1. While midnight might seem long, the mercy of God assures us that the morning will come.
  2. God comes to us through the flesh and blood and spirit of Christ precisely where he promised to be manifest to us and for us.
  3. I’ve experienced firsthand the promise that God never leaves a congregation empty-handed.
  4. In the tumultuous sea of information, opinions, and ideologies that break over us each day, we hold fast to the anchor of our faith—Jesus, the true prophet.
  5. The gospel tells me that the revelation of weakness in myself, my husband, and my son is the occasion for the revelation of God’s strength.
  6. A pastor is sent to proclaim the unconditional grace of God, reminding us again and again that it is our Heavenly Father who reaches out to us in love through his Christ-won forgiveness, and not the other way around.
  7. Chains may have restricted Paul, but nothing can restrict the gospel.
  8. Grace comes for every foolish, self-absorbed sinner, for every “Nabal,” and announces that there is one who has already taken it upon himself to shoulder all of our wrongdoing, paying the price for it through the sacrifice of himself.
  9. The resurrection of Jesus encompasses the total and comprehensive glorification of a human being, not merely his restoration.
  10. As Luther said, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection not in books alone, but in every leaf of spring.”
  11. Christ Jesus brings his word and presence to where you are and he is even willing to do so through the likes of your personally present pastor.