Category: Church

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14

Television programming is filled with commercials advertising products that supposedly will help us live a more fulfilled life. The problem is — they never do! Many of us jump from one product to another, thirsting for happiness, never finding it. We are left thirsting for more. The Samaritan woman spoke of earthly water from the man-made well. The living water Jesus promised was entirely different! In Holy Baptism the water and God’s Word bring new life, satisfying our spiritual thirst. By God’s grace through the work of the Holy Spirit, we become His children, forsaking the desires of the world and living instead for Him. … you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God (1 Corinthians 6:11b).

Bethlehem, Richland Center, Wis. – Lord Jesus, we praise you for your victory over sin and death that we are privileged to proclaim through our actions and words. Thank you for blessing the home mission efforts of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Richland Center, Wis., so that they were able to connect with their neighbors through several years of events leading to a successful opening service. Guide them as they continue to show care to their community, teach your gospel, and plan for building a church in Richland Center. Amen.

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And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25a

It’s sometimes hard to go out in public with a little one. Church services with quiet times for confession, reflection, and prayer can be especially difficult. It is usually during those times at church when “little miss” decides to add her thoughts on the matter. The author of Hebrews implores us not to give up meeting together even when it might seem like the “easy” thing to do when our children are little. Instead of staying away, God wants us to hear His Word, partake of the sacraments, and have fellowship with other Christians. In addition, participating in worship and Christian education will also provide a firm foundation for our babies. We should not neglect meeting with other Christians. We need the encouragement Christian fellowship provides; and our love and faithfulness may be just the encouragement another father / mother needs.

Multi-Language Publications – Heavenly Father, be with our brothers and sisters in Africa as they work with WELS Multi-Language Publications to develop ministry materials in the many different languages used by the people around them. Guard the process against challenges including tight budgets, illnesses, and armed conflict. May the work on these publications progress quickly for the purpose of bringing more of your people into your kingdom. Amen. (more…)