Devotion

Advent II; Mark 1:2-3 The Staging Area

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Happy Advent Family!

Christmas is right around the corner. It’s only 2 weeks away! Are you ready? We’re looking forward to having some of you out here–those who can make it. We’ll miss the ones who can’t.

When I was in college I would always look forward to the Christmas Season in downtown Milwaukee. The decoractions were wonderful as the Christmas lights would warm us the cold, winter evenings. The one thing always looked forward to was to working the Pabst Theater during the live production of A Christmas Carol. The staging area was always so well done, and I always looked forward to how the scenes would move along with the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future.

In the reading for today John the Baptist is in the wilderness calling people to repentance and shining the light on Jesus. He’s in the staging area, and so are you and every human being.

Advent II Readings (Cycle B): Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85, 2Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8

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I love you guys! Dad

Advent 1, Mark 11:9-10 Big Expectations

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Hello Family!

It’s Advent 1, so HAPPY NEW YEAR! It’s the beginning of the new Church Year. It’s the “countdown to Christmas” as many view it. There are a lot of expectations come Christmastime; family, gatherings, gifts. Will expectations be met, or will there be disappointments for many?

The people during Christ’s time had big expectations of Him, but He didn’t measure up to their expectations. That’s because they knew Jesus on merely earthly terms and not Someone far greater. Nevertheless, Jesus wouldn’t let them down. And He doesn’t let you down either!

Readings for Advent 1: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7; 1Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 11:1-10

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I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 25:1-13 Just Showin’ Up Doesn’t Get The Job Done

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Hello Family!

November 11th is Veterans’ Day! Remember to thank a Veteran for their service to this county. Our freedom is never free. It comes at a cost from those who served in the past. Veterans put their lives on the line, have always been ready to serve at a moment’s notice, and had to leave family in order to fight to keep us free back here at home.

The military can’t simply “show up” for duty. They must be trained and prepared. Just showin’ up doesn’t get the job done. This is Christ’s message from 2000 years ago in the parable of the 10 Virgins.

Readings for 3rd Last Sunday in Church Year: Amos 5:18-24, Psalm 70, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13

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Thank a Vet every day!

I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 22:34-46 What’s the Reformation Life Look Like?

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Hello Family! Sorry it’s been a few weeks!

It’s Reformation Sunday! What is October 31? Most say, “Halloween.” Correct enough. It’s All Hallow’ ene (eve). But more importantly, it’s Reformation Day when in 1517, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther swung the hammer blows that were heard around the world.

Martin restored the central truth of the Bible back into the Christian Church, namely, a person is saved through faith alone in Christ Jesus alone. We can’t earn our way to heaven, and we can’t live a good enough life to make it through the Pearly Gates. ONLY Jesus leads a person there.

So, does that mean a Christian can live any old way s/he chooses? After all, if “I’m saved by grace and not by works, that let’s me off the hook. Right?” Well, no. Jesus Himself tells us about the TWO great commandments in today’s Gospel reading. These are what the Reformation Christian life looks like.

Readings for Proper 25A: Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18; Psalm 1; 1Thessalonians 2:1-13; Matthew 22:34-46

Reformation Day Readings: Revelation 14:6-7; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36

Click here for the Reformation Message on Matthew 22:34-46

Happy Reformation Day!

I love you guys! Dad

Matthew 11:29-30 Misconceptions of Jesus

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Hello Family!

If you put a frog in a pot of cold water and heat it up, will the frog stay in the pot? Did George Washington have wooden teeth? Are these true, or simply misconceptions?

What about misconceptions about God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ? There are many misconceptions about Jesus. Nervelessness, Jesus calls ALL people to Him to learn FROM HIM. He alone clears up all misconceptions about God and His love for all through Jesus alone. Come to Him!

Readings: Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:1-14, 19; Romans 7:14-25; Matthew 11:25-30

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I love you guys! Dad

Hosea 5:14-15 God Wants Dead People

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Good morning Family!

Many times people will question God. They might wonder why things aren’t going well in their lives or in their families. They might wonder why God doesn’t seem to be around. People may then try to pray, but wonder if they’re praying hard enough. Many people will try to be sincere. But are they sincere enough?

So, what does a person have to actually do for God? What does He actually want? God wants DEAD people!

Readings for Proper 5: Hosea 5:14-6:6, Psalm 119:65-72, Romans 4:13-25, Matthew 9:9-13

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I love you guys! Dad

Isaiah 42:13-14 Shrieks of God

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Hi Family! We hear a lot in the Bible about God as a Warrior. In Isaiah 42 we hear how God “shrieks” in battle, but also how God “shrieks” as He’s in the delivery room This is weird, but it’s in God’s Word.

What do these two “cries” have to do with God? And more importantly, what do they have to do with you?

Readings for Lent 4: Isaiah 42:14-21; Psalm 142; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9

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I love you guys! Dad

Isaiah 7 & Matthew 1: Christmas Crossroads

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Good day Family!!

It’s almost Christmas! Are you listening to your favorite Christmas songs? Are you watching some of your favorite Christmas movies? As you know, A Christmas Carol (the 1951 version with Alistair Sim) is my favorite. The three spirits visit Scrooge who is at a crossroad in his life at Christmastime.

The Bible tells of Christmas crossroads as well.

Readings for Advent 4: Isaiah 7:10-17; Psalm 24; Matthew 1:18-25

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Have a WONDERFUL week this week as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus! He’s the reason for the Season afterall.

I love you guys! Dad

Luke 21:8, 13 What Time Is It?

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Hello Family! Do you know what time it is? It’s time to begin plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas!! But there’s more to time than simply time itself. Have you made plans for the time when the time comes when there is no more time? That’s what Jesus tell His disciples in today’s Gospel reading.

The Christian Church is winding down the Church Calendar. There are only a couple of Sundays remaining until the Christian Church begins Its new year with Advent 1. So, this is the time to consider what time it is. Not only today, but everyone should consider the time each and every day, for the time is at hand.

Readings for the 2nd Last Sunday in the Church Year: Malachi 4, Psalm 98, 2Thessalonians 3:1-13, Luke 21:5-36

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I love you guys! Dad

Luke 18:1 The Widow Within

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Hi Family!

How’s your prayer life? For what do you pray? Prayer is a gift God gives you, especially for spiritual warfare. Jesus tells us that we should pray consistently AND not give up hope.

Readings for Proper 24C: Genesis 32:22-30; Psalm 121; 2Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

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I love you guys! Dad