I've had an Epiphany!

Hebrews 12:1-2 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us get rid of every burden and the sin that so easily ensnares us, and let us run with patient endurance the race that is laid out for us.  2  Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who is the author of our faith and the one who brings it to its goal. In view of the joy set before him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of God’s throne. May these words be spoken by us as we run the race toward heaven: “I consider my life as of no great value to me, so that I may finish my race and the ministry I received from the Lord Jesus—to testify to the gospel of God’s grace.” Amen. Acts 20:24 My daughters have run cross country in the fall for WLS and Shoreland. Although they are busy playing soccer in the spring, they have also run for the track teams at WLS and Shoreland. As they are in training or running their races, they ha...

Title: Jesus praying, teaching the disciples to pray Worship Theme: The Season of Easter draws to a close with a look at Jesus’ High Priestly prayer. Now as then, our risen and ascended Lord Jesus prays for Spirit-inspired unity between the Father and his church. With much anticipation, we look for the coming of the Holy Spirit, confidently living a new life of faith in our ascended Lord. Old Testament: Acts 16:6–10    6 They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they were prevented by the Holy Spirit from speaking the word in the province of Asia. 7 When they went as far as Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them. 8 So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul during the night. A Macedonian man was standing there, urging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” 10 As soon as he had seen the vision, we immediately made plans to proceed to Macedonia, because we concluded...

2 Kings 6:15-17 15 When the man of God’s servant got up early and went out, there were soldiers, horses, and chariots surrounding the city. So his attendant said to Elisha, “Oh no, my lord! What will we do?” 16 He answered, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord , open his eyes so that he can see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire, all around Elisha. O Lord, open our eyes so that we can see. Amen. 2 Kings 6:17 Last week I went to the Vision Center at Walmart to get my eyes checked. The nurse took me into one room where she checked my peripheral vision, eye strength and then shot that wonderful puff of air onto my eyeball. Then she asked me if I could read the numbers inside the colored dot pictures. I thought I did well. I saw the numbers 3, 4, and 12. I saw three out of twelve numbers. She asked, “Do you know if you’...

Artwork: The Light of the World Artist: William Holman Hunt Date: 1851-53 Worship Theme: In today’s lessons we hear about peace between us and God. How can rebels find peace with their holy Lord and Judge? Not at all by their deserving it, but by his declaring it. God’s peace is so profound, and his willingness to receive us as his children so sincere, that Jesus even assures us that he and his Father will come to us and make their home within us. Old Testament: 2 Kings 6:15-17 15 When the man of God’s servant got up early and went out, there were soldiers, horses, and chariots surrounding the city. So his attendant said to Elisha, “Oh no, my lord! What will we do?” 16 He answered, “Don’t be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord , open his eyes so that he can see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he saw that the hills were full of horses and chariots of fire, all around Eli...

1 Samuel 20:12-17 12 Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord , the God of Israel! About this time tomorrow or the day after, when I have tested my father to see if he is favorably inclined toward David, I will send word to you so that you hear about it. 13 May the Lord punish Jonathan severely and double it, if my father is planning to harm you and I do not disclose it to you and send you on your way, so that you may go in peace. May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. 14 You must show the mercy of the Lord to me, not only while I am still alive, so that I do not die, 15 but you also must not cut off your mercy from my house forever—no, not even when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” 16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “May the Lord demand an accounting from David’s enemies.” 17 Then Jonathan had David repeat the oath, because of the love that he had for him, for he loved him as ...

Artwork: Jesus Christ Washing His Disciples Feet Artist: Paolo Veronese Date: 1580s Worship Theme: Music from the Masters…Motivational speakers… Chicken Soup for the Soul… People look for a boost from many sources. But one need only look as far as the risen Savior. He inspires us not through soothing songs or moving stories, but through his perfect life and sacrificial death. Our risen Lord energizes us to live lives of love. Old Testament: 1 Samuel 20:12-17 12 Jonathan said to David, “I swear by the Lord , the God of Israel! About this time tomorrow or the day after, when I have tested my father to see if he is favorably inclined toward David, I will send word to you so that you hear about it. 13 May the Lord punish Jonathan severely and double it, if my father is planning to harm you and I do not disclose it to you and send you on your way, so that you may go in peace. May the Lord be with you, as he has been with my father. 14 You must show the mercy of the...