THE LIVING BIBLE

I realize that the Living Bible is a paraphrase, but I still value it as a devotional resource. Dad & Mom gave one to us on 6/4/75. [We were married on 5/31/75.] Here's what they wrote on the inside cover. "Dear Lois & Paul, May the message of this book always lead you & guide you in a long, happy married life together in Christ Jesus. Mom & Dad.

I'm working my way through the Book of Job. A favorite passage is Job 19:25-27. "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, & that He will stand upon the earth at last. And I know that after this body has decayed, this body shall see God! Then He will be on my side! Yes, I shall see Him, not as a stranger, but as a friend! What a glorious hope!"

CHARACTER

"In Christ, however, loneliness & abuse provided a backdrop for highlighting the difference between a character that justifies self-interest & one that delights to love:  'Today you will be with Me in paradise.' (Luke 23:43)" Larry Crabb, Men's Devotional Bible

TRUST IN CHRIST

"Nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ. If you have fallen into sin, whether the sin of homosexuality, pornography, promiscuous living or the host of sins . . . know that God sent His Son to suffer & die for you. Repent of your sin & trust in the work of Christ who forgives you." Roy Akins, The Lutheran Witness, January 2021

MOTHER'S DAY

My parents raised my sister, brother, & I in "the nurture & admonition of the Lord." That means they led us in family devotions, took us to church, made sure we made it to Sunday School & Bible class, & provided for our Christian education at St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School in Concordia, MO. And so I am thankful for them. Today I am especially thankful for my mother. Among other things, she instilled in us a love for music. She did her best to teach me piano, & I'm sorry that I wasn't a more apt & cooperative pupil. She was one of my 8th grade teachers, along with my dad. Among other things, she taught English, & I attribute my understanding & correct usage of grammar to her. She directed our school choirs. (I remember that she told kids who couldn't sing that they should just mouth the words.) She was our church organist & choir director. I am glad that our own children knew her. I'm glad that our oldest granddaughter also knew her.

A PRAYER FOR MOTHER'S DAY

"Dear heavenly Father, You have said through Your prophet, 'As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you.' I thank You for Your infinite love which so exceeds human understanding that to make it more real to me You compared it with a mother's love for her child. On the strength of this assurance, I know that I shall have Your constant guidance, help, support, & protection.

"On this day, set aside to honor mothers, I thank You especially for the gift of Christian mothers. Bless them always. Give them grace to set a good example for their families. Make them constantly aware that their children are a sacred trust from heaven. Hold Your protecting hand over them, & give them strength for every job, courage for each trial, & trust in You that each day grows stronger.

"I thank You particularly for the gift of my mother & for her love, which has often comforted me. I ask You to help make me worthy of it. May I never do anything that would grieve her heart. May I always follow the path that she has charted--the path which leads to You. Guide our footsteps that we walk in the love of Jesus, who set an example by His love for His mother. This is our prayer in His name. Amen." SOURCE:  My Prayer Book