GOD'S THRONE

Isaiah 66:1-2 "Heaven is My throne & the earth is My footstool:  What Temple can you build for Me as good as that? My hand has made both earth & skies, & they are Mine. Yet I will look with pity on the man who has a humble & contrite heart, who trembles at My Word." The Living Bible

WALKING WITNESSES

"We are walking witnesses for Jesus Christ wherever we go. How can we do less than witness with all our heart. Our styles may be different, but the intensity shouldn't be. I know all Christians can't do it in the same manner as I do, but I have no choice but to do it with all my heart." Reggie White, Men's Devotional Bible

HUMAN REMAINS

"Three states, Washington, Colorado & Oregon, now allow the composting of human remains in place of burial or cremation. California & New York will likely become the next states to adopt the practice. For many, composting provides a 'greener' option than cremation, which releases over 500 bs of carbon dioxide per body cremated; composting merely accelerates the process of decomposition. Christians will probably struggle with composting as much as they do with cremation. Our Lord can certainly recompose our bodies on the Last Day regardless of the method used to care for our remains. Yet Christians respect our bodies, even in death. Natural burial seems to best confess St. Paul's language of planting the body as it awaits the resurrection." The Lutheran Witness, Sept. 2021

THE HEART OF THE GOSPEL

"Now this is the heart of the Gospel, which teaches that the nature & character of faith is 'the conviction of things unseen' [Heb. 11:1]. It clings to the bare Word of God & is guided by things which it does not see, which are pointed out in that same Word." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther

A LENTEN HYMN

Stricken, Smitten, & Afflicted (LSB #451, Sts. 1, 3, 4)

Stricken, smitten, & afflicted. See Him dying on the tree! 'Tis the Christ, by man rejected; Yes, my soul, 'tis He, 'tis He! 'Tis the long-expected Prophet, David's Son, yet David's Lord; Proofs I see sufficient of it:  'Tis the true & faithful Word.

Ye who think of sin but lightly Nor suppose the evil great Here may view its nature rightly, Here its guilt may estimate. Mark the sacrifice appointed, See who bears the awful load; 'Tis the Word, the Lord's anointed, Son of Man & Son of God.

Here we have a firm foundation, Here the refuge of the lost:  Christ, the Rock of our salvation, Is the name of which we boast; Lamb of God, for sinners wounded, Sacrifice to cancel guilt! None shall ever be confounded Who on Him their hope have built.