Most Christians have gone through times of spiritual dryness or weariness. Like water to the thirsty ground, the Psalms offer refreshment to the thirsty soul. Based on favorite verses from the Psalms, Psalms for Life applies the wisdom of God’s Word to real-life situations in order to encourage and strengthen those who are seeking a more intimate walk with Christ. When we are weak and weary, it can be difficult to break loose from discouragement, and often we pull away from God or do not know how to regain our strength and passion for the Lord. This devotional book is a day-to-day glance at nuggets of truth that can strengthen faith that has been stretched to the limit, encourage the weary soul, and provide hope and wisdom to help you draw refreshment from the River of Life.
Read alsoAmerican Short Stories
22 short stories written by American writers:THE PROPHETIC PICTURES By Nathaniel Hawthorne THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW By Washington Irving THE GOLD-BUG By Edgar Allan Poe CORPORAL FLINT'S MURDER (From "The Oak Openings") By J. Fenimore Cooper UNCLE JIM AND UNCLE BILLY By Bret Harte THE NOTARY OF PERIGUEUX…


YhVh's creation, in all its splendor, mystery, and wonder as we find it. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and fire:
Ed Masterson, Old West lawman, brother of Bat Masterson
Sanpaku eyes, check.
Demon Shine, check.
Marshall Dodge City (they’ve been in law enforcement from the beginning.) Check.


New American Standard Bible
"What comes into your mind will not come about, when you say: 'We will be like the nations, like the tribes of the lands, serving wood and stone.'
King James Bible
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the heathen, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
Darby Bible Translation
And that which cometh into your mind shall not be at all, that ye say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, in serving wood and stone.
World English Bible
and that which comes into your mind shall not be at all, in that you say, We will be as the nations, as the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.
Young's Literal Translation
And that which is going up on your mind, It is not at all -- in that ye are saying: We will be as the nations, as the families of the lands, To serve wood and stone.
Ezekiel 20:32 Parallel
CommentaryBarnes' Notes on the Bible
God's future dealings with His people:
(1) in judgment Ezekiel 20:32-38;
(2) in mercy Ezekiel 20:39-44.
The inquirers had thought that if Jerusalem were taken, and the whole people became sojourners in a foreign land, they would cease to be a separate nation. In their love for idolatry some may have even desired this. But more probably they thought that this very consequence precluded the possibility of such a catastrophe. God answers that He will not allow them to become as the pagan, but this will only subject them to severer trial and stricter rule.
LibraryManner of Covenanting.
Previous to an examination of the manner of engaging in the exercise of Covenanting, the consideration of God's procedure towards his people while performing the service seems to claim regard. Of the manner in which the great Supreme as God acts, as well as of Himself, our knowledge is limited. Yet though even of the effects on creatures of His doings we know little, we have reason to rejoice that, in His word He has informed us, and in His providence illustrated by that word, he has given us to …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting
Covenanting Sanctioned by the Divine Example.
"Keep your feet from being unshod And your throat from thirst; But you said, 'It is hopeless! No! For I have loved strangers, And after them I will walk.'
"But rather we will certainly carry out every word that has proceeded from our mouths, by burning sacrifices to the queen of heaven and pouring out drink offerings to her, just as we ourselves, our forefathers, our kings and our princes did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem; for then we had plenty of food and were well off and saw no misfortune.
Then the Spirit of the LORD fell upon me, and He said to me, "Say, 'Thus says the LORD, "So you think, house of Israel, for I know your thoughts.
Jump to PreviousCountries Families Heathen Lands Mind Minds Nations Peoples Servants Serve Serving Stone Thought Tribes Want Wood World Worship
Jump to NextCountries Families Heathen Lands Mind Minds Nations Peoples Servants Serve Serving Stone Thought Tribes Want Wood World Worship
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Hour of God's Judgement: Joseph Smith's Paradigm of the Last Days
Author: Vern Swanson
"Being a candle while in a Christian culture is hardly noticeable; but now we have the privilege of being a candle in the growing night of spiritual darkness."
-Neal A. Maxwell
Joseph Smith foresaw a 41-year, 8-month period "Hour of [God's] judgments" upon the earth, which culminates with the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. Beyond this, Joseph did not elaborate. Swanson has used this template to insert other timeframes and events that Joseph didn't discuss. The author believes that his own speculations should be questioned, but Joseph's paradigm is correct.
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33 Ways God Is Preparing the World for the Second Coming


Today I had coffee with a local pastor. He’s a good friend and someone I really respect and am having a blast getting to know. He said something simple in passing that struck me as interesting and worth sharing.
His church, a local fellowship in Marseille, has 40 members. That’s what he told me. On their little rolodex in the office somewhere, 40 members. 40 people receiving newsletters. 40 people who call themselves members of this particular church. 40 total people, not families. Not too odd. Most evangelical churches in France I would guess hover in the 20-60 range.
But you know what? They average 60+ for Sunday worship (excluding les vacances of course!). Yes, average attendance is higher than membership. It’s not that this church is suddenly on revival and growing so fast the secretary can’t keep up. That’s just how it is.
If you live in the USA and go to church, ask your pastor/secretary/record-keeper sometime the number of members of the church. For most churches, even small ones, I would guess that number to be in the thousands. Now take a visual survey of how many people are in the worship service on Sunday, and do some division. This is a total guess, but I’d say it’s maybe less than 30% of the membership (and feel free to tell me if I’m wrong).
So why does this church in France have less members than attendees when most churches in the USA have vastly more members than weekly attenders? Well in France, having your name on a membership roll doesn’t get you anything. No one would tell their neighbors they attend a church they don’t really attend. Why heap ridicule on yourself? No one identifies themselves as a Christian, especially not an evangelical church-going Christian, unless they really mean it. So in the same way, no one asks to be a member of a church unless they are truly committed in every facet of their lives.


