God is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingGod is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingGod is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingGod is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingGod is at work, and we are part of his grand plan. He is bringing his kingdom into the universe, and restoring it to its original, eternal glory. EACH OF US HAS A PART TO PLAY!
Keep ReadingChristians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingChristians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingChristians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingChristians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus! One popular author reminds us: Jesus loves you just the way you are, he is just not content to leave you that way! Through the power of God’s Spirit at work with in us, through Word and Sacrament, God works to reshape us into his image. He gives us the gift of maturity and growth, preparing us to be all we can be with him in heaven forever.
Keep ReadingChristians foolishly believe that change is not only possible, it is the norm for those who follow Jesus!
Keep ReadingGod can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingGod can use my suffering for good.
Keep ReadingGod can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingGod can use our suffering for good.
Keep ReadingGod can use suffering for good.
Keep ReadingThe guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingThe guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingThe guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingThe guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingThe guilt from our past can live in our minds and lives long after the act itself, preventing us from being all God created us to be. From a human perspective this all makes sense
Keep ReadingJesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingJesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingJesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingJesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingJesus conquered sin and death by rising from the dead.
Keep ReadingRighteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingRighteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingRighteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingRighteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingRighteousness is a gift from God made possible by the means of an atoning sacrifice, which is received by those who, in humility, approach as sinners trusting in God’s grace and not their own righteousness.
Keep ReadingWe do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingWe do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingWe do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingWe do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingWe do not appeal to a disgruntled judge but to a loving Father who will hear us and act on our behalf.
Keep ReadingAll we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingAll we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingAll we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingAll we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingAll we have and are, including eternal life, is a gift from God. How we respond to that gift is crucial. Will we respond with arrogance, self-indulgence, and indifference to the needs of others, or with patience, longsuffering, gentleness, and forgiveness?
Keep ReadingGod’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingGod’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingGod’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingGod’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingGod’s Messiah is inviting you to the party of salvation. Do not refuse!
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingWanting Someone in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to give me my share of the inheritance that our father left us.” Luke 12:13 (GW) The issue was crystal clear to our Lord. The person in the crowd (we’ll call him John Doe- JD for short) had a coveting problem! Apparently JD was a younger son, whose older brother had received the entire family inheritance, and he wanted a half! Our Lord’s reply was a stiff indictment on JD! Covetousness was sin! The parable then was just an illustration. How stunning our Lord’s words must have sounded when He called the rich young man in the parable a fool, and told of the eternal consequences of his foolishness! And JD had to be even more shocked at these words, “This is how it will be with whoever (including JD) stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.” St. Paul wonderfully defines “being rich toward God”. “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” I Timothy 6:17-19. Pray that our gracious Lord strengthen each of us in faith to live richly in His love and care!
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to affirm that the real problem isn’t getting what we feel we deserve, but finding the will to serve God and others rather than our own self-interests.
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep ReadingWe are pressed to understand: “I must become a neighbor to anyone in need. To fulfill the law means I must reach out in costly compassion to all people, even to my enemies. The standard remains even though I can never fully achieve it. I cannot justify myself and earn eternal life.”
Keep Reading
We proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingWe proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingWe proclaim our trust that what we pray will be so.
Keep ReadingWe proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep ReadingWe reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingWe proclaim our trust that what we have prayed will be so.
Keep Reading
We trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingWe trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingWe trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingWe trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep ReadingWe trust God's victory over the evil within us and around us.
Keep Reading
We reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingWe reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingWe reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep ReadingWe reflect on God's call to live as His forgiven children
Keep Reading
We learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingWe learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingWe learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingWe learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep ReadingWe learn to see God as the source for all our needs and reflect His generosity.
Keep Reading
We rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingWe rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingWe rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingWe rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingWe rejoice in God our King and pledge our lives to His kingdom.
Keep ReadingFollowing the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingFollowing the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingFollowing the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingFollowing the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingFollowing the model for prayer taught by Jesus we explore styles of prayer to grow more fluent in our conversation with God.
Keep ReadingThrough the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingThrough the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingThrough the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingThrough the story of the wise men we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep Reading
Through the story of the wisemen we learn to be resolute, not just make resolutions and build a life that worships Jesus.
Keep ReadingWhen the wrapping comes off there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingAfter the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingAfter the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingAfter the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingWhen the wrapping comes off, there are 5 questions to ask.
Keep ReadingGabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingGabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep Reading
Gabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingGabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingGabriel announces that the long-awaited Messiah with the command, “Behold!” We see and respond with words and deeds that reveal the same good news.
Keep ReadingAs we rejoice in Jesus we are moved to action that adds joy to another life.
Keep ReadingWe prepare for Jesus with Integrity. Reflections on Luke 3:10-14
Keep ReadingWe prepare for Jesus with Care. Reflections on Matthew 25:5-10
Keep ReadingWe prepare for Jesus with gentleness like His. Isaiah 42:1-4
Keep ReadingWe prepare for Jesus with diligence. Reflections on 1 Peter 3:3-15
Keep ReadingWe Prepare for Jesus with a turnaround. Reflections on Mark 1:2-4
Keep ReadingSep 28
2017
During the "This is Us" series, the "Take It Home" format will be changing slightly. Instead of one post containing a weeks worth of devotions, each day a devotion will be posted. If you subscribe through a reader, you should see posts appearing more often. If you would like to have each post emailed to you Monday-Friday, contact Marge.Franzen@tlc4u.org.
Sep 23
2017
There’s nothing like looking through arrow slots and walking ramparts to begin to understand the fine art of siege warfare back in the days of walled citadels. Walls are very formidable to attackers, but the weakest place is the opening at the gate. Lots of engineering and design go into strengthening the gate. Many towers look over the gate. Many arrow slots are aimed at the area just in front of the gate, to defend it from attack. (The Lord of the Rings movies give you great visuals of this!)
Sep 18
2017
Here’s Satan’s first appearance in the account of our early days in God’s creation being crafty and asking a question that insinuates that either Eve’s recollection is wrong, or the direction given by God is a liability. That’s the thing to look for in life, the places where you question your own conscience that has been shaped by God’s authority, or you entertain doubts about God’s intent.
Sep 18
2017
The prophet Zechariah is pulling back the curtain so we can see the Spiritual Warfare going on. He shows us Jeshua, a priest who has lead a motley crew from exile in Babylon back to Jerusalem to rebuild God’s Kingdom. It’s a daunting, discouraging task. And there’s Satan accusing, making it clear that Jeshua is not up to it. I like God’s refusal to even entertain the notions Satan is pitching. Yes, Jeshua may be a little singed, but God has a purpose for him, has pulled him out of the fire, and will see him through it.
Sep 7
2017
I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. John 10:9&10 ESV If you’ve heard of the title War of the Worlds, you’ve probably heard of Orson Welles famous radio adaption in 1938. Welles’ broadcasts about alien invaders landing in New York state caused panic throughout the country. People thought the broadcast was real, despite the fact that the broadcast itself had warned people it was fictional. They had been told the truth by Welles, but people went on believing what they wanted to believe. The Bible also gives us a truth that people are too quick to ignore; Satan is real. His attacks are real.