Podcasts about his gifts

June 18, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 5th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Proverbs 20:5-25; Proverbs 21:1-31; John 17:1-26And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. (The Fifth Petition, The Lord's Prayer) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus taught us to pray boldly. We are coming to the Father with these words ‘‘forgive us our trespasses.' We aren't bartering. We aren't conjoling. We aren't suggesting that ‘we'll get the tab next time.' Nope. We are begging that our sins be forgiven. We are stating it plainly: I have sins. A lot of sins. Forgive me. It is only from the mercy of God that we can continue to live and breathe and enjoy what He has given us. Without it, we would easily succumb to the weight of shame, despair, guilt, or even arrogance that our sins would demand. When we pray this Petition, we are rightly acknowledging that we have sinned and we need something outside of ourselves to get rid of our mess. It is such a gift, then, to know that Jesus taught us to pray this way because He knows God will hear us and answer our prayer! Jesus is our rescuer! He is the payment for our sins. He is the only one who can tell the Father: yep, that person is covered. I paid for her sins. He is one of mine, so he is one of yours. In Baptism, your Old Adam was drowned and died; a New Man was created. You, dear saint, belong to Christ and are therefore holy before God the Father. You get to come to Him in your darkest hour and trust in Jesus' Death and Resurrection for you. You get to pray with confidence; in Jesus, your sins are forgiven, and your prayers are heard. It is from that overflowing well - that unending grace and mercy - that we then turn to our neighbor and forgive them, too. We trust, we believe, and, in faith, we cling to the truth that our Father hears this prayer and does indeed forgive our sins. We then turn to those who have hurt us and share it with them, too. We know the power of sin, shame, and guilt - and we declare to those who are under it: there is forgiveness. Jesus paid for that sin. You are mercied. You are loved. You are forgiven - just like I am. Pray this Petition with boldness and humility; cling to the promises that are yours in Jesus, remembering that it is through Him that you get to approach the Father and know that His Gifts are for you. And then? Share that Good News with those around you! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I, a sinner, come to Thee With a penitent confession. Savior, mercy show to me; Grant for all my sins remission. Let these words my soul relieve: Jesus sinners doth receive. (LSB 609:4) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 13, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 2 - Psalm 18:1-2a, 27, 30a, 49; antiphon: Psalm 18:18b-19Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 13:1-25; John 14:18-31“I love you, O LORD, my strength. The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,” (Psalm 18:1-2a) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.These are words of witness. They speak of who God is and what He does for His people. The Lord is our strength. And yet, I get caught in the lie of independence and self-reliance. I want to believe that *I* am strong. I want to believe that *I* can be brave, powerful, and mighty. And yet, in my most quiet thoughts - I know that I am not. I know that I am weak, I struggle, and I am not enough. When I look at myself, when I rely on myself, when I think only of myself - I cannot be strong. The Third Article of the Creed teaches us that we ‘cannot by our own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ or come to Him.' We are weak. In fact, in sin, we are dead. So this first verse in Psalm 18 is a gift - it reminds us that we don't have to be strong. In fact, we have the Lord who is strength. It is in Him that we are brought to new life and are made holy. We lean on Him and trust in Him; we are indeed strong in God. His might is given to us. The next verse speaks of God as our rock, fortress, and deliverer. Living in this broken world is hard. Sin hurts. This week has been rough. I have sinned, and I have been sinned against. It can often feel like there is no safe place to go. And yet, we are reminded that we are in Christ. He is our safe place. Church is where we receive His Gifts; we are forgiven, redeemed, loved, and shown mercy. We are delivered from evil and kept safe in God's House. Indeed, God is immovable - His character does not change. He is the protection that is needed from all that would hurt, harm, or kill. He is the only one who can deliver us, who can rescue us, from the brokenness of sin. God is your strength, your rock, your fortress, and your deliverer. When you attend the Divine Service, rest in the safety of God's Word and His promises. Trust that your Baptism is your identity and God's Word of Absolution is for you. Jesus' Body and Blood is yours; eat and drink His promise. You are not alone, but are protected, loved, and safe in Jesus. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Fear not! I am with you, O be not dismayed, For I am your God and will still give you aid; I'll strengthen you, help you, and cause you to stand, Upheld by My righteous, omnipotent hand. (LSB 728:2) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 11, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 6:7-13Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 9:1-18; John 13:21-38“And he called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits.” (Mark 6:7) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Disciples are followers of Jesus - literally. Before Jesus' ascension, the disciples went where He went. They did what He did. He taught, they listened. In this account in Mark, Jesus sends out the Twelve apostles. These men were disciples, but being an apostle meant that they were sent out to teach and to preach. They were given authority by Jesus and were given directions by Jesus. Today, we remember the Apostle Barnabas. This is the guy who ‘vouched' for Saul. In the early church, after Jesus ascended into heaven, there was a lot of persecution. You may remember that Saul was a high-ranking Jewish leader who had made it his mission to hunt disciples of Jesus and punish them, even to death. And yet, Jesus comes to Saul and confronts him about his sins. Jesus calls Saul to be one of His disciples—and even more—to be an apostle. Saul (later named Paul) was going to preach about Jesus; he was called out of darkness into God's light. We sinners tend to be skeptical; the disciples in the early church did too. Did Paul *really* meet Jesus? Was he *actually* a believer? The disciples in Jerusalem, at the time of Paul's conversion, were afraid. Paul wants to join these disciples, but they don't believe him. However, Barnabas is not going to stay silent. Barnabas greets Paul, brings him to the other disciples, and witnesses to what he knows happened. He teaches his fellow disciples (and apostles) the truth that Jesus does indeed change hearts and minds. He declares that Jesus did, in fact, call Paul to be an apostle. You probably aren't an apostle, but you are a disciple of Jesus. You get to continue learning from His Word, receiving His Gifts, and witnessing about what is true. In your Baptism, you are safely tucked into God's family, and nothing can take that away. From that place, then, you can be bold to speak about Jesus. You can declare that He does forgive sins, He does keep His promises, and He is the Savior of the world. You can be like Barnabas - speak of what is true and real. Point to Jesus' Death and Resurrection. Speak of yourself as a redeemed sinner. Speak to the neighbors you have been given - in your school, your home, your neighborhood, your community - and tell the Good News of Jesus for sinners. You get to be a disciple; you receive God's good Gifts, and you get to then share His love with all that you meet. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How clear is our vocation, Lord, When once we heed your call: To live according to Your Word And daily learn, refreshed, restored, That You are Lord of all, And will not let us fall. (LSB 853:1) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

