Dear Christian friends:

During this wonderful Epiphany season from the Gospel lessons we see Jesus showing His wonderful power that proves He is the mighty Son of God our wonderful Savior and Helper.

Yesterday evening the headlines of our newspaper told the very sad story of how two small children died when their house in St. Louis Park burned down Saturday morning. We know that the mother and father are broken- hearted today because their two dear children are gone.

Also in our world and our life we have broken-hearts and much sadness. But thank God He loves us anyway and sent His Son Jesus to heal broken hearts and to give comfort and joy in the hour of sorrow.

We who believe in Jesus Christ have the wonderful pleasure and responsibility of bringing Jesus' words of comfort to broken and sad hearts. Here in our lesson Paul urges us to eagerly serve the Lord.

The Lord doesn't give each one of us the same abilities. He says God gives some prophecy, some ministry, some teaching, some the ability to warn, some givers, some rulers, and some who show mercy.

If we think about our Church here we see that not all of us are equal in talents. Some are beautiful hymn signers, some are not. Some are able to read lips, some can't. Some are good leaders and others are not leaders, but only followers. A few can teach. Some have an eagerness for giving. Let each one find his good gift or talent from God and then use that eagerly. Don't be jealous if you can't do as good as someone else. Do what you can and do it regularly and cheerfully.

Jesus needs many different people and talents to bring His precious Word of salvation to dying people with broken hearts, which we all are. Some don't think so, but they are. Our work is very precious and wonderful. We must not quarrel among ourselves, but cheerfully and gladly use what talent God gives us.

But often we fail to do that. We become jealous of one another and quarrel. And then God's precious work of preaching forgiveness and comfort to broken hearts is hindered.

So Paul says, "Don't just pretend that you love others: really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with brotherly affection and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy in your work, but serve the Lord enthusiastically. (Romans 12:9-11)

"Let love be without deceit" Often we say we love God but in our hearts we hate Him. That's love with deceit. Last Sunday many officers came before God's altar and promised to serve and do and be a good example for other members. But then some go home and sin and are lazy and don't care. Some even kick and talk against the church.

Only seven came to Bible Class on Wednesday evening. Every officer and every leader in the church should come to Bible Class. You give a bad example and bad influence if you stay home while God's holy Word is preached and taught here at church.

Then on Friday evening only three came to Choir practice. God has given many of you women beautiful hands and graceful signs for signing hymns.

You have excuses. I know and God knows. You're tired. Too many evenings out. You don't like Friday. You want Wednesday. You lie and deceive. You say love with deceit. If you were honest you should say: "I don't love God that much." That's honest and a true reason: We don't love God.

We love ourself and pleasure and worldly things more. Sometimes I ask people, "Why don't you come to church?" They never say, "I don't love God." They always invent another false reason: "I don't like Youngdale or I don't like Berger or I don't like Bruishe or I don't like Klein." But when Klein asks them, "Why don't you come to church?" They say, "I don't like Hauptman." But really they don't like God.

They practice and do love with deceit. Paul says, let us love without deceit. Be honest. Stop making excuses. Confess that you often are lazy and hate God and His work. Ask God to pity you and give you forgiveness and a new heart and spirit to love Him and His work. Then you will be eager to serve the Lord and bring Jesus' comfort to broken hearts, to the sick and dying world.

Now while we serve the Lord with gladness we will have troubles and problems. So Paul encourages us in verses 12-16 (read and explain especially verses 12 & 14).

And then in this work feel sympathy for one another. (verses 13 & 15) By doing this we serve the Lord and bring comfort to broken hearts among our church members and also to many other people.

May God renew our faith and hearts by His Holy Spirit to serve the Lord with gladness.

Amen.