GOD’S OBSCURE SAINTS
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN COLLEGE CHAPEL MEDITATION (Second in a Series) “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John…
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS DIVISIVE?
(Second of two) The claim that the existence of private religious schools—Catholic and/or Protestant—“encourages division and discourages cooperation” bears watching, as it may well bespeak an attitude that will impact our schools. It is significant…
GOD’S CO-WORKERS
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:8) Whisking across the ocean at 45,000 feet in a controlled and comfortable atmosphere with plenty of food…
Christian Education’s Ultimate Goal
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
(Hebrews 10:23)
In general, it is not a good practice to assume that something is true or acceptable! But when the writer to the Hebrews urges us to “hold fast the confession of our hope,”it is assumed that we know what is meant by ‘the confession of our hope.’ It is assumed because the ‘confession of our hope’ has been the very subject matter the Holy Spirit has been communicating for the nine chapters leading up to these words.
The purpose of Christian Education is
Of Ravens, Lilies, and God’s Providence
GOD’S PROVIDENTIAL CARE
It is not unusual for our Tulip and me to enjoy the backyard together. I sip my morning cuppa while gazing at the flowers; our pet cat watches the birds. Even when it’s raining, an assortment of winged neighbors are prone to gather there–some for insects and worms, pigeons for seeds, and an occasional raven or seagull for an offered snack.
LOOK TO THE SOURCE
Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow:
CHRISTIAN SCHOOLS DIVISIVE?
(First of two)
In Ireland in June of 2013 the American president said, “If towns remain divided—if Catholics have their schools and buildings and Protestants have theirs, if we can’t see ourselves in one another and fear or resentment are allowed to harden—that too encourages division and discourages cooperation” (emphasis added).
WELCOME! Pastor Douglas Priestap
Pastor Priestap has been placed on the CLC Clergy roster after fulfilling colloquy requirements in connection with the synod’s General Pastoral Conference at Immanuel Lutheran College, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in June, 2013. The new CLC…
The One Thing Needful
We are all familiar with St. Luke’s account of Jesus’ visit to the home of sisters Mary and Martha (Luke 10:38-42). We recall that while Martha used her God-given gifts in the kitchen, Mary sat next to Jesus, listening to His words. With so much to do, Martha saw this as her service to the Lord, while Mary sat on the sidelines.
Often we too find our lives very busy as we use our God-given gifts and abilities in the specific calling in which the Lord has placed us. It makes for a busy life to provide a safe and secure home—paying the bills, putting food on the table, supporting children in their studies and activities, or caring for the elderly.
Such activities are God-pleasing, and with them we are busy serving the Lord. We might say, however, that this is “Martha busy,” which can result in our neglecting the one thing needful. Remember Jesus’ words to Martha, “’…You are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her’.”
How important was this encouragement from the Lord for Martha! She also secured that one needed thing from Jesus, and it was there when she needed it—for when her brother Lazarus took sick, she knew to turn to the Lord. And when Lazarus died, she was confident that he would rise again on the last day. “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24).
God is my Protector
PART FOUR OF THE SERIES “This is most certainly true!” The Five Installments: 1) God is my Father Almighty; 2) God is Maker of Heaven and Earth; 3) God is my Preserver and Provider; 4)…