Podcasts about gloria dei lutheran church

Lyn Curry returns to the studio this Christmas season ahead of the Vocal Artists of Iowa Christmas concert, “Love's Pure Light.” These free to the public concerts will be Dec. 20, 7:30pm at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Iowa City and Dec. 21, 4pm at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.  For more information visit … Continue reading

May 17, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Easter 5 - Psalm 98:2-6; antiphon: Psalm 98:1Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 19:9-18, 26-37; Luke 11:14-36“Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” (Psalm 98:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, I made you with ears to hear so you can listen to My Word. I gave you a mouth to confess your faith. And I gave you a heart so you can have joy that overflows into songs of praise.We will sing Psalm 98 in Church tomorrow. For hundreds of years before I was born of My mother, Mary, My people would pray this psalm as they waited for the Father to send the Messiah (me).My flock rejoiced to sing these words, “Oh sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him.” They didn't yet know the wonderful way Psalm 98 would be fulfilled. For I AM the LORD from eternity, but I became man and was born to work salvation to give to you.I left My place at the right hand of the Father and was humbled so I could lift you up. I was born with a physical right hand and a holy arm, the tiny body of a little baby. I used all my strength to love my Flock. When the time came, my hands were nailed to the cross, and I died for you. They pulled the nails out of my corpse when I was laid in the tomb for you. You can still see the marks of those nails in my hands and feet, for I was raised from the dead for you.I am still both God and man and always will be. I sit in glory at the Father's right hand, watching over you, my lamb, and waiting to bring you home.So, dear lamb, pray this psalm with joy! Sing together with all My flock! Your salvation has been won!Jesus' lamb responds: Amen! Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be forever. Amen! “For He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.”In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Alleluia. We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over Him. Alleluia. I Am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. Alleluia. (Alleluia Verse for the 4th Sunday in Easter LSB Altar Book p. 794) - Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 16, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 11:1-13Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8; Luke 11:1-13“What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” (Luke 11:11-13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, I will teach you to pray like I taught my disciples to pray. Read closely what I told them here in Luke 11. What I taught them is for you, too. Pray to the Father in My name; He will hear you and give you good.When you pray to your Father in heaven, think about a father here on earth. Fathers on earth are not perfect. They struggle with sin like every human being.But we know that fathers want to give good things to their children. If a son asks his father for a healthy meal like a fish or an egg, what father would be so evil that he would give his child a painful, venomous serpent or scorpion instead?!If an imperfect father on earth knows how to give good gifts to his children, how much more will your perfect Father provide you with something good when you pray?Your heavenly Father loves you. He gives you good gifts every day. He gave you the best Gift of all, Me— your Savior, your Good Shepherd. So when you pray, you can be confident that He will give you the Holy Spirit, who will create and strengthen your faith through My Word every day until you are safe in heaven. (And remember to tell Him, “Thank You.”)Jesus' lamb responds: Dear Jesus, thank you for teaching me to pray and showing me how much the Father loves me. Thank you, Father, for hearing my prayer and answering with the best of Your Gifts. You give me Your Son. You pour out Your Spirit. And you save me and keep me as your own.Please give me faith to believe that You are good and that You answer my prayers, just as Jesus taught. Forgive me for the times I do not pray—for when I forget, am lazy, or don't believe you can or will help.You are good. Thank You for the good you always give me in Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Neither life nor death shall ever from the Lord His children sever; Unto them His grace He showeth, and their sorrows all He knoweth. (LSB 725:3)- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 15, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Third PetitionDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 17:1-16; Luke 10:23-42Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.What does this mean? The good and gracious will of God is done even without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also.How is God's will done? God's will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, I give you the Lord's Prayer. Learn it well and pray it often. When you pray this prayer, you pray along with all My baptized lambs in the Church. We pray together and ask for the Father's will to be done.We ask that Him that My Gospel would always be taught purely and that the Spirit would draw people to faith. We ask Him that the lambs in my flock would follow My Word and not fall away. We ask that that Father would keep My flock on earth safe from Satan and the world and all temptations to sin. We pray that all My lambs would come safely to heaven.Your Father's good and gracious will is for you to have these blessings.Jesus' lamb responds: Dear Jesus, Amen! Thank You for teaching me this prayer and making me Your own in Baptism. Please forgive me for the times I forget to pray. I am distracted by many things. Please keep teaching me to pray.This world can be so hard. People do things that are not what the Father would want. The evil ways that Satan puts into the world are hurtful and hateful. But Jesus, You are my Good Shepherd. You have overcome the world. You will not leave me or forsake me. Strengthen my courage to pray Your prayer in faith. You taught me to ask the Father that His will would be done on earth even in these days. He will graciously do this in Your name. Thank you!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Dear Father, Your will be done, not the devil's will or our enemies or anything that would persecute and suppress Your Holy Word or hinder Your kingdom. Grant that we may bear with patience and overcome whatever is to be endured because of Your Word and kingdom, so that our poor flesh may not yield or fall away because of weakness or sluggishness. (Large Catechism III 67)- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 14, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-22Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 16:1-24; Luke 10:1-22“And (Jesus) said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” (Luke 10:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus speaks to His lamb: Dear lamb, This world is filled with people—people whom I died for on the cross. I want them to hear My Word. Some will hear and believe in Me and be saved. The Holy Spirit will draw them to faith. Some will hear My Word and reject it and be lost.…But I want them to hear My Word.I want them to hear My Word like you hear My Word, little lamb. I want them to hear that I died to forgive them. I want them to hear and repent of their sins. I want them to hear the Word as it's being read and preached… as the Holy Spirit draws them to faith, washes them in Baptism, and feeds them My Body and Blood in My Supper.I want them to have all these things like you are having them.Dear lamb, pray earnestly that more workers would go into the harvest. Pray for workers in every land who speak every language to go out and serve. Be ready to do the work that I will give you in your vocation, whatever it may be.My heart is filled with compassion for people. In your prayers, share in this compassion. Remember that My compassion is for you, too.Jesus' lamb responds to Him: Dear Jesus, You have been merciful to me and saved me from my sins.Your Word is true and gives life. In this day, in this place, in my congregation, and around the world, please send workers into the fields. Let people hear Your Word — the Spirit will work through it to give Your Gifts of forgiveness and salvation.Please forgive me for the times I have not shared Your compassion for those not yet in Your Flock. Thank You for being merciful and gracious to me. Please keep me in Your grace.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord God, bless Your Word wherever it is proclaimed. Make it a word of power and peace to convert those not yet Your own and to confirm those who have come to saving faith. May Your Word pass from the ear to the heart, from the heart to the lip, and from the lip to the life that, as You have promised, Your Word may achieve the purpose for which You sent it; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 13, 2025Today's Reading: Revelation 7:9-17Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 10:1-20; Leviticus 11:1-15:33; Luke 9:37-62“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'”  (Revelation 7:9-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus speaks to His lamb: My dear lamb, sin is much dirtier than you can know. Only one thing can wash it away… only My blood washes away your sins. My Father sent me to cleanse you because He loves you.When you were baptized, the Holy Spirit gave you this washing, and He keeps you in the true faith all your life.In this life, you won't see the washing with your eyes. You'll still struggle with temptation and sin until you die. But you know you're washed because I've told you— in My Word, in Holy Baptism, and when you eat and drink at my Supper. In all these ways, I give you forgiveness.In Heaven, when I take you home, you will see my glory, and you'll also see the forgiveness I've showered upon you with your own eyes. You will wear a robe I made for you, washed clean by My blood shed for you on the cross.For now, though, you can trust that I have cleansed you from your sins and that I love you forever.Jesus' lamb responds to Him: Thank you, dear Shepherd. You know better than anyone how many sins I need to have washed away. When you wash them, they are gone forever. You set me free by Your grace. I don't deserve the love that You've given to me. But You've promised never to stop loving me, and I believe You.I'm sorry for the times I forget Your Word. Even after all You've done for me, I still chase after the sins You died to wash away. Please don't let me forget the price that my forgiveness cost You.Lead me in repentance every day of my life, and to walk with You in love.Thank you for giving me salvation!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Around the throne of David, the saints, from care released, raise loud their songs of triumph to celebrate the feast. They sing to Christ their leader, who conquered in the fight, who won for them forever their gleaming robes of white. (LSB 672:3)- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 12, 2025Today's Reading: Acts 20:17-35Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 9:1-24; Luke 9:18-36“Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to care for the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.” (Acts 20:28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus speaks to His lamb through the Apostle Paul: My dear lamb, I am your Good Shepherd. I will keep you safe. I do this through the under-shepherds I send to help you and all the other lambs in the church.Today, you hear the words of one of the shepherds I called and sent, the Apostle Paul. I sent him to Ephesus, where he taught the people for three years, giving them my grace through the Word and Sacraments. Listen carefully to the warning Paul gave my flock in Ephesus: Fierce wolves will come, attacking the flock, even from within the church. They will say twisted things that I did not teach them.You need to understand that Satan will always spread lies. So listen to My Word. Hear the good pastors who teach what I said, what Paul and the other Apostles said, what Moses and the Prophets said. Listen to what's in the Catechism, which is faithful to My Word.Stay close to me and to the people I send to you who speak what the Holy Spirit inspired in the Bible. Regularly come to receive the Gifts I give you in the Word and the Sacraments. This is how I protect you and keep you safe.Jesus' lamb responds to Him: Thank You, Good Shepherd, for staying with me. St. Paul said that you obtained me and all the rest of Your flock by shedding your blood on the cross. You wash me clean from my sins by that blood, and now I am safe in You.Dear Jesus, thank you for the people you send to care for me— my parents and family, my pastor and teachers, and all the other lambs in Your flock. Please forgive me for the times I forget Your Word or wander from You. Thank you for being patient and merciful to me. Train me in Your ways and give me work to do so that I can help keep your lambs safe from the next group of wolves that will come.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord, keep us steadfast in Your Word; Curb those who by deceit or sword would wrest the kingdom from your Son and bring to naught all He has done. (LSB 655:2)- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

