Reflections

September 1, 2026Today's Reading: Galatians 3:15-22Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 18:1-19; Ephesians 1:1-23“If the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.” (Galatians 3:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abraham is perhaps more like a Christian than an Israelite. Technically, there was no way Abraham could be an Israelite. Israelites were descendants of Jacob, who was later named ‘Israel.’ Jacob was Abraham’s grandson. So there was no possible way Abraham could ever be Jacob’s descendant. Abraham could never look back in his family history and find his grandson as his ancestor. So technically, Abraham was not an Israelite at all.He is called a patriarch, one of the founding fathers of the Scripture and its teaching. In the New Testament, the Jewish teachers pointed to Abraham as the father of their religion of following the Law. These Jewish teachers who did not believe in Jesus as God’s Son, and therefore could not believe the Gospel, pointed to Abraham as their theological founder. It’s as if they said, “Look at Abraham who obeyed God, and thus God loved him. Therefore, you also need to obey God by following the Law completely, so that God might love you, too.”Therefore, in many ways, Abraham stands as the father not of the Jewish religion, but of the Christian religion! Abraham is not the founder of any works-righteous religion, as Paul showed. Rather, Abraham stands as one of the best Old Testament examples of faith in Christ. God gave Abraham an inheritance —the land of Israel— by a promise. This land would belong to Abraham and to his offspring. And Abraham believed this promise God made. Abraham believed God when He promised that this old man would have a son through Sarah, and that in this promised son, all nations of the world would be blessed. And it was only by this faith that Abraham was right with God. Who is this promised son of Abraham? It is not merely Isaac, though he was one, too. The real promised son of Abraham is Jesus (see Matthew 1:1). Jesus is the one Abraham believed in and was redeemed by. Trusting in Jesus makes one right with God, apart from one's works. Just as Abraham was right with God, not because of what he had done or how he had obeyed, but rather, simply by trusting God’s Word and promises. Now God’s promises of eternal life and salvation are centered on Jesus. Now Christ, who died for sinners and rose again, proclaims forgiveness for sinners. Be like Abraham. Believe those promises, and you are right with God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, reassure me that I am right with you, not based on my inability to follow the Law, but simply because I trust your promises of forgiveness and salvation in Your Son, Jesus. Amen.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

August 31, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Chronicles 28:8-15Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 16:29-17:24; 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15“You shall not bring the captives in here, for you propose to bring upon us guilt against the Lord in addition to our present sins and guilt. For our guilt is already great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.” (2 Chronicles 28:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.After King Solomon, the Israelites split into two separate kingdoms in a civil war. For centuries, two nations existed among God’s chosen people. Israel in the north was often idolatrous and sinful. Judah in the south began in the faith and ended up idolatrous. Because there were two nations and the Word and teaching of God were not central all the time, sadly, the people of God fought against each other.Christians should see this time in Israel’s history as a warning. Throughout the New Testament, we also hear God’s Word teaching us to be long-suffering and patient with our brothers. We are taught not to let the sun go down on our anger. Indeed, we must also be careful to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.It is sometimes hard, though. Like Judah in the Old Testament, sometimes we make a great effort at the beginning, but do not follow through. We hold onto anger unjustly and are happy to see our enemies fall. We are impatient, demanding, and will suffer little if we can help it. As for the unity of the Spirit, sadly, this is sometimes the least of our concerns.Our Lord warns us against continuing in self-centered behavior. Let us not add sins to sin, or guilt upon existing guilt. Rather, as our Lord Jesus calls us to repent and believe in the Gospel, let us do so. If some bitterness is lodged in your heart now, let it go. Call on God to take it away. Trust in the Lord of life who does not call you to outrage, but to faith in Him and reflecting His peace among others. Lean on Him alone who loved you and gave Himself for you. And then, with the same compassion Jesus has shown you, show that to your neighbors. And especially those of the same household of the faith. Offer to rake the leaves of homebound members of your congregation. Volunteer to babysit your pastor’s kids. Be willing to sing in your church’s small choir. In such ways, you show that you are the Lord’s, and His love shows through you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hope of the world, who by Thy cross didst save us From death and dark despair, from sin and guilt, We render back the love Thy mercy gave us; Take Thou our lives and use them as Thou wilt. (LSB 690:4)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

August 30, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 10:23-37Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 12:20-13:5, 33-34; 1 Kings 14:1-16:28; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24“But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (Luke 10:29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It shouldn’t take a man half-dead and lying beside the road to show someone that he is self-righteous. Since self-righteousness does not fear, love, or trust in God above all things, self-righteousness is clearly a sin against the First Commandment. It doesn’t matter that self-righteousness is natural to fallen mankind. It is still against God’s Law. Therefore, one only needs the Law like a giant spotlight to show a self-righteous man this sin. It shouldn’t take a story.Yet Jesus shows the teacher of the law his self-righteousness by the parable of the Good Samaritan. Using a realistic example of a man in dire medical need and the most unlikely of saviors, Jesus leads the teacher to admit that the hated Samaritan was more of a neighbor than the respected Jewish religious leaders. It would be normal for a Jewish teacher of the Law to also reject Samaritans. But Jesus shows the teacher that such a despised man is more merciful than the teacher of the Law was. Therefore, the teacher of the law has nothing by which he can justify himself. His works are not good enough. And yours are not, either. The good news is that there is an even more unlikely savior for you. This unlikely savior is a crucified man. A man who everyone thought had been a child out of wedlock. A man whom people hated and wanted to kill. A man sentenced to death. But Jesus was not just a mere man. He is true God in the flesh, and the only Savior of sinners. Hence, He rose and is now on a mission to rescue fallen sinners.Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus shows mercy when the Jewish leaders could not. And like the fallen dying man, Jesus helps you. You are dying by your sins, dead in sin, and yet alive in body. So Jesus finds you by His grace. He binds your spiritual wounds by His Word of forgiving Absolution. He pours in the oil of the Holy Spirit, that anointed you at your Baptism. He pours in the wine of His blood shed for you and given in Communion. He carries you and leads you in His mercy. And He brings you to your church like the inn in the parable, entrusting your care to your pastor, who is like the innkeeper. All this He does out of grace and love, without any merit or worthiness in you. God be praised. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, give us an increase of faith, hope, and charity; and that we may obtain what You have promised, make us love what You have commanded; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

August 29, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 6:14-29Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 11:42-12:19; 2 Corinthians 7:1-16“King Herod heard of it, for Jesus’ name had become known. Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead. That is why these miraculous powers are at work in him.’ But others said, ‘He is Elijah.’ And others said, ‘He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.’ But when Herod heard of it, he said, ‘John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.’ For it was Herod who had sent and seized John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, because he had married her. For John had been saying to Herod, ‘It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.’ And Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he heard him gladly.” (Mark 6:14–29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.John the Baptist was the last of the prophets of old. He was the forerunner of Christ with the command of making straight the way of the Lord. John was the new Elijah, and John was not afraid to speak truth to power. John told Herod that it was unlawful for him to have his brother’s wife, and this speaking of Law was what made Herod imprison him. But John was a righteous and holy man, which made Herod fear him. Herod was perplexed by John, but still heard what he said gladly. John continued preaching God’s word and preparing His way until the day he died. His death shows that even the greatest born of women (Matthew 11:11) is not enough to save himself. He died like every other prophet who came before him. It was going to take someone outside of himself to save him from his sins. John knew this, which is why he proclaimed that he must decrease so that He may increase. He knew his cousin was the Son of God who had been foretold from the beginning. This horse-hair-covered, locust and honey-eating wilderness man was the second greatest prophet. He is the second greatest, behind our Lord, the one who lives and reigns for all eternity. John knows that he is not the Christ, and the faith he carried to his death by beheading is the same faith that we hold to this very day.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You gave Your servant John the Baptist to be the forerunner of Your Son, Jesus Christ, in both his preaching of repentance and his innocent death. Grant that we, who have died and risen with Christ in Holy Baptism, may daily repent of our sins, patiently suffer for the sake of the truth, and fearlessly bear witness to His victory over death; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 28, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 13 - Psalm 74:1-2, 19b, 21b; antiphon: Psalm 74:20a, 21a, 22a, 23aDaily Lectionary: 1 Kings 11:1-26; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18Have regard for the covenant, [O Lord]; let not the downtrodden turn back in shame. Arise, O God, defend your cause; do not forget the clamor of your foes. (Psalm 74:20a, 21a, 22a, 23a)O God, why do you cast us off forever? Why does your anger smoke against the sheep of your pasture? Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage! Remember Mount Zion, where you have dwelt. Do not forget the life of your poor forever. Let the poor and needy praise your name. (Psalm 74:1-2, 19b, 21b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This Psalm entreats God to remember His promises to Israel. This was a desperate cry because Israel had been taken into the Babylonian captivity, where it seemed like God had forsaken them. They had been forcefully taken out of their homeland and were made slaves. The Psalmist draws us back to the Exodus, where God originally redeemed the Israelites to be the tribe of God’s heritage. The Psalm calls back to how God made a covenant with the Israelites and how He continued to forgive them and had defended them. This Psalm we still pray today. We hold God to His promises that He made to our ancestral heritage, to Israel, which we are grafted into. But the congregation that God purchased of old, He has bought back through the holy, precious blood of the Son of God. The innocent sufferings and death of Jesus make it so that we can be His own and live under him in his kingdom with everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Christ has redeemed the tribe of His heritage and, through Baptism, has made that heritage ours. Through Baptism, we are brought into the family of God, not as slaves, but as inheriting heirs. Through Baptism, we receive the Good Gifts of God and are washed clean to be in the pasture of God’s hand.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God the Good Shepherd, you have always gathered your people to yourself. Continue to search for the lost sheep of the world and keep those in your pasture from wandering. Guard your flock from the wolves that seek to snatch us away and bring us safely to eat by still waters. Through Jesus Christ, your son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God now and forever. Amen.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 27, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 9:1-9; 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21It is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink. (Luther’s Small Catechism- Sacrament of the Altar)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What is the Sacrament of the Altar? As Luther wrote, it is the true Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ under the bread and wine, instituted by Christ Himself for us Christians to eat and to drink. This confesses a multitude of things in a concise sentence. It says what it is, why it is, and who it is for. Firstly, it is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. We confess that Jesus was true man and true God. True man because God does not have blood, and true God because otherwise the Body and Blood can not be present at every altar. We still confess that the Body and Blood are under the bread and wine. This retains that the bread and wine are still present and are not removed at any point. It also confesses that the Body and Blood are truly present. This meal does what it says because it was instituted by Christ Himself. The Word of God is where the promises come from, and the words of Christ are efficacious; they do what they say. Therefore, we hold to the promises of God that when Christ says that “This is my body and this is my blood,” we believe that it is truly his Body and Blood. Finally, it is for us Christians to eat and to drink. We do this for the forgiveness of sins. But we do not do it alone; it is in community that we go to Communion. We partake in the only flesh and blood that can save us from our sins because it is only through Christ's sacrifice that we are justified before God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Not all the blood of beasts On Jewish altars slain Could give the guilty conscience peace Or wash away the stain. But Christ, the heav'nly Lamb, Takes all our sins away; A sacrifice of nobler name And richer blood than they. My faith would lay its hand On that dear head of Thine, While as a penitent I stand, And there confess my sin. My soul looks back to see The burden Thou didst bear When hanging on the cursed tree; I know my guilt was there. Believing, we rejoice To see the curse remove; We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice And sing His bleeding love. (LSB 431:1-5)Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 26, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 3:4-11 or Romans 10:9-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, ‘Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.’ For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For ‘everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:9–17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This is the sweet Gospel proclamation. Saint Paul’s writing to the Romans is a comfort to them that these are the promises made to God’s people. The first half is all comfort and teaches all the Good Gifts that God has given to his people. There is no difference between Jew and Greek, it does not matter if you became a Christian early or late, for the same Lord is Lord of all and bestows his riches on all who call on Him. God gives lavishly to all his children because he loves them. He loves you because you are His child, not from what you have done, but from what He has done for you. He has called you by the Gospel, enlightening you with His Gifts, and sanctified the whole church on earth. Your conversion was through means; God works through His creation to bring people to faith. That is the reason for the second half of this reading. Now that we know how good God is, we share it with others. God’s infinite goodness is enough to share. So we proclaim the Gospel and what God has done for us, so that the kingdom would be expanded and all may be saved. We are saved through faith, which is a Gift of God, and that is the faith we share.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Salvation unto us has come By God's free grace and favor; Good works cannot avert our doom, They help and save us never. Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone, Who did for all the world atone; He is our one Redeemer. (LSB 555:1)Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 25, 2026Today's Reading: Isaiah 29:17-24Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18“Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be regarded as a forest? In that day the deaf shall hear the words of a book, and out of their gloom and darkness the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the LORD, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel. For the ruthless shall come to nothing and the scoffer cease, and all who watch to do evil shall be cut off, who by a word make a man out to be an offender, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and with an empty plea turn aside him who is in the right. Therefore thus says the LORD, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob: ‘Jacob shall no more be ashamed, no more shall his face grow pale. For when he sees his children, the work of my hands, in his midst, they will sanctify my name; they will sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and will stand in awe of the God of Israel. And those who go astray in spirit will come to understanding, and those who murmur will accept instruction.’” (Isaiah 29:17–24)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We live in the midst of a fruitful Lebanon. The First day of the Lord has come, and the prophet Isaiah spoke the words of God that would come to pass. The Gospel for this week was opening the ears of the deaf man. That man was healed, and he heard the words of Christ; he heard the Word of God speaking to him. We can also look at other places in Jesus’ ministry and see him fulfilling this prophecy. Between putting down scoffers to the meek obtaining fresh joy, Jesus does it all. However, all of those miracles pale in comparison to the fulfillment of verses 22-24. This is where the effects of Jesus’ mission on earth come to pass.Christ comes and sanctifies Jacob. Jesus’ unblemished life, death, and resurrection take the shame of Jacob away. When Jacob sees his children, the work of God’s hands, in his midst, they will sanctify God’s name. Because of Jesus’s work of salvation, not only are we made righteous before God, but God’s name is sanctified as well. Yahweh dwells with his people and brings his people back to Himself. The relationship has been restored between God and man. Christ is the fulfillment of the prophets and is the fulfillment of the first prophecy made to Eve in the Garden. Jesus is the one to crush the head of the serpent forever. We live in the victory of Christ until he comes again to bring us to be with him for all eternity.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Anoint them prophets, men who are intent. To be Your witnesses in word and deed, their hearts aflame, their lips made eloquent. Their eyes awake to every human need. (LSB 682:2)Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 24, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 22:24-30 or John 1:43-51Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 5:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-7:50; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17“A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. And he said to them, ‘The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves. For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who serves.’” (Luke 22:24–28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Is it greater to serve or to be served? Throughout the world, the answer is obvious: it is better to be served. Kings exercise lordship, and it's good to be the king. But the King of Kings has a different answer. He is the King who says, “the first shall be last” and “Blessed are the Poor.” He is the one who came down from the heavens to serve. The eternal Son took on flesh and dwelt among us, not as a conqueror but as a servant. This continues to be a comfort to us because our God is the one who gave his life on the cross to cleanse us from our sins and did not stop there. Our God continues to sanctify his people, and He has created Good Works for us to do as fellow servants and Children of God. However, God has not stopped serving us. He continues to serve us every Sunday when the saints on earth gather together to receive the Word and Sacrament from our pastors. God’s work began for us and continues to be for us as our generous King gives freely to his people for all eternity. Jesus shows that the greater one is the one who serves. If God Himself serves us, we, as His people, continue to serve our neighbor.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, chose Bartholomew to be an apostle to preach the blessed Gospel. Grant that Your Church may love what he believed and preach what he taught; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 23, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 7:31-37Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 3:1-15; 1 Kings 3:16-4:34; 2 Corinthians 1:1-22“And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, ‘Ephphatha,’ that is, ‘Be opened.’ And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it.” (Mark 7:33-36)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our God works through means. Jesus could have only said “Ephphatha,” and the blind and deaf man would have been healed. But our God puts His holy spit into the mouth of the man before He commands him to be opened. God is not afraid to get down and dirty with His creation. He not only commands this man’s ears to be opened and his tongue to be released, but this man was spiritually opened and released. While only his ears were opened and his tongue was loosed, Jesus also opened this man's eyes to see his savior. On his own, he was spiritually blind, but through God’s working, he confesses the goodness of Jesus. In a similar way, we too were spiritually deaf and mute. We could not hear the Word or confess our Lord until the Holy Spirit opened our ears to the Word of God and loosed our tongues to confess with saints all over the world. We can join the proclamation of the healed man and zealously proclaim what God has done for us. We are opened by Christ’s salvific work to proclaim His life, death, and resurrection. God puts His words into our mouths when we proclaim the truths of the Bible. Just as the healed man spreads the Word, God uses you as one of His means to bring more people into His kingdom. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and merciful God, by Your Gift alone, Your faithful people render true and laudable service. Help us steadfastly to live in this life according to Your promises and finally attain Your heavenly glory; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.Jonah Clausen, seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.

August 22, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 12 - Psalm 70:2b, 4a, 5b; antiphon: Psalm 70:1-2aDaily Lectionary: 1 Kings 2:1-27; 1 Corinthians 14:1-16:24; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13“You are my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do not delay!” (Psalm 70:5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Psalm 70 expresses a prayer that every believer in God has prayed: “Help!” “Make haste, O God, to deliver me! O Lord, make haste to help me!” (v. 1). It is the most basic and sincerest prayer.What the exact situation of David, the author of the Psalm, was, we do not know. David had his sworn enemies. He had conquered rivals within Israel and many from other nations as well. The number of men slain by him was in the thousands. As a result, many people were out to get him. People who, as he put it, “delighted in my hurt.” (vs. 2)Some might think that a man like King David wouldn’t need any help taking care of his enemies. Remember how quickly he dispatched Goliath? David could handle himself. Who would David have been afraid of? But David knew that his successes in battle were only a gift from God.For example, when they tried talking him out of fighting Goliath, he told them, “The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And during the pre-battle trash-talking, David told Goliath, “You come to me with a sword … but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down…” (1st Samuel 17:45-46). David didn’t trust in his own strength, but he relied on God, his help and deliverer.You probably haven’t had anyone plot to kill you (and hopefully, you never will!) Yet, you can still relate to the need to be rescued from your enemies. Have you had kids put you down to build themselves up? Have they said unkind things? Made fun of you in front of others? Mocked you behind your back? Teenagers can be cruel. While going through these situations is no fun, take heart, cry out to God for help, and the Lord will deliver you, too. In fact, the Lord God Almighty has already delivered you from your greatest enemies: sin and death. Jesus, the Son of David, fought Satan and defeated him. He gave Himself up for you on the cross, and His victory over the grave in His resurrection is complete and final. Now all who are in Him are delivered and will be forever. Therefore, rejoice and be glad in Him and say evermore: “God is great!” (vs. 4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Seek Him alone Who did atone, Who did your souls deliver. O seek Him first, All you who thirst For grace that fails you never. In ev’ry need Seek Him indeed; To every heart He will impart His blessings without measure. (LSB 557:3)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 21, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Kings 1:1-4, 15-35Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 1:1-4, 15-35; 1 Corinthians 12:14-31“The Young woman was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king…” (1 Kings 4:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We read some very weird things in the Bible; the story of Abishag is one of them. At this time, King David was old and advanced in years. He is described as bedridden and in need of constant attention. This is a far cry from the warrior king who, as a young man, killed Philistines by the thousands. So, his servants decide to find a young, beautiful woman to “…wait on the king and be in his service. Let her lie in your arms, that my lord the king may be warm.” (3) This was long before modern medicine, and some have supposed that the servants believed that by lying in David’s arms, some of Abishag’s youth and vigor would get passed on to him. Others suppose that, given David’s lust for women, they thought a young, beautiful virgin might get the old king excited and acting like a young man again. Maybe he would even take her on as another wife or concubine. In antiquity, polygamy was widely practiced. Their logic was: married women are provided for by their husbands; rich men can afford to provide for many women; therefore, rich men can have multiple wives. Further, there were concubines. These were not illicit mistresses, but more like “lesser wives.” All of this is logical, perhaps, but not good because it goes against God’s design of one woman for one man. Whatever their thinking, it was disrespectful of Abishag, who got treated like a blanket in all of this! “[Abishag] was very beautiful, and she was of service to the king and attended him, but the king knew her not.” (4) –That last part, about “knowing her not,” is a euphemism meaning they did not have a sexual relationship.What is the point of this story? Some speculate that the story highlights David’s change and repentance; now, even with a beautiful woman in his arms, he is so pious that he will not take advantage of her, having truly learned from his sins with Bathsheba. Others think the story is told to describe how sickly, frail, and weak King David was and why an heir needed to take his place. What else can we learn from this? Some men have always viewed women as merely objects existing to serve them. We’ve come a long way, but sadly, this view still exists. If you found this story disturbing, remember that our true worth is not found in how useful we are to someone who wants to use us for selfish reasons; rather, our true value lies in being a child of God for whom Christ died. Incredibly, Jesus, the Son of David, came not to use people and have them serve Him, but rather to serve us and to give His life as a ransom for all.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thank you, Lord, for serving us with your death on the cross and opening the kingdom of heaven. Amen.Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 20, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: What sins should we confess?Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 12:1-25; 2 Samuel 13:1-19:43; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13“Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’” (2 Samuel 12:7a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Put yourself in Nathan’s shoes. How’d you like it if God sent you to confront the most powerful man in the nation to call him out for a sin –a man who was a warrior who killed thousands of his enemies and had recently been involved in a murder? Nathan had tremendous courage, but also wisdom from on high.Nathan’s approach to David offers a master class in how to rebuke sinners. He tells David a story about a rich man and a poor man and gets David angry to the point he exclaims that the rich man is guilty and deserves to die for stealing the poor man’s beloved little lamb. Nathan has him right where he wants him, then he springs the trap: “You are the man!” and he unloads on David for his great sins.Nathan not only reveals all the evil David tried to cover up, he also begins to pronounce the punishment that God told him would ensue. Because he used the Ammonites to kill Uriah, they would never cease attacking him. The Lord would also raise up discord in David’s own house, and his wives would cheat on him, and it would be widely known.As far as we know, this is the first time anyone tried to confront David for his sin. What would David do? Would he respond in rage and lash out at Nathan? David is an exceptional man in that, even though he had been deluded and engaged in so much evil, he also can now clearly see his sin and is ready to be done with it. Many people will double down and deny and retaliate when confronted, but to his credit, David humbles himself and confesses. And Nathan responds right away: “The Lord has put away your sin; you shall not die.”God sent Nathan to David, not to put him down, but to save him. David was stuck in sin and living in unrepentance. That is the way that leads to death and damnation. God used Nathan to humble David and lead him to confess. Confession and humility is the way that leads to life. “But if we confess our sins, God who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Sinners who turn from their sins and seek help from God will receive forgiveness, and because of Jesus, we will live even though we die. But take note: forgiveness and eternal salvation does not mean we suffer no consequences for our actions in this life. God punished David severely for his actions. We, too, must face the consequences of our sins in this life, but Christ promises a day when we will be free from even this, when we will be like the angels in their innocence, and He will wipe every tear from our eyes.