Posts by Jo Witt

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Second Sunday In Advent

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Imminent Arrival of the Judge The judge is an important person. You stand when he enters the courtroom. What he says must be obeyed. If you are the one on trial, his determinations make a big difference in how your life will continue. You might be quite nervous if the judge […]

First Sunday in Advent

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Imminent Arrival of the King The king is an important person. His arrival at our place can mean something quite different to us depending on our relationship with him. We might fear his arrival if we expect him to punish us. We might welcome his arrival if we expect him to […]

Last Sunday of the Church Year

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Scripture / Anticipation The Church has marked the passing of yet another Church Year, waiting for its Lord to return. How long will we have to wait and watch for Jesus to return? We do not know. Jesus said he would return soon. However, the definition of “soon” for the One […]

Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Judgment / 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 judgement leads to conflict, not peace. However, a lack of judgment is a luxury many cannot afford. Our world is full of victims […]

Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Resurrection / Hope People think of “hope” as being an optimistic desire. “I hope it doesn’t rain this weekend” simply means that is what you want to happen. Your hope doesn’t mean that will happen. It might pour all weekend. Yet, that is the best the world can offer—an uncertain enthusiasm, […]

All Saints’ Day (Observed)

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Sainthood / Stamina God grants the status of “saint” (which means “holy one”) to every believer. It might appear that status is of little practical value. If you achieve the status “billionaire” or “celebrity” or “senator” your life is going to be vastly different than most other people, most likely better. […]

The Festival of the Reformation

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Truth / Freedom Many people believe that freedom means being able to do whatever you want. Jesus teaches that is absolutely false. “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:31,32). Jesus says that […]

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Promises / Prayer Disciples of Jesus need to learn how to pray. And learning to pray is not like many of the other things we learn to do in our lives. Once we know how to write our name, tie our shoes, or ride a bike, the learning is done. There […]

Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Generosity / Gratitude Gratitude is the appreciation we feel when someone does something kind to us or for us. There are two factors that effect the intensity of gratitude. First, there is the deservedness factor. Say you do a favor for your neighbor. A month later, your neighbor does a favor […]

Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost

by Jo Witt

Theme of the Day: Increased Faith Increases Duty As someone rises through the ranks at work, there are typically benefits: higher salary, more authority, better benefits. However, there is often a corresponding increase in responsibility: longer hours, more meetings, raised expectations. So, if someone is offered a promotion, they might ask, “Is this worth it?” […]