Reflections

September 16, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 1:5-11, 12-17

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 35:1-7, 16-25; Zephaniah 1:1-3:20; Colossians 3:1-25

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timot...

September 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-24

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 34:1-4, 8-11, 14-33; Nahum 1:1-3:19; Colossians 2:8-23

“For thus says the Lord God: Behold, I, I myself will search for my sheep and will seek them out. As a shepherd seeks out his flock when he is among his sheep that have been scattered, so will I seek out my sheep, and I will rescue them from all places where they have been scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from th...

September 14, 2025

Today's Reading: John 12:20-33

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 33:1-25; Jonah 1:1-4:11; Colossians 1:24-2:7

“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. ‘Now is my soul troubled. And what shall I say? “Father, save me from this hour”? But for this purpose I have come to this hour. Father, glorify your name.’ Then a voice came from...

September 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 14 - Psalm 30:2-5; antiphon: Psalm 30:11a, 12b

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 32:1-22; Hosea 1:1-14:9; Colossians 1:1-23

“For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It does not always feel like God’s anger is for a moment. In the midst of suffering, in the midst of what feels like direct punishment from God for some sin we have commit...

September 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Philippians 4:1-23 

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 31:1-21; Philippians 4:1-23 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Do not be anxious.” I am anxious about everything from making phone calls to whether I’m a good enough employee, mom, or wife. It is easy for me to be anxiou...

September 11, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Daily Prayers: Morning & Evening Prayer

Daily Lectionary: 2 Chronicles 29:1-24; Philippians 3:1-21

“For into Your hands I commend my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.” (Luther’s Morning & Evening Prayers)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If you are not familiar with Luther’s morning and evening prayers, I recommend you check them out and say them often. They are good prayers, and praying is good. You won’t get extr...

September 10, 2025

Today's Reading: Philippians 2:12-30

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 9:1-13; 10:18-29; 2 Kings 13:1-18:8; Philippians 2:12-30

“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Good works get a bad rap in the Lutheran church. We proudly confess that we are saved by grac...

September 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Philemon 1-21

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 6:1-23; 2 Kings 6:24-8:29; Philippians 1:21-2:11

“That you might have him back forever, no longer as a bonderservant, but more than a bonderservant, as a beloved brother” (Philemon 16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Philemon is a short book and can seem an odd inclusion to the New Testament. It seems more like a private letter Paul is sending rather than something millions of people would read for centuries after it was written. The contents of the letter are this: Onesimus, a slav...

September 8, 2025 

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 5:9-27; Philippians 1:1-20

“loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.” (Deuteronomy 30:20)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God keeps His promises. He promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that He would give them the Promised Land, and now, the Israelites are about to cross...

September 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 14:25-35

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 4:38-5:8; Ephesians 6:1-24

“For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, whether he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus gives examples of people who measured the cost of their goal and ultimately stepped away from it. A man would not build a tower if he could not pay for it. A king would not go to war if he knew he would lose. Neither man...

September 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 13 - Psalm 119:28-32; antiphon: Psalm 119:27

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 4:8-22, 32-37; Ephesians 5:15-33

“I cling to your testimonies, O Lord; let me not be put to shame!” (Psalm 119:31)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Psalm 119 is the big one. This long psalm is the longest chapter in Scripture at a whopping 176 verses. Arranged in sections based on the Hebrew alphabet, there are recurring themes that run through it. Like a friend who can talk about a single subject and everything that touches upon it for...

September 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Ephesians 4:25-5:14

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 2:19-25; 4:1-7; Ephesians 4:25-5:14 

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is a false teaching that says that no one could be lost if they have ever come to saving faith. Popularly going by the slogan, “Once saved, always saved,” this is a horrible false teaching. One reason this is so horrible is that it leads people to think that it does not matte...

September 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Who Receives This Sacrament Worthily?

Daily Lectionary: 2 Kings 2:1-18; Ephesians 4:1-24

Fasting and bodily preparation are certainly fine outward training. But that person is truly worthy and well prepared who has faith in these words: ‘Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.’  But anyone who does not believe these words or doubts them is unworthy and unprepared, for the words ‘for you’ require all hearts to believe. (Small Catechism part 6, “Who receives this Sacrament worthily?”)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

T...

September 3, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 19:1-21; 1 Kings 20:1-22:53; Ephesians 3:1-21

“And the angel of the Lord came again a second time and touched [Elijah] and said, ‘Arise and eat, for the journey is too great for you.’” (1 Kings 19:7)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

On the run from the enraged Queen Jezebel, Elijah went as far as he could go. But it wasn’t far enough. Exhausted in the wilderness, alone and having no food, that was the least of the prophet’s problems. For if Queen Jezebe...

September 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Hebrews 13:1-17

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 18:20-40; Ephesians 2:1-22

“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Lord helps you. And not because of anything you have done to merit this gracious favor. And also not because of who you are, who you are related to, or how much you have. Instead, God gives divine help to you simply out of grace, giving you better than you have deserved.