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God, be merciful to me, a sinner. Amen.Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 19, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 11:1-27Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34“But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How could this happen? God said that David was a man after His own heart: David trusted God and was a model of faithfulness, honoring God in both word and deed. But in our passage today, we read how this same great king slept with the wife of one of his trusted warriors, impregnated her, and tried to cover it up with lies. Then, when deception wouldn’t work, he turned to murder. So, again: How could this happen? The same way it almost always does. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (James 1:14-15) It started with just one look. He saw a beautiful woman naked, and instead of looking away, he kept looking and started thinking. He started to wonder about and delight in the idea of something wicked. At some point, he also came up with a justification for himself. I imagine it went like this: I am the king. I should get to have any woman I want. I deserve this! And at that point, he said to his servant, Bring her to me.David had several wives and concubines. He wasn’t starved for sexual attention. Though it may have started as lust, the real sin is greed (failing to be content with what you have been given). If he justified his actions the way I think he did, then it was ultimately driven by pride, accompanied by a sense of entitlement.As we will see tomorrow, the consequences of David’s sins were enormous. So learn from his downfall. Don’t excuse small sins. Look away from those images on the screen. Do not delight in wicked things. Be content with what you have and do not think you are entitled to more. You, too, are capable of great evil if you let sin go unchecked. For King David, what started with one look later grew into murder. So, take heed lest you stumble. (1 Cor. 10:12)The story of David’s fall is an important warning, but here’s something much more comforting: Christ Himself was tempted in every way as we are, yet was without sin. (Heb. 4:15) Where we and so many others have failed and given in to desire, Christ stood strong. He kept Himself holy and pure so He could offer Himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. And that perfect sacrifice on the cross covers all sins -big and small- for those who trust in Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Should some lust or sharp temptation Fascinate my sinful mind, Draw me to Your cross and passion, And new courage I shall find. Or should Satan press me hard, Let me then be on my guard, ‘Saying Christ for me was wounded,’ That the tempter flee confounded. (LSB 421:2)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 18, 2026Today's Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 or 1 Corinthians 15:1-10Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” (Ephesians 2:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lutherans love to say we are saved by grace through faith. But, as Luther would ask in his catechism, What does this mean? No text explains this better than Ephesians 2. Paul explains to his readers that before coming to Christ, spiritually, they were dead. Not neutral or pretty good, or able to help themselves if they tried harder or anything like that. No. Spiritually, they were dead, and they were damned. Like the rest of mankind, they were following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air- that spirit now at work in the sons of disobedience, and carrying out the desires of the flesh. (v. 2-3) These are the three great enemies of God: the world, the flesh, and the devil.The world is the pressure we feel from outside of ourselves, coming from our friends or what is advertised to us as a good time. We want to fit in and be accepted, so we listen to these voices instead of listening to God. The flesh is our own personal weaknesses. We all have temptations to which we are prone, but they aren’t all the same. Some people are particularly tempted by pride, while others are driven by envy, and still others by lust, and so on. Lastly, there is “the prince of the power of the air,” or as he is better known, the devil. He is real, and as Luther said somewhere, he never takes a vacation. He’s like a roaring lion prowling around, waiting to devour you. (1 Peter 5:8) He suggests evil thoughts to you, like he did to Adam and Eve, and like he did to Jesus. And except for Jesus, he has a perfect record of getting people to sin! The world, the flesh, and the devil have made us, along with the rest of mankind, objects of God’s wrath. With these things stacked against us, constantly leading us to sin, we are dead. What chance does anyone have given this situation?“But God being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ-by grace you have been saved…” (4-5) Why are some going to make it to heaven? Not because they were good enough. Not because they didn’t sin, but because God is merciful and Christ our substitute was good enough. Amazingly, God loves sinners in spite of their sins. What’s more, even though sinners are dead in their trespasses, He made some alive in Christ. That’s what the Bible calls grace –God’s undeserved kindness, His Gift of new life given to people who deserve to be dead.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.By grace! On this I’ll rest when dying; In Jesus’ promise I rejoice; For though I know my heart’s condition, I also know my Savior’s voice. My heart is glad, all grief has flown Since I am saved by grace alone. (LSB 566:2)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 17, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 4:1-15Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:22“sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is for you, and you must rule over it.” (Genesis 4:7b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Cain and Abel both presented offerings to the LORD. Abel brought his best; Cain did not. The LORD regarded Abel’s offering, but not Cain’s. Cain was shown up by his little brother! “So Cain was very angry…”It’s not wrong to get angry. Even Jesus got angry with moneychangers. But when Jesus was angry, He never acted inappropriately. That wasn’t the case for Cain, and it often isn’t the case with us. When someone else gets the recognition we wanted or thought we deserved, envy and anger are stirred up in us like they were with Cain. Pay attention, therefore, to what God says to him: “Why are you angry? If you do well, will you not be accepted?”The LORD encourages Cain by saying he can improve his situation. It isn’t over for him; he can do better next time. So can we. When things don’t go our way, we don’t have to get angry; often, there’s a way to fix the problem. Unfortunately, rage clouds our judgment, and we can’t see it. Neither could Cain.The LORD explains that Cain is in a dangerous position: “If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Like a predator waiting to pounce, sin wants to devour him. The LORD commands him to rule over it. Sadly, that command was ignored, and Cain murdered his brother.“What have you done?” said the LORD, “The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” And from there, he cursed Cain and condemned him to be a fugitive. God could have killed Cain. Instead, He exiled him. But Cain thought it was a trap: that he was being set up, “Whoever finds me will kill me!” he cried. But it wasn’t a trap. God is really that forgiving. He proved it by putting a mark of protection on Cain to spare his life.I hope your anger never causes you to sin like Cain, and that the Holy Spirit will instead work in you the strength to overcome it. But when you do sin, know this: you also have a mark of protection on you. In Holy Baptism, you have been marked as God’s own child. He will not abandon you or forsake you, even if the consequences of your sin cause you to suffer for a while. There’s no sin you have committed that will cut you off from God. In the book of Hebrews, the author reminds us that in coming to Christ, we come, “to Jesus, the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel.” (12:24) Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance. But the precious blood of Jesus declares grace and full forgiveness to all who trust in Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Abel’s blood for vengeance Pleaded to the skies; But the blood of Jesus For our pardon cries. (LSB 433:4)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 16, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-14Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.One of the many problems with being a sinner is that we are turned in on ourselves, or self-centered. We tend to talk too much about ourselves and only think of our own problems and desires. As religiously serious people, we may even become impressed with ourselves and compare ourselves to others. The Pharisee in our text is an example of this. Even when he “prays” in the temple, all he really does is talk about himself to God. If you can believe it, he lets the Almighty know how great he is! And if you are honest, I bet you can believe it because you’ve probably done the same thing. We all have. If we aren’t careful, our prayers can also become self-centered attempts to justify ourselves, rather than humbly thanking and praising our Maker and our Savior. The main underlying problem with the Pharisee is the sin of pride. He is so proud that he cannot do anything but brag about how great he is and condemn those whom he thinks are beneath him. He thanks God that he is not like them! Contrast this with the tax collector. That man cannot even raise his head. He has sinned terribly, and he knows it. When praying to God, he is full of anguish and shame. He beats his chest. He doesn’t brag about how good he is. Instead, he goes before the Lord and barely spits out the only prayer appropriate: “God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” What a contrast: a pious, upstanding religious Pharisee, and a filthy, broken tax collector. If we had seen them that day, we would have certainly thought the one who had it all together, the polished, conservative religious man, was the kind of man God would approve of. But Jesus tells us otherwise. That man was too proud to receive God’s grace or mercy. He thought those things unnecessary since he was so convinced of his own goodness. But not so the Tax Collector. Although his sin was great, Jesus tells us that the one who is truly humble, broken, and relies on God was the one who went home justified. Learn from this man whom our Lord praises and learn from him to look to God to have mercy on you and forgive you all your sins for Jesus’ sake.Further, ask yourself: How do I pray? With humility or pride? In your conversations with others, how often do you talk about yourself versus listening and learning from others? How might you, as a fellow broken and humble sinner, let others know about the mercy of God in Jesus?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God; He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load. I bring my guilt to Jesus, To wash my crimson stains Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains. (LSB 606:1)Rev. Joel Shaltanis, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, Plano, TX.

August 15, 2026. Today's Reading: Luke 1:(39-45) 46-55Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 5:1-25; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13“Blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lutherans honor Mary—not because she rules in heaven or manages our prayers—but because of what God did through her. Jesus’ humanity is real—He took flesh from Mary. Second, all but two recorded humans die. If Mary had been taken bodily, assumed into heaven, Scripture would clearly say that — as it does about Enoch in Genesis 5:24 and Elijah in 2 Kings 2:11. Scripture is silent on what happened with Mary later in her life; what we do know is that the Bible never implies that Mary was sinless or deserving of our worship. Instead, Holy Scripture presents her as a faithful servant, uniquely chosen, and consistently points to God’s saving work in Christ.We honor Mary because she herself said, and Scripture records, “All generations will call me blessed” (Luke 1:48). She’s the Mother of our Lord, the one who heard the word of God from Gabriel and believed it. We honor Mary because God honored her—but we do so in the way she teaches us: not by magnifying her, but by magnifying the Lord.God chose an ordinary, humble woman to bear His Son. Jesus grew like we do, lived in the world we live in, suffered in all the ways we do, was tempted as we are, yet without sin, and He did so as a man. This perfect and sinless body He offered on the cross for our salvation. This is the “great thing” God did to Mary—and the great thing He did to and for us. Mary’s greatness is not in or of herself. Her greatness is that she received everything from her Savior. She says she’s “lowly,” not special or powerful, and so, her humility is part of the miracle. (Luke 1:29)This is our story. God has done great things to and for us. In Baptism, He claimed us as His children. In the Lord’s Supper, He feeds us with His Body and Blood, giving forgiveness, life, and salvation. He puts Himself into us—just as He once put Himself into Mary (Luke 1:35). Our response, like Mary’s, is awe: “He has done great things to me.” (v.49)We rejoice with Mary—not in Mary. We rejoice in the Lord who became flesh for us, who poured out His blood to forgive us, who keeps His promises, and who loves us by His death that gives us life.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We pray: Almighty God, You chose the Virgin Mary to be the mother of Your only Son. Grant that we, who are redeemed by His blood, may share with her in the glory of Your eternal kingdom; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 14, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 11 - Psalm 68:1, 3, 7a, 10b, 19; antiphon: Psalm 68:5b, 6a, 35bDaily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40“The righteous shall be glad; they shall exult before God; they shall be jubilant with joy.” (Introit for Trinity 11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In A.D. 390, the Emperor of the Eastern Empire of Rome, Theodosius, ordered soldiers to massacre thousands in Thessalonica after a riot. The church historian Rufinus reports: “When Theodosius came to the church, Bishop Ambrose of Milan met him and said: ‘A man such as you, stained with blood, must not come to the Lord’s table.’ Theodosius wept and repented.” (Rufinus, Church History 11.18)Our Introit comes during the long “green season” of the Church Year, where the Lord focuses us on the perpetual reality that the church is always alive… always growing. Ironic, especially when you consider this coming Sunday’s Gospel reading: the parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9–14). The church is alive, always growing because God lifts up the humble and brings down the proud. “God defends the lowly, gives strength to the weak, and provides for those who cannot provide for themselves.”Our brothers and sisters in the faith have heard for centuries: “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered,” and in the early days of the church, they saw Jesus’ resurrection. They saw His enemies of sin, death, and the Devil defeated. Those who trusted in and boasted of themselves, like the Pharisee in the temple, are scattered by, crushed by God’s holiness. Those who cannot hide, like the tax collector, stand, head bowed in reverent fear and shame, with no good thing in and of themselves; dead… crying out for mercy, and are given life.