“For you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Gen. 3:19 ESV). Ash Wednesday forces us to confront the reality of sin and death. We know that death and sin are all around us, but we do everything we can to avoid it. We struggle to confront sins in...
Rev. James W. Rhiver Sept. 14, 1939 – Feb. 13, 2026 Rev. James W. Rhiver entered Heaven Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Jim was the beloved husband of Pearl L. Rhiver (née Heihn) since July 27, 1963. He is survived by two daughters Bettyjean M. Bonn and Kyrstin L. Nelson...
“And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only” (Matt. 17:8, ESV). Growing up, it felt like I was always at church. I was there on Sunday for worship and Sunday school, on Wednesday for weekday school, and often after school with my grandma when...
“Oh come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!” (Ps. 95:6, ESV). Psalm 95 summons God’s people to a posture that reflects the truth of our place before Him. Worship is not entertainment, nor is it negotiation. It is humble surrender before the...
Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Missouri District, It is my duty to inform you about an issue that concerns our Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. LCMS Central Illinois District (CID) President Rev. Michael Mohr was arrested by federal law enforcement on allegations of production of child pornography. The Department of Justice...
“Have mercy on me, O God.” With those words, Psalm 51 leads us to the very heart of the Christian life: repentance that cries out to God, and mercy that flows down from Him in overflowing grace. David’s confession is not an exercise in despair, but a plea rooted in...
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” With these gentle yet triumphant words, Psalm 23 unveils the heart of our Savior. Jesus is not distant, aloof, or indifferent—He is the Good Shepherd who knows His sheep, calls us by name, and leads us with perfect love. Martin Luther...
Missouri District gives thanks for Call Day 2026 The Missouri District of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) gives thanks to God for Call Day April 28–29, 2026, when seminary students at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis (CSL), and Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne (CTSFW), received assignments and first calls to serve...
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” With those opening words, Psalm 27 answers the deepest anxieties of the human heart. Fear stalks every corner of life—fear of trouble, fear of enemies, fear of failure, fear of sickness, and finally, fear of death itself. Yet...
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” (Ps. 136:1, ESV). Psalm 136 is a vibrant hymn of gratitude, proclaiming God’s unwavering love through creation, deliverance, and daily care. Through every verse, we’re reminded that Christ embodies this enduring love, the heart of...