TODAY'S VERSE 

Daniel 2:19b-23a. “Then Daniel praised the God of heaven, saying ‘Blessed be the name of God forever & ever, for He alone has all wisdom & all power. World events are under His control. He removes kings & sets others on their thrones. He gives wise men their wisdom, & scholars their intelligence. He reveals profound mysteries beyond man’s understanding. He knows all hidden things, for He is light & darkness is no obstacle to Him. I thank & praise You, O God of my fathers, for You have given me wisdom & glowing health . . . “ The Living Bible

JESUS OUR BROTHER

"Jesus our brother opens up the way for us to come in our weaknesses, temptations & failures. He is with us in sympathy & help, not at the end of our struggle, but all the way through." Reuben R Welch, Men's Devotional Bible

TIMES OF TROUBLE

"Be happy as you share Christ's sufferings. Then you will also be full of joy when He appears again in His glory." (1 Peter 4:13) "When you truly trust that God's Word will give you all you need in times of trouble & you fearlessly do whatever God commands, then you will be out of the reach of problems that can damage your life. Troubles might come your way, but they will never again shake you or break you--only make you stronger." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

HYMNS

"The hymns available in our day are an indispensable & rich treasury through which our faith is nurtured & we are united with believers across space & time. The hymns in Lutheran Service Book are biblically, liturgically, sacramentally & theologically sound. Throughout the Church year, year by year, in every 'season' of life, these texts complement God's Word & our confession as Lutheran Christians." Mark Bender, The Lutheran Witness, August 2021

THY STRONG WORD

Lutheran Service Book, #578

COMMENT:  This is one of my favorite hymns. I first became acquainted with it when I was teaching & coaching at Luther High School North in Chicago, from 1975-1980. It was used for the processional at graduation.

Thy strong Word did cleave the darkness; At Thy speaking it was done. For created light we thank Thee, While Thine ordered seasons run. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light doest send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Lo, on those who dwell in darkness, Dark as night & deep as death, Broke the light of Thy salvation, Breathed Thine own life-breathing breath. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light doest send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous; Bright with Thine own holiness. Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light doest send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!

From the cross Thy wisdom shining Breaketh forth in conq'ruing might; From the cross forever beameth All Thy bright redeeming light. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light doest send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end!

Give us lips to sing Thy glory, Tongues Thy mercy to proclaim, Throats that shout the hope that fills us, Mouths to speak Thy holy name. Alleluia, alleluia! May the light which Thou dost send Fill our songs with alleluias, Alleluias without end!

God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud & honor be. To Thee, Light of Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit, light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now & ever Praise the holy Trinity.