Tag Archives: pre-lent

Grace in Weakness

The Lord doesn’t exercise His power primarily by feats of human strength and power, but by sustaining those who are weary. Such has He done for us all our lives up to this point, and so will He always do in the days to come; for, as He has said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

Race to Win

Earthly athletes do what they do for a perishable prize. We see how hard they exercise their bodies, and that for something that will ultimately fade. How much more should we, Christians, who are working toward an imperishable prize, behave the same? St. Paul encourages us this week to view our Christian lives as runners do a race: keeping our eye on the prize and exercising self-control in all things.

The Lord Works Not as Man Works

That’s what Jesus really said to Bartimaeus in Jericho, by the way. Jesus really said, “Recover your sight; your faith has saved you.” God doesn’t work the way man does. He doesn’t forgive, save, or choose based on anything that is in us. He didn’t choose David based on appearances, but because of the faith He created in David’s heart. Not even having faith is something we can do. It is the work of God the Holy Spirit in us.

Your Faith Has Saved You

Text: Luke 18:31-43 As Jesus drew near to Jericho in the Gospel text, He encountered a blind man sitting beside the road. Hearing the crowd passing by, the man cried out to Jesus saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” The crowd threatened the man in order that he should be silent, butContinue reading “Your Faith Has Saved You”

The Word Works

Text: Luke 8:4-15 Last week we began our walk with our Lord to His cross and resurrection. Last Sunday, along with this and next Sunday, forms its own little season in the Church Year called, “Pre-Lent.” I shared last week that one seminary professor said that Pre-Lent is like packing your bags to go onContinue reading “The Word Works”

Laborers in the Vineyard

Text: Matthew 20:1-16 This week we begin the long walk to our Lord’s cross and resurrection. In our closing hymn last week, we bid farewell to the Alleluia, and already its absence is felt in the service today. We will continue to refrain from singing it until we sing it with joy at our Lord’sContinue reading “Laborers in the Vineyard”