Podcasts about his gifts

March 22, 2025Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 3 - Psalm 5:4-8; antiphon: Psalm 1:6Daily Lectionary: Genesis 27:1-29; Mark 8:22-38But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. (Psalm 5:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The world has forgotten to fear God. Christians, too. We've managed to turn God into a milquetoast deity who makes threats that no one really believes he'll carry through. The god of postmodern imagination has a bark that far surpasses his bite. Instead of the righteous judge who holds the power to condemn or to save, we have an image of a god who nods approvingly at all of our faults and blunders (which we don't think are that bad anyway) and accepts us for whatever we are.We've lost the fear of God.But we can't regain the fear of God by making God angry again. This, too, is a god of our own imagination who swings his hammer of judgment without a hint of mercy. True, the God of Scripture often becomes angry, and sometimes that anger ends in an act of judgment or punishment, but this is alien to His nature of love.To learn the proper fear of God, turn to the Psalms. No other book of the Bible speaks of fear as much as the Psalms. But the Psalms do not try to soften God's judgments, nor do they intensify His anger. The fear of the Lord first recognizes God's righteous anger over sin and His threats of punishment: “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you.” (Psalm 5:4). But it also recognizes that His anger is always tempered by His mercy and His steadfast love.“But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.” There is no entrance into the house of God, into the presence of God, apart from an abundance of His steadfast love. He is not permissive; He is merciful. Psalm 5 also highlights another aspect of the fear of God. To fear God doesn't mean to quake in His presence, nor does it mean to disregard the ongoing severity of our sin. It means to worship God. “I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” The fear of God is the worship of God, and the worship of God is to receive His Gifts. That's the way of the righteous.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Blessèd Jesus, at Your Word We are gathered all to hear You. Let our hearts and souls be stirred Now to seek and love and fear You, By Your teachings, sweet and holy, Drawn from earth to love You solely. (LSB 904:1)-Rev. Jacob Ehrhard, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church and School in Chicago, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Visit the timeless rhythms of the Christian life with award-winning author Harold L. Senkbeil. As he addresses the concerns and pressures of the world today, you'll discover that even while the world is dying, Christ's death brings about life. True life. One that He offers to you. Order Now!

 ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਭਰਮਾਈ ॥ ਹਮ ਦੀਨ ਤੁਮ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਬਦੇ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਆਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ ਦਾਤੈ ਦਾਤਿ ਰਖੀ ਹਥਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਸੇਈ ॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਰੇ ਉਤੇ) ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਾ, ਅਤੇ (ਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਸਹਾਰਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੇਹ।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਚੰਬੜਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ, ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਦੇ) ਮੰਗਤੇ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ (ਸਾਨੂੰ) ਦਾਤਾਂ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈਂ, (ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼।੧।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈ ਕੇ ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ) ਬੇਅੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ) ਵਾਸਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਕ ਡਾਂਵਾਂ-ਡੋਲ ਹਾਲਤ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਰੇ ਪਾਪ ਕੱਟਣ ਦੇ ਸਮਰਥ ਹੈ (ਜੇਹੜਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ) ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਚੱਖ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅਛੋਹ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੋ, ਫਿਰ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਹੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਜੀਊਂਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ, ਫਿਰ ਕਦੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਢੁਕੇਗੀ। ਜੇਹੜਾ ਭੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਿੱਠਾ ਲੱਗਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਦਾਤਾਰ ਨੇ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਇਹ) ਦਾਤਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਖੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ-ਰੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਰੰਗੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ (ਇਥੇ) ਸੁਖ ਮਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿਚ ਭੀ ਉਹੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਦਰ-ਮਾਣ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੪।੧੧।੪॥੧੧॥SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL:Without serving the True Guru, he suffers in terrible pain, and throughout the four ages, he wanders aimlessly. I am poor and meek, and throughout the ages, You are the Great Giver - please, grant me the understanding of the Shabad. || 1 || O Dear Beloved Lord, please show mercy to me. Unite me in the Union of the True Guru, the Great Giver, and give me the support of the Lord's Name.|| Pause || Conquering my desires and duality, I have merged in celestial peace, and I have found the Naam, the Name of the Infinite Lord. I have tasted the sublime essence of the Lord, and my soul has become immaculately pure; the Lord is the Destroyer of sins. || 2 || Dying in the Word of the Shabad, you shall live forever, and you shall never die again. The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam is ever-sweet to the mind; but how few are those who obtain the Shabad. || 3 || The Great Giver keeps His Gifts in His Hand; He gives them to those with whom He is pleased. O Nanak, imbued with the Naam, they find peace, and in the Court of the Lord, they are exalted. || 4 || 11 ||ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਭਰਮਾਈ ॥ ਹਮ ਦੀਨ ਤੁਮ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਬਦੇ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਆਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ ਦਾਤੈ ਦਾਤਿ ਰਖੀ ਹਥਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਸੇਈ ॥

  ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਭਰਮਾਈ ॥ ਹਮ ਦੀਨ ਤੁਮ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਬਦੇ ਦੇਹਿਬੁਝਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਆਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ ਦਾਤੈਦਾਤਿ ਰਖੀ ਹਥਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਸੇਈ ॥੪॥੧੧॥ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਰੇ ਉਤੇ) ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਾ, ਅਤੇ (ਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਸਹਾਰਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੇਹ।ਰਹਾਉ।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਚੰਬੜਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ, ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਦੇ) ਮੰਗਤੇ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ (ਸਾਨੂੰ) ਦਾਤਾਂ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈਂ, (ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਆਤਮਕਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼।੧।(ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈ ਕੇ ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ) ਬੇਅੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ) ਵਾਸਨਾ ਨੂੰਮੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਕ ਡਾਂਵਾਂ-ਡੋਲ ਹਾਲਤ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਰੇਪਾਪ ਕੱਟਣ ਦੇ ਸਮਰਥ ਹੈ (ਜੇਹੜਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ) ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਚੱਖ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾਹੈ।੨।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅਛੋਹ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੋ, ਫਿਰ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਹੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਜੀਊਂਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ, ਫਿਰਕਦੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਢੁਕੇਗੀ। ਜੇਹੜਾ ਭੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਇਹਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਿੱਠਾ ਲੱਗਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩।ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਦਾਤਾਰ ਨੇ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਇਹ) ਦਾਤਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਖੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ-ਰੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਰੰਗੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ (ਇਥੇ) ਸੁਖ ਮਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿਚ ਭੀ ਉਹੀ ਮਨੁੱਖਆਦਰ-ਮਾਣ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੪।੧੧।SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL:Without serving the True Guru, he suffers in terrible pain, and throughout the four ages, he wanders aimlessly. I am poor and meek, and throughout the ages, You are the Great Giver - please, grant me the understanding of the Shabad. || 1 || O Dear Beloved Lord, please show mercy to me. Unite me in the Union of the True Guru, the Great Giver, and give me the support of the Lord's Name.|| Pause || Conquering my desires and duality, I have merged in celestial peace, and I have found the Naam, the Name of the Infinite Lord. I have tasted the sublime essence of the Lord, and my soul has become immaculately pure; the Lord is the Destroyer of sins. || 2 || Dying in the Word of the Shabad, you shall live forever, and you shall never die again. The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam is ever-sweet to the mind; but how few are those who obtain the Shabad. || 3 || The Great Giver keeps His Gifts in His Hand; He gives them to those with whom He is pleased. O Nanak, imbued with the Naam, they find peace, and in the Court of the Lord, they are exalted. || 4 || 11 ||