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Marget Barnardsen, the daughter of a knight, is to be married to the Earl of Lytham, but when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget will do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and win her husband back.
Born with the face of an angel, Marget Barnardsen is blessed. Her father is a knight, and now she is to be married to the Earl of Lytham. her destiny is guaranteed...at least, it would seem so. But when her introduction to court goes awry and Queen Elizabeth despises her, Marget fears she's lost her husband forever. Desperate to win him back, she'll do whatever it takes to discover how she failed and capture again the love of a man bound to the queen.
Buy Constant Heart, A by Siri Mitchell from our Christian Books store - isbn: 9780764204319 & 0764204319
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THREE years ago, Gospel musician Happy Odonkor was suspended from her church, Hebron Prayer Centre, for allegedly snatching someone’s husband. She was also accused of fornication by getting pregnant for the man.
Although she was suspended for investigations to be conducted into the matter, three years on, Happy says nothing was done about it and she believes she has not been treated well by the church.
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In an interview with Showbiz, Happy Odonkor said she didn’t want to talk about it but she wanted her name to be cleared because of the embarrassment she had been through.
“I was called by church leaders that I have been suspended for snatching someone’s husband and getting pregnant for the man. They didn’t even hear my side of the story.
“I wanted the issue to die out but some of the church members see me and point fingers at me for being a husband snatcher and I want them to come out and tell the truth to everyone because it is affecting me,” Happy Odonkor said.
Explaining her side of the story, Happy said her husband’s ex-wife lied to the church’s leaders that she was still married to the man and they believed her without allowing her (Happy) to tell her side of the story.
She said she had been a member of the church for six years and felt the decision taken by the church leaders was harsh because proper investigation was not done.
“It is a huge embarrassment to me and my family because I am married to the man and I am not even pregnant for him as the church leaders claim,” Happy Odonkor revealed.
When Showbiz contacted the church, one of the leaders of the Hebron Prayer Centre, Elder Wofa Achia, said the church did not know Happy was married because she never told them, so if a woman claimed to be married to the singer’s husband, they had to side with her.
“I don’t want to go into details but we gave Happy the opportunity to state her side of the story but we were not convinced with her explanation, hence the decision to suspend her,” he said.
According to him, although it hurt that Happy was no longer a part of the church, the decision had to be taken to bring sanity to the church.
Happy Odonkor has songs such as Meda Wo Ase, God You Are Too Much, Sumsum Kronkron, Soma Wabofour and Wasesa Me to her credit.


Hello ALL –
Wayne and I are THRILLED to announce 2 firsts: #1 — we’re having our first event in our newly renovated community room (we really need a much more exciting name for it) and (2) it’s going to be a “Hymn Sing”.
What is a “Hymn Sing”?
The whole church is invited on Sunday, March 25th (5:30 pm) to a pot luck at 100 Linden. Afterwards, we’re all going to be given some hymns to learn (led by Charles and Amanda Roberts) for Easter Sunday. The Robertses will be placing us in our own sections: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass and we’ll be learning our parts for this music.
This means the WHOLE church will be the Easter Choir!
Please RSVP to me so I can be sure we have food assignments divided up for a nice meal before hand. KIDSare invited, and hopefully some of them will even join the singing. (BABYSITTING PROVIDED).


I have found myself – and maybe you have too – chatting with other Catholics about the state of the Church and how it needs to improve, whether by enforcing reverence at Mass, imposing a dress code (skirts for women, ties for men), policing the Bishops, or outlawing guitar music. You know how it goes: it begins with giggling about Fr. Distracted’s tendency to wander off topic during the homily, and the next thing I know,
I’ve condemned every person in the pews for not being as pious as me.
It may be there are serious errors in my parish, and to be sure the Church must be vigilant against false teaching and laxity. To judge words or actions is not wrong. However, we cannot compromise fundamentals of the faith, and charity demands that when we spot error we should speak up, with love, and out of concern for the soul of the person in error. Where I go wrong is when I judge the state of a person’s soul, and in fact it has dreadful repercussions because I am essentially inviting God to judge me in the same way.
Reading Coren’s column reminded me that I tend to pickle-up - become cranky and cantankerous - when I think that only I have it all figured out. I turn into a miserable person, and that is no way to effect positive change within my parish community. Nobody was ever inspired by a sour-faced saint!
Joy is key to living a full Catholic life. As Catholics, we believe in the death and resurrection of Christ. Because of Him, we have the hope of eternal salvation – a life of unending glory in the presence of God. Through the great love and mercy of God, we have freedom from sin. We have purpose in this life, and know it continues into the next. We have the promise of being united with all our loved ones and the great host of saints in heaven.
When I grumble about ‘the state of things’, most of the time it comes from my devotion to the Church, and my sincere desire for everyone to know God’s love. It’s good to be reminded that more hearts will be won for Christ if I hold on to that joy, rather than the conviction that I am right about Fr. Distracted, the Bishops, and the guitars.
And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness ~ Ps. 104:43


You are seated in the heavenlies with me
Together and individually.
You are now in me
I in you and you in me.
Never need you ever fear –
My perfect love casts out all fear.
It is here you know my perfect love surrounds
It is here you know resurrection life abounds.
You are seated here with me –
Live now victoriously!
Together you sit – together in me.
Move now together with me.


