BILL RUSSELL

The Celtic legend died yesterday. I started watching the NBA when I was in grade school back in the 1960s. Back then there was only only the Sunday Game of the Week to watch, & more often than not the Celtics played, so I became a lifelong Boston fan. So, I remember Bill Russell's playing days, plus his 2 years as a player-coach. One of the things I admired about him was that--despite his 6'9" frame--he seemed to regularly beat Wilt Chamberlain, & the Celtics became a dynasty during his reign.

HIP HIP HOORAY!

I'm gaining more mobility & strength every day. I've pretty much discarded my walker, depending on my cane & even walking very short distances without any support. [Very, very short distances.] I've started taking a short walk outside every day. Yesterday I walked over to the neighbor next door & back. [Don't fret. Lois accompanies me.] Lois says that I'm about ready to tackle--not literally--the basement stairs, so we can start watching Netflix on the TV instead of on the laptop in bed. Speaking of TV . . . 

WHAT I'M WATCHING

Lois & I finished watching Longmire. Now we're watching Virgin River. As I've stated before, this series does contain a river but virgins are few & far between. I also watch Minty's "Ten Things You Didn't Know About . . . " on YouTube every MON. If you're a movie fan, you should check it out. And I've been watching at least one YouTube by The History Guy every day.

WHAT I'M READING

I finished reading "Spring 1865," which covered the last campaigns of the Civil War. Despite the fact that I was raised south of I-70, I've always been a Union sympathizer. Now I'm reading "Finding Everett Ruess:  The Life & Unsolved Disappearance of a Legendary Wilderness Explorer." 

RESOLUTIONS 2022 REVIEW

> Lose at least 12 lbs. C-. That's probably a generous grade. I lost 5 lbs in July. My goal is in jeopardy.

> Cross 2 things off our bucket list. B. We visited Key West with Lois' sisters Kathy & Anita in FEB. This included time at Dry Tortugas NP. We're planning a Hawaii cruise for OCT-NOV.

> Have fruits & vegetables at least 4X/week. A

> Walk at least 4X/week. D-

> Publish my 365 day devotion book. A. Done! I now have paperback copies in stock, & soon I will be publicizing how to access this book. 

> Write & publish another 365-day devotion book. B. I'm into July.

GPA = B-

NEW RULES OF LAUNDRY *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Dec. 2021/Jan. 2022

> Wash everything in warm water.

> Wash everything on the express cycle. 

> Skip the bleach. 

> Try to line dry, at least sometimes.

> Skip the fabric softeners.

> Play ball! Using wool dryer balls can reduce drying time by up to 40%.

TRENDING

"Democrats quickly redefine 'loss' after losing congressional baseball game." Babylon Bee

UNDENIABLE PROOFS OF CLIMATE CHANGE *

* Compliments of Babylon Bee

1. It is hot. If you go outside & it's a bit toasty, you can't deny it any longer:  the climate is changing.

2. It is cold. If you go outside & it's a bit nippy, you can't deny it any longer:  the climate is changing.

3. It is raining. Rain is absolute proof of climate change.

4. It is not raining. A lack of rain is absolute proof of climate change.

5. It's a pleasant day. A nice day outside? In Minnesota? CLIMATE CHANGE.

6. It's not a pleasant day. A not-so-nice day outside? In California? CLIMATE CHANGE.

7. It's snowing. It has literally never snowed before cars were invented. Climate change!

8. It's not snowing. It has literally never snowed before cars were invented. Climate change!

9. It is summer. When it's summer, it's hot, proving the climate is changing.

10. It is winter. When it's winter, it's cold, proving the climate is changing.

BILL RUSSELL

The Celtic legend died yesterday. I started watching the NBA when I was in grade school back in the 1960s. Back then there was only only the Sunday Game of the Week to watch, & more often than not the Celtics played, so I became a lifelong Boston fan. So, I remember Bill Russell's playing days, plus his 2 years as a player-coach. One of the things I admired about him was that--despite his 6'9" frame--he seemed to regularly beat Wilt Chamberlain, & the Celtics became a dynasty during his reign.