For you...

September 1, 2025

Today's Reading: Proverbs 25:2-10

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 18:1-19; Ephesians 1:1-23

“Do not reveal another's secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.” (Proverbs 25:9b-10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Some words were never meant to be said. Proverbs teaches that the secrets of your neighbor are not to be shared. A secret is anything kept from general awareness that would bring shame if it were revealed. Whether it’s a secret crush, a regrettable past incident, or a fear f...

August 31, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 14:1-14

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 16:29-17:24; 2 Corinthians 10:1-13:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15

“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It has been said that pride was the cause of the devil’s fall from a good angel into an evil one. This view was held by some early Christians, and also by Martin Luther. About pride, Luther also said, “Whoever trusts and boasts that he possesses great skill, prudence, power, favor, friendship, and honor ha...

August 30, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 12 - Psalm 75:1-2, 6, 9; antiphon: Psalm 75:7

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 12:20-13:5, 33-34; 1 Kings 14:1-16:28; 2 Corinthians 8:1-24

“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near.” (Psalm 75:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Tomorrow’s introit reminds us of this blessed reality: the Name of the Lord is near. In fact, it is so near, it is upon you!

These are some awesome and particularly appropriate words for an introit—psalm verses for entering our Lord’s sanctuary and being b...

August 29, 2025 

Today's Reading: Mark 6:14-29

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 11:42-12:19; 2 Corinthians 7:1-16

“Some said, ‘John the Baptist has been raised from the dead.’”  (Mark 6:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Jesus has a “creepy” cousin. You know the one: the “wild man.” He hung out in the wilderness, ate bugs, and went off on the sins of Herod, knowing full well that it could get him arrested and imprisoned – or worse. But like St. Bartholomew, he also held nothing back and spoke the truth. 

The most infamous truth he preached was agains...

August 28, 2025 

Today's Reading: Catechism: How Can Bodily Eating and Drinking Do Such Great Things?

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 11:1-26; 2 Corinthians 6:1-18

Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins. (Small Catechism, SA)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Augustine had a lot to forgive. He was a wild child who knowingly avoided the Lord. His father was a pagan, but his mother was a Christian, so he was no stranger to the Church. Still, he was not a fan. This spiraled into one bad ch...

August 27, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 13:22-30

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 9:1-9; 10:1-13; 2 Corinthians 5:1-21

“Strive to enter through the narrow door… And people will come from east and west, and from north and south, and recline at table in the kingdom of God.” (Luke 13:24a, 29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

St. Monica encouraged her son, Augustine, toward the narrow door. She lived out her faith as an example. She prayed for her son and sought advice from her pastor and bishop, St. Ambrose. Yet it felt like nothing she did could m...

August 26, 2025 

Today's Reading: Hebrews 12:4-24 (25-29)

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 8:22-30, 46-63; 2 Corinthians 4:1-18

“Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.” (Hebrews 12:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Peace. In the news, we hear about working toward peace in places like Israel and its neighbors, Russia and Ukraine, China, North Korea, and many more. We can define this word regarding international politics as getting along with other nations and ending any conflict and violence. Yet so much more is packed into t...

August 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 66:18-23

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 7:51-8:21; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18

“The time is coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and shall see my glory.” (Isaiah 66:18b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

In the Harry Potter Wizarding World, non-magical people are called “Muggles,” or for a more vulgar slur, “Mud Bloods.” The Israelites who first heard Isaiah preaching today’s reading would have heard the Hebrew word “goi” (nations) and would have had very better-than-you, condescending attitudes. How dare Isaiah preach Law to them, and that God...

August 24, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:43-51

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 5:1-18; 1 Kings 6:1-7:50; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17

“Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see’... Nathanael answered Him, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!’” (John 1:46, 49)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

For Nathanel, also known as Bartholomew, there was “no skin off my back” for telling the truth. He tells it like it is, even if the truth wouldn’t be popular or well-received. “An Israelite indeed, in whom there is...

August 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 11 - Psalm 117; antiphon: Psalm 96:6a; 115:18

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 3:1-15; 1 Kings 3:16-4:34; 2 Corinthians 1:1-22

“The faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”  (Psalm 117:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

These words are easily said, but not so easily believed. God’s faithfulness endures… forever? Forever is a long time. A lot can happen in that timespan. Whatever good things have happened and will happen, plus whatever bad things have happened and will happen, all that is included in “forever.” That’s a lot of good and evil, a lot...

August 22, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Kings 2:1-27

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 2:1-27; 1 Corinthians 14:1-16:24; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

“Keep the charge of the Lord your God, walking in his ways and keeping his statutes, his commandments, his rules, and his testimonies, as it is written in the Law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn.” (1 Kings 2:3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

1 Kings 2 is quite the bloody chapter. King Solomon’s reign began with bloodshed. He put Adonijah, his older (half-)brother, to death. Isn’t Solomon...

