Podcasts about Higher Things

September 11, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: Daily Prayers: Morning & Evening PrayerDaily 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 extra piety points for praying them, but they offer a simple and clear message about who you are (God's child through Baptism), where you land in the grand scheme of the cosmos (redeemed sinner, whose sins were paid for by Christ Jesus' death and resurrection), and give a good opening and closing line to your day (beginning and ending with asking for deliverance from evil and forgiveness of sins). It's all familiar enough language to us, but it is the endings of these two prayers I want to focus on.Both prayers end with the same two sentences, and if you can't learn the whole of the two prayers, I encourage you to memorize this. “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.” These two lines hold great weight. We often think of short little prayers like these as simple prayers for little kids, but pay attention to the words. Commending means to entrust someone with something, knowing they will care for it appropriately. We commend ourselves and everything (not just the things that affect us directly, but everything) to God. And then we ask that the evil foe may have no power over us. To tackle this, I have another “little kid prayer” to talk about. “Now I Lay Me Down,” a common kid's prayer, ends with, “If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.” At first, the two lines seem at odds. One prays that the evil foe may have no power over us. The other, apparently admitting defeat, at least asks that God take our souls to heaven when death does catch up to us. Luther's ending lines are a profession that even in death, the evil foe has no power over you. Because rather than die eternally, you have been given life forever in Christ. Even when the evening of our life comes, we know we will wake on a new and brighter morning. So we pray these prayers (daily), knowing that we belong to God, Who has conquered the evil foe. You are commended to God, go forth in joy, knowing your sins are forgiven and you will not die eternally.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Guard us waking, guard us sleeping, and when we die, may we in Your mighty keeping all peaceful lie. When the last dread call shall wake us, then O Lord, do not forsake us, but to reign in glory take us with You on high. (LSB 877:3)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 10, 2025Today's Reading: Philippians 2:12-30Daily 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 grace and not by good works. And that's correct; I'm not about to undo 500+ years of good Lutheran teaching. However, we can't just throw good works out entirely, and St. Paul's writing to the Philippians says as much. He charges the church to continue obeying God's will and Paul's teaching. He explains that God works through them to accomplish good works according to His will. Paul wants the Philippians to live out their Christian lives faithfully, which means being obedient to the Lord. In saying, “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling,” Paul does not mean for the people to work hard enough with enough reverence to earn salvation. For one thing, that opposes what he teaches and what Christ teaches, and for another thing, it's impossible for us to accomplish, hence the need for Jesus in the first place. To work out your own salvation really means to work outwardly from your salvation towards others. It is a command to do good works, not because that is how you earn salvation, but because it is by those works that God's will is done among us. And as baptized children of God, having been made new, from the inside out, we are now to live as Christians. Paul is not giving the Philippians a mandate to earn their salvation. He is encouraging them and reminding them of what Christians do: good works for the sake of others. God worked the ultimate good through the sacrifice of Christ Jesus on the cross, by Whose death and resurrection we are made right with God Almighty, and the benefits thereof are given freely to you in the waters of Baptism, the Body and Blood of Communion, and the words of Absolution. Your good works do not and cannot gain you salvation. Salvation is the free Gift of God. Rather, the good works you do flow outwardly from the salvation you have been given. So go forth, good and faithful servant, knowing that God has prepared work for you so that you might bless others because of the love of Christ Jesus.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Spirit, who didst once restore thy Church that it might be again the bringer of good news to men, breathe on thy cloven church once more, that in these grey and latter days there may be those whose life is praise, each life a high doxology to Father, Son, and unto Thee. (LSB 834:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 9, 2025Today's Reading: Philemon 1-21Daily 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 slave, runs away from his master, Philemon, to Paul. Paul, after catechizing Onesimus, decides to send him back to Philemon. Paul also sends Onesimus with a note, asking Philemon to receive Onesimus back, not as a slave but as a brother in Christ. Paul's request of Philemon is not a small one. As a slave, Onesimus had no rights, no legal recourse, and could've been killed for running away from his master. Paul is asking for Onesimus' life to be spared and that Philemon treat him as an equal—as brothers, coheirs, in Christ. This was likely difficult for Philemon. Onesimus had wronged him, run away from him, broken both the legal Roman laws and the Law of God (honor authority and whatnot). Instead, Paul charges Philemon to forgive him and treat him as he would treat Paul. Paul is saying, “Do not look upon Onesimus according to the world but according to Christ Jesus.” These words are also a charge and conviction to us. How many of us would like to treat those who sin against us according to the law? How many times has a sister gotten back at her brother for breaking her toys, or a brother taken revenge on his sister for stealing his money? The same can be asked of full-grown adults, who “know better.” It is easy to get revenge. It is harder to forgive. Paul is asking Philemon to do the harder thing for the sake of Christ. It is because of Christ that Philemon can look in love upon his former slave and forgive him. It is because of Christ that Paul can sit in prison and yet remain faithful. It is because of Christ that you and I can look upon others as someone for whom Christ died. Not only that, God looks upon us as someone redeemed by the blood of His only Son. When God looked upon Onesimus and Philemon, He saw His Jesus. When God looks upon you, He sees Jesus. When we look at one another, we ought to see Jesus. Paul's charge is to forgive as we have been forgiven. Go forth, forgiven child of God, knowing that where there were once enemies, there are now brothers and sisters in Christ.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus sinners doth received; also I have been forgiven; and when I earth must leave, I shall find an open heaven. Dying still to him I cleave; Jesus sinners doth receive. (LSB 609:7)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

The LORD sounds His trumpet to proclaim His coming Day. His judgment on that Day is described with imagery of darkness, fire, locusts, chariots, and warriors, all reminiscent of the plagues against Egypt before the exodus. Those who have set themselves against the LORD will have no escape, for He is the One bringing His army. The only one who can endure the Day is the one who takes refuge in the LORD. Jesus has endured the wrath of God on the Day of the LORD in our place, so for us, the Day of the LORD at the end brings salvation and resurrection.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Joel 2:1-11.  To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.org. “Majoring in the Minors” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the books of Hosea, Joel, Jonah, Micah, and Nahum. Although the books of these prophets are shorter, the Word of God they preached was important in the years leading up to the coming of the Christ, and that Word remains important for the Church today. Just as we still need to listen to their call to repentance over our idolatry, so we still need to heed their call to trust in the Savior, Jesus.  Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

September 8, 2025 Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 30:15-20Daily 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 the Jordan River into that land. God keeps His promises. God promised Israel He would be their God and they would be His people. And because of that promise, they are given this hard word to remind them they are set apart from other peoples with other gods. The Lord has made them His own. The Lord took on Himself the burden of keeping the covenant in the stead of Abraham because He knew Abraham couldn't, and neither would his descendants. And in spite of the Israelites, the covenant remained because it was contingent on the Lord, not the actions of sinful man. God keeps His promises. God kept the greater promise of a savior. God made Abraham the father of many nations by sending Jesus Christ to save sinners. Jesus kept the law of God and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice to cover the sins of the people. Even while we were still sinners, wandering after other gods, Christ died for us. Now, having been washed in the waters of Baptism, we are made God's holy people, and because His words have claimed us as His own, the forgiveness of sins and eternal life are yours. He promises where the Word is, there He is also, in, with, and under the bread and wine of His Holy Supper. God promises to be your life and length of days, that you may dwell in His presence eternally, not on the condition that you keep His command, but because Christ Jesus has clothed you in righteousness. God keeps His promises to you and for you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The God of Abraham praise, Whose all sufficient grace shall guide me all my pilgrim days in all my ways. He deigns to call me friend; He calls Himself my God. And He shall save me to the end through Jesus' blood. (LSB 798:3)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

September 7, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 14:25-35Daily 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 followed through. Jesus says anyone who does not hate his father and mother cannot be his disciple. At first glance, this is against what Jesus teaches at other times: “Love your neighbor as yourself,” but if we take it in the context of the later verses, what is Jesus saying? A man building a tower who runs out of money not even halfway through loses quite a lot: financial stability and his reputation. A king going to war against a stronger army loses even more: his kingdom and his life. What does a disciple of Jesus stand to lose? What is the cost of discipleship?The answer is everything.. Jesus says anyone who will not take up his own cross and follow Christ cannot be a disciple. Anyone who is not willing to leave family, fame, fortune, or anything else is not a faithful follower. By this word, we are convicted. In our sin, we cannot follow God's law perfectly. We are unable and unwilling. We cannot afford to be a disciple of Christ and gain eternal life. The cost is too high because the cost is total obedience to God, and we, fallen sinners, are not capable of such a thing. Immediately following this passage in Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the good shepherd, in which the shepherd leaves everything behind to find the lost sheep, risking his life—risking everything. This shepherd finds the lost sheep and returns to the fold, having successfully fulfilled his goal, unlike the men from before. The good shepherd decided the reward was worth whatever the cost may be. Of course, the good shepherd in the parable is our Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus. God measured the cost of reconciling humanity to Himself and saving us from sin, death, and the devil. He knew that it was a high price to pay: the death of His only Son. The Son took on human flesh, lived, suffered, and died because, though the cost was high, He was the only one Who could pay it. In His death and resurrection, Jesus paid the price for the redemption of the world. Rather than having to earn our place as His disciples, His children, He gives it freely to us, in the Word and Sacraments. The cost of discipleship is high, but it has been paid, and the benefits are yours.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O merciful Lord, You did not spare Your only Son but delivered Him up for us all. Grant us courage and strength to take up the cross and follow Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Join author R. Reed Lessing helps with this chapter-by-chapter exploration of the Book of Numbers in Hope in the Wilderness. With helpful maps, diagrams, and connections to the rest of the Bible, you'll be able to understand the beauty of Numbers.