HIP HIP HOORAY!

I'm gaining more mobility & strength every day. I've pretty much discarded my walker, depending on my cane & even walking very short distances without any support. [Very, very short distances.] I've started taking a short walk outside every day. Yesterday I walked over to the neighbor next door & back. [Don't fret. Lois accompanies me.] Lois says that I'm about ready to tackle--not literally--the basement stairs, so we can start watching Netflix on the TV instead of on the laptop in bed. Speaking of TV . . . 

WHAT I'M WATCHING

Lois & I finished watching Longmire. Now we're watching Virgin River. As I've stated before, this series does contain a river but virgins are few & far between. I also watch Minty's "Ten Things You Didn't Know About . . . " on YouTube every MON. If you're a movie fan, you should check it out. And I've been watching at least one YouTube by The History Guy every day.

WHAT I'M READING

I finished reading "Spring 1865," which covered the last campaigns of the Civil War. Despite the fact that I was raised south of I-70, I've always been a Union sympathizer. Now I'm reading "Finding Everett Ruess:  The Life & Unsolved Disappearance of a Legendary Wilderness Explorer." 

RESOLUTIONS 2022 REVIEW

> Lose at least 12 lbs. C-. That's probably a generous grade. I lost 5 lbs in July. My goal is in jeopardy.

> Cross 2 things off our bucket list. B. We visited Key West with Lois' sisters Kathy & Anita in FEB. This included time at Dry Tortugas NP. We're planning a Hawaii cruise for OCT-NOV.

> Have fruits & vegetables at least 4X/week. A

> Walk at least 4X/week. D-

> Publish my 365 day devotion book. A. Done! I now have paperback copies in stock, & soon I will be publicizing how to access this book. 

> Write & publish another 365-day devotion book. B. I'm into July.

GPA = B-

NEW RULES OF LAUNDRY *

* Compliments of Reader's Digest, Dec. 2021/Jan. 2022

> Wash everything in warm water.

> Wash everything on the express cycle. 

> Skip the bleach. 

> Try to line dry, at least sometimes.

> Skip the fabric softeners.

> Play ball! Using wool dryer balls can reduce drying time by up to 40%.

TRENDING

"Democrats quickly redefine 'loss' after losing congressional baseball game." Babylon Bee

UNDENIABLE PROOFS OF CLIMATE CHANGE *

* Compliments of Babylon Bee

1. It is hot. If you go outside & it's a bit toasty, you can't deny it any longer:  the climate is changing.

2. It is cold. If you go outside & it's a bit nippy, you can't deny it any longer:  the climate is changing.

3. It is raining. Rain is absolute proof of climate change.

4. It is not raining. A lack of rain is absolute proof of climate change.

5. It's a pleasant day. A nice day outside? In Minnesota? CLIMATE CHANGE.

6. It's not a pleasant day. A not-so-nice day outside? In California? CLIMATE CHANGE.

7. It's snowing. It has literally never snowed before cars were invented. Climate change!

8. It's not snowing. It has literally never snowed before cars were invented. Climate change!

9. It is summer. When it's summer, it's hot, proving the climate is changing.

10. It is winter. When it's winter, it's cold, proving the climate is changing.

WHAT IS REVERENCE?

