… an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you …” Matthew 2:13b

“How long, Lord?” “How long will it be until I find a job?” “How long will I suffer this pain?” “How long can these problems last?” In times of stress and anxiety, we yearn to know how long. In a dream, an angel instructed Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt. The family fled their home in the dead of night to avoid Herod’s soldiers and their murderous mission. How long would the family need to stay in Egypt? How long until they felt at home in a strange community? How long would Herod’s insanity last? They didn’t know. As they had done before, Joseph and Mary put the Word of God above their doubts and questions.

God’s unfailing guidance is open to us through His Word, the Bible. In the Bible, we will hear what is truly important: not questions like “how long?” but promises like … the Lord is faithful (2 Thessalonians 3:3a); I will never leave you nor forsake you (Joshua 1:5b); and Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you” (Isaiah 46:4a).

Bluffton, S.C. mission – O Holy Spirit, thank you for the many resources that you have provided in recent years to fund new missions in North America. Continue to encourage Pastor Eric Janke as he works with Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Pooler, Ga., to reach out in nearby Bluffton, S.C. Give our brothers and sisters wisdom in their planning and optimism as they share their faith. Open hearts to welcome the gospel message that Jesus is the risen Savior who has conquered the enemies of sin, death, and hell. Amen.

• Sharon Whitford had surgery this past week and the results were tremendously good, at the point of the treatment. She’s returned home and is recovering well. Let her find comfort and security in your promises and your care, as she continues to live in your grace day by day.
• Lord, in your wisdom you’ve chosen to take one of our newest members Art Cavalea (age 44) home to heaven. We especially pray for his son Zachery (18) as he has to deal with such loss at a young age. We include also  Robert “Bob” F. Stelter – Linda Eidman’s dad and Steve Wolf’s uncle.  We offer prayers of comfort and strength for his loved ones.  Assure them with your Word that you work for the good of those who love you, for their eternal good.
• We thank you along with Seth & Anna Kampa (Diener) at the birth of a baby boy, Ezra Allen. We thank you that you have watched over this mother during her hours of peril and pain and have made her heart happy with the gift of this child.  Grant to these parents not only the ability to provide for her physical needs, but also, grant them the patience and faith to teach him about you and your love.
• We also celebrate the entrance of Brooklyn Liesner into the lives of her parents Jordan & Emily as well as into the family of Jesus through her baptism this Sunday. Bless her with faith, hope and love as she grows up secure in your grace.
• So many children have been guided by the ministry of our Principal, Joel Grulke. We join his wife Amy and family in prayer as he has recently been diagnosed with Leukemia.  Lord, we lift up our eyes to you, to the maker of heaven and earth and ask for your mercy.  Give them the faith and grace that they need for this journey and, according to your will, keep this cancer from taking over his life.