simply, Christian
on family worship and devotionals
creating a new habit in your home
One of the most important yet most difficult spiritual disciplines we have put into practice in our family is consistent time for family worship and devotions.
This practice is one of the most important because it is our calling and privilege as parents to pass along the faith to our children. Martin Luther understood this well . . .
lection reflection (23 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Micah 3.1-8
Today's reading contains two sobering warnings. The first warning points out the reality that God will not answer the prayers of unrepentant sinners, especially those in leadership. Pointedly the prophet accuses them of hating good and loving evil (v.2) and decrees that, though crying out to the Lord for help, . . .
Posted in: reflections
lection reflection (22 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Micah 2.1-13
This weekend we started reading through the minor prophet Micah--a personal favorite! Today we read of Israel's rebellion against the Lord, a recurring theme among the prophets, of course. Interestingly, in the middle of the passage, we read about the people belittling God's prophet and his message of repentance . . .
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lection reflection (19 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Hosea 13.9-16
In yesterday's passage (which we omitted for St. Luke's feast day readings), God beautifully reminds Israel that he alone is God and "besides me there is no savior." Yet, in spite of his gracious love toward them, Israel rebelled and followed after other nations and their practices by rejecting God as . . .
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lection reflection (18 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Today is the feast day of St. Luke the Evangelist, so we're taking a break from our regular journey through the daily lectionary for today.
Isaiah 52.7-10
In this familiar passage, quoted by St. Paul in Romans, we are taught / reminded of the beauty that comes from the proclamation of the Gospel of God's grace and . . .
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Luther on the Gospel
theology quote of the week
The truth of the Gospel is this, that our righteousness comes by faith alone, without the works of the Law. The falsification or corruption of the Gospel is this, that we are justified by faith but not without the works of the Law. The false apostles preached the Gospel, but they did so with this condition attached to it. The . . .
lection reflection (17 Oct 2018)
reading the bible daily with the church
Hosea 13.1-3
The respected and famous here led others astray when they turned away from God to idolatry. An entire nation wandered into sin based on the actions of a few influential people. Nothing has changed from then to today, has it? In our culture, we are still influenced by those in power, by celebrities, by those who get . . .
Posted in: reflections