"Reverence is holy fear clothed with faith. Reverence acknowledges that the Lord is holy, that we are sinners, & that the Lord forgives sinners. Reverence is a holy respect before the Lord's power, majesty, & might. Reverence leaves us with astonishment, awe, & silent, faith-filled gratitude, knowing that the God of the universe--who could have destroyed you & me for our sin--chose to redeem us unto life." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

WHAT IS FAIR? *

"A lot of times God's justice, true justice, looks like unfairness. The mere fact that the guy who has been a believer since he was old enough to understand faith & the guy on his deathbed who's led the most evil life imaginable can both find salvation & full acceptance from the Father is baffling, if not unsettling, to the human mind. In our lives here on earth we have set up our own ideas of justice & what is right & wrong, but God often has a different idea. His ways are far better than your ways, His thoughts far better than your thoughts, so when things seem unfair & justice doesn't seem to be served, just remember that God's plan is not to make you happy but to make you holy. How you react to the situations in life that demand justice, not how you feel about those situations, will determine your holiness. Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

* CAVEAT:  I've underlined the passage that sounds like decision theology. Lutherans confess that we have been a believer since we were baptized, NOT since we were old enough to understand faith. It's all about God's choice, not ours.

FORGIVENESS

"But who can fully express what an unspeakable, mighty, & blessed comfort it is that one human being can with a word open heaven & lock hell for another? In this kingdom of grace which Christ has established through His resurrection, we do nothing other than open our mouths & say, 'I forgive you your sins, not by myself or from my own power, but in the stead & in the name of Jesus Christ.' He does not say, 'You should forgive sins because of yourselves'; rather:  'I am sending you as the Father has sent Me' (John 20:21). I Myself have not done this by My own choice or counsel, but I was sent by the Father for this purpose. I am giving you the same command, even to the end of the world, so that you & all the world can know that this forgiving or retaining of sin does not happen by human power or might, but by the command of the one who sends you.

"This is said not only to those who are preachers or pastors but also to all Christians. In the hour of death or in any other need, each one can comfort & speak absolution to another. Now, when you hear from me the words 'Your sins are forgiven,' then you are hearing that God wants to be gracious to you, deliver you from sin & death, justify, & save you." A Year in the Gospels with Martin Luther

A PRAYER FOR RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP

"Lord, keep this nation under Your care. Bless the leaders of our land that we may be a people at peace among ourselves & a blessing to the other nations of the earth. Grant that we may choose trustworthy leaders, contribute to wise decisions for the general welfare, & serve You faithfully in our generation; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. Lutheran Service Book

A HYMN FOR TODAY *

"In Thee Is Gladness" (LSB #818)

In Thee is gladness Amid all sadness, Jesus sunshine of my heart. By Thee are given The gifts of heaven, Thou the true Redeemer art. Our souls Thou wakest Our bonds Thou breakest; Who trust Thee surely Has built securely; He stands forever:  Alleluia! Our hearts are pining to see Thy shining, Dying or living To Thee are cleaving; Naught can us sever:  Alleluia!

If He is ours, We fear no powers, Not of earth nor sin nor death. He sees & blesses In worst distresses; He can change them with a breath. Wherefore the story Tell of His glory With hearts & voices; All heav'n rejoices In Him forever:  Alleluia! We shout for gladness Triumph o'er sadness, Love Him & praise Him And still shall raise Him Glade hymns forever:  Alleluia! 

* BACKSTORY:  When Lois & I were planning our wedding, we chose this as one of the hymns. At the time, it was probably our favorite hymn. We neglected to consider one thing. After we were all situated up front & the congregation began to sing, it suddenly dawned on us. We didn't have the words in front of us. And we didn't know the hymn from heart. Consequently, we really couldn't sing along. If we renew our vows on our 50th anniversary, we won't make the same mistake.

COUNTDOWN CONTINUES

I have to check into the hospital for my hip replacement at 5:15 tomorrow morning, which means getting up at 4:30, so I can drink my high-protein beverage, pack my things, get dressed, etc. Surgery will start around 7:30. (I was told by the nurse that I'm first in line.) I have to drink 2 high-protein beverages after supper tonight; nothing to eat or drink after midnight. I have to shower before I go to bed & change into clean pajamas. (Doesn't that seem outrageous?) Tomorrow morning I can take a few of my meds with a sip of water. If everything goes according to plan, I should only have to spend one night in the hospital, which means I should be home by sometime on FRI.