Every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to encourage and minister to others. Discover more in this month's study "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" based on two books by Kenneth Hagin and Lester Summerall. Today's message is "Living The Spirit-Filled Life" by Mitch Ford. Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org, www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast.

Every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to encourage and minister to others. Discover more in this month's study "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" based on two books by Kenneth Hagin and Lester Summerall. Today's message is "The Power Gifts" by Pastor Wanderson. Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org, www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast.

May 23, 2026Today's Reading: John 14:8-21Daily Lectionary: Numbers 20:22-21:9; Luke 20:45-21:19“I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:16-17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Let's be honest. At first glance, this is a difficult reading. First, there's Jesus' criticism of Philip, who made a very pious-seeming request to see God the Father. “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father'?” (Jn 14:9) Maybe a little stung, would our self-talk reply, “C'mon, Philip! Don't bring your silly requests to Jesus! You should know better!”Then Jesus makes the connection between loving Him and obeying His Commandments. “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (v. 15) And again, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him” (v. 21). Again, consciences pricked by the Law, our poor record of keeping the Commandments makes us ask how sincerely we love Jesus.So, do you really know Jesus? Do you really love Jesus? Not very well, it seems.And yet, in the very middle of this reading is a promise from Jesus: He will ask the Father who will send the Holy Spirit, the Helper, the Spirit of truth.We confess in the Catechism, “I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His Gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.”On our own, we cannot know Jesus. On our own, we cannot keep His Commandments. But we are not on our own. Jesus has given us the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. It was not up to us to make ourselves Christian. It is not up to us to keep ourselves Christian. The Spirit does for us what we could never do for ourselves. And He does not abandon us once He has given us the Gift of faith. He both gives the Gift of faith and enables us to live as faithful people. The Helper remains with us forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Almighty and ever-living God, You fulfilled Your promise by sending the gift of the Holy Spirit to unite disciples of all nations in the cross and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus Christ. By the preaching of the Gospel spread this gift to the ends of the earth; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. (Collect for Pentecost Eve)Rev. Jeffrey Hemmer, pastor of Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL

Every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to encourage and minister to others. Discover more in this month's study "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" based on two books by Kenneth Hagin and Lester Summerall. Today's message is "The Gift of Inspiration" by Evangelist Sean Golliday. Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org, www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast.

