January 18, 2026
I ain’t gonna lie, my emotions are running a bit high as I my fingers bang-away at today’s blog…. All afternoon, my spirit felt disturbed, miffed, confused, and upset, all while yet also thankful for what is and will come one day. Let me explain.
My Sunday started out wonderfully, leading worshipping with my congregation—my happy place as you know. Worship was a bit sparse this morning, understandable considering the weather we’re having. Still, it was a lovely service as always.
After church and a time of fellowship, my wife and I hopped in the car and drove to New Ulm to grab a bite, and later some groceries at Waly-mart. First stop: our favorite New Ulm eatery.
The restaurant was strangely sparse and eerily quiet. The staff we’re accustomed to seeing, nowhere around. In their place were new faces, and a late 30-something, curly-haired ginger playing butler at the entrance, holding the door for patrons both coming and going. It’s not unusual for people to hold the door for one another, but this was strange.
This young woman had ‘posted’ herself at the door, as though she was acting like a guard. That’s when my wife noticed the sign on the door. “ICE NOT WELCOME.” (The sign curtesy of MONARCA, a MN “rapid response” group that shows-up to disrupt ICE.) That didn’t sit well with me, kinda like how my stomach feels after eating Burger King or Taco Bell. Do you know that ucky feeling too?
Anyway, when on our way out, I asked her why she was there, holding the door and plying maître d’. She replied, “Everyone needs a hobby. I’m just trying to be nice.” Apparently, she didn’t notice the clergy collar around my neck. (PRO TIP: If you’re gonna lie to a pastor, at least come up with something believable or totally out of this world.)
Honestly, I didn’t know how to feel about her presence and lies. She could’ve been honest about her intentions and actions; but she wasn’t. Now truly, I have ZERO beef with the restaurant and their staff, (including those who may not have legal status). But I had to wonder: was this woman’s presence possibly hurting the restaurant, instead of protecting them like she planned? Like this young gal, I am concerned about the employees; but not as she was. What if her presence caused unintended consequences?
So anyway, an hour later we made our home through white-out conditions. That wasn’t a fun drive, but THANK THE LORD, we made it home safe. Along the slow drive, my wife read a “breaking news” post out of the Twin Cities. A worship service at ‘Cities Church’ in St. Paul was interrupted his morning by rabid protesters, led by none other than CNN’s former anchor, Don Lemon.
The protesters just barged in and intentionally caused a ruckus. God’s people gathered to praise, worship and be in His presence; yet the enemy of the Lord pushed through the doors to dampen the praise with disruption and discouragement. All I could think was, “The ungodly just assaulted a God-centered worship service.” My spirit wanted to rage. How dare they, I thought. What are they trying to accomplish?
Throughout the afternoon, my mind kept recalling Paul’s instructions to the Ephesians to put on the full armor of God. He wrote,
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand”
Despite the confusing times we’re in, and the cooling of love within our nation, I remain hopeful and thankful to the Lord. And this is why: in the end, God’s light, love and presence wins!
The days we’re in are not oblivious to the Lord. Nations and Christ’s church have gone through turbulent times before, and they may continue and worsen. But through it all, and with us all, the Lord’s presence is with his people. “Remember (Jesus said), I am with you always, to the end of the age.”