FRAUDS

"God does not want frauds--those who only pretend to be good on the outside. God wants perfect people on the outside & the inside . . . Who can do this? No one! Jesus is the only one who is good outside & inside. He is the only one who perfectly kept the Law (outside) in His actions & inside (in His heart). He is the only one who is truly good in God's sight. So look to Christ. As you do, know that He does not keep His goodness to Himself. He gives His goodness to you so that you can wear His perfect goodness like a robe." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

NATIONAL FRENCH FRY DAY

That's right! July 13 is National French Fry Day. Here are some fun facts, courtesy of Fox News Online.

* Americans eat more than 4.5 billion lbs. of French friends each year.

* The average American eats nearly 30 lbs. of FFs in a single year.

* Potatoes that are popularly used for make FFs are russet, Yukon gold & sweet potato. 

* While "French" is in the dish's name, multiple countries claim to be the originators, including not only France but also Belgium, Spain, & Russia. Blogger's comment:  I can neither confirm nor deny that Joe Biden once claimed that he invented French fries.

* I could mention how many calories are contained in a small serving of FFs, but I won't.

* The North American FF market is expected to surpass $9.9 billion by 2026.

And on a personal note, I give top ratings to Runza fries, with McD's coming in 2nd.

TRENDING *

* Compliments of Babylon Bee

> Trump's children change their last name to Biden so that the media will ignore them.

> Biden vows to help all minorities whether they are 'Black, Yellow, or Taco.'

> Study shows U.S. 4th graders now gay at a 12th grade level.

> Study finds 100% of work meetings ever held in human history have been entirely unnecessary.

PRIDE IN AMERICA

"And, according to Gallup, this July 4, the lowest number of Americans in recorded polling history identified as extremely proud to be American. That number breaks down in highly partisan fashion:  58% of Republicans say they are extremely proud to be American, while just 26% of Democrats do. That gap is consistent across time. But for everyone--Republicans, Democrats & Independents--the number has declined. 

"There is a reason for that. We no longer have a common vision of what it means to be an American. From the right, it seems that the founding principles of the nation, as articulated in the Declaration & Constitution, are under attack; therefore, pride in American has declined, particularly since 2019. From the left, the founding principles themselves are the problem; movement away from those principles has coincided with increase in Democrat pride, which means the Trump & post-Trump era (2017 onward) correlates with an extraordinary drop in pride in America.

"All of this materializes in the constant polarization of nearly every issue. For communities with a shared set of principles, individual maladies do not represent deeper philosophical cancers; for communities with heterogenous principles, every malady can be attributed to cancerous divides multiplying & manifesting. Thus, every mass shooting turns into a referendum on deeper American divides, rather than into conversations about best political policy; every Supreme Court decision turns into a debate over whether American ought to overthrow all existing institutions or to reinforce them." Ben Shapiro, column in Norfolk Daily News, 7/9

GOING GREEN

"The Wall Street Journal carried a story last week about the rising cost of electric vehicles. General Motors has added $66,250 to the price of its Hummer electric pickup truck. That vehicle now costs between $85,000 & $105,000. Tesla has increased prices three times this year for a performance version of its top-selling Model Y SUV, raising it to $69,900. Ford has also increased prices on its EVs.

"There are less expensive electric cars, but challenges remain. These include the availability of batteries. The lithium in them comes mostly from China. Do we really want to underwrite more of the Chinese economy & its military when Beijing is a threat to American interests?

"The last time I filled up my tank with gasoline it took me about two minutes (& cost $75, twice what it cost two years ago) While there are several variables, the time it takes to charge an electric vehicle, according to Carfax.com, ranges from less than an hour to 12 hours, depending on which of three charging levels one chooses.

"Suppose you are stuck in traffic during an evacuation from a hurricane & your battery runs out of juice? If there is no charging station nearby, what do you do? If your vehicle stalls, a massive backup is likely to ensue & your plan to flee the hurricane will be thwarted with potentially disastrous results.

