The Word

¹² Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³ while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. ¹⁴ But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it ¹⁵ and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:12-17 ESV.

Have you had your Covid 19 shot, yet? Did you have any reactions to it? How can this shot affect you in today’s world? Has it changed it for you? When can I feel comfortable about going to church? Do I dare go to Bible study? These are some of the questions you may have asked yourself recently.

I have had my two shots and in three days and then three days I will have waited two weeks after the last shot. I have been going to church and just recently have started to go to a Bible study on Ruth and Esther. I noticed that the people attending Bible study were mostly older, possibly because they have had their shots. Last Sunday, being Easter, I noticed more children in church. I hope this trend continues, but most of the time the first Sunday after Easter, I have seen a big drop in attendance. Why?

In my thoughts for this blog I looked at second Timothy 3:12-17. Also in my thoughts was the hymn 578 in the Lutheran Hymnal, “Thy Strong Word Did Cleave The Darkness”. This hymn I don’t remember singing very often, but while at Concordia Seminary we sang this hymn quite often. This is our foundation on which we take all of our beliefs. This faith that we have in Jesus Christ who suffered and died for us on the cross, is built on God’s Word. It is only because Christ has bought us back and has redeemed us from sin, death, and the devil, that we have salvation and eternal life.

Isn’t it strange at just the right time in our lives, we hear or read God’s Word and something just really hits home. This happened to me this morning as I was listing to KFUO radio. Their meditation was on Hebrews chapter 12. There were so many words and phrases that struck me. God, who is really unique, comes to us in our time of need.

Being a retired Lutheran educator, I am 100% in favor of studying and listening to the word of God! Hopefully, I will be able to lead a Bible Study in the near future on the book of Romans. It is great that we once again are able to meet and study God’s Word, children and adults. Things are going back to a more normal lifestyle. To me, I much appreciate the fact that we hear God’s word over video and radio, but I do miss gathering together as the church of God proclaiming the one true God to all.

What is the situation where you are living? Are you able to join together or do you still remain at home? I am truly afraid that many during this Covid 19 persecution, some have fallen away. God has called us to serve those who may have fallen away during this time. Pray for them and talk with them that they may return to what God has called them through baptism!

If you are lonely and have missed this fellowship in God’s Word, talk to members of your church and your Pastor to help you. That’s what they are for.

May God give you the strength and the faith to remain strong as we again transition in a post Covid 19 lifestyle.

Walk each day in the assurance that God loves you and has forgiven you because Jesus redeemed you and the Holy Spirit has made you holy. Have a God pleasing day!