August 16, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 10 - Psalm 55:1, 12-14, 16; antiphon: Psalm 55:22Daily 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 usually considered ‘gifts' while going through them. Sin breaks all that God calls good. And yet, there is hope in those broken moments. Suffering is a mark of a Christian life. Struggling with sin, living life with and among sinners, and feeling wholly inadequate with your own shortcomings are daily difficulties; yet, suffering is a reality of life and a gift. You are never alone in those moments. In your Baptism, you are given the Holy Spirit, who creates faith in you to cling to the hope we have in Jesus. Indeed, Jesus became man and came into the mess and death of this sinful world and defeated our enemies for us. In the prayer that Jesus teaches us, we are taught to come to Him, to be reminded of all that God has done for us, and to ask for what we need—not because God isn't sure or doesn't remember, but so we can be refocused on the Giver of all that we need. Indeed, our lives are marred with sin, but we are not without hope. In moments of great pain and weakness, cry out to God. Ask for His attention and His mercy; be reminded and reassured that He is the One Who created you, redeemed you, sustains you, and is with you even now. Turn to God in the moments of disorder and pain; cling to and remember the promises that He has made. Go to the Divine Service, confess your sins and brokenness, and receive Absolution. Know that your guilt and shame are gone. Hear God's Word proclaimed and preached to you. Receive Jesus' Body and Blood in your mouth. Make the sign of the cross. Jesus' mercy is for you. He hears your cries, He counts your tears, He holds you within His hand. It is a gift to cry out for mercy and know that He Who is faithful will continue to give it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Evening and morning, Sunset and dawning, Wealth, peace, and gladness, Comfort in sadness: These are Thy works; all the glory be Thine! Times without number, Awake or in slumber, Thine eye observes us, From danger preserves us, Causing Thy mercy upon us to shine. (LSB 726:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 15, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 1:(39-45) 46-55Daily 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 loving greeting to and about her and her child. This is a lot. And yet, when her next words are recorded, they are a song of praise and are steeped in trust and hope. I'm going to be honest. Had this same situation occurred to me, I can't be sure I would react the same. (Anxious? Me? Yep). It really seems like too much. An angel visits, and from Biblical descriptions, that is a terrifying sight. The message she receives does not seem reasonable. She's engaged and yet pregnant, but didn't break her promise to Joseph. This seems like an unmanageable situation. What will people think? How can I be the right person for this task? What do I know about being a mom? And yet, Mary responds in faith and trust. Mary gives all glory to God. She sings in faith and focuses on God's promises and mercy. She believes, even as she carries this little baby boy, that He will do as God's Word has promised. Mary was a sinner. We will see over the course of Jesus' life that she does not do motherhood perfectly. And yet, in faith, she clung to the promises that are for her, too. She is shown mercy. She is indeed blessed. We get to rejoice alongside Mary that God had a perfect plan and did indeed keep His promises. We get to be fellow redeemed sinners who sing about and cling to hope. Jesus, her Son and her Lord, is our Brother and Lord. We were indeed buried with Him in Death and raised with Him in His Resurrection; all that He accomplished, He gives to us. In our Baptism, we are connected to Jesus and are brought into God's family. We, generations after Mary, are indeed shown mercy. Thanks be to God for His perfect plan. Thanks be to God for using His people, including Mary, to fulfill His plan for the salvation of the whole world. Thanks be to God that He uses you to love and care for the neighbors you have. Cling to hope. Live in God's mercy for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh, how great is Your compassion, Faithful Father, God of grace, That with all our fallen race In our depth of degradation You had mercy so that we Might be saved eternally! (LSB 559:1) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 14, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the Sacrament of the Altar?Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 1:1-27; 1 Corinthians 7:25-40It 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 is for us. This is amazing! This is a miracle, given to us every week. And yet, why do we so often disparage it? Why do we complicate it or get it mixed up? The short answer? Sin. Sin breaks the beautifully simple and makes it jaggedly complicated. Do Jesus' words really mean what He said? Should the wine be red in color? Does the bread have to be a certain shape? Or worse - ‘oh man, it's Communion…church is going to be soooo long.' More hymns? More prayers? Lord, have mercy. We sinners have a tendency to take what is simple and make it complicated. We tend to make it about us instead of Jesus. And yet the Truth is that Jesus gives us His Body and His Blood in the Lord's Supper. He delivers forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation in, with, and under the Bread and Wine. He has done the work; we get to joyfully receive. In fact, in your Baptism, you are given the Holy Spirit Who creates the faith that clings to these Gifts from Jesus. This is so wonderfully simple—God saves you, washes you, claims you, forgives you, and continues to strengthen and sustain you in Him. When you are tempted to make The Lord's Supper complicated, or about you, repent. When you are tempted to despise the preaching of the Gospel and the giving of God's Gifts, repent. Allow God's amazingly simple Gift of Jesus' Death and Resurrection to be exactly as God has declared it: for you. It is done. It is finished. In the faith you have been given, you get to rejoice that these words and God's promises mean exactly as He has said them. The Truth is simple: Jesus for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Draw near and take the body of the Lord, And drink the holy blood for you outpoured; Offered was He for greatest and for least, Himself the victim and Himself the priest. (LSB 637:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 13, 2025Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 7:1-24Daily 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 do. I choose and decide what and who is included in my life.” Okay, perhaps it's true that God made me and, yes, He gifted me with talents and abilities…but my works still count…right? Ugh.  Independence is ugly. When we strive so hard to prove our own worth, value, relationship status, or self-defined identity through *our* works or choices, we are truly chasing after an unattainable goal. The reality is that no one is independent on their own; dead things can only be dead. No one has earned their worth before God. All fall short. All need to be rescued. In truth, these words, and this whole section in 1 Corinthians, are amazing. Paul speaks about vocational gifts and teaches us that within them, it is best to focus on the Giver of these gifts and the mercy through which He gives them. Are you married? Thanks be to God—love your spouse and care for them. Are you single? Thanks be to God—serve the neighbors you have been given. Rest in the gifts that God has blessed you with. Don't covet something different. Don't despair of your life; live it as the gift that it is. The Giver is the One Who sent His perfect Son to die on the cross in your place and give you forgiveness, life, and salvation. Does my independent sinner-self still want to cling to my works? Do I still think I want something different? Yeah. And yet, God in His mercy gifted me with Baptism. In my Baptism, I daily repent of my sin, drown the Old Adam, and live as the new creation God has made me. The Holy Spirit works in and through me to recognize the abundant Gifts that God has given me and also to look at the neighbors in my life as gifts. Has God assigned me a life and called me? Yep. It is beyond comprehension that He would care for, rescue, love, forgive, and redeem sinners. And yet, this is truly what has happened. We get to rejoice in our dependence and look to the Giver of our lives, gifts, neighbors, and vocations. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.By grace! None dare lay claim to merit Our works and conduct have no worth. God in His love sent our Redeemer, Christ Jesus, to this sinful earth; His death did for our sins atone, And we are saved by grace alone. (LSB 566:2)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 12, 2025Today's Reading: Hebrews 11:1-16Daily 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 is this ‘so important' faith? And as a sinner, how can I get it alllll for myself? The first verse of this chapter gives us a definition of faith: “it is assurance of things hoped for and the conviction of things not seen.” This still seems fuzzy. I want faith to be something I can put in my pocket and look at, or hold up before God as proof. I want to measure it and control its enoughness. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. We know from other parts of Scripture, and as it is simply explained in the Small Catechism, that we cannot come to God on our own. We cannot have faith created out of our own reason, understanding, or strength. So, how can I get this necessary faith? How can I please God? How can I get rewards? This verse points to the multitude of Gifts that God gives to His people. It is God Who creates and sustains faith in His people. In Baptism, He drowns the hard-hearted, dead sinner, and creates a New Man who then receives the Holy Spirit. It is God Who, before the foundation of the world, had a plan for the world's salvation in and through Jesus' Death and Resurrection. The faith given in your Baptism is what clings to the promises of God and is what receives the overflowing Gifts and rewards that He gives. We don't work to please God to “get rewards.” Instead, we receive faith, God is pleased with us, and He gives all that we need. Indeed, without faith, we cannot come before God and please Him. And yet, God had a plan. God saved you in the waters of your Baptism. The Holy Spirit within you clings to Jesus' Death and Resurrection for you. In the words of Absolution, Jesus' Body and Blood in the Lord's Supper, and through the proclamation of the Gospel, you receive the rewards that God gives to those who have faith. He lovingly created you, redeemed you, gives you faith, and feeds and sustains you. God be praised for His perfect plan for our salvation, redemption, and the faithful hope you have unto eternal life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Firmly to our soul's salvation Witnesses Your Spirit, Lord, In Your Sacraments and Word. There He sends true consolation, Giving us the gift of faith That we fear not hell nor death. (LSB 559:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

August 11, 2025Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6Daily 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 abundance of offspring! And yet, Abram can't help but be skeptical. “But God….”Can you see yourself in this skeptical response? I can. Here's the thing about sinners—we like fast results and we like control. We want what we want when we want it, and that's it. I don't want to wait. I don't want to trust. I want to control the timeline, the process, and the outcome. Lord, forgive me, a sinner. Incredibly, God is more patient than we are impatient. God is more merciful, gracious, loving, and forgiving than we can even fathom. In this exchange with Abram, God hears Abram's concerns and meets them with promises. God assures Abram that He will take care of Abram and his family. God has a plan, and it will come to fruition. In the same way, He hears our prayers. We come to Him, forgetting all that He has done, and protest about waiting or about not getting what we want. We come to Him with our sins and burdens, our complaints and our hurts, and He hears us. He WANTS to hear from us. Amazing. He answers us with mercy and grace. He reminds us that in Christ, all that we need has been fulfilled and provided. In Baptism, He took a dead, sinful thing and made it alive and new. In the Lord's Supper, He gives us the Body and Blood of His Holy and Precious Son for our nourishment and forgiveness. In the Divine Service, He gives us Absolution and His Word—His promises of salvation, grace, and love. And, just like Abram, who “believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness,” we, too, are credited with the faith that believes. The Holy Spirit works in and through us, and yet God is delighted with us! Repent of your skepticism and cling to the promises of God. He loves you, forgives you, mercies you, and meets your every need. He has paid for your sins by Jesus' Death and Resurrection; you get to rest in hope and His perfect care of you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Amen, that is, so shall it be. Make strong our faith in You, that we May doubt not but with trust believe That what we ask we shall receive. Thus in Your name and at Your Word We say, “Amen, O hear us, Lord!” (LSB 766:9) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

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 give you the kingdom.” Fear not; deep breath. In my anxiety, I am afraid. I'm afraid to fail, afraid to be hurt, afraid I'm not enough, afraid that I don't have control…afraid. And yet, Jesus tells us to fear not. And here's the thing—Jesus is trustworthy. He can and does back up that directive. He has the answers to all my fears. Failure, hurt, enoughness, control…all of these flow out of my sinful, selfish nature. The Law shows me that I am a failure, hurtful, inadequate, out-of-control sinner. And yet, Jesus can and does tell me not to fear because He has paid for all of that; He has covered my shame and guilt. It is His now, and He has left it in the tomb—forever gone and buried. Fear not. And now, I can joyfully receive the Father's good pleasure! I can receive His Kingdom with peace and certainty! In my Baptism, Jesus takes my anxiety and gives me peace. It is through His work that I am right before God and safely found within His Father's House. Perhaps you, too, struggle with anxiety. Perhaps you, too, know that you are a sinner and worry about it. Make the sign of the cross, dear Baptized child of God. Remember that it is Jesus Who takes your sin and shame, and it is Jesus Who defeated it for you. Go to the Divine Service and hear the words of Absolution announced to you. Take Jesus' Body and Blood for the forgiveness of your sins. Hear God's Word and be strengthened by His promises. You may still struggle with anxiety, but it does not define you. You are Baptized; you are named as one who belongs to Christ, and you can truly fear not. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and merciful God, it is by Your grace that we live as Your people who offer acceptable service. Grant that we may walk by faith, and not by sight, in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (LSB, Collect of the Day)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Study the early Church Fathers, Scripture, and Christian history alongside FLAME's conversational voice to see for yourself why their teachings from Scripture are important to study, and live out, today.