He was born near Mt. Eaton on September 11, 1930 to the late Noah D. and Susie (Hershberger) Troyer and had previously worked at the former Cottage Creamery in Orrville. He provided transportation for the Amish community. He was a member of the Fairlawn Mennonite Church.
He is survived by his twin brother, David (Betty) Troyer of Apple Creek; a sister, Fannie Keim of Apple Creek; a sister-in-law, Emma Troyer of Dalton; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Atlee, Andrew and Perry.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2013 at 11:00 AM at the Fairlawn Mennonite Church, 8520 Emerson Road, Apple Creek, with Pastor Duane Detweiler officiating. Burial will be in the Bethany Conservative Mennonite Church Cemetery near Holmesville. Friends may call on Friday, May 17, 2013 from 5-8 PM at the Fairlawn Mennonite Church or one hour prior to services on Saturday at the church. Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Fairlawn Mennonite Church, 8520 Emerson Road, Apple Creek, OH 44606.
Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton


I am God Most High! The only sacrifice I want is for you to be thankful and to keep your word. Pray to me in time of trouble. I will rescue you, and you will honour me. (Psalms 50:14, 15 CEV)
Sometimes it really feels like a sacrifice, being grateful, thankful, being truthful and keeping promises…other times those attitudes and actions flow from us without any reservation, any holding back. Our current situation, our failure to see the blessings, because they are obscured by the NON-blessings, our simple lack of attention to saying “thank you” can cause us to agree more with the bumper sticker that reads, “S–t happens!” than to bring the sacrifice of thanksgiving to God in response to the bumper sticker that reads, “Blessings happen!” So read the two verses above to understand that God understands that overt gratefulness can be a sacrifice…but He wants it…not for HIM..but for us.
Likewise, being truthful and keeping our promises, asking for His help. Yes, ASKING for help, even when it feels like pulling teeth without an anesthesia, Pray, Ask and He will not leave you hanging.
Most of all, these sacrifices Honor God! Read all of Psalm 50 and without a doubt you will see His resources are endless and you will see the contrast between those who trust Him and those who don’t.
Consider the old story of the two young boys whose parents tried an experiment, giving the pessimist of two, a pony and the optimist, a room full of manure. The pessimist immediately started belly aching, “This is going to be more work than he’s worth, cleaning out his stall, feeding him…and on and on. The optimist opened the door and saw the manure piled high in the stall and immediately grabbed a shovel and started digging. “What are doing?” His amazed parents asked. He looked up grinning, “With all this manure, there is bound to be a pony in here somewhere!”
Which child of God am I?Honor God and He will lift you out of all the “S–t Happens!” moments and open your eyes to the blessings all around!


by Christopher A. Ferrara
February 20, 2017
It would be humorous if it were not so annoyingly disingenuous. Cardinal Müller continues to insist that Amoris Laetitia (AL) is perfectly orthodox even after publication by the Vatican’s publishing house of Cardinal Francesco Coccopalmerio’s pamphlet on Chapter VIII of AL, declaring that people living in “irregular situations” — i.e. divorced and “remarried” or cohabiting — should be granted absolution and admitted to Holy Communion if they “sincerely seek” the sacraments following a “period of discernment.” And Müller continues to criticize bishops for giving AL the same interpretation endorsed by the Pope himself in his letter to the bishops of Buenos Aires.


John's Gospel:a new look- no 25 The Promise of the Holy Spirit
John’s Gospel –a new look no.25 “God in you, the work of The Helper”.
Christianity is a movement that is worldwide and for God to be working in every place at every time the Holy Spirit as an indwelling gift makes this miracle possible(Jn.14:17; 16:7). John records this fact and in the next chapters Jesus will explain much about the “Spirit of Truth.”
Jesus has just told his disciples that he is leaving to return to the Father and this would have been of concern to them. Yes he would return, but what about the time in between? So Jesus assures them that they will not be left alone.
In the “Great Commission” as recorded in Mathew 28:18/19 Jesus assures his followers that he will be with them to the end of the age. How can that be? On the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:38) Peter tells the crowd that if they repent and are baptized they will “receive the gift of the Holy Spirit”.
So the promise Jesus made has become a reality. He will not leave them "as orphans" as he explained in John 14:18 (N.I.V.) The Holy Spirit is available to every believer who then is empowered to be the person that God intended them to be. With this promise comes “the peace that passes understanding” as Paul puts it in Philippians 4:7.
Unfortunately the work and function of the Holy Spirit is often misunderstood and often abused. This has had a negative effect on Christianity. In actual fact it is a vital part of God’s great plan to bridge the gap between the physical and spiritual world. It is “God with you and living in you.” (John 14:17 cp. 1 Cor.6:19)


