Joy is much sought after in all times and in all places. For this reason, in our day, countless books and many self-help seminars offer the secret to finding and experiencing joy. Unfortunately, they all fall short of offering a joy that is a forever joy and a fierce-able-to-endure-anything joy.
Everlasting and Enduring Joy Read More »
The problem with pain has often been expressed with a twofold question: [1] If God is so loving, why does He allow it? [2] If God is so powerful, why doesn’t He stop it? Our Gospel Reading tells us that Lazarus’ two sisters sent this message to Jesus, “Lord, the one You love is sick.” So, Jesus loves Lazarus, yet, He is deathly ill. And, Jesus’ power, as we learn later in John, chapter 11, is power over the final and fiercest foe, namely death. So, the two questions that the problem with pain poses are dealt with. What, then, is the point of pain?
We Glory in Our Sufferings Read More »
Let us pray. Heavenly Father, during His earthly ministry Your Son Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead. By the healing medicine of the Word and Sacraments pour into our hearts such love toward You that we may live eternally; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen
Almighty God, by Your great goodness mercifully look upon Your people that we may be governed and preserved evermore in body and soul; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Almighty God, Your Son willingly endured the agony and shame of the cross for our redemption. Grant us courage to take up our cross daily and follow Him wherever He leads; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Necessity and Mandate Read More »
Gracious God, our heavenly Father, Your mercy attends us all our days. Be our strength and support amid the wearisome changes of this world, and at life’s end grant us Your promised rest and the full joys of Your salvation; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia! While we celebrated Easter Sunday over a month ago, the Christian Church traditionally regards every Sunday as “mini-Easters.” That is because preaching the resurrection of Jesus Christ as we do on Easter is central to our faith. In the resurrection, we celebrate Christ’s victory over sin and death. Because of His resurrection, we confidently hold firm to our Baptism, knowing that we receive forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation paid for by the blood of Christ. Thanks be to God!
Suffering and Hope Read More »
Father in heaven, at the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River You proclaimed Him Your beloved Son and anointed Him with the Holy Spirit. Make all who are baptized in His name faithful in their calling as Your children and inheritors with Him of everlasting life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen!
To Fulfill All Righteousness Read More »
