Posts Posted in March 2025

The Goal – Monday

preparing for The Fifth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

What is your life goal?

March 31

1 Samuel 15–17

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 15:1–17:58

Day 90 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 1 Samuel 15:1–17:58 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Rock

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Corinthians 10:1–4

We are left to believe the Word, the word of Christ, and his works that follow after us. not in our own works, but by faith in the word of the cross.

The Small Catechism – part 113

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Isaiah 44:6

When we say that we believe in God, we mean the Lord God named by God’s Redeemer in Matthew 28:19. Jesus gave the “name” of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Being reconciled to God means being reconciled to your neighbor too

March 30

1 Samuel 13–14

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 13:1–14:52

Day 89 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 1 Samuel 13:1–14:52 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Our Boast

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 11:21b–22

The Christian life is not a matter of outward appearance but of living by the Word and through faith in and under the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord.

The Small Catechism – part 112

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Mark 9:24

The English word “creed” comes from the Latin credo, which means, “I believe.” A creed is a statement of what one gives credence to, finds credible.

The Small Catechism – part 111

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 7:24–25

We are saved from sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, sin is not a thing of the past; it is a present reality. Though we pray, “thy will be done,” and we know, even have memorized, the commandments, we cannot keep them.

Being Reconciled to God – Saturday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

What is the law of faith?

Faithful Dependence

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Acts 10:42–43

Faith must be of a character that excludes all works, personal devotion, piety, or holiness as the reason for salvation, and trusts in Christ alone — that through his death, resurrection, and ascension we are saved from sin and death.

March 29

1 Samuel 9–12

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 9:1–12:25

Day 88 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 1 Samuel 9:1–12:25 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Being Reconciled to God – Friday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

You’re getting nowhere with those good works.

The Small Catechism – part 110

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 Timothy 4:8

Pointing toward my stomach, the doctor said that I needed to lose my little friend. I asked, “What, about 20 pounds.” She dryly replied, “More like 30 to 40.”

Just Condemnation

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 16:8–9

God demands admission or confession of sin, and that people everywhere repent of their sins, turning away from self to God through his Savior.

March 28

1 Samuel 4–8

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 4:1–8:22

Day 87 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 1 Samuel 4:1–8:22 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Hold Fast

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 16:16

When anxiety, distress, or other trials come your way, hold fast to the Word, keep the faith, you will see Christ clearly there, and he will again bring you joy.

March 27

1 Samuel 1–3

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: 1 Samuel 1:1–3:21

Day 86 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read 1 Samuel 1:1–3:21 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Collection for Hope Valley Church

WNC Disaster Relief

The Outreach Committee will again collect supplies for Valley Hope Church storeroom in Swannanoa, NC. We will collect items at the Cruise-In on Saturday, April 26th. There will be a truck or trailer near the Outreach Tent at the picnic shelter to put your donations in. ONLY the following items will be accepted: • White rice, black beans, masa, juice, shelf-safe milk, snacks, cookies • Disinfectant wipes, small size laundry and dish soap, trash bags, sponges, mops, brooms, paper towels, cleaning sprays • NEW socks and underwear, body wash, deodorant, shampoo If you have any questions about this ...

Being Reconciled to God – Thursday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Are you questioning my jollity?

The Small Catechism – part 109

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Philippians 3:12–14

This may not be that hard to imagine. Think of the family dinner table with parents and children gathered for the evening meal. Now picture the children glued to their phones.

Confess and Believe

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Romans 10:8–10

We confess that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

March 26

Ruth

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Ruth 1:1–4:22

Day 85 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Ruth 1:1–4:22 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Small Catechism – part 108

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Exodus 20:5b-6

Verse five from the Word today can be a troubling verse, especially if you read the NIV. In that version, it reads: “punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.”

Being Reconciled to God – Wednesday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

This the only way God is reconciled.

Being Reconciled to God – Tuesday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Are you clothed in religion or in Christ?

Good for the Soul

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Psalm 32:1–5

The old saying that confession is good for the soul is not sufficiently correct; it is the absolute forgiveness of sins that is good for the souls of sinners.