July 19, 2025 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 6 - Psalm 119:57-60, 64; antiphon: Psalm 119:105Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41 “I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” (Psalm 119:58)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever been given a weird gift? Like a dead bird by your dog? A rock from a younger sibling? A feather from a toddler? Maybe a sloppy kiss from a baby? You understand the sentiment… but what are you going to do with a dead bird? You are probably going to wipe the slobber off your face after that messy kiss. And yet, you can't help but be grateful; you know that the gift was given with love. I imagine myself as the dog or the sloppy baby giving myself up to God: Here I am! I'm a mess. I'm covered in sin, guilt, and shame. This hour/day/week/month/year/existence has been… rough. What is worse, though, is that I am not a cute little toddler giving something out of love— I am a dead enemy of God. Before Baptism, I am unable to come to Him (dead things can only be dead), let alone give Him a gift. And yet, along with the Psalmist, I am fervently asking Him for His favor. It is the second part of this verse that is such tremendous comfort; in our prayers, we get to point to the promises that God Himself has made. In the Garden of Eden, He promised a Savior, and He kept that promise. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” and it was. In our Baptism, He promises forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation— and they are ours. He promises to give us the Holy Spirit to create faith within us, and we have Him. In the Lord's Supper, He promises to feed and nourish us in His grace, and we receive the Bread of Life. When we pray, He promises to hear us— and He does. So, when I come to him as a mess, I can remember and be comforted by His promises. It's true. We come to God as broken sinners, day after day and week after week, and He meets us with forgiveness, mercy, and grace. We come to Him as beggars, and He treats us as His Beloved Children. He is gracious. He does remember His promises. And what's more? He forgets our sins! He covers our shame, guilt, and deadness—Jesus paid for that; it is gone. He keeps His promises and gives us His favor abundantly. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Wait, then, in quiet confidence, Your anxious thoughts at rest. God knows your needs before you ask And works for what is best. (LSB 771:3) - Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 18, 2025Today's Reading: Galatians 6:1-18Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:17; Galatians 6:1-18“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This is a tough requirement. This is a ‘daily failure' level of task. Well, not the first part. I would be all too happy to catch someone doing the wrong thing. That part is easy. Judging others, especially if they are doing worse actions than I am, is sinfully satisfying. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. The tough part? Restoring him in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness? Where's the fun in that? I would much rather judge from my morally superior position and deign to offer guidance. And being reminded to watch myself against temptation? That doesn't seem necessary— remember, I am the one judging… I'm above all that sin stuff. But then it continues to the impossible… bear one another's burdens? Fulfill the law of Christ? I don't want to be known like ‘she is.' I don't want to be caught spending time around ‘him.' And yet. Dear redeemed sinner, these words are a gift. They remind us, who love to focus on ourselves, that we are actually here for one another— we are here for our neighbors. A friend or family member may be caught in sin; these words remind us that we get to love them and teach them as Jesus does for us. Jesus went to the cross, without sin, and paid for the sin of the whole world. He defeated sin, death, and the devil by rising again. That is the message we get to share. We tell the truth, sin is sin, and yet we do it as a fellow forgiven sinner. Community, family, and relationships with others are Gifts from a loving God. Interacting with sinners is hard, and yet it is a joyful burden. We get to live redeemed and forgiven. We get to be reminded that we are part of God's family. God has more grace than you have sin; you get to be the one He uses to share that grace and mercy with others around you. Rejoice in your vocations even as your Lord and Savior rejoices that you are His Child. Share His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love; not as a work, but as an outpouring of what you have received in your Baptism, in the Words of Absolution, in the Lord's Supper, and through God's daily care of you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh; His Spirit in the Word declares How we in Christ are heaven's heirs. (LSB 571:3) - Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 17, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - ThirdDaily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26How 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. (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - Third)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever stopped to think about how intricately and delicately God created and sustains His creation and everything within it? Take water, for example. While I am not very smart in science, I remember that H2O means two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom. Any other combination is not water. It seems so simple, boring even. And yet, it is incredibly delicate and necessary that those two elements be present for something to be water. God has put unfathomable depth into the Gift of Baptism. Consider just the words quoted above; Baptism is water and God's Word. We just discussed what makes water water. And we know that it is God Who created water, including the element of water. In Baptism, God is using a tangible element that He created for His creation. And, the power of Baptism is the Word of God. Who is the Word of God? St. John tells us that Jesus is the Word of God. So, we learn that Baptism is the combination of His created element, water, with the 2nd person of the Trinity: Jesus. We have the Father and the Son present in this. And yet! The explanation continues— it is the faith that trusts that Jesus (this word of God) is in the water! How are we given faith to believe and receive? Through the power of the Holy Spirit! Do you see it? In this simple, boring Gift, God gives us Himself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.You matter. You have great value. You belong. How do I know? In Baptism, God names you as His Own: He marks you with His Name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He sustains you in this identity. He continues to give you what you need for this body and life. In the Divine Service, you receive the words of Absolution: you are forgiven. In the Lord's Supper, you receive Jesus' Body and Blood for you. You have been redeemed, adopted, and covered with Christ. Water seems pretty boring. Baptism can look pretty boring. And yet, consider the intricacies and the intentionality with which God gives His Gifts— to you. He created and sustained the world— for you. He sent His perfect Son to die and rise again— for you. He gives you the Holy Spirit to create faith that clings to and rests in His hope. Take comfort in this promise for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow'r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 16, 2025Today's Reading: Galatians 4:12-31Daily Lectionary: Judges 16:4-30; Judges 17:1-21:25; Galatians 4:12-31“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Good news is fun to share. Compliments are fun to give. People tend to enjoy having you around when you say something nice or positive. And yet, it seems that when times of trials, sin, or struggles come along… people are less likely to enjoy hearing about that. “Don't connect God's Name to things He hasn't said or hasn't promised.” “Stop hurting your neighbor.” “Gossiping is lying.” “A baby is a gift from God.” “Marriage is a reflection of Jesus and His Church.” It seems as though the saying “don't blame the messenger” does not apply when speaking what someone doesn't want to hear. Paul, in this letter to churches in Galatia, is wondering at their treatment of him and his words; he suggests that they are seeing him as an ‘enemy' now. What changed? Well, sin taints everything. The recipients of this letter, and we today, do not like hearing messages that hurt our feelings or speak against our favorite sins. And yet, look at what Paul says is the ‘reason' the Galatians are treating him as an enemy… he is telling them the truth! But, what is The Truth? The Truth is you are not enough on your own; you are sinful, dead, and selfish. The Truth is, you are lost. And yet, there is more! The Truth is that you were rescued from your sinfulness and selfishness. The Truth is that in Baptism, you were brought to life, covered by Jesus, forgiven, and redeemed. The Truth is that you have a Savior, Jesus, Who paid for all of your sins and covers all of your hurts. The Truth is you are enough in Christ; You are in God's family and are loved. So, why is this message (The Truth) not well received? We sinners love control and really would prefer to live by our own works. We, like the Galatians, want to mix a little of our own efforts with the Gospel of Jesus. We want to define, adjust, or decide what is right or wrong. Repent, dear forgiven sinner. The Truth of your sinfulness and your rescue is what we daily cling to and confess. Receive the message of your ‘sinner status' with humility and rejoice that it is for sinners that Jesus died and rose again. Rest in your Baptism. Receive Jesus' Body and Blood. Hear the Truth with joy. And when you are sharing the Truth with those around you, whether they receive or reject it, know that The Truth rests on Jesus and not on us (or others). It is with great assurance that we live in grace and speak to others with hope. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.He canceled my offenses, Delivered me from death; He is the Lord who cleanses My soul from sin through faith. In Him I can be cheerful, Courageous on my way; In Him I am not fearful Of God's great Judgment Day. (LSB 724:3)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 15, 2025Today's Reading: Colossians 1:1-14Daily Lectionary: Judges 15:1-16:3; Galatians 3:23-4:11“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “The domain of darkness.” What a chilling description. To be where there is no light. To be where there is no hope. To be where there is no life. What a horrible place to find oneself. The depth of evil and depravity would have no end. On our own, that is our only place to be. In the darkness is where sin, the devil, and death abide. As sinners, infected with the depraved Old Adam, we do not have or even want anything but darkness. And yet, there is great joy, hope, relief, and comfort in the rest of these verses: we have been transferred out! We have been snatched out of this hopeless, dark place and brought to the place with The Light! Before we get too proud about ‘transferring ourselves out,' we remember that we were rescued from the darkness. We did not work for, assist with, or participate in being moved. This is a Gift. This new life, this ‘change of address,' this forgiveness of sins came to us in water and The Word. It comes to us in the announced Absolution— our sins are forgiven. It comes to us in the Body and Blood of His Beloved Son. We rest and are covered by Jesus. We were transferred out of the darkness and into the Light by the only hope there is: Jesus, the Son of God, the Incarnate Word, the Savior of the World. God had a plan even before the foundation of the world to rescue and redeem you. He did not spare His Only Son, but sent Him into the darkness to bring you out of it. You now abide in the kingdom of God. You now live in The Light. You have been rescued, redeemed, named, and kept in Jesus. You, dear Baptized Child of God, are loved, forgiven, and given mercy. There will be moments of darkness in your life. For you still live in this sinful, broken world. You still daily battle the Old Adam even as the New Man, given to you in Baptism, desires the Light. And yet, even in these moments, you do not belong, nor do you live in the domain of darkness. You belong to the Light; you have been purchased and won by the Son of God. Even in moments of trial, cling to that hope. You are safe and redeemed in God's kingdom. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As true as God's own Word is true, Not earth nor hell's satanic crew Against us shall prevail. Their might? A joke, A mere facade! God is with us and we with God Our vict'ry cannot fail. (LSB 666:3)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 14, 2025 Today's Reading: Leviticus (18:1-5) 19:9-18Daily Lectionary: Judges 14:1-20; Galatians 3:1-22“You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:10b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. As you read these verses in Leviticus, perhaps you (like me) nod your head along with God's commands: “Yes - that is absolutely the right thing to do! Leave some for the poor. Tell the truth. Pay fair wages. Great rules, I concur!” These rules (The Commandments) are great on paper. They are absolutely the right way to engage with those around us. Well, until I am one of the poor, or the outsider, or the deaf, or the blind… then I would rather be in control, thank you. I can *handle* this. I don't need your or anyone's help; I. Am. Fine. Do you ever find yourself automatically assuming the role of the ‘doer?' You have, you don't need. You understand, you aren't confused. You give, needy ones receive. And yet, can you honestly say that you have never been the one in need? That you have never been the one ‘on the outside?' Why is it so hard for us to admit that we are dependent and poor and lost and in need? God is giving rules to His people to curb their sinfulness, yet He is also showing mercy. The Ten Commandments are indeed gifts; these are listed in Leviticus and show us the vocational roles and the boundaries that we have with one another. Also, though, they connect to Who God is: “I am the LORD your God.” We have this God! We have this merciful, loving, providing, forgiving God! Even when I won't admit my need, He fills it. Even when I think I am ‘in charge,' He shows me I am not. How do I know? In Baptism, God takes the dead man and breathes new life. On Good Friday, Jesus declared, “It is finished” as He died the sinners' death to redeem all of the world. Every Sunday, in the Divine Service, we hear, “I forgive you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” Sometimes, you might get to be the ‘doer' who serves their neighbor and gives of what you have; thanks be to God. And sometimes, you will be the poor and the outsider in need of relief, sustenance, love, and forgiveness, and others will care for you; also, thanks be to God. In both cases, though, you are covered by and made new through your Savior Jesus; you are connected to our merciful and gracious God. Thanks be to God.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Oh, how great is Your compassion, Faithful Father, God of grace, That with all our fallen race In our depth of degradation You had mercy So that we Might be saved eternally! (LSB 559: 1)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 13, 2025Today's Reading: Luke 10:25-37Daily Lectionary: Judges 13:1-25; Ruth 1:1-4:22; Galatians 2:1-21“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?'” (Luke 10:25)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Do you see it? Do you see how the lawyer already misstepped? I suppose we could start with how he *dares* to question Jesus, or that he wants to ‘put him to the test.' But let's talk about the biggest misstep of all—the one that all sinners make (including you and me). The lawyer's question asks, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He, a sinner, thinks he can achieve eternal life. He, a sinner, thinks he can work hard enough or do enough to ‘earn' it.   The reality is, there is no amount of work that any sinner can do to get eternal life. This lawyer forgot, and we sinners routinely (daily) forget, that we are completely tainted with original sin. We have a condition. We have a death sentence. We have an incurable infection. No amount of work, attempts, or restarts is going to cure it. Even before the lawyer asked this question, he had it wrong. When we look at grace, mercy, forgiveness, or eternal life as ‘achievable' or earned by our works, we have it wrong. We want a way to save ourselves; we, like the lawyer, want to justify ourselves and our good works. We want to control our destiny. Inheritances are received, usually by an heir, after someone's death. Through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, His heirs, including you, receive eternal life. In Baptism, Jesus drowned the Old Adam and created a New Man; He killed the root of the original sin infection. In Baptism, He claims you as His. In Baptism, you receive forgiveness, life, rescue, and eternal life. You receive it! You don't work for it! It is a Gift and it is yours! Dear redeemed sinner, the next time you might want to work for your salvation, or ask God for a chance to ‘work for your eternal life,' repent. Make the sign of the cross. Remember your Baptism. Go to church and hear the Gospel. Receive Jesus' Body and Blood given and shed for you. You are a Beloved child of God, named as one of His heirs; all that He has, He gives freely to you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, in your deep compassion You rescue us from whatever may hurt us. Teach us to love You above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (LSB Collect of the Day)- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius's life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

