So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36
When Americans are asked to state the freedoms allowed through their government, they may think of the freedoms of speech and religion guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. As Christians we know that real freedom comes with a price – the price paid in full for each one of us through the cross of Jesus Christ. Our Christian freedom from sin, guilt and the Law’s accusation could not be paid for by our actions, but were fully and completely paid for by Christ’s death and resurrection.
Our freedom as Christians does not give us license to live without regard to others.
You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
True Christian freedom responds to God’s love by reaching out in love and service to others.
- We delight to celebrate along with Dave & Terry Schiessl as they observe 55 years of marriage. Your love to them has continued to hold them through the challenges of life, and they know your grace and peace and joy in their oneness. Be their guide and strength in the years to come.
- Lord, we seek a special measure of your love and care for Tim & Shirley Crosslen, as his father John was called into eternity. We also include Gary & Sue Haydock as Sue’s mother Geraldine Anderson was called home to heaven. Direct them to your promises of eternal life and reassure them through the Savior’s resurrection.
- We rejoice with Gary & Cheryl Suckow, celebrating their 48th Wedding Anniversary. Truly this demonstrates a life of commitment to you and to each other. Creator, Savior and Sanctifier, bless them with your presence and your power that they might continue to share in your love.
- Lord, we join George & Deanna Edwards in thanksgiving as they celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary. You have secured them in your grace and blessed them with faithful, active children. We now entreat you to be with them, enhancing their love for each other.
- We ask for your blessing on our many new members, received publicly this Sunday.
- Thank you for the baptism of Wyatt Greggory Schipley. Through this gift of water and the word, you have received him into your family of faith. Guard him through life into eternal life.
- After he was rapidly transported to the hospital with breathing issues due to Congestive Heart Failure, we pray for Dave Spietz’s father, Gerhardt. May he be secure in your loving arms, dear Father in heaven.
- Lord, we give you thanks for your wisdom and guidance in providing us with a middle grades teacher for this coming school year, Mrs. Emily Rodrigue (Rŏd’ rĭg). Her husband, Kenneth, is currently vicaring at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Princeton, WI. We are excited to welcome Mrs. Rodrigue later this summer and pray that you would be with them as they finish up his vicar year and soon transition to our ministry.
- Continued prayers for Tom Ade (now home from rehab); Sharon Kirsch (awaiting word on surgery); Zac Lippert; Rebekah Sueflow (continuing to make progress);.
- We pray for a safe move for Ben & Katie Raddatz, arriving in Albuquerque.
Missions – Lord, we praise you for the salvation you have brought to all people through Jesus our Savior. We thank you for the privilege of being a part of sharing this good news with all nations. Bless our missionaries as they work across the world in a variety of cultures, and inspire us to do all we can to support them. Amen.