January 14, 2025 Today's Reading: Romans 6:1-11Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 36:33-37:14; Romans 5:1-21“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life” (John 6:4)In the Name of Jesus. Amen.It's easy to make snap judgments on what we see. We've heard the phrase “seeing is believing,” and to a degree, the eyes have played a role in the spread of Christianity. Think about the Resurrection. This isn't a myth but a real-time event recorded as history in Scripture. Many eyewitnesses attest to having seen the risen Christ. Therefore, every occurrence of a name in the New Testament is significant. On the other hand, seeing alone is no help in divine matters. The Israelites saw the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and the destruction of the Egyptian army. But it's no time before they're grumbling against God. People saw the crucifixion and mocked the dying Christ. The eyes saw blood, gore, and death—just another corpse and crucifixion for the books.  Romans 10:17 teaches faith comes by hearing the Word of Christ. The senses aren't the cause of faith. That comes by the Holy Spirit through the Word. Snap judgments in divine matters can be devasting for how we think about God and His Gifts. Baptism, for example, doesn't look like much, only some water by a man in robes on a baby's head. The baby does nothing during the rite of Holy Baptism except maybe cry and fill a diaper. But St. Paul's inspired Words in Romans 6 teach us what Baptism does without human aid and cooperation. Something happens, something affected by God, when someone is baptized in that triune Name, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. One is “buried with Him.” One dies with Christ. The Old Adam dies, and “just as Christ was raised…we too may walk in newness of life.” This is a reality for the baptized given by God in Jesus. It's not earned by human merits, decisions, emotional pleas, and movements in the heart. It's God's work that faith receives. Since faith is a Gift, it's not dependent on intellectual capacity. Baptism doesn't look like much, but according to Scripture, it means life in Christ, being dead to sin and alive to God. It means sins forgiven in the Name above all Names, the only Name under heaven and earth by which man is saved (Acts 4:12). These promises don't go away over time, something faith sees when the eyes don't.In the Name of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, grant us faith to daily repent and turn to you. Preserve us from evil, and comfort us with Your promises in Holy Baptism to make us Your dear child robed in the righteousness of Jesus, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX.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.

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਭਰਮਾਈ ॥ ਹਮ ਦੀਨ ਤੁਮ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਬਦੇ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਆਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ ਦਾਤੈ ਦਾਤਿ ਰਖੀ ਹਥਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਸੇਈ ॥੪॥੧੧॥ ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਰੇ ਉਤੇ) ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਾ, ਅਤੇ (ਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਸਹਾਰਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੇਹ।ਰਹਾਉ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਚੰਬੜਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ, ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਦੇ) ਮੰਗਤੇ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ (ਸਾਨੂੰ) ਦਾਤਾਂ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈਂ, (ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼।੧। (ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈ ਕੇ ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ) ਬੇਅੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ) ਵਾਸਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਕ ਡਾਂਵਾਂ-ਡੋਲ ਹਾਲਤ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਰੇ ਪਾਪ ਕੱਟਣ ਦੇ ਸਮਰਥ ਹੈ (ਜੇਹੜਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ) ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਚੱਖ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੨। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅਛੋਹ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੋ, ਫਿਰ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਹੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਜੀਊਂਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ, ਫਿਰ ਕਦੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਢੁਕੇਗੀ। ਜੇਹੜਾ ਭੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਿੱਠਾ ਲੱਗਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਦਾਤਾਰ ਨੇ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਇਹ) ਦਾਤਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਖੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ-ਰੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਰੰਗੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ (ਇਥੇ) ਸੁਖ ਮਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿਚ ਭੀ ਉਹੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਦਰ-ਮਾਣ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੪।੧੧। Sorth Third Mahal Without serving the True Guru, he suffers in terrible pain, and throughout the four ages, he wanders aimlessly. I am poor and meek, and throughout the ages, You are the Great Giver - please, grant me the understanding of the Shabad. || 1 || O Dear Beloved Lord, please show mercy to me. Unite me in the Union of the True Guru, the Great Giver, and give me the support of the Lord's Name.|| Pause || Conquering my desires and duality, I have merged in celestial peace, and I have found the Naam, the Name of the Infinite Lord. I have tasted the sublime essence of the Lord, and my soul has become immaculately pure; the Lord is the Destroyer of sins. || 2 || Dying in the Word of the Shabad, you shall live forever, and you shall never die again. The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam is ever-sweet to the mind; but how few are those who obtain the Shabad. || 3 || The Great Giver keeps His Gifts in His Hand; He gives them to those with whom He is pleased. O Nanak, imbued with the Naam, they find peace, and in the Court of the Lord, they are exalted. || 4 || 11 ||

Sr. Pastor A. A. Jackson shared this message live at RACC on 12/15/24.  It is based on chapter 6 of K. E. Hagin’s book, The Spirit and His Gifts; and these main scriptures – Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4, 5,8.  When it comes to tarrying for the Holy Ghost, we need to realize that in […] The post Is It Scriptural to Tarry for the Holy Ghost? Part 3 of 3 appeared first on Realm of Agape Christian Church.

Pastor Seth Wetter teaches us, to Walk in the Agape Love. His Gifts are Great, But Love, is Greater. From the Book of 1st Corinthians, the 13th Chapter. On December 1st, 2024 God's Word is Truth!

Pastor Seth Wetter teaches us, to Walk in the Agape Love. His Gifts are Great, But Love, is Greater. From the Book of 1st Corinthians, the 13th Chapter. On December 1st, 2024 God's Word is Truth!

Sr. Pastor A. A. Jackson shared this message live at RACC on 12/1/24.  It is based on chapter 6 of K. E. Hagin’s book, The Spirit and His Gifts; and these main scriptures – Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4, 5.  The Word gives us other accounts of people getting saved and filled with the Holy […] The post Is It Scriptural to Tarry for the Holy Ghost? Part 2 of 3 appeared first on Realm of Agape Christian Church.