Key New Testament passages on...
Dignity of the Human Person and the Right to Life
The good Samaritan recognized the dignity in the other and cared for
I Corinthians 3:16-17
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of
God dwells in you? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy
that person; for the temple of God, which you are, is holy.
Every individual, precisely by reason of the mystery of the Word of God who was made flesh (cf. Jn 1:14), is entrusted to the maternal care of the Church. Therefore every threat to human dignity and life must necessarily be felt in the Church's very heart; it cannot but affect her at the core of her faith in the Redemptive Incarnation of the Son of God, and engage her in her mission of proclaiming the Gospel of life in all the world and to every creature (cf. Mk 16:15). Evangelium Vitae, #3
Human Rights and Responsibilities
The rich man has a responsibility to care for Lazarus.
There was not a needy person among them.
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
God’s gifts are given to be shared.
In human society one man's natural right gives rise to a corresponding duty in other men; the duty, that is, of recognizing and respecting that right. Every basic human right draws its authoritative force from the natural law, which confers it and attaches to it its respective duty. Hence, to claim one's rights and ignore one's duties, or only half fulfill them, is like building a house with one hand and tearing it down with the other. Pacem in Terris, #30
Call to Family, Community and Participation
This is my commandment: love one another as I have loved you.
Life among the believers.
We are one body, individually members one of another.
1 John 4:19-21
Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters.
Economic and social policies as well as organization of the work world should be continually evaluated in light of their impact on the strength and stability of family life. The long-range future of this nation is intimately linked with the well-being of families, for the family is the most basic form of human community. Efficiency and competition in the marketplace must be moderated by greater concern for the way work schedules and compensation support or threaten the bonds between spouses and between parents and children. Economic Justice for All, #93
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Jesus proclaims his mission: to bring good news to the poor and
Blessed are the poor, theirs is the kingdom of God.
Matthew 25: 31-46
Just as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.
1 John 3:17-18
How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s good and
sees one in need and refuses to help?
In teaching us charity, the Gospel instructs us in the preferential respect due to the poor and the special situation they have in society: the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others. Octogesima Adveniens, #23
Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers
All workers should be paid a just and living wage.
The Sabbath was made for people, not people for the Sabbath.
Practice integrity in your work.
Those who become rich by abusing their workers have sinned against
The obligation to earn one's bread by the sweat of one's brow also presumes the right to do so. A society in which this right is systematically denied, in which economic policies do not allow workers to reach satisfactory levels of employment, cannot be justified from an ethical point of view, nor can that society attain social peace. Centesimus Annus, #43
Solidarity and the Common Good
1 Corinthians 12:12-26
If one member of Christ’s body suffers, all suffer. If one member is
honored, all rejoice.
1 John 3:16-18
The love of God in us is witnessed by our willingness to lay down our
lives for others as Christ did for us.
Solidarity is not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of so many people, both near and far. On the contrary, it is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good; that is to say, to the good of all and of each individual, because we are all really responsible for all. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, #38
Care for God’s Creation
God loves and cares for all of creation.
Creation reveals the nature of God.
1 Corinthians 10:26
Creation and all created things are inherently good because they are of
The environment is God's gift to everyone, and in our use of it we have a responsibility towards the poor, towards future generations and towards humanity as a whole. . . Our duties towards the environment are linked to our duties towards the human person, considered in himself and in relation to others. It would be wrong to uphold one set of duties while trampling on the other. Caritas in Veritate, #48, 51
Peace & Reconciliation
Blessed are the peacemakers, they will be called children of God.
Be reconciled to one another before coming to the altar.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20
God has reconciled us to himself through Christ and given us the
ministry of reconciliation.
God reconciled everything in Christ, making peace through the blood
of his cross.
Most characteristic of Jesus' actions are those in which he showed his love. As he had commanded others, his love led him even to the giving of his own life to effect redemption. Jesus' message and his actions were dangerous ones in his time, and they led to his death - a cruel and viciously inflicted death, a criminal's death (Gal. 3:13). In all of his suffering, as in all of his life and ministry, Jesus refused to defend himself with force or with violence. He endured violence and cruelty so that God's love might be fully manifest and the world might be reconciled to the One from whom it had become estranged. Even at his death, Jesus cried out for forgiveness for those who were his executioners: "Father, forgive them . . ." (Lk. 23:34).
Only in light of this can Jesus' gift of peace - a peace which the world cannot give (Jn. 14:27) - be understood. Jesus gives that peace to his disciples, to those who had witnessed the helplessness of the crucifixion and the power of the resurrection (Jn. 20:19, 20, 26). The peace which he gives to them as he greets them as their risen Lord is the fullness of salvation. It is the reconciliation of the world and God (Rom. 5:1-2; Col. 1:20); the restoration of the unity and harmony of all creation which the Old Testament spoke of with such longing.
Jesus Christ, then, is our peace, and in his death-resurrection he gives God's peace to our world. In him God has indeed reconciled the world, made it one, and has manifested definitely that his will is this reconciliation, this unity between God and all peoples, and among the peoples themselves. The way to union has been opened, the covenant of peace established. The risen Lord's gift of peace is inextricably bound to the call to follow Jesus and to continue the proclamation of God's reign…. Discipleship reaches out to the ends of the earth and calls for reconciliation among all peoples so that God's purpose, "a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him" (Eph. 1:10), will be fulfilled.
The fullness of eschatological peace remains before us in hope and yet the gift of peace is already ours in the reconciliation effected in Jesus Christ. These two profoundly religious meanings of peace inform and influence all other meanings for Christians. Because we have been gifted with God's peace in the risen Christ, we are called to our own peace and to the making of peace in our world. As disciples and as children of God, it is our task to seek for ways in which to make the forgiveness, justice and mercy and love of God visible in a world where violence and enmity are too often the norm. The Challenge of Peace
For further reading:


Have you ever heard a protective father announce, "Any boy that wants to date my daughter has to go through me first-and my gun"? Though we laugh at his fierce, half-joking remark, we know there's an element of truth in it, too. Though we all want to protect our daughters from harm, there are steps we can take as parents to instill right values in them so that hopefully the "gun" never becomes a necessity . . . Carolyn Gullett is a wife and mother of two sons. She serves with her husband Delmar as Care Pastors of Life Church in Fort Myers, Florida. It is a passion of hers to mentor young ladies to fulfill the call of God on their lives, to know and experience the unconditional love of their heavenly father and if they wish to marry to not be unequally yoked. Not only is she a pastor, but she also has a prophetic voice to the body of Christ. If you wish to contact her, you may email her at PastorDelmar@lifechurch.net.


