Category: Church

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”  Isaiah 43:19

Some people hold the belief that new is always better. The newest phones are the best; the newest cars are the safest; and the newest version of computer software is the most secure. On the other hand, many people contend, “They just don’t make things like they used to.”

God promised the Israelites that something new was coming. Not just a new version of something, but something so miraculous, great, and marvelous that it would completely eclipse the old.

Saint Paul says that Old Testament events and practices are a shadow of the things to come (Colossians 2:17b). They find their full meaning and completion in something greater — in Someone greater. And that “Someone” is Jesus!  The miracle of Jesus’ resurrection is so great, so marvelous, so miraculous, that nothing can compare to it. Nothing but Christ’s death and resurrection can save us from our sins. Nothing else can give us forgiveness of sins and the assurance of eternal life.

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… in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.   Philippians 4:6

The four-year-old was literally bouncing with excitement. He could barely contain himself. His mother handed him the first birthday present with the reminder, “Can you say thank you to Grandma for the gift?”

“Not yet,” the little boy innocently responded, “I don’t know what it is!”

Isn’t that just like a kid? The grandmother, who knows him well, chose something just perfect for him. He should have trusted her and thanked her before opening the gift. But wait a minute! Haven’t we responded to our Heavenly Father in the same way?

The apostle Paul tells us to take every request to God by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving (Philippians 4:6a). We can trust His loving response. Our generous Father, who sacrificed Jesus to make us His own again, most assuredly knows what we need. We need not wait to see what we get before we express our gratitude. It will be the perfect gift from the Perfect Giver.

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Gracious Lord and Savior, you remind us this Sunday to celebrate those who have reached their home with you in heaven.  Give of life, you offer the forgiveness of sins from pulpit, altar and font through leaders you have chosen and called.  You enlighten the minds of children who learn your ways from faithful teachers.  You create the spark of faith through the gospel and reward our witness to the lost.  You inspire the young toward a life of full-time service.  You instill in us the generosity to give our best so that many more may be added to the dignity and destiny of eternity.  Pour out on us your creative power and enliven in us an eager joy to do your will, as we too triumph as your children, as those who believe and are saved. (more…)

Eternal Lord, in the emptiness of nothing you created a universe in perfect wisdom and power.  You formed a planet with light and darkness land and water, plants and animals, an all the seen and unseen forces that serve and sustain the human crown of your creation.  Lead us all, even in these days of doubt and denial, to acknowledge you as the Maker of heaven and earth.  Help us to appreciate the wonders around us and move us to be thankful.  Not with the power of the sword or the manipulation of the emotions but with the gentle whisper of the Gospel, you call, gather and enlighten the whole Christian Church on earth and keep it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith.  Remind us all that our faith cannot exist or endure or grow without Word and Sacraments. (more…)

… be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart …  Ephesians 5:18b-19

Scripture shows us a favorite form of praise is music. Psalms were sung in acknowledgment and thankfulness for God’s unending love.

As King David readied the materials and workmen needed for Solomon to build the Temple, he also organized musicians who would exalt God with lyres, harps, and cymbals. Almost 300 skilled singers were assembled. Now that is a church choir!

The Word of Christ dwells in us with songs, hymns, and spiritual songs. In worship we may gain spiritual strength by singing familiar hymns or popular contemporary Christian songs. Martin Luther truly understood the power of praise when he wrote, “The devil does not stay where music is.”

Not every hymn or praise song may be your style of music. Whether traditional hymns on a pipe organ or contemporary songs played by guitars and drums, God accepts all praise that declares His majesty, unconditional love, and salvation through Christ. And to that, we can all respond … “Amen and Amen.” (more…)