There were two criminals crucified with Jesus. At first, according to Matthew’s account, both men mocked and insulted Jesus, just like much of the rest of the crowd present that day. Then later, according to Luke, one of the criminals apparently had a change of heart. He stopped mocking, and then had a […]
3165) “What are You Doing Here?” Read More »
(…continued) In Martin Luther’s darkest days it seemed all he had to look forward to was failure, disgrace, capture, and execution. In those dark days he said: “It occurred to me that it has always been God’s way to create something out of nothing. So if before God can do anything through me,
3163) Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust (2/2) Read More »
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” we say as we bury our dead. Ashes and dust are two powerful Biblical images of our mortality. And now, even as we look forward to Spring when everything comes to life, the church year brings us that same reminder of death– Ash Wednesday. Worshipers go forward
3162) Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust (1/2) Read More »
A while back my wife and I went to a Saturday evening worship service at a Roman Catholic church near where we live. The church building was well over a hundred years old and was built in the traditional, ornate style. It was a beautiful sanctuary with an elaborate, huge altar in the
3159) A Skull on the Altar Read More »
From a funeral sermon: ————– Elsie and her husband Ray lived in many places, did many different things, and endured many challenges together. In the early 1940’s Elsie worked for Boeing as a riveter; like “Rosie the Riveter” in the World War II posters. She was small, so her job was to crawl
3151) “I’m Just Fine” Read More »
From Peculiar Speech, by William Willimon, Eerdmans Publishing, 1992, pp. 14-15 (edited). —————————– Romans 6:3-8 — Don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead
3123) A Hard Wallop Read More »
I ran into someone the other day from out of town that I had not seen for a while. After agreeing that the weather was nice, and some more small talk, he said to me, “How is your dad doing?” I replied, “He is doing great.
3122) Giving Death Only a Moment of Our Time Read More »
Last Tuesday Ben Sasse, age 53, wrote a “Letter to America” announcing that he had been diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer. Sasse served as a Republican Senator from Nebraska from 2015-2023. He resigned from the Senate in 2023 to become the president of the University of Florida. The following year, he
3107) “Friends… I Am Going to Die” Read More »
Above photo: Reverend Robert A. “Rob” Kemppainen November 28, 1951 – April 27, 2024 ——————- When my good friend Rob died, his wife Marilyn asked me to say a few words at the end of the funeral service. In today’s meditation you can read what I said. I am posting it now, the day after
3105) My Friend Rob and His Music (1/2) Read More »
To lead the family in prayer and meditation. (Adapted and blended from several prayer books.) ———————————— In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray (together): Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy
3086) Family Prayers at a Deathbed Read More »
