May 31, John 20:19-23
God has surely promised his grace to the humbled, that is, to those who mourn over and despair of themselves. But a man cannot be thoroughly humbled until he realizes that his salvation is utterly beyond his own powers, councils, efforts, will and works, and depends absolutely on the will, council, pleasure and works of another – God alone. As long as he is persuaded that he can make even the smallest contribution to his salvation, he remains self-confident and does not utterly despair of himself, and so is not humbled before God. — Luther
“Video by Working Preacher, Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minnesota.”
Breathe on me, Breath of God
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
fill me with life anew,
that I may love what thou dost love,
and do what thou wouldst do.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
until my heart is pure,
until my will is one with thine,
to do and to endure.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
’til I am wholly thine,
until this earthly part of me
glows with thy fire divine.
Breathe on me, Breath of God,
so shall I never die,
but live with thee the perfect life
of thine eternity.
© Public Domain
John 20
19When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.” 20After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.”
- To ask a question about this lesson, or to respond to something pastor said, or to share an insight send an email to trchurch@gmail.com.
- To join our ministry of mutual care: Are you hungry? Lonely? Afraid? Or do you have an idea or resource to share during this odd time, email us at trchurch@gmail.com.
- To financially support the various ongoing ministries of the Tomorrow River Lutheran Parish or its member congregations with an ongoing or one-time donation CLICK HERE.