May 11, 2025Today's Reading: John 10:22-30Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 8:1-13, 30-36; Luke 9:1-17“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.” (John 10:27-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus speaks to His little lamb: I am your Good Shepherd. You can trust me. I speak to you in My Word, and you hear My voice— as you read the Bible, learn your Catechism, hear each sermon, sing the liturgy, and receive Absolution in Confession. I speak to you every time you remember My promise to you in Baptism and as you eat and drink Me in the Supper.Hear me in My Word; do not listen for me in other places. My words have power. They deliver the Gifts I speak to you.In My Word, I call you to repentance and forgive your sins. I give you the life I won for you through my death and resurrection— and that life lasts forever.Little Lamb, you are precious to Me. I have rescued you from sin and death and Hell, and I will not let you go. I am your Good Shepherd. My Father sent Me to save you, and He holds you safe in His Hand.Jesus' little lamb responds to Him: Good Shepherd, I need you always. I have no strength of my own. I would be lost if I had to find my own way. The enemies who hated you hate me, too, and they try to destroy me. But You defeated them and are always protecting me from them.Thank you for speaking to me as you promised and for opening my ears to hear. At times, I forget Your Word or get distracted by other voices. Forgive me for the times I wander.The way home to heaven is long and winds through this broken world. Thank You for staying with me as You promised. Teach me Your Word so that I might encourage other little lambs as we walk along together. Lord, have mercy on me always. Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I am Jesus' little lamb, Ever glad at heart I am; For my Shepherd gently guides me, Knows my need and well provides me, loves me every day the same, even calls me by my name. (LSB 740:1)- Rev. Jeffrey Horn, pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

