PeaceConway

09/07/2026

09/04/2026

In a riveting scene in the movie, “Saving Private Ryan,” an American soldier named Jackson is firing on German troops from inside a church’s bell tower.

His back against the wall, he begins praying a psalm, “Blessed be the LORD my strength, which teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight….” (144:1 KJV). He pauses, fires twice, then continues, “My goodness, and my fortress; my high tower, and my deliverer…” (144:2 KJV). Again, he pulls the trigger, then continues, “My shield, and he in whom I trust” (144:2 KJV).

Moments later, as he sees a tank about to fire on his location, his dying words are a shout to a friend, “Parker, get out!”

That cinematic use of Psalm 144 by a soldier in World War II is a powerful reminder that the psalms are not old. Every day they are a “new song,” as fresh and potent now as when they were written.

The God who trained David’s “hands for war” and “fingers for battle,” and who did the same for Jackson in the movie, has not retired. The Lord teaches us all how to fight, for there are no noncombatants in the kingdom of God, though how and where we fight is unique for each of us.

When a father walks into church, holding the hand of his little girl, his own hands and those of his daughter are trained for war and fingers for battle. This outwardly simple act is done in defiance of hell’s rabid hatred of truth, love, family, and worship.

When we pray, labor, and serve; when we feed the poor and stand up for the innocent; when we “take up the whole armor of God” to “stand against the schemes of the devil” (Eph. 6:11), Psalm 144 is our prayer.

When I pray these words, I also picture Jesus on the cross, stretching out his hands to rescue and deliver us (144:7). He looks left then right, at his hands and fingers, impaled and bloody, going to war, to win for us the fight of all fights.
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From my book, Untamed Prayers: 365 Daily Devotions on Christ in the Book of Psalms, https://a.co/d/07kzVw4V

09/04/2026

On Sunday 9/6 is Noisy Mite Sunday
Below is the featured Mission Grant Link for September

https://youtu.be/CDfO6rl93T0?is=pqxJzx1D35jqz5n0

09/04/2026

Dr. David Peter and Concordia University, Nebraska Professor Emeritus Rev. Russ Sommerfeld are co-presenting “Parish Ministry in Rural and Small Towns” as part of Concordia Nebraska’s non-credit continuing education and lifelong learning program Studia Vitae. Participants will learn and converse about rural and small-town cultures and relationships, small congregation life, community involvement and ministry partnerships.

The course will run from Sept. 8-Oct. 13, 2026. Participants will be able to replay each session after the livestream. More information can be found at ceu.cune.edu.

09/04/2026

Mission Possible Day — a day when we come together, in faith and action, to make an eternal impact through the mission grants we support.

09/04/2026

Vocatio: Retreat, a visit event held each spring and fall on the campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, is set for Oct. 4–7, 2026. The four-day retreat with abbreviated option offers college students and second-career adults an introduction to life as a seminarian.

Learn more: https://www.csl.edu/2026/07/registration-open-for-vocatio-retreat-oct-4-7-2026/