Our legal team took action yesterday against the city of Duncanville, TX for barring a Hispanic Church from taking possession of the building they had purchased. Pastor Ramorez’s Templo Bautista Nuevo Jerusalen purchased a building on Main Street and complied with a multitude of requirements in order to receive a Special Utilities Permit. The City Council then denied the church occupancy of its building. We reminded the City of Duncanville that one person’s hostility towards churches, for whatever discriminatory reason, cannot take away the constitutional right of a church to gather and worship.
Read the Dallas Morning News story and stay tuned as this case unfolds.


An integral part of Christian faith is serving the world in love. We believe that we live our lives as a grateful response to God’s grace and love.
Members of First English are actively engaged in serving the local community and the whole world. Here are some of the ways we do that. We invite you to join us in this good work.
Micah 6 is a food pantry ministry and more. First English was a founding member, along with other churches in the University of Texas area. We donate money, food, and work at the pantry helping to stock shelves and serve clients.
ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Response
God’s Work, Our Hands Sunday
Each year on the first Sunday of the September, congregations in the ELCA celebrate a day of service called “God’s Work. Our Hands.” It’s a day to work directly in our community for the good of all.
Congregational Benevolence and Special Offerings
Through our offerings and our church budget, we are dedicated to supporting church and non-profit organizations doing a wide variety of service to others. Some of these include:
- North Central Care Givers of Austin
- ELCA World Hunger
- ELCA Disaster Relief
- iACT – Interfaith Action of Central Texas
- Micah 6 Food Pantry
- University of Texas Lutheran Campus Ministry
- Texas State University Lutheran Campus Ministry
- Lutheran Seminary Program of Austin
- CrossTrails Outdoor/Camping Ministries
- Capital South Conference Mission Support
- FELC CDC Tuition Support
- Texas Lutheran University
- Our Savior Lutheran Communion mission, Boerne
In our Daily Lives
We encourage, support, and uplift one another to serve God by serving the world in our daily work, and in all the ways we help others. Whether done through the church, with our families, or as individuals, all of our acts of love and care for others are an expression of our faith in God through Christ Jesus.


SUZANNE M. SPAHR age 71 (nee Sanders) of Berea. Beloved wife of Richard. Loving mother of the late Chrisie. Dear sister of Bonnie Haskell and Allen Sanders (Denise). Sister-in-law, aunt and friend of many. Mass of Christian burial Wednesday September 9, 2020 St. Mary Church (Berea) at 10 A.M. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the church.
Friends received Tuesday 4-7 P.M. (with social distancing and mask required) at the A. RIPEPI & SONS FUNERAL HOME, 18149 BAGLEY ROAD, MIDDLEBURG HEIGHTS (WEST OF I-71).
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of SUZANNE M (SANDERS) SPAHR, please visit our floral store.