The sermon for the 5th Sunday of Lent at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH

This sermon is based on Philippians 3:17-21. It talks about Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, Ohio's mission statement: Gathering People to Christ, Building belivers in Christ, Serving the World as Christ. As Christians we prioritize all three of those activities, even if those outside of the church might only prioritize service. Sometimes Christians behave as "enemies of the cross" when we ignore the full work of the gospel in the world. If we find that we've behaved this way, we are blessed to return to the gospel and remember that the kingdom has come to us and our sins are forgiven in Jesus' death and resurrection, too.

Sermon For Christmas Day 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa 

Sermon For Christmas Eve 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon For Sunday December 22, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa 

The sermon for Advent 4 on the Virgin Mary meeting Elizabeth in Luke 1. Pastor Tritten serves at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH. www.gloriadeihudson.org

Sermon For Sunday December 1, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon For Sunday November 24, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sunday November 17, 2024Pastor Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sunday November 10, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon For Sunday November 3, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa 

Sermon For Sunday October 27, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran Church123 East Market StreetIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sunday October 20, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon For Sunday October 13, 2024Pastor Dan KuckuckGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sunday October 6, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sunday September 29, 2024Pastor Roberta Pierce(Sermon Text written by Bishop Amy Current)Gloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon for Sept 22, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Sermon For Sunday September 15, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa 

Sermon For Sunday Sept 1, 2024Pastor Roberta PierceGloria Dei Lutheran ChurchIowa City, Iowa

Martin Luther King Jr. spoke during three known visits to Minnesota. King touched on topics ranging from colonialism to the war in Vietnam. The first of King's speeches in the state happened more than 70 years ago, but the messages still resonate in the places he visited.A sermon to pastors in St. Paul Martin Luther King Jr. first came to Minnesota on Jan. 22, 1951, at the request of Clifford Ansgar Nelson, who was serving as head pastor of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in St. Paul.  The current pastor, Bradley Schmeling, says he imagines it was a tight fit when 1,400 people came to see the civil rights activist.“We have a picture of his presence here that hangs right outside of our sanctuary,” Schmeling said. “Knowing our sanctuary, I can't imagine how that many people crammed into that room to hear him speak at the time.” The impact of King's 1951 sermon, delivered to a crowd attending the Minnesota Pastors Conference, still resonates.“Lutheranism is the whitest denomination in the country,” Schmeling said. “White supremacy still shaped so much of our experience here in Minnesota.” While the congregation is still majority white, Schmeling says King's legacy has informed the Church's work in social justice, especially when it comes to reconciliation work with Native communities. “If the church isn't working on this, speaking about it, it's hard to say that we would be preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.”A full schedule in Mankato King's next visit to Minnesota was on Nov. 12, 1961, when he delivered multiple speeches in Mankato.King delivered two sermons at Centenary United Methodist Church, as well as a speech at Mankato West High, focusing on the need to end the notion of superior or inferior races, calling out those using the Christian Bible as justification.“It's a strange thing how men often believe things that are evil in context,” King said, according to a transcript from his speech at Mankato West High School. “They go to find some religious and biblical justification for it. And so, they lift things out of context and try to argue or to justify a particular belief that they have.”MNSU Mankato professor Jameel Haque was involved in a documentary about King's 1961 visit.  “A delegation of pastors from Mankato were at a national conference where they met Martin Luther King Jr,” Haque explained. “They were very impressed by him, and they really wanted somebody to come to Mankato to bring a different kind of message.” Haque added King's speech in Mankato came at a time when the Civil Rights Movement was picking up steam.  “Having this legacy here in town,” Haque said. “It's a big deal.” A lovely April day in St. Paul The last known time King visited Minnesota was in 1967. The civil rights leader spoke at the University of Minnesota about his opposition to the Vietnam War. It was a year before he was assassinated.“As he moved further through the movement, he really did become more radical,” said G. Phillip Shoultz III, who is the Associate Artistic Director of “Vocal Essence” choral group. “Maybe radical is not even the right word — more pointed and direct in expressing opposition to things that he thought were fundamentally wrong.”Shoultz has curated the University of Minnesota's Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration program for six years, and the university's celebration of the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.Shoultz says he takes this time of year to revisit the teachings of King, which he believes are especially important today. Shoultz points to King's theological belief of the “Beloved Community”.It is a “world where I can see you and you can see me and we don't have to agree on all issues, but I can hear you, you can hear me,” Shoultz said. “But at the heart, we both want what's best for each other.” Shoultz wonders what role King might have played in current national conversations and in moments of divisiveness.“I think he would find a way to bridge that gap with his words,” Shoultz said. “Inviting everyone to come in and listen and to consider how we are all complicit in some of the problems that we face.”

