stony ridge

By the mercy of God in Christ Jesus, we are free to live not ashamed.

The "Royal Law," the "Golden Rule," our way of life in faith: "Love your neighbor as yourself." What does that look like, day-to-day? 

We look in the mirror to check our outward appearance. The Word of God acts as a mirror to the heart. What it reveals about the human heart is much worse than the equivalent of a "bad hair day." But Jesus gives us a new heart, a clean heart, through the forgiveness of sins.

"Choose this day whom you will serve" is the exhortation Joshua gives. Whom do you serve? Who receives the place of honor and worship in your life? And how do you know?

"My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." Mary's song expresses a personal relationship with God. Her story had been interwoven into the great story of God's saving work--His redemption of all creation through Jesus, the Son of God. We, too, have been swept up into this great story. God has come to us, too. May our souls rejoice and our hearts sing to God our Savior.

"Be imitators of God, as beloved children."

Maturity is where Jesus wants us to be headed. What does that look like? It looks like Him.

Whoever wishes to become great must be a servant...

Jesus invites us to rest in Him. He shows us compassion and teaches us His way, then sends us out to share the good news with our neighbors.

Are you a disciple or an admirer of Jesus? God calls you to be a disciple, to be transformed by the hearing of His Word, to follow Jesus in faith. 

God sent Ezekiel to the people of Israel, a nation of rebels. What would Ezekiel say if he was sent to us in the USA? We, too, are a nation of rebels. What does God speak to us? Repent!

Jesus is our hope in even the most desperate of situations.

The LORD is good. It's a confession we make easily when the skies are clear. What about when the storm is raging? Though we may doubt or give into fear, Jesus reminds us that He is our peace. In Him, we have nothing to fear.

Our outer nature is wasting away, but out inner nature is being renewed as God feeds us with Word and Sacrament, helping us to see that our suffering is temporary but our life in Christ is eternal.

Being born again in baptism.

The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth, our Helper, our Advocate, and Comforter. He is the author of order and peace.

You are who you are today because someone prayed over you.

What a friend we have in Jesus!

Jesus is the Vine. We are the branches. God is the Gardener and plants us where we are, expecting good fruit as we abide in Jesus and He in us.

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, pulls out of the ditch of sin and leads us to love our neighbors in truth and action.