs. If evolutionists are correct (they are not) maybe man will evolve into beings with big heads and big thumbs. Of course, I’m writing from a man’s perspective. For little girls, it’s all about Barbie and doll houses. For me, Barbie was good for standing on the train track and my American Flyer sent her flying. 😊 Don’t get the wrong idea. I didn’t have a Barbie. It was my sisters’. 😊 😊 1st Corinthians 13:11 tells all of us, “When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood away.” With that being said, don’t focus on a toy-filled Christmas. Spend your Christmas with Jesus and receive the best gift of all—eternal life! Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved December 3, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius So far, November 7, 2023, just might have been the worst day of my life. Armona, the love of my life, just had a medical procedure and the diagnosis came back with the word none of us ever want to hear, cancer. As she read the report, tears began to well up in her eyes. I knew it was bad news. She is such a strong woman of faith, she looked at me and said, “Everybody has something to take them home to heaven.” Meanwhile, my brain is screaming, “Not this God! Not this!” Of course, fear makes us all jump to premature conclusions. But still, Jesus will carry her through whatever lies ahead. Now we plan, step one, step two, no matter the number, we’ll walk this journey together. Maybe we both would rather be on another path, but this is the path God has her, us, and our family on. Suddenly, all of my long-range plans are of no worry or concern. All attention is now on the road, the treatment just ahead. All the money in the world couldn’t change what is. Believe me, I’d give it all to rescue her. Today, I feel helpless and yes, even scared. How much I’d rather have this diagnosis than Armona. I really don’t know what to do. But I will do what I can do and the main thing---is pray! Oh God, hear my plea! You created Armona in your image. She is beautiful, strong, vibrant, loving, courageous, understanding, wise, talented beyond measure, the best mother and grandma anyone would want, funny, caring, the kind of woman about which Proverbs 31 speaks, a woman of noble character. She is worth more than rubies or gold. To me, You have given her. How can I thank you, God? Oh God, hear my plea! Bless her with a long and healthy life. Remove from within her the scourge that has beset her. In Psalm 103:2-3, You Lord, say, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not His benefits—Who forgives your sins and heals all your diseases.” So God, I knock on the door and ask that Armona’s faith heal her disease. I’ll keep knocking Lord, night and day, day and night. You tell me, “You do not have because you ask not of God.” So God, I’m asking….. Though I ask, I come with palms up God, surrendering, bowing to the will of the Father….AMEN Asking of God and praying…. Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 26, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius One of my many uncles recently passed away. As he and my aunt lived north of Minneapolis, I really didn’t have much contact with him. I know he was a good and God-fearing man. How do I know this? When I was about eight years old, my cousin, Melvin Stecker died. He was only three or four years old. Back then, it was the custom to view the deceased in the home, not the funeral home. So it was that the funeral home brought Melvin’s body to his house in a little casket. Of course, the entire family gathered in his old farm home. I knew that Melvin had been ill with some kind of liver disease, but to experience now, at age eight, his death was indeed something new. But the uncle about which I wrote earlier, took all of us little cousins upstairs in that old farmhouse. The only source of heat was rising up through a floor register. It was the prime spot to listen to whatever our uncle was about to say. He proceeded to tell us all about Jesus and that little Melvin was now with Him in heaven. He went on to ask if we cousins knew Jesus or wanted to know Him. My little arm popped up because I thought that’s what I was supposed to do, say “YES” to Jesus. I don’t remember much after that, but I do recall that our uncle prayed for all of us cousins. Later that evening, Mom and Dad told me that all the cousins were going to be pall bearers for little Melvin. It was indeed an honor. I thank God for family and even for my uncle’s bold question to all my cousins. God bless his memory. Just reminiscing, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 19, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius Two little boys met on the playground one day. From that day forward, they were best friends. Everyday they were together at school, on the playground, even after school. Always for one purpose, to have fun. That’s what little boys do, have fun. As they grew, they migrated from the playground to the baseball and football fields. Older now, but still together and having fun. Seemingly inseparable, except for Sunday morning. One boy’s parents routinely took him to Sunday School and church. There he learned about Jesus and salvation for his soul. The other boy’s parents slept in on Sunday mornings, saying they had no time for church. As the boys grew, because of their parents, one boy knew Jesus and the other did not. Oh, the unbelieving boy had plenty of opportunities to come to Jesus but rejected what he had heard. Still, one with belief and the other with unbelief, they were best friends. High School graduation neared, and the boys decided to take a road trip in the car, not far, just down the road a piece. Laughing, singing to the radio, having fun was the order for the day. That’s what teenage boys do, have fun…then, without warning, out of nowhere, a semi-tractor veered onto their side of the road. Later that day, the county sheriff knocked on the door of each boy’s home to share the terrible news. Meanwhile, the souls of these two inseparable, best friends stood before the Lord for judgement. One boy with a smile and anticipation on his face, the other boy stood with fear and trembling. In an instant, once always together, they are now separated. One boy invited to enter through the Pearly Gates, the other cast away into the abyss. As the boy falling away saw his best friend entering into heaven, he hollered at him. “We were best friends and you never told me about Jesus! We shared everything, and about this day, about Jesus, you were silent!” Now at a great distance the last words from his condemned friend, the friend now entering heaven heard were those haunting words. “Why didn’t you tell me?” How is it with your friends? Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved November 12, 2023
Reflections from the Heart of Allan Redenius So, I’ve been thinking. That statement right there should put a smile on your face. One of my friends says of me, “He’s not quite right.” 😊 I think he says that because sometimes my thinking isn’t quite normal. Give me a McDonald’s golden arches and I can make up a tall tale about a big bunny with big ears. Seriously, I’ve been thinking about wishing I had a gift I do not, the ability to sing. Here’s a recap of my musical personal encounters. I never did master the third grade recorder and Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. As a freshman in high school, I tried out for choir. The music teacher said this to me. “You know, Allan….” Right away, I knew those words were a bad sign. “…the choir is like a chain. It is only as strong as its weakest link.” My aspiration to be the next rock-n’-roll star was dashed to the ground that day. Oh well, so goes life. Some things you are good at and at other things—not so much. But this I can tell you. I know more music in my brain than most people. I just can’t replicate it with my voice. Why do I wish I could sing? To praise my Jesus! Just so you know, though I sing the fifth part, monotone, I still lift my voice in praise to my Lord. (I make certain, however, that our sound guy has me muted! 😊) But why was I thinking, “I wish I could sing?” If I could sing like an angel, I could intersperse music in my preaching to make a point of emphasis. But I’m not an angel (how well I know that) so I won’t be singing during my preaching. Meanwhile, there is a land beyond the stars calling me home. When I’m there, then I will be able to sing! For now….I’ll sing in my head, “How Great Thou Art!” Love in Christ, Pastor Allan ©2023 Allan Redenius, All Rights Reserved |