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's mission statement is, “Gathering people to Christ. Building believers in Christ. Serving the world as Christ.” In this video, Pastor Tritten talks about what it means to serve the world as Christ.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's mission statement is, “Gathering people to Christ. Building believers in Christ. Serving the world as Christ.” In this video Pastor Tritten talks about What it means to build believers in Christ.

Gloria Dei Lutheran Church's mission statement is, “Gathering people to Christ. Building believers in Christ. Serving the world as Christ.” In this video Pastor Tritten talks about What it means to gather people to Christ.

This week on Chamber Champions Podcast hear from Shari Sweeney, Vice President of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.    In this week's episode Shari tells the listeners all about the 35th Annual Buy Into Bay Area Business & Wellness EXPO on Thursday May 11th inside Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Nassau Bay. This is a free event from 11AM-5PM where guests can connect with over 50 area businesses. If you are a business, come build your network. If you are a consumer, come see what goods and services are offered in our community. If you are looking for a new career, bring your resume, the exhibitors will be ready to meet you. Robinette & Company Caterers will be selling lunch from their booth until 2PM. Let's Buy Into Bay Area and think local! If you want more information or have any questions, go to www.clearlakearea.com.

Today's Reading:  Luke 2:22-32Daily Lectionary: Zech. 14:1-21, Titus 2:7-3:15“Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word… (Luke 2:29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Yesterday the Church celebrated the Presentation of Jesus (Luke 2:22-32). We heard about Simeon who  came to  the temple  to see Jesus. The Holy Spirit had promised Simeon he would see the Messiah before he died, and Simeon had waited a long time for this day. He held baby Jesus in his arms and praised God. Simeon sang “Lord, now are letting your servant depart in peace, your word has been fulfilled.” That should sound familiar. We regularly sing Simeon's words in the Nunc Dimittis (Latin for “Now let your servant leave”) after Holy Communion.We see the Holy Trinity working in this reading. All Christians confess faith in the Holy Trinity. There is only one God, but there are three distinct persons in God - the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Each is God, but they are not separate gods. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit are one God (The Athanasian Creed (LSB p. 319) and the Small Catechism section on the Apostle's Creed are good places to learn more about the Trinity.)At Jesus' Presentation, the Holy Spirit sent Simeon to see the Messiah. The Son, Jesus, is present in the flesh. And the Father lovingly sent His Son to do this gracious work. Simeon is led by the Holy Spirit to take up the Son in his arms and speak praise to the Father for what Christ will do to save.When we go to Holy Communion, we know that the Holy Trinity is active. The Spirit draws us to faith through the Word and Sacraments. He gives us faith that Jesus died and rose to forgive our sins. The Son, Jesus, is truly present in the Supper. We partake of His body and blood under the bread and wine, and He gives us forgiveness, life, and salvation.  We thank and praise the Father for sending His Son to us, and together we pray to Him in the Lord's Prayer.At the Supper, you're blessed in a similar way as Simeon was. You don't see Christ with your eyes or lift Him in your arms, but you truly have Him. The Holy Spirit gives you faith, Jesus gives you Himself, and the Father gives you His Son.  So let us sing praise to God with the beautiful words Simeon spoke and remember the work of our triune God to save us. Amen. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and everlasting God, I thank and praise You for feeding me the life-giving body and blood of Your beloved son, Jesus Christ. Send Your Holy Spirit that, having with my mouth received the holy Sacrament, I may by faith obtain and eternally enjoy Your divine grace, the forgiveness of sins, unity with Christ and life eternal; through Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Purification of Mary and Presentation of Our LordLuke 2:22-32Daily Lectionary: Zech. 12:1-13:9, Titus 1:1-2:6…as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord” (Luke 2:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. On this day, 40 days after Christmas, Mary and Joseph took baby Jesus from Bethlehem to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him before the LORD. There is a beautiful meaning behind this day. We can understand it better when we think of 5 sons.The First son is Israel. Israel had been cruelly enslaved by the Egyptians. They cried to God for help and God sent Moses to deliver them. God's message to Pharaoh was that Israel was God's son, so Egypt should let Israel go. If not, Egypt would lose their firstborn son. (Exodus 4:22,23)The Second son is the firstborn of Egypt. God sent 10 plagues against Egypt to convince them to let Israel go. The 10th plague happened in conjunction with the Passover (Exodus 13). On that night, God provided the blood of the Passover lamb so that death passed over the children of Israel. Where there was no blood on the doorposts, the angel of death took the firstborn son of the household. After this, Egypt let Israel go. Israel rejoiced to be free, but the grief in Egypt was unmeasurable.The Third son is all the firstborn sons of Israel. Because God delivered Israel from Egypt at the cost of the death of the firstborn sons of Egypt, now all firstborn sons among the Israelites belonged to God. They would not be sacrificed but would be redeemed by an offering. Each firstborn son was a living reminder that one day God would send the Messiah to deliver the world from sin.The Fourth Son is Jesus. Jesus is the only begotten Son of God from eternity. He is also the firstborn son of Mary, the son who opened her womb. As the firstborn, He was consecrated to the LORD. (Gal 4:4-5).  God would redeem the world from slavery to sin, death, and hell. He gave His own Son to die on the cross as the sacrifice that gives peace. What incredible love that He would do that for us!The Fifth son is all the baptized. You are washed in the blood of Christ in Baptism and God adopts you as His child in Christ (1 John 3:1).  