November 23, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 27 - Psalm 39:4-5a, 7-8, 12a; antiphon: 2 Peter 3:13bDaily Lectionary: Daniel 3:1-30; Revelation 20:1-15“O Lord, make me know my end and what is the measure of my days; let me know how fleeting I am! (Psalm 39:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When my wife and I had our first child, we received all sorts of advice. Some advice we asked for, some we didn't. People are funny that way. They like to give advice as if to bring meaning to their experiences, but I realize something now as my first child turns five and is preparing for kindergarten: they were right. The advice we often received was, “Don't blink; they grow up fast,” and they were right. I wonder now if their desire to give advice came from a place of regret or grief. They blinked, and their children were grown, just like I blinked and my oldest prepares for Kindergarten. The psalmist gives words to this. God shows us in many ways how short our lives are, how quickly time passes, and how soon death approaches. One thing is certain: regardless of how old you are, dear reader, life is fleeting. While it seems like this is simply a reality you must face, it can serve a greater purpose in the life of the Christian. Allow it to be a call to you, a call to repent and to turn back to the Father who loves you. Why? Because all sinners have the propensity to get distracted and caught up in trivial things. Time is wasted on reading news articles about Fantasy Football, hours slip by while you scroll on your phone to look into people's lives whom you do not know, and days drift away while you attend your children's tournaments that consume their entire childhood. The list goes on. We waste a lot of time on trivial things. There is this sense that there is time for the important things, but right now isn't that time. There is time to hear God's word, but it can wait for now. There is time to receive His Gifts, but it isn't today. There is time to confess Jesus as Lord, but not until you're older and death is more real. Don't be a fool. Life is truly fleeting. Life is short. God is near. Do not waste time on trivial things. Don't misunderstand what I am saying: it is okay to play some sports, enjoy some entertainment, and even play some Fantasy Football, but don't let it consume you. Don't let it become your god. Carve out time in your life for the more pressing things. Do not put God in the “to be done later” pile of things on your schedule. Honor the Sabbath by going to church to rest in His care and receive the Good News of Jesus dead, resurrected, and ascended for you. Rest in the presence of God and His mercy. Feed on his word day after day. A day will come (if it hasn't already) when God will remind you that your life is truly fleeting, and on that day, you will cry out to the Lord, and He will answer. His answer is in Christ, the crucified one. He will hear you. And He will speak words of comfort and life to you. For in Him, life is not fleeting; it is everlasting. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Death's power holds us still in thrall And bears us toward the tomb. Death's darkening cloud hangs like a pall That threatens earth with doom. But You have broken death's embrace And torn away its sting. Restore to life our mortal race! Raise us, O Risen King! (LSB 552:4)-Rev. Caleb Weight, associate pastor of Peace In Christ Lutheran Church in Hermantown, MN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Spend time reading and meditating on God's Word throughout the Church Year with the Enduring Grace Journal. Includes scripture readings, prayers, prompts, and space for journaling. The Church Year Journal, Enduring Grace, now available from Concordia Publishing House.

The Giver and His Gifts by Free Life Church

Sr. Pastor A. A. Jackson shared this message live at RACC on 11/17/24.  It is based on chapter 6 of K. E. Hagin’s book, The Spirit and His Gifts; and these main scriptures – Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:4, 5.  When it comes to tarrying for the Holy Ghost, we need to realize that in […] The post Is it Scriptural to Tarry for the Holy Ghost? Part 1 of 3 appeared first on Realm of Agape Christian Church.

October 1, 2024Today's Reading: Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 2:16-37; Matthew 6:16-34“And a young man ran and told Moses, ‘Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.' And Joshua the son of Nun, the assistant of Moses from his youth, said, ‘My lord Moses, stop them.' But Moses said to him, ‘Are you jealous for my sake? Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!'”(Numbers 11:27-29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. You don't have to be around Lutheranism very long before you start to hear arguments about who can do what in the church. You might even hear references to the fourteenth article of the Augsburg Confession. We even speak about it in shorthand, saying simply, “AC XIV.” We even say it in such a way that you can hear the Roman numerals. The Confessions are clear in this matter: no one is to preach or teach in the church without a proper call. Unfortunately, this has become overinterpreted to mean that only the pastor can speak the gospel or that only the pastor can speak in a theological way. This is simply not what the article says. While there are things that are reserved only for the office of the ministry, there is plenty of theological speaking that any Christian can do. The Spirit is not given only to pastors. You can see this in our reading from Numbers. Moses refuses to punish Eldad and Medad for prophesying in the camp when they were supposed to be with the rest of the elders. Instead, he says, “Would that all the LORD's people were prophets, that the LORD would put his Spirit on them.” Other Old Testament passages will speak about the Spirit being poured out on all flesh (Joel 2:28). In fact, the Spirit being poured out on all people was one of the signs that would signal the arrival of the Messianic Age. This is the pouring out of the Spirit that took place on the first Pentecost that resulted in a large number of people hearing the mighty works of God in their own language. This is the same Spirit that is given to all Christians. This is the same Spirit that you received in your Baptism. This is the same Spirit that allows you to hear His Word, receive His Gifts, and proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. This is the same Spirit that allows you to speak the gospel to your friends, family, and anyone that God has placed into your life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Christ, our true and only light, Enlighten those who sit in night; Let those afar now hear Your voice And in Your fold with us rejoice. (LSB 839:1)-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

September 22, 2024 Today's Reading: Mark 9:30-37Daily Lectionary: Nehemiah 7:1-4; 8:1-18; Ezra 1:1-10:19; 1 Timothy 5:1-16[Jesus said,] “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.”” (Mark 9:35)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The disciples don't look very good in our reading. They don't ask the questions they should be asking, and they don't answer the questions that they are asked. Instead, they spend their time arguing about their status. All in all, the disciples are behaving in a childish way. It may even be easy to criticize them for their behavior. How could they have been distracted from the important teaching that was going on right in front of them? Think about this, though: if the events of the reading had happened in our time, the disciples would have been concerned with clicks, likes, and the number of followers they had on social media. In other words, the disciples' behavior is not all that different from those of us who are overly attached to our smartphones and our social media presence. The disciples may have been distracted by thoughts about their status because they knew they were eventually headed for Jerusalem. They may have thought that Jesus was going to finally reveal Himself to be the Messiah. Sure, the language about being handed over, killed, and rising was confusing, but the Messiah was going to need people in high places when He began his rule. The disciples were the obvious choice to take those places. They may have thought that they were perfectly positioned to be influencers in the new world order. They had to protect their brands. This is why Jesus speaks of them being last and servants of all. Put simply, Christianity is not lived out from the top down. It is not like being an influencer on social media, where people look for guidance on what to wear, what to eat, and what to think. Christianity is lived out in the world. It is lived out among the flesh and blood people that God has placed into your life. It is lived out in service to the neighbor. This is because your status as a Christian was founded on the greatest act of service ever. Your status as a Christian was founded on the crucifixion of Jesus. He served you by going to death in your place. He gave up His status to give you an identity as a child of God. He continues to serve you with His Gifts that make it possible for you to serve others. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God, whose strength is made perfect in weakness, grant us humility and childlike faith that we may please You in both will and deed; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.-Rev. Grant Knepper, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church Modesto, California.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.In Embracing Your Lutheran Identity, Author Gene Edward Veith Jr. will guide readers through that heritage, starting with the Early Church and moving through the Reformation to Lutheranism today. Readers will learn about key people in the history of Lutheranism, from two teenagers who were the first martyrs of the Reformation, through the Saxon immigrants who left everything behind so they could practice Lutheranism freely, to the Lutherans who have stood strong for the faith in our own day.

