“Gossiping is no big deal.”
READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (GOSSIP) Passages that will help you respond when people say… As I write these words, I am seated at my… Read More »“Gossiping is no big deal.”
Series
WS Hymn 717 “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-SIXTH IN A SERIES)
It was on the second day of creation that God made the expanse of the sky, and since then He has used it from time to time as something of a billboard for important announcements. Abraham, for example, was told to look up into the sky for confirmation of the promise God was giving him (Genesis 15:5). There were the Christmas angels who appeared in the sky, announcing the birth of Jesus to the shepherds. Now we come to Epiphany, where the sky again plays a role, hosting the famous “star in the east” which started the wise men off on their journey to find the King of the Jews.
The opening verse of the Danish-Lutheran pastor Nicolai Grundtvig’s (1783-1872) hymn, “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky” turns our attention skyward as well, Where the golden stars are shining, / All their rays to earth inclining (v. 1). Our thoughts fly heavenward as they beckon us.Read More »WS Hymn 717 “Bright and Glorious Is the Sky”
Skirting the Issue
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT
King Saul, along with three thousand men, was again on the hunt. Out of jealousy, the king was pursuing a most elusive prey: David, the king-elect. Time and time again the outlaw king had eluded Saul with superior tactics and speed. But now David and his men were cornered in a cave near the “Crag of the Wild Goats,” located on the mountainous slopes west of the Dead Sea (1 Samuel 24).
Into the very cave in which David was hiding, Saul entered to relieve himself. Consider David’s position and frame of mind. For months Saul had chased him like a dog, even though David had given Saul no cause for his jealous rage. David’s men were quick to encourage him to take advantage of this golden opportunity to strike a blow for freedom and justice.Read More »Skirting the Issue
Faith in an Almighty Deliverance
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is… Read More »Faith in an Almighty Deliverance
“What’s so bad about a couple living together outside of marriage?”
READY TO GIVE AN ANSWER (COHABITATION) Passages that will help you respond when people say… Unfortunately, this is no longer a common question. I say… Read More »“What’s so bad about a couple living together outside of marriage?”
Hymn 272 “When All the World was Cursed”
A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING (TWENTY-FIFTH IN A SERIES) God had not spoken to His people for 430 years. More than four centuries… Read More »Hymn 272 “When All the World was Cursed”
When God Comes with a Still Small Voice
GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Please read 1 Kings 19:1-18 for context.) Elijah was feeling tired and dejected. To him, all his devotion and hard… Read More »When God Comes with a Still Small Voice
The Calculation of Faith
STUDIES IN THE NEW TESTAMENT “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a… Read More »The Calculation of Faith
Who Won?
FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT What can a baby do? “Not much!” would seem to be the obvious answer. A newborn cannot walk or… Read More »Who Won?
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”