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Lutheran Spokesman

“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS September 2019

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

Date Hymns Reading Comments
Sept 2 TLH 422 Numbers 13:16-33 Caleb shows us that we can trust the Lord over our own eyes.
Sept 3 TLH 426 Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 We do the work the Lord puts in front of us to do without always worrying how it will end up.
Sept 4 TLH 550; LSB 788 Philippians 1:3-11 Along with Paul, we give thanks for the fellow Christians God has put in our lives.
Sept 5 WS 763; LSB 512 Philippians 2:1-18 Christian humility shines like a light in a dark world, and Jesus, Who humbled Himself for us, helps us to remain humble.
Sept 6 TLH 437; LSB 884 Philippians 3:1-21 We are surrounded by so many spiritual dangers in this life that it is vital to keep pressing on toward our heavenly goal.
Sept 7 TLH 427 (LSB 728) Philippians 4:1-13 We can face anything through Christ Who strengthens us.Read More »“BREAD OF LIFE” READINGS September 2019

Gospel Reinforcement

COVER STORY – CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

The still, small voice of God.

The news today can seem exceedingly loud. Numerous sources fight to be the first to tell us about all the effects of sin in the world. Political turmoil and corruption throw countries into chaos. Mass tragedies happen so frequently that we can seldom fully sympathize with victims before another tragedy becomes the headline news. Amidst the chaotic “noise,” the world asks Christians, “Where is your God?” (Psalm 42:3)
God is not silenced
That constant noise and tragedy can lead even the strongest Christian to exasperation. It’s easy to feel alone in this evil world. But God is not silenced by the noise. “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword.” (Hebrews 4:12) God’s Word cuts through the noise to show us His love for all people.
We are not the first people to feel discouraged by the world around us. After God’s resounding victory in a contest with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel as recorded in 1 Kings 18, we read in 1 Kings 19 about a depressed Elijah, praying that he might die. He hid in a cave and told God, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts; for the children of Israel have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I alone am left; and they seek to take my life.” (1 Kings 19:10)Read More »Gospel Reinforcement

Back to School Joy

DEVOTION – BACK TO SCHOOL

What do you remember about the first day of school? It’s always exciting, isn’t it? New clothes, new school supplies, possibly a new classroom, a new seating arrangement. If you struggled with your math last year, there’s good news! The new school year brings a fresh start. Even those of you who dreaded school must admit that you felt that certain spark the very first day. Now compare that with what you remember about the one-hundredth day. The feelings just aren’t the same. It’s not long until the excitement wears off, new clothes and supplies become old, frustration with classes builds up, and children begin making excuses to stay home.
I wonder if the disciples shared similar feelings the week after Easter. After Jesus died, confusion and dismay filled the disciples’ hearts. Fear was also present, as we know they had locked themselves in a room, afraid of the Jews. But all those feelings evaporated in an instant when their Lord appeared to them behind locked doors and announced, “Peace be with you.” (John 20:19) What peace! What joy! Their teacher Who was dead was now alive! Their lives, which appeared to be ending, had been restored! They were given a fresh start.Read More »Back to School Joy

“Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall”

A HYMN OF GLORY LET US SING

What do you think of when you hear the term Christian Education? Many CLC members might answer, “Christian day schools,” or “Immanuel Lutheran High School, College, and Seminary.” Some might think of home schools where both the content and methods of education are governed by Christian parents instead of by the secular government.
All those responses most certainly are fine examples of Christian education. But they are incomplete. Indeed, in a society in which many elements are rapidly becoming antagonistic to Christianity and Christians, those responses may in some cases not even be adequate! It would be a dangerous mistake for Christian parents to assume that their responsibility for the Christian education of their children begins and ends with the above responses. Genuine Christian education involves the entire home and family life of the child.
Christoph Carl Ludwig von Pfeil’s 1782 hymn “Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall” gives a more complete view of what constitutes Christian education.Read More »“Oh, Blest the House, Whate’er Befall”