Solomon's marriage alliance with Egypt and his allowance of a multitude of high places for worship reveal cracks in the foundation of Solomon's kingdom. However, Solomon's love of the LORD is real, and even more importantly, the LORD's grace to Solomon is real. While Solomon worships at Gibeon, the LORD promises to give Solomon the answer to his prayer. Solomon prays for wisdom, and the LORD promises not only wisdom, but also riches, honor, and long life. The reality that the LORD answered this prayer is revealed quickly in a difficult case in which Solomon's wisdom is displayed in his goodness and preservation of life.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study 1 Kings 3:1-28.  "A Kingdom Divided” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through 1-2 Kings. The division in the kingdom of Israel in this part of history was greater than a matter of north and south. The biggest division was between the people and their God. Yet even as the people rebelled against the LORD as their King, still He remained faithful to call them back to Himself through His prophets, working through history to send the good and gracious King, Jesus Christ. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Does your love for God make your heart sing?The psalms, many of them, were written as songs of worship. King David in particular loved to sing praises to His Lord. Whether he was tending his flock under a night sky, or sitting in his palace in Jerusalem, David had a heart for the Lord.Psalm 104:1 says, “Praise the Lord, my soul. Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty.”In this kind of worship, we feel especially close to God. It is then we focus on His majesty and His power. We feel close to Him, and we're able to speak freely with Him.This kind of intentional meditation on Higher Things also puts us in our place, and we mean that in the best sense of the phrase. Hierarchy in true religion is very important, and when we consider that the God we sing praises to loves us eternally, and always wants the best for us, well—it releases us to worship God with all of our being. And it is then we are free.Take time today to praise the Lord for who He is, not forgetting the great things He has done for you. Because…He is very great!Let's pray.Lord, you are awesome in ways that we can barely understand. Even with those limitations, God, we love you with abandon. In Jesus' name, amen. Change your shirt, and you can change the world! Save 15% Off your entire purchase of faith-based apparel + gifts at Kerusso.com with code KDD15.

Why is it important to provide young adults with a space to grow in theological understanding? The Rev. Harrison Goodman (Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things) and Crysten Sanchez (Executive Director of Operations for Higher Things) join Andy for our Set Apart to Serve series to discuss the upcoming HT Beyond: Eyes to See - A Young Adult Event from Higher Things, including what HT Beyond is, the significance of this space for young adults, what young adults will learn about art and architecture through the event, the topics liturgical artist Ed Riojas will present on, and how events like these inspire young adults to consider church work vocations. Learn more and register here. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

