Podcasts about LSB

July 21, 2026Today's Reading: Romans 6:19-23Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 4:1-22; Acts 17:1-34; Acts 16:23-40“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Calling the faithful “slaves of God” in the year of our Lord 2025 feels uncomfortable. It feels like it needs a lot of context for what it isn't. Paul doesn't give it. Instead of his next words justifying the hyperbole, he justifies the sinner. He doesn't minimize what slavery looks like. He just asks us to consider how freedom in regard to righteousness actually goes. You are either slaves to sin or slaves to God because you're not actually God. To Paul, it's not even a question of ability. It's a question of whether or not it would be a good thing if you were. If you actually were the most powerful being in the universe…how would that go? Back before you belonged to God, what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. It's your death because you're not God. But if you were, how would it not just be someone else's death who got in your way? Instead of arguing over whether or not your sinful flesh is powerful enough to escape the grave, Paul asks whether or not having sinful flesh is good in the first place. Whether it be your death or the death of everyone who got in your way, God would rather it be His. The wages of sin is death, and so He pays it for you. The free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. You are not free. You have a Lord. There are other lords. Many try to be lords themselves. But yours is the one who lays down His life to save yours. Rather than bickering about who's in charge, Paul points to the results—your salvation. You are not free in regard to righteousness. You are not free to sin. You are free from it, though. You are free from death. On the Last Day, you will rise. You are even free from having to deal with all the enemies in your way to live. Sin. Death. The power of the devil. All come undone in Him who owns you and treats you as a treasure. Calling the faithful “slaves of God” was never a comfortable statement. It was never supposed to be. Rather, Paul lets our comfort be in Him who sets us free from death. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When You woke that Thursday morning, Savior, teacher, faithful friend, Thoughts of self and safety scorning, Knowing how the day would end; Lamb of God, foretold for ages, Now at last the hour had come When but One could pay sin's wages: You assumed their dreadful sum. (LSB 445:1) Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 20, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 2:7-17Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22“but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.” (Genesis 2:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.There's this Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, where if you eat it, you die in the Garden of Eden. And that kinda feels messed up. Is it a good tree? God said yes. We're not sure. We tend to think that if it's not a trap, it's at least a test. Which says plenty about what you actually think about the God who put it there. We still think He's, if not setting traps for us, at least testing us.A loving God doesn't "test" us with death any more than I, who love you less than God, would test whether or not you remember how a fire drill works by lighting the building on fire. Also, an all-knowing God would know this whole thing plays out poorly. What if the Tree that God called Good was not a test or a trap? What if He called it good because it was given with a good purpose, to reveal who God is? To teach Adam and Eve that all of evil should be contained on a tree for man to behold and know the peace of not having to die because God bore the sin that would kill them for them? What if the tree was good because it was the very first church? Adam and Eve could worship here, celebrate the mystery of the God who hangs evil on the tree that they would not die. The thing is, mystery is only good if you trust the guy behind the curtain. But if the tree wasn't a good thing, then it's pretty solid proof God who put it there wasn't so good either. This is how the serpent tempted. But God met them in the garden, not to destroy, but to promise a child born of woman to hang on a second tree to crush the head of the serpent forever. God saw the tree in the garden. God saw the tragedy that changed you forever. God saw everything that's gone wrong since and hated it too. So He assumes it. Climbs down from heaven to walk up the hill of Golgotha and die on the cross. For you. For them. For those who have faced the tragedies that leave us speechless and bitter and broken. For the forgiveness of all your sins. Your quiet mistrust. Your open rebellion. Jesus died for that. Because God still insists on gathering up all the evil in the world and hanging it on the tree so that death would have no power over us and sin would not define us. Look at the tree of the cross and call it good, because this is who your God is. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What mercy God showed to our race, A plan of rescue by His grace: In sending One from woman's seed, The One to fill our greatest need— For on a tree uplifted high His only Son for sin would die, Would drink the cup of scorn and dread To crush the ancient serpent's head! (LSB 561:3)Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things.

