Today's Focus: God's Judgement Gives Us Peace  If you were making a list of things that might make society more peaceful, would you include "more judgment"? Likely not. Many people assume that judgment leads to conflict, not peace. However, a lack of judgment is a luxury many cannot afford. When we are horribly wronged, what are our options? Taking matters into our own hands? Despair? Jesus provides a better option. Trust that he will keep his promise to return, bringing judgment. The effect of that promise? We have peace, knowing that every wrong will eventually be righted by the one righteous Judge.

Today's Focus: Faith Trusts God's Powerful Word   Today we meet a centurion who believed that Jesus could heal his servant with just a word. The centurion trusted Jesus' powerful word. God's word powerfully demonstrates God's worth. The Lord is worthy of our praise; his word is worth hearing. This is true for us and all people, regardless of nationality, race, background, gender, or station in life. Jesus desires and gives the faith that trusts God's powerful word.

Today's Focus: Sainthood Gives Us Stamina  God grants the status of "saint" (which means "holy one") to every believer. Being a saint does not make life easier. In some ways it makes life more difficult as we struggle against a world that is hostile toward Christ. This week we get a peek at the saints who have died and now live in the glory of Christ's light. We realize what a precious gift this status of saint actually is. We understand that soon enough we shall join all the saints in that glorious heavenly city. And that gives us amazing stamina to face the challenges of this world with the strength Christ gives to all his saints.

Today's Focus: Christ WITH Us   Over 500 years ago, Lutheran Christians were under tremendous pressure. They were forced to defend themselves on battlefields both metaphorical and literal. But they took comfort that Christ himself was by their side upon the plain with his good gifts and Spirit. Just 175 years ago, the Lutheran Christians who founded WELS were also under tremendous pressure. The pressure continues today with opposition to the truths of the Word of God. But we take comfort that Christ is with us in Word and sacrament, and we move forward with the promise of his presence.