February 1, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Epiphany 4 - Psalm 10:16-18; antiphon: Psalm 10:12Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 11:4-17; 2 Timothy 4:1-18Arise, O LORD; O God, lift up your hand; forget not the afflicted. (Psalm 10:12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Text of the Reflection Even though I forgot where my keys are for the 4th time this week, I'm pretty comfortable telling God He should do a better job remembering the afflicted. Especially when it's me. A little bit, it's because I'm a sinner. A little bit, I think it's how God wants it. He knows we forget. We forget our to-do lists. We forget to help each other. We forget to pray when things aren't falling apart. But when everything's a mess, it feels like God forgets us, too.   So God gives us this psalm to pray. It's a reflection on His character. The LORD hears us in our affliction. He strengthens our hearts. He does justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. His character isn't something the Psalmist worries about. Of course, God is good. Which is why it's easy to wonder if He forgot about us when nothing around us is as good as a good God should make it. Which is the real reason we pray this psalm.  It's an exercise in remembering. In calling to God, we can be sure He hears us and responds in mercy. He doesn't forget. But even in praying, we remember who He is. What He has already done. What He has promised to do. In the midst of all we forget, the character of God is the most important thing to remember, reflect upon, and call to mind and heart in the midst of trial.   The things that are falling apart? They are not things Your God has no care for. He loves you enough to die for you. The things falling apart? They are not bigger than your God. He has conquered death itself. And when we remember who He is and how He's done that, it gives hope to the mess. God destroyed death through a cross, not a day when nothing was wrong, but a day when everything was falling apart. God can and does work mercy for you even in the midst of all that's wrong. Just like Good Friday, things don't need to be apart from sin or disorder or fear for Him to save you. When it's all falling apart, remember who your God is, and remember He won't forget you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The will of God is always best And shall be done forever; And they who trust in Him are blest; He will forsake them never. He helps indeed In time of need; He chastens with forbearing. They who depend On God, their friend, Shall not be left despairing. (LSB 758:1)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 31, 2025Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-17Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 10:1-11:3; 2 Timothy 3:1-17“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Bible doesn't contain God's word. It is God's word. All of it. The clear parts. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. The quirky parts. John needs you to know he's a faster runner than Peter. The weird parts. A prophet called down a bear attack on the young men who called him bald. The parts I don't like. The 10 Commandments that paint me as a sinner in many and various ways. God wants it all in there. He is the one who used the various writers with their various personalities, flaws, sins, and quirks to say exactly what He wanted said.  It's a Gift, though. Now, it's not our job to sort through the Bible and pick out what's actually God's word and what's just pretending to be. It's funny how when that's our job, God's word always seems to agree with us. It's a cold look in the mirror when we realize that if we are who determine what is and isn't God's word, that's not just cleaning up after apostles who were ignorant because they lived before iPhones. It's making yourself God. If you're the one who chooses what God says, that sort of makes you in charge. Like God.  It's hard enough to believe it's all God's word. It's harder still to believe it's all profitable for you. Because the whole Bible, the narrative, the history, the law, and the gospel, they are for you. They testify of Christ, of hope, and of how things should be. It's easy to carve up the Bible into what is and isn't God's word. It's also easy to carve out all the things we think don't actually relate to us. But all Scripture is for you. To call you away from the things of death. To point you to the things of life. To give you hope because if God can save sinners like those we read of, He can save you, too. When you read the Bible, it doesn't just teach you what good is; it equips you to be good. By faith, you receive the very holiness the law demands, and a clean conscience willing to be corrected, always with the hope that your salvation rests on Christ, whom the whole Bible attests is your savior. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thy strong Word bespeaks us righteous; Bright with Thine own holiness, Glorious now, we press toward glory, And our lives our hopes confess. Alleluia, alleluia! Praise to Thee who light dost send! Alleluia, alleluia! Alleluia without end! (LSB 578:3)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 30, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sixth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Zechariah 9:1-17; 2 Timothy 2:1-26You shall not commit adultery.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This commandment comes with baggage. It's the one assaulted by the world. It's the one that hurts to talk about if you're a product of a broken home. It's the one we fail with our thoughts, our web browsing, and worse. Lord, have mercy.  But here's the thing: if you don't believe marriage is worthwhile, why bother? Just like the First Commandment, if you do not fear, love, and trust in God above all things, why would you pay attention to His laws? Marriage is a Gift worth guarding. It is an image of the love shown between Christ and the church. It is a body knit together purely by God's giving of good Gifts. It is the foundation of family.  So we should fear and love God so that we lead a chaste and pure life in word and deed, and husband and wife love and honor each other. We're using the old explanation on purpose. Not only because it's hard to explain “sexual purity” to the 7-year-old the Catechism was written to, but because ‘chaste' is a word that is almost altogether free from baggage outside of jokes from old movies. Chaste is a word we should take back. The meaning is simple. What if, either today or someday in the future, God wanted you to have a healthy, happy marriage? The things that help you, either today or in the future, have a healthy, happy marriage are chaste. The things that make it harder to have a healthy, happy marriage, either today or in the future, are unchaste. You can teach that to a 5-year-old, a middle schooler, or a married person. The word chaste grows with us in our vocations. It is a word that surely walls off the things that tear down marriage. But it's also a recognition of the Gifts God gives in marriage, the value that we ought to esteem marriage, and so the lengths we should struggle to go to defend it.  Struggle here, but start from the fact that God gives good Gifts. Marriage is not yours to defend. It's Christ's, who uses it to paint a picture of the forgiveness of sins He gives to sinners. Even the ones who have not upheld the Sixth Commandment. Even you. Jesus died to forgive all the places where this commandment has been broken. He works good through marriage, even in the face of so much sin. And He calls us to rejoice because even though this commandment is not one we can fulfill, it still paints a picture of Christ and the church, where Christ still forgives us, presenting us to Himself without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Be faithful to your marriage vow; No lust or impure thoughts allow. Keep all your conduct free from sin By self-controlled discipline.”  Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:7)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 29, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 4:16-30Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 8:1-23; 2 Timothy 1:1-18“And he said, “Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown.” (Luke 4:24)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus wouldn't do miracles in His hometown. It gave everyone big feelings, so they tried to throw him off a cliff. It's maybe a little easier to stomach Jesus saying no to the people who throw tantrums and try to throw Him off a cliff than when He does it to us. That might be a thing to wrestle with. But instead everyone takes the hometown verse as the thing that matters.  No prophet is acceptable in his hometown. I get why I can't go back to my hometown. I did stupid stuff in high school. People remember. But sinless Jesus wasn't known for stealing road cones from construction sites and closing down public streets for fun. So it's not about reputation. It's not even about the town, either. Elisha didn't go on a healing tour but saw only Naaman, who visited him at home, like, three chapters after he had shebears kill young men for calling him bald. His reputation was probably… at least something to take note of.  This isn't actually about the prophet. It isn't about the town. It's about the expectation. The thing we didn't want to talk about in the first place when all the bad people who Jesus said “no” to tried to de-cliff Him. The reason we're really not okay when He says “no” to us. The expectation is, “Hey, you work for us.”  That's a problem. God is for you. But not under you. It's bigger than just who's in charge. God is merciful and good. The great danger in assuming you need to be in charge and not Him is really that you think you need to be. If you need to be in charge and not God, there's an assumption that God isn't merciful and good, so you need to be in charge. The kind of Christianity where you need to be in charge is the greatest burden and the least hope. It is a false doctrine, a lie of the devil Christ will not allow to stand because that is a Christianity where you get to receive nothing and are forced to take everything. You don't get to trust God; only figure out how to make Him dance. Crosses aren't involved in that kind of Christianity. But Jesus died for you. It's not only the proof that He is merciful and good that we need when our desperate prayers seem to be met with “no.” It's the place He gives the answers we really need. Your sins are forgiven. You are already delivered from death and the devil. Rejoice.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hail, Thou once despisèd Jesus! Hail, Thou Galilean King! Thou didst suffer to release us; Thou didst free salvation bring. Hail, Thou universal Savior, Bearer of our sin and shame! By Thy merit we find favor: Life is given through Thy name. (LSB 531:1)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 28, 2025 Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31aDaily Lectionary: Zechariah 6:1-7:14; Romans 16:17-27For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body–Jews or Greeks, slaves or free–and all were made to drink of one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12-13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I sort of wish I could see Paul's facial expressions as he wrote to the church in Corinth. He had more than a couple of frustrations. Even though bickering over who's the most important honesty seems trivial compared to some of the other stuff they were doing, this one's pretty serious. Imagine just conveying, by the power of the Holy Spirit, the truth of the gospel of Christ Jesus, that apart from anything you could ever do by works of the law, you were saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, who died and rose for you and for all. No one in the church can save themselves by works, and nobody has to. But they'll still fight about who's the most important based on what they can do anyway. If we are the body of Christ, you are the appendix. Why are you even here? If the whole body were a nose, how would you pick it? It isn't just a call to repentance for all who think too much of themselves. This desire to be the most important isn't just dangerous for the ones convinced of how much they do. It's the ones who think they go unnoticed. Overlooked. Forgotten. The feeling of worthlessness that permeates any culture rooted in works. Ironically, it's the one thing the people who think too much of themselves and the people who think too little share in common. They can only think of themselves. But the whole body is not a nose. And, much more importantly, you are not worth simply what you can do. The body of Christ, knit together, works as God has ordered it. But the true worth of each part is not in what it can do but in the cost that was paid to knit us together under Him who is our head, Christ. Our Lord died and rose to give you your worth. It doesn't have to rest on you doing enough, and it can't be diminished by you not doing enough. You are worth what was paid for you. So, if you happen to be the appendix, the nose, or the finger, what matters most is that you're attached to the head who has redeemed and saved us all the same and works good through us, the body, each day. Suffer together. Rejoice together. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In what You give us, Lord, to do, Together or alone, In old routines or ventures new, May we not cease to look to You, The cross You hung upon - All You endeavored done. (LSB 853:4)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 27, 2025Today's Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 4:1-5:11; Romans 15:14-33For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. (Nehemiah 8:9b-10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The people wept as they heard the words of the Law because it paints a picture of how things are supposed to be. It paints a picture of good. And we aren't good. The consequences of being not good are…well…not good. Sin breaks stuff. You hurt the people around you. The law points it out, even when you'd rather not look. It threatens punishment. God's allowed to be angry when you hurt His kids. He's even allowed to be angry when you hurt yourself. The law is a black-and-white picture. There's no room for shades of grey, either, from best intentions or blame. The people heard how far from good they were.  But something strange happens. The people who deserve to be sent away in wrath, condemned to eat of the damnation they sow, are instead sent to eat the best portions of meat and drink sweet wine. They're to share the Gift they don't deserve with anyone and everyone around them. Sinners receive something unfair. Love. Because even though, in our sins, we are not good, God still is. We hear His word and in faith even come to see that the law paints a picture of Jesus, who fulfilled it, and in mercy, forgives us who do not. Because even though, in His righteousness, Christ is good, He dies on the cross bearing the weight of the wrath over every sin. It's unfair, but it's love. Jesus died for you. Your sins are forgiven. The day where He hands out forgiveness is holy. Go to church on that day. Eat and drink a measure of God's mercy in Communion. And rejoice. We who ought to shed a lot more tears over our confrontation with the law are only measured by the gospel. Christ's death on the cross paints a picture of you. You're worthy of love. Jesus says so, then invites you to take and eat.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God's Word is our great heritage And shall be ours forever; To spread its light from age to age Shall be our chief endeavor. Through life it guides our way, In death it is our stay. Lord, grant, while worlds endure, We keep its teachings pure Throughout all generations. (LSB 582)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

January 26, 2025 Today's Reading: Titus 1:1-9Daily Lectionary: Zechariah 2:1-3:10; Luke 10:1-9“He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” (Titus 1:9)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.You should have a pastor. There's a big list of things he should be. They make him above reproach. The list is a comfort to you. It's terrifying to your pastor because most of us are white-knuckling at least one of those on a good day. It's way easier for him to be a pastor if his life is in order. He has the bandwidth for all the places your life isn't that way. It will be his job to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it. He should have a firm faith and point you to truth, both to point you away from the sin that breaks stuff and to forgive you for when you broke it anyway. It's hard enough to trust your pastor when he has to tell you a law you don't want to hear. It's sometimes impossible when you can see all the places the law makes him a sinner, too. That's the reason for the list of things he should be. It's not that Jesus didn't die for your pastor. It's that sin breaks stuff. And sometimes that gets so distracting it's hard to hear Jesus from him. So Paul tells Titus not only the list of things he should strive to be but also the reason why so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.  Your pastor's job is to point you to Jesus and point you away from the things that just pretend to be Jesus. The idols. The false comforts. The lies of the evil one, the world, and the lies of your own heart. Because for your pastor, just like for you, there are two things we want. We want faithfulness and godliness. And we also want the lies to be true. Both can't stand, so we need Christ in truth and purity. And we need to be called out of everything that is not Christ. So God gives you a pastor to point. We are sinners, all of us. It's all the more reason to hold firm to Jesus. Hear Jesus. Hear the cross. Hear the resurrection. Receive The Sacraments. And there's finally a place where it's alright to be white-knuckling it. Hold fast to Jesus. He is the forgiveness for everywhere everything else is falling apart. He is the hope that exists through all the things that tear down. Let nothing distract from Jesus. Especially not the sins He forgives.  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.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

