LIVE AT PEACE

Zechariah 8:16. “’Here is your part:  Tell the truth. Be fair. Live at peace with everyone. Don’t plot harm to others; don’t swear that something is true when it isn’t! How I hate all that sort of thing!’ says the Lord.” The Living Bible

DEATH TO SELF

"The reason our death to self increases the joy level all around is that it also increaes the love level all around. Only when we die to self can we fully love one another." Judson Edwards, Men's Devotional Bible

WHAT IS LOVE?

Which is the great commandment in the Law? (Matt. 22:36) "Love is not the same as tolerance, nor is it a floaty feeling or romantic emotion. Love is not self-serving Instead, love seeks to honor God alone for our good & joy. Love seeks the proper teaching about the Lord with accurate doctrine. Love cherishes & clings to God's Word. Love seeks to respect those in authority, like parents & governing officials. Love seeks to preserve life, especially for those who are weak & seemingly insignificant--those unable to protect themselves in the womb or at the end of life. Love seeks to protect marriage from pornography, divorce, & adultery. Love seeks to defend our neighbors' possessions. Love works tirelessly to put the best construction on others to uphold their reputations. Love seeks to rest in contentment with what the Lord has given. Ultimately, love is what Jesus is all about--perfect love that we receive fro Him as a sheer gift." Matthew Richard, Minute Messages

LIFE THOUGHTS IN THE CHURCH YEAR

"Abortion, assisted suicide, & other deals with death bless with their mouths--as Psalm 62 warns us--by promising freedom & control. But inwardly these measures curse by delivering guilt & grief. Power over life & death belongs to God alone (Ps. 62:11), & His steadfast love provides salvation even amid surprise pregnancy & terminal diagnosis. The gospel of Jesus Christ always brings life & immortality to light (2 Tim. 1:10)." Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

STEWARDSHIP CORNER

"In the Old Testament book of Joshua Joshua exhorts all the tribes of Israel to choose whom they will serve. Joshua then says, 'But as for me & my house, we will serve the Lord' 24:15). The bold choice made by Joshua serves as a pattern for making the wisest choice of all--the choice to serve & glorify God no matter what. Serving & following God is something that we can't do on our own. Only through the work of the Holy Spirit do we have the ability to stop following the ways of the world & ourselves. We need help because from birth we are self-centered, sinful people who are lost. Lord, as You enabled Joshua to serve You, help us as well." Grace Lutheran Church Bulletin

SHAME CULTURE & CHRIST'S VICTORY

"We are currently living in an ever-increasing shame culture, sharing good news less & less. Good news is not good for ratings or self-righteous living. Shame culture has made cancelling others the rule instead of mercy & forgiveness leading the way. People cut others off from family based on political differences. Social media masses & mainstream media push relentless agendas. Co-workers work to get people fired based on personal vendettas. Divorces likewise have skyrocketed post-covid. Who wants to forgive sin? God's law rightly condemns pride, nailing it to the cross. 'But rise; let us no more contend, nor blame each other--but strive in offices of love how we may lighten each other's burden in our share of woe.' [Adam to Eve in Paradise Lost]

"But the good news of God is so good! The gospel is good news of Christ's victory over sin, Satan, the world, & death itself. God's good news saves by grace as a gift alone & not by works . . . God forgives all sin through Jesus' cross & empty tomb. It really is finished. Forgiveness is the final word in Jesus. If we want to be relevant in the pulpit, we must preach life in Christ. Everybody who hears us is dying, including us." Rev. Chris Asbury, Grace Lutheran Church Newsletter

A HYMN OF THE CHURCH

Church of God, Elect & Glorious (LSB 646, Sts. 3-4)

Once you were an alien people, Strangers to God's heart of love; But He brought you home in mercy, Citizens of heav'n above. Let His love flow out to others, Let them feel a Father's care; That they too may know His welcome And His boundless blessings share.

Church of God, elect & holy Be the people He intends; Strong in faith & swift to answer Each command your Master sends:  Royal priests, fulfill your calling Through your sacrifice & prayer; Give your lives in joyful service--Sing His praise, His love declare.