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Even the Dogs
8/15/2026
Jesus replied, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” “Yes it is, Lord,” she said. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their master’s table.” Matthew 15:26-27 This memorable line about dogs and crumbs comes the story of the foreign woman who begs for mercy from Jesus, crying for him to heal her demon possessed daughter. She’d settle for just a crumb. You’ve got more than enough mercy to spare, Jesus, don’t you?
Compassion
7/30/2026
When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. Matthew 14:13-14 One of the most admirable qualities of Jesus in his earthly ministry was his compassion for people. He was able to identify with the desperation of people in need, and then he personally acted on that compassion. I like to think I have his compassion, but I know I fall far short. I wish I had it! Can you relate? Do you struggle with compassion for others around you who are in need? Do you have “compassion fatigue?” I think we all do at one time or another.
Follow Me
7/24/2026
And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. Luke 9:23 In Luke 9:23-25, Jesus makes some bold statements about following Him. In many ways, these verses provide instructions for following, a kind of “Discipleship 101” Class. You will hear the word “disciple” in church a lot - and rightfully so. One of Jesus’ last commands is for the church to go and “make disciples” of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). The word disciple literally means “learner” or “pupil”. Discipleship often focuses on making a whole life transformation, developing personal character and following a specific world view.
Growing In Christ
7/16/2026
Ephesians4:16: "From whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love." As I look back at the first half of the year, I’m amazed at how God has really pulled us together as one body, with each part working properly, and growing! Plus, all the love. Think about it…In January we had our outdoor anniversary kickoff Community Worship Service – it was a TON of work, but together and with the other ministries help, we had the perfect day for it. Glory be to God !In February and March – Pastor Ludder and Pastor Arnold joined us for special Sundays, helping us recall our history, and remind us how far we’ve come, and how God has blessed us so richly.
Under God
7/3/2026
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 Having just celebrated the100th anniversary of First Lutheran, we’re all ready for our nation’s 250th! Anniversaries mark important milestones in life. It can be a time for reflection on the past, thanksgiving, and looking ahead to the future.
Our Calling
6/25/2026
“Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Whoever does not take up their cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39 Following Jesus can lead us into a whole new way of life. It often involves forsaking the self and all our sinful dreams, goals and ambitions. It brings about new behaviors, actions, attitudes and character. To follow Jesus, we need to embrace God’s ways.
We Can Trust in Jesus
6/18/2026
“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise.” (Matthew 7:24) We had a wild week of Bible adventures this past week with our Vacation Bible School! Our theme was “True North”, which took us on an imaginary trip to Alaska to learn the truths of our faith in God. Each day had a special theme and characters. At our daily opening we heard from various “buddies” (animal characters) where we learned Bible Points and verses, practiced memory work, and sang super songs.
A Father's Blessing
6/17/2026
Esau said to his father, “Do you have only one blessing, my father? Bless me too, my father!” Then Esau wept aloud. Genesis 27:38 Father’s Day is just a week away. Are you ready? Compared to the holiday honoring moms, many would agree that Father’s Day just doesn’t carry the same oomph.Years ago, I heard that AT&T saw the highest call volume of the year on Mother’s Day. Father’s Day had its own record; it had the most “collect calls.”While collect calls might be a bit outdated today, the number of calls – or texts, might not be all that different. Both moms and dads are important and needed, just appreciated in different ways. The Bible lifts up the role of fathers, especially their high calling.
Follow Me
6/16/2026
As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. Matthew 9:9 NIV Two words, “follow me”, were life altering for Matthew the tax collector. In an instant, Matthew, also known as Levi, leaves his lucrative, safe life behind and joins this itinerant preacher on an adventure that will change him, and the whole world. In first-century Jewish society, tax collectors were reviled as traitors, extortionists, and outcasts who gouged their own people to line their pockets and the coffers of the occupying Roman Empire. No 'respectable' rabbi would ever associate with a man like Matthew – but Jesus did.
Know Doubt
6/16/0226
“Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” Matthew28:16-17 NIV Doesn’t it seem odd that after all the time the disciples spent with Jesus, some of them still doubted? Jesus doesn’t reprimand them for their doubts, instead he shows them grace, knowing they are struggling to process everything they have experienced. Sometimes the Gospel is so wonderful that it can be hard to really believe it is all true. Do you have any doubts? We all know doubt. It is normal and healthy to be skeptical of things, and not just believe everything you are told. God gave us a mind to discern, to think, question, and trust. Doubt is not the opposite of faith; it is a companion on our spiritual journey. (Unbelief is the opposite of faith.)
Spiritual Gifts
6/16/2026
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 NIV Wear RED this Sunday! Pentecost Sunday is a major Christian holiday that takes place 50 days after Easter and is known as the "Birthday of the Church." This Sunday, we will commemorate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus,empowering them to begin their public ministry. We read about it in Acts 2, when Jesus’ followers were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish festival of Shavuot. Suddenly, a sound like a violent wind filled the room, and what appeared to be "tongues of fire" rested on each of them. They were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking indifferent languages, allowing them to share the Gospel with people from all nations who were visiting the city.
Messianic Psalm
6/16/2026
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Psalm 22:1a Most of us are familiar with Psalm 23 – “The Lord is my shepherd…” But do you know Psalm 22? It was written by King David as he struggled in anguish, feeling isolated from God, and mocked by his enemies. This profound prayer of anguish mysteriously transitions into a song of absolute triumph. It contains prophetic imagery of the crucifixion, which Jesus quoted on the cross before his death, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” Does that sound familiar? The Good News is that suffering is not the end of the story. For Christians, it ties directly into the theology of the cross and the resurrection—where apparent defeat, abandonment, and death are turned into ultimate victory, salvation, and eternal life. Join us this Sunday as we dig deeper into this Messianic Psalm and unpack its secrets!
Thank You Mom
5/12/2026
The Bible tells stories of a lot of different parents – mothers and fathers. Some were good, some were better, and some were very bad! The Bible doesn’t hide the bad stuff. In fact, there are some juicy stories of manipulative parents and rebellious kids throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament. These stories help us understand ourselves, and how God works through imperfect people to do His will in the world. This Sunday we’re going to focus on some of those moms in the Bible, and also some other women who were models of faith and faithfulness in a broken world. God used them to do powerful things. We could use some heroes today, and the Bible gives these to us to learn from. It might even help reveal to us some heroes we have around us today, who we can be thankful for.
Looking Forward
5/1/2026
I did take a week off at the end of the month, for a much needed break! One way I like to recharge is to go farming. It is spring, so my brother was happy to have me help him with planting and some other chores back in Minnesota. I rediscovered muscles I had forgotten about ! It is good to be back, and more than that, it is also good to be looking forward again. We’ve got a lot coming up, too: things like Mother’s Day, Vacation Bible School, Father’s Day, String Camp, and building a new playground! The future is exciting, and it is here! Let’s continue to press on, moving forward toward the goal, putting our faith in God, and fulfill that calling God has given us to reach people here in West Palm Beach!
Hopes and Dreams
4/14/2026
We made it, one hundred years! This weekend is going to be a wonderful party to celebrate all that God has done in, through and among all of us at First Evangelical, and now, with Holy Cross and all the ministries onsite. Are you excited? I am!!! As we look back over the last one hundred years, we will hear the stories, share memories, and sing about God’s grace. We also have the opportunity to look forward, into the future. We are already making memories! We are already changing lives with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Praise God!