August 23, 2024 Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 14 - Psalm 26:1-2, 6-7; antiphon: Psalm 26:8Daily Lectionary: 1 Kings 3:1-15; 1 Kings 3:16-4:34; 2 Corinthians 1:1-22O Lord, I love the habitation of your house and the place where your glory dwells. (Psalm 26:8) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. It's been a long week. Sin made stuff hurt. Work was hard. Living with fellow sinners was hard. Seeing your own insecurities was hard. The devil pokes at all the bruises that we try to hide. We know that we aren't enough, but we try to keep trying. The world is an unkind place to be. We see ‘better' all around us, and yet we can never quite achieve it. Indeed, every morning, the Old Adam gets up with us, chained to us, even as it is daily drowned in our Baptism. And yet, this Psalm invites us to rejoice that Sunday is coming; the Divine Service is coming! We get to be in God's House! We get to be where He promises to be. We get to be forgiven alongside our neighbors (those other sinners) and breathe a sigh of relief. We get to be reminded that sin, death, and the devil have been defeated. We get to receive assurance that our identity is found in Jesus; He is enough, and so we are enough. We join David in this declaration– we love the habitation of God's House! We love that we get to be where His glory dwells! And what is that glory? God's glory is His perfection given to you through Jesus' Death and Resurrection. God's glory is His plan of salvation– to redeem you. God's glory is the unfailing love and faithfulness in His creation and adoption of you. God's glory is the Gifts we receive in His Word, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Maybe today was a tough day. Maybe today was a decent day. In either case, you get to take a moment and remember, like David, that you are a child of God. You get to be reminded of your identity found in your Baptism. You get to join your thankful voice and declare that you, too, love God's House and rejoice in the place where His Gifts are for you. Sin breaks us down and causes pain. And yet, we have relief, joy, and hope because our Lord always keeps His promises and delivers them exactly where He said they would be. Look forward to the Divine Service in His House, where you will be reminded that you are forgiven, loved, and redeemed. Have hope that your God always keeps His promises– and that includes giving you grace, life, and peace. Thanks be to God that we get to continually go to God's House! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Here stands the font before our eyes, Telling how God has received us. The altar recalls Christ's sacrifice And what His Supper here gives us. Here sound the Scriptures that proclaim Christ yesterday, today, the same, And evermore, our Redeemer. (LSB 645:4) -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.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 15, 2024 Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45, 46-55Daily Lectionary: 2 Samuel 5:1-25; 1 Corinthians 8:1-13He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy (Luke 1:54) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Have you ever considered the memory of God? He was before there was time. He literally created everything that is in this world. He is All-Knowing. He, well, knows every moment of sin, pain, and suffering that His creation has caused and endured. He watched the perfection break. Sin grieves our Lord. And yet, before the moment that Adam and Eve sinned, God had a plan to redeem His people. God promised a Savior Who would pay for the sins of the whole world; in every moment of sin and brokenness, God chooses to forget it. Instead, our Lord remembers His promise to be merciful and give forgiveness. The Old Testament includes a lot of accounts of sinners sinning and God remaining faithful. There is a continuous cycle of warning, sin, hurt, repentance, and forgiveness. The Old Testament is pointing sinners to the Promised One— He is coming! There will be a child born of a virgin! He will pay for the sins of the whole world! God is faithful and merciful. In today's reading, Mary is singing about the amazing miracle that she has experienced. The angel of God came to HER and declared that she will carry Jesus, the Savior of the Nations! She visits her cousin Elizabeth; baby John, still in Elizabeth's belly, knew Who was growing within Mary. There is great rejoicing! Mary sings a song of praise. In this song, she witnesses to what she knows about God and about God's character. And she, like others who had read and knew the Scriptures, trusted that God is merciful. God does keep His promises! God is patient with His people and remembers them with mercy. We, too, have a very similar pattern as those in the Old Testament— we know God's Law, we sin anyway, we suffer hurt and pain, we are called to repentance, and we are forgiven. We, like Mary, sing God's Word in faith; we come to the Divine Service, we receive absolution, we hear God's Word preached, and we eat His Body and Blood. We, too, rejoice that God's memory is merciful; He remembers His people and always keeps His promises. Today, we rejoice with Mary, the Mother of our Lord. We, like her, are reminded of God's faithfulness and mercy. We, too, give thanks that God does not remember our sin but remembers His mercy. We, too, receive His Gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O sing of Christ, whose birth made known The kindness of the Lord, Eternal Word made flesh and bone So we could be restored. Upon our frail humanity God's finger chose to trace The fullness of His deity, The icon of His grace. (LSB 362:1) -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.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

August 1, 2024 Today's Reading: Catechism: What is the benefit of this eating and drinking?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 17:1-19; Acts 26:1-23What is the benefit of this eating and drinking? These words, “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins,” show us that in the Sacrament forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation are given us through these words. For where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation. (Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In today's Old Testament reading, the Philistines and the Israelites are lined up for battle, with a valley between them. The Philistines stood strong with their champion, Goliath of Gath, in front, taunting the Israelite army, so much so that Saul and all Israel “were dismayed and greatly afraid” (1 Samuel 17:11). Israel had no such giant champion. At the end of the reading, David, the shepherd boy, arrives, not even to save the day but to deliver bread and cheese to his brothers and the commander of the army. And there, God does something extraordinary with what is ordinary. David defeats Goliath.In the Lord's Supper, God takes something ordinary and makes it extraordinary. Sometimes, we Lutherans are like the Israelites, lined up for battle. A large portion of modern evangelical Christianity says that there's no benefit, no Gift given to those who partake of the Lord's Supper. They say that the Lord's Supper is just bread and wine, symbols that represent the Body and Blood of Jesus in a meal that we eat merely to remember His sacrifice at Calvary. There's a huge valley between them and us.Now, we're not literally lined up for battle, certainly not against fellow Christians. But we are lined up for battle against the devil who takes every opportunity to diminish Christ, steal you away from Him and His Gifts, and leave you in doubt about His love for you. In the midst of your doubt and fear, God brings His Word and promise. Dr. Luther rejoiced in the words of Christ: “Given and shed for you for the forgiveness of sins.” Faith clings to the promise of Jesus. Faith receives exactly what Jesus promises–forgiveness, life, and salvation.The Sacrament of the Altar may appear weak and insignificant. It may not make sense at all that in it, God gives you Gifts of eternal significance. But when you're lined up for battle against the devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh, the Lord stands ready to strengthen you in this holy meal with His divine Gifts. Even when you're at your weakest in the fight, the Son of David comes with the provision of His Body and Blood, by which He defeated sin, death, and the devil for you. He sends you forth, not in fear and doubt, but strengthened in His certain victory over death. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God descends with heav'nly power, Gives Himself to me this hour In this ordinary sign. On my tongue His pledge receiving I accept His grace, believing That I taste His love divine. (LSB 620:4)-Rev. Joel Fritsche, director of Vicarage and Deaconess Internships and assistant professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. LouisAudio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.The Lutheran Confessions play a vital role in the church—both centuries ago, and today. But, do they apply to the daily life of a layperson? Pastor Andy Wright offers a resounding “yes” in his book, Faithfully Formed. He quotes, summarizes, and synthesizes key teachings from the Confessions, revealing their relevance in the daily lives of ordinary people.

