A PERSONAL REFLECTION

This morning in church we sang "Thy Strong Word," LSB #578. I first became acquainted with this hymn in 1976, as I was finishing my first year of teaching at Luther High School North in Chicago. We sang it during the processional at our commencement service, & it became one of my favorite hymns. 

This morning dawned chilly & gloomy. "Thy Strong Word" was our first hymn. Wonder of wonders! As we sang, "Thy strong word did cleave the darkness," the sun broke through the clouds & illumined our pew. Ordinarily, this would annoy me, but not this morning. As the sun shone through the eastern, stained glass windows, I couldn't help but think how God's Word shines in our lives, in our dark world.

"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 does send! Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia, without end!" LSB #578, ST. 1

PSALM 16:9-10

"Therefore my heart is glad, & my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let Your Holy One seer corruption."

A HUSBAND'S AUTHORITY

"Most important for every husband is to accept the authority the Lord gives him when he becomes the spiritual head of his house." Leonard LeSourd, Men's Devotional Bible 

LOST IN THE OCEAN

"Our lives are stained with sin, & we live in a fallen, sin-stained world. When we fail & fall, as we do daily, we need not endlessly rehearse our sins. Through His Sprit & His Word, God turns our hearts to repentance. We hear the forgiveness spoken in God's Word & receive & taste that forgiveness in Jesus' body & blood, given & shed for us. God has removed your sins from His sight. He does not remember them, & He does not want you to remember them either. God delights in steadfast love, & your sins are gone forever, lost in the ocean depths of forgiveness." The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever:  40 Daily Devotions of God's Comfort

A PRAYER

"Grant, almighty God, that we who have celebrated the mystery of the Lord's resurrection may by the help of Your grace bring forth the fruits thereof in our life & conduct; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives & reigns with You & the Holy Spirit, one God, now & forever. Amen." Collect for the 2nd Sunday of Easter, Lutheran Worship

AN EASTER HYMN

Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia (LSB #466,  Sts 1, 4, 5)

Christ has arisen, alleluia. Rejoice & praise Him, alleluia. For our Redeemer burst from the tomb, Even from death, dispelling its gloom. Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy; Death's fearful sting He has come to destroy. Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

Go spread the news:  He's not in the grave; He has arisen this world to save. Jesus' redeeming labors are done; Even the battle with sin is won. Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy; Death's fearful sting He has come to destroy. Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!

Christ has arisen; He sets us free; Alleluia, to Him praises be. Jesus is living! Let us all sing; He reigns triumphant, heavenly King. Let us sing praise to Him with endless joy; Death's fearful sting He has come to destroy. Our sin forgiving, alleluia! Jesus is living, alleluia!