Living Word Lutheran Church - Graham, WA

06/08/2026

06/03/2026

Yesterday at Living Word

05/25/2026

Today we thank our Great God for the sacrifice of so many to ensure our freedom!

05/24/2026

Here's today's INSPIRATIONAL WORD for your consideration - an encore presentation of an article that was first published in January 2022 but still true.

"Fire Prevention"

We’ve had a couple of very scary wildfire seasons these last two summers, haven’t we? Even here on the wetter west side of the mountains, we are no longer immune to the danger. One tiny spark, one carelessly discarded cigarette and the blaze is quickly out of control, destroying everything in its path: forests, homes, businesses, even lives.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire… a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth comes praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:5-6, 8-10)

Slander, lies, mean-spirited political rhetoric: the secular world abounds with examples of people using their tongues (or written words) as hurtful weapons. But it’s even more disconcerting when it happens in a church. I’m not talking about anything as major as shouting insults or covert character assassination. I’m talking about a little grumbling here, a bit of gossip there, or a careless critical remark – small things, really, subtle, maybe even accidental. No harm intended.

Problem is, small things can do great damage. And whether the fire is set deliberately or accidentally, the forest burns just the same.

The enemy delights in seeing us distracted and divided. But what does God’s Word say? As the Body of Christ, we are to strive for unity in the Holy Spirit, to bear with one another in love, and build each other up (Eph. 4:1-16). We are to encourage and respect those who lead and work alongside us, to be kind and patient with one another (1 Thes. 5:11-15) – united in faith and in fervent devotion to God.

I know, I know. You care about your church and just want things to be done “right.” I do too, and it’s SO tempting to offer our “helpful suggestions” for improvement. Let’s proceed with caution, though. If something’s bothering you, consider that maybe the first step shouldn’t be opening your mouth but getting down on your knees instead. Pray for the person/issue you see as the problem, and pray what (if anything) you should do about it. Then you will be a lot less likely to start a fire you never intended, hurting someone in the process.

One more thing. The speaker has the responsibility to take care what s/he says, yes, but the one on the receiving end has a responsibility too. Instead of being quick to take offense, let us be teachable and quick to forgive every perceived slight. In other words, choose to s***f out the spark instead of fanning it into a destructive flame. How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! (Psalms 133:1)

05/10/2026

An INSPIRATIONAL WORD for Mother's Day, first published in 2022.

"One Mother’s Advice"

This will be my first Mother’s Day without my mom. She passed away last August, and so I won’t be able to hug her or see her sweet smile today. And if I want to bring her flowers, I will need to take them to the cemetery. She wasn’t a saint, just a creative, good-hearted, god-fearing woman, whom I’m grateful to have had as my mother. In partnership with my dad, she did her best to train up her children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6). She taught us to love the Lord, value family, and do what’s right.

She is clothed with strength and dignity… She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue… Her children arise and call her blessed… a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. (Proverbs 31: 25-30)

I hope you were as fortunate. If not, perhaps you had a relative, teacher, friend, or pastor who tried to guide you down the correct path, who offered the kind of parental advice all children need. Then, in turn, it becomes our responsibility to do the same for the children God places in our lives, to …bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4)

I came across the following quote a while ago, and I thought it would be appropriate to share here, as one “mother’s” wise instruction. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said this:

“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”

This sounds like something my own mother would have said: Do the right thing, even if nobody notices or rewards you. God knows, and that’s what matters most.

Blessings to all mothers today, as well as to everyone who stands in a mother’s place! Much of your love, work, and sacrifice may seem to go unnoticed. But God sees it, and your reward will be great in heaven.

04/24/2026

2026 district gathering at Lutherhaven.
Theme: “From Saul to Paul!”

04/19/2026

Here is today's INSPIRATIONAL WORD for your consideration, an encore presentation (originally published January 2022)

"True Identity"

Cyber criminals successfully hack their way into an online database, gaining access to all your sensitive personal and financial information. You feel angry, exposed, violated. Rightly so, too! Your identity has just been stolen, putting you at risk for devastating consequences.

But it is just the opposite with God. Although he knows all your secrets (Heb. 4:13) – every thought, word, and deed, your every hidden desire and deepest dread – you need not fear. God does not come to steal your identity or use what he knows against you. On the contrary, God’s purpose is to see your rightful identity as his child restored and fulfilled.

…you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God. (Romans 8:15-16)

God knew you before you were born (Ps. 139:13-16). He made each one of us a unique creation, with distinct gifts and specific work to do (Rom. 12:4-8). Regardless of our varied roles in the body of Christ, however, our chief purpose – the one we all have in common – is to glorify God and enjoy him forever. This is his perfect will for you.

Although God’s will is perfect, we are not. Yet through God’s complete knowledge of us, and the power of the Holy Spirit, he is able to transform us, if we will but cooperate.

There is transforming power in fixing our thoughts on God. Better understanding his holiness and impeccable character will always cause his children to respect and love him more. Meditating on his glory and on his saving work through Jesus on our behalf will cause our thoughts, desires, prayers, and behavior to progressively fall more in line with his will – His good, pleasing, and perfect will (Rom. 12:1-2). Through this process (sanctification), the best of an individual’s true identity is ultimately expressed. We become who we were always meant to be, who God designed us to be.

Do you carry painful secrets? Are there bad deeds you hope will stay buried in the past – things you carefully conceal from others and have neglected to confess even to God? He knows them anyway. Lay those burdens down at the foot of the cross and receive his forgiveness.

How freeing to realize there’s no need to attempt hiding things from God! How incredible that the Lord of the Universe knows everything about us and loves us anyway! He loves you unconditionally as his own dear child. That is your true identity.