The victory Jesus won is given to you by grace through faith. You live in this world as one who is set free, as one who is walking with Jesus to the Promised Land of heaven. All the baptized are set apart to belong to God by the grace of Jesus the Holy Son of God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, as Your only begotten Son was this day presented in the temple in the substance of our flesh, grant that we may be presented to You with pure and clean hearts; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism - To Workers of All KindsDaily Lectionary: Zech. 11:4-17, 2 Timothy 4:1-18Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ… (Ephesians 6:5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the season of Epiphany, we celebrate that the light of Christ shines forth into darkness. God uses our work, including our jobs, to let that light shine forth and bless others. Do you have a job? Then Ephesians 6 speaks to you. Paul tells us that when we are at work, we don't just work to please our earthly boss, but we are working for Jesus Himself.In Ephesians 6, Paul is speaking to people who were bondservants. They couldn't quit or leave their jobs until they fulfilled the terms of the bond. Paul was comforting them with the promise that Jesus was with them. Even in their bonds, they were free in Christ because of the salvation won for them on the cross. When they did their work, Christ went with them. They could work for Him, not just for their master on earth.  If God could be with bondservants in their work even though they had no freedom, how much more can he be with you in your work when you are blessed with more rights today!Serving God isn't limited to churchwork. Every job contributes something good for your neighbor, and you can do it with a sincere desire to serve Jesus. He's right there with you, sustaining you and blessing you. (There are some jobs that are sinful. They harm your neighbor and require breaking the 10 Commandments. A Christian should avoid these jobs. If a person who has a job like this converts and comes to Christ, they should figure out how to change jobs.)When you work for Christ, you're reminded that your daily bread comes from God, not just a paycheck—so you have more peace about how you'll survive hard times. Working for Christ, and not just an earthly boss or company, also adds dignity to any job you have.  Even jobs that seem unimportant have meaning when you frame it with “How does my work serve my neighbor?” These blessings help you find joy in your work as you go through life, which is no small thing.Students should be dedicated to their studies as if learning from Christ. What you learn can help you serve your neighbor, now and in the future.  Pray for wisdom to work well, for protection from danger, and for strength to grow in your abilities. If you want to learn more about this, read the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism. Luther has a lot to say on this topic in just a couple of pages. Jesus loves you. He is with you each day as your Savior and Shepherd—as you rest and as you work. Thanks be to God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, grant Your mercy and grace to Your people in their many and various callings. Give them patience, and strengthen them in their Christian vocation of witness to the world and of service to their neighbor in Christ's name; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31Daily Lectionary: Zech. 10:1-11:3, 2 Timothy 3:1-17For Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.   (1 Corinthians 1:22-24)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In the season of Epiphany, we celebrate that the light of Christ shines forth into darkness. His light shines through the preaching of Christ crucified.To preach Christ crucified, the pastor proclaims the Law; the Law shows us that we have sinned and deserve death and damnation. But the pastor doesn't leave us there. He proclaims the Gospel of Christ—that Jesus's death on the cross washes away our sin so we are free from death and damnation. Christ sacrificed himself for us. Finally, the pastor proclaims Christ's resurrection—Jesus rose from the dead to show that He paid for all sins, that death has no power over Him, and all who believe in Him will rise again and have eternal life. There is no other to salvation other than the cross of Christ. Christ alone can save. He saves us by grace through faith alone.This is such a beautiful message, who could possibly find fault with it? Sadly, many reject it. Some hate it vehemently. (Lord, have mercy and draw them all to You!)St. Paul tells us that some reject the gospel because they want sure proof of these mighty claims. They demand that God perform powerful acts to remove their doubt that Christ is the way to salvation. Others insist that God convince them into salvation with eloquent reason and human philosophy. They demand a salvation that the wisdom of man can discover, understand, and deserve. When Christ crucified is preached, there are none of these false proofs. Jesus is known to be the Christ because He fulfilled the ancient prophecies, died on the cross in perfect obedience to the Father, and rose from the dead as no one else ever has. We know Christ through the testimony of the apostles and prophets in the Holy Scriptures. No human wisdom can save anyone. We bring nothing to God but our sin and death. Jesus alone saves. He saves the infant and the infirmed in the same way as He saves eminent doctors and philosophers – by grace through faith.  This faith is worked by the Holy Spirit through the Word and Sacraments, so we cannot even claim that as our work. God saves us. He alone does it. And He does it through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Thanks be to God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lamb of God, pure and holy, Who on the cross didst suffer,Ever patient and lowly, Thyself to scorn didst offer.All sins Thou borest for us, else had despair reigned over us:Have mercy on us, O Jesus! O Jesus!(LSB 434 vs 1)-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Micah 6:1-8Daily Lectionary: Zech. 9:1-17, 2 Timothy 2:1-26“Hear what the LORD says: … “O my people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Answer me!”  (Micah 1a, 3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In Epiphany, we celebrate that the light of Christ shines forth into the world, proclaiming the truth of His word —that people are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. We celebrate that God has raised up people to serve in His church through the ages, from prophets and apostles, to pastors, teachers, parents, and every vocation.God chose Micah to call Israel to repentance—to speak the truth in power to Israel (3:8). The princes in the government took bribes and oppressed the people with their injustice. The priests refused to perform sacrifices unless they were paid, and they practiced divination for money. The false-prophets proclaimed that the LORD would never bring trouble upon Israel in spite of their sins (See Micah 3:9-12).Micah called Israel to repent (6:8) and to come to God for the forgiveness they desperately needed (7:18-20). But most importantly, Micah prophesied that one day the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem and would rule faithfully over the people.We learn from Micah how important it is for everyone to repent—in every station and vocation in life. We all need to remember that