Ever felt bored in church and wondered, "Is this even working? Does this mean I’m not really saved?"

You're not alone.

Here's the truth: Boredom doesn't determine your salvation.

The power of God's Word works regardless of how you feel about it.

American Christianity often measures faith by emotions, but that's not the true measure of faith.

What to remember when you're bored:

✅ Your salvation isn't dependent on perfect attention or emotional experiences.

✅ It's based on what Jesus has done for you.

✅ The Word does what God promises, whether you feel it or not.

Practical tips:

✅ Keep showing up, even when it's boring

✅ When your mind wanders, gently bring it back

✅ Take notes during the sermon

✅ Write down distracting thoughts so you can let them go

Church might seem boring sometimes, but that repetition serves you when life is anything but boring — in hospitals, during stressful times, or when it feels like everything is falling apart.

Recognize this struggle as one more area where you need Jesus. Even your inability to pay attention is covered by His grace.

Remember: God loves you and meets you exactly where you are — fidgety, distracted, bored and all.

Your feelings don't determine His faithfulness.

Contributor Chris Brademeyer is Pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #church

In Matthew 10, Jesus sends his disciples "as sheep among wolves" and tells them to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves.”

But what does this actually mean?

Being "wise as serpents" means:

✓ Having "street smarts" and understanding how the world really works

✓ Recognizing the cruelty and dangers of a broken world

✓ Knowing when to speak up and when to remain silent

✓ Being prepared for persecution when you stand for your faith

But Jesus balances this with "innocent as doves," which means:

☑️ Maintaining your integrity even in difficult situations

☑️ Acting with kindness, gentleness, and vulnerability

☑️ Remembering your identity in Christ first and foremost

☑️ Not becoming the very thing you're fighting against

This isn't permission to lie or manipulate others "for a good cause." Instead, it's wisdom to navigate a fallen world while holding onto who you truly are in Christ.

In practice, this might mean:

→ Speaking truth with kindness rather than harshness

→ Waiting for the right moment to address difficult situations

→ Putting the best construction on others' words and actions (8th Commandment)

→ Being self-aware of both your surroundings and your own sinful tendencies

Remember: The world can be harsh and unfair, but you don't have to play by its rules.

In Christ, we have the wisdom to see clearly and the grace to remain gentle in a world that often rewards neither.

Your baptismal identity is stronger than the world's games of power, money, and status.

 You're forgiven. You're in Christ. You have the truth.

Contributor Matt Richard is Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Minot, ND.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #newtestament

Life issues in Genesis 15

When Genesis 15 opens, Abram faces a moment of deep uncertainty.

God promised him descendants, land, and a savior — yet none have materialized.

Sarah remains unable to conceive, and Abram's inheritance seems destined for his servant Eleazar.

His heart cries out: "God, what are you doing? You've given me no offspring!"

But notice something beautiful here — Abram's doubt doesn't reflect weak faith, but rather a faith strong enough to wrestle honestly with God.

Doubt isn't the absence of faith; it's being "double-minded" — believing God's promise while simultaneously seeing a reality that doesn't match.

We can feel like this, too — when illness lingers, when brokenness remains — we believe God's promises, yet our pain speaks a different story.

God meets Abram's doubt not with rebuke but with a profound act of grace and reassurance.

He takes him outside to look at the stars, promising descendants too numerous to count.

But God does more—He provides something tangible.

Through an ancient covenant ceremony, where normally both parties would walk between cut up animals, only God passes through as a smoking fire pot and flaming torch.

God essentially says: "These promises rest entirely on My shoulders. I will carry this or this is what will happen to me."

God still uses tangible means to bring his promises to us — through His Word joined to physical elements in the sacraments — at the communion rail and in the waters of baptism.

Like Abram, we can trust that God is working, your story can only end one way—the way He promised.

Contributor Michelle Bauman is the Director of Y4Life.

Contributor Rev. Harrison Goodman is the Higher Things Executive Director of Missions and Theology.

#higherthings #lcms #lutheran #genesis