The Holy Spirit & His Gifts, Part 3 | The Word of Wisdom | Dr. Chris Cody

May 4, 2024 Today's Reading: Psalm 66:1-2, 8-9, 20; antiphon: Psalm 66:16Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 26:21-33, 39-44, Numbers 1:1-2:34, Luke 14:1-24Blessed be God, because he has not rejected my prayer or removed his steadfast love from me! (Psalm 66:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. There is a common misunderstanding about prayer. Many people think that God hears prayers better if more people pray. That's why many people ask anyone and everyone to pray for their sick relative or their friend who is suffering. Now don't get me wrong. Christians should pray. God commands us in the Second Commandment to pray and use His name rightly. God also promises to hear us when we pray, and will answer our prayers by what is best in His good and gracious will.But it's not true that God hears prayers better if more people pray. The prayers of many are not louder to God than prayers made by just one. The amount of people who pray doesn't matter as much as the faith of the people who pray. Everywhere in Scripture, prayer is connected with faith in Christ. Those who have saving faith in Christ are heard and blessed. Those who do not have saving faith in Christ, or who pray to false gods, are not heard and not blessed. So, for example, God refused to hear the prayers of the unrepentant Israelites in Isaiah 1:5, whose hands were covered with blood - metaphorically speaking. Or consider when God spoke to the idolatrous Judeans who blended their worship with their idol-worshiping neighbors' worship. Jeremiah writes of this in Lamentations 3:44, saying, “you have wrapped yourself with a cloud so that no prayer can pass through.”This is why the Psalmist today is so cheered that God hears his prayers. It is a sign that this psalm-writer is still in God's love and grace. He has not fallen out of saving faith in the Christ who was to come (who has come now, Jesus). Rather, the Psalmist is relieved that God hears His prayers because that also means that he will not be condemned like the unbelieving world.What about your prayers? If you don't pray regularly, repent and believe the Gospel, and then do it. Make prayer part of your routine, saying many private prayers throughout the day. Where God does not say yes right away, that does not mean you are lacking in saving faith. It might mean God has better plans. It might mean God wants you to wait a little bit so your heart is in better condition to appreciate His Gifts. But where God does answer your prayers with a resounding “yes,” you can be thankful, cheered, and moved just like the Psalmist. For your loving heavenly Father knows your needs, and by answering your prayers, it shows that you continue to be His dear child through faith in Christ. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, continue to look on us in grace, that believing in Your Son and His salvation, we offer up regular prayers, trusting in Your good and gracious will.  Amen.- Pastor. Robert Mayes is the pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church and Zion St. John Lutheran Church in Beemer and Wisner, NE.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House. 

April 26, 2024 Today's Reading: The Lord's Prayer - Second PetitionDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8; Luke 11:1-13Thy Kingdom Come. What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. (The Lord's Prayer, the Second Petition, Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Where is God's kingdom today? We are assured that God's kingdom comes without our prayer, but where can we see it? How do we know he's with us, or that we are even a part of His kingdom?Some want to see a theocracy on earth, where everyone is under a “Christian” ruler who makes sure God's work and will are done everywhere on earth through legislative and social means. The problem is that God never promised to work that way in our world. Even the Old Testament kings were only there to get God's people to the place where the Messiah would come. Certainly, on the Last Day, God will come in great power and glory and we will all live under Him in his eternal kingdom forever, but what about now?Now, we look for where God Himself promises to be. Where God says He will come to us and grant us His Gifts. God is present everywhere, for He is God; He fills all of creation as the Almighty Creator. But if you want to meet Him directly, or at least as directly as a sinner can meet the holy and righteous God, you go where He promises that you will see and hear Him. In His Word, in the Divine Service, in His Sacraments.We call this God's ‘Kingdom of Grace.' It is where He promises to hide His indescribable glory behind simple earthly things so that we are able to receive from His hand all of His Gifts without fear of being slain by His glory.Remember when Isaiah saw God in His glory in the temple and thought He was a dead man (Isaiah 6)? You never have to be afraid of that. Jesus has already come to you, washed you in his blood, raised you from your death, and made you a new creation by His death and resurrection. God's gracious kingdom is open to you whenever you gather before His altar. Rejoice that you have such open and free access to the Lord of Creation, for He is always there, ready to give you His Gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation freely for Jesus' sake. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Your kingdom come. Guard Your domain And Your eternal righteous reign. The Holy Ghost enrich our day With gifts attendant on our way. Break Satan's pow'r, defeat his rage; Preserve Your Church from age to age.  (LSB 766:3)- Pastor Duane Bamsch is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.

April 22, 2024 Today's Reading: Acts 4:1-12Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 9:1-24, Luke 9:18-36“This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11–12)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Do you think the world revolves around you? Sometimes, you can get so wrapped up in things and activities that you suddenly think the entire world exists to serve you and you alone.But that's not true. Jesus is the center of the world. The center of the whole cosmos, actually. It all revolves around Him, no matter how important you think your next game or test or play is.He is the cornerstone, that upon which everything is built and everything has its foundation. It can be hard to wrap your mind around that because you don't see Jesus in our world physically. The leaders of the Jews knew who Jesus was, they had seen Him die and rise, but even they didn't want to believe Jesus was the center of everything.They had a plan. They had a reason to pretend Jesus wasn't real and didn't actually rise from the dead, and it all centered on them being the most important people in town. Notice that St. Peter calls them “the builders,” the ones who were to build upon Jesus, the Word from which all is created and has its being.So also in our day, the church builds (and is built!) on the Crucified Christ as the foundation. Everything we do, everything we say, everything we sing, everything we pray, finds its source and hope and basis in Jesus.That is wonderfully freeing! You don't need to try and come up with a way to make Jesus appealing, because He is the very foundation of all things. He alone is the one through whom salvation is given. His Word creates and sustains. His Gifts comfort and save. It is truly all about Jesus, and what He gives for you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ is our cornerstone, On Him alone we build; With His true saints alone The courts of heav'n are filled. On His great love Our hopes we place Of present grace and joys above. Here may we gain from heav'n The grace which we implore, And may that grace, once giv'n, Be with us evermore Until that day When all the blest To endless rest Are called away. (LSB 912:1, 2)- Pastor Duane Bamsch is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.

