Labor in the Lord
The work we do as Christians in this world is never in vain. For many people in our nation, Labor Day signals the start of school and an end to lounging around during...
Promises of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit brings others to believe in Jesus through the gospel we proclaim. Righteousness for humankind was secured by Jesus’ perfect life. The price for...
God’s gift to the world
We can have peace in our hearts as we view Jesus through eyes of faith. If you have been promised a gift, you can’t wait to get it. You check the mail each day,...
A change of heart
Every day in a believer’s life is to be a reformation—a day for repentance. I did a search on the word reform in the Bible. I was surprised that four of only...
At God’s right hand
What Jesus’ ascension means to me. Jesus lived on this earth for about 33 years, keeping God’s law perfectly. As our Savior, he paid the full price for the sins...
Step in the gap
It is an act of love when adults serve as role models for young people, especially for those who have lost a parent. February is the month that contains one of the...
Always say a prayer
A catchy church sign reminds us of the importance of prayer. Outdoor church signs can be very entertaining. Some churches have signs to share thoughts, themes, or...
Resolved in Christ
United with Christ, we work to address conflict so we can be of one mind with one another. There will always be some tension with someone about something. I am not...
Traveling through temptations
God’s Precious Scriptures lead us through the potholes of this life. Temptation is a word that gives off bad vibes as soon as we hear it. We see temptation...
Set free
Our life is worth living, not because we were born free but because God made us free through faith in Jesus. Do you remember the movie Born Free? It is based on...
You’ve got a friend
Our friend Jesus will always answer when we call. This month, young people across the nation will graduate. They may be moving beyond the comfortable surroundings...
A quiet place
When life is filled with noises everywhere, we need to find peace in our quiet place. I am sure you can relate to the inner and external pressures of the world around...
A daily walk with our Shepherd
Parents enjoy tucking their children into bed when they are little. Children love to be tucked in—most of the time. A bedtime routine comes with the tucking in....
A hymn for all ages
It is not too often that a third-grade boy is impressed by a hymn as long and deep as “Behold a Host, Arrayed in White” (Christian Worship 550). My Lutheran...
Amen, Amen
Some psalms, hymns, or spiritual songs make a lasting impression on you at a certain time in your life. Different events or situations in life can leave you hanging...
One person at a time
When all the social and relationship issues of our nation came to a head in the summer of 2020, citizens in our nation and members of our synod had mixed emotions...
Wedded widows and widowers
After God created Eve, he presented her to Adam. “The man said, ‘This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called “woman,” for she...
Friends are friends forever
This article’s title comes from a Michael W. Smith song from the late 1980s. The lyrics say, “Friends are friends forever if the Lord’s the lord of them.”...
Parenting parents
Families celebrate graduations throughout the nation this month. Young men and women are moving to another level of education or vocation. As parents, we can get...
The Father to the fatherless
Snowden G. Sims Being fatherless is a reality in our world today. Serving in a midwestern urban setting, I encounter single mothers with children who may not see...