THE CROSS
"On the way to the cross two thousand years ago, Jesus took the ultimate indignity and the ultimate pain to bring us back to the dignity of a relationship with God and the healing of our souls. Will we remember that this was done for us and receive his gift?
We will then discover that it is sin that is foolishness. Our greatest weakness is not an enemy from without but one from within. It is our own weak wills that cause us to stumble. But Jesus Christ frees us from the foolishness of sin and the weakness of our selves." Ravi Zacharias, Slice of Infinity
CONTROLLING STRESS
"Things that worry us, prod us, scare or frighten us--when there is nothing we can do about them--can be the most destructive of all. Perhaps this is why Jesus (who had many good things to say about controlling stress) told us, 'Do not let your hearts be troubled & do not be afraid.'" (John 14:27) Archibald Hart, Men's Devotional Bible
THE PANDEMIC
"If God should wish to take me, He will surely find me & I have what He has expected of me & so I am not responsible for either my own death or the death of others. If my neighbor needs me, however, I shall not avoid place or person but will go freely . . . See, this is such a God-fearing faith because it is neither brash nor foolhardy & does not tempt God. (Martin Luther)
"When I am called to serve others, even at some risk to myself (Luther left this decision to the individual conscience), so shall I do, trusting that God is my helper & that I'm in His hands. I shall do my best to demonstrate love to others, especially my family & the friends God has given me. I shall be generous in my prayers for all, especially my pastors, church workers & congregation. I shall pray for those in authority. Where I cannot come together for worship, I shall be generous in my stewardship & a blessing to the mission of my congregation & Synod so that others may know Christ." Rev. Matthew Harrison, The Lutheran Witness, May 2020
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