Random Thoughts On Sunday Morning

It's been a tough week, not great at work, a lot of adjusting for new personalities, and a rough week at home, mainly with the wife, haven't figured her out either, maybe never will.
I went to confession and absolution, made it on time this morning, confessed many of the same sins as last time. I usually make a list of things I need to confess and tear up the list afterward, but I guess I could just keep the list for next time, since the sins don't change much. Absolution didn't make me feel much better, sometimes it does, but I know that the pastor's words are Christ's words and that is better, whether I feel it or not, and that does give me some comfort now that I think about it. The kids are about to start school and one is playing football, a lot is going on and it's not about to slow down, I just hope I can keep up.
As I write I'm listening to a recording from Concordia Seminary Chorus ( I don't know which one) and the voices are soothing, I highly recommend music from the seminaries. Well off to Divine Service in a few minutes, I think I'll have some coffee.

Pharisee and Tax Collector

Today's sermon text was the Pharisee and the Tax Collector, it is one of my favorite parables, because it gives such comfort to those who know their sin and need a Savior. I have used it many times to express a Lutheran piety to coworkers and family. The goal of the Christian is not to achieve the well ordered and disciplined life, not to knock order and discipline, but to receive God's gifts of love and mercy for Christ' sake.
Speaking of the sermon, Pastor said that there are two things that attack faith, self righteousness, thinking that we accomplish the law through our own efforts, therefore we don't need Jesus, and thinking that we're too sinful for God to forgive us, because then in our arrogance we think that our sins are bigger than the sacrifice of Christ who atoned for the sins of the world. The second one was something for me to chew on. I am under superb pastoral care. A fantastic preacher of law and gospel, he speaks of particular sins as opposed to those who talk of sins in generic or abstract terms. The Eucharist is offered at three services during the week, and Holy Absolution has a set time each week. I've yearned for such a pastor and congregation for many years. Now I just have to adjust my thinking to actually having it. But that is a good problem!
I've had some ideas for posts in the past but now their not coming to mind, one subject that I would like to express some thoughts on is Communion before Confirmation, but not today. Perhaps first I may have some fun with random thoughts, I always like those from other sights.
As for that Tax Collector, well it is comforting to know that he who was repentant and seeking mercy went away justified. How refreshing that we have a Savior that has done it all, He doesn't need our contribution, all we bring is filthy sins and He washes them away and remembers them no more.

Why I have started this blog.

Well I suppose I enjoy reading various blogs and have decided to give myself the chance to express some of the struggles in my life. I am a husband and father, who struggles with a lot of demons on a daily basis. I try to curb my outward sins, but I worry about their effect on my wife and kids. I trust in Christ for my righteousness before God, I go to Holy Absolution, but my faith while strong is at the same time weak, my sin is always before me, if I weren't a Lutheran I don't know how I could take it any longer. I identify with St. Paul's struggle with sin very much, because I know the commands of God but my sins are always very apparent, knowing the Law of God shows my sins so clearly that I cling to Christ for comfort, I find it nowhere else.
I expect my posts to revolve around my struggles with sin, with theology and culture thrown in, since those are the posts from others that I enjoy reading about.