GOOD MEN HAVE DISAPPEARED

Micah 7:1-2. “Woe is me! It is as hard to find an honest man as grapes & figs when harvest days are over. Not a cluster to eat, not a single early fig, however much I long for it! The good men have disappeared from the earth; not one fair-minded man is left. They are all murderers, turning against even their own brothers.” The Living Bible

THE LCMS & WAR

"In all wars, Christians first support the preaching of God's Word on the battlefield, for He alone gives the peace that the world cannot give. In our homes & churches, we pray for an end to hostilities. We remember the soldiers, the civilians, the wounded, the dying--on both sides--before God's throne of grace. We provide the humanitarian aid so desperately needed. The LCMS is currently working with a humber of church bodies in & around Ukraine--partner churches & friends--to deliver life-giving Word & Sacrament ministry, helmets & body armor, refugee resettlement assistance, & food & water. To learn more about the work in Ukraine & to donate for those affected by the war, please visit lcms.org/ukraine." Rev. Jonathan Shaw, The Lutheran Witness, June/July 2022

ORPHAN GRAIN TRAIN & WAR

OGT has been delivering relief supplies for Ukrainian refugees for some time now. OGT has also partnered with local churches, city government, & other individuals to relocate 20 Ukrainians in Norfolk. They have their own housing, they are taking ESL classes as our local community college, & their children are enrolled in local schools. Two girls are enrolled at Lutheran High Northeast. Efforts are underway to resettle more Ukrainians in the near future. [Technically, these Ukrainians are "parolees," not "refugees," because a refugee is someone under oppression by their own government.] One of our NE congressman is also working to advance legislation that would enable the adults to work. Opportunities to donate to OGT's relief efforts can be found on our website:  ogt.org.

NO MORE HIDING

"We need to b confronted by our actions, messages & shortcomings if we expect to learn & grow. No more hiding behind excuses. No blaming others. No hiding behind phrases like, 'This is just the way I am.' Let us have a look at who we are for that is the best indication of who our sons will become." E. James Wilder, Men's Devotional Bible

NOTHING TO FEAR

"It [the beast] was allowed to wage war against God's holy people & to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, & nation." (Rev. 13:7) "Earth. Who's in charge? Satan. But he only has control insofar as God allows it. That's one of the reasons we have nothing to fear. The enemy might plot against you, he might plan attacks, he might even succeed, but he doesn't win. The thing to remember is that no one has control or authority unless God allows them to have it. So when Satan 'wages war against God's holy people,' it's because God allowed it. Why God allows the enemy to do such things is a mystery, but one that we have to trust.

"If God allows something to come to pass, He must have a good reason. The God Guy is fear-free & full of peace because of this. He knows who is in charge & who wins. He knows whose side he is on & the protection God offers. Even if God allows an apparently terrible thing to come into your life, don't fear, but trust that it is for your good." Michael DiMarco, Devotions for the God Guy

A PRAYER FOR LABOR DAY

"Lord Jesus, who as a youth worked in Joseph's carpenter shop, making Yourself useful, help us to perform our work with faithfulness & a cheerful heart. Bless management & labor. May all who must work together in office & shop be mindful of the Golden Rule that You have given to all people, &, following Your directions, give the best possible service one to another. May we all seek each other's good, be thoughtful, helpful & courteous.

"Prosper the nation, that all may find employment & none suffer from want. Give to us who have much the grace to share with those who are unable to work because of sickness & weakness of body. Above all, grant that all people of the world, burdened with sin, may come to You & Your Cross to find healing & salvation. I ask this of You, our Savior & our Lord, who has come into the world to seek & to save those who are lost. Amen." My Prayer Book

CHOSEN

Lord, 'Tis Not That I Did Choose Thee (LSB #573)

Lord, 'tis not that I did choose Thee; That, I know, could never be; For this heart would still refuse Thee Had Thy grace not chosen me. Thou hast from the sin that stained me Washed & cleansed & set me free And unto this end ordained me, That I ever live to Thee.

It was grace in Christ that called me, Taught my darkened heart & mind; Else the world had yet enthralled me, To Thy heav'nly glories blind. Now I worship none above Thee; Him by Whom our spirits live. Undivided adoration To the great Jehovah give.

Praise the God of all creation; Praise the Father's boundless love. Praise the Lamb, our expiation, Priest & King enthroned above. Praise the Spirit of salvation, Him by whom our spirits live. Undivided adoration To the great Jehovah give.