“Let the righteous be glad.” Yes! And why shouldn’t we be overjoyed? Not only are we righteous on account of Jesus, but life is found only in Him. The tax collector was sent home “justified” precisely because He trusted that God alone who judged was the only One Who could save. Theodosius, the most powerful man in the world, was humbled before God by the word of God spoken by a measly little Pastor, Ambrose of Milan, with stunning and miraculous results. God made Ambrose bold… God gave the good confession that God “went before His people.” He’s with us, even as He is ahead of us. He comes to us, in His Word, in the promises of Baptism; He dwells in us by the Lord’s Supper, and God gives us pastors to preach the word, and God gives faith to follow where Christ our leader has trod. Finally, “Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up.” God doesn’t just bless us once and leave us to fend for ourselves. His mercies are new each morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). He bestows forgiveness, comfort, His word, and strength for each new day. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We pray: In God my heart trusts and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to Him. Amen.Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 13, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: What is Confession?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24“…Our sins are forgiven before God in heaven.” (Small Catechism- Confession)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lutheran Service Book says on page 292 (in red ink): “If you are not burdened with particular sins, do not trouble yourself or search for or invent other sins, thereby turning confession into a torture. Instead, mention one or two sins that you know and let that be enough.”We’re big fans of the healing Jesus, the feeding Jesus—and these are super neat things, for sure—but this same Jesus is the dying Jesus, the blood-shedding Jesus, the merciful, forgiving, life-bringing Jesus. When it comes to this Jesus, the forgiveness of sin… well… that’s a little harder. If you’re blind, everyone knows it; you don’t have to level your pride or have your ego crushed. Sinners are prone to hide stuff… to cover it up. And it’s that covering up that prevents us from hearing the Word of God: “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—He then said to the paralytic, “Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” (Matthew 9:6)We love the Jesus who feeds and heals, but when our Lord says that forgiveness is bestowed to us on account of Jesus through the pastor who gives the medicine of immortality—the forgiveness of sins that makes us alive again—that would mean admitting to another person that we’re not doing well, and it would mean that only Jesus can do something about what’s killing us.We’re not perfect; we say THAT all the time. We haven’t kept the Ten Commandments, but it’s hard to say with St. Paul, “Wretched man that I am, who will save me from this body of death?” (Rom. 7:24) We can confess sin—it’s that body-of-death part that’s true—but it’s the second part, receiving forgiveness, that’s so hard. Dead bodies must be given to; only God can do that. So we must ask: “What kind of God are we dealing with?” The God who’ll squash us like a bug? Or… is He the slow-to-anger and abounding-in-steadfast-love God? The God Who comes and dwells in the stinky mire of this fallen world to give us the cure for the sin that makes us blind, deaf, lame, and dead?” He’s exactly that God, as Luther writes: “Absolution is the Word of God spoken by the mouth of man. It is not the word of man, but of God Himself.” (AE 35:14)In the Name + of Jesus. AmenWe pray: Grant us, O Lord, we pray, to trust in Thee with all our heart; seeing that, as Thou dost always resist the proud who confide in their own strength, so Thou dost not forsake those who make their boast in Thy mercy made known chiefly in the forgiveness of our sin; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 12, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 28:3-25Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20“The Lord has done to you as He spoke by me, for the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, David.’” (1 Samuel 28:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In 16 years of shepherding God’s kids, I’ve heard and seen almost everything. The most disheartening thing, though, are the people who are… “doing fine.” The people who see the Divine Service, the preaching of the Word, and the faithful reception of The Sacraments as just one of the many things they ‘do’ to have a fine life. As difficulties come up, as they often do, in a fallen world, these dear souls consult Siri, ChatGPT, Google, or WebMD for answers. Some check horoscopes, tarot cards, or ask the Magic 8 Ball for guidance. By the time I see them again, they’ve usually exhausted all other avenues for comfort and are beaten down with anxiety, fear, and depression.There was a king named Saul, who lived before the internet, newspapers, and apps… who looked for answers to the problems of this fallen world in acts of violence, power, and self-reliance. Saul had witnessed the death of the prophet Samuel, whom God had sent to guide him. David was in exile on account of fear for his life, and war loomed. Feeling isolated and alone, Saul sought advice from a witch.How’d Saul get to this point? He spent his time looking for answers in every place but where God promised they’d be… then, when Saul inquired of the Lord, “the Lord did not answer him, either by dreams or by Urim or by prophets” (v.6). God had given Saul over to his hardened heart, to the schemes of the fallen world. So Saul disguised himself, visited the witch by night to conjure Samuel for advice. The witch feared for her life because Saul, under Samuel’s guidance, had banned witchcraft. She cries out in terror and recognizes Saul’s deceit.Luther wrote: “Whatever you set your heart on and put your trust in is truly your god.” (Large Catechism, I: First Commandment.) Saul trusted every earthly thing, and when these false gods failed, Saul cried out— hearing only God’s silence and Samuel’s judgment. The Apology IV.45 explains, “Faith receives the mercy promised for Christ’s sake.” Though we are often unfaithful, trusting in temporal wisdom, strength, and power, our Eternal Lord—the Son of David and David’s Lord—stoops low to find us, takes the form of a servant to bear our sins to death. Thanks be to God who bestows the Holy Spirit, calls us by the Gospel, enlightens us with His Gifts, sanctifies and keeps us in the true faith.In the Name + of Jesus We pray: When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging grace; in every high and stormy gale my anchor holds within the veil. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand; all other ground is sinking sand. Amen (LSB 575:2)Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 11, 2026 Today's Reading: Romans 9:30-10:4 or 1 Corinthians 12:1-11Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 26:1-25; 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13“For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” (Romans 10:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When I converted to Lutheranism in 2005, I was amazed by the clarity of confession and the certainty of the Lutherans I met. Though I had grown up in and around the church, I didn’t understand much of what was being said; however, every time my pastor preached the stern law which crushed me and the sweetest gospel to comfort me, it overwhelmed me with joy. I understood for the first time that because Christ forgives me, I lack nothing. Tough theological questions and discussions eventually came, but one thing remained steadfastly true through it all: Christ kept me in His Divine service to receive His Gifts with exceeding joy. Justification rests in Christ alone, who gives it freely by His work, His merit.Try telling that to the people of Paul's day… try telling many in our own day, try convincing yourself of this when you’re drowning in sin. Paul wrestled with a profound mystery… righteousness… justification… just what is it? Where can it be found? Paul narrows it down to just two places. People either believe it comes by what a person does, thinks, acts, and says, OR it comes by faith in the only One, Jesus, Who actually did, thought, acted, and said EVERYTHING perfectly for us.Paul knew that the law wasn’t the problem; the law is good, just, and holy. The problem was that many misused it for self-justification instead of its proper use of exposing sin and killing the sinner. Article 4 of the Apology clearly states: “The Law always accuses. Therefore it does not justify, because the conscience terrified by the Law flees from the judgment of God. Faith, however, comforts and saves.” (Apology IV) The law… drives us to Christ. St. Paul taught that the Gentiles had received the righteousness of God through the preaching of the Gospel, which meant that righteousness is received and imputed to us through faith in Christ. That is a great offense to the self-righteous. The stumbling block is Christ — because He overturns all self-reliance. He fulfills the law for us. The Gospel is offensive because it freely gives what we cannot produce: forgiveness, peace with God and neighbor. Jesus alone bears the curse the Law pronounces. (Gal. 3:13) The Law is not a sentence of death, but God lovingly revealing our desperate need for Jesus. Luther writes: “The Law says, ‘Do this,’ and it is never done. The Gospel says, ‘Believe this,’ and everything is done already.” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 26, p. 5.)In the Name + of Jesus.Let us pray: Seek Him alone, Who did atone, Who did your souls deliver. O seek Him first, all you who thirst for grace that fails you never. In every need seek Him indeed; to every heart he will impart His blessings without measure. (LSB 557:3)Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 10, 2026 Today's Reading: Jeremiah 8:4-12 or Jeremiah 7:1-11Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:23-44; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21“I have paid attention and listened…” (Jeremiah 8:6a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When I was little, I learned to hammer nails into boards. Part of that process, unfortunately, included smashing my thumb with the hammer. The wise counsel of adults was to: “Stop hitting your thumb with the hammer, and it won’t hurt.” It was true! I hit my thumb less nowadays, but there’s more to the story. Admitting that I needed help, taking direction, following direction, and being comforted WHEN I hit my thumb was the path of greatest comfort. It was the same in Jeremiah’s day. God asks, “When men fall, do they not rise again?” (Jeremiah 8:4). We expect people to get up when they fall. Judah didn’t. They fell into great sin. They tried to hide their sin and struggle until eventually, it was easier to pretend everything was fine. They convinced themselves that piety and positive feelings covered their sin. People around them kept saying, “Peace, peace,” when there was no peace (v. 11). They spoke lies until they believed them. Even worse, the prophets and priests — those who were supposed to speak God’s truth — twisted His Word to excuse sin rather than lead people to repentance. They followed the wisdom of the world, believing it would heal the wounds their sin had caused. It didn’t heal anything; it never does… it only kept them trapped in their deception and misery.Yahweh sent Jeremiah to assure the people that God wasn’t angry because they were sinners: “I have paid attention and listened…”— Yahweh knew what they were up to, AND He was heartbroken because they believed their sin wasn’t that bad, that “God doesn’t really mean what He said.” Like Judah — we pretend we’re healthy when we’re actually dead. God pays attention and listens. His word, through Jeremiah, crushed them, roused them; the word was sent to wake the dead in sin from their sleep. We’re all fallen; we cannot rise by our own strength. Jeremiah points them to the promise of Christ — Who, for our sake, willingly took our sin and death and rose again. Christ bore our shame, took our judgment, and still reaches out His nail-pierced hands to forgive and restore you. Being a Christian isn’t about keeping the stiff upper lip or exercising stoicism; Adam and Eve tried this with fig leaves, and it didn’t work. We rest assured that God knows everything about us, He pays attention and listens — and still wants you, seeks you, and loves you. He clothes you in Christ’s righteousness that covers every sin in Baptism, He gives you what you’ve neither earned nor deserved, and He’s overjoyed to do so.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Let us pray: Almighty God, we have sinned against You in what we know and what we do not know. For the sake of Your Son, forgive us all our sin and grant us to serve You and our neighbor. Amen. Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 9, 2026 Today's Reading: Luke 19:41-48Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:1-22; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23“Would that you… had known on this day the things that make for peace!” (Luke 19:42)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus sees His beloved city and her people carrying on in great busyness and happiness in preparation for the Passover celebration… so why does Jesus weep? Why the turning over of the money changers' tables? Because the people thought that maintaining longstanding traditions since the first Passover and making money was what made for peace. Was Jesus there just to kill the vibe of Passover, or to dampen the mood of the millions gathered in Jerusalem? Not in the least… although it kinda sounds like it when he drops the hammer of foretelling them that in 70 AD, His whole city would be leveled. Jesus is fully God, He is fully man; This God/man shows sorrow (His weeping), and He exhibits controlled wrath (casting the merchants out by His word), but it is His mercy that should not be overlooked. Martin Luther writes: “He who is true God weeps with true tears. He laments not for Himself but for those who would not have Him.” (AE 75:417) Jesus weeps for His people… His beloved… because of their unbelief, hardness of heart, and their spiritual blindness. They, and all sinners, believed that their riches, their busy lives, and their works made for peace. Jesus, in great love and mercy, enters the temple, made with hands, and kicks the ones who bought and sold out with His word, showing us that He’d come to us… how the strong man would be bound and cast out. Jesus is the ‘thing’ that makes for peace… the time for peace was then, and peace would be won in the most terrible and wonderful manner, and still He came to dwell with His people through His Word. Even as He weeps, His cross is fully in view where He will be the true temple that will be torn down and built up again after three days… and that cleansing He provides will involve more than the turning over of tables and the casting out of merchants… it will be the event that overturns the world and casts out the enemies of sin, death and the Devil forever; the ‘thing’ that makes for peace with God and our neighbor right here on earth. Jesus laments over unbelief and dies for unbelievers, making His dwelling among us in the Church, the bride, He died to save.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“O Christ, cleanse the temple of our hearts. Let Your Word dwell richly within us. And grant that we may know, even now, the things that make for our peace — You, our Savior and our God.”Rev. Adam DeGroot, pastor of Calvary Lutheran Church in Rio Rancho, NM.

