What are blessings?

No matter how much we might be tempted to read into Holy Scripture, blessings are not a reflection of how well we are doing in this life.  Blessings are not about us; rather, blessings are about God who gives them.  Blessings are exactly what King David asked for: a sign of God's merciful favor.

Mary J. Moerbe, "Blessed - God's Gift of Love," page 18

A Fountain Overflowing

Lord
keep me from being
a masochist
or a martyr
demonstrating my distress
parading my pain
proud of my patience
before others
Let me rather be
poured out
spilled over
a fountain overflowing
the Christ in me
that others may see
Him
and not myself
All glory 
be to You
O Lord

1 John 2:6     2 Corinthians 4:8-11

From "Prayers for People Under Pressure" by Donald L Deffner, page 47

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Jesus, thou art all compassion
 Pure unbounded love thou art
Visit is with thy salvation
 Enter every trembling heart

from verse one (b)

It's a new church year!

That's right, the first Sunday of Advent marks the beginning of a new church year.  We'll spend this next four weeks "adventing" that is, preparing to celebrate Christ's first arrival in Bethlehem while looking forward to His second arrival on Judgment Day.

I'll be preaching at both the Saturday and Sunday services on the theme, "Expect the Unexpected." Join us this afternoon at 5 pm or tomorrow at 8 and 11 am.  Hope to see you at Life in Christ!

Have you heard the one about the dog and the pilot?

"What's going to be in the cockpit of the future?"

"A dog and a pilot."

"A dog? Why a dog?"

"Well, the dog is there to keep the pilot from touching anything."

"Ummm...why have the pilot then?"

"Well, someone has to feed the dog!"

God Grant Us Gratitude

God grant that we follow His Word to praise and thank our dear Lord for His precious blood, which He so freely offered for us.  And may God keep us from the terrible vice of ingratitude and the forgetfulness of His blessings.  Amen.

From "Luther's Works"

Thoughts from a fearless leader

Do I want to be feared or loved? Um...easy, both.  I want people to be afraid of how much they love me.

Michael Scott from "The Office"