We live in an age in which God’s Word is more readily available than ever before. The fact that you are reading this blog post is evidence of that. One of the tremendous blessings of that is the plethora of tools available to customize your devotional life. This week and in coming weeks, I hopeContinue reading “February 6, 2022”
Author Archives: Pastor Tim Wagner
January 30, 2022
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:29-32, NIV) A man named Simeon spoke those words in theContinue reading “January 30, 2022”
January 23, 2022
The Christian Church has appointed certain dates on which to observe what are known as “minor festivals.” The major festivals focus primarily on the significant events in the history of God’s saving work (Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Ascension, Pentecost). The minor festivals focus on how God blessed his Church through individuals or lesser events. Our LutheranContinue reading “January 23, 2022”
January 16, 2022
The devotional life of a Christian offers the opportunity to tailor the reading, study, and meditation on God’s Word to one’s own life, experience, knowledge, time, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal use of God’s Word. But I am convinced that there is blessing in seeking to tie your devotional life in someContinue reading “January 16, 2022”
January 9, 2022
On the First Sunday after Epiphany, the Christian Church observes the Baptism of our Lord. It gives us a chance to reflect on the Baptism of Jesus, at which his public ministry was inaugurated. But it also gives us a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the blessings that God pours out on us in ourContinue reading “January 9, 2022”
January 2, 2022
Happy New Year! Another year of God’s grace is upon us. Whether you officially made New Year’s Resolutions or not, I pray that God will bless you with the desire and ability to deepen your walk of faith this year, as you make time to hear, study, and meditate upon his Word. Now is aContinue reading “January 2, 2022”
December 26, 2021
“On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me,” the song begins. And it continues describing gifts given through twelve days of Christmas. While many people begin to put away the sights and sounds of Christmas today, for the Christian Church, the celebration is just beginning. The days before Christmas are partContinue reading “December 26, 2021”
December 19, 2021
One of the things that makes Christmas so memorable is the hymns and carols. The most familiar Christmas carols become part of the tradition for Christians across denominations (and are sometimes even sung by non-Christians). While such hymns can be beneficial for Christians, they sometimes focus on things that are more imaginative than factual (WasContinue reading “December 19, 2021”
December 12, 2021
Many Christians are familiar with the ancient Advent hymn, “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” But did you know that it is based on a series of seven prayers called the “O Antiphons.” These prayers have historically been sung at vespers (evening worship) during the final seven evenings of Advent (December 17-23). Each of these ancientContinue reading “December 12, 2021”
December 4, 2021
Many people have happy memories of the season leading up to Christmas. Family traditions involved in decorating their house, watching certain movies, listening to music, enjoying special meals, rituals, and outings. One tradition that was part of my childhood was family devotions during the Advent season. We lit a new candle on our Advent wreathContinue reading “December 4, 2021”
Together in the Word 