My Thoughts and Reflections

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:1-5 (NIV1984) Happy Halloween! Happy Reformation Day! Happy All Hallows Eve! Today is the day of the year that many choose to celebrate evil, death, devils, witches, and many other abhorrent things and ideas while others celebrate the day that Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenburg. Today is also the eve of the day that the church celebrates the lives of all...

But I will sing of your might; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been a fortress for me and a refuge in the day of my distress. Psalm 59:16 (NRSV) Yesterday was Sunday, the day that I worship with my church family each week.  It is the day that we gather to pray, hear the word, celebrate sacraments, and sing.  There are so many things and reasons to sing about regarding our great God.. We can sing of God's might and for his great and mighty deeds.  Throughout history, God has manifested his might through Creation, the Flood, bringing Israel out of slavery in Egypt, and ultimately, through defeating Satan, sin, and death through Jesus' death on the cross and his resurrection! We can sing of God's unending love that he shows us each and every day!  How else could we describe it that we are forgiven for our sins and that each new morning brings with it a clean slate with which we can serve God with our day?  Go...