First Lutheran Church

03/15/2026

Psalm 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil, and my cup is running over.

Several years ago, a co-worker dropped some folders onto my desk to be reviewed and I observed my in-box runneth over. He asked where the quote came from and I responded I thought it was biblical so we looked it up. I was surprised to discover it was in the 23d Psalm because this Psalm is so well known. Even when we think we know what we know, it' always a good idea to go back to the source and read the text for yourself. Psalm 23 is not just for funerals, it is a wonderful song of praise because the LORD is my shepherd.

03/08/2026

John 4:13-14 - Jesus said to her, "Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life."

Water comes in many forms. I've been told drinking distilled water, nothing but hydrogen and oxygen (H2O) is unhealthy because your body needs some salts and minerals normally found in our drinking water. It's also worth noting there are many people in the world today who do not have routine access to clean drinking water, which is necessary for good physical health. The water Jesus offers the Samaritan woman at the well has everything she needs for spiritual good health, forever.

03/01/2026

John 3:16

What more is there to say!

02/25/2026

Annual Meeting this Sunday 3/1/26
immediately following service
(in-person and Zoom)

02/22/2026

Romans 5:15 - But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died through the one man's trespass, much more surely have the grace of God and the gift in the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, abounded for the many.

The grace of God is a boundless, free gift. You are not stuck, living your life as if the original sin of one man, Adam, ensures death. One man, Jesus defeated sin and death by his death, resurrection and ascension. This gift of grace brings freedom and life which empowers you to live in a different way. Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Thanks be to God.

02/16/2026

Matthew 17:7 - But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid."

Fear is a very human thing. Emmanuel, God with us responds to the fear of Peter, James and John by reaching out in comfort and encouragement. God's Son, the Beloved offers the same grace and mercy to all.

02/12/2026

02/08/2026

Matthew 5:15 - People do not light a lamp and put it under the bushel basket; rather, they put it on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house.

Hide it under a bushel? No! Let your light shine to show others the way.

02/02/2026

1 Corinthians 1:18 - The message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.

Imagine. The power of God, the same God who created everything that exists is dedicated to saving a wretch like me. That does sound like foolishness until you understand it is simply amazing grace.

01/25/2026

Psalm 27:4 - One thing I ask of the LORD; one thing I seek; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life; to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to week God in the temple.

Because of Jesus Christ, the house of the LORD is your home. The Psalmist's prayer has come to pass, the kingdom of heaven is indeed very near.