Even after the judgment spoken in the previous chapter, Isaiah now turns to praise the LORD as his God. The LORD has done wonderful things in faithfulness to His promises made long ago. He is a stronghold for His people, providing shelter from the storm and shade from the heat. On His mountain, He prepares His feast for His people because He has swallowed up the greatest enemy, death. The LORD has accomplished what He promised through Isaiah in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Isaiah 25:1-12.  "The Fifth Evangelist” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Isaiah 1-39. The prophet proclaims to the people of his day and throughout history that the Holy One of Israel alone is exalted. Those who put their trust in the strength of man will be brought low, but those who trust in the LORD will see that He is their Immanuel. Jesus is God with us who reigns over the kingdom of God forever and ever! Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

December 28, 2024Today's Reading: Matthew 2:13-18Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 52:13-54:10; Matthew 2:13-23“‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.'” (Matthew 2:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Where was God when Herod's soldiers went house to house slaughtering toddlers? Why does He seem so far away? It seems deep down like we spend more time defending God than He spends defending us. It seems like tragedy is where we need to protect the idea of God, not where we actually expect Him to protect us. Here's a fortune cookie slogan about God's plan that makes it not sound so horrible. Here's something besides His word to make us seem content when we aren't. Some poem about footprints and sand. Some parable about blind folks and an elephant. All of them attempt to answer the issue behind any religion that claims its god is loving. Why is there evil?Rachel weeps for her children and refuses to be comforted because they are no more. This is not the time for the footprints poem that isn't actually in the Bible. I don't have any good excuses here. Not because God doesn't explain it. Because we don't like the answers He gives. We want a God that gives us free will. Freedom from suffering. It was everything Herod sought. He prayed to the god of security and made rite sacrifices. He wanted to be in control, not face hardship or hurt. So, if I'm being honest, I can relate more to Herod than to Christ, who left the glory and security of heaven to be born in a manger, smuggled across borders only to die on a cross.  We'd rather a Herod than a Christ, as long as he's on our team. We want security from God every bit as much as we want security from God. We can recoil at the price Herod was willing to pay for it, but we all play the same game on a smaller scale. You might not sacrifice thousands of lives, but statistically, more women enter planned parenthood for an abortion identifying as Christian than not. And men, spared from having to sacrifice this way to the god of choice, still find plenty of other ways to chase the same securities. All we're doing is quibbling over the price we're willing to pay for them. So He acts.  Jesus didn't stop Herod from massacring children. He worked salvation in the middle of it. He entered to face it and carve a path through death to resurrection. It makes the object of our salvation closer to us when things fall apart. That's where God puts Himself for you. When we have no good answer, God gives you His cross, not a trite explanation or a poem about footprints. God isn't with us to be strong when we are weak. But to be weak too, for us. It gives us hope for those lost. And it gives us forgiveness for those sins we dare not speak out loud. Even your abortion is forgiven. Because explanations are resigned to how things are now, but the cross looks forward to an empty tomb.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy. Amen.  -Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 27, 2024 Today's Reading: John 21:20-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12“So the saying spread abroad among the brothers that this disciple was not to die; yet Jesus did not say to him that he was not to die, but, ‘If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you?'” (John 21:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. John died of old age, exiled on Patmos. I wonder if it flavors the way he wrote his gospel. He calls himself the apostle whom Jesus loved. He's clearly brilliant. Especially compared to Peter. He runs faster, too. I used to think John thought a lot of himself. The more I get to know him, the more I wonder if it was the opposite. John was spared the martyrdom that the other eleven received. At one point, I would have assumed John counted it as a mark of favor. Maybe, though, to John, it wasn't. It's great faith that stands steadfast in the face of torture. Unwavering in the face of death. We all like to think we'd do the same, but pray we'd never have to. We all pledged to remain steadfast in this faith and face all, even death, rather than fall away from it, but enough kids stop going to church the week after they make this promise with the help of God at their confirmation that it's a trope. As John grew old on Patmos, I wonder if the apostle whom Jesus loved was the apostle who was afraid he wouldn't.  Bravado often masks insecurity. And sometimes, it's even more terrifying to disappoint someone than to die horribly. Do the subtle boasts John makes really just show how afraid he really is? But he's a fast runner. Way faster than Peter. And he's wicked smart, too. I don't know. Maybe I'm wrong. There are marks of John throughout his book, but motive is a tricky thing. We don't even understand ourselves sometimes. Today, the church remembers St. John, who had a personality I can't help but speculate about. But the thing he clings to is clear. Christ. His letters are not remembered for his wit or his spats with Peter but for confessing the crucified and risen Lord. This Jesus died and rose not only to cover over John's sins, but to give him courage in the face of his fears. John died of old age but already conquered death in his Baptism. That Baptism gives us the freedom to see him in joy as someone who gives us permission to maybe be afraid, but someone holy nonetheless because of the Christ who washes us clean. One day, you'll die, too. I'm not sure how people will remember you or what credit they'll give to your motives and actions. But you'll go into the grave Baptized, covered. And you'll rise, too.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Merciful Lord, cast the bright beams of Your light upon Your Church that we, being instructed in the doctrine of Your blessed apostle and evangelist John, may come to the light of everlasting life; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 26, 2024 Today's Reading: Matthew 23:34-39Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16; Matthew 1:18-25“‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. They killed Stephen. They threw rocks at him until he was dead. He prayed for their forgiveness while they did it. Stories of martyrdom get… more creative from there. Flaying. Burning. Quartering. Beheading. Also, people are mean to us on the internet sometimes.  When the martyrs come up, Christians today bicker over what actually makes for genuine persecution. There are modern-day martyrs. People really killed for the crime of faith. The thing is, I don't think Jesus warns us about it so that we can lean into how bad it is, finding martyrdom in every comment section.  The church is left with Christ's words here, along with the story of Stephen, for two reasons. First, so that we would not be surprised if it happens. It is not a sign things are broken. It is not a sign of God's absence. It is a sad reality that Christ Himself bore for us. Secondly, though, it is to point us toward what to look for should we find it. Stephen didn't lament those who stoned him. He prayed for their forgiveness. Jesus didn't ignore Jerusalem. He wept over it, knowing Stephen and all the rest of the prophets and martyrs, and then rode into the city to conquer. Not by outkilling the killers. By bearing their sins unto death. He knew they'd reject Him. He still died for them. The focus doesn't seem to be on resistance. Or even lamenting every barb the church has taken. It's always been the forgiveness of sins that grants us certain life in the face of death. We live in uncertain times. We know now the future. So we're told to cling to a love so strong it would weep for Jerusalem, who would not believe, yet die for her anyway. Stephen is remembered as a martyr. But Jesus is remembered as the God made man who died and rose again to grant Stephen's prayers. In Christ, the martyrs live. And in Christ, there is forgiveness, even for those who throw stones.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, in the midst of our sufferings for the sake of Christ grant us grace to follow the example of the first martyr, Stephen, that we also may look to the One who suffered and was crucified on our behalf and pray for those who do us wrong; through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 25, 2024Today's Reading: John 1:1-14 (15-18)Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There's a curated charm about Christmas Eve that just doesn't transfer over to the morning. Christmas Eve is prettier, but it's fragile. If you speak, you can break the moment. Christmas Eve will always be the bigger deal, but Christmas Day dares to ask, what if it all actually meant something after the candles are blown out? What does it mean for you who sing about stables you've never knelt in outside of towns you've never visited? On Christmas Eve, we make a pilgrimage to Bethlehem but find no nativity. Just words. On Christmas Day, we find out that's how it's supposed to be. On Christmas Eve, the words describe shepherds and angels and a baby Christ child in years past. On Christmas Day, the words take shape in the now.  We like baby Jesus more because He doesn't do anything obnoxious. Like talk. So, when Jesus is introduced as the Word and not the infant, it makes us nervous He'll open His mouth and break the charm of last night, even though we know it's well on its way to fading already. It's why we need the word. It's what gives the shepherds in the field meaning. It's what connects the miracle of then to the quiet desperation of now. A religion divorced from meaning is quaint, like turning off LEDs and lighting candles, but doesn't combat the darkness. It doesn't save. It just lets us pretend for a little while, which is our go-to solution to problems we can't actually fix. But it's dark today. So today, we are given the Word. You don't have a God of charming moments. You have a God who speaks. You have a Word made flesh. The living, breathing promise made to you. It tells you, “You have the right to become children of God, born of His will.” It means He saved us, not by works done by us in righteousness, but by incarnation. By making the promise real. With the infant Christ, Words don't stay words. They become flesh. They don't just call us to try harder, be more, love. They wrap themselves in weakness that cannot. It's what real light looks like. Not a time free from problems or a world free from darkness, but a God bearing them to their end for us. A light that even the darkness cannot overcome. The Word made flesh can bleed. God made man can die. And He promises it's for you. Christ crucified is the light that darkness cannot overcome. We celebrate the birth of a savior; we sing of the God made flesh to be light even when all we can see is darkness, because the darkness cannot win. It has already lost. Merry Christmas. May you have the peace of Christ Who became like us that we would be like Him. And indeed, we already are.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty God, grant that the birth of Your only-begotten Son in the flesh may set us free from the bondage of sin; 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, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 24, 2024 Today's Reading: Matthew 1:18-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 44:21-45:13, 20-25; Daniel 10:1-12:13; Isaiah 48:1-22; Revelation 12:1-17“Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. Mary was engaged to Joseph, but she got pregnant. From the Holy Spirit. From hearing the Word. She's totally still a virgin. And Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. That means he didn't believe her, which is probably not unfair. You have to admit how it looks.  Maybe that's why the world doesn't understand the reason for the season. Nobody was converted by Christmas decorations. Look at the nativity and tell me someone could look at it and proclaim, “Hey, look, that baby is fully God and fully man, Son of the Father, born of the virgin. He's going to die on the cross and rise from the dead to forgive us our sins.” You have to admit how it looks. You're not going to figure this out on your own. It has to be revealed. So an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and explained it. To all of Nazareth, Mary looked unfaithful. And a little crazy because she stuck to the story. Yet she is blessed among women because she is the mother of God. Joseph looked like an old fool, yet he believed where so many didn't. The more they believe, the worse they look.  Especially to the Pharisees, who look so amazing all the time. They weren't perfect, just good at hiding what was wrong. Excusing it. Blaming others. Anything but confessing what's wrong to be sin and hoping God would be merciful to sinners, which is sort of the whole point of the religion. The believing Mary and Joseph looked like sinners and fools. The unbelieving Pharisees looked righteous.  We love to measure how things look. But how does Jesus look hanging on the cross where He saved the world that couldn't save itself? This is foolishness to the wise. He became the same. To dwell in creation, alongside us, in sin and misery. God almighty became an infant. God with us. He knows what He looks like. It's ok. Nobody figures it out on their own. It's always been revealed. Because faith comes by hearing, not looking. Look at the manger. Look at the cross. It doesn't look like much. No wonder the world mocks us. Christ came to assume your weakness and carry your sins. The ones others belittle you for. The ones you hide so well. The ones that prove you don't measure up. The ones that make you look like a bad Christian. The ones it's easier to hide or excuse. He saves you from your sins. All of them.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. O God, grant to us ears to hear Your promises that our eyes may perceive Your glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 23, 2024Today's Reading: Micah 5:2-5aDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:25-44:20; Revelation 11:1-19“And he shall be their peace…” (Micah 5:5)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Bethlehem. House of bread. There's peace there. Pay attention. Not just to look back but to look forward, too. It's easy to sing “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” to read a verse out of context in Micah, and connect the dots that Jesus was born to fulfill a prophecy. He is the one who, after hundreds of years of silence from prophets, appears to speak. He is the one promised from days of old. He is the one who shepherds the flock of the LORD. He is our peace. But if all you see is a Jesus who fulfilled the prophecies of old, where is He now? Where is the peace He is supposed to be? Your pastor holds it up on Sunday mornings and tells you. He sings, “The peace of the Lord be with you,” as he holds up the chalice and the host, the Body and Blood of the very same Christ. Bethlehem. House of bread. There's peace here. For you. The Christ born in the house of bread doesn't just fulfill old promises. It makes new ones. You'll see them fulfilled every Lord's Day. Every feast day. Honestly, whenever you ask your pastor to feed you.  Because we still need shepherding. We still need Immanuel. We still need God with us, even to the ends of the earth. We need the place to dwell securely. We don't just need prophecies fulfilled. We need them fulfilled for us. So you can find your peace in bread. Christ is present there to forgive you your sins, to tie you to the victory over the grave, to grant to you the security that sin, death, and the power of the devil are dashed to pieces against. Go to Communion. Eat and drink the Body and Blood of the Christ born in Bethlehem. There's peace there. And it's for you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O holy Child of Bethlehem, Descend to us, we pray; Cast out our sin, and enter in, Be born in us today. We hear the Christmas angels The great glad tidings tell; O come to us, abide with us, Our Lord Immanuel! (LSB 361:4)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 22, 2024Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11“for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;” (Luke 1:48)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Blessed are you among women To be called the mother of God by the small whispering wordAnd so much worse by those without ears to hear.The virgin shall conceive and bear abuse. But she named it all Immanuel.God with us. For the belittled and the befouled The mocked and reviled, the virgin gives a hymn.He has regard for the humiliated. who in their shame would prefer sticks and stones to wordsused to cause much deeper hurt He sheds precious blood and names the least of these holy.  Exalting what has been profaned,and blessing what others only curse.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Stir up Your power, O Lord, and come and help us by Your might, that the sins which weigh us down may be quickly lifted by Your grace and mercy; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  -Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 21, 2024Today's Reading: John 20:24-29Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We call Thomas by his nickname even though it's never in the Bible at all. This story isn't walking-through-a-wall-risen-from-the-dead-peace-giving-Jesus. This is doubting Thomas. Except it's not just Christian shorthand that describes the Bible story. We say more than we really mean to. We say Thomas' sins were died for on the cross. Forgiven… but not forgotten. Forgiven… but he should be remembered for all eternity by his sin of wanting to boop the Lord. Forgiven… but… not really. Then we take this fun new idea out with us and talk about each other the same way because talking about forgiveness is all well and good, but we still remember. Whatever else happens for the rest of their life, we know them by their weakest moment. That is an interesting take from the text that literally gives us the Absolution of sins.  