Hope-Full Living

The phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” became popular decades ago. Shirts and bracelets imprinted with WWJD remind us that by asking the question, and applying it, can positively impact all areas of our lives. Jesus spent his earthly life caring for the lives of others! A favorite pastime for me is crafting small squares of wood which I paint including the words, Hope and Joy. I attach a small cross a...

The apostle John begins a brief letter to a dear friend named Gaius with the warm words of greeting above. John’s words are similar to our own, when we talk or write to friends and family, hoping all is well and wishing them good health. We might consider going one step further, as John does, in praying that all “goes well with your soul.” Of the three — body, mind, soul — a healthy soul is by far...

Our friend celebrated her 100th birthday in May. She is a cancer survivor and beat COVID twice. She was a widow at a young age and lost her son when he was too young. She has had more than her share of heartache. When she enters the room, it is like the lights come on and the stars shine brighter than ever. There is a spirit in the room that defies description. She makes everyone smile as they see...

Football tailgating is an “all in” stadium activity. Arrive early with the cooler, the grill, and the food. Hours later, the game begins. On Memorial Day, we remember those who were certainly “all in” for our country. They gave heart, soul, and mind. Their lives were taken in death. One year, our school had the theme of “All In.” The banner hangs in the gym. Life in Jesus is not just getting your...

The month of May reminds me of confirmation: that special rite in which one publicly confesses the faith into which many of us were baptized as infants. My confirmation verse from 1 Corinthians reminds me that God’s temple is not a building, but his people. The Old Testament rules about sacrifices and priestly intervention within the temple building no longer apply. Christ died for the ungodly: me...

Who chooses to be a servant? Why would a person make such a choice? The world looks much more favorably upon people who are the opposite of servants. The outlandish, the grandiose, the “hey, look at me” personalities receive attention and adulation. Paul is one who identifies himself as a servant. He understands that his role is not to draw attention to himself, but rather to Jesus Christ. His let...

Rich foods? Eating what you like? And throw in no charge! Just add a barrel of anti-acids for when reality settles in. Isaiah’s invitation wasn’t literal. His people constantly yearned for a place that had abundant food and water — a scarce commodity in that part of the world. But what if the prophet wasn’t talking about real food. What if he meant their relationship with God? What do you desire i...

Recently my wife had surgery to remove a tumor that was compressing her spine. She had already experienced hip replacement and reverse shoulder surgeries. When the neurosurgeon said this surgery will cause extreme pain, my wife replied, “It can’t be any worse than my earlier surgeries.” Five weeks later she still had a high level of pain. The neurosurgeon told her, “The tumor is completely removed...

All the children were sitting on the chancel steps as our pastor led a special message for them. He attempted to communicate his thoughts, but one young lad had his own agenda. He kept raising his hand and interrupted three times, exclaiming: “Yeah, but ....” Finally, pastor just chucked his message and went with a new lesson based on the boy’s thoughts. That lad was much like the Canaanite women...

Life is never going to be smooth sailing with everyone getting along. Ever since sin entered the world, what was once a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful place, changed forever. The question is raised, “What are we going to do about it?” We have a sure solution that requires total faith in the work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We may receive insults for our faith, but we know we have Christ b...

I sat quietly and marveled at her “soft” skills. Chris was the ideal nursing home visitor. Her calm, attentive, listening reflected honest empathy. No wonder the patient was grateful to feel understood and supported! As we left the room, I thought of how Jesus modeled this level of deep listening. He expressed heartfelt compassion when he healed the crippled woman, responded to the hungry crowds,...

When I was a seminary student, a professor published a book about the Holy Spirit entitled, The Half-Known God. A recent survey revealed that although 75% of Americans believe that angels exist, only 35% believe that the Holy Spirit exists. Today we celebrate Pentecost, one of three major Christian festivals, along with Christmas and Easter. But Pentecost hardly causes a stir, even in most churche...