August 21, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the Benefit of This Eating and Drinking?

Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 1:1-4, 15-35; 1 Corinthians 12:14-31

What is the benefit of such eating and drinking? These words: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins;” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. (Small Catechism, 6th Chief Part)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Does your soul hunger for the Lord...

August 20, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 12:1-25; 2 Samuel 13:1-19:43; 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I do not want you to be uninformed.” (1 Corinthians 12:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There are a bunch of strange, hare-brained ideas out there. This is especially clear when the topic of “spiritual gifts” comes up. Some churches think this means people in the Holy Spirit start speaking in gibberish, which they call ‘speaking in tongues.’ Some throw their hands up, roll around, or bark like a dog because they feel that th...

August 19, 2025

Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:17-31 (32-40); 12:1-3

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 11:1-27; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

“By faith…” (Heb.11:17a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Hebrews 11 is called “the great chapter on faith,” and it’s obvious why. Every Lutheran should cherish this chapter, because all over the place it says, “By faith.” That’s a big part of the Lutheran, Biblical teaching. In this chapter, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, and others are examples of saving faith in God’s Word and promises. These were people like you and me who trusted in Go...

August 18, 2025

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:16-29

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 7:18-29; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16

“[The Lord says] ‘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.

You cannot rightly judge a preacher based on his personality, his popularity, or his effectiveness. You cannot rightly judge a preacher based on how many or how few people come to hear him. You cannot rightly judge a preacher based on how you feel about him. God instead directs you to judge...

August 17, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 12:49-53 (54-56)

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 7:1-17; 1 Corinthians 9:24-10:22

“[Jesus said,] ‘Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division.’” (Luke 12:51)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

So much for that familiar Christmas hymn. So much for “peace on earth and mercy mild” (LSB 380:1). For Jesus says that He did not come to bring peace, but division! And not the kind you did in math classes when you were young. This is the kind where people are turned a...

August 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 10 - Psalm 55:1, 12-14, 16; antiphon: Psalm 55:22

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 6:1-19; 1 Corinthians 9:1-23

“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. 

Isn’t it a gift? In the lowest moments we have, the hardest experiences we struggle through, the long nights, and tear-stained memories - we get to cry out to God.

I’ll be honest, living through hurt, trauma, loss, brokenness, and betrayal are not situations I have usua...

August 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 1:(39-45) 46-55

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 5:1-25; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

“And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” (Luke 1:50)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Mary sings with hope. Over a short period of time, she has been visited by an angel, told she would carry a baby, told that this baby is the Son of God, trusted the announcement in faith, learned that her barren relative Elizabeth is also carrying a child, rushed to see her relative Elizabeth, and received a lovin...

August 14, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?

Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40

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. (Catechism: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Simple, plain, boring language. It’s the best. There is nothing to worry about or misunderstand. It is the Body. It is the Blood. It is given by Jesus. It i...

August 13, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 31:1-13; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24

“Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him.” (1 Corinthians 7:17a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

These words are so great because they make me immediately bristle and feel defensive. In my Western-culture, independent, sinful mind, I want to immediately self-justify and argue. “The life that the Lord *assigned* and that ‘God has called him?’ Nah. I worked for my life. I matter because of what I can...

August 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 28:3-25; 1 Samuel 29:1-30:31; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

These words are a great reminder. God is not impressed by works. We can’t trick Him into being pleased with us by holding up shiny works that we ‘curated ourselves.’ Nope. It is impossible to please Him…without faith.

So what...

August 11, 2025

Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 26:1-25; 1 Samuel 27:1-28:2; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13

“But Abram said, ‘O Lord GOD, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’” (Genesis 15:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

These verses in Genesis are amazing promises that God gives to Abram: “I am your shield; your reward shall be very great; number the stars…so shall your offspring be.” This is miraculous! The old, barren couple will indeed have a child and will have an abundan...

August 10, 2025 

Today's Reading: Luke 12:22-34 (35-40)

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:23-44; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

These verses speak about anxiety. Yikes. Guilty—party of one. And often, when I read them, I immediately become anxious about how anxious I am and how I am not trusting…because I am anxious. Lord, forgive me, a sinner. 

Look at these words, though: “fear not…it is your Father’s good pleasure to...

August 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 9 - Psalm 147:8-11; antiphon: Psalm 147:7

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 25:1-22; 1 Corinthians 3:1-23

“His delight is not in the strength of the horse, nor his pleasure in the legs of a man,but the Lord takes pleasure in those who fear him, in those who hope in his steadfast love.” (Psalm 147:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Racing fans delight in the fastest car and the winning driver. Hockey fans delight in the forward with the best plays, most goals, and fastest time down the i...

August 8, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 24:1-22; 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:16

“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Remember Gideon? God sends him to deliver Israel from the Midianites. He te...