Every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to encourage and minister to others. Discover more in this month's study "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" based on two books by Kenneth Hagin and Lester Summerall. Today's message is "The Revelation Gifts of the Holy Spirit" by Nina Joundi. Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org, www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast.

This is a Combination PODCAST of our "Messages From The Altar" #3 and today's Gifts of God Podcast on Lesson #123-4; "I thank my Father for His Gifts to me," and "Let me remember I am one with God." It is essentail to have awareness of our Divine Connection in everything we do. "God is in everything I see, because God is in my Mind." This is Lesson #30. If God is in our mind, and our mind involves everything we do, then we CAN see God in everything. This would be "remembering" we are "ONE WITH GOD." The language of these Lessons is un-ambiguous. It corners our mind into a Priority that is Divine. The imagery it uses is Beautiful--"a golden frame studded with diamonds in which we see ourself as the Christ, at one with all our brothers and sisters as our Self." What could be better? HUGS.

Every believer receives the power of the Holy Spirit to live for Jesus and to encourage and minister to others. Discover more in this month's study "The Holy Spirit and His Gifts" based on two books by Kenneth Hagin and Lester Summerall. Today's message is "Salvation and the Baptism of the Holy Spirit" by Pastor Lydia Sigman Stay connected with us at: www.newbeginnings.org, www.larryhuchministries.com larryhuchministries.com/resources/#podcast.

Today's Reading: Mark 12:28-44Daily Lectionary: Genesis 44:1-18, 32-34; Mark 12:28-44“She out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:44b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When you think of role models, poor widows are not the first thing that pops into your mind. Maybe a teacher, someone who goes out of their way to help others, or someone who leads in the face of danger. In Jesus' day, the scribes would be the kind of people you looked up to. Yet Jesus says to beware of them. They are not good role models. Because while they looked good, did all the right things, and knew all the right answers, it was all a show. Their hearts weren't in it. They prayed long prayers with their lips but not their hearts. The widows they should have helped, they instead devoured. Sometimes we do that, too. Outwardly, we look good, but our hearts are filled with sin.But Jesus points to this widow. Maybe they hadn't even noticed her. She didn't look like much. But inside was the most beautiful faith! Faith that took her last two coins, all she had to live on, and gave them to God. Had she not gone to the Temple that day, no one would have missed her or her offering. But it mattered to her. So she went. And she gave. And she mattered to Jesus.As do you. That's why Jesus gave all He had for you. Not just giving all He had to live on, but His very life itself. And He gave not only more than anyone else, but more than everyone else put together, and what no one else could give—a perfectly sinless life to atone for all the completely sinful lives of the world. And while just one life for the countless lives that have lived since the creation of the world may seem as small and insignificant as the offering of the widow, the two small coins that make just a penny, like the offering of the widow, that one life was more than all other offerings. For it was given in the most beautiful faith and love. With perfect faith in His Father, and with perfect love for you. And now, Jesus gives you two little things—a little piece of bread and a little sip of wine, that don't look like much to the eye, but nothing could be bigger. There is Jesus' Body and Blood. There is Jesus and His forgiveness and all His Gifts. All you need to live eternally. So if you're looking for a role model, here's one for you! No one may notice you, and what you do may not seem to matter. But you matter to Jesus. You are precious to Him. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus, thank You for giving all You are for me. Help me live in faith like this widow, knowing that You give me all I need to live on. Amen.

