Matthew 16:13-20 {Prayer} Imagine a place for a moment with me. In this place, you’re surrounded by competing voices. Different beliefs live side by side. People are searching for something to put their trust in. Religion is one of many options, and the old gods worshipped in the past haven’t nearly disappeared…
Isaiah 56:1-8
Matthew 14:13-21 {Prayer} We’ve all been there. We’ve all had those moments when another person’s needs interrupt the routine of our lives. The phone rings at the wrong time. Someone wants to talk after church. A text comes late at night. A young adult needs someone to listen to them. A neighbor…
Acts 11:19-26 {Prayer} If you have ever walked through a house before the drywall is installed, everything that is important is exposed. The studs, the beams, the joists, the wiring, the plumbing. But once the house is finished, no one notices the structural parts. Your family and friends may admire the kitchen, the…
Psalm 100 {Prayer} The front door … every family has one. On holidays like the one we celebrated yesterday … the front door seems to swing open all day long. Cars pull into the driveway. Children and grandchildren are running in and out, back and forth between mom and dad and other…
Acts 8:26-39 {Prayer} With songs like “Everyday is a Winding Road” and “Life is a Highway”, it’s easy to think of life as a journey. And with songs and hymns like “When We All Get to Heaven”, “I’ll Fly Away” and “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” … it’s no surprise that people think the…
Genesis 1:1-2:3 {Prayer} Whether you’re a trained musician or someone who just enjoys listening to music … you can feel when a song is unfinished. The melody of a song moves you along. With this movement comes tension. That tension longs for some sort of resolution. And when the final note finally…
Acts 1:1-11 {Prayer} In a year and a half from now, in 2028, Salem Lutheran will be celebrating its 100th anniversary. While planning hasn’t started yet, I’m envisioning a year-long series of mini celebrations with one big celebration at the end. One of the things that will happen then will be taking…
Acts 6:1-9; 7:2a, 51-60 {Prayer} Tis the season of celebration meals. Graduation parties. Confirmation celebrations. Family and friends gathered around long tables. Kids running around. Someone asking where the buns are. Someone realizing there aren’t enough plates. Someone busy in the kitchen. Enviably … someone already eating dessert. If you’ve ever hosted one…
Acts 2:14a, 36-41 {Prayer} When people go to ball games or especially concerts … where do they really want to sit? In the front row, right? While sometimes we’ll say it is more enjoyable or you see more if you are sitting back a ways or up high … for some, they want…