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November 2017

“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS NOvember 2017

TLH = The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941; WS = Worship Supplement 2000; LSB = Lutheran Service Book, 2006

Date Verse Reading Comments

Nov 1 TLH 463; Genesis 49:1-7 As Jacob speaks his last words to his sons, we know that some of his descendants will

LSB 678 fall away. Praise God for all who remain faithful and true.

Nov 2 TLH 339/LSB 348; Genesis 49:8-12 A King will be born from Judah’s line (Jesus) who will rightly rule over His people.

Nov 3 TLH 346 Genesis 49:13-21 Among the prophecies spoken to Issachar, Dan, Gad, Asher, and Naphtali, we find both blessings and burdens.

Nov 4 TLH 17 Genesis 49:22-28 Joseph had a heart faithful to the Lord and was the “prince among his brothers,” but His strength was really in His father’s God, who helped Him (v. 25).Read More »“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS NOvember 2017

Don’t Forget to Give Thanks

COVER STORY – THANKSGIVING

“Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” (Psalm 107:21-22)

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” 

This prayer, drawn from the Psalms, has been a favorite of many a Christian down through the years. As believers have called to mind the Lord’s generosity in providing so many good things to eat and drink, they have united their hearts with the psalmist’s in exclaiming: “Thank You, Lord!” At this time of year we’re especially mindful of the Lord’s mercy. How lavishly our Thanksgiving tables are spread with a veritable smorgasbord of delicacies from His gracious hand! “Turkey and all the fixings,” as they say.

As children of God we know that we have reason to thank our heavenly Father for His cornucopia of blessings not just on a single day towards the end of November, but each day of our lives. In the verse quoted above from Psalm 107 we’re encouraged to do just that. Four times the psalmist’s call rings out: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!” (verses 8,15,21,31) We might wonder why he made a point of repeating this thought. He did so undoubtedly for emphasis, because he knew God’s children need this reminder again and again. Aren’t we inclined to take God’s blessings for granted? Isn’t the temptation strong (especially for those living in an affluent culture) to forget that “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights” (James 1:17) and to begin thinking that the material benefits we enjoy are the product of our own doings and labor? (see Deuteronomy 8:11-17) The result of such misguided thinking is that we may neglect to lift our hearts in praise to the One from whom our blessings flow.Read More »Don’t Forget to Give Thanks

Semper Paratus

DEVOTION – SECOND COMING

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.”  

(Hebrews 10:23-25)

Semper paratus is the motto of the fifth branch of our military, the U.S. Coast Guard. It’s a Latin phrase that means “always ready.” Through extensive training in meteorology, naval safety, communications and rescue operations, members of the Coast Guard keep themselves prepared for adverse conditions on the sea. They must always be ready to handle their own ship in dangerous situations, to assist disabled vessels in a storm, to intercept and arrest drug smugglers, and to repel enemies from our coastlands.Read More »Semper Paratus

TLH 36; LSB 895 “Now Thank We All Our God”

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-FOURTH IN A SERIES)

When do Christians give thanks?

Initial answers would likely include mealtimes, happy times and moments of success. It’s relatively easy to express appreciation to God when something pleasant is at hand or in hand. But what about those times when things seem to get out of hand, when a serious hardship lingers, when uncommon difficulties become common? Could such times ever be filled with thanksgiving?

The inspired apostle left no room for doubt. In his first letter to the Thessalonians he directed the people of God to give thanks “in everything.” (I Thessalonians 5:18) Since all things are under the direct control of a Lord Who loves us and wants only the best for us, it is fitting to thank Him not only during times of peace and pleasure, but also during turmoil and trouble. We are assured that the Lord “is righteous in all His ways.” (Psalm 145:17) He always has reasons for doing what He does and for allowing what He allows. Christians throughout the ages, therefore, have been led by the Spirit to express gratitude also during uncommonly difficult times—Christians such as Martin Rinckart (1586-1649).Read More »TLH 36; LSB 895 “Now Thank We All Our God”