August 8, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 10 - Psalm 55:1, 4-5, 16; antiphon: Psalm 55:16a, 17b, 18a, 22aDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and hide not yourself from my plea for mercy!” (Psalm 55:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lord desires that we call upon Him in the day of trouble. That is what we learn in the opening to the Lord’s Prayer. We pray not to some big, scary God up there in the heavens who has not revealed Himself to us. If that were the case, we would not begin our prayer, “Our Father…”God is our Father, which means, of course, that we are His children. And as His children, He, as our heavenly Father, desires only what is good and beneficial to us. Sometimes what is good for us is chastisement and correction, which, while in the midst of it, never feels good, but in truth always is.Other times, what is for our good is protection and release from every form of evil that would do us temporal and eternal harm. This is what we pray for in the final Petition of the Lord’s Prayer. It is pretty amazing that Jesus summarizes so succinctly what we find all over the place in the Psalms!Pray to your dear Father all that which troubles your conscience and your mind. Cast your burdens upon the stripped and beaten shoulders of Christ your Lord, who has already taken them all to the cross and bore them unto His death— knowing that in the hollowness of the empty tomb, He has the victory over all of these things and has placed them inside His own grave to be buried forever!The fallenness of this broken world will not cease to assail you. Your own sinful flesh will lead you down paths not helpful, but hurtful. Satan will fight tooth and nail to rob away the proclamation of the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins that Christ has already won for you. … That is why your Lord has granted to you the Gift of prayer, that you might seek refuge under the shadow of His wing, knowing that nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus.God, your Heavenly Father, hears your pleas for mercy and redeems your soul in safety. The verdict has already been declared as Christ called out from the cross, “It is finished!” And so know for certain that in the midst of sin and strife and death and temptation, He will sustain you through the Gifts of the cross given you in His Church! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, forsake me not! Your gracious presence lend me; Lord, lead Your helpless child; Your Holy Spirit send me That I my course may run. O be my light, my lot, My staff, my rock, my shield– O God forsake me not! (LSB 731:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 7, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 21:1-9Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 21:1-9“So the priest gave him the holy bread, for there was no bread there but the bread of Presence…” (1 Samuel 21:6a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Holy things for unholy people. That’s what happens in our text for today.If you remember, David is on the run. Saul doesn’t like the man; he never has since that whole Goliath thing when the crowds gave David the king’s welcome. He already tried to pin David to the wall with his spear, then seemed to come to his senses by giving one of his daughters in marriage to him, then went a little crazy again and tried to devise a plot for Jonathan and his servants to murder him.David evades the assassins (with the help of Saul’s son and daughter) and heads for the hills. Which brings him eventually to Nob, where the tabernacle sits, and before the High Priest Ahimelech. There are a lot of moving pieces by now, and I’m not too sure Ahimelech was all that keen on helping David out, at least not initially. But by the end of it all, David receives five loaves of the Bread of Presence.This bread was only meant for the priests. Twelve loaves were made weekly and laid before the Lord in the tabernacle. On the Sabbath, the holy priests (made holy only by the designation of God) would consume the old bread and present the new. …David was no priest. He was not consecrated as holy, and yet Ahimelech superseded the Levitical Law for the sake of David’s well-being.Fast forward 1,000+ years, and Jesus uses this very example to help show that man is not made for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath is made for man. Meaning, God desires to give His good Gifts to His people despite the fact that we are unworthy to receive them. And that’s the whole thing about God: He is always the one at work, always the one making us worthy, always the one giving of Himself for our good.Receiving the Gifts of God is not about cleaning yourself up first in order to make yourself worthy to receive His Gifts. If that were the case, they wouldn’t be Gifts, and they wouldn’t be given; they would be wages earned. But we can never earn the things of God, can never make ourselves worthy enough or holy enough. But Christ has already done that for us, for you. He, through His holy, bitter suffering and precious death, has done it all, which is what makes you worthy to receive His good Gifts of life and salvation through Word and Sacrament.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My Lord, You here have led me To this most holy place And with Yourself have fed me The treasures of Your grace; For You have freely given What earth could never buy, The bread of life from heaven, That now I shall not die. (LSB 642:2)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 6, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - 4Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 20:1-23; Acts 28:16-31“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Baptism isn’t a one-time thing. I mean, it is…. After all, we do confess in the Creed that we believe in one Baptism for the remission of sins. But what I mean is that Baptism, your Baptism, isn’t just the physical event that happened however long ago. Grammatically speaking, then, we should speak about it in the Perfect tense instead of the Past tense. Past tense means that the event is done and over with no continual ramifications into the present or future. Perfect tense, instead, is an accomplished act in the past with continuous consequences into the future. … That is why it is also best to say, “I am baptized,” instead of, “I was baptized.”And, of course, we get all of this from Scripture. Paul, in Romans, is one of the prominent places. We continually, daily, go back to our Baptism. We do this for reassurance against the crafts and assaults of the devil. But we also do this so that Old Man Adam can be drowned again and again and again. For although Old Adam was drowned on the day that you were baptized and is still drowned each and every new day of your life, he is a terribly strong swimmer. He is going to pop his head above the waves constantly, and as the New Adam baptized into Christ, it is our duty to yank him down into the depths again, holding him there until he stops struggling for the service.But this “Perfect” tense is also why we can so confidently, in the face of struggles, strife, sin, Satan, and the cemetery, know for certain that our identity is not found in our sin or in the fact that we will die because of it one day. Our identity isn’t in anything that Satan wishes us to identify with; it isn’t found in the fallen world or the fallen flesh. No, our identity is found in Christ!Why? Because we were buried with Him through Baptism into His death. We have been made one with the One who has already paid the price for all of our sin and has prepared his final resting place to be the final resting place of our Old Adam. And then, so too, are we raised from the dead through the glory of the Father. New Adam, today and every day. New Adam for eternity.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I bind this day to me forever, By pow’r of faith, Christ’s incarnation, His Baptism in the Jordan River, His cross of death for my salvation, His bursting from the spiced tomb, His riding up the heav’nly way, His coming at the day of doom, I bind unto myself today. (LSB 604:2)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 5, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 28:1-15Daily Lectionary: Acts 28:1-15“After we were brought safely through…” (Acts 28:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It had been three long years since Paul had been arrested by a Jewish mob in Jerusalem and thrown before the High Priest Ananias. The Jews had made a plot to kill him, but that plot had been foiled, and he was skirted away to Caesarea to be put under the authority of Felix, the governor. During the next 36 months, Paul would appeal to be heard by Caesar, speak in front of rulers and authorities, sail for Rome, be caught at sea by a storm, and be shipwrecked on the island of Malta.Luke begins our Reading for today with the words, “After we were brought safely through…” It was the providential will of God that Paul would not find his end at the hands of a Jewish mob in Jerusalem, but instead that he would go on proclaiming the Gospel all the way to the steps of Rome. Christ crucified would be made known throughout the world despite his imprisonment. (Dare I say even because of it?)Is it any wonder that Paul would be able to pen in Romans that, “God works all things for good for those who are called according to his purpose,” and, in 2 Corinthians, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”The Christian gives thanks to the Lord above for the faithful witness of His apostles. It's no mere accident that these men suffered imprisonment, torture, persecution, and martyrdom; for as Christ said, “A servant is not above his master.” But these things took place so that you and I might know what Christ is and who He is for us 2000 years after the Apostle Paul met his blessed end.God had seen Paul through all of these hardships with you in mind, so that you might “have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:18-19a)The doctrine handed down by the Apostles is the very doctrine that is preached and proclaimed in your congregations. It is the foolishness of the cross, the stumbling block of a crucified Savior risen from the dead for the forgiveness of your sins. We confess these truths in the Creeds, and we receive these truths in the Divine Service. We profess these promises to the lost and fallen world around us. And we live in the grace and mercy of the Gospel until Christ comes again in glory.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I trust, O Lord, Your holy name; O let me not be put to shame Nor let me be confounded. My faith, O Lord, Be in Your Word Forever firmly grounded. (LSB 734:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 4, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:6-13Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 18:10-30; Acts 27:27-44“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Paul is presenting a typology. Fancy word, I know, but it just means that one thing is a type of another, or one thing is an example. The Church at Corinth has fallen into the same trap as the Israelites of old who wandered in the desert. Each thought that because they were God’s chosen people, they could go about and live however they desired, free from judgment or temporal punishment. That is why the five examples that Paul gives in our Reading for today are each specific sins that the Corinthians are struggling with.This is a very specific warning about viewing the Gospel as a license to sin as opposed to the grace to fight against temptation. Christ and His cross has accomplished everything of the Law, and He has done it for you, but that doesn’t give you permission to indulge in the sinful things of the flesh like idolatry, sexual immorality, and covetousness. … In the most simple of ways: the cross grants you forgiveness, not permission.And so against any sort of haughtiness that is prevalent in our sinful flesh, Paul urges us not to be so pompous as to think we cannot sin (v. 11). Instead, he confronts us with the reality that the sinner within the Christian is just as susceptible to temptation if he relies on his own reason or strength as the unbeliever. What is worse, the Christian has been given the Law so that he knows what loving God and loving his neighbor actually looks like. The good works of the Law are necessary for the Christian; they are just not necessary for salvation.Luther tells us, when commenting on verse 13, “‘But God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your strength’ … however different it appears to human reason and however much every temptation seems to be beyond measure and intolerable.” Call out to the Lord in the day of trouble, and He will answer you. Pray fervently to your Heavenly Father that He will stand firm in His promise to you and trust Him fully that He will do what He says.But most importantly, when you succumb to those temptations, do not despair as if you have no hope. Be forgiven for the sake of Christ and be raised to new life in your baptismal identity in Him.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.With prayer the Father we implore: O Father, glorious evermore, We plead with Thee for grace and pow’r To conquer in temptation’s hour, Alleluia! On Christ, the true bread, let us feed; Let Him to us be drink indeed; And let us taste with joyfulness The Holy Spirit’s plenteousness. Alleluia! ( LSB 874: 3, 5)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 3, 2026Today's Reading: 2 Samuel 22:26-34Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:48-18:9; Acts 27:9-26“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God–his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.” (2 Samuel 22:29-31)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.David isn’t a very good man… We think quite fondly of him, and perhaps we should, but tell me, after reading through 2 Samuel, can you really come to the conclusion that David was the type of guy you would want your son to emulate? Sure, the first part of his life is pretty commendable. Humble shepherd boy who trusts in God even when all of Israel doesn’t. Grappling with Goliath and with Saul alike, just in different ways. Never striving for the throne, even though it had been promised to him. Just trusting in God to protect, provide, and fulfill all that He had promised…And then that whole Bathsheba and Uriah thing happened when David was in his 40s, and the rest of his life was but double, double toil and trouble. It’s amazing the dominoes that can tumble in the aftermath of adultery (and that is putting the best construction on 2 Samuel 11:1-5) and murder. David’s sons go mad: they abuse their sister, kill each other, and try to commit regicide.For two long decades, David’s life had been in turmoil, and yet the Lord had seen him through it for His sake alone. All that David did along the way was believe the promises of God (and even that he had trouble doing at times)... The Law would crush him, and the Gospel would revive him, and all along David would know that his salvation had nothing to do with him and everything to do with Yahweh.And so near the end of his life, only five more trips around the sun to go, David pens this song of deliverance. We find it in 2 Samuel, but it is also in Psalm 18. It is a song and a Psalm about the work of God, who He is, and who he is for David. It can and should be your song, too. For you and I are no different than that Israelite king of old: Simul Justus et Peccator, the whole lot of us. Christ is the lamp that lightens our dark world of sin, death, and the devil; our Rock and our fortress; our strong refuge, making us blameless for His sake alone!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Word of God incarnate, O Wisdom from on high; O truth unchanged, unchanging, O Light of our dark sky: We praise You for the radiance That from the hallowed page, A lantern to our footsteps, Shines on from age to age. (LSB 523:1)Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 2, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 16:1-9 (10-13)Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:20-47; Acts 26:24-27:8“[Jesus said,] ‘The master commended the dishonest manager for his shrewdness.’” (Luke 16:8a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We want to make this parable about us— about us being the actor, about us being the active player; we want the Law to be the lens through which we view it. But, goodness, that is what we want to do with every parable. The problem is that that is the worst way to go about reading the parables. And this one is no exception…For when the Law is the lens, then we have an almost impossible task of figuring out what to do in this parable. The man isn’t very ethical; he isn’t very upright. Go ahead and live your life according to the rules that this man was following, and I dare say that you would be left out on the street with no friends in sight.The strange thing is, after the manager found out that he was going to get canned, he went out and started rewriting the ledgers. Now, some might want to argue that this man was being magnanimous, but you can only be magnanimous when you are giving away your own money. But that isn’t what the dishonest manager was doing; he was giving away his boss's money.Well, the time for the books to be reviewed arrives, and wouldn’t you know it, surprise of surprise, the rich man is happy! So much so that he commends the dishonest manager for his shrewdness. This makes absolutely no sense at all because it would appear as if at the beginning of the parable this man had been cooking the books, and here at the end he was doing the same…But what if we have that wrong? What if the man wasn’t cooking the books at the beginning, but was playing fair, was making everyone pay exactly what they owed by the letter of the Law? And what if the rich man hated that? Could it be, could it maybe just be that the rich guy wanted to pay for the debts of his debtors all along? Could it be that in this parable, as in all parables, the Gospel must prevail, and where you find someone forgiving/canceling/rewriting ledgers from red to black, then you have finally found Jesus?Could it be that this whole strange and crazy parable and everything that Jesus says surrounding it is said for the purpose of turning us to the Gospel and the forgiveness of sins, no matter how strange and confusing it might be, so that we can rest assured that at the end of the day, Jesus has turned our dead debts to live ones once again? Yeah, let's go with that…In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let Your merciful ears, O Lord, be open to the prayers of Your humble servants; and that they may obtain their petitions, make them to ask such things as shall please You; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Eli Lietzau, pastor of Wheat Ridge Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wheat Ridge, CO.

