True friends and prayer

Verse for the week: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!”  Psalm 37.7

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Colossians 4..2-18 (As has always been the reality for Christian congregations, the congregation in Colossae was threatened by false teachers who crept in. Paul wrote to the congregation around 54-58 AD. In chapter 3, he described in down-to-earth terms what your new life as one baptized into Christ looks like. Now he closes his letter with an encouragement to be steadfast in prayer and with final greetings from and for particular believers within the body of Christ.)

 ² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— ⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

⁷ Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. ⁸ I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts, ⁹ and with him Onesimus, our faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you of everything that has taken place here.

¹⁰ Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, and Mark the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you have received instructions—if he comes to you, welcome him), ¹¹ and Jesus who is called Justus. These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. ¹³ For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house. ¹⁶ And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea. ¹⁷ And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.”

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you for the particular people in my life – parents, pastors, friends, teachers – who have been and are faithful witnesses to Christ for me. Each day rescue me and my congregation from the devil, the world, and our sinful selves and hide us in Christ… that we may be steadfast in prayer, that doors may be opened for your work, that we may love one another, walk in wisdom toward outsiders… and that our speech may always be gracious, seasoned by Christ; in his name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v-AzLnm1Tws&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“What does baptism mean for daily life?”

It means that my sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

As St. Paul writes in Romans 6: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Christ circumcises your heart

Verse for the week: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!”  Psalm 37.7

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Deuteronomy 10.12-21 (After the Exodus, the Lord instructs the remnant of his people how to live as his people. God’s choice of us results not merely in a circumcision made with hands, but his circumcision of our hearts.)

 ¹² “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, ¹³ and to keep the commandments and statutes of the Lord, which I am commanding you today for your good? ¹⁴ Behold, to the Lord your God belong heaven and the heaven of heavens, the earth with all that is in it. ¹⁵ Yet the Lord set his heart in love on your fathers and chose their offspring after them, you above all peoples, as you are this day. ¹⁶ Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, and be no longer stubborn. ¹⁷ For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. ¹⁸ He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. ¹⁹ Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. ²⁰ You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. ²¹ He is your praise. He is your God, who has done for you these great and terrifying things that your eyes have seen. ²² Your fathers went down to Egypt seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as numerous as the stars of heaven.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you for setting your heart in love on our fathers and choosing me in Christ. This is the only way you will have me all in, heart and soul, love and service. Day after day, keep cutting me right to the heart… that your commandments may be not my project list but simply the good works which you prepared beforehand to be may way of life. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBjM47zICos&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“What does baptism mean for daily life?”

It means that my sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

As St. Paul writes in Romans 6: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

You have died...

Verse for the week: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!”  Psalm 37.7

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Colossians 3 (Since shortly after the beginning of time, faith has always had to fight against its opposite: the pride of self. Here in Colossians 3, Paul declares the death of your pride and describes in ordinary, down-to-earth terms what your new life as one baptized into Christ looks like.)

¹ If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. ² Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. ³ For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

⁵ Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. ⁶ On account of these the wrath of God is coming. ⁷ In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. ⁸ But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. ⁹ Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. ¹¹ Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.

¹² Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. ¹⁴ And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. ¹⁷ And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

¹⁸ Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. ²² Bondservants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not by way of eye-service, as people-pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. ²⁵ For the wrongdoer will be paid back for the wrong he has done, and there is no partiality.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you for putting my will to death and raising me to new life in Christ. Daily hide me in him… keep drowning my old self and bringing forth from your promise the new me who fears, loves and trusts you above anyone else and treats my family and neighbors accordingly. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen. 

Hymn: follow this link to a raw rehearsal of a newer hymn by Jay Beech that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tk5ZkQ6muXA&ab_channel=MusicatMountCalvaryWarnerRobinsGeorgia

“What does baptism mean for daily life?”

It means that my sinful self, with all its evil deeds and desires, should be drowned through daily repentance; and that day after day a new self should arise to live with God in righteousness and purity forever.

As St. Paul writes in Romans 6: “We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Fret not yourself

Verse for the week: “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!”  Psalm 37.7

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 37.1-9 (An acrostic poem, with two verses for each letter of the Hebrew alphabet; here only verses 1-9 are shown. The poem gives voice to the tension between the prosperity of the wicked and the slander of the righteous.)

¹ Fret not yourself because of evildoers;
    be not envious of wrongdoers!
² For they will soon fade like the grass
    and wither like the green herb.

³ Trust in the Lord, and do good;
    dwell in the land and feed on faithfulness.
⁴ Delight yourself in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.

⁵ Commit your way to the Lord;
    trust in him, and he will act.
⁶ He will bring forth your righteousness as the light,
    and your justice as the noonday.