What if this story isn't about one guy who expresses doubt in his weakness and is marked for the rest of us as a warning of what happens when we accidentally confess to being sinners, too? What if it's about Jesus? What if it's about a God who loves us so much that after dying for all of these sins we carry around, all of the labels we wear, all of the scars we bear, He rises from the dead to show that they really are brought to nothing? What if this same Jesus actually loved sinners enough to show up not for the worthy but for sinners and doubters? What if He said stuff like, “Peace be with you?” Jesus didn't show up to guilt trip Thomas but to give the peace Thomas was so desperate for.The marks on Christ's hands are not just the proof of His love and forgiveness and peace. They are Christ's burdens to bear. Those scars Jesus bears for you are the scars of all of your sins that He bled for, paid for, and died for. He still has those scars because He doesn't just take your sins from you to die on the cross and then give them back to you afterward for you to deal with. They aren't your scars to carry. He doesn't give them back. So be at peace. Stop trying to wrestle your old scars out of Jesus' hands. Jesus won't let go of them. All you get instead is peace.  This is why we speak confession. God wants you to have the very same peace He gave in that room. He sends pastors bearing it, speaking forgiveness, pointing to He who forgives sin by bearing Himself. We confess because now we hear Absolution. Peace be with you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.That night the_apostles met in fear; Among them came their master dear And said, "My peace be with you here." Alleluia! (LSB 471:4)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 20, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - 1 Samuel 2:1b, 2, 5b-7; antiphon: Luke 1:46b-47 Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13The LORD kills and brings to life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up. (1 Samuel 2:6)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Lord Kills and makes alive. He brings down to Sheol and raises up. The Lord gives, the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. If you can't first see those things fulfilled in the Son, you can never receive them as Gifts when He does them to you, too.  It isn't just because it's easier to account for what's taken than what's given or because it's easier to find things to complain about than to thank God for. It's because what the Lord takes, we can't get back on our own, and deep down, we know it. All our best plans and efforts can fall apart in minutes. A life can end in the blink of an eye, and no amount of preparation, fitness, or cautiousness can change that fact.  And He has every right to do it. To kill. To cast down. To take. Lay your justifications aside. The wages of sin is death. At the core of your heart, where you hide the anger, the lust, the greed, God sees who you really are. He sees someone destroying His creation and harming His children, often in secret. Some things that are broken can't be fixed. They can't be balanced out by trying harder at something else. So the best we can do is run from death, run from loss. But these were first borne by the Son. He was killed and made alive. He descended into Hell and rose from the grave. He who was God was stripped of all honor and glory for you to enter a creation made sinful by men in order to save the very same sinners. You. Me. And in His loss, death, and resurrection, He has not only forgiven you all your sins but carved a path through death and loss for you as well.  It means we don't have to escape anymore. And it means what's taken is not gone. When you see things taken, you can know not just that they can be given back, but that they will. Christ is risen. We will rise. And more, it isn't arbitrary. It isn't callousness that drives our Lord. It's purpose. It was purpose that sent the Son to the cross. And so too with you. In your loss, there is purpose. In your gain, there is purpose. Even in your death, there is purpose, and you can look forward to your resurrection. Blessed be the Name of the LORD because that's the thing that's been stable this whole time. He doesn't change. He is always working for your salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The will of God is always best And shall be done forever; And they who trust in Him are blest; He will forsake them never. He helps indeed In time of need; He chastens with forbearing. They who depend On God, their friend, Shall not be left despairing. ( LSB 758:1)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 19, 2024Today's Reading: Catechism: The First CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:1-17; Revelation 7:1-17You shall have no other gods. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This commandment shouldn't actually be that hard. There's only one God. He's literally the only God there is. There was a piece of fruit on a tree, and we made a god out of it. The fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil was not God, but we imagined it was so that we could not need Him anymore. It didn't work, but we've never stopped trying to get rid of the real God who loves us to chase after the fake ones that don't.  This commandment is at the root of every other sin. We do not fear, love, and trust in God above all things. If we did, we'd stop taking the good Gifts He gives us and turning them into replacements for Him.  This commandment might be at the root of our sinful desires, but the root of this commandment is that God actually wants to be God to you. He insists on being the God of sinners. He insists on giving you good Gifts. He insists on calling you back to Him over and over. He calls us not to treat the things that can't save us like they can. Don't trust in imaginary gods. Don't trust in creation as if it was the creator. Don't trust in yourself to save yourself. None of that works. None of it needs to, though; He already has. He bore the cross to forgive your idolatry. He insists you have no other source of salvation than Him. Trust only that. Love only Him. From there, even the fear part comes into right understanding. Fear, love, and trust in God above all things. Fear doesn't just mean healthy respect. We downplay it because it seems like it doesn't go along with love and trust. Fear means realizing you can't control God. That's the First Commandent all over again. The desire to control God is the desire to be God. To fear God is to recognize that we can't control Him but to love and trust in Him is to recognize that we don't need to. He wants to be God to you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O LORD God, Dear Father in Heaven, You have given us the Law for our good, calling us to fear, love, and trust in You above all things. Rejoicing that You would insist on being God to us, help us to cast aside all idols and follow you alone, through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. -Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 18, 2024Today's Reading: Revelation 6:1-17Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 34:1-2, 8-35:10; Micah 1:1-7:20; Revelation 6:1-17Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” (Revelation 6:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The four horsemen of the apocalypse. 450 words. Cool. Books have been written speculating what each horseman symbolizes. Because there's so much wrong here that it's hard to pick out just one thing that it could be. And that speaks volumes to the idea that what's coming might be even worse. But it was the Lamb who opened the seal to them. And that's even more concerning. After the sixth seal, everyone, slave and free, hides in caves, begging mountains to fall on them to hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. The daily lectionary doesn't quite line up with “Silent Night.”The might behind the angel chorus that sang to shepherds attests to the power of the God made man who will be born on Christmas. That power, that glory, that urgency for justice is found in the Christ child, too. When we pray for God to advent, we prefer the weakness of baby Jesus to the wrathful Lamb sending horsemen of death and destruction. Repent. Both pictures are the same Jesus. We live in the end times and pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” Spare us from more tribulation. Rescue us from ourselves and the power of the foe. But the tribulation is God's tribulation. The devil is God's devil. All creation serves His will because creation has already been won back from the devil. Christ has died and risen to claim the victory. Evil is still evil, but God commands it now that it would do more than just sow tears. The evil points us to a need for salvation, and the cross not only answers the need but paints a picture of a God amidst the fray, wearing a crown of thorns, conquering death itself to save you.  Now even death and destruction simply point to the cross where the God made man, the Lamb who sits on the throne, was slain for you and for all. The catastrophes of the Revelator pull us from the fantasy that we can conquer God and His horsemen even as they drive us to the hope that the Lamb has conquered to save us. And the presence of God marks a silent night, peace on earth, not by measure of the earth, but by measure of God's Advent to save us from it. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Glory to the Father sing, Glory to the Son, our king, Glory to the Spirit be Now and through eternity. (LSB 332:8)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 17, 2024Today's Reading: Philippians 4:4-7Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 33:1-24; Revelation 5:1-14Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. (Philippians 4:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Somehow, “rejoice” has come to mean “put on a happy face” to Christians today—especially this time of year. But when everyone else is happy, sad feels just that much sadder. Loss feels that much sharper, and calls to rejoice when you'd rather just cry make one of two things feel fake: either you for pretending for the sake of piety or the religion for not being able to lift your spirits.  I could tell you joy isn't the same as happiness. Joy is a deeper contentment, while happiness is a surface-level elation. That's true, but even joy seems to run dry sometimes. It's almost always because of which word we focus on. I wonder if the most important word isn't “in.” Rejoicing endures all things only in the Lord. And for that to happen, He has to show up. We can rejoice always because God advents. The Lord is at hand. He who guards us from sin, death, and the devil is so near He surrounds us. We are in Him. Hear this. Because anxiety isn't something we can shut off. It's a brain that can't stop thinking. So, Paul gives us something to think about. Christ advents to save sinners. Even now. You are baptized. You have put on Christ. His death. His resurrection. His victory for all who believe. You wear that now. That doesn't mean “pretend to be happy all the time.” It doesn't mean “shut your brain off whenever anything bad enters it.” It means that when you feel anxious or low, sad or depressed, hear the promises of the God who draws near to you and find comfort. When you can't shut your brain off, hear the gospel so it can focus instead on the promises of Christ. They drive us to reasonableness. Not just being levelheaded, but thinking about our problems in light of Christ's victory. Even death can't overwhelm you now. Jesus will just raise you up again. So whatever else that's ripped joy from you, is it bigger than death? Be reasonable. God is here to wipe every tear from your eye. Your heart is guarded by Christ Jesus.  It drives us to prayer. Let your requests be made known to the God who does not abandon you down here. He draws near to save. He might not give you everything you want, but in Him, nothing can be taken from you that His victory does not restore one hundredfold.  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 566:6)-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 16, 2024 Today's Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 32:1-20; Revelation 4:1-11The LORD has taken away the judgments against you; he has cleared away your enemies. The King of Israel, the LORD, is in your midst; you shall never again fear evil. (Zephaniah 3:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Zephaniah writes three chapters to a church convinced they are above reproach. Which, before you roll your eyes at them, feels great. If you're above reproach simply on account of your membership, that means everything wrong is someone else's fault. God is mad at them, not you. It's not surprising people like that are whiney. Nothing's their fault, and nothing's their responsibility. They just heap blame on the world and wait for God to punish wrongdoers and fix it. Did I say them? I meant us. Me. You. See how easy the language shifts?  Captivity comes not for the unbelievers but for Israel, and if that's just a punishment for other people's sin, there's no hope while there are still sinners, and worse things for the world mean better things for you. The only hope is a world without them. And hatred festers. Zephaniah preaches woe that doesn't just whine. He promises captivity and calamity as condemnation for incredulity, but here, he leaves Israel with hope. Even after promising terrifying things for Israel, who thinks they're above reproach, He promises to advent. The mark of hope is not measured in the state of the world but the presence of the LORD, who created, redeems, and cares for it. Is God present or not? There are signs of His presence. Zephaniah tells you what to measure. Don't start with the world. Start with you. Are your judgments being taken away? Are you being saved? Are you given something to hold onto that removes even fear?If hope is measured in a perfect world, all we have is whining about why it isn't perfect yet and blame for what we're unable to fix ourselves. If hope is measured in a present God, it might be worthwhile to see what He does when He shows up. He dies. Jesus comes to Israel, captive to sin and fear, ego and death, and frees us. You. Me. He dies for our sins. Yours. Mine. This is why the language matters. Christ shows up and feeds sinners. His Body and Blood are for you. They save you, strengthen you, forgive you, and grant you hope not just for a world with no problems but for a God present in the midst of them to bring you through them to the last great day when all the world will look as it ought. Resurrected. The last great day will come, but even now, God gathers the outcasts and the captives alike and turns the shame of all we can't fix into the praise of all He's conquered in His death and resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Where the paschal blood is poured, Death's dread angel sheathes the sword; Israel's hosts triumphant go Through the wave that drowns the foe. Alleluia! (LSB 633:3) -Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 15, 2024 Today's Reading: Luke 7:18-28, 29-35Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22…And blessed is the one who is not offended by me.” (Luke 7:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It's easy to overlook just how hard it is for most people to come out and say what they're feeling. I hurt. I doubt. I'm dying here. We can bury an awful lot before it finally bubbles over into some kind of truth. “Are you the one who is to come, or should I look for another?”John is in prison, doubting and trying to find the words because Jesus is the one who's supposed to give sight to the blind, make the lame walk, cleanse the lepers, and free the prisoners… and John's in prison, wondering where his help is. He did what he was supposed to. A voice cried in the wilderness to prepare the way of the LORD, but John's still in prison. Is this not the guy? Is any of this stuff even real? More than a prophet, John still struggles. But we're afraid to. I don't know how long it took John to finally send his disciples for an answer to his doubt or how often you grasp for the right words and come up short, but I know why it's happening. Things don't look like they're supposed to here. You're not the only one struggling for the right words.Jesus pierces through what we mean to say and speaks peace—not just with signs and wonders but with the sure and certain word and promise of God. The poor have Good News preached to them. This can endure the poor still being poor, even when some of the blind can't see yet and not all the lame can walk. John isn't called to find comfort in the signs themselves but in the word and promises of God. Jesus saves sinners. He bears the cross for those struggling and doubting and dying. Blessed is the one who is not offended by Me. Not by how He saves. Or who. Or what it looks like while He does it. You're allowed to struggle with it. The poor need the Good News preached to them because they need Good News.  Doubt isn't good, but if we cannot by our own reason or strength believe in this stuff, then this is something that has to be answered. So Christ sends preachers. Even John's doubt in prison prepares the way of the Lord to answer it. This Word of the Lord unites our voices and gives us the words we can't quite find. The Good News preached to you. God became everything we wish we weren't. Lowly. Sinful. Alone. Afraid. Dead. And in doing so, He saved you.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord Jesus Christ, we implore You to hear our prayers and to lighten the darkness of our hearts by Your gracious visitation; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.-Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.What makes a church "good?" Come join the fictional family as they test out eight different churches in their brand-new town and answer this question along the way. Will the Real Church Please Stand Up? by Matthew Richard, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