August 1, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 9 - Psalm 54:1-3, 7; antiphon: Psalm 54:4-5Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:1-19; Acts 26:1-23“For he has delivered me from every trouble, and my eye has looked in triumph on my enemies.” (Psalm 54:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.A Christian has enemies. From the moment when you were baptized, you became God’s child and Christ’s brother. But you also inherited Christ’s enemies: the devil, the world, and your flesh. Granted, none of these were extras that had to be given to you. You always had your flesh, your sinful nature. You have always been in the world. And the devil has already been around. But these became your enemies the moment God claimed you as His and sealed that claim to you by the sacrament of Baptism.Because Christians have enemies that, quite frankly, we can’t escape, what can we do? We can’t leave our flesh. We can’t leave the world. No one can beat the devil in a footrace. But we likewise cannot fight. Our strength is too weak, our forces too scattered, our plans too clumsy. So we can’t fight, and we can’t run.The good news is, there is One who fights for us. And it is to Him alone we cry. In our prayers, we call upon God our loving Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. And in the faith caused by the Holy Spirit, we trust that God not only hears our prayers but answers them. God promises that even when earthly enemies rise against you, He will still be your helper and sustain you.And what is even more - not only will God help you. But He already has. Past tense. He has helped you in every trial. Your eye has looked in triumph on your enemies. For God sent His only Son to fight the enemies of the devil, the world, and your sinful nature. Here is the almighty arm of God - the crucified Jesus who dies for the sins of the world. Here is how God saves you by His name - His Son acts in God’s name and by His authority as He lays down His life for the sheep. Here is how God helps you - by sending His Son to do what you could not, in your place, that by trusting in Him, you are free. And now baptized into Christ, your God has claimed you as His own and given you undying love. God is a Father who guards His dear children, His believers. And it is in Christ crucified and the Word that proclaims this and the Sacraments that convey the blessings of this, that your enemies have been defeated. God be praised.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Faint not nor fear, His arms are near; He changes not who holds you dear; Only believe, and you will see That Christ is all eternally. (LSB 664:4)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 31, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 16:1-23; Acts 25:13-27“Whenever the harmful spirit from God was upon Saul, David took the lyre and played it with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the harmful spirit departed from him.” (1 Samuel 16:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Martin Luther once observed that God’s gift of music was second only to His gift of theology. For no other discipline could drive away the devil with his temptations, accusations, discouragement, and cunning. Theology could, as you would expect. But music does, too. We see that with David, whose music drove away the harmful spirit that troubled Saul.Luther was right in calling music a powerful gift of God. Seeing how music can drive away sadness (and harmful spirits, too!), just think how much more powerful music is when it joins God’s Word. To prove this, go hear hymns sung at Higher Things conferences online. That’s power. But the power of music is nothing compared to the Word, for God the Holy Spirit has promised He will work by the Word to bring people to faith in Christ. He has not promised this for music in itself.Music in the church can be a fine vehicle for the Word to come in, but the Word always must be the driver. Like a car rolling down the road without a driver, so music leads to wrecks when theology doesn’t guide it. Therefore, church music promotes Jesus and His true teaching. It does not promote the performers, the soloist, or itself. This is why musicians were traditionally placed in the back of the church or in a special side section of the sanctuary. The focus was not on the musicians, in other words. It was on Christ and His Word. This is also why we don’t clap in church. The music is for God’s glory, not man’s. God can clap if He wants to.The best church music strengthens faith by its excellent teaching. Faith clings to Jesus who lived perfectly for you, died in your place, and rose from the dead. Church music should be churchly. It should gladly proclaim the free justification of sinners. Even in its notes and rhythms, church music should resemble our Lord who was not part of His culture, but ran counter to what His culture said. So music for God should be countercultural, reflecting the culture of heaven. We do not want music in the church to sound like what’s popular now - we want music that’s timeless. Does your favorite hymn sing Christ boldly? I hope so! I hope the music in your church supports the teaching of God’s Word and doesn’t water it down. That way, God’s Word is taught even better, and the devil must flee.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Alleluia! Sing to Jesus, His the scepter, His the throne; Alleluia! His the triumph, His the victory alone. Hark! The songs of peaceful Zion Thunder like a mighty flood: ‘Jesus out of ev’ry nation Has redeemed us by His blood.’ (LSB 821:1)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 30, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism- Third PartDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 15:10-35; Acts 24:24-25:12“How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the Word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this Word of God in the water. For without God’s Word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the Word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter 3: ‘He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying” (Titus 3:5-8, quoted in the Catechism: Holy Baptism- Third Part)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Water alone gets you wet. It has no power to save. In this, Lutherans agree with other Protestants. They say that simple water can’t make you God’s child, or give the Holy Spirit, or forgive, or establish you in a new, godly life. To that, Lutherans say, “You’re right. Simple water can’t do that.”But Baptism is more than just simple water, just as God’s Word added with the water is more than just a simple word. God’s Word does things. God’s Word works. The washing of water with the Word gives us a new birth as God’s children, a renewal of life that had been corrupted by sin, and it is a means of salvation.Why is it that simply speaking words over this water actually connects the Word to the water? You can read Holy Scripture over many other things - textbooks, your locker, your game system, and the Word is not joined to those things. But we say God’s Word is joined to the water of Baptism. Why is this? Remember, Jesus is also called “the Word of God” (John 1:1). As “the Word of God,” Jesus stood in the water at His own baptism. There, God called Jesus His beloved Son. The Holy Spirit was given to Him. And Jesus took His place among sinful men, that He might redeem sinful men. Because the Word of God - Jesus - was joined to that water then, so this same Word of God, Jesus, is also joined to the water of Baptism now. The Baptismal words of God also bring along the Incarnate Word of God, Jesus, who joins the two together. And there, God reveals Himself as your Father, Christ as your brother, the Holy Spirit as your treasure.Thus, the water of Baptism is more than just simple water. As the Catechism says, it is indeed “a life-giving water, rich in grace.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Miracle each time it happens As the door to heaven opens And the Father beams, ‘Beloved, Heir of gifts a king would covet! (LSB 593:2)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 29, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 24:1-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 14:47-15:9; Acts 24:1-23“So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man.” (Acts 24:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There Paul stood, a prisoner before the Roman governor Felix. Jewish opponents stood spewing all kinds of false charges against Paul, all nasty things about his supposed guilt. The Roman governor was set to determine whether these charges were true or not. This was the situation Paul was to speak of the Christian faith! No safe audience there! Nonetheless, Paul was not afraid. He spoke boldly because he had the spirit of boldness. There were no real charges against Paul. The false charges could not stand. And his confession of the faith could not be dismissed by the governor.In a way, you and I are like Paul. We stand on trial before God. And we have opponents who accuse us of all kinds of charges. The devil spews out his accusations against you for breaking God’s Law. The world accuses you for not joining in with them in their godless actions and ways. And your sinful nature accuses you for times where you were too weak to withstand your temptations. Whether they are true or not, these accusations are brought up before you to God so that you might be punished.But do not be afraid. There is another who has stood trial under the accusations of the Law. No, not Paul, but Jesus. Yet when all number of evil charges were raised against Jesus, He did not open His mouth. He did not defend Himself, so that He might defend you. He took on your sins and punishments, that you might take on His innocence and honor. Just as boldly - or more likely, even more bold than Paul, Jesus stood His ground and spoke to a different Roman governor. Paul was spared, Jesus was sentenced. But Jesus was sentenced that Paul might be spared, and you too! Spared before God by simple trust that Jesus did this for you.Paul also said that he took pains to have a clear conscience before God and man. Faith in Christ gives you a clear conscience before God. For it holds onto Christ’s righteousness that cleanses you of all your sins, as well as the sins done against you and the hurts you bear. Faith in Christ responds in good outward works, which gives you a clear conscience before men. For your conscience does not flare up when you show love to your neighbor. All of the Commandments are summed up by the word ‘love.’ So since Paul strove to have a clear conscience and this happens by faith in Christ and a God-pleasing life according to the Commandments, you also strive to have the same. For you are redeemed by God, and by your life you are invited to show it.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God grant us strength, a clear conscience, and boldness in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 28, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 20:27-38 or Romans 8:12-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 13:1-18; Acts 23:12-35“For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Romans 8:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Were your ancestors slaves? Believe it or not, everyone should say yes. It doesn’t matter who your parents are, or your family lineage, or where your ancestors came from. All people, since the Fall into sin, were born as slaves of sin. Just as a child born to slaves on a plantation was also a slave, so a child born to sinners is also a slave to sin. And that means everyone except Jesus. You included.A slave does the will of his master. In the case of sin, the slave continues to sin. Willfully, intentionally, or simply because he can’t help himself, the slave to sin feeds his sinful nature and sets his mind on the things of the flesh. That includes pornography, revenge, sinful pride instead of humble helping of others, rebellion against proper authorities, and self-righteousness. One cannot set his mind on doing such things and live before God. He is a slave, chained to his sin, and gladly serving it.Jesus, however, came to set slaves of sin free. To do this, He first had to break the chains of sins. He had to live as the substitute in the place of sinners, and yet give up this perfect life to suffer the punishment for all sin. Christ Jesus has taken your place in death, which your sins deserved, and now is risen from the dead and proclaims you right with God. This is not because of how deserving you are, but simply out of God’s great mercy and love to redeem sinners, a mercy rooted in Jesus.To set slaves free from sins, Jesus also sent the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit brings Christ’s righteousness to us and creates faith in the heart that receives this righteousness. From faith in Christ, the Holy Spirit also leads and compels believers to what the Lutheran Confessions call “the new obedience.” Yes, we are to do good works. The phrase “good works” is not inherently bad. We just realize that good works are the fruits of faith, not the cause of faith. The Holy Spirit given to us allows us to set our minds on the things of the Spirit, which includes all of faith and a godly life. Therefore, we are adopted by God as His dear children, whom we cry out to in our prayers. What slave to sin can do this? But you are not a slave to sin. Therefore, set your mind on the things of the Spirit.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne’er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely To preserve them pure and holy. (LSB 725:4)Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 27, 2026Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:16-29Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 12:1-25; Acts 22:30-23:11“I did not send the prophets, yet they ran; I did not speak to them, yet they prophesied.” (Jeremiah 23:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Years ago, a man began attending my home church. He was enthusiastic, appreciated the Word that was preached, and it seemed like he was a potential new member. However, after the third time coming when the pastor was going to ask if he wanted to take adult instruction, the man jumped the gun. “Preacher, again, I really appreciate what you’ve said. But next Sunday, I want to preach. The Holy Spirit has given me a word to say, too.” The pastor informed the man that in the Lutheran church, only the called and ordained preacher was to preach. The man left annoyed, and never came back. So be it. The pastor did the right thing.Just because someone thinks he should publicly proclaim a Word because of the Holy Spirit doesn’t make it true. Man’s feelings are not a reliable way to say whether the Holy Spirit wants him to publicly preach. What is needed is the training, the call of a congregation, certification, and ordination of a man. Otherwise, the man runs in the way of the false prophets of Jeremiah 23, who were not sent, yet went anyway, and who did not listen to the Word of God, yet spoke as if they had.The early Lutherans warned that any man who publicly proclaimed God’s Word without being called to the Office of the Holy Ministry would soon fall into error. Such a man would soon lead people astray, even if he seemed faithful at first. For God only sends immediately and directly, like the apostles who were sent by Jesus (Matthew 28:16-20). Or God sends proclaimers mediately and indirectly, like He did for Timothy, Titus, and all pastors since. God calls these pastors through the Church as though through an instrument. And just because someone is called to be a parochial school teacher or a DCE does not give them any call to publicly preach and teach God’s Word. Those who do are also in danger, according to Jeremiah 23:21.Now, certainly, some who are called and ordained men fall into false doctrine. But the problem is not that God didn’t call such men to preach. The problem is that they themselves set out to proclaim a different word. The true Word, however, is centered on the crucified and risen Jesus for the forgiveness of sins, true God made man, whose word and sacraments work, who saves all who trust in Him, and who guides our feet in the way of righteousness. Give to Your Church more faithful, called preachers, O Lord!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord, bless the preaching of all called and ordained pastors, that these men may proclaim Your Word purely. Amen.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 26, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 7:15-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 10:1-27; Acts 22:17-29“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.A wolf that looks like a sheep is deceitful. He passes himself off as if he were just like everyone else in the flock. Yet beneath that woolly coat lies a predator. A wolf dressed like a sheep is expecting a big lunch. He can get in unnoticed and do great harm. But there is a way to detect a wolf even if it dresses like a sheep. Observant sheep can flee to their real Shepherd.When Jesus says this, He is referring to false prophets. False prophets cling to what is false and reject what is true. God’s Word alone is truth (John 17:17), so false prophets teach an anti-Word against what Scripture says. They hammer these anti-Word words over and over against the truth and purity of Holy Scripture. And this is how wolves destroy the sheep. They call evil good and good evil. They justify wickedness and destroy those grieved in heart. Proclaiming Law as if you can do it and Gospel as a gift that’s yours if you try hard enough, false prophets cannot do anything but put sheep to death. Since sheep cannot always tell a faithful preacher by how Christian of a man he looks, since even sheep’s clothing makes one look like a faithful sheep, the sheep need another way to recognize a true shepherd from a wolf. Fortunately, that way is given to you. Read Scripture. Grow in learning it. See how it proclaims Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. See how everything that is needed for your salvation is already done, taken away by a bloody Lamb dying on a cross. See how death itself has been defeated by a slain Lamb who came back to life. See how the Word of this Lamb’s gospel is proclaimed so that all who hear it and believe it will be saved. And learn from the Word of truth how sheep are to live, how we demonstrate that we are the people of the Lamb and not companions of wolves. Learn from the Word how our lives outwardly are to be modeled after the Ten Commandments, even while our souls are set free from the curse of the Law through faith in Christ. The more you learn the Word, the easier you can tell a faithful shepherd from a wolf dressed like a sheep.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Grant to us, Lord, the Spirit to think and do always such things as are right, that we, who cannot do anything that is good without You, may be enabled by You to live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Rev. Robert Mayes, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church, Beemer and Wisner, NE.