Pope Francis: conversion leads Christians closer to full communion
January 26, 2016
Pope Francis concluded the 2016 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity by celebrating Vespers at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls on January 25.
St. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus was “not primarily a moral conversion but rather an transforming experience of the grace of Christ, and at the same time, a call to the new mission of announcing to everyone the Jesus that he previously persecuted by persecuting the disciples of Christ,” Pope Francis preached.
“For those first Christians, like today for all of us baptized Christians, it is a source of comfort and of constant amazement to know that we have been chosen to be part of God’s plan of salvation, put into effect through Jesus Christ and through the Church,” he continued. “The Father loves us all and wants to save us all, and for this reason He calls some people, conquering them through His grace, so that through them His love can reach all people.”
Stating that Christians progress on the road to full communion “above all as we convert ourselves to the Lord, who through His grace, chooses and calls us to be His disciples,” the Pope asked for forgiveness for the sins of Catholics and encouraged Catholics to forgive non-Catholic Christians:
In this Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, we must always keep in mind that there cannot be an authentic search for Christian unity without trusting fully in the Father’s mercy. We ask first of all for forgiveness for the sins of our divisions, which are an open wound in the Body of Christ. As Bishop of Rome and pastor of the Catholic Church, I want to ask for mercy and forgiveness for the behavior of Catholics towards Christians of other Churches which has not reflected Gospel values. At the same time, I invite all Catholic brothers and sisters to forgive if they, today or in the past, have been offended by other Christians.
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- Concluding the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2016.01.25 (Holy See Press Office)
- Celebrazione dei Secondi Vespri della Solennità della Conversione di San Paolo Apostolo, a conclusione della Settimana di preghiera per l’Unità dei Cristiani, 25.01.2016 (Holy See Press Office)
- Pope Francis: homily for Christian Unity Vespers (Vatican Radio)
- Background: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (CWN, 1/18)
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Jimmie Booze gives an insightful application of what he calls “The Seven Elements of Prayer”, revealing how we ought to: Reverence God, Surrender our will to Him, have Confidence in His daily provisions, Self-Examine our hearts, trust His Guidance and Deliverance in times of temptation and spiritual attack; and give Him the Praise & Worship due to Him. You have never heard the “Lord’s Prayer” explained like this!
Jimmie F. Booze, has been in the gospel ministry for over 40 years. He has been married to his lovely wife Theresa E. Booze for 39 years at this publishing. He is a father of three lovely daughters and four grandchildren. He’s a dynamic preacher, a prolific bible teachers and a man of vision.
Throughout the Bible we are taught that we are "many members but one body".
We are also informed that our enemy comes to 'kill, steal and destroy".
"The Lord's Prayer" give us the wisdom, knowledge and understanding we need live victorious lives; free from sin.
The Lord’s Relationship Prayer
That They May be One
One of the most powerful prayers that Jesus prayed had to do with our becoming one in Him. Not only does it call us to unity, it give us a since of who we are in the world. Lets listen in on a portion of Jesus' prayer; “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17: 15-23
WOW! You see the Lord not only wants us to be one, but he wants everyone that we reach with our testimony, to become one with us. He wants us to have a fellowship and an affinity with one another that will distinguish us (make us peculiar) from the world!
We see by the prayer of the Lord, that it is not the will of God for us to be delivered out of every contrary situation in our lives, but to effect and transform every situation into the glory of God. Our oneness in Christ becomes the hallmark of our existence. The world will come to know us by our love and unity for one another. Ps. 133:1 declares; “Oh how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” It is something to behold!
Having unity, without uniformity, is of utmost importance. We don’t have to see “eye to eye” to “walk hand in hand”. Our difference is what makes us unique. The Lord has uniquely prepared us for a specific purpose and assignment in the world. As such, we all can’t function in the same capacity in Christ. 1Cor. 12: 4-6 says that; “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all”. And we are “fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth” (Eph. 4:16). Therefore, it is imperative that we all look to each other in order to reach our full potential in the Lord. For if we are disconnected from the body, flying solo in God, we will not be able to fulfill God’s will for our lives. We need what only the other members of the body can supply. You see we are limited in our ability to get anything done in the Lord by ourselves. Our interdependence on one another is crucial! Just as a clock has many parts but one purpose; to tell time, so is the body of Christ with many members, but one God to glorify! If we are out of relationship with our brother, it’s like having a clogged artery; stopping the flow of vital oxygen and nutrients from reaching every part of the body, and is met sometimes with devastating consequences.
We cannot get caught up in the many wonderful gift and talents that others display amongst us. We must focus on growing and developing what God has put in us. Realizing that we are all connected and dependent on none another, we must focus on doing our part well. The scripture say in Romans 12:5; “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” We are the body of Christ, first and foremost. And our unique gifting and talents should never become a source of discord amongst the brethren. For if there was one thing the Lord hates, it is “He who sows discord, amongst the brethren” Prov. 6:16-19; “These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.” We sow discord and cause division in the body of Christ by what comes out of our mouths. We must guard our hearts, that our mouths might speak only the love of God. Jesus says that “it is not what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles him, it’s what comes out.” And that “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth will speak” Seeing that the Lord has chosen to put the power of life and death in our tongue, we might want to watch what comes out of it. For by it we will either bless or we will curse; we will either give life to; or cause the death of the very person we are trying to serve.
Philippians 1:27 says; “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;” In Ephesians 4: 4-6; we read, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” We Are Family!
As we look into the structure of the “Lord’s Prayer” as given to the disciples, we are met with some very powerful principles that will allow us to fight off any attack of the enemy! We know that the number one goal of the devil is to “kill, steal and destroy” God’s children; and anything the Lord has provided for us! Our glory and power to rule is given to us in the confines of the principles found in the Lord’s Prayer.
The elements of the prayer will enable us to “fight the good fight of faith”. We will find Kingdom strategies that will thwart all the plans of the demons assigned to our lives. This is our TABERNACLE! If we dwell within its outer and inner courts we will find what it is that we ought to do in this fight. And allowing the holiest of holies (the Holy Ghost and fire) to enter our hearts and mind, we will find ourselves surrounded by His glory! Let take a look at this most powerful and instructive prayer.
The Lord’s Prayer
“…Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. 11. Give us this day our daily bread. 12. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. 13. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.”


Image Credit: otherthings on Flickr
This is part of an 11-session series for 11-14 year olds, teaching our mission statement and the importance of it’s values:
We exist to learn to follow Jesus, to show honour to God, to use our gifts to serve, to support each other, and to share our faith.
Session Aim: To look at what it means to honour God
Activity: Barmy Bowing Bonanza
Split the group so that they stand on opposite sides of the room. Explain that all they have to do is walk around the room, BUT they must be polite and courteous to everyone else and not allow their backs to be shown to anyone! At all times they must face towards the others and bow to them while saying Ã¢â‚¬Å“How do you doÃ¢â‚¬Â. In practice this means that they must think and move very carefully to avoid Ã¢â‚¬ËœoffendingÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ anyone by showing them their back. If a leaders spots that a back has been shown to someone, that person is out. Keep going until only one or two are left in. Try this game a few times.
Explain that showing honour is about giving proper respect to something, like bowing to the Queen. God deserves all of our honour and respect.
Read: Matthew 22:35-38
One Pharisee, who was an expert on the law of Moses, asked Jesus this question to test him: Ã¢â‚¬Å“Teacher, which command in the law is the most important?Ã¢â‚¬Â
Jesus answered, Ã¢â‚¬Å“ Ã¢â‚¬ËœLove the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ This is the first and most important command.
Illustration: The Incredibles
Show the clip from near the end of the movie (Chapter 29, 1:36:00 – 1:37:48) when the Incredibles beat the giant robot and the crowd come out to applaud them. Explain that everyone wanted to show their thanks and appreciation for what they had done. We are constantly told by the Bible to do the same thing for God!
- Who do you have respect for? Why?
- In what ways do you show respect to God at the moment? Are there ways that you could show more honour?
- Honour and Respect is sometimes explained as Worship. Have you ever had a time when you really worshipped God and thanked Him for what heÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s done?
- Pray that God will help you to realise ways in which you can give Him more honour.
- Pray for any issues affecting the group this week.
Try to spend a few minutes each day saying thanks to God for something, even if itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s something really small. This is part of honouring Him.
Further Reading: Proverbs 15:33
Respect for the Lord will teach you wisdom.
If you want to be honoured, you must be humble.