"Technology should precede ideology, not the reverse. The Biden administration & its green allies want to force us into electric cars before most people can afford them & before they become as practical & convenient as gas-powered cars." Cal Thomas, column in NDN, 7/9

MY HISTORY OF READING

As long as I can remember, I have been an inveterate reader. As a boy, I especially enjoyed reading sports stories. Gradually my tastes evolved to fiction, especially science fiction. My favorite writer was Poul Anderson. As an adult, I turned more & more to history & biographies. I especially enjoy reading about the Civil War & WW II. And lately, I've been reading travel adventures. I always read after I go to bed at night, sometimes reading until very late at night. It's always been that way for me.

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS *    

* Compliments of the Babylon Bee

 Dad's Top 10 (and Totally Safe) Summer Activities for Kids

* Hold a knife safety seminar:  "Cut away from yourself. Do NOT practice knife throws on your brother."

* Offer them $1 to run around the tree in the backyard till they get tired:  It's important to ensure your kids stay fit. They'll love it!

* Institute Cheez-Its-for-lunch Thursdays:  Kids love Cheez-Its! Just put them in a bowl & you're done. Easy recipe!

* Host a competitive survival competition in your own backyard:  Let them see who can survive the longest locked outside the house. Anyone who calls mom is disqualified.

* Play the quiet game:  Always a classic.

* Build a flamethrower without mom finding out:  Work in shifts so you always have a lookout."

TRENDING

"Wife tragically dies as tower of Starbucks cups in car topples." Babylon Bee

"British Parliament forms July 4 Commission to investigate colonial insurrection." Babylon Bee

"Family has 27 mobile devices but somehow only 1 charger." Babylon Bee

"Study finds connection between foyer coffee & sound church theology." Babylon Bee

SCIENTISTS

"A caller to my radio show yesterday, a physician, took strong issue with me regarding COVID-19 therapeutics. He accused me of not believing in science. His last words before we had to go to a commercial break were, "I'm a scientist." Given that I am not a scientist, he assumed that comment would persuade me -- or at least persuade many listeners -- that I was not qualified to disagree with him. If that was his assumption, he was wrong. "I don't care," I responded. "It's irrelevant. Scientists have given science a bad name." Dennis Prager, Townhall

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN

"I am proud to be an American. Yes, I know that our system of government is not perfect, but I firmly believe that it is the best in the world. We are an exceptional country, not because our people are exceptional, but because we have a different, & exceptional, structure of government. I am grateful to be an American . . . 

"While our imperfect system of government might cause some not to feel proud of our country, I take pride in the fact that our structure of government allows each of us to participate in the governing of our country--we just have to step up & make sure our voices are heard. Today, when many are seeking to silence those who disagree with them, we should instead find a way to more clearly articulate why arguments are valuable, why freedom of speech is at the core of who we are as a country, & how, together, we can learn to disagree, but still work together.

"This hand-to-hand combat is not done through systems but through imperfect people--one on one. To be successful we must focus our eyes on the prize. Just as our founding fathers fought for our freedom over 200 years ago, we must continue to fight to ensure that our government remains our & our freedoms remain intact." Jackie Cushman, column in Norfolk Daily News, 7/8

PRO-LIFE, PRO-ADOPTION

"During the half-century of abortion on demand that Roe made possible in 1973, an estimate 63 million future Americans were snuffed out. Disproportionately Black & brown lives, no one knows how much good they could have done for themselves, their families & the rest of us if they had been given a chance to live. Again, I'm proudly pro-life. But I'm also really, really pro-aDoption. In post-Roe American, it's going to be incumbent on those of us who are pro-life to support adoption in every way possible." Michael Reagan, column in NDN, 7/7

THE COUNTDOWN BEGINS

My right hip replacement is scheduled for this THU 7/14.

