HOLY CROSS Lutheran Church of Saginaw, MI

09/08/2026

We will still have our Traditional worship service tonight at 6 pm!

09/08/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> In Times of Need: Unknown, but not Alone

View in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4kl1A_EA8I&feature=youtu.be

In the Word
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today” (Genesis 50:20).

Of the Word
It is hard to imagine how frightened the young Joseph was when his brothers threw him into that pit, or when they pulled him back out to sell him to those Midianite traders. He had no idea where he was going or what would happen to him. He was leaving the comfort and security of his father’s house and headed to places and circumstances unknown. Could he have even imagined how powerfully God would use him? Years later, after he had saved his entire family, Joseph recalled that even though his brothers had evil intent when they sold him as a slave, God used that to bring about a fantastic good. (Read more about Joseph in Genesis chapters 37–50.)

We all face unknowns in our lives but as followers of Jesus, we do not do so alone. Though we may not know what the future holds for us, we can confidently say, “I know Who holds my future.”

Walking with my Lord
Lord, thank You for saving me from sin and for being with me in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

___________________________
Mustard Seed: In Times of Need. Authors: Rev. Larry Krueger, Rev. Mike Mattil, & Rev. Kris Whitby. 10/30 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40197

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/07/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> Blisters

View in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdkV7wqURGg&feature=youtu.be

In the Word
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Of the Word
Labor Day was established as a national holiday in the United States on June 28, 1894, by President Grover Cleveland, with the intention of recognizing the contributions of American workers.

We think of laborers such as construction workers, farmers, sanitation workers, and others whose work results in blisters on their hands. They work long hours in all kinds of weather conditions. Their work does not seem glamorous, but it is so necessary.

While it is appropriate to acknowledge these workers as necessary parts of our communities, this is not the kind of labor Jesus is talking about in Matthew 11:28. The rest mentioned here is not an afternoon nap. This kind of rest is the peace of God we receive through faith. We are able to put aside our worries and doubts about daily needs because we know our sins are forgiven through Jesus’ death and His triumphant resurrection. We have been promised that He will be with us when it seems like our lives keep giving us burdensome “blisters.”

While afternoon naps and a day off work can be very restful, resting in the confidence of our forgiven sins is the best rest!

Walking with my Lord
Heavenly Father, thank You for those whose work is difficult or dangerous. Help us treat them with thankful respect. Thank You also for the reminders in Your plan for our salvation that give us grace, mercy, and peace, which is beyond our understanding. Amen.
___________________________
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible unless otherwise noted. (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), Copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Mustard Seed: Labor Day — Blisters by Martha Hartwig, Robins, Iowa
Copyright © 2024 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. All rights reserved.
lwml.org

09/06/2026

Scenes from worship today with Pastor Kurt Brandon and former Holy Cross organist filling in today Jim Gladstone.

09/06/2026

Good morning. We welcome you to join us in worship this morning at 9:15 or join on our YouTube channel if you cannot make it in person. Tomorrow on Monday is our next in person service this week at 6 pm. Today's sermon from Pastor Brandon is called, "A Debt of Love". We gladly welcome back Jim Gladstone on organ today. Have a Blessed week.

09/06/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> The Word: Wisdom for Living: Use Your Nice Words!

View in ASL: youtube.com/watch?v=ZCjcT1r07nY&feature=youtu.be

In the Word
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24).

Of the Word
The industrious honey bee produces a natural sweetener that is good-tasting and is thought to have health benefits as well. But when angered, that little bee can inflict a painful sting that, in extreme cases, can cause illness or even death.

The words we use are much like that little bee. They can be soothing and kind, complimentary and loving, or filled with humor and happiness. But other words may sting, inflicting pain, killing good ideas, even diminishing someone’s self-worth.

Perhaps we should commit the sweet, good-tasting words of Colossians 4:6 to heart and allow them to flavor our speech in all situations: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person."

A Point to Ponder: Today I will find at least one person to compliment, praise, or encourage.

Walking with my Lord
Lord, forgive me for the hurts my words have caused others. Help me to always speak graciously.
Also, grant me the wisdom to know when to keep silent. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
___________________________
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 12/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

09/05/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> The Word: Wisdom for Living: My Hope…

View in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BgN1gNTuK7g&feature=youtu.be

In the Word
"The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD" (Lamentations 3:25–26 NIV).

Of the Word
Life is woven together with good days and troublesome days. The good times are easy to navigate, but it is during the tough times that our faith is put to the test. Troubles will come our way, but what is important is how we handle them and where we put our hope and trust.

We do have choices. We can hit the panic button or lose sleep from worrying. Or we can turn to our trusted Friend, God our heavenly Father, Who is always ready to listen to those who seek Him. In Him is our hope for a brighter tomorrow.

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful" (Hebrews 10:23 NIV). "I sought the LORD and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears" (Psalm 34:4 NIV).

A Point to Ponder: What trouble will I consciously give to God today?

Walking with my Lord
Lord, You promise to hear me when I come to You with my burdens. Grant me the patience to be still and wait for Your answers, for I know they will come. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
___________________________
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 11/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

09/04/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> The Word: Wisdom for Living: I Can’t Do It…

View in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ujf2zJwh8J4

In the Word
"Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9–10a NIV).

Of the Word
As adults, we frequently take the attitude of that stubborn two-year-old who declares, “I can do it myself!” Why are we often reluctant to ask for help or advice? Do we think it will show we are getting too old, or too weak, or (heaven forbid) too stupid? We sometimes stumble along until finally, when all else fails, we admit we can’t do it alone.

God didn’t create us to go through life without help. He inspired the writer of Ecclesiastes to write, "one can help the other." Our loving Father also gives us family and friends to love and care for us, to pick us up and give us support. Knowing God doesn’t want us to go it alone, let’s not be reluctant to ask for help — or, in turn, give help to someone else.

"The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down" (Psalm 146:8b).

A Point to Ponder: Who do I know who may need a lift today?

Walking with my Lord
Lord, I admit I am helpless and can’t go through life alone. Thank You for the loved ones You send into my life. Thank You also for sending Jesus to pick me up out of sin and redeem me with His life. In His name I pray. Amen.
___________________________
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 10/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

09/03/2026

09/03/2026

✝️ Read today's devotion --> Everyday Celebrations: Perfect Plans

View in ASL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHz6hrMfhnA

In the Word
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Of the Word
Few things are as carefully planned as a wedding. From the bride’s dress to the cake and decorations, every detail is thoughtfully selected. Sometimes, despite months of careful planning, things do not go as expected. A flat tire, a fainting bridegroom, or a bad storm can instantly change the carefully thought-out plan. We simply are not able to predict what the day may bring!

The good news is our loving Lord knows the plans He has for us. He reveals them to us when we need to know them and not before. Sometimes we want to take control of the planning, but our plans are best left in God’s loving hands.

Be at peace as you place your marriage in God’s care, knowing you can trust Him. His plans are perfect. His plans are to "give you a future and a hope" both here on earth and for eternity in heaven through faith in Jesus Christ. When husband and wife as one place their marriage in God’s hands, they can celebrate together the future God has planned for them.

Walking with my Lord
Lord Jesus, give me the peace of knowing my future is secure because of Your loving sacrifice. Fill me with hope as I trust Your plans. In Your name. Amen.
___________________________
Mustard Seed: The Word: Wisdom for Living. Authors: Marcia Gomulka and Myrna Lou Meyer. 18/32 ©2015 Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, 801 Seminary Place Ste. L010, St. Louis, MO 63105. Code: #40198

Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture quotations were taken from ESV Bible® (The Holy Bible English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.