Seriously, slow down. Stop scrolling. Resist the urge to go on to the next thing as quickly as you can. Just stop. Slow. Down.
Let’s begin with prayer - Luther’s Morning Prayer: I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.
On the first day of each month I share a text with our Trinity staff (pastors, teachers, secretary). Here’s what I sent early this morning (5/1):
________________________
“Freudigkeit im Amt” - German for “joy in office.” Lutheran pastors of previous generations (before ours!) spoke of this. The work of caring for souls in the preaching and teaching ministry brings joy.
Where God’s love is at work, there is joy even in the midst of sorrow. Your ministry/service is God’s love at work. What a privilege!
Are we always “smiley-face” happy in ministry? Please. Nope. But why settle for mere momentary happiness (think: gift card or someone “likes” your social media post) when you can have deep, lasting, overflowing joy instead? Joy in Jesus.
The night before his death Jesus said, “So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (John 16:22)
Teachers, it’s the home stretch! God give you strength and patience and faithfulness and…joy! in these final weeks of the school year. God’s precious lambs entrusted to your care need Jesus…and his joy.
Thank you, Jesus, for faithful workers and for filling them with zeal and love! Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for faithful service!
__________________________
And to the wider audience that reads through these thoughts: Thank you for your support of faithful Christian ministry at Trinity and everywhere Word and Sacrament are proclaimed!
Be sure to slow down and find...joy in Jesus.
Grateful with you for joy in Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
Let’s begin with prayer - Luther’s Morning Prayer: I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger. Keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please you. Into your hands I commend my body and soul and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the wicked foe may have no power over me. Amen.
On the first day of each month I share a text with our Trinity staff (pastors, teachers, secretary). Here’s what I sent early this morning (5/1):
________________________
“Freudigkeit im Amt” - German for “joy in office.” Lutheran pastors of previous generations (before ours!) spoke of this. The work of caring for souls in the preaching and teaching ministry brings joy.
Where God’s love is at work, there is joy even in the midst of sorrow. Your ministry/service is God’s love at work. What a privilege!
Are we always “smiley-face” happy in ministry? Please. Nope. But why settle for mere momentary happiness (think: gift card or someone “likes” your social media post) when you can have deep, lasting, overflowing joy instead? Joy in Jesus.
The night before his death Jesus said, “So you also have sorrow now. But I will see you again. Your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.” (John 16:22)
Teachers, it’s the home stretch! God give you strength and patience and faithfulness and…joy! in these final weeks of the school year. God’s precious lambs entrusted to your care need Jesus…and his joy.
Thank you, Jesus, for faithful workers and for filling them with zeal and love! Thank you, brothers and sisters in Christ, for faithful service!
__________________________
And to the wider audience that reads through these thoughts: Thank you for your support of faithful Christian ministry at Trinity and everywhere Word and Sacrament are proclaimed!
Be sure to slow down and find...joy in Jesus.
Grateful with you for joy in Jesus,
Pastor Stephen Luchterhand
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