March 14, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 4 - Psalm 122:1-2, 6, 8; antiphon: Isaiah 66:10a, 11aDaily Lectionary: Genesis 41:1-27; Mark 11:1-19“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!'” (Psalm 122:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Guess what you get to do tomorrow? You get to go to church! When I was younger, I'd ask my dad, “Do we have to go to church?” He'd always answer the same way: “No, but you get to go to church.” Do we have to go? Well, I suppose you don't. But why wouldn't you want to? You get to go to God's House and receive His Gifts. You get to go and confess your sins and have a pastor stand “in the stead and by the command” of Jesus Christ to absolve you! You get to join other believers as you sing the Kyrie, confess the Creed, and pray the Lord's Prayer. You get to sit, rest, and listen to your pastor preach a sermon that he wrote specifically for you and your congregation. You get to receive the very body and blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! You get to have the Lord's name placed upon you in the Benediction as you are sent back out into the world!Where else would you rather be? Sleeping in bed? Fishing? Playing soccer? Those are all nice, but they won't give you what you receive at church. You can do those things at other times. The joy you get from those things is only temporary. The joy and peace that you get at church? That's eternal. It's something that the world cannot give.Not only do you receive the Gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation, but at church, you get the gift of family and friends of all ages. Look around and see the people that Jesus has brought into your church. Some are old, some are young. Some have been members of your church their whole life, and others have just moved into town. Whoever they are, God has brought them to you and you to them. Take the time to get to know them and treasure the moments you have together. So, the next time someone tells you it's “time to go to church,” join with King David and countless others who have prayed the words of Psalm 122: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD!'” You don't have to; you get to.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.This day, God's people meeting, His Holy Scripture hear; His living presence greeting, Through bread and wine made near. We journey on, believing, Renewed with heav'nly might, From grace more grace receiving, On this blest day of light. (LSB 906:3)Rev. Daniel Burhop, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, Reese, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

Sunday - all welcome for praise, prayer, fellowship and to hear God's Word. Our scripture this week is 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, in our "Come, Holy Spirit" series - Mark Castleton will be our guest speaker. The theme of the talk is "His Gifts - healing". Head to our dedicated sermon series page to go deeper: www.ccsurbiton.org/sermons

Kim Maas is an international speaker, author, revivalist, and prophetic voice, She is the leader of Kim Maas ministries (look it up at KimMaas.com) which has a mission to train and equip the body of Christ, its leaders, emerging leaders and prophets. She is the 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, and also Finding Our Muchness: Inheriting Audacious Boldness From Women in the Bible. She has Bible studies and other resources out there, so go find them! Kim is passionate about helping you hear the voice of God and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and thats exactly what we're talking about today. 

Sunday - all welcome for praise, prayer, fellowship and to hear God's Word. Our scripture this week is 1 Corinthians 14:1-25, in our "Come, Holy Spirit" series - John Shepherd will be our speaker. The theme of the talk is "His Gifts - tongues". Head to our dedicated sermon series page to go deeper: www.ccsurbiton.org/sermons

Sunday - all welcome for praise, prayer, fellowship and to hear God's Word. Our scripture this week is 1 Corinthians 14, in our Come, Holy Spirit series - Charles Kimbangi will be our speaker. The theme of the talk is "His Gifts - prophecy". Head to our dedicated sermon series page to go deeper: www.ccsurbiton.org/sermons

Sunday - all welcome for praise, prayer, fellowship and to hear God's Word. Our scripture this week is 1 Corinthians 12:12-30, in our Come, Holy Spirit series - Rob Dunn will be our speaker. The theme of the talk is "His Gifts – the body". Head to our dedicated sermon series page to go deeper: www.ccsurbiton.org/sermons