* I passed my joint replacement class last TUE. I learned 3 important things. (1) It won't be a DIY surgery. (2) Medicare will cover my painkillers. (3) I have to drink high-protein drinks the night before & morning of my surgery. I'm not allowed to mix them with vodka.

* I went to physical therapy last WED & proved that I can handle stairs & that I understand the exercises I'm supposed to do.

* Occupational therapy visited our house on THU. They were not happy with how high our bed is, so Lois had to order an exercise step. 

* I borrowed a shower seat from Orphan Grain Train today.

* Lois came home today with press 'n seal cling wrap & cushioned tape to keep my dressing dry when I shower; also a long-handled sponge. An OT will make sure I know how to shower before I leave the hospital. I assume I'll be able to wear swimming trunks.

* I (hopefully) filled my pill containers with the correct meds I'm allowed to take on WED night & THU morning.

* The high protein drinks I'm supposed to take WED night & THU morning are chilling in the fridge.

TODAY'S DAD JOKE

People are shocked to find out that I'm a lousy electrician.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Invasive crabs become whiskey. Care for a hint of crab in your whiskey? A New Hampshire distillery has come up with its newest concoction called 'Crab Trapper'--whiskey flavored with invasive green crabs." Omaha World Herald, 7/10

POLITICAL POTPOURRI

"Joe mulling health emergency for abortion access." Drudge Report. Knock me over with a feather.

'Buttigieg defends Kavanaugh protestors' right to demonstrate during dinner." Drudge. What if there were protestors outside of a restaurant where he was having dinner? Inquiring minds want to know.

"Supreme Court abortion ruling does not ban treatment for ectopic pregnancies; pro-choice claim is dangerous." Fox News Online. Pro-abortion activists are hysterical & lying? Who knew?

"CA physician proposes floating abortion clinic in Gulf to bypass southern states' restrictions." FNO

"CA ex-tran teen backs FL ban on Medicaid funds for transgender medical interventions." FNO

"Ron DeSantis runs ad in CA asking libs not to move to FL." Babylon Bee

"Senator Warren leaps out just in time to swat prenatal vitamins away from woman leaving pregnancy center" Babylon Bee

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE CALIFORNIA . . . 

"CA cities ban new gas stations to combat 'climate change.'" Drudge. Have I mentioned lately how much I appreciate living in a normal state?

"San Francisco schools used over $500K marked for improvements to remove 'offensive' Washington mural." FNO

"Sea lions chase away beachgoers in San Diego." FNO. I hope my nephew, his wife, & their little boys weren't among those chased away.

. . . FLORIDA

"FL park shuts down after police spot 'aggressive alligator.'" The discovery was made SUN at the Palm Island Boardwalk park outside of Orlando." Fox News Online

"FL man tries to outrun deputies on riding lawnmower, authorities say." FNO

TRENDING

"Church of England refuses to define the word 'woman.'" Drudge

"Husband settles down for a Lord of the Rings marathon after wife says 'I'll be ready to go in ten minutes." Babylon Bee

"Jesus criticized as ableist for healing paralytic." Babylon Bee

Shocking Revelations from Hunter Biden's Laptop *

* Compliments of Babylon Bee

> His desktop was covered with over 200 icons & his recycling bin had never been emptied.

> The hard drive contained multiple copies of "Shrek the 3rd."

> The "Candy Crush" app only shows him only at level 6.

> "GPS data shows he spends several dozen hours at Chuck E. Cheese per week. (Nothing suspicious about that!)

> The FBI is probably at his door right now to arrest him for drug dealing & underage sex trafficking. Oh--they aren't? Huh. Maybe they're just really busy today.

ABORTION & THE BIBLE

It's true that the Bible never mentions abortion, but Holy Scripture still shows us God's feelings about the unborn & guides us in our look at abortion rights.

> "You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, & you shall not stand up agaist the life of your neighbor." (Lev. 19:16a) Who is my neighbor? Jesus made this clear in His parable about the Good Samaritan. ALL humankind is our neighbor, & that includes unborn humans.