God loves justice, kindness, and humility. His Law defines righteousness and makes it clear how we are to live. Repentance teaches us to take God's Law seriously. The Law shows how we are to live in love with all people. Repentance takes God's command seriously that we are to love God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-40). But when we hear the Law, we learn that we have sinned against God and deserve punishment. So we run to Jesus for the forgiveness He won for us on the cross. He bestows his grace upon us in our Baptism, in the Supper, and in His Holy Word (That's why we call them the Means of Grace). We are saved by His grace through faith. And having been forgiven, we strive to walk in love. The love we show does not earn forgiveness from God. We are forgiven freely by grace. But having been forgiven each day we strive for the justice, kindness and humility which God desires and our neighbor needs.False messages about God permeated Israel in Micah's day. False messages about God bombard us in our day, too. Micah preached the truth to the people so they would be saved. We thank God that His truth is still available to us. He has never abandoned His Church. So let us gather faithfully around the right preaching of the Gospel and serve one another in Christ.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“My faithful God, You fail me never; Your promise surely will endure. O cast me not away forever if words and deeds become impure. Have mercy when I come defiled; Forgive, lift up, restore Your child.” (LSB 590 vs 3 Baptized into Your Name Most Holy)-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Matthew 5:1-12Daily Lectionary: Zech. 8:1-23, 2 Timothy 1:1-18“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. During Epiphany we celebrate that the light of Christ shines forth to people in need of His grace and mercy. In our reading today, crowds of people were following Jesus to hear Him speak, so He led them to a mountainside and began to teach them. He starts by listing who is “blessed” in God's eyes: The poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and the persecuted.Those who have been wronged, who are grieving, and those who work for peace and righteousness often don't feel blessed. But God sees them, and He pulls them near. He blesses them and shines the light of the Gospel upon their hearts. He did on that mountainside 2000 years ago—and He blesses you today, as well.Jesus blesses those who are in desperate need. The gifts He gives cannot be earned by any kind of good works. We're not worthy of receiving them—they are too great. Our Savior offers forgiveness for sins, eternal life, the blessings of salvation in this world and in heaven. Only the Holy Spirit can cause you to know how profound your poverty is before God, and only the Spirit can bring you to know and believe that the blessings of Christ are truly yours. The Spirit brings you into those blessings in your Baptism. The Spirit comforts you in those blessings through the Word. The Spirit strengthens you in those blessings in the Lord's Supper. Through these gifts you find the blessings of Christ to help you through the hardships of this world.So, when you go through life and mourn, face troubles that need peace, hunger for God's righteousness in these dark times, or must bear with meekness the vanity of the world—you face all these things in Christ. Even when you are persecuted for your faith in Him, He is with you and blesses you. He endured all these things for you on the cross.  When you suffer, He knows how to comfort you with blessings rich and free. He gives you those blessings He proclaimed from the mountain, the blessings He won for you on the cross. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You know we live in the midst of so many dangers that in our frailty we cannot stand upright. Grant strength and protection to support us in all dangers and carry us through temptations; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Introit for Epiphany 4, Ps. 22:27-31; antiphon: Ps. 22:22Daily Lectionary:Zech. 6:1-7:14, Romans 16:17-27I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you… (Psalm 22:22)Today, our reading is the last section of Psalm 22. It speaks of the power and glory of Christ Jesus. We glorify Him who conquered sin and death by His crucifixion and resurrection. We rejoice that the light of His Gospel shines forth to all nations and will continue to be proclaimed from generation to generation until He returns in glory. Amen.The main part of this psalm has a very different feel however. It describes His crucifixion in graphic ways. It's a vivid description of how Jesus suffered when He was nailed to the cross.  It's such an important prophecy of the crucifixion that Jesus Himself quoted the beginning of the psalm while He was on the cross: “And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)Read the rest of Psalm 22. Behold Christ on the cross. Think for a moment about what he endured. Realize that He suffered this for your sake. He died like this to bear your punishment. He shed His blood to wash you from your sins. The agony He endured was great, but He obeyed His Father and suffered it for you to save you from sin, death, and hell. He did this to rescue you because He loves you with an everlasting love.Toward the end of the psalm the message shifts from describing the crucifixion to celebrating the resurrection. Verse 24 says, “For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.” The Father raised Jesus from the dead. Christ did not stay in the tomb but rose again in glory! Alleluia, Christ is risen!The Gospel of salvation —that Jesus died and rose to save people by grace —has been preached from generation to generation until it came to us today. In Baptism you were joined to the death and resurrection of Christ (Romans 6). This is such a wonderful thing that we cannot keep it inside! We praise God for rescuing us. And we join with our family at church, and with believers around the world speak of the glory of Jesus who triumphed to save us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Jesus, light of all below, the fount of life and fire,surpassing all the joys we know, all that we can desire:May every heart confess Your name, forever You adore,and, seeking You, itself inflame to seek You more and more! (LSB 554 vs. 3,4)-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Luther's Small Catechism - Table of Duties: To Children  Daily Lectionary: Zech. 4:1-5:11, Romans 15:14-33Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:1-3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Today we hear from the Table of Duties in the Small Catechism about what God expects of children. St. Paul quotes the 4th Commandment teaching children that they should honor their parents. (BTW, one of the best places to read about what the 4th Commandment means for children and parents is in Luther's Large Catechism.  