Diversity According to God’s Design For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.  Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let...

Passing on the Mantle So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.   1 Kings 19:19 “God of the...

A Different Path, But Still Useful Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is very useful to me for ministry.  2 Timothy 4:11 There are a variety of paths to service in the Church.  Some are led by the Spirit from an early age toward such service.  For...

From Generation to Generation I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.  2 Timothy 1:5 Church workers come from all walks of life and with all kinds of...

Hannah and Samuel And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life...” 1 Samuel...

Wilbert H. Rusch, Jr. February 19, 1940 – July 29, 2023 Wilbert H. Rusch Jr., peacefully passed away on July 29, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of faith and compassion.    Wilbert was born on February 19, 1940, into a family deeply rooted in their Christian beliefs. His parents, Professor...

Moses and Joshua And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. So the people of Israel obeyed him and did as the Lord had commanded Moses.  Deuteronomy 34:9 The devotions for August will be focused on examples of raising up future servants...

Early on Sunday morning, July 30, there was a fire at Mount Olive Lutheran Church off of Shaw Boulevard in St. Louis. Fire crews were called to the scene in the 4 a.m. hour.  Significant damage was done in the education building.  While the main sanctuary doesn’t appear to have...

The Blessing of Work The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it.   Genesis 2:15 Work may be a four-letter word, but that does not mean that it is bad.  In Genesis chapter 2, God’s creation of man and...

Resting in God’s Gifts Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  Matthew 11:29 The summer months find pastors, teachers and other church workers scattering to the four winds as they escape the demands of their...