Martha and Mary: there is a time for everything
“At the feet of Jesus”? Or: “Of service be to Jesus”? Jesus Himself gave Mary and Martha a clear answer. But this can be quite confusing. Two small words, namely περισπάω and τυρβάζω, provide clarification.
We don’t know how many guests there were. A little earlier in the biblical passage we read about the return of the 70 disciples. Jesus was definitely not alone when He was in Bethany (Luke 10: 38–42). For “it happened as they went that he [Jesus] entered a certain village”.
Bethany was a haven for Jesus, where He found peace and rest. This was the place where three of the four people lived of whom the gospel of John says that the Lord loved them: the siblings Martha, Mary, and Lazarus.
Lady of the house and disciple
As the obviously older sister, Martha had the role of mistress or lady of the house—and was responsible for looking after the guests. This was not only based on the biblical injunction to offer hospitality to strangers, but was above all a matter of reverence.
What Mary did, however, was quite inappropriate. She sat at the feet of the Master, listening to Him like a disciple. Under normal circumstances, a rabbi’s daughter might still have been tolerated, if she had also been married to a rabbi. But this was different.
Role model and representative
There was plenty to do. Martha was busy with the preparations and therefore asked the Lord to tell Mary to help her. In the end, however, it was she who was reprimanded by Him: “Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
This situation is highly symbolic. Martha represents a type of person, who lives her faith in a practical kind of way and busies herself with social activity. Mary, on the other hand, represents the quiet and reflective side of religious contemplation. Does Jesus here really speak out against the generous and giving type of character and for the receiving temperament?
Far ahead of the other disciples
Even Mary is not reduced to a passive kind of devoutness, however. In John 12 we read that it is she who washes the feet of Jesus with precious oil. In this anticipated unction she manifests her understanding of the nearing of His sacrificial death—something the other disciples had yet to understand.
Nor does Martha exhaust herself in constant activity. In John 11 it is she who professes: “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world”—an understanding that the other disciples only reach at the end of the gospel.
Belief needs both
A closer look at the Greek text shows us what this is really about. When the English-language Bible says that Martha was troubled about many things, the Greek uses the expression perispaó. In essence this means: being torn, being completely caught up in something, being distracted.
And when Jesus speaks about Martha being troubled over many things, the Greek uses the word tyrbázo, whose root is týrbe (chaos, noise, confusion) and means “allowing oneself to be torn back and forth in a restless way”—namely away what is really important. In Bethany, Luke is therefore not criticising being active, but being torn back and forth and being drawn away from that which is truly important.
In each one of us there is a little bit of Mary and a little bit of Martha, and that’s a good thing. For living faith needs quiet contemplation as much as it needs an active and practical religious life. What’s important is that we choose the right example at the right time.
Photo: Gorodenkoff Productions OU


Editor’s note: Clara Johnson welcomes contributors to her weekly Shout Outs column. Send yours to firstname.lastname@example.org.
Shouts of love and birthday blessings to a very helpful and humble servant of God on his birthday, Deacon Troy Davidson. Deacon Davidson is an electrifying member of the Greater Mt. Zion Church, and Pastor Roland K. Hendricks is the anointed shepherd.


The Easter Bunny
Date Of Birth:
Place Of Birth:
Best Known As:
The fictional symbol of Easter
The Easter Bunny is a jaunty symbol of the annual Christian holiday of Easter. Easter marks the day that, in the Christian tradition, Jesus of Nazareth rose from the grave after his crucifixion. The Easter Bunny is a secular symbol of the holiday. According to tradition, the Easter Bunny makes his visit every year, scattering brightly-colored eggs as he goes. (In many families, "Easter egg hunts" are held where children search for eggs or candy hidden by their parents.) The origins of the Easter Bunny aren't clear; the first recorded references to him (as "Oschter Haws") are generally agreed to have come from Germany in the 1500s. In ancient times the rabbit was a symbol of fertility, equated with springtime and renewal of life, and the hare was also associated with the moon, whose cycles determine the precise date of Easter each year. Over time these traditions presumably merged with the annual celebration of Easter itself, and now the Easter Bunny is associated with Easter in much the same way that Santa Claus is the secular symbol of Christmas.
In America, the White House Easter Egg roll has been a nearly-annual tradition since 1878, with kids flooding the mansion grounds to hunt eggs and mingle with the president.
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Big Hill Bible Studies
17 March 2018
Tomorrow we are having a special Sunday line up. Our 8:30 "Classic Service" will take place as usual. We will worship in singing hymns from the song books, through tithes and offerings, communion, and a message entitled "What is Worship?"
Our 11am Contemporary Service will be a special service. Worship will consist primarily of special songs and scripture reading. We will also worship through tithes and offerings, and communion.
This will be a great day of worship through two formats praising God and having fellowship together. Bring your Bible and a friend, and come worship with. Then come back at 6pm for our interactive "Going Deeper" study. We've love to have you join us.