July 18, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 7 - Psalm 47:3, 6-8; antiphon: Psalm 47:1-2Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:17; Galatians 6:1-18“God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne.” (Psalm 47:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What does it mean that God reigns over the nations? Does it mean He seeks power over all to control the people of the world? Or is it a declaration of His love for all of creation, and even as sin continues to wreck the world and Satan and his minions ravage and destroy, there is a God, and He hears the cries of those who suffer? It is true: the Lord reigns over all. He is the Almighty. His will is done whether we like it or not. Our God is all-powerful and deserving of worship, as the psalmist says. The Lord sits on His holy throne, and sinners cannot approach Him. Evil cannot stand against Him. This is our God. We can take comfort in knowing the God of all has made Himself known to us. But the all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present God uses His “God-ness” to do wonderful things. God reigns over the nations on His holy throne, not to bring power to Christians but to forgive sinners.From His holy throne, He descended, taking on human flesh to make Himself known to all nations. He came not as a mighty ruler but as a servant. God heard the cries of hurting people from the time of Adam and Eve's first sin. To heal the open wound of a sinful, broken world, He sent forth His only Son. And this good news, this Gospel is not just for one people or nation, but for all people, that many more may come to faith in Christ. Even while the Lord sits on His holy throne, those who are in Christ are not excluded from His presence. Having been made holy, we will see the Lord in all His glory on the Last Day, when all nations and peoples will bow and proclaim the name of the Lord. The Lord our God is mighty and reigns over the nations. He calls them to Himself, that they may remain in His house forever. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What God's almighty pow'r has made, in mercy He is keeping. By morning glow or evening shade His eye is never sleeping. Within the kingdom of His might all things are just and good and right: to God all praise and glory!” (LSB 819:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 17, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-20Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26“Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.'” (1 Samuel 1:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Hannah's prayer is for a child - and not even for a child she will keep and raise, but one she will give to the Lord for His service. She is burdened by her bareness and even tormented for it by her husband's other wife. So she prays to the Lord, seeking comfort and peace. Prayer, in any circumstance, is chiefly about comfort. It is a gift of God given to those who would seek refuge in Him. Hannah knows the Lord will hear her and has the power to grant her petition. Eli's benediction to Hannah is further comfort. Eli did not, in that moment, call upon God, of his own accord, to be the baby delivery guy, but to give comfort to a hurting soul—a soul burdened by sin and its effects. Eli, a priest, the shepherd of God's people, gives her comfort and peace. In that moment, God's Word was spoken to Hannah, and she would return to Eli with her son, Samuel, in due time. God's will was accomplished. It might be tempting to see this account as proof that if you pray hard enough or feel deep enough, God will hear your prayer and grant it. This turns God into more of a vending machine rather than the Almighty God, but what do you do when prayers go “unanswered?” Understand that “unanswered” is in quotes. God answers prayer, always, even when the answer isn't what we'd prefer. Our prayers do not sway Him; His good and gracious will is always done among us. His good and gracious will was to grant Hannah a son, who would grow into the faithful prophet and priest, Samuel. We don't know how many times Hannah, or her husband for that matter, prayed about her barrenness. But she knew that God heard every cry to Him and He would, in His time, answer her.When you are burdened by suffering or hardship or sin, call out to your heavenly father. He hears you. And when you have groanings too deep for words, He still hears you and sees you. Hannah's prayer was made in faith and made in something greater than a spiritual vending machine. The God of Israel is your God, who made heaven and earth, sent His Son to redeem creation, and gives the Holy Spirit that we might be first and foremost, reconciled to God, and also comforted in our affliction because God has given us His forgiveness and peace.