March 25

Judges 19–21

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 19:1–21:25

Day 84 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 19:1–21:25 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Small Catechism – part 107

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Proverbs 20:9

It does not matter how hard you try to be good; you are a sinner. You were born in sin, and as long as you are in this body, you will be a sinner; and you will sin.

Being Reconciled to God – Monday

preparing for The Fourth Sunday in Lent

Series: Lectio Concordia

Working toward transgression? You need a reconciled God.

The Small Catechism – part 106

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Luke 10:25–28

When the law crushes us with its demands, as it did the lawyer in today’s Scripture, what are we to do but plead for mercy? Just when we imagine that we might have become experts in religion...

March 24

Judges 16–18

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 16:1–18:31

Day 83 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 16:1–18:31 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Consider Him

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:22–26

One finds in Jesus strength and comfort against all vice and bad habits, as true Christians incorporate the life and name of Christ into their own lives.

Faith over Feelings

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–6

Do not try to work yourself up to a feeling of being forgiven and loved by God, but ask him for the faith to know Christ crucified, and the assurance of salvation.

The Small Catechism – part 105

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: 1 John 3:23

All the Commandments are rooted in the First, or as it quickly came to be understood: the greatest or most important commandment.

March 23

Judges 13–15

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 13:1–15:20

Day 82 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 13:1–15:20 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

For You

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 1 Peter 2:21–22

No one but Christ Jesus has suffered for the sins of others, yet his passion, his suffering and death, avail for the salvation of every sinner who believes on him.

March 22

Judges 10–12

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 10:1–12:15

Day 81 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 10:1–12:15 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Small Catechism – part 104

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Deuteronomy 4:24

God’s jealousy over us is ready to ignite. The word for fire in the Latin Vulgate is ignis, from which we get our English word “ignite.”

The Small Catechism – part 103

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Psalm 37:4

As you find more and more joyful satisfaction, even sheer delight, in God’s company, you will find your heart desiring godly things.

March 21

Judges 8–9

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 8:1–9:57

Day 80 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 8:1–9:57 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Light of Men

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 1:1–4

Whoever disregards the life of Christ on earth, wishing to find eternal life in some other way than he accomplished for us, fails to find salvation.

The Small Catechism – part 102

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Leviticus 19:2

We should fear and love God so that we do not make plans to steal anything or anyone that belongs to our neighbors. Indeed, we should so fear and love God that we do not even consider such a thing.

A Thorn in the Flesh

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: 2 Corinthians 12:7–10

In order to keep our focus on God, instead of on self, we are sometimes given a gift: an affliction of the flesh that makes us rely upon God.

March 20

Judges 6–7

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 6:1–7:25

Day 79 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 6:1–7:25 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

You Crucified Him

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: Isaiah 53:4–7

It is the sin of all who have ever lived — including you and me — that sent Christ Jesus to the cross to pay the ransom for of a whole world of sinners.

March 19

Judges 3–5

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 3:1–5:31

Day 78 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 3:1–5:31 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

The Small Catechism – part 101

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Romans 13:9–10

The Ninth Commandment deals with craving your neighbor’s goods, those inanimate possessions of your neighbor. The Tenth Commandment speaks about lusting after living things that are your neighbor’s, whether family or not — indeed, human or not.

March 18

Judges 1–2

Series: Read the Bible in a Year

Scripture Text: Judges 1:1–2:23

Day 77 of Read the Bible in a Year: Read Judges 1:1–2:23 in your favorite translation, and solve today's Word Search and jigsaw from today's Scripture.

Holding Faith

Reading the Word with Luther

Series: Reading the Word with Luther

Scripture Text: John 8:51

Life is sometimes difficult, so we must hold firmly in faith to the word and promises of God in Jesus Christ found in the Scriptures, The Holy Bible.

The Small Catechism – part 100

Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Series: Lessons in the Lutheran Confessions

Scripture Text: Galatians 5:13

The example of Christ instructs us to serve one another. Because of his love, alive within us through the Holy Spirit, we look for opportunities to care for our neighbors, instead of seeking a chance to steal their property.