December 12, 2025Today's Reading: Jude 1-25Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:1-14; Jude 1-25"I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3b) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The letter from St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, to the Church is short. But in it, the apostle sees that false teachers are twisting God's Word, and people are following after them. He reminds the Church that this is not the first time this has happened. In fact, it has been happening throughout the history of God's people. From Cain, who killed his brother, to Balaam, who had to be repeatedly warned not to go beyond God's Word, no matter what earthly gain he got from it, to Korah, who rebelled against God and Moses (and whom we will see more of in tomorrow's devotion). We have always needed to be on the lookout for those who say things we want to hear. For the desires of our hearts are only evil continuously (Genesis 6:5). As we saw a couple of days ago, false prophets don't come with warning labels. However, the Lord has let us know that they will be here. And that means we can watch for them. We test everything we hear against the Word of God. Even what you read here, even what you hear from your own pastor. And if there's something that doesn't seem to fit, ask. The misunderstanding may be with you, and he can help. Or the misunderstanding is with him, and you have been a help. For we're all to have mercy on those who doubt, according to St. Jude. Hold tightly to God's Word. For in it we're given Christ. His work of the cross is delivered to us, faith is created in us by the Holy Spirit relaying this Word. God's Word comes to our ears as we hear it read, and as we hear sermons rooted in what God reveals in that Word. God's Word comes to us as Absolution, Christ forgiving our sins directly. God's Word is connected to water in Baptism, where we are buried with Christ in death in order that we can rise with Him in the resurrection. Where we are washed and made clean from all our sin. God's Word says of bread, "This is My body, given for you." The Word says of wine, "This is my blood, shed for your forgiveness." And we receive that word in our mouths.The book of Jude has many other interesting details in it as well. Yet the central theme is to hold tight to that Word, no matter what the world wants you to hear. Because God gives His Gifts by His Word. And that Word is given to you.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes, The Savior promised long; Let ev'ry heart prepare a throne And ev'ry voice a song (LSB 349:1)Author: Rev. Eli Davis, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grants Pass, OR.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Work through the first ten chapters of Matthew and learn more about who Jesus is. As you move through this study, you'll ponder the theological, practical, and historical considerations of the text. With ample room for personal notes, this study will have you feeling confident in your understanding of Matthew's Gospel. Matthew 1:1-11:1 of the new Concordia Commentary Bible Study Series is available now.

The Concluding part on the Holy Spirit and His Gifts

The Holy Spirit and His Gifts through the Centuries” based on 1 Corinthians 12:28-31, given by Pastor Ryan Landt on November 16, 2025 at Cornerstone Church in Pella, Iowa. Continue reading The post The Holy Spirit and His Gifts Through the Centuries first appeared on Cornerstone Church.

September 28, 2025 Today's Reading: Luke 16:19-31Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 1:1-18; Matthew 5:1-20 “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' … [Abraham] said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'” (Luke 16:22-24, 31) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. This telling of Jesus is missing a key marker. St. Luke doesn't introduce it as a parable. “So He told them this parable…” (Luke 15:3a). The parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, the loving father, and the dishonest manager are all connected under that introduction. But the Rich man and Lazarus is set apart by a rebuke of the Pharisees and a command concerning divorce. This nameless rich man, whom the Pharisees might even know, has no repentance. He still begs Abraham to command Lazarus to serve him. In perfection, both of them certainly would, but they cannot cross over. The rich man also demands a greater effort by God to save his brothers; someone raised from the dead, like the parables of loss. Here, Jesus is showing an unending love. They may not be convinced, but Jesus IS going to die for the sins of those brothers. And He'll rise again from the dead. Jesus' death and resurrection is even for the brothers of that rich man. We won't know on this side of the resurrection on the Last Day. Still, I like to think that they did receive repentance and faith. Baptized into Jesus and hearing His Word, you have received His Gifts of repentance and faith. He has turned you from the unbelief and unrepentance that were yours once before. He has and continues to forgive your sin, and the sins of all believers. He is showering you with the promise of Lazarus, to be carried off to the bosom of Abraham. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Lord let at last Thine angels come, to Abraham's bosom bear me home, that I may die unfearing; and in its narrow chamber keep my body safe in peaceful sleep until thy reappearing. And then from death awaken me, that these mine eyes with joy may see, O Son of God, Thy glorious face, my Savior and my fount of grace. Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend, and I will praise Thee without end. Amen. (LSB 708:3)Rev. Jason Kaspar, pastor of Mount Calvary Lutheran Church, La Grange, Texas.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.

