A PERSONAL REFLECTION

Some of you know that over the years I have been subject to clinical depression & a general anxiety disorder. For the most part they've been under control, that is, until my serious car accident on Jan. 8. This accident has really thrown me for a loop. Among other things, I have been filled with shame & distress for myself & my family, especially Lois, because this accident was totally my fault. I am also stressed by the financial pressures my accident has caused. My depression & anxiety have returned.

If you read today's blog, aside from some topics related to Christian stewardship & the value of life, you'll notice that I'm focusing on where we can find comfort & hope in our distress. I'm not looking for pity, although I'd gladly welcome your prayers for Lois & me. What I'm really hoping & praying is that if you, as well, are struggling with anxiety & depression, you might be edified by today's post.

MY ROCK & FORTRESS

"I love You, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock & my fortress & my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, & the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, & I am saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3

GIVING

"Giving some portion of your income away is a discipline & a privilege taught by Scripture. I believe every Christian, no matter what his level of lifestyle, should use part of his income to meet the financial & material needs of others . . . " Doug Sherman & William Hendricks, Men's Devotional Bible

WHY IS STEWARDSHIP FOR YOU?

"Stewardship is what we as stewards do. It is faith in action. Stewardship is the living out of our faith through our serving, giving, witnessing, & relating to others. It is the faithful use of our time, talents, & money in doing God's will. It is our faithful response of gratitude for God's gift of forgiveness & salvation. As God's stewards, we are called by Him & governed by His Word. God's Word gives us motivation, direction, & purpose for our stewardship. Prompted by the Holy Spirit through God's Word, we freely & joyously commit all that we are & have for His purpose." Steward Builders

THE PROMISED COMFORT OF HEAVEN

In My Father's House are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? (John 14:2)

"Jesus Himself promises those who trust in Him eternal dwellings. Since the Bible promises us both a resurrection like Jesus' & a 'new heaven & earth,' I'm looking for real, eternal homes." 

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." (Matt. 4:17)

"Heaven comes in Jesus' person & proclamation."

And when He came out of the water, immediately He saw the heavens torn open & the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. (Mark 1:10)

"Luther said that in Jesus' Baptism & ours, heaven is wide open. It's nothing but doors & windows! "Whoever believes & is baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16)." Christian are certain of heaven." Matthew Harrison, The Lutheran Witness, Nov. 2022

A PRAYER FOR COMFORT

"Dearest Jesus, during these days we may feel like no one understands our needs, anxieties or heartache. Only You know the depths into which we have plunged; only You can reach us, sustain us & lift us up. We pray that You, who forsook comfort for the cross, would not forsake us but would gather us up to Yourself & hold us fast, that we may know Your lasting comfort & peace. Amen." The Lord's Mercy Endures Forever:  40 Daily Devotions of God's Comfort

AN EASTER HYMN OF HOPE

If Christ Had Not Been Raised from Death (LSB #486)

If Christ had not been raised from death Our faith would be in vain, Our preaching but a waste of breath, Our sin & guilt remain. But now the Lord is ris'n indeed; He rules in earth & heav'n:  His Gospel meets a world in need--In Christ we are forgiv'n.

If Christ still lay within the tomb Then death would be the end, And we should face our final doom With neither guide nor friend. But now the Savior is raised up, So when a Christian dies We mourn, yet look to God in hope--In Christ the saints arise!

If Christ had not been truly raised His Church would live a lie; His name should nevermore be praised, His words deserve to die. But now our great Redeemer lives; Through Him we are restored; His Word endures, His Church revives In Christ our risen Lord.