⁷ Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him;
    fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way,
    over the man who carries out evil devices!

⁸ Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath!
    Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.
⁹ For the evildoers shall be cut off,
    but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, you have begun your good work in us through Christ. Complete it in your time, not mine. While you work grant me not to fret myself over evildoers or envy. Teach me not to eat up myself, but to feed on your faithfulness… and to wait for you to act. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMf69QqS5r0&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“And lead us not into temptation…”

What does this mean?  God tempts no one to sin, but we ask in this prayer that God would watch over us and keep us so that the devil, the world, and our sinful self may not deceive us and draw us into false belief, despair, and other great and shameful sins.

And we pray that even though we are so tempted we may still win the final victory.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Your sin & death are no trouble for Jesus

Verse for the week: “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1.6

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Mark 5.35-43 (Human reason laughs mockingly at Christ and the resurrection of the dead. Yet it is not an idea, it is the real person Jesus Christ who raises this dead little girl.)

³⁵ While he was still speaking, there came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” ³⁶ But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” ³⁷ And he allowed no one to follow him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. ³⁸ They came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and Jesus saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. ³⁹ And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” ⁴⁰ And they laughed at him. But he put them all outside and took the child's father and mother and those who were with him and went in where the child was. ⁴¹ Taking her by the hand he said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” ⁴² And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement. ⁴³ And he strictly charged them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, our sin and death are no trouble for you, no cause for commotion. They are real as are you and the resurrection you alone bring. Enter right in upon our doubts and emotions and have your way with us; in Jesus’ name I ask it. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlGEQjucEfw&ab_channel=ImmanuelLutheranChurchColoradoSprings

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

  

The Tamper-proof Word

Verse for the week: “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1.6

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long; through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Deuteronomy 4.2-4 (After the Exodus, the Lord instructs the remnant of his people how to live as his people even while and precisely as they live among people who neither fear nor follow the Lord.)

² You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. ³ Your eyes have seen what the Lord did at Baal-peor, for the Lord your God destroyed from among you all the men who followed the Baal of Peor. ⁴ But you who held fast to the Lord your God are all alive today. 

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, your Word is indeed tamper-proof. From the pages of scripture He rises up, takes on frail flesh, breathes, gains voice and speaks for us from the cross… crucified and raised for our forgiveness, life and salvation. Thank you! Christ Jesus alone is sufficient for life. Grant me and all your people the trust in him that heeds your prohibition and obeys your will rather than our own; in Jesus’ name I ask this. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e8m1DUmCfI&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

God does the Hokey-Pokey

Verse for the week: “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1.6

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Colossians 2.6-15 Paul wrote this letter while he was imprisoned for his confession of Christ as Lord, probably between 54-58 AD. He wrote to a congregation that was threatened by misleading teachers who sought to soften & replace the scandal of the cross with plausible philosophical arguments and empty deceit.

⁶ Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elementary principles of the world, and not according to Christ. ⁹ For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, ¹⁰ and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. ¹¹ In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. ¹³ And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, ¹⁴ by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you: you put your whole self in for us in Christ crucified; in him we are emptied of our selves and filled by the faith you give. Thank you! Keep me and my congregation walking in Christ. Even as we engage, love, and care for our neighbors guard us against the world’s philosophy and empty deceit. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e8m1DUmCfI&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Like a tree...

Verse for the week: “for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.”  Psalm 1.6

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 1   

¹ Blessed is the man
    who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
    nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
² but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
    and on his law he meditates day and night.

³ He is like a tree
    planted by streams of water
that yields its fruit in its season,
    and its leaf does not wither.
In all that he does, he prospers.
⁴ The wicked are not so,
    but are like chaff that the wind drives away.

⁵ Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment,
    nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;
⁶ for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked will perish.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you: in my baptism you have planted me in the only stream that does not fail: Christ Jesus… the end and goal of the law. Thank you! Defend me against my will’s constant attempts to uproot me from him. Keep me rooted in Christ… his gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation constantly watering me and bringing forth the fruit you have already appointed. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QmBCXucfwTg&ab_channel=ChetValleyChurches

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son…”

What does this mean?  I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, Son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally. This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

Our Father by whose name...

 ...all fatherhood is known.

Verse for the week: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!”  Psalm 133.1

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 133  (This is a song of ascents, sung by families on their way up to Jerusalem to go to worship together. It is a prayer raised up to the Lord.)