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Though He giveth or He taketh, God His children ne'er forsaketh; His the loving purpose solely to preserve them pure and holy. (LSB 725:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 16, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - 1Daily Lectionary: Judges 16:4-30; Judges 17:1-21:25; Galatians 4:12-31“Baptism is not simply water, but it is the water included in God's command, and combined with God's Word.” (Luther's Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Water is necessary for life. Water helps plants grow, so all living creatures have something to eat. Staying hydrated is important, too, so drink more water, kids! Water cleans things by washing away dirt. Water also has a great capacity for destruction. Too much rain leads to flooding, mighty tides of water that pummel everything they crash into, leaving devastation in its wake. Rough water can drag a person down into the deep to drown and die. Tsunamis, hurricanes, and floods are all deadly. They are an example of how broken and sinful the world has become. Instead of bringing life, it ends it. All of creation is no longer “good,” but tainted by sin and death. All things wither and die. Our sinful nature compels us to do harm to our neighbors and ourselves. The devil, the world, and our sinful flesh hate God, wanting nothing to do with him. We turn good gifts into weapons against the life God would have us defend and uphold. But God takes what is broken, sinful, and dying and makes new life. He creates abundant life in the midst of death, decay, and destruction. So, then, water, when combined with the Word of God, becomes a source of resurrection—a place where Christians are made. God names you in His Triune Name, marking you as one whom death has no claim over. Your sins are washed away, and a new, clean robe is given to you. The stain of sin, taken on by Christ, is no longer yours to bear. Jesus takes our sin and drowns it, burying it and leaving it behind. God restores life to where death and sin reigned. Water is necessary for life, and it is this creation of God, paired with His Word, that gives us life eternal. The Word of God, which spoke everything into existence, in Baptism, now calls the dead sinner to life, out of the waters and into light.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Though around us death is seething, God, His two-edged sword unsheathing, by His Spirit life is breathing through the living active Word.” (LSB 597:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 15, 2026Today's Reading: Galatians 3:23-4:11Daily Lectionary: Judges 15:1-16:3; Galatians 3:23-4:11“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:27–29)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Baptism makes all equal in the eyes of God. Baptism makes us one with Christ, as we are united with Him in a death like His and in a resurrection like His. We all stand before God as justified, redeemed, and sanctified. We are all descendants of Abraham as heirs of the promise. The Jews believed it was their earthly, blood relation to Abraham that made them God's people. Their people had followed God's commands and observed all His statutes. This is why many of the Jewish Christians demanded that the Gentiles be circumcised - so they might be included in Abraham's line. The emphasis was on works of the law. In the minds of the “circumcision party,” the Greeks had to become Jewish before they could really be saved. St. Paul's point is that once a person is baptized into Christ, nothing else matters before God. Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters before God. Your ethnic background doesn't have a say in your salvation, nor your sex, nor your status in this life. This is because when God looks at you, He sees an heir according to the promise the Lord made to Abraham, “in you will all nations be blessed.” This promised offspring was the Messiah, Jesus, Who would come through Abraham's lineage. Abraham's offspring would bless the nations by redeeming them - all people were redeemed through Jesus' death on the cross. So when a person is baptized, they are united to Christ and indistinguishable from any other Christian. And this Baptism is a free Gift, not tied to any work performed by us. God calls you His child, an heir of eternal life through the promise made to Abraham and fulfilled in Christ Jesus, your Lord. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ - our shame is fully covered with all that HE once sacrificed and freely for us suffered. For here the flood of His own blood now makes us holy, right and good before our heav'nly Father. (LSB 596:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 14, 2026Today's Reading: Romans 6:(1-2) 3-11Daily Lectionary: Judges 14:1-20; Galatians 3:1-22“What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1–2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.St. Paul is responding to a general vibe of “Well, if all sin is forgiven, then I can do whatever I want.” His “by no means” is a polite way of saying, “That's not how this works. That's not how ANY of this works!” What does it mean, then, when he says, “How can we who died to sin still live in it?” He's talking about Baptism, where the old sinful self is drowned, and the new Adam is raised to life. We have been united to Jesus in a death like His that we might have a resurrection like His. Paul's point is that once a person comes to faith, everything is different. They do not act the same way or think the same way because the Holy Spirit is now working sanctification in them. What he means is this: Christians should act a certain way because Christians look a certain way - they follow a pattern. This pattern is coming from and returning to the gifts of Christ, freely given to sinners. Christians should not live in open sin - nor should they encourage others to do so. We are not competing to see who can be forgiven by God the most amount of times. That won't end