Christ's Gospel flavors our lives and seasons our conversations. It's too good to take off the table.

Our current culture has plenty of "trolls." What a blessing it is, instead, to be a "Barnabas"! Don't underestimate the wonderful gift of encouragement.

There's a reason God permits testing and affliction in our lives. And the results lead to something quite extraordinary.

In humility, God's grace leads us to be grateful for the opportunity to serve one another each day and to rejoice in His gift of a place at His heavenly banquet.

In the Apostles' Creed we confess, "I believe in Jesus ... on the third day He rose again." On the third day? He rose again? Yes! Take a look at the incredible comfort that comes with having a living Savior.

The sacrifices for sin at the Temple each day must have seemed endless to watch. But they did come to a conclusion with the arrival of our Savior. Now the writer to the Hebrews talks about a special sacrifice, which is continual, and it is without end.

Take a moment to think of those who have shared the Gospel with you. It brings more than warm memories. Paul says, "Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith." Many things in life are different today than they were then but Jesus, and His saving love, have not changed.

Have you ever bumped into the Queen? Maybe you have and you just didn't recognize her. Have you ever shared hospitality with your Savior? You may be surprised to discover the answer.

It's easy to take for granted the access we've been given to God's means of grace, His Word, Holy Baptism and the Lord's Supper. But the words of a criminal may remind us of the blessed opportunities before us.

It's easy to underestimate the size of God's Church, the communion of saints. But as God reminds us, it's a lot bigger than we realize – and through faith you and I are a part of it.