¹ Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!
² It is like the precious oil on the head,
    running down on the beard,
on the beard of Aaron,
    running down on the collar of his robes!
³ It is like the dew of Hermon,
    which falls on the mountains of Zion!
For there the Lord has commanded the blessing,
    life forevermore.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and Almighty Father, thank you for the gift of our families... the incubators of our life and faith. Because of our sin and the devil’s constant lurking, the gift of our families can be overshadowed and become a burden. Trace your lost image on us again that we may bear that burden with your grace rather than our willfulness. Grant that your presence and grace, your will and word, would fall down upon our parched families like the fresh morning dew of the mountain. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MimsQtU-ccQ&ab_channel=AndrewRemillard

“Give us this day our daily bread…”

What does this mean?  God’s gives daily bread, even without our prayer, to all people, though sinful, but we ask in this prayer that he will help us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanks.

What is meant by “daily bread”?  Daily bread includes everything needed for this life, such as food and clothing, home and property, work and income, a devoted family, an orderly community, good government, favorable weather, peace and health, a good name, and true friends and neighbors. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Freedom from and for, Part 2

Verse for the week: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!”  Psalm 133.1

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Ephesians 2.8-10  (Written most likely around 60 AD, Paul spent more time with the Ephesian congregation than any with any other congregation he served. The depth of his relationship with them is beautifully apparent in his epistle. These three verses sum up the entire Bible.)

⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, ⁹ not a result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you that my salvation is a result of Christ’s work, not mine. Now Lord, please complete in me what you have already prepared beforehand; in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQ3cakDr-c&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“thy kingdom come…”

What does this mean?  God’s kingdom comes indeed without our prayer; but we ask in this petition that it come also to us.

When does this happen?  God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven forever. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

Freedom from and for...

Verse for the week: “Behold, how good and pleasant it is
    when brothers dwell in unity!”  Psalm 133.1

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Galatians 5.1-15  (Paul writes to the Galatian congregation around the year 52 AD. False teachers had crept into the congregation, seeking to reintroduce legalistic practices and teaching justification by works of the law rather than by faith.)

¹ For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

² Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. ³ I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. ⁴ You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. ⁵ For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. ⁶ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith working through love.

⁷ You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? ⁸ This persuasion is not from him who calls you. ⁹ A little leaven leavens the whole lump. ¹⁰ I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. ¹¹ But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. ¹² I wish those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

¹³ For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for establishing Christ alone as our righteousness. Protect us from all false teaching that severs us from him and leaves us bound to our own fleshy works. FROM the devil, the world, and my own sinful self and FOR my neighbors’ good, you have freed me, O Christ; hallow your name among us. In Jesus’ name I ask this, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otQ3cakDr-c&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“Hallowed be thy name…”

What does this mean?  God’s name is certainly holy in itself, but we ask in this prayer that we may keep it holy.

When does this happen?  God’s name is hallowed whenever his Word is taught in its truth and purity and we as children of God live in harmony with it. Help us to do this, heavenly Father!

But anyone who teaches or lives contrary to the Word of God dishonors God’s name among us. Keep us from doing this, heavenly Father.  (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

Freeing your heart from itself

Verse for the week: “O Lord, teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts; and I will contemplate your wondrous works.”  Psalm 119.26-27

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Psalm 119.25-32 

²⁵ My soul clings to the dust;
    give me life according to your word!
²⁶ When I told of my ways, you answered me;
    teach me your statutes!
²⁷ Make me understand the way of your precepts,
    and I will meditate on your wondrous works.
²⁸ My soul melts away for sorrow;
    strengthen me according to your word!
²⁹ Put false ways far from me
    and graciously teach me your law!
³⁰ I have chosen the way of faithfulness;
    I set your rules before me.
³¹ I cling to your testimonies, O Lord;
    let me not be put to shame!
³² I will run in the way of your commandments
    for you set my heart free!  

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, my soul melts for my own ways are fraught with dust and deception. You are my rescue. In Christ alone you set my heart free from myself that I may run in the way of your commandments by no effort of my own and for the good of my neighbor. Give me life according to your word, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njjoKWmS0NI&ab_channel=VCRugeleyWorship

“I believe in Jesus Christ, God’s only Son…”

What does this mean? 

I believe that Jesus Christ – true God, son of the Father from eternity, and true man, born of the Virgin Mary – is my Lord.

At great cost he has saved and redeemed me, a lost and condemned person. He has freed me from sin, death, and the power of the devil – not with silver or gold, but with his holy and precious blood and his innocent suffering and death.

All this he has done that I may be his own, live under him in his kingdom, and serve him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as he is risen from the dead and lives and rules eternally.

This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

the ministry of the law and the gospel, Part 2

 ...distinct yet inseparable for your own good.