Taking a deep dive into Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, we explore the profound implications of the Bible's poignant verse about life, death, and the timing of it all.
You might not be aware that the Bible, in Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, states 'There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die…'.
This verse, while seemingly straightforward, has sparked numerous interpretations and debates among theologians and scholars alike.
What does it truly mean to say there's a time to die? Is this verse comforting or unsettling?
Let's embark on an exploration of these questions, as we untangle the rich layers of this biblical passage.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 in the Bible presents death as part of a divinely timed sequence of life.
- Death, according to the scripture, is a transient stage in the rhythm of existence.
- Christian beliefs interpret death as a transition into eternal life, not an end.
- The verse instructs believers to approach mortality with peace, viewing it as a stepping stone to eternal life.
Understanding Death in Biblical Context
To fully grasp the concept of death in the Bible, you must delve into the historical and cultural context in which these texts were written. Death, during the biblical era, wasn't solely a physical cessation of life. It was also conceived as a separation from God, the source of life, and thus carried profound spiritual implications.
The Hebrew Bible, or Old Testament, often depicts death as a shadowy, uncertain realm called Sheol. Its inhabitants aren't lively beings, but 'rephaim', weak and faint echoes of their former selves. This depiction suggests a conception of death as a diminished existence, rather than an absolute end.
Conversely, the New Testament, influenced by Greek philosophy and emerging Christian theology, begins to hint at the possibility of an afterlife, a resurrection. However, it's crucial to understand that the emphasis wasn't so much on the continuation of individual existence, but on the restoration of divine-human relationships fractured by sin and death.
Therefore, understanding death in the Bible isn't about reconciling contradictory views, but about appreciating how these diverse perspectives reflect the evolving beliefs and hopes of a specific historical community.
Delving Into Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Building on this understanding of death in biblical context, let's turn our attention to Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, a key scripture that provides fascinating insights into the biblical view of life, death, and divine timing. Penned by Solomon, a figure renowned for his wisdom, this verse serves as a poignant reflection on mortality and the cyclical nature of existence.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 states, 'To every thing there's a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted.' Here, the verse illustrates the concept of divine timing, emphasizing the rhythm and order inherent in life and death. It implies that birth and death aren't random events, but rather part of a divinely orchestrated sequence.
The verse promotes acceptance of life's inherent ebb and flow, underscoring the inevitability of death as part of this cycle. It's not a grim portrayal of death, but rather a recognition of its place in the grand scheme of existence. This perspective on death, intertwined with life's other stages, offers a unique lens through which to consider the biblical view of mortality.
Interpretation of the Chosen Verse
Diving deeper into Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, you'll find that its interpretation offers profound insights into the cyclical pattern of life and death from a biblical perspective. The verse posits that there's a time for everything, including a time to be born and a time to die. This isn't just a simple assertion; it's a philosophical exploration of the transient nature of existence.
Understanding this verse requires acknowledging the context in which it was written. It's part of a larger discourse on the meaning and purpose of life. The author, traditionally believed to be King Solomon, reflects on the human condition, expressing a sense of futility at the repetitive cycles of life.
Yet, the verse also underscores the inevitability of death, suggesting acceptance rather than dread. It serves as a reminder that life and death are parts of a larger divine plan, beyond human comprehension. The cyclical pattern implies that death isn't an end, but merely a stage in the ongoing rhythm of existence.
This interpretation, while nuanced, encourages a balanced outlook on life and death, promoting acceptance and understanding of the natural ebb and flow of existence. It instills the idea that the cycle of life and death isn't only inevitable but also purposeful.
Death From a Christian Perspective
In exploring death from a Christian perspective, it's crucial to understand that this faith tradition views mortality not as an ending, but as a transition into eternal life. You'll find that the Christian faith's perception of death is deeply rooted in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This seminal event in Christian theology signifies victory over death, making it a gateway to eternal life, rather than a finality.
This viewpoint is supported by numerous Biblical passages, particularly in the New Testament. For instance, John 11:25-26 reads, 'Jesus said to her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.'' It's a clear assertion of the Christian belief in life after death.
However, it's important to note that the Christian concept of death isn't about escaping this world for a better one. Rather, it's about the anticipation of a renewed, resurrected life. A life that's redeemed, restored, and eternal. Therefore, death, in a Christian context, isn't to be feared but understood as a spiritual transition into a higher form of existence.
Applying Biblical Wisdom to Mortality
Grasping the wisdom embedded within the Bible can provide valuable insights into how we perceive and cope with our mortality. You're called to understand death not as an end, but a transition to eternal life. This perspective, borne out of biblical teachings, can fundamentally reshape your views on mortality.
Consider the verse Ecclesiastes 3:1-2 which states, 'To everything there's a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die'. This verse reminds you that death is a natural part of life's cycle, and it's not to be feared. Your focus, instead, should be on fulfilling your purpose during your earthly existence.
Furthermore, the verse in 1 Corinthians 15:55, 'O death, where's thy sting? O grave, where's thy victory?' encourages you to view death not as a victor, but as a defeated foe, thanks to Christ's resurrection. Through these biblical pearls of wisdom, you can face your mortality with a sense of peace, understanding that it's merely a stepping stone to eternal life, not a dreadful end.
In grasping Ecclesiastes 3:1-2, you've explored the cycle of life and death from a biblical perspective. You've seen how Christianity perceives death not as an ending, but a divine transition. By applying this wisdom, you may view mortality in a new, enlightened way.
Hopefully, this exploration has provided you with comfort, understanding, and a deeper faith in life's cyclical nature as depicted in the Bible. Remember, every season has its time.