You are forgiven
A woman distraught over her sins finds Jesus’ love and forgiveness at the cross. She sits across from me. Hunched over. Shoulders slumped. Hands covering her face. Sobs convulsing her.…
WELS podcasts: Little Things
Podcast: Little Things Hosts: Amber Albee Swenson, a Time of Grace writer and blogger Description: “Amber Albee Swenson will help you navigate through some of life’s challenges and struggles by…
Live in Easter joy
The hope and joy of Easter is for us as we live in this turbulent world of sorrow and pain. At some point, our lives will return to normal. That…
The old has gone, the new is here!
“[Christ] died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we…
My Christian life: Finding real Christmas joy while in the hospital
A hospital stay during Christmas helps a pastor focus on real Christmas joy. “Please, Lord, please let next Christmas be different.” On Dec. 12, 2020, I was admitted to the…
Don’t turn away
Journeying with Jesus to the cross is not a pretty sight. It’s uncomfortable. It’s necessary. It’s heartbreaking. It’s beautiful. As a school-aged girl, I attended a passion play with family…
Devotion: Joyful repentance
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their…
The book of James: When facing trials
DID YOU EVER hear anything so strange? “Consider it pure joy,” James said, “whenever you face trials of many kinds” (1:2). To some that sounds about as sensible as stepping…
A thought: Joy and peace today and everyday
It’s been a test for us all. It included self-quarantine and social distancing. All the while businesses were closed, and contacts with friends and family became digital. Churches stood empty…