MAN'S GREATEST NEED

" . . . a man cannot find significance in any lasting way apart from Christ. So, if a man is in Christ, & submitted to God's plan & purpose, then he can satisfy his greatest need in a way that endures." Patrick Morley, Men's Devotional Bible

SEX MATTERS

" . . . sex matters a lot! Sex binds a man & woman in the profound relationship of marriage that not only serves those two, but provides the foundation for all of society & extends the right working of God's creation through space & time.

"Chastity, then, acknowledges the sacred importance of sex & the wonder of the physical, in-the-flesh reality of our individual identity. It celebrates the joy of being God's creature integrally fitted into His creation for that creation's flourishing. Chastity is not an invasive infringement on individual personhood. It is not some prudish curtailment of happiness & personal fulfillment. It is the opposite. Chastity is the celebration of God's gift of vibrant life & confidently trusts in His promise to bring all of His creation, including each one of us, to the complete fullness of His eternal design for the universe. To live chastely is to live celebrating God's creation." Joel Biermann, The Lutheran Witness, Jan. 2021

TODAY'S HYMN OF CROSS & COMFORT

When in Hour of Deepest Need, LW #428

When in the hour of deepest need We know not where to look for aid; When days & nights of anxious thought No help or counsel yet have brought.

Our comfort then is this alone:  That we may meet before Your throne And cry to You, O faithful God, For rescue from our sorry lot.

For You have made a promise true To pardon those who flee to You, Through Him whose name alone is great, Our Savior & our advocate.

And so we come, O God, today And all our woes before You lay; For sorely tried, cast down, we stand, perplexed by fears on ev'ry hand.

Oh, from our sins hide not Your face; Absolve us through Your boundless grace! Be with us in our anguish still! Free us at last from ev'ry ill!

So we with all our hearts each day To You our glad thanksgiving pay, Then walk obedient to Your Word, And now & ever praise You, Lord.