July 31, 2025 Today's Reading: Catechism: What is Confession?Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 16:1-23; Acts 25:13-27Confession has two parts. First, that we confess our sins, and second, that we receive absolution, that is, forgiveness, from the pastor as from God himself, not doubting, but firmly believing that by it our sins are forgiven before God in heaven. (Explanation of What Is Confession, Luther's Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. One of the simplest ways that we learn to do things, for example, learn our ABCs and count our 123s, is when someone says them and then turns to us and says, "Now it's your turn. Repeat after me." Something like that happens when we come to God's gift of confessing our sins. When we open the Catechism and God's Word, one of the first things we learn is that there's a problem within each of us. We all have sin. Capital “S” sin. And we commit sins because of our sinful flesh - what Luther calls our Old Adam. So the Commandments teach us the truth, echoing God's word of law throughout the Scriptures. And what do they say? They say, “You are a sinner.” And what do we say back? Yes, you're right. I am a sinner. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor, sinful being. This is one of the things that happens whenever we confess our sins. We are simply saying back what God's Word says about our capital “S” sin and all our little (and not so little) sins we commit because of our sinful flesh. Thankfully, this isn't the only thing that happens when we confess our sins. As St. John reminds us, when we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The same Lord who, by the working of the Holy Spirit, convicts us of our sin and moves us to confess that sin is the same Lord who, by his Son, Jesus, also forgives sin, both Capital S sin and all our sins. And because God is a gracious giver and an abundant forgiver, he gives His Gifts of forgiveness in more than one way. He washes away our sin in Baptism. He feeds us with forgiveness in the Lord's Supper. He speaks his forgiveness in his word. And he sends pastors as his messengers to deliver Good News: I forgive you all your sin. And that is the good news that Absolution brings: forgiveness of all your sin. And should you ever doubt God's forgiveness, or worry that your sin is too great, simply repeat the words your pastor says on Sunday, or ask him to repeat them for you: I forgive you all your sins, in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen!In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Lord, on You I cast my burden - Sink it in the deepest sea! Let me know Your gracious pardon, Cleanse me from iniquity. Let Your Spirit leave me never; Make me only Yours forever. (LSB 608:4)Rev. Samuel Schuldheisz, pastor of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Milton, WA.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.

May 22, 2025Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The Fourth PetitionDaily Lectionary: Leviticus 24:1-23; Leviticus 25:1-55; Luke 12:54-13:17God certainly gives daily bread to everyone without our prayers, even to all evil people, but we pray in this petition that God would lead us to realize this and to receive our daily bread with thanksgiving. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.  Have you ever wondered why there are people who aren't Christian, even who are opposed to Christianity, yet who acquire a great deal of worldly wealth and success? That's actually a common theme in the Bible. If you read the Psalms, you see the psalmists asking regularly how long their enemies will have success over them. So, you're in good company for asking the question. It's a logical question, too. If these people are opposed to God and even harming God's Church, why doesn't God cut them off from the money or things they have available to cause this harm?  Jesus gives us some commentary when He tells us that God “makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). So, what does Jesus say there? Well, in the words around this statement, Jesus tells His disciples to love even their enemies and to pray for those who persecute them. So, when you see these evil people receiving these good Gifts, it's a reminder to still love them, even if they're persecuting the Church, for you to pray for them.  But how could that be? How can we love our enemies and pray for those who seek our harm? Because God has first loved us. Because when we were still God's enemies, He sent His Son to die for the very sins that had put us at enmity with God in the first place. God is the One who loves and has even loved us. In fact, God loves those enemies that He's providing for, too.  Does this mean that there will be no justice? No, those who sinfully harm the Church because of their willful rejection of God's Word will not enjoy the eternal benefit of what Jesus has done. They are not saved by grace because they have rejected the faith that receives this grace. But God still loves them. And He loves you, too. May that knowledge draw you to receive all of His Gifts, even the bread on your table with thanksgiving.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. God you provide for all our needs of this body and life: clothing and shoes, house and home, loved ones, good weather, good government, friends, and all of the earthly Gifts we receive. Thank You for Your gracious care for us every day. Thank You most of all for the care You give to us in Jesus that will last forever. Amen. - Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.Andrew R. Jones identifies ten lies Satan uses in attempts to dismantle God's people and His kingdom. Find encouragement in God's Word of Truth and remember the final victory we have in our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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

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?