The Joy of the Sabbath

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Friendship! What a joy to share experiences--both joys and sorrows--with friends. Jesus calls us His friends as He reminds us of His"greater love" (John 15:13-14a). We can recall the hymn text, "What a friend we have in Jesus" (LSB 770). May you rejoice in His friendship today and throughout your life.

Psalm 54

Becoming All Things. Becoming Nothing. Receiving Everything.

By Rev. Luke Anderson, based on 1 Corinthians 9:16-27

Don't Run Aimlessly

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Interestingly, the name of the month, February, comes from a Latin word, februum, related to purification. Tomorrow, February 2, the Christian Church celebrates the Purification of Mary and the Presentation of our Lord (see Luke 2:22-32). It's also called Candlemas, recalling Simeon's words that Jesus is the Light of the World. Jesus in our februum, too, as He brings us purification through the forgiveness of sins.

Psalm 147

Based on Mark 1:21–28

All In

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT on January 25: On this date, the Christian Church remembers the conversion of St Paul. This marvelous event in the life of Christianity brings us the assurance of God's most gracious and forgiving care for all who recognize their sinfulness and are received by Christ in faith. That event is recorded n Acts 9:1-19; 22:6-21; and 26:12-18.