July 25, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 10:35-45Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 9:1-27; Acts 21:37-22:16“but to sit at my right hand or at my left is not mine to grant, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.’” (Mark 10:40) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  The sons of thunder don’t know what they’re asking for. “Let us sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left, in your glory.” I guess their nickname makes sense. It sounds like they want to be tag team champions of the world. They want the glory to be revealed in terms of power, not mercy. But the Son of Man is not glorified on a cross for sinners. To be at His right hand and His left in His glory is to be crucified with Him. That was an honor bestowed to thieves. It was prepared for them.  Sounds terrible, until you consider what it means. It was prepared for them to hear mercy right from the Lord’s mouth. It was prepared for them to hear a sermon at the right hand of God. Paradise was prepared for at least one of them, too. They deserved to die because of their sins, but God prepared it so that they would receive mercy, even if He had to die between them to give it.  The sons of thunder would have hard lives that looked like Christ’s. It was prepared, too. Eventually, they would drink from the cup of suffering. But it was prepared that Jesus die for them first. That way, they’re not alone in it. They were already brought through it. They were baptized, not just into Jesus’ pain, but His death, and so His resurrection. You were, too. Do you not know that in baptism, we are united with Him in His death? We will certainly be united with Him in a resurrection like His, too. The sons of thunder went to death in boldness, not because they were the greatest tag team duo to grace the squared circle, but because they first received the gift of life. It was prepared for them. And it was prepared for you. You drank from it, too. In baptism, you die with Jesus. In baptism, you rise with Jesus. You might suffer more yet, but you are already raised with Him. Focus on the mercy, and know He’ll bring you through that, because He already died to accomplish it. It is prepared.  That shapes authority, too. Authority is a burden to the Christian. It’s not about power, but mercy. It’s not to be served but to serve. Authority is a gift. These are the places God prepared to serve you. The cross. Then even through your neighbor too.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O gracious God, Your servant and apostle James was the first among the Twelve to suffer martyrdom for the name of Jesus Christ. Pour out upon the leaders of Your Church that spirit of self-denying service that they may forsake all false and passing allurements and follow Christ alone, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 24, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 8 - Psalm 48:1, 3, 11, 14; antiphon: Psalm 48:9-10Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 8:1-22; Acts 21:15-36“As your name, O God, so your praise reaches to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is filled with righteousness.” (Psalm 48:10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Praise” gets met with hesitancy too much in our little pocket of Lutheranism. Yesterday’s reflection was about the dangers of enthusiasm. There are places where an insistence on praise goes awry. Measuring praise as a feeling and insisting that the only right expression of faith is joy and gratitude is dangerous. There are Psalms of lament, too. Faithful Christians hurt, worry, and weep this side of glory. It isn’t a question of whether or not we should feel these things. It’s a question of whether or not there’s a place to take them. Bring them to Jesus. This is actually right praise. Praise is not measured by how much you feel gratitude. Praise is an expression of judgment. God has done something good. Here’s the thing about praise, and why we hesitate too quickly when it comes to praise. You can’t praise God unless He’s first done something for you. To praise God is to first recognize what He has done. God only does that which is good. So everything God does is praiseworthy, even when you also need to lament something. Praise doesn’t mean everything around you feels good. Praise means God has worked good in everything around you. And the only way this is possible to see is through the lens of the cross. Nothing looks praiseworthy there, but it’s the most praiseworthy act of all time. The cross is the reason God is always working good for us. He has redeemed you. He is not punishing you or casting you off. Even if you hurt now. He has promised to work all things for your good. So there is reason to praise Him even if we don’t feel it, and even if it needs to be joined to a psalm of lament. As God’s name goes out into the ends of the earth, it brings praise, because His right hand, where Christ is seated, is filled with righteousness. He who is seated at the right hand of the Father makes you righteous by His death. He has died for all. So let His name and so His praise reach the ends of the earth. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. (LSB 805)Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 23, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - 2Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 6:19-7:17; Acts 19:23-21:14; Acts 19:1-22What benefits does Baptism give?It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.Which are these words and promises of God?Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The devil wants you to think of your Baptism as a symbol, insisting that you place your faith in Jesus and not in water. It’s because the devil wants to make Jesus impossible to find when you need Him. A Jesus whom you trust to save you but can’t when you need Him to is pretty terrible. Because if you can’t find Jesus in the water, you have to find Him in your heart. On your good days, that’s not so bad. When everyone sings the hymns, and you sing along and feel uplifted, strong, and steadfast, that’s great. On the bad days, it’s demonic, though. Because on the bad days, when you need Jesus the most, when you don’t feel uplifted or strong or steadfast, if you try to measure Jesus in your heart, He feels missing. When you look in your heart for Jesus, whenever you need Him the most, He feels the farthest away. It’s called enthusiasm, and I hate it. You should, too. Instead of looking in your heart for Jesus, look in the font. Jesus saves. But it isn’t that Jesus saves so Baptism doesn’t. It’s that Jesus saves you through Baptism. The Bible says Jesus alone saves you. The Bible also says Baptism now saves you (1 Peter 3:21). Instead of insisting that God contradicts Himself and dismissing the sacrament, recognize HOW God saves you, and even why. It’s not from your heart or measured in your heart. It’s for your heart. Now, when you wrestle with guilt and shame, when you feel low and far from God, you have the promise of something near. You were drowned in salvation. You exist today as the Scriptures say. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ— Our shame is fully covered With all that He once sacrificed And freely for us suffered. For here the flood of His own blood Now makes us holy, right, and good Before our heav'nly Father. (LSB 596:4)Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 22, 2026Today's Reading: John 20:1-2, 10-18Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 5:1-6:3, 10-16; Acts 18:1-11, 23-28“They said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’” (John 20:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Folks have spilled a lot of ink over Mary Magdalene’s chastity. Especially since the scriptures don’t ever name the prostitute who anoints the Lord’s feet with her tears. I think it’s on purpose. The blessed evangelists name and leave nameless according to the Spirit. It’s on purpose when someone is named. It’s on purpose when someone is not. I don’t believe the woman who anoints Jesus' feet is left nameless so that we can assume the worst in someone Jesus calls a saint. I believe it’s because if Jesus takes away your sin, your sin isn’t tied to your name anymore. To be known by your sin is the opposite of Christianity. You are known by your Christ. He bled and died for you. They become His, and your sins are forgiven. You become His, and you are known by your name, washed clean even as you wear His in your Baptism. Your name is redeemed with the rest of you. Your name is sanctified with the rest of you. Jesus insists. It is the same Jesus who pursues Mary. Throughout her sins, her confusion, her disbelief, and her despair. He greets her by name. Mary. And here, she sees who He is. He is the one who gives us clean names again. This is who she is. Mary. Chaste. Faithful. Pure. But most of all, met by a risen Lord. She is witness to the victory over death, the forgiveness, and all the hope that it brings. I don’t know if Mary was at one point a prostitute. I do know that her tears are wiped away in any case, and names tied to old sins are forgiven and penned in the book of life. Like yours. You are baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Your identity is tied to this, not your sin. Jesus insists. When He pens your name into the book of life, it is through this Baptism, this redemption. Your name doesn’t have an asterisk (*) by it, with all your sins listed out. Those are left at the cross. Jesus meets you in the resurrection and calls you by name. Rejoice with Mary. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, Your Son, Jesus Christ, restored Mary Magdalene to health and called her to be the first witness of His resurrection. Heal us from all our infirmities, and call us to know You in the power of Your Son's unending life; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 21, 2026Today's Reading: Romans 6:19-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 4:1-22; Acts 17:1-34; Acts 16:23-40“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Calling the faithful “slaves of God” in the year of our Lord 2025 feels uncomfortable. It feels like it needs a lot of context for what it isn’t. Paul doesn’t give it. Instead of his next words justifying the hyperbole, he justifies the sinner. He doesn’t minimize what slavery looks like. He just asks us to consider how freedom in regard to righteousness actually goes. You are either slaves to sin or slaves to God because you’re not actually God. To Paul, it’s not even a question of ability. It’s a question of whether or not it would be a good thing if you were. If you actually were the most powerful being in the universe…how would that go? Back before you belonged to God, what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. It’s your death because you’re not God. But if you were, how would it not just be someone else’s death who got in your way? Instead of arguing over whether or not your sinful flesh is powerful enough to escape the grave, Paul asks whether or not having sinful flesh is good in the first place. Whether it be your death or the death of everyone who got in your way, God would rather it be His. The wages of sin is death, and so He pays it for you. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are not free. You have a Lord. There are other lords. Many try to be lords themselves. But yours is the one who lays down His life to save yours. Rather than bickering about who’s in charge, Paul points to the results—your salvation. You are not free in regard to righteousness. You are not free to sin. You are free from it, though. You are free from death. On the Last Day, you will rise. You are even free from having to deal with all the enemies in your way to live. Sin. Death. The power of the devil. All come undone in Him who owns you and treats you as a treasure. Calling the faithful “slaves of God” was never a comfortable statement. It was never supposed to be. Rather, Paul lets our comfort be in Him who sets us free from death. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When You woke that Thursday morning, Savior, teacher, faithful friend, Thoughts of self and safety scorning, Knowing how the day would end; Lamb of God, foretold for ages, Now at last the hour had come When but One could pay sin's wages: You assumed their dreadful sum. (LSB 445:1) Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 20, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 2:7-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There's this Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, where if you eat it, you die in the Garden of Eden. And that kinda feels messed up. Is it a good tree? God said yes. We're not sure. We tend to think that if it's not a trap, it’s at least a test. Which says plenty about what you actually think about the God who put it there. We still think He's, if not setting traps for us, at least testing us.A loving God doesn't "test" us with death any more than I, who love you less than God, would test whether or not you remember how a fire drill works by lighting the building on fire. Also, an all-knowing God would know this whole thing plays out poorly. What if the Tree that God called Good was not a test or a trap? What if He called it good because it was given with a good purpose, to reveal who God is? To teach Adam and Eve that all of evil should be contained on a tree for man to behold and know the peace of not having to die because God bore the sin that would kill them for them? What if the tree was good because it was the very first church? Adam and Eve could worship here, celebrate the mystery of the God who hangs evil on the tree that they would not die. The thing is, mystery is only good if you trust the guy behind the curtain. But if the tree wasn’t a good thing, then it's pretty solid proof God who put it there wasn’t so good either. This is how the serpent tempted. But God met them in the garden, not to destroy, but to promise a child born of woman to hang on a second tree to crush the head of the serpent forever. God saw the tree in the garden. God saw the tragedy that changed you forever. God saw everything that’s gone wrong since and hated it too. So He assumes it. Climbs down from heaven to walk up the hill of Golgotha and die on the cross. For you. For them. For those who have faced the tragedies that leave us speechless and bitter and broken. For the forgiveness of all your sins. Your quiet mistrust. Your open rebellion. Jesus died for that. Because God still insists on gathering up all the evil in the world and hanging it on the tree so that death would have no power over us and sin would not define us. Look at the tree of the cross and call it good, because this is who your God is. