I trust when dark my road

In God, my faithful God, I trust when dark my road
Great woes may over take me, Yet He will not forsake me
My troubles He can alter; His hand lets nothing falter

My sins fill me with care, Yet I will not despair
I build on Christ who loves me; From this rock nothing moves me
To Him I will surrender, To Him, my soul's defender

If death my portion be, It brings great gain to me
It speeds my life's endeavor, To live with Christ forever
He gives me joy in sorrow, Come death now or tomorrow

O Jesus Christ, my Lord, So meek in word and deed
You suffered death to save us, Because Your love would have us
Be heirs of heavenly gladness, When ends this life of sadness

"So be it," then I say, With all my heart each day
Dear Lord, we all adore You, We sing for joy before You

Guide us while here we wander, Until we praise You yonder 

If you don't have a home church, why not join us at Christ the Redeemer this Sunday.  Location is 43rd Avenue and Olive.  Worship at 9 am and Bible Class and Sunday School at 10:15 am.  Blessings!

Why a dog is man's best friend

Humorist Dave Berry provides the answer:

You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give you a look that says, "You're right! I never would have thought of that!" 

Faith does not go on vacation

For faith does not rest and declare a holiday; it bursts into action, speaks and preaches of this promise and grace of God, so that other people may also come up and partake of it.

Martin Luther, "Luther's Works," Vol. 15, page 273 

Better late than never - the Friday Funny!

 From Mitch Albom, "Have a Little Faith."

The pastor of the little country church began his sermon with a stirring reminder: "Everyone in this church is going to die!" The minister looked around and he noticed a man in the front row with a huge smile on his face.  The minister asked, "Why are you so amused?"  The man answered, "I'm not from this parish.  I'm just visiting my sister for the weekend."

Page 231

When Christ is present in our lives

From my journal...

To the extend we are Christians, we stand above the law and sin.  Christ is the Lord of the law.  He is present and lock in our hearts, just as a precious stone is firmly mounted in a ring.  When the law accuses us and sin terrifies us, all we need do is look at Christ.  When we have taken hold of Him in faith, we have the victory over the law, sin and death...because Christ rules over all of these, we won't be harmed.

Martin Luther, "Faith Alone," July 14 devotional 

What Jesus might say to you today

To me (Jesus) said: "Stay close to Me,
 I am your rock and castle
Your ransom I Myself will be;
 For you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours and you are Mine
 And where I am you may remain
The foe shall not divide us

From "Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice"

Lutheran Service Book, #556, verse seven 

Top Ten Signs Your Church Is All About Money

Critics often say that "all the church is concerned about is money!"  Watch for these signs:

10) Trustees install pay toilets

9) Worshippers must purchase bulletins.  $1 for Advent and Lenten bulletins; $5 for Sunday bulletins "because they're larger."

8) God's grace is free - donuts are a dollar!

7) Pastor tells Stewardship Committee, "I want you to try every idea - good or bad - to raise money for the church.  Bad idea - committee member is arrested trying to hold up a convenience market.

6) In church narthex hang two portraits - Martin Luther and Dave Ramsey

5) Must purchase a personal seat license to have place to sit in sanctuary

4) Church potlucks have $20 cover charge

3) Pastor tells congregation, "If you're not giving generously, you need a check up from the neck up!"

2) Church council installs parking meters in parking lot

And the number one sign that your church IS all about money:

1) EVERY Sunday is Stewardship Sunday