“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits” (Matt. 7:15–16a, ESV). In 1533, Martin Luther preached on Matt. 7:15–23, saying: “Where our Lord God builds a church, there the devil builds a tavern” (House Postils,...

  Rev. Garland R.J. Wittmayer Sept. 5, 1937 – July 18, 2026 Garland “Gary” Raymond John Wittmayer was born Sept. 5, 1937, to Raymond Rudolph Wittmayer and Mildred Minnie née Joern at Bottineau, North Dakota. He was baptized Oct. 8, 1937, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Deep, North Dakota by...

“And they ate and were satisfied. And they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full” (Mark 8:8, ESV). The Lord knows what you need before you know you need it. This is most comforting in times of economic uncertainties and rising prices. It’s also comforting when storms,...

“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:20, ESV). How many commandments can you break at one time with one sin? We might remember King David’s unholy incident with Bathsheba (2 Sam. 11–12). In...