St. Paul Lutheran Church Grafton, WI

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: As we enter this Lenten season, three themes came together for this devotional thought--Ash Wednesday and Martin Luther's death, and the first Sunday of Lent. The Hymn of the Day for the first Sunday of Lent is "A Mighty Fortress" by Martin Luther. The last two stanzas of the hymn capture the blessings of God's Word in our struggle with the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh: Though devils all the world should fill, all eager to devour us, we tremble not, we fear no ill; they shall not overpower us. This world's prince may still scowl fierce as he will, he can harm us none. He's judged the deed is done; one little word can fell him. The Word they still shall let remain nor any thanks have for it. He's by our side upon the plain with His good gifts and Spirit. And take they our life, goods, fame, child, and wife, though these all be gone, our victory has been won; the kingdom ours remaineth."

Psalm 32

Let's Talk About Love

Psalm 2

Celebrating Generosity: Tomorrow

Celebrate Generosity, Part 4

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: The patriarch, Jacob, is commemorated on this date (February 5) by our Lutheran church. Although Jacob's life was not always exemplary, we have several interesting stories about him--his tricking Esau in giving up his birthright (Genesis 25), his wrestling with God and changing his name to Israel (Genesis 32), and also a fascinating story of his dream about a stairway to heaven (Genesis 28). Jesus picked up on that image of His mediating ministry in John 1:51--"You will see the heavens open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

Psalm 112

Celebrate Generosity: Time by Rev. Dr. Timothy Maschke

Celebrate Generosity, Part 3

Psalm 15

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: "Thy Strong Word" has become a very popular hymn over the past several decades. It was authored by Martin Franzmann, whose birthday is today. He was born in Lake City, Minnesota, in 1907 and taught at Concordia Seminary, St Louis, for many years. He was a prolific wordsmith and theologian. His doxological stanza is one of my favorites--"God the Father, light-creator, To Thee laud and hone be. To Thee, Light of Light begotten, Praise be sung eternally. Holy Spirit light-revealer, Glory, glory be to Thee. Mortals, angels, now and ever Praise the holy Trinity!" (LSB 578)

Celebrate Generosity, Part 2

Celebrating Generosity: Talents

A DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT: Eastern Orthodox Churches remember St Timothy on this date, January 22. (Our LCMS does so on January 24). Timothy was a companion and coworker with St Paul. Paul's letter to Timothy is a wonderful encouragement for Christian pastors, but is appropriate for all Christian leaders. One verse I find especially profound in 1 Timothy 3:16--"Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." That's an amazing description of Christ's life and ministry and our response to HIs grace.

"Celebrating Generosity: Treasures,” by Pastor Anderson, based on the three readings.

“More than H2O” by Pastor Maschke, based on Matthew 3:13-17.

SERMON by Pastor Schultz

“The Word Behind You; the Year Ahead of You,” by Pastor Anderson, based on Isaiah 30:21.

SERMON by Pastor Prahl