If anyone deserved to skip death and return to the Father, it was Jesus, God’s true Son. While Christ’s later ascension into heaven is a big deal, it would have meant so much less if Jesus hadn’t died first.
What Kind of "New" Year Will it Be?
Will 2019 be a good year? That all depends on the kind of “new” year you’ve started. The New Testament uses two Greek words for “new”…
Lent is Here -- Where's Your Sackcloth?
I believe such physical practices as fasting, ashes, and modern-day “sackcloth”, are helpful for our spiritual journey. They disrupt our normal routine and remind us that we are to struggle against everything that leads us away from love of God and neighbor.
A Story of Spring: Wildflower
Jesus often told earthly stories that to teach a heavenly reality. A number of years ago, I ran across a small article about new life after a devastating wild fire. After reading it, I was inspired to write a fictional story based on that event.
June Gloom: Get Some Perspective
According to psychologist Susan E. Rothwell, gloom is actually a low level of light which is so dim that there are physiological and psychological effects. Our human vision at this level becomes monochrome and so our surroundings seem dull and depressing. At times, each of us goes through our own personal “June gloom.”
Independence Day: Rights and Responsibilities
We live in a land “where our fathers died,” and that means that our freedom is not free. It costs a great deal… With rights comes responsibilities.
Always Reforming? Renewing our Reformation
To be a Protestant, and certainly a Lutheran, is to be a Reformation Christian. We stand on the teachings of the Reformers who returned the church to the Word of God as the only source and norm for doctrine and practice. We are “reformed” in the best sense of the word. Yet it begs the question, is the church still in need of reformation today?
Thanksgiving: Rural Lessons for Suburban Families
As we walk into our local grocery store, I wonder if we pause to realize all that has happened just so we might eat a single piece of fruit. Certainly farmers realize this. They know that no matter how hard they work, without the Lord’s blessings there would be no harvest.
Advent: Joseph's Gift
Mary became the mother of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, gave the eternal Jesus His earthly life. Angels appeared in the heavens and gave Jesus a choral symphony. Shepherds left their flocks by night and gave Jesus their worship and praise. Wise Men travelled from afar and gave Jesus precious gifts. Yet there is one other important character in the Christmas story: Joseph. What did he give to Jesus?
Christmas: I Want to See Jesus
Seeing Jesus should also be our deepest longing this Christmas. In the midst of our celebration and activity; as we face personal trials of many kinds; when our hearts hurt because of loved ones who will not be with us during these holy days; throughout all that occupies our lives, our desire is to see Jesus in our midst.