“[Judah’s] nobles send their servants for water; they come to the cisterns; they find no water; they return with their vessels empty; they are ashamed and confounded and cover their heads.” Jeremiah 14:3
“Give it all you’ve got!” We’ve heard this saying at a sporting event, during a work project, or when we were about to take a test. It encourages us to put forth our best effort. Jeremiah wrote about servants who went to look for water, did their best, and found nothing. Their jars were empty, and they were ashamed. What happens when our best isn’t good enough? What happens when we have nothing left to give or when we give it all and get nothing in return? It is in these times that it is extremely easy to get down and discouraged and eventually just give up all hope of succeeding.
When we are discouraged, worn down, and weary, Jesus comes to us with the promise that we don’t have to give anything. By His death and resurrection, He gives us forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope (Romans 15:13).
Ministerial Education – Father in heaven, today we ask your blessing upon all those who graduate this month from our ministerial education schools: Martin Luther College, Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Luther Preparatory School, and Michigan Lutheran Seminary. Bless these graduates as they enter a new phase of their lives as your witnesses, especially those receiving divine calls into the public ministry. May your wisdom and strength be with them in all that they do for the glory of your name. Amen.
- Be with Les & Goldie Kissel as they celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on Monday. Lord, continue to draw them into your unconditional love that they might, as Paul says to the Philippians, “shine like stars as they hold the Word of truth out to others.”
- We rejoice with Dave & Terry Schiessl that his catherization went well and that the doctors have discovered no further reasons for invasive surgery. Bless them with strength and good health in the days, months and years to come.
- We rejoice with Alayna Randolph on the birth of her daughter, Neveah and her new birth into the family of Jesus through the Sacrament of baptism this Sunday. Watch over mother and child as they learn each day to know and appreciate the loving eternal family into which we are adopted by baptism.
- Be with Tom & Linda Hering as Linda’s mom recently (and suddenly) went home to heaven. Bring that same comfort to Lee & Dorothy Bladow as Dorothy’s brother Bob also was taken into eternity. you have called her mother home to heaven this past week. Fill their hearts with hope as they remember how you destroyed death for all who believe in you as their Savior and your resurrection to life.
- We give you thanks for the birth of another daughter to Cameron & Kyla Rath, Hazel Grace. Bless her as she enters an active, believing family and show her your grace throughout her life as she will soon receive in the cleansing waters of baptism.
- We rejoice with Cheryl Suelflow at the birth of a healthy grand-daughter named Doddi. Be with Joshua (the father) and his family as they welcome this little one into their midst.
- We pray for Ray Fuerstenberg, who is back in the hospital. Grant clarity to the medical team as Ray undergoes further testing; and according to Your will, we ask that he may return home soon to recuperate and gain strength. Lord, surround Carol Berg with a special measure of your care and love as she struggles with health issues. Allow her to heal and gain strength as you keep her strong in her faith. We join Tim & Shirley Crosslen in prayer and concern for Tim, who has begun treatment for cancer again. Bless them as they pray and trust you.