As we near the end of summer, this week’s Scripture readings from Isaiah 58:9-14 and Luke 13:10-17 invite us to consider the importance of Sabbath rest time. God gives us the gift of Sabbath because we need rest. In the midst of life’s busyness, it’s important to take time to pause and reflect, to spend time in worship giving thanks for what God’s done. The prophet Isaiah makes it clear how much God values Sabbath, calling on God’s people to “refrain from trampling the Sabbath, from pursuing your own interests on my holy day.”

And yet, Sabbath rest cannot be allowed to become a legalistic excuse for us to avoid helping others. When Jesus sees a woman in need, he heals her, even though it’s a Sabbath. He’s willing to endure controversy and criticism for the sake of loving one of God’s children.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.

Our circumstances are constantly changing, but one thing that will never change is a God in heaven who loves us. Thank you to Christ the King member Fred Walls for sharing a sermon this Sunday while Pastor Daniel was on vacation. Our circumstances can change our view of God, yet in all situations, we are still called by Jesus to love God and love people.

Today's Scripture readings are Isaiah 40:1-10, Psalm 143, and Matthew 11:1-19.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.

This Sunday’s Psalm concludes with a prayer: “Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us, even as we hope in you.” (Psalm 33:22) Our hope as people of God is rooted in God’s steadfast love. Even as the world around us changes, even as yet another story gives evidence of the brokenness and suffering around us, we trust that God is still faithful. God is still at work. God is still good.

In our Gospel reading, Jesus tells us, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” The hope we cling to as Christians is not based on how much we have in this world, but on the promise that we are God’s children for all eternity. Sometimes that hope can be hard to see, but it is ultimately a deeper foundation for life than anything this world has to offer.

Today's Scripture readings are Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16; Psalm 33:12-22; and Luke 12:32-40. The text of this message is available at https://danielflucke.com/hope-faith-fear/.

Learn more about Christ the King Lutheran Church in Port Washington and Living Hope Lutheran in Saukville, Wisconsin at https://www.livinghopesaukville.org/ or https://ctkport.org/.