For the Lord’s glory – Part 1
The new WELS hymnal is moving into production. Michael D. Schultz Something has been going on in Israel. It was no small thing. A noble cause King David established a huge endowment fund…
New partners in Christ through Convention
Representatives from church bodies in Kenya and Taiwan traveled a long way to be at the synod convention in Minnesota this summer—and not just in miles. Their journeys were very…
Confessions of faith: Bush
The message of Jesus finally starts to grow after years of neglect. John A. Braun “My family was not religious. We rarely, if ever, attended church,” Richard Bush remembers. Sundays meant something other than going to church. Yet Richard’s…
Lutheran Leadership Conference coming in 2020
WELS Congregational Services will host the first WELS National Conference on Lutheran Leadership at the Sheraton Grand in Chicago, Ill., Jan. 21-23. WELS Congregational Services works under the Conference of Presidents to help congregations…
The Avengers and two lions
John A. Braun Captain America; Thor; Iron Man; and of course, Thanos. Along with a host of other comic book heroes, they have helped Marvel create one of the most successful and lucrative series of films. This…
Grace alone, faith alone, Scripture alone.
A friendly counselor shares what the message of the Reformation means to him and to those he serves in South Asia. As soon as they opened the door of my…
Walk by the Spirit: Part 6
God warns us about being drunk and encourages us to practice self-control. John A. Braun Some say the Bible is ancient, out of touch, and old-fashioned, but they have not read Paul’s two lists in Galatians. Read the section again (Galatians…
Teen Talk: Jesus is our home
No matter how we feel about our home on this earth, we have an eternal home in heaven waiting for us. Lydia Buxa When I was younger, my dad was…
Ambassadors: Help them see Jesus : Part 12
Providing a witnessing support system Mark J. Cares After a day of witnessing, we heard comments like these: “My favorite part of the week was the nightly debrief. Not only did we hear some…
God’s gifts, our giving: Part 2
With what shall I come before the Lord? Aaron L. Christie Regardless of one’s political persuasion—or lack thereof—it seems that the American economy is booming. Unemployment is at a lifetime low. The stock market has had…
A gospel-filled life: Part 9
Devotional development Jeffrey D. Enderle A slight sadness seeps into my psyche every autumn. For some reason, I can’t help looking ahead and grieving the loss of the magnificent scenery and pleasant…
Heart to heart: Parent conversations: How involved should parents be in a child’s homework?
I dread my daughter’s homework more than she does. From the time she was little, it’s always been a struggle. She seems to sail through school with a great attitude, but…
Light for our path: What does a submissive wife in a Christian marriage look like?
What does a submissive wife in a Christian marriage look like? James F. Pope While Scripture provides the definitive answer, I also will be passing along excerpts—in quotation marks—from wives who gave me real-world insights. These wives had ties to courses…
Personal reformation
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with…
Get busy living
Andrew Schroer In the 1997 movie The Shawshank Redemption, Tim Robbins played Andy Dufresne, a quiet banker wrongfully accused and convicted of killing his wife. After 20 years in Shawshank Prison, Dufresne had enough. In one of the most…
The Book of Revelation: Part 11
Comfort in the midst of conflict:Revelation 21 to 22:5 Timothy J. Westendorf Blessed with milk and honey. A sight that refreshes. Full of unknown joy. Radiant in glory. Bliss beyond compare. Jubilant with song.…
Here I stand
The Word gave Martin Luther the strength to take his stand, and it continues to strengthen us today. Joshua E. Stahmann “Here I stand. I cannot do otherwise. God help me. Amen.” My first memory…
Bringing Back Some Memories
Mark G. Schroeder Twelve years ago, I was first given the privilege of serving as your synod president. And now, after serving three terms, you have given me that privilege again. I thought it would be…