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What mercy God showed to our race, A plan of rescue by His grace: In sending One from woman's seed, The One to fill our greatest need— For on a tree uplifted high His only Son for sin would die, Would drink the cup of scorn and dread To crush the ancient serpent's head! (LSB 561:3)Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 19, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 8:1-9Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41“I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.” (Mark 8:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sometimes it’s hard to reconcile Jesus' compassion in wanting to feed the 4,000 with the three days it took Him to actually do it. For every one of the voiceless 4k with hunger pains and every family gathered around a hospital bed praying for healing while machines beep and nurses give sad smiles, for everyone looking around trying to find the supposed compassion and coming up short, let me go ahead and speak the collective “why?” we’re all afraid to give voice to. Why do we have to wait? Why do we have to suffer? Why, if You can fix this, God, do we have to wait for you to get around to doing it? It’s not a new question. I used to have the audacity to ask my mom why she didn’t start dinner 15 minutes earlier so we could be eating now. It was shortsighted then. It’s shortsighted now. It’s just hard to see past sin and the pain it brings. This is what sin does. It finds excuses not to look to God for every good thing. To not fear, love, and trust Him above all things. The veil it casts over us brings that other kind of fear, the one that really struggles with love and trust. The one who loses sleep and trembles when compassion feels far off. The truth is that God does work in mystery, in His own ways and His own time, and yet always for good. It is always compassion that drives Him. Ultimately, it drove Him to the cross for the 4,000, and for all who hurt and suffer under sin. And again, they waited three days in fear and trembling, even after it was finished, before the angels proclaimed His resurrection. But Christ is still risen. So to everyone waiting with fear and trembling, who feels the same despair of the grave, remember. It is already finished. Even during those three days, it was finished. All of the blindness of sin could not prevent the resurrection. All our whys won’t stop Him from working for your good in His own way and own time now. Take heart. Our Lord sees you and has compassion. He IS working, even now. To bring you out of darkness and sin and despair, and into the same resurrection. Take heart. Jesus took bread, and after giving thanks, He broke it, and He gives it to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, whose never-failing providence orders all things both in heaven and earth, we humbly implore You to put away from us all hurtful things and to give us those things that are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 18, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 7 - Psalm 47:3, 6-8; antiphon: Psalm 47:1-2Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:17; Galatians 6:1-18“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What does it mean that God reigns over the nations? Does it mean He seeks power over all to control the people of the world? Or is it a declaration of His love for all of creation, and even as sin continues to wreck the world and Satan and his minions ravage and destroy, there is a God, and He hears the cries of those who suffer? It is true: the Lord reigns over all. He is the Almighty. His will is done whether we like it or not. Our God is all-powerful and deserving of worship, as the psalmist says. The Lord sits on His holy throne, and sinners cannot approach Him. Evil cannot stand against Him. This is our God. We can take comfort in knowing the God of all has made Himself known to us. But the all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present God uses His “God-ness” to do wonderful things. God reigns over the nations on His holy throne, not to bring power to Christians but to forgive sinners.From His holy throne, He descended, taking on human flesh to make Himself known to all nations. He came not as a mighty ruler but as a servant. God heard the cries of hurting people from the time of Adam and Eve’s first sin. To heal the open wound of a sinful, broken world, He sent forth His only Son. And this good news, this Gospel is not just for one people or nation, but for all people, that many more may come to faith in Christ. Even while the Lord sits on His holy throne, those who are in Christ are not excluded from His presence. Having been made holy, we will see the Lord in all His glory on the Last Day, when all nations and peoples will bow and proclaim the name of the Lord. The Lord our God is mighty and reigns over the nations. He calls them to Himself, that they may remain in His house forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What God’s almighty pow’r has made, in mercy He is keeping. By morning glow or evening shade His eye is never sleeping. Within the kingdom of His might all things are just and good and right: to God all praise and glory!” (LSB 819:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 17, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-20Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26“Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.’” (1 Samuel 1:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hannah’s prayer is for a child - and not even for a child she will keep and raise, but one she will give to the Lord for His service. She is burdened by her bareness and even tormented for it by her husband’s other wife. So she prays to the Lord, seeking comfort and peace. Prayer, in any circumstance, is chiefly about comfort. It is a gift of God given to those who would seek refuge in Him. Hannah knows the Lord will hear her and has the power to grant her petition. Eli’s benediction to Hannah is further comfort. Eli did not, in that moment, call upon God, of his own accord, to be the baby delivery guy, but to give comfort to a hurting soul—a soul burdened by sin and its effects. Eli, a priest, the shepherd of God’s people, gives her comfort and peace. In that moment, God’s Word was spoken to Hannah, and she would return to Eli with her son, Samuel, in due time. God’s will was accomplished. It might be tempting to see this account as proof that if you pray hard enough or feel deep enough, God will hear your prayer and grant it. This turns God into more of a vending machine rather than the Almighty God, but what do you do when prayers go “unanswered?” Understand that “unanswered” is in quotes. God answers prayer, always, even when the answer isn’t what we’d prefer. Our prayers do not sway Him; His good and gracious will is always done among us. His good and gracious will was to grant Hannah a son, who would grow into the faithful prophet and priest, Samuel. We don’t know how many times Hannah, or her husband for that matter, prayed about her barrenness. But she knew that God heard every cry to Him and He would, in His time, answer her.When you are burdened by suffering or hardship or sin, call out to your heavenly father. He hears you. And when you have groanings too deep for words, He still hears you and sees you. Hannah’s prayer was made in faith and made in something greater than a spiritual vending machine. The God of Israel is your God, who made heaven and earth, sent His Son to redeem creation, and gives the Holy Spirit that we might be first and foremost, reconciled to God, and also comforted in our affliction because God has given us His forgiveness and peace.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne’er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy. (LSB 725:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 16, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - 1Daily Lectionary: Judges 16:4-30; Judges 17:1-21:25; Galatians 4:12-31“Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water included in God's command, and combined with God’s Word.” (Luther’s Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Water is necessary for life. Water helps plants grow, so all living creatures have something to eat. Staying hydrated is important, too, so drink more water, kids! Water cleans things by washing away dirt. Water also has a great capacity for destruction. Too much rain leads to flooding, mighty tides of water that pummel everything they crash into, leaving devastation in its wake. Rough water can drag a person down into the deep to drown and die. Tsunamis, hurricanes, and floods are all deadly. They are an example of how broken and sinful the world has become. Instead of bringing life, it ends it. All of creation is no longer “good,” but tainted by sin and death. All things wither and die. Our sinful nature compels us to do harm to our neighbors and ourselves. The devil, the world, and our sinful flesh hate God, wanting nothing to do with him. We turn good gifts into weapons against the life God would have us defend and uphold. But God takes what is broken, sinful, and dying and makes new life. He creates abundant life in the midst of death, decay, and destruction. So, then, water, when combined with the Word of God, becomes a source of resurrection—a place where Christians are made. God names you in His Triune Name, marking you as one whom death has no claim over. Your sins are washed away, and a new, clean robe is given to you. The stain of sin, taken on by Christ, is no longer yours to bear. Jesus takes our sin and drowns it, burying it and leaving it behind. God restores life to where death and sin reigned. Water is necessary for life, and it is this creation of God, paired with His Word, that gives us life eternal. The Word of God, which spoke everything into existence, in Baptism, now calls the dead sinner to life, out of the waters and into light.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Though around us death is seething, God, His two-edged sword unsheathing, by His Spirit life is breathing through the living active Word.” (LSB 597:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 15, 2026Today's Reading: Galatians 3:23-4:11Daily Lectionary: Judges 15:1-16:3; Galatians 3:23-4:11“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:27–29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Baptism makes all equal in the eyes of God. Baptism makes us one with Christ, as we are united with Him in a death like His and in a resurrection like His. We all stand before God as justified, redeemed, and sanctified. We are all descendants of Abraham as heirs of the promise. The Jews believed it was their earthly, blood relation to Abraham that made them God’s people. Their people had followed God's commands and observed all His statutes. This is why many of the Jewish Christians demanded that the Gentiles be circumcised - so they might be included in Abraham’s line. The emphasis was on works of the law. In the minds of the “circumcision party,” the Greeks had to become Jewish before they could really be saved. St. Paul’s point is that once a person is baptized into Christ, nothing else matters before God. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters before God. Your ethnic background doesn’t have a say in your salvation, nor your sex, nor your status in this life. This is because when God looks at you, He sees an heir according to the promise the Lord made to Abraham, “in you will all nations be blessed.” This promised offspring was the Messiah, Jesus, Who would come through Abraham’s lineage. Abraham’s offspring would bless the nations by redeeming them - all people were redeemed through Jesus’ death on the cross. So when a person is baptized, they are united to Christ and indistinguishable from any other Christian. And this Baptism is a free Gift, not tied to any work performed by us. God calls you His child, an heir of eternal life through the promise made to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ Jesus, your Lord. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ - our shame is fully covered with all that HE once sacrificed and freely for us suffered. For here the flood of His own blood now makes us holy, right and good before our heav’nly Father. (LSB 596:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 14, 2026Today's Reading: Romans 6:(1-2) 3-11Daily Lectionary: Judges 14:1-20; Galatians 3:1-22“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1–2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.St. Paul is responding to a general vibe of “Well, if all sin is forgiven, then I can do whatever I want.” His “by no means” is a polite way of saying, “That’s not how this works. That’s not how ANY of this works!” What does it mean, then, when he says, “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” He’s talking about Baptism, where the old sinful self is drowned, and the new Adam is raised to life. We have been united to Jesus in a death like His that we might have a resurrection like His. Paul’s point is that once a person comes to faith, everything is different. They do not act the same way or think the same way because the Holy Spirit is now working sanctification in them. What he means is this: Christians should act a certain way because Christians look a certain way - they follow a pattern. This pattern is coming from and returning to the gifts of Christ, freely given to sinners. Christians should not live in open sin - nor should they encourage others to do so. We are not competing to see who can be forgiven by God the most amount of times. That won’t end well, and it’s not a true representation of God’s people. We do know that even while the Baptized are sanctified saints of God, we are still sinners, and we will be in need of Jesus’ forgiveness until we die. But don’t go out trying to be the chief of sinners. Live as one dead to sin and alive to Christ. Live the baptismal grace of God, that all your doings, being ordered by His governance, may be righteous in His sight. You have been made new. The sin and brokenness inherent in you have been paid for by the death and resurrection of Christ. Rejoice, dear Christian, for, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Christ Jesus is the ground of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death; all then who trust in Him alone are built on this chief cornerstone.” (LSB 571:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.