Category: Church

… an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you …” Matthew 2:13b

“How long, Lord?” “How long will it be until I find a job?” “How long will I suffer this pain?” “How long can these problems last?” In times of stress and anxiety, we yearn to know how long. In a dream, an angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. The family fled their home in the dead of night to avoid Herod’s soldiers and their murderous mission. How long would the family need to stay in Egypt? How long until they felt at home in a strange community? How long would Herod’s insanity last? They didn’t know. As they had done before, Joseph and Mary put the Word of God above their doubts and questions.

God’s unfailing guidance is open to us through His Word, the Bible. In the Bible, we will hear what is truly important: not questions like “how long?” but promises like … the Lord is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3a); I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b); and Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4a).

Martin Luther College mid-year graduation – Lord Jesus, as Martin Luther College produces another class of mid-year graduates, lead us to see them as precious gifts from you to your church. According to your will, give these workers, who have said, “Here am I send me,” places to serve somewhere in your vineyard. Give them wisdom and eagerness to teach lambs and sheep about you, the Good Shepherd. If your will is that some of them must wait for a call or assignment, give them patience and encouragement that you do all things well for the benefit of your church, which you have purchased with your holy precious blood. Amen.

(more…)

… an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you …” Matthew 2:13b

“How long, Lord?” “How long will it be until I find a job?” “How long will I suffer this pain?” “How long can these problems last?” In times of stress and anxiety, we yearn to know how long. In a dream, an angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. The family fled their home in the dead of night to avoid Herod’s soldiers and their murderous mission. How long would the family need to stay in Egypt? How long until they felt at home in a strange community? How long would Herod’s insanity last? They didn’t know. As they had done before, Joseph and Mary put the Word of God above their doubts and questions.

God’s unfailing guidance is open to us through His Word, the Bible. In the Bible, we will hear what is truly important: not questions like “how long?” but promises like … the Lord is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3a); I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b); and Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4a).

Bluffton, S.C. mission – O Holy Spirit, thank you for the many resources that you have provided in recent years to fund new missions in North America. Continue to encourage Pastor Eric Janke as he works with Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Pooler, Ga., to reach out in nearby Bluffton, S.C. Give our brothers and sisters wisdom in their planning and optimism as they share their faith. Open hearts to welcome the gospel message that Jesus is the risen Savior who has conquered the enemies of sin, death, and hell. Amen. (more…)