Posts by Nathan Ruback

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. ~James 1:12~ Perseverance is defined as a continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition. Over the last two years we have faced numerous difficulties, failures, and opposi...

"This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24 ~ For me, like many others, it is hard to fathom all that has transpired over the past year. We have all been tested, our limits stretched, normal flipped upside-down, routines thrown aside, and so much more. And yet, one truth has always remained; our God lives and reigns throu...

Prayer Fourth Saturday in Lent - March 13, 2021 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart,and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6) LSB 440 Jesus, Will I Ponder Now (Verse 6 of this week's hymn served as inspiration for today's devotion.) The blessing of unanswered prayers; but ar...

Peace of Conscience. Fourth Thursday in Lent - March 11, 2021 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12) LSB 440 Jesus, Will I Ponder Now (Verse 5 of this week's hymn served as inspiration for today's devotion.) Guilt and regret are horrible tormentors. We all have done things that we are ...

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcomethe world." ~John16:33~ What beautiful words! Jesus has overcome the world! Suffice to say that in this world we have troubles. Lately, it may seem that with every new day comes a new set of obstacles, challenges, hardships, and troubles. In 2...

To my brothers and sisters in Christ at Grace Chapel - "Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you."~ Deuteronomy 31:6 ~ Months ago, when our routines were flipped upside down, our "normals" seemed anything but, and when each day seemed more uncertain, we found new ways...

To my brothers and sisters in Christ at Grace Chapel - As I begin to write this to all of you, I struggle to put into words how our lives have been flipped upside down, how, in what seems to be in a blink of an eye, everything we experience as "normal" has changed. We have had to adapt how our children learn, change the way we go to work, and find new ways to socialize in...

"For I, the Lord your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, 'Fear not, I am the one who helps you.'" Isaiah 41:13 This has certainly been a week of changes, changes in the way we worship, changes in how our school students learn and our teachers teach, change in our social time and the way we interact, and changes to our entire world. Throughout my time as a ...