The apostle John wrote the book of the Bible by his same name to address the false teachings of a man named Cerinthus, who argued that Jesus was not the divine Son of God. John’s purpose for this book is succinctly summed up in 20:31, “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.”

As we commemorate Ruth today, we read an excerpt from Ruth: More Than a Love Story about Ruth’s devotion to Naomi and her faith in God.

Ever since school got out at the end of May, I’ve been experiencing my very first teacher summer. I’ve been spending my time sleeping in, doing some traveling to see family and friends, napping, and just generally resting.

Our devotion is from Restore the Roar!: Daily Devotions for Lent and Easter from Amos and focuses on the Old Testament Reading.

As adults, it’s hard to look at high schoolers and think that they’re deep thinkers like us sophisticated, mature grownups. Surely those teenagers don’t think about anything besides Instagram or prom!

Between busy summer adventures, classes, and commitments during the year, and everything else that comes with being a college student, it's easy to get lost in the shuffle of daily life. One of the best ways to relax and quiet your mind is by reading a book. But sometimes finding the perfect book can be a stressful task all its own. That's why we decided to do the hard work and create the perfect list of books for you.

Our devotion focuses on today’s Gospel and comes from LifeLight: Mark—Leaders Guide.

The Old Testament Reading, Lamentations 3:22–33, is our focus today. We take our devotion from Concordia Pulpit Resources.

As we remember the presentation of the Augsburg Confession, we read about what the reformers confessed the church to be—or rather who she is, and who is her head. Our devotion is from Augsburg Today: This We Believe, Teach and Confess.

Let’s face it, life is a bit messier than we would like to admit. Our children spread paint all over a new couch. Our bodies age and our clothes don’t fit like they used to. Illness attacks (sometimes in the form of middle-of-the-night stomach flu). Feelings are hurt. Hearts are broken. The list could go on and on. We work tirelessly to fix this messiness, to clean it up, to patch it, and cover it. Sometimes I lose sleep thinking about solutions to problems that have not even presented themselves yet. I am a slave to the mess of this world.  Amid this brokenness, I have never received a more obvious lesson in Christ's redemptive work than an especially challenging evening with my seven-year-old.