NEXT WEEK’S READINGS . . . Ex. 32:1–20; 1 Thess 4:13–18; Matthew 24:15–28.

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S READINGS . . . A shroud of darkness engulfs us.  Sin, death, and disease threaten to sever us from life’s fullest measure. Without new life in Christ Jesus, there would be no light to dissipate, dispel, or curb grief and sadness.  But Jesus has qualified us “to share in the inheritance of the saints of light” delivering us from the dark domain (Col. 1:9–14).  “I have put my words in your mouth and covered you in the shadow of my hand,…You are my people” (Is. 51:9–16).  The presence of Christ, in word, wine, bread, and water, confronts our sinful nature with forgiveness.  In the sacraments, God claims us to be His very own children, creating, and sustaining our faith.  So in Christ, we humbly receive the words, “your faith has made you well” (Matt. 9:18–26).  On the last day God will surely awaken us also from slumber in resurrection glory.

THOUGHTS ABOUT STEWARDSHIP . . . Col. 1:10: “. . . so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” Living a godly life really is its own reward. Does the life St. Paul describes here sound more enjoyable than a life of worry, self-aggrandizement, and self-centeredness? God wants us to walk closely to our Lord and imitate Him for a reason: so that we will be blessed and happy.

ALTAR FLOWERS . . . are given by Jack Appleby and the Reifsteck Family to the glory of God in on the occasion of Mary Appleby’s birthday.

IMMANUEL JUNIOR CHOIR . . . will be singing on Sunday, November 17. Choir members, please come up to the organ loft at the beginning of the service. Thank you!

TODAY’S HYMN OF THE DAY . . . forces us to confront living in a sinful world, while also providing assurance that our holy and mighty God is the only one who eternally saves us from it. According to tradition, stanza 1 existed before Martin Luther wrote stanzas 2 and 3. These two additional stanzas clearly confess the Christian’s refuge during gloomy times of life: Jesus and His mercy. In stanza 1, death is described as an enemy; in stanza 2, death is portrayed as a valley through which we currently walk; in stanza 3, death is depicted as utter woe. While each stanza begins by sounding the realistic note of despair, each stanza ends by clearly pointing the singer to the merciful Savior. Yes, we constantly endure the sadness of living in a sinful world. This hymn helps us confront that reality and at the same time helps us look beyond that reality and cling to Jesus. Our holy and righteous God does show His mercy to us and saves, preserves, and keeps us!

A PRAYER FOR THE ARMED FORCES OF OUR NATION . . . Lord God of hosts, stretch forth Your almighty arm to strengthen and protect those who serve in the armed forces of our country. Support them in times of war, and in times of peace keep them from all evil, giving them courage and loyalty. Grant that in all things they may serve with integrity and with honor; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

A PRAYER FOR THOSE WHO MINISTER TO THE ARMED FORCES . . . O Lord, almighty God, as You have always granted special gifts of the Holy Spirit to Your Church on earth, grant Your continual blessing to all who minister in Your name in the armed forces, that by Your gracious working they may honor Christ and advance the good of those committed to their care; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

WHAT IS VETERANS’ DAY? . . . Veterans Day, originally known as Armistice Day, was first observed on November 11, 1919, marking the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, which honors those who died while in military service, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. The following Scripture passages not only highlight the values of sacrifice and humility but also shed light on the depth of commitment and selflessness that we ask veterans to embody. John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” This verse encapsulates the essence of sacrifice. Veterans, in their commitment to their country and its people, often put themselves in harm’s way, ready to make the ultimate sacrifice. Just as Christ laid down His life for us, veterans are prepared to lay down theirs for their fellow countrymen. Psalm 33:12 – “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance.” A nation’s strength is not just in its military might but in its moral and spiritual foundation. This verse reminds us that a nation under God’s guidance is truly blessed and that its people, including its veterans, are cherished. Joshua 1:9 – “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” The life of a soldier is filled with challenges, both physical and emotional. This verse offers solace and encouragement, reminding veterans that they are never alone, even in the most trying times. Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Veterans exemplify this scripture in their service. They set aside personal ambitions and desires for the greater good, valuing the safety and freedom of their nation and its citizens above their own. Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” This verse speaks to the camaraderie and brotherhood that is often seen among veterans. Their service is not just about duty to country but also about loyalty to their fellow servicemen and women. They learn to honor and value each other, often placing the needs of their comrades above their own. In reflecting on these scriptures, we are reminded of the profound sacrifices veterans have made. They have laid aside personal dreams, time with family, comforts, and sometimes even their lives, embodying the biblical principles of humility, sacrifice, and love. And our Lord calls upon all of us to embody these for his church.