Celebrate Generosity, Part 4

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The patriarch, Jacob, is commemorated on this date (February 5) by our Lutheran church. Although Jacob's life was not always exemplary, we have several interesting stories about him--his tricking Esau in giving up his birthright (Genesis 25), his wrestling with God and changing his name to Israel (Genesis 32), and also a fascinating story of his dream about a stairway to heaven (Genesis 28). Jesus picked up on that image of His mediating ministry in John 1:51--"You will see the heavens open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Psalm 112

Celebrate Generosity: Time by Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke

Celebrate Generosity, Part 3

Psalm 15

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: "Thy Strong Word" has become a very popular hymn over the past several decades. It was authored by Martin Franzmann, whose birthday is today. He was born in Lake City, Minnesota, in 1907 and taught at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, for many years. He was a prolific wordsmith and theologian. His doxological stanza is one of my favorites--"God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and hone be. To Thee, Light of Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the holy Trinity!" (LSB 578)

Celebrate Generosity, Part 2

Celebrating Generosity: Talents

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Eastern Orthodox Churches remember St Timothy on this date, January 22. (Our LCMS does so on January 24). Timothy was a companion and coworker with St Paul. Paul's letter to Timothy is a wonderful encouragement for Christian pastors, but is appropriate for all Christian leaders. One verse I find especially profound in 1 Timothy 3:16--"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." That's an amazing description of Christ's life and ministry and our response to HIs grace.