Today’s readings: Jeremiah 31:1-14; Colossians 2:8-23; Luke 6:39-49 There is an old joke among Lutherans that goes like this. Question: How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb? Answer: Change? Lutherans, other Christians, and all people in general tend to resist change. When unavoidable, change often produces fear, anxiety, and dread about what

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 30:18-22; Colossians 1:24–2:7; Luke 6:27-38 Growing up attending public school, we would start each day with the Pledge of Allegiance and then the teacher would say a prayer. No one had their feelings hurt. Telling someone you were a Christian was as natural as saying you were a Kentucky University fan. My

Jeremiah 30:10-17; Colossians 1:15-23; Luke 6:12-26 “Fear not…nor be dismayed,” God declares through his prophet. The Lord is not telling us to manufacture confidence in difficult and perplexing times, to try harder, or concoct false feelings. He gives us a solid reason to trust: “I am with you.” The one who is the image of

Today’s readings: Jeremiah 30:1-9, Colossians 1:1-14, Luke 6:1-11 Once again, Jesus encounters controversy on the Sabbath. The attitude of the Pharisees only confirms their shortsightedness when it comes to actually keeping the Sabbath for what it is: time set aside to worship God, giving him thanks, blessing, and honor. How often are we like the Pharisees?

Today’s readings: Genesis 18:22-33; 1 Peter 5:1-11; Matthew 7:15-29 Growing up in the citrus belt of Florida, I always enjoyed this time of year. Often when the last of the fruit was being harvested, there would be orange trees blooming at the same time. The air was filled with the smell of citrus being processed and

Today’s readings: Daniel 6:16-28; 3 John 1-15; Luke 5:27-39 I recently received a letter—yes, an actual letter—handwritten to me by a high school classmate. She had heard of my husband’s medical concerns and wrote to express support and offer prayers for us. She began by saying she knew letter-writing was not common anymore; people phoned,

Today’s readings: Daniel 6:1-15; 2 John 1-13; Luke 5:12-26 “For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not confess the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh” (2 John 1:7). How does John know they are deceivers? They departed the New Testament Church over a point of doctrine. But does that in itself

Today’s Readings: Daniel 5:13-30; 1 John 5:13-21; Luke 5:1-11 Jesus works another deed of power, a miraculous catch of fish. Peter is overwhelmed and falls at Jesus’ feet, humiliated—a sinner in the presence of God’s power. But Jesus says to this fisherman, “Do not be afraid; henceforth you will be catching men.” They left everything and followed