A new Christmas program is available from Higher Things! The Rev. Harrison Goodman (Content Executive for Higher Things) and Paige Rebber (Assistant Editor for Higher Things), join Andy and Sarah to talk about “Christmas FOR YOU.” Tune in to hear about the inspiration for this Christmas program, how kids will learn about and share the Christmas story, what's included, and how to use it. Download the program for free at higherthings.org/christmas. As you grab your morning coffee (and pastry, let's be honest), join hosts Andy Bates and Sarah Gulseth as they bring you stories of the intersection of Lutheran life and a secular world. Catch real-life stories of mercy work of the LCMS and partners, updates from missionaries across the ocean, and practical talk about how to live boldly Lutheran. Have a topic you'd like to hear about on The Coffee Hour? Contact us at: listener@kfuo.org.

In the twelfth stanza of Psalm 119, we confess the eternal nature of God's Word. Even as His Word stands fast in the heavens, He brings it to us so that it gives us joy and life. Apart from God's Word, we would perish in the traps of the wicked; therefore, God keeps us as His by His grace.  Rev. Harrison Goodman, content executive for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 119:89-96.  "God's Word Is Our Great Heritage” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through Psalm 119. As this longest Psalm takes us through an acrostic journey through the Hebrew alphabet, our God teaches us to find joy, refuge, strength, and life in His Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. 

Concordia University students studying to become church workers had the chance to share about church work vocations at Higher Things Conferences this summer. In Part 2 of 2, Young Adult Representatives (YARs) Hannah Weaver, Jakob Nath, and James Pape join Andy and Sarah to talk about why they wanted to serve as YARs, stories about their experiences talking with Higher Things participants at all three conferences, what they loved about this experience, and their advice for anyone considering church work vocations. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

Concordia University students studying to become church workers had the chance to share about church work vocations at Higher Things Conferences this summer. In Part 1 of 2, Young Adult Representatives (YARs) Brianna Pike and Josh Rueter join Andy and Sarah to talk about their church work programs, how they were chosen to be YARs, the conversations they had with Higher Things participants at the Wisconsin and Portland conferences, and how this experience shaped how they view their own future vocations as church workers. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org. Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.

How does a young man explore the possibility of pursuing a future pastoral vocation? Ninth-grader Emmit Ohlde, who recently attended a Higher Things conference, joins Andy and Sarah for our Set Apart to Serve series to talk about his experience at Higher Things, what he enjoyed about the worship and learning experiences, how Higher Things helped him consider what a pastoral vocation would look like, and how he lives out his faith along with his passion for athletics. Learn more about Higher Things at higherthings.org.  Christ's church will continue until He returns, and that church will continue to need church workers. Set Apart to Serve (SAS) is an initiative of the LCMS to recruit church workers. Together, we pray for workers for the Kingdom of God and encourage children to consider church work vocations. Here are three easy ways you can participate in SAS: 1. Pray with your children for God to provide church workers. 2. Talk to your children about becoming church workers. 3. Thank God for the people who work in your congregation. To learn more about Set Apart to Serve, visit lcms.org/set-apart-to-serve.