well, and it's not a true representation of God's people. We do know that even while the Baptized are sanctified saints of God, we are still sinners, and we will be in need of Jesus' forgiveness until we die. But don't go out trying to be the chief of sinners. Live as one dead to sin and alive to Christ. Live the baptismal grace of God, that all your doings, being ordered by His governance, may be righteous in His sight. You have been made new. The sin and brokenness inherent in you have been paid for by the death and resurrection of Christ. Rejoice, dear Christian, for, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Christ Jesus is the ground of faith, Who was made flesh and suffered death; all then who trust in Him alone are built on this chief cornerstone.” (LSB 571:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 13, 2026Today's Reading: Exodus 20:1-17Daily Lectionary: Judges 13:1-25; Ruth 1:1-4:22; Galatians 2:1-21 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” (Exodus 20:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Lord tells His people Who He is and what He has done for them. He brought them out of Egypt, which included preserving them from the plagues, bringing them through the Red Sea on dry ground, saving them from Pharaoh's pursuing army, and providing them with bread from heaven and water from a rock. All of this was done so that they might be freed from the house of slavery. And now that God has brought them to the wilderness, He sets before them His Commandments. The Commandments tell us what God wants for His people. He wants to be their God alone. He wants them to love their neighbors as themselves. He desires His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven. The law of God is always good, even when we do not feel good about it. As you and I know, and as the Israelites constantly showed through their time in the wilderness, we break God's law. We sin. We choose to do evil instead of good. St. Paul even says we can't do good, even if we wanted to. We are, in Paul's words, “slaves to sin.” The people in the wilderness, while no longer slaves to the Egyptians, were still slaves to sin. But God did not leave them in that house of slavery either, nor has He left us to die in the house of slavery. The hope of the Israelites and the hope of us now is in the Messiah - the Savior Who breaks the power of sin, death, and the devil. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness. Our sinful flesh still wages war against us, but in Christ, we are strengthened to see the Law of God as a benefit, even when it accuses us. God's will is that sinners would be forgiven. When the law presses heavily on your heart, go and receive Christ's forgiveness from your pastor. Following God's law will not save you, but Jesus already has. He is the Lord, your God, who brought you out of the house of slavery that you might live in Him, eternally. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To Jesus we for refuge flee, Who from the curse has set us free, and humbly worship at His throne, saved by His grace through faith alone. (LSB 579:6)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

July 11, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 6 - Psalm 28:1-2, 7; antiphon: Psalm 28:8-9Daily Lectionary: Judges 6:25-40; Acts 15:6-21“Save Your people, And bless Your inheritance; Shepherd them also, And bear them up forever” (Psalm 28:9) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In Psalm 28:9, David prays that God would save his “people” and bless his “heritage.” He then adds the image of a shepherd and his flock: “Be their shepherd and carry them forever.” Psalm 23 and John 10 immediately come to mind. Yet what about this image of a “heritage” or “inheritance?” How can we, God's people, be called his inheritance? Throughout Scripture, “inheritance” typically refers to the gift or portion that God gives to His people—first, the land of promise, and ultimately, eternal life in Christ. God himself is also his chosen people's inheritance:“I am your portion and your inheritance” (Numbers 18:20).“The Lord is my portion” (Lamentations 3:24).“Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 25:34).“In him we have obtained an inheritance” (Ephesians 1:11). Yet here in Psalm 28:9, the relationship is reversed—God's people are called his heritage! How can this be? After Moses ascended Mount Sinai a second time to receive the tablets of the Law, he prayed, “Take us for your inheritance.” Likewise, Moses wrote, “The Lord has taken you … to be a people of his own inheritance” (Deuteronomy 4:20). St. Peter takes up this same theme when he declares, “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (1 Peter 2:9), and St. Paul prays that believers may know “the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints” (Ephesians 1:18). Paul also joins this “heritage” and “shepherd” imagery in his charge to the Ephesian elders: “Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all the flock … the church of God, which he purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28). This is how we become God's inheritance! He has purchased his flock with his own holy blood! Psalm 74:2 echoes the same truth: “Remember your congregation, which you have purchased of old, which you have redeemed to be the tribe of your heritage!”   