The sweetest word my ears have ever heard

When I hear it my ears perk up like my dog when I say "treat."  My smile is brighter than the sun's reflection off of Charles Barkley's head. The sweetest word my ears have ever heard is "Daddy."

My oldest daughter is in for a visit.  As I lugged her luggage into our car (note to self - see doctor about possible hernia), she said, "Daddy, I am so glad to see you!"  Suddenly it was if I didn't have a care in the world.  Tuesday's vote was no longer a concern.  I stopped thinking about upcoming doctors appointments.  It was 7 pm and it was dark. But I felt as though the sun was shining brightly on me - no one else, just me.  That's the power of the word, "Daddy."

What word can cause your heart to soar higher than the International Space Station? What one word gives you the confidence that your life has been worth living.  "Daddy" works for me? 

Who Am I

What is my identity? How do people see me? How do I see myself?

These are questions people struggle with.  Not knowing who you are or being confused about your identity can leave a person feeling helpless and purposeless.

Believers find their identity in Christ Jesus.  See 1 Peter 2:9

You are a chosen people - yes, Jesus chose you and called you to be His own

A royal priesthood - you are adopted into God's family through baptism and become part of a royal priesthood which means you have free access to God

A holy nation - through faith in Jesus you are part of a great family of believers - one Lord, one faith, one baptism

A people belonging to God - through faith we are connected to God able to receive all the blessings the Father has to offer

What is my identity? I am God child.  He has saved me, called me into His family, given me access to Him and all His blessings.

How do I respond?

That you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.

Because of who I am, I am moved to offer praise and thanksgiving to God.  I walk with the Light of the World (John 8:12).  Called out of the darkness of sin through the forgiveness of sin, won by Christ on the cross of Calvary, I am free to share this good news with others, especially those who struggle with their identity.  

I once asked the late Rich Mullins, author of songs like "Awesome God," and "Sing Your Praise to the Lord," for his autograph.  Above his name he wrote - Be God's. 

So be God's child.  See your identity in your Savior, Christ Jesus.

The Band Is Back Together

For many years at LICL I played in a little music group that sang tunes for our 9:30 service.  When I retired a year ago, my dear sweet wife and I worshiped at a different congregation.  I've also been doing pulpit supply for several churches.

Now, our year of exile is over and we've decided to rejoin our church family.  Our group was invited to play some music again, from time to time, and our first opportunity to play is November 13.

Connie, Ron and I practiced the songs we plan to play.  It was a good practice, just like we'd hadn't taken a year off.  We'll play "10,000 Years" and a great Matt Maher song, "Lord, I Need You."  We'll finished with "Hosanna (Praise Is Rising)," a favorite of mine.

The LICL praise service takes place at 9:30 every Sunday.  If you don't have a church, come and check out this service.

Regarding Jeremiah 31:34

 Yet how can the all-knowing God not only forgive your sins but also forget them? It is not because He is forgetful, but because He remember them all on His Son instead of you.  When Jesus was on the cross, He endured all of God's wrath for all the sins of all humanity.

From WELS App, Devotion for November 4, 2022