Is there anything else that needs to be said? Genesis 3:8-15
It is such a mess, isn’t it? Adam and Eve have grabbed the fruit off the Tree of Knowledge, and God’s come to “chat” with his fallen children. And wow! They make such a mess ...
The Reminders I Need! Luke 24:50-53
I need reminders. I’d guess some of you – many of you? – can relate. It seems as if one of the effects of sin is that it’s messed up our ability to remember properly. ...
“Another Week of …Triumphal Procession?!?” 2Corinthians 2:12 – 3:6
There are all sorts of startling statements in the Bible, aren’t there? For example, Jesus says, “Before Abraham was, I am,” making the claim that he is eternal, that he’s always existed. That’s startling. Similarly, ...
“What a Wonderful Difference!” Numbers 21: 4-9
Are we much different? Do you, like me, sometimes get frustrated with the Old Testament Israelites, particularly that group whom God brought out of Egypt? They had seen such great things! And yet over and ...
“A Change of Perspective” Mark 9:2-9
There are certain times in life, certain events in life which cause our perspective to change, correct? Perhaps it was graduating from high school (or maybe even grade school), and the recognition that a “chapter ...
The Sun of Righteousness Shines …on You! Malachi 4:1-2
It had to be frustrating. God had been so good to the people! He had blessed them in so many ways! But the worship was half-hearted, the offerings were disappointing. Most disturbingly, at least some ...
Behold, Behold the Lamb!
Prof. em. Forrest Bivens manages Grow in Grace’s mentoring program. In late August he sent a devotion to the mentors; we thought it would be much appreciated by our entire ministerium. Our thanks to Prof. ...
“Thank You, Father!”
King Herod had thrown a huge party for himself and his guests. As part of it, he “invited” his step-daughter to dance for them. She danced so well that Herod made a rash – and ...
Did I Sign Up for This?!
“Did I sign up for this?” I know I asked that question on occasion. You too? The Gospel reading for this Sunday is the end of a lengthier segment. Jesus is about to send out ...
Watch Yourself and Your Doctrine Closely
It’s easy as WELS pastors to read the first paragraph of Sunday’s gospel (Mt 7:15-29) and mentally check off this pericope as having no rebuke for us. Jesus urges his hearers to be constantly watching ...