Verse for the week: “O Lord, teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts; and I will contemplate your wondrous works.”  Psalm 119.26-27

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, even as it means the death of my will, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: II Corinthians 3.4-14  (In his previous letter to the Corinthians, Paul rebuked them severely for many sins, pouring sharp wine into their wounds to drive out the infection. Now in his second letter, he comforts them and pours the healing oil of the gospel into their wounds.)

⁴ Such is the confidence that we have through Christ toward God. ⁵ Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, ⁶ who has made us sufficient to be ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

⁷ Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone, came with such glory that the Israelites could not gaze at Moses' face because of its glory, which was being brought to an end, ⁸ will not the ministry of the Spirit have even more glory? ⁹ For if there was glory in the ministry of condemnation, the ministry of righteousness must far exceed it in glory. ¹⁰ Indeed, in this case, what once had glory has come to have no glory at all, because of the glory that surpasses it. ¹¹ For if what was being brought to an end came with glory, much more will what is permanent have glory.

¹² Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, ¹³ not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. ¹⁴ But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. 

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the holy, temporary ministry  of your law: it exposes me for the sinner I am and condemns my sin to the death of my pride. And thank you even more for the eternal ministry of Christ: your righteousness for us sinners. Thank you! … thank you for the forgiveness, new life, and salvation that are mine in Christ… in him alone the veil is removed and we behold the fullness of your grace and truth. So hallow your name among us, Lord; preserve the ministry of the law and the Gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrHo0UGK_0&ab_channel=St.Paul%27sEpiscopalChurch

“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”

What does this mean? 

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

The ministry of the law and the gospel, Part 1

 ...distinct yet inseparable for you own good. 

Verse for the week: “O Lord, teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts; and I will contemplate your wondrous works.”  Psalm 119.26-27

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: Exodus 34.29-35

 ²⁹ When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand as he came down from the mountain, Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone because he had been talking with God. ³⁰ Aaron and all the people of Israel saw Moses, and behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. ³¹ But Moses called to them, and Aaron and all the leaders of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. ³² Afterward all the people of Israel came near, and he commanded them all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. ³³ And when Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face.

³⁴ Whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with him, he would remove the veil, until he came out. And when he came out and told the people of Israel what he was commanded, ³⁵ the people of Israel would see the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses' face was shining. And Moses would put the veil over his face again, until he went in to speak with him.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, thank you for the holy, fearful work of your law: it exposes me for the sinner I am and condemns my sin to the death of my pride. And thank you for not stopping with Moses… thank you for the forgiveness, new life, and salvation that are mine in Christ… in him alone the veil is removed and we behold the fullness of your grace and truth. Hallow your name among us, Lord; preserve the ministry of the law and the Gospel. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lMrHo0UGK_0&ab_channel=St.Paul%27sEpiscopalChurch

“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”

What does this mean? 

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.

 

The Folly of What We Preach

Verse for the week: “O Lord, teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts; and I will contemplate your wondrous works.”  Psalm 119.26-27

Prayer for the week: Almighty God, make me to know your ways, lead me in your truth and teach me; for you are the God of my salvation, for you my soul waits all the day long;  through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Bible reading for the day: I Corinthians 1.18-25 (Against his will, Paul is called by God and set apart for the Gospel. He wrote this letter to the church in Corinth in 54 or 55 A.D., during his third missionary journey.)

 ¹⁸ For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹ For it is written,

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

²⁰ Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? ²¹ For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe. ²² For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, ²³ but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, ²⁴ but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. ²⁵ For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Prayer of the Day: Gracious and almighty Father, where are your power and your wisdom? Nailed to the cross, Christ crucified for the salvation of sinners like me. Thank you! Since it pleases you to save us not through our own wisdom nor our religious works or signs, please keep sending preachers of Christ crucified that we may be saved from ourselves and freed for each other in his name. Amen.

Hymn: follow this link to a beloved classic that gives further voice to today’s conversation with the Lord: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgcaigsoNug&ab_channel=MartijndeGroot

“I believe in the Holy Spirit…”

What does this mean? 

I believe that I cannot by my own understanding or effort believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me through the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, and sanctified and kept me in true faith.

In the same way he calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it united with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.

In this Christian church day after day he fully forgives my sins and the sins of all believers. On the last day he will raise me and all the dead and give me and all believers in Christ eternal life.

This is most certainly true. (from The Small Catechism, by Martin Luther)

Benediction: For the Lord takes pleasure in his people;
    he adorns the humble with salvation.   Psalm 149.4

 

*This is now our congregation’s 99^th year in the Word. In 2025, we are reading from Genesis to Revelation, with a few interludes along the way.