> God provided serious consequences for those who caused a woman to miscarry. (SEE Lev. 21.) What is abortion if not a miscarriage? And what does this say about those who perform abortions, profit from abortions, pass laws promoting abortion, supporting, encouraging, glorifying, & lying about this unholy behavior?

> "Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your mind & with all your strength. The second is this:  'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31) When an unborn baby is killed, are we loving this child as we love ourselves? Not only that, but Jesus equated loving our neighbor with loving God. This also means that we are to love women who abort their unborn children.

> "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to Me & do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.'" (Matt. 19:14) When we murder an unborn child, we hinder them from coming to Jesus. 

> "Therefore go & make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father & of the Son & of the Holy Spirit . . . " (Matt. 28:19) The science of biology has determined beyond a shadow of a doubt that an unborn child, even at the moment of conception, is a human being. We are to baptize "all nations," & that surely includes children. When we abort a baby, we cannot bring him/her to baptism. What happens to this baby? We leave that to God's mercy.

REPENT

Lamentations 3:39-41.  "Why then should we, mere humans as we are, murmur & complain when punished for our sins? Let us examine ourselves instead, & repent & turn again to the Lord. Let us lift our heart & hands to Him in heaven, for we have sinned; we have rebelled against the Lord, & He has not forgotten it.” The Living Bible

REVERENCE

"Reverence is holy fear clothed with faith. Reverence acknowledges that the Lord is holy, that we are sinners, & that the Lor forgives sinners. Reverence is a holy respect befoe the Lord's power, majesty, & might. Reverence leavees us with astonishment, awe, & silent, faith-filled gratitude, knowing that the God of the universe--who could have destroyed you & me for our sin--chose to redeem us unto life." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

LIFE'S BALANCING AGENT

"My faith has been a balancing agent in my life. Christ thrills me with who I am in Him, & reminds me gently who I am not. When I suffer, I know I'm still loved. When I'm on top of the world, I remember that my accomplishments mean nothing in light of eternity. The biggest surprise to me was to discover that Christ is real. He's not some nebulous concept, some idea or system or approach or philosophy. He's a Person, someone I can know." Orel Hershiser, Men's Devotional Bible

JUDGING

"As a God Guy you are to judge right from wrong, to see sin, & to educate people on their wrongdoing, but you are not to judge them as if there is something peculiar about them that isn't the same as you. Remember, you're a sinner too, just in different ways--after all, you know God & still you sin against Him . . . If you have trouble talking to people about Jesus, then maybe it's because you want them to agree with you so badly that you forget that saving them isn't your job, it's God's. Your job is to love them & to show them how being a Christian improves you as a person & makes you more compassionate & kind." Michael DiMarco, Devotion's for the God Guy

THE CHRISTIAN & WAR

"Looking at war from a Lutheran perspective begins with directing our eyes away from the world & toward Christ . . . As you see the war on your screens, let it drive you not to doubt God's good gifts but to cry out in faith with David. And then let it drive you to look to Jesus, the author & perfecter of your faith, who endured the greatest violence of all--the wrath of God poured out on Him--that you might thereby have eternal peace." Roy Askins, The Lutheran Witness, June/July 2022

TODAY'S HYMN

Where Charity & Love Prevail (LSB #845)

Where charity & love prevail There God is ever found; Brought here together by Christ's love By love are we thus bound.

With grateful joy & holy fear His charity we learn; Let us with heart & mind & soul Now love Him in return.

Forgive we now each other's faults As we our faults confess, And let us love each other well In Christian holiness.

Let strife among us be unknown; Let all contention cease; Be God's the glory that we seek; Be ours His holy peace.

Let us recall that in our midst Dwells Christ, His only Son; As members of His body joined We are in Him made one.

For love excludes no race or clan That names the Savior's name; His family embraces all Whose Father is the same.