In his writing, No Rusty Swords, Dietrich Bonhoeffer writes, "It is a great comfort which Christ gives to His church; you confess, preach, bear witness to Me and I alone will build where it pleases Me. Do not meddle in what is My province. Do what is given to you to do well and you have done enough. But do it well. Pay no heed to views and opinions. Don't ask for judgments. Don't always be calculating what will happen. Don't always be on the lookout for another refuge! Church, stay a church! But church, confess, confess, confess! Christ alone is your Lord; from His grace alone can you live as you are. Christ builds."  This devotional writing is the writing for today's Treasury of Daily Prayer. It is a beautiful proclamation of the New Testament reading from Matthew 16:13-28 where we see the two sides, or even the simul, in St. Peter. At one point, Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ and he is blessed because of it. However, the next day, Peter would prevent Jesus from dying on the cross for the salvation of the world and is told, "Get behind me, Satan!"

Christ alone builds the church. Christ alone saves man from sin, death, world, and the power of the devil. Christ alone comforts us in the midst of our anxiety over our transgressions and failures. Christ alone is our savior who alone speaks words of grace and peace that carry us through this life and into the one to come. So, my friends, even though this is a short little message from your Sheepdog today, may it be one of comfort. Jesus alone does everything for you. May your worries, anxieties, stresses, and cares of both your temporal and eternal life be taken by Jesus today and put to rest. Take heart in your Savior Jesus who builds all things for you, no matter what your emotions and senses may tell you. Jesus builds up your salvation by means of the Gospel in the forgiveness of your sins. Be at peace today in the knowledge that your Savior Jesus is building up the Church for you, that you may receive His forgiveness and live with Him forever in heaven.

Peace be with you. May the devil be silenced, the world be hushed, and the Old Adam be drowned anew so that you hear only the peaceful voice of your Savior Jesus who says, "I forgive you. I love you. I claim you as My own forever," Amen.

Jesus' Sheepdog,

Pastor Hull