Christ For You

A devotion based on the hymn At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing. You can listen to the hymn here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_cqTv385Kc

I focused on the Old Testament reading because I think a section of hope that is from the middle of one of the saddest books of the Bible (even called the tears of the world by one commentary) is exactly what we, and our world, needs right now.

A beautiful testimony from Paul Gerhardt to his only surviving son.  What is most important in your life? What do you want to pass on to those you leave behind?

A brief update on a couple of news stories on the persecuted church. And information on the country we are praying for this week - Uzbekistan.

A devotion based on 1 Kings 19 dealing with despair, doubt, and the strength God gives us in the Gospel.

Ed Riojas was kind enough to join me to discuss his art, art in general, art and the church, and art and the Christian, and more.  His websites can be found here - https://edriojasartist.com/ and http://theartcurmudgeon.blogspot.com/

A devotion based on the hymn Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing.

How does the world view the death of the righteous?  How does the Holy Spirit view their death? That's the focus of this week's midweek sermon from Gerhard. 

Some reflections on the importance of the Lord's Supper and the quote, “You go to the Lord’s Supper as if going to your death, so that you can go to your death as if you are going to the Lord’s Supper.”  

I'm reading through the magnificent work An Explanation of the Common Service.  I'm going to try to break it down into 10-15 minute sections each week.  It's an extremely important and helpful book if you want to understand the worship service and the parts of the liturgy. You can buy a copy here - https://emmanuelpress.us/books/an-explanation-of-the-common-service/

What does faithfulness and obedience look like day in and day out? You can get the devotion I used here - https://markvpublications.com/documents/lutherstore.html

A devotion based on the hymn All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night.  Here's a link to a beautiful version of the hymn - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG-8k8ikqj4

This Sunday is also known as Good Shepherd Sunday which is reflected in the readings and the sermon.

A devotion based on Luke 12:32ff. from St. Peter Chrysologus. 

Some news stories from around the world about the persecuted church.

A devotion based on Moses' complaint and prayer in Exodus 5. 

I interviewed Pastor John Widmer about his Lutheran Mercy Care Ministry that ministers to those in prison and those with addictions.  His ministry's website is https://lmcm.weebly.com/