“From Ashes to Easter,” the devotional for the 2017 Lenten season based on Year I of the Lutheran Book of Worship,  is now available to download. Written by the Rev. Dr. David Wendel, NALC Assistant to the Bishop for Ministry and Ecumenism, the devotional is available as a download in two printable formats: • 8.5″

Today’s readings: Ruth 1:15-22; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22; Matthew 5:13-20 Throughout the Gospel of Matthew, crowds follow Jesus at a distance from place to place. The crowds gather for healing and to be fed. I dare say, many in the crowd faded away after they received what they needed from Jesus, or maybe they faded away

Today’s readings: Ruth 1:1-14; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Matthew 5:1-12 Who may we rely upon when we are afflicted? Shall we turn to family and friends, depending upon their aid? Should we try harder, trusting in human wisdom and strength? Various afflictions will come our way, so we must know where to find true comfort. Ruth

Today’s readings: Isaiah 66:7-14; 1 John 3:4-10; John 10:7-16 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. John 10:11 How do you picture Jesus as the Good Shepherd? Does Jesus appear wearing a clean white robe, perhaps carrying a lamb on His shoulder? That is a familiar image,

Today’s readings: Isaiah 66:1-6; 1 Timothy 6:1-21; Mark 12:35-44 What do we do with our money? In my part of the world there’s a lottery that regularly tops $60 million. Not Powerball rich, but tax free, and I think we can all agree that’s enough for anybody. People put down a couple bucks and dream.

Today’s readings: Isaiah 65:17-25; 1 Timothy 5:1-25; Mark 12:28-34 When asked about the most important commandment, Jesus cites the summary given in Deuteronomy 6:4-5. In doing so, he underscores how supremely important it is to love the Lord our God with our entire beings. At the same time, he does not neglect the other table

Today’s readings: Isaiah 65:1-12; 1 Timothy 4:1-16; Mark 12:13-27 My wife and I recently began the Mediterranean diet because we want to be more intentional in what we choose to eat. What you eat plays a crucial role in how you are equipped to live. Perhaps this isn’t so different from the path of Christian

Today’s readings: Isaiah 63:15–64:9; 1 Timothy 3:1-16; Mark 11:27–12:12 Among clergy, it is well known that female pastors often struggle with issues of authority. Even in our modern age, many Christians vehemently and vocally oppose the ordination of women. Some mistakenly justify their views by likening sex to sexuality, defending the exclusion of women from