May 3, 2020 Pastor Brian King Psalm 23 and John 10:11-18 These passages have so much to say about finding rest in the “green pastures” that the Lord leads us to and discovering refreshment in the “quiet waters” He invites us to drink from. What a gift it is to know that Jesus, as our Good Shepherd, knows each of us completely and loves us so much that He has laid down His life for us.

May 24, 2020 Pastor Denny Hanson Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church In today's texts, Apostle Paul, in a letter to a young Christian, Timothy, writes a word of encouragement and thanksgiving in which Paul affirms Timothy's faith (which was positively influenced my mom and grandma), urging Timothy to 'fan the flame' so that faith in Jesus Christ endures throughout Timothy's life. Timothy and Paul are 'physically distanced' (Paul is in prison in Rome) yet Jesus has connected them. Paul also senses his end is near... with the confidence he will keep the faith to his end. We share Paul's goal that he, too, endure in the crisis he is facing, holding fast to and sharing the faith which is ours in Christ Jesus.

April 26, 2020 Pastor Dennis Hanson Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church Luke 24:13-35 and Acts 2: 22-23, 34-42 There is a big difference between “perception” and “recognition”. We may perceive something or someone to be present, but not actually recognize the importance of that presence in our lives. In this time of isolation and confusion, Jesus is here among us; and we are not left alone to be anxious and despairing. As Jesus opens our eyes to recognize his presence, may we see, through faith, that our futures are in the hands of One who is greater than us - the crucified and risen Lord Jesus! Read and reflect on Acts 2: 22-24, 34-42 and Luke 24: 13-35 this week and pray… “open the eyes of my heart, Lord.”

May 17, 2020 Pastor Brian King Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church God has given us a great gift called freedom. We are free from the guilt, and the penalty of sin. But we have to decide what we will do with that freedom. Will we use it or abuse it? Will we use it to love, serve, and build up others, or will we use it as a license to sin more, and/or to destroy ourselves and others? The way each one of us uses our freedom in Christ will determine not only the sort of life we lead, but what kind of community, what kind of country, what kind of world we will live in.

May 31, 2020 Pastor Brian King Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church Pentecost reminds us that we are saved by grace through faith. and that it is God who comes to us and does for us, what we cannot do ourselves apart from the gift of the Holy Spirit. As we jog down the post-resurrection highway, we do well to remember that our feet of faith are bound to get hot and tired. Sweat may even pour over your brow as you endeavor to serve others in the name of Jesus. But let us not seek so much to avoid discomfort as to embrace it, knowing full well that we who serve the Lord will one day cross the finish line of salvation and come to know the peace of God.

May 10, 2020 Pastor Dennis Hanson Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church