For years, Sarah, a stranger, brought items for our annual church rummage sale. Then, three years ago, she offered to help with the sale. We welcomed her with open arms as a member of our “team.” This past year, working side by side, she asked me about baptism. I gladly told her what our church teaches about it. She had already been thinking about it and absorbed everything I told her. I mentioned...

Have you ever forgotten why you went into a room? It’s happened to me many times. Sometimes I feel like this when my mind is overstuffed with the wrong things. What a wonderful truth to ponder — when we are true believers, we have the mind of Christ. He transforms our thoughts through the power of the Holy Spirit, who instructs and teaches us about God’s Word. He also guides us about how to think,...

Thousands in our community lost power for two days last week. Our meals consisted of peanut butter sandwiches and snacks. In the evening, we tried to read by candlelight but were frustrated. We recognized our helplessness. Without power, life was different and took more effort. How often do we live without God’s power in our lives? We try to manage alone. Helpless, we become frustrated and make po...

As a teacher, I would often set up home visits prior to school starting. Some families welcomed me into their home. Others asked, “You want to come here?” Nervous of my reception, I’d say a prayer for courage before I rang the bell, and remember I never went alone. When we are baptized into God’s family and receive the Holy Spirit, he takes up residence inside us. He goes where we go. Heading for...

I remember my mom and dad often, and especially on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. God blessed me with parents who led me to know Jesus and his love. They guided, corrected, supported, and loved me. God called them home years ago, but I continue to remember, with thanks, their godly example. The Apostle Paul commends the believers for being an example for others to follow. “You became imitators of...

We all know the well-worn adage, “with age comes wisdom.” But Elihu refines that a bit. And we have Jesus’ own admonishment — “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6a). What strength and comfort this is! Pilate asked, “What is truth?” — a question which continues to haunt every generation. Our own culture continues to endure the popular “relative truth,” “You have your truth; I have min...

In a world where Christians are becoming more ridiculed, it is refreshing to see professional athletes pause to point up at the sky after they have scored a touchdown or hit a home run. By doing this simple action, they are acknowledging God as the giver of their talents and skills. How often do we acknowledge God in our lives? We go to work, often grudgingly, because we resent working so many hou...

As Lutherans, we understand that the Ascension of Jesus does not make him more distant from us, but rather ever closer. Since Jesus Christ ascended with his flesh and body into heaven, you are promised that your old, sinful, and wretched body will rise someday to be like his at the resurrection of the dead (1 Corinthians 15). Since Jesus “fills all things” (Ephesians 4:10) he is present everywhere...

Several years ago, my friend, Margaret, sent me Luther’s Morning Prayer in music. It’s beautiful! Composer Carl Schalk wrote it. Participants in a Lutheran Summer Music program at Valparaiso sing it. Previously, as I arose, I often just started with my morning tasks ... make the bed, brush teeth, get dressed, make the coffee. However, now I intentionally make time to listen, and even sing along, a...

Living stones are believers who come to Jesus by faith and build their lives upon his foundation. Living stones describe the relationship believers have with Jesus. Believers are living stones that are fashioned and built into a spiritual house. As Christians, we offer up spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God because we are identified with Jesus. A spiritual sacrifice is an act of offeri...

When is a cup, not a cup? A cup is 8 ounces, some are 6 ounces. Expresso aficionados drink from a 2-ounce cup. After that you’re in mug territory. God has a cup. It isn’t limited to 8, 6, or 2 ounces. It is overflowing and without measure. God’s cup is filled with promises. He gives us goodness and mercy that are unlimited, so we may dwell in the house of our Lord now and forever. Drink of that cu...

We honor the Lord by treating our body with the love and respect it deserves. That means breathing deeply, enjoying nutritious food, sipping fresh water, and connecting with people, pets, and projects that bring us joy. Movement — stretching, gardening, walking — along with expressions of gratitude and engagement in prayer all count toward good health. Sleeping restfully and slowing down to take b...