December 25, 2023   Today's Reading: John 1.1-14Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son  from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. “Christmas just doesn't work out for me. Never has.”  That is the punch-you-in-the-gut moment as you get to know Billy, the sad, impoverished child picked up by the Polar Express.  He is dressed in a tattered night shirt, and comes from an old, run down house “on the wrong side of the tracks.” Christmas has not been a time of plenty, but of continued need.  Still, there is a problem.Billy has a hard time trusting anyone, as tough as life has been.  Throughout the story, he is welcomed and befriended by two other children.  And in the end, the conductor artistically punches words into the passengers' tickets.  Billy's has the words: “COUNT ON.”  He is encouraged to count on others, to count on his new friends, to count on Santa, to count on Christmas working out for him.Christmas is indeed a time to “count on,” but not in the simplistic, earthly sense of counting on friends, family, or others. Christmas is the great festival of the Incarnation and Nativity of Our Lord!  God-in-the-flesh has come and there is no one more perfect, loving, and holy to “count on.”Today you worship God Incarnate and then go about your daily life in the true Christmas Spirit.  That is, the Holy Spirit, who has called you to faith and delivered the Gospel and Sacraments of the Word Made Flesh.  It is not you who have the ability to count on God; it is the loving and merciful gift of the Lord that He sends His Spirit to give you faith—the gift of “counting on” Him alone. The Holy Spirit is the One who is giving you joy over Jesus' birth; God becoming Man for you!Merry Christmas, you dear, forgiven saints!  Merry Christmas, as you celebrate in the gift of faith, counting on Christ Jesus, who is delivered to you in His Gifts of Word and Sacrament!  His Holy Spirit brings you to believe and understand the most profound words about Christmas, which are not even from Luke 2, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us."  Yes, Joy to the world!  The Lord is come!" And He will continue to come in His Word and His Sacraments, until He gathers you to Himself in eternity!  THAT is an amazing Christmas gift that you can “count on” and “believe!”  Merry Christmas!  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.  Amen.  -Pastor Richard Heinz is pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lowell, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.Study Christ's words on the cross to see how you can show more Christlike grace in your life. Perfect for group or individual study, each chapter has a Q&A at the end, and the back of the book includes a leader guide. Available now from Concordia Publishing House.

Because of who God is and all He has done to make Him worthy of praise, we should consciously orient our lives to Him with conscious thanksgiving and praise.-- I. You are called to a Life of God-Centered Praise- vv 1-2- II. True Worship grows from a True Knowledge of God v 3- III. A Heart of Gratitude grows out of a life that is consciously fixed on Christ and His Gifts- vv 4-5

Because of who God is and all He has done to make Him worthy of praise, we should consciously orient our lives to Him with conscious thanksgiving and praise.-- I. You are called to a Life of God-Centered Praise- vv 1-2- II. True Worship grows from a True Knowledge of God v 3- III. A Heart of Gratitude grows out of a life that is consciously fixed on Christ and His Gifts- vv 4-5

Because of who God is and all He has done to make Him worthy of praise, we should consciously orient our lives to Him with conscious thanksgiving and praise. I. You are called to a Life of God-Centered Praise! vv 1-2 II. True Worship grows from a True Knowledge of God v 3 III. A Heart of Gratitude grows out of a life that is consciously fixed on Christ and His Gifts! vv 4-5