It's only a few pages long, and if you have parents or children, it will help you.)God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross and rise again to be the propitiation for the sins of the world. He is the sacrifice that pays for our sins, so that by grace through faith in Christ, we are forgiven and declared just. From the moment people fell into sin, through to when Christ died and rose, and onward to the end of the world —God wants people to hear the Gospel and be saved. The 4th commandment is so important because in each generation, God has given parents the responsibility to bring their children to Christ and to teach His word to them (Deuteronomy 6:4-7).Parents start by bringing their children to church to be baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Parents then are to bring their children to church to hear the Word, learn about Christ and His work, sing His praises in the liturgy and hymns, and partake of Holy Communion when they are ready.Since God has given this role to parents, He also commands children to honor their parents. When children honor their parents, they are ready to receive the good teaching and wisdom that God wants parents to give them. So, children are to respect their parents, speak well to them, help them, learn from them, and regard them as those whom God Himself has sent to bless them.Many children struggle to give the honor which parents deserve. Many parents struggle to raise their children to walk with God. But when parents and children repent of their sins, are forgiven in Christ, and walk with Him as He intends, the blessings that follow are rich. They are blessings that last all through life in this world and in Heaven. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, heavenly Father, You have blessed us with the joy and care of children. Give us calm strength and patient wisdom that, as they grow in years, we may teach them to love whatever is just and true and good, following the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-9Daily Lectionary: Zech. 2:1-3:10, Romans 15:1-13Go your way; behold, I am sending you out as lambs in the midst of wolves. (Luke 10:3)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Through these last three days, the Church gives thanks to God for the preaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We've already praised God for the work He did through St. Timothy. We praised God for bringing St. Paul to faith and sending him out as an apostle. Today we praise God for the work He accomplished through St. Titus, Pastor and Confessor.Titus was a friend and co-worker with St. Paul, traveling with him on his third missionary journey. Paul had Titus remain on the island of Crete to serve as pastor. He was tasked with establishing good order in the congregations and to identify and train other men who could be faithful pastors. Paul wrote a letter to Titus, describing  what qualifications and duties pastors should possess. This letter still instructs the church to this day.Serving in Crete was not easy for Titus. Some people were teaching false things about Christ and how we are saved. Paul encouraged Titus to teach the truth of the Word against these adversaries. The new pastors who were being trained also had to be equipped to stand against these false teachings.  Pastors still need to protect the church against false teaching today. Satan and the world always bring new lies against the Gospel to try to deceive people away from Christ.  Jesus and the Apostles specifically warned the church that these attacks would keep coming (see Luke 10:3 and Acts 20:28-31). So pastors not only proclaim the Gospel in love. They also need to recognize false teaching and counter it with the truth to protect Jesus' sheep in their care.  Always pray that God would raise up faithful pastors and equip them for the work. We thank God for our faithful seminaries at Ft. Wayne and St. Louis and all the programs that prepare the next generation of pastors to serve.But God also calls each believer to learn the Word so they can be mature in faith, strong in love, and avoid false teaching. You grow in the Word by attending worship and Bible Study, reading your Bible, and faithfully studying Luther's Small Catechism. The Catechism contains simple explanations of the key teachings of Scripture. If you know it well, you will be well protected against those who lie about Christ.As we thank God for St Titus, we also thank God for all who train new generations of pastors. May God equip them for faithful service to the Church. We also praise God for all faithful Christians serving in all the vocations that God has given them. May we all be mature in Christ, faithful to the Word, and ready to serve in love. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You called Titus to the work of pastor and teacher. Make all shepherds of Your flock diligent in preaching Your holy Word so that the whole world may know the immeasurable riches of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Acts 9:1-22Daily Lectionary: Zech. 1:1-21, Romans 14:1-23Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him.  And falling to the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?”  (Acts 9:3,4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. During Epiphany we celebrate that the light of Christ shines to people who are in darkness. Saul was immersed in that darkness. Blind to the truth, Saul “ravaged the church, entering house after house and dragging off men and women and putting them in prison (Acts 8:3).” Looking back at his behavior at this time, Paul told Timothy that he was “the chief of sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15). But Jesus Christ is the Light of the world, the light no darkness can overcome.  He could've struck Saul down to stop him —yet instead  Jesus confronted Saul on the road to Damascus so that He could bring Saul into His light. He condemned Saul's actions with the simple words “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” Saul realized he'd been fighting against God's Messiah. Christ's light had literally struck him blind.Saul deserved punishment and damnation. But Jesus came to save sinners, including Saul. Jesus had died on the cross to take the punishment Saul had earned. When Saul regained his sight after 3 days, Ananias baptized him into Jesus. Instead of darkness, he now knew the light of the truth that Jesus is the Christ —he knew God forgave him of his crimes, and he had eternal life in Christ.Such grace could not be held in silence. Saul went forth as Paul and preached Christ Jesus to Jews and Gentiles. He journeyed tirelessly to bring the light of Christ to those in darkness. He was a shining example of the grace of God: If God could save even him, the chief of sinners, God could save anyone -- no matter what they had done. Christ comes to you, just as he came to Saul. He calls you to repent, He washes away your sins in Holy Baptism, and He gives you eternal life completely by His grace. He stays with you throughout this life until He takes you home to heaven. May the peace of Christ that comforted Paul also be with you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, You turned the heart of him who persecuted the Church and by his preaching caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world. Grant us ever to rejoice in the saving light of Your Gospel and, following in the example of the apostle Paul, to spread it to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Matthew 24:42-47Daily Lectionary: Joel 3:1-21, Romans 12:14-13:14“Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has set over his household, to give them their food at the proper time?   Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” (Matthew 24:45,46)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. After Jesus rose from the dead, the apostles went out into the world — faithfully preaching, teaching, baptizing, and witnessing to His resurrection. But because they would not be here on earth forever, they wrote down their witness about Christ, which we have in the New Testament. They also took up the work of training pastors so they could continue to preach Christ, baptize, and teach the Scriptures to those in their care.It's likely that all the apostles participated in training up pastors in whatever places Christ sent them, but they didn't write about how they did it – except for St. Paul. His letters to Timothy and Titus are known as the Pastoral Epistles because he writes to them about how they should serve as pastors and how they should train up new pastors. These letters continue to shape how new pastors are trained to this day.On January 24, 25, and 26 the Church celebrates how Christ established and sustains the office of the Holy Ministry by remembering St Timothy, St Paul and then St Titus. The day for St Paul stands between those of the two early pastors to remind us how Paul faithfully trained them to serve.  These three days remind us that it is dear to Jesus Himself that new generations of pastors and servants in the Church are trained to bring the Gospel and Sacraments to all nations until the Last Day.Jesus calls you to help with this work too: Consider whether you have the gifts to train to serve as a pastor, teacher, or deaconess. Encourage your friends or family members who might have these gifts to pray about faithfully serving. Support the work of our Concordia universities and seminaries with your prayers and offerings. Share encouragement and pray for those who are already serving as pastors, teachers, deaconesses, and lay leaders in your congregation.We give thanks to God that He sent Timothy to serve as a faithful pastor and confessor of Christ and that He has continued to provide shepherds to serve His flock through the ages. Pray God to raise up more men to serve as pastors and for dedicated men and women to serve as teachers and deaconesses and lay leaders in the Church, here and around the world. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“God of the prophets, bless the prophets' sons; Elijah's mantle o'er Elisha cast. Each age its solemn task may claim but once; Make each one nobler, stronger than the last.” (LSB 682 vs 1)-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Today's Reading: Isaiah 9:1-4Daily Lectionary:Joel 2:18-32, Romans 11:25-12:13The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,on them has light shone. (Isaiah 9:2b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When Isaiah wrote this, the Northern Kingdom of Israel had been invaded. God punished Israel for their sin and rebellion against Him by raising up the mighty armies of Assyria against them. The Assyrians were extremely cruel and violent — so much so that God later punished them for their cruelty.The first attacks took place in the lands of the tribes of Zebulun and Naphtali. The suffering these people endured was legendary — when Isaiah mentioned these territories, everyone remembered and shuddered.Isaiah speaks a prophecy of hope to the people of these burned and shattered communities. These regions which had endured such darkness and desolation would be a place where the greatest light that has ever shined would beam forth -- God would send the Messiah, Jesus, who is the Light of the world. (You can read about this in Matthew 4:12-25, the reading for yesterday's devotion.)Jesus lived and ministered in Galilee, in Naphtali. He journeyed around this region preaching, teaching, healing, and calling people to repent and find forgiveness of sins in Him. People who had been lost in the darkness of sin and death saw the light of eternal salvation when they heard Jesus and believed in Him.The darkness the people had suffered under the Assyrians was terrible. But the light that they were comforted with by Jesus was so pure and true that it still shines today and will shine forever. The light of Christ shines for you.Jesus did not just come to save the people of Israel. He lived to show all people in every place and time the love and mercy of God. He died on the cross to pay for the sins of the whole world. He rose from the dead to give eternal life to all who believe in Him.Jesus brings light that shines forever. He brings light that shines into all darkness, even the darkness which you endure in your life. Fear not the darkness of sin, death, and suffering. Jesus has brought you light, forgiveness and peace.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant us a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.-Pastor Jeffrey Horn is Pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Escondido, CA,Audio Reflections Speaker: Patrick Sturdivant, Development and Marketing Executive at Higher Things.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

July 24's Bible Class at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH.

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What is charity? Pastor Eric Tritten, from Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH, talks about charity in light of 1 Corinthians 13 and urges us to think broadly about how we might display Devotion to the teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves.

Performed by the choir of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Hudson, OH Text: Ernst Christoph Homburg, 1605–81; (sts. 1–2, 5, 7): tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1827–78, alt.; (sts. 3–4, 6): tr. Evangelical Lutheran Hymn-Book, 1912, St. Louis; Tune: Das grosse Cantional, 1687, Darmstadt; Text and tune: Public domain

In this episode I chat with Jason Phelps, Discipleship Director at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Houston, TX, about how we, as average disciples, can really reach out and love those we work with, and spend the most time around. He provides some great insight into how we build relationships with people that don't make it awkward to talk life and faith. You can also find more of Jason's stuff on his website, https://jasonphelps.com, or by going to www.gdlc.org. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/brian-weaver9/support