ਸੋਰਠਿ ਮਹਲਾ ੩ ॥ ਬਿਨੁ ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਸੇਵੇ ਬਹੁਤਾ ਦੁਖੁ ਲਾਗਾ ਜੁਗ ਚਾਰੇ ਭਰਮਾਈ ॥ ਹਮ ਦੀਨ ਤੁਮ ਜੁਗੁ ਜੁਗੁ ਦਾਤੇ ਸਬਦੇ ਦੇਹਿ ਬੁਝਾਈ ॥੧॥ ਹਰਿ ਜੀਉ ਕ੍ਰਿਪਾ ਕਰਹੁ ਤੁਮ ਪਿਆਰੇ ॥ ਸਤਿਗੁਰੁ ਦਾਤਾ ਮੇਲਿ ਮਿਲਾਵਹੁ ਹਰਿ ਨਾਮੁ ਦੇਵਹੁ ਆਧਾਰੇ ॥ ਰਹਾਉ ॥ ਮਨਸਾ ਮਾਰਿ ਦੁਬਿਧਾ ਸਹਜਿ ਸਮਾਣੀ ਪਾਇਆ ਨਾਮੁ ਅਪਾਰਾ ॥ ਹਰਿ ਰਸੁ ਚਾਖਿ ਮਨੁ ਨਿਰਮਲੁ ਹੋਆ ਕਿਲਬਿਖ ਕਾਟਣਹਾਰਾ ॥੨॥ ਸਬਦਿ ਮਰਹੁ ਫਿਰਿ ਜੀਵਹੁ ਸਦ ਹੀ ਤਾ ਫਿਰਿ ਮਰਣੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥ ਅੰਮ੍ਰਿਤੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਸਦਾ ਮਨਿ ਮੀਠਾ ਸਬਦੇ ਪਾਵੈ ਕੋਈ ॥੩॥ ਦਾਤੈ ਦਾਤਿ ਰਖੀ ਹਥਿ ਅਪਣੈ ਜਿਸੁ ਭਾਵੈ ਤਿਸੁ ਦੇਈ ॥ ਨਾਨਕ ਨਾਮਿ ਰਤੇ ਸੁਖੁ ਪਾਇਆ ਦਰਗਹ ਜਾਪਹਿ ਸੇਈ ॥੪॥੧੧॥ ਅਰਥ: ਹੇ ਪਿਆਰੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਜੀ! ਮੇਰੇ ਉਤੇ) ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਤੇਰੇ ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਦਾਤਿ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਗੁਰੂ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਮਿਲਾ, ਅਤੇ (ਮੇਰੀ ਜ਼ਿੰਦਗੀ ਦਾ) ਸਹਾਰਾ ਆਪਣਾ ਨਾਮ ਮੈਨੂੰ ਦੇਹ।ਰਹਾਉ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈਣ ਤੋਂ ਬਿਨਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੂੰ ਬਹੁਤ ਦੁੱਖ ਚੰਬੜਿਆ ਰਹਿੰਦਾ ਹੈ, ਮਨੁੱਖ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ ਭਟਕਦਾ ਫਿਰਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ! ਅਸੀ (ਜੀਵ, ਤੇਰੇ ਦਰ ਦੇ) ਮੰਗਤੇ ਹਾਂ, ਤੂੰ ਸਦਾ ਹੀ (ਸਾਨੂੰ) ਦਾਤਾਂ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਹੈਂ, (ਮੇਹਰ ਕਰ, ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ) ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੋੜ ਕੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੀ ਸਮਝ ਬਖ਼ਸ਼।੧। (ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੀ ਸਰਨ ਪੈ ਕੇ ਜਿਸ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨੇ) ਬੇਅੰਤ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਹਾਸਲ ਕਰ ਲਿਆ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਬਰਕਤਿ ਨਾਲ) ਵਾਸਨਾ ਨੂੰ ਮੁਕਾ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦੀ ਮਾਨਸਕ ਡਾਂਵਾਂ-ਡੋਲ ਹਾਲਤ ਆਤਮਕ ਅਡੋਲਤਾ ਵਿਚ ਲੀਨ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦੀ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਾਰੇ ਪਾਪ ਕੱਟਣ ਦੇ ਸਮਰਥ ਹੈ (ਜੇਹੜਾ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ) ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਦਾ ਸੁਆਦ ਚੱਖ ਕੇ ਉਸ ਦਾ ਮਨ ਪਵਿਤ੍ਰ ਹੋ ਜਾਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੨। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਵਿਚ ਜੁੜ ਕੇ (ਵਿਕਾਰਾਂ ਵਲੋਂ) ਅਛੋਹ ਹੋ ਜਾਵੋ, ਫਿਰ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਹੀ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਜੀਊਂਦੇ ਰਹੋਗੇ, ਫਿਰ ਕਦੇ ਆਤਮਕ ਮੌਤ ਨੇੜੇ ਨਹੀਂ ਢੁਕੇਗੀ। ਜੇਹੜਾ ਭੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਗੁਰੂ ਦੇ ਸ਼ਬਦ ਦੀ ਰਾਹੀਂ ਹਰਿ-ਨਾਮ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਕਰ ਲੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ, ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਇਹ ਆਤਮਕ ਜੀਵਨ ਦੇਣ ਵਾਲਾ ਨਾਮ ਸਦਾ ਲਈ ਮਨ ਵਿਚ ਮਿੱਠਾ ਲੱਗਣ ਲੱਗ ਪੈਂਦਾ ਹੈ।੩। ਹੇ ਭਾਈ! ਦਾਤਾਰ ਨੇ (ਨਾਮ ਦੀ ਇਹ) ਦਾਤਿ ਆਪਣੇ ਹੱਥ ਵਿਚ ਰੱਖੀ ਹੋਈ ਹੈ, ਜਿਸ ਨੂੰ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈ ਉਸ ਨੂੰ ਦੇ ਦੇਂਦਾ ਹੈ। ਹੇ ਨਾਨਕ! ਜੇਹੜੇ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਪ੍ਰਭੂ ਦੇ ਨਾਮ-ਰੰਗ ਵਿਚ ਰੰਗੇ ਜਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ, ਉਹ (ਇਥੇ) ਸੁਖ ਮਾਣਦੇ ਹਨ, ਪਰਮਾਤਮਾ ਦੀ ਹਜ਼ੂਰੀ ਵਿਚ ਭੀ ਉਹੀ ਮਨੁੱਖ ਆਦਰ-ਮਾਣ ਪਾਂਦੇ ਹਨ।੪।੧੧। SORAT'H, THIRD MEHL: Without serving the True Guru, he suffers in terrible pain, and throughout the four ages, he wanders aimlessly. I am poor and meek, and throughout the ages, You are the Great Giver - please, grant me the understanding of the Shabad. || 1 || O Dear Beloved Lord, please show mercy to me. Unite me in the Union of the True Guru, the Great Giver, and give me the support of the Lord's Name.|| Pause || Conquering my desires and duality, I have merged in celestial peace, and I have found the Naam, the Name of the Infinite Lord. I have tasted the sublime essence of the Lord, and my soul has become immaculately pure; the Lord is the Destroyer of sins. || 2 || Dying in the Word of the Shabad, you shall live forever, and you shall never die again. The Ambrosial Nectar of the Naam is ever-sweet to the mind; but how few are those who obtain the Shabad. || 3 || The Great Giver keeps His Gifts in His Hand; He gives them to those with whom He is pleased. O Nanak, imbued with the Naam, they find peace, and in the Court of the Lord, they are exalted. || 4 || 11 || --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/gsjhampur/message

A new MP3 sermon from Calvary Bible Church is now available on SermonAudio with the following details: Title: The Nearness of Jesus and the Dearness of His Gifts Subtitle: 1 Peter Speaker: Chazz Anderson Broadcaster: Calvary Bible Church Event: Sunday - AM Date: 6/11/2023 Bible: 1 Peter 4:7-11 Length: 56 min.

This week as we resume our series in Ecclesiastes, I ask you to consider: Are you operating right now under the belief that more money will make you happier and more satisfied with life? Are you making decisions based on that assumption? Who told you that was true? Ecclesiastes shows us that wealth may be given by God, but satisfaction comes separately. Rather than wasting our lives toiling for satisfaction from wealth, we should trust God for our provision and rejoice in his gifts.Sermon Outline:I. Do Not Toil for Satisfaction in WealthII. Trust God for His Provision and Rejoice in His GiftsIII. Recognize that the Ability to Enjoy Gifts is a GiftSermon Discussion Questions:1. Have you ever fell into thinking that if you just had more money, you could be truly happy? Is there any truth to that idea? What's wrong with the idea?2. Why can money and possessions not satisfy the desire of our hearts? How can we remind ourselves of this when we are so prone to forget?3. How does God's gift of his Son Jesus Christ enable us to enjoy God's other gifts?4. In 1 Timothy 6:6-10 the apostle Paul warns against the love of money. What additional insight does this passage shed on what we have seen in Ecclesiastes?5. What do you need to confess to the Lord today and repent of? What gifts do you need to give him thanks for and enjoy?

As soon as Israel departs Mt. Sinai things take a turn for the worst when they begin to rebel against God and reject his good gifts! Enjoy this sample of Lesson 3, "Rebellions Against God and His Gifts" from Dr. Nick's course, "Numbers: Encountering God in the Wilderness." Anyone can join our community of students and stream the entire audio lesson and full course (and other courses too!) whenever they wish.

Acts 7:51-53; Ephesians 4:25-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 - The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is filled with promises that can never be lost as well as opportunities that must be seized. We conclude our time in this series with three things to avoid, three things to pursue, and a vision of what our life as a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered community could look like as we begin the journey. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 10 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Acts 7:51-53; Ephesians 4:25-32; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 - The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is filled with promises that can never be lost as well as opportunities that must be seized. We conclude our time in this series with three things to avoid, three things to pursue, and a vision of what our life as a Spirit-led, Spirit-filled, Spirit-empowered community could look like as we begin the journey. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 10 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Romans 8:14-17 - Romans 8 is one of the New Testament's clearest teachings on how the Holy Spirit leads his people, and these verses are the apex of that teaching. Here we learn that the Spirit is at work bearing witness to His people that they have been made beloved children of their Father God. And receiving this from the Spirit just might be the key to living the Spirit-empowered life we've been exploring. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 9 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Our focus here is on the last two power gifts: Gifts of Healings and Working of Miracles. One of the biggest challenges we can face ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts #9 – Wed. Aug. 24, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

Our focus here is on the last two power gifts: Gifts of Healings and Working of Miracles. One of the biggest challenges we can face ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts #9 – Wed. Aug. 24, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

1 Corinthians 12:8-11 - The New Testament speaks of Spirit-empowered gifts of healing. What are we to make of these gifts? How are we to pursue them? And how should we respond if we don't experience them? A sermon by Josh Wilder. [Part 8 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

The Gifts of the Spirit are supernatural, not natural. There are nine gifts and they are in groups of three: Revelation, Vocal and Power. This ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts #8 – Wed. Aug. 17, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

The Gifts of the Spirit are supernatural, not natural. There are nine gifts and they are in groups of three: Revelation, Vocal and Power. This ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts #8 – Wed. Aug. 17, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

1 Corinthians 12-14 - God through the Apostle Paul commands his readers to pursue spiritual gifts--especially prophecy! Despite theological controversy and practical confusion, obedience demands we open ourselves to a seeking, discerning, honest relationship to the revelatory gifts of the Spirit. All of this while we trust God to gift each of us individually and together as a community just as He wills. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 7 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Romans 12:3-8 - Spiritual gifts enable the church to function as the body of Christ, with each part crucial for the health and maturing of the whole. Part of growing as a church is encouraging each member to identify and celebrate how they are gifted, remembering that no matter how mundane some gifts seem, they are all honored by the God who gives them. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 6 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Ephesians 4:7-13 - God uses his power like no one else--sharing it, using it to build others up, demonstrating radical generosity. So when His Spirit supernaturally empowers His people, they are called to do the same. As we begin a several-week discussion of the spiritual gifts, we start by defining them as Spirit-empowered abilities given freely to each of His people as he sees fit for maturing the church community. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 5 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Jesus said every believer should receive the Holy Spirit then out of the belly or stomach will flow rivers of life-giving water. The Gifts are ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirits and His Gifts #5 – Wed. July 27, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

How important is it to be filled with the Holy Spirit ? It's actualy very important ! In tonight's message our dear brother, speaker will talk about this topic and even more about the Holy Spirit and His Gifts and Blessings. Tune in to hear more !

Jesus said every believer should receive the Holy Spirit then out of the belly or stomach will flow rivers of life-giving water. The Gifts are ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirits and His Gifts #5 – Wed. July 27, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

Galatians 5:16-25 - A vital connection to Christ through His Holy Spirit can't help but produce fruit in the life of a disciple. What is this fruit? And how can we move forward in such a way that He can produce it in our lives? A sermon by Josh Wilder. [Part 4 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Ephesians 5:18-21 - There are few doctrines as simultaneously confusing and crucial for living the Christian life as the nature of what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. In Paul's clearest teaching on this in Ephesians 5, we learn that we are commanded to continually pursue this filling and just how crucial it is for living the Christian life with power and integrity. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 3 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Acts 1-2 - On the day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit of God was poured out powerfully, marking one of the most dramatic turning points in history. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit had come and is now one of the incredible blessings of the Gospel for all who have trusted Jesus. May we celebrate the Spirit making his home within us and all that it means. A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 2 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Various scriptures - As we begin a new series exploring the Holy Spirit, we must start by answering some fundamental questions: Who is the Holy Spirit? What has He been doing? And what are the promises God has made about the Spirit for our time? A sermon by Cameron Heger. [Part 1 of the series "The Spirit & His Gifts"]

Glenn Bleakney sits down with Dr. Kim Maas as she shares her journey into ministry and the message of her recent book, The Way of the Kingdom: Seizing the Moment for a Great Move of God. For many believers, times of unrest simply mean that darkness is on the rise. But what if the growing violence in the world today means something different? What if our "signs of the times" mean that the Spirit of God is on the move? Author and trusted prophet Kim Maas reveals one of the mysteries of the Kingdom: When light breaks through the gates of darkness, the result is violence. This is spiritual warfare, and it signals a fresh awakening. It means that the Kingdom of God is advancing and that you are advancing! Engage in Kingdom violence the way Jesus taught - with violent love, violent forgiveness, violent healing, violent deliverance, violent peace. If answering violence with violence sounds like war, it is. You are already in position. Overturn the works of darkness in every area of your life, and watch for a great move of God! About Dr. Kim Maas Kim Maas is a sought-after international speaker, author, and Christian minister. Her passion is to inspire, encourage, and equip God's people to move forward in the call of God on their lives. This passion comes through in her preaching, leadership, writing, and everyday life. Kim has trained and equipped churches, ministries, and individuals to operate in the gift of prophecy in several nations and the United States. She is the president and CEO of Kim Maas Ministries, the founder and director of Women of Our Time (WOOT), host of the Move Forward with Dr Kim Maas podcast, and author of Prophetic Community: God's Call for All to Minister in His Gifts and The Way of the Kingdom: Seizing the Moment for a Great Move of God published by Chosen Books. She can be heard each month live on social media with the Voice of the Shepherds. Kim is ordained with the Apostolic Network of Global Awakening. She earned a Doctorate in Ministry at United Theological Seminary and a Master of Divinity at King's University. Kim and her husband Mike live in Athol, ID. They have three children and a growing number of grandchildren. You can connect with Kim at www.kimmaas.com, on Instagram @kimmaasminitries, on FaceBook @MoveforwardNowKimMaas, on Twitter @pkmaas, and by email hello@kimmaas.com.

The work of redemption involves the entire godhead. The Father planned it, Jesus worked it and the Holy Spirit carried it out. Come join us ... continue reading. The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts – 2 – Wed. June 29, 2022 first appeared on Christian Assembly Church.

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would equip and empower believers as they carry out the work of the Great Commission. And in his message "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts," Bayless Conley shows you how the gifts of the Spirit manifest in your life and how you can utilize them to take the gospel to a lost and dying world. Discover how you can let the Holy Spirit work supernaturally through you today!