We are God's heritage—his treasured possession. He has purchased us with his own blood, sealed us with his name, and joined us to his death and resurrection in Holy Baptism. We are his, and he is ours. Where he is, there we shall be also. He is the Vine, and we are the branches. Will God be silent to us? Will he turn his face away and ignore our pleas for mercy? No—“The Lord is my strength and shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped” (Psalm 28:7). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. He never shall forsake His flock, His chosen generation; He is their refuge and their rock, Their peace and their salvation. As with a mother's tender hand, He leads His own, His chosen band: To God all praise and glory! (LSB 819:4)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 10, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 14:19-15:5Daily Lectionary: Judges 6:1-24; Acts 14:19-15:5“Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. After preaching the Gospel to both Jews and Greeks in Iconium, Paul remained there a while, “speaking boldly in the Lord” (Acts 14:3), before departing for Lystra. However, a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed that Satan shot his flaming darts through the “poison” of the unbelieving Jews. He sowed the seeds of division and violence, stirring up some Gentiles and Jews to stone Paul and Barnabas. Upon learning of this, they fled to Lystra and Derbe. Yet some Jews pursued him, coming from Antioch and Iconium to persuade the crowds to stone Paul. What God said to Ananias concerning Paul came true: “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name” (Acts 9:16). He is afflicted by such violence, but is he crushed? He is perplexed by unbelief, but is he despairing? He is persecuted, but is he forsaken? He is struck down and even assumed dead (Acts 14:19), but is he destroyed? Not at all—for the very life of Jesus is manifested in his earthly body. The power of Christ rests upon him in his weakness. He shares Christ's suffering and becomes like him in his death. So, after arising and entering the city with the disciples, he journeys onward to Derbe the very next day. He is not crushed but renewed. He is not driven to despair but filled with hope. He is not forsaken but filled with the Spirit. He is not destroyed but strengthened for the work God has called him to do. Each trial becomes an occasion for endurance, for building character, and for rejoicing in the promise of God's eternal glory. After preaching the gospel to Derbe, he again returns to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, “strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). What an encouragement! Elders are appointed for ministry in the church, and the hearts of the faithful are committed to the Lord through prayer and fasting. From Pisidia to Antioch, the Word of God takes root, and a door of faith is opened to the Gentiles (Acts 14:27). In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. My walk is heav'nward all the way; Await, my soul, the morrow, When God's good healing shall allay All suff'ring, sin, and sorrow. Then, worldly pomp, begone! To heav'n I now press on. For all the world I would not stay; My walk is heav'nward all the way. (LSB 716:6)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 9, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - The ConclusionDaily Lectionary: Judges 4:1-24; Judges 5:1-31; Acts 14:1-18“He Himself has commanded us to pray in this way and has promised to hear us.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When Jesus teaches the disciples the Lord's Prayer in Luke 11, he not only teaches them what to pray for, but also how to pray. There, he tells the parable of a man who goes to his friend at midnight asking for bread. The friend's door is shut, his whole family is asleep, and he says, “Do not bother me; I cannot get up and give you anything.” Yet Jesus says that when this friend finally helps, it will not be because of their friendship, but because of the man's impudence— his shameless persistence. Because he keeps asking and knocking, his friend will give him what he needs. Jesus then gives the how of prayer: ask, seek, and knock. “Ask, and it will be given to you.” And if it is not given to you, “seek, and you will find.” Seek again the wisdom of God's Word, and discover what the Lord has given you to pray for. Then “knock, and it will be opened to you.” Be that man who persistently knocks on his friend's door at midnight. Pray always. Jesus wants us to bother him, to pester him with our prayers, to knock and keep knocking. Finally, Jesus compares prayer to the relationship between a father and his child. If a son asks for a fish, will his father give him a serpent? Or if he asks for an egg, will he hand him a scorpion? Of course not. So, Jesus concludes: “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” The Father delights to hear our requests and answer them. He has commanded us to pray and has promised to hear us. Yet Jesus doesn't want us to think of prayer mechanically, as though God listens only because of our many repetitions. When he tells the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18, it is “to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart.” If this widow persevered and “prayed always,” trusting that her persistence would move even an unjust judge to grant her justice, how much more should we persevere in prayer and “not lose heart,” we who call upon the God who delights to give justice to his elect? If the “judge of unrighteousness” granted justice at last, will not the “Judge of all righteousness” bring justice to his elect? That is why we pray both day and night, confident in his mercy and steadfast love. We won't receive justice because we persevere in prayer; we persevere in prayer because we know that God will give us justice. And if he delays, we remember that even his delay is for our good—to strengthen our faith. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Amen, that is, so shall it be. Make strong our faith in You, that we May doubt not but with trust believe That what we ask we shall receive. Thus in Your name and at Your Word We say, “Amen, O hear us, Lord!” (LSB 766:9)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 8, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 13:42-52Daily Lectionary: Judges 3:7-31; Acts 13:42-52“I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What were “these things” that those in Antioch to whom Paul preached wanted to hear about the next Sabbath? What are “these things” that Paul preached, which stirred the Jews and proselytes to follow Paul and Barnabas? Put simply, “these things” are the great works of God. Paul preached in Acts 13:17-41 that God chose the patriarchs and multiplied his people during their sojourn in Egypt. With an uplifted arm, he led them out of bondage, patiently enduring their stubbornness in the wilderness. He destroyed the seven nations in Canaan and gave his people the Promised Land as an inheritance. He raised up judges to lead them until the time of Samuel the prophet. When the people demanded a king, he gave them Saul, and when Saul proved unfaithful, God raised up David—a man after his own heart. Finally, from David's descendants, God fulfilled his promise by bringing to Israel a Savior, Jesus, for whom John the Baptist prepared the way. Paul proclaims “these things” to the men of Israel, assuring them that the Gospel, this “message of salvation,” was sent first to them (Acts 13:26, 46). Yet since the leaders of the Jews in Jerusalem rejected Jesus as the fulfillment of God's works, the prophets' words, and the promise given to their fathers—since they “thrust it aside and judged themselves unworthy of eternal life” (Acts 13:46)—Paul declares that “these things” are not for the Jews alone, but also for the Gentiles. Indeed, this has always been God's plan of salvation foretold by Isaiah (45:22, 49:6) and confessed by Simeon after Jesus' birth (Luke 2:29-32). Just as Jesus Christ was appointed a light for revelation to the Gentiles, so Paul and Barnabas have been made lights for the Gentiles as they bear the light of Christ. “How beautiful are the feet of him who brings good news” (Isaiah 52:7) and “brings salvation to the ends of the earth” (Acts 13:47)! Though persecution arises on account of Paul and Barnabas' preaching, the disciples of Jesus are “filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit” (Acts 13:52). “These things” have now been fulfilled in their midst, and they are glad to suffer for the name of Jesus Christ. They count it all joy to meet such trials, rejoicing in their sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, endurance produces character, and character produces hope—a hope that does not put them to shame, because God's love has been poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.May God bestow on us His grace, With blessings rich provide us; And may the brightness of His face To life eternal guide us, That we His saving health may know, His gracious will and pleasure, And also to the nations show Christ's riches without measure And unto God convert them. (LSB 823:1)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 6, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Kings 19:11-21Daily Lectionary: Joshua 24:1-31; Judges 1:1-36; Acts 13:1-12“I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life” (1 Kings 19:10, 14) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Elijah, wearied from forty days and forty nights of wandering toward Mount Horeb, waits in the cave for “the word of the Lord.” He waits alone, afraid for his life. If it were only Jezebel who sought to kill him, perhaps he could endure it—but it is not just the queen. It is the “people of Israel” themselves who seek his life, to take it away. If he had even one faithful prophet besides him, perhaps he could bear it—but no, he alone remains. All the rest have bowed their knees to Baal. They have forsaken God's covenant, thrown down his altars, and slain his prophets. Twice, the Lord asks Elijah a question he may already be asking himself: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” Perhaps Elijah restrains himself from asking the same in return: “What are you doing here, Lord?” And the Lord answers that unspoken cry—not in the wind, nor the earthquake, nor the fire—but in a still, small voice. A prophet in solitude, prophets in death, a covenant broken, and altars overthrown—Elijah cries into the silence and believes alone.Yet how does God answer Elijah's zealous lament? Elijah, who fears Jezebel's injustice, is given the power to anoint leaders in both church and state who will bring justice to the land. The Lord of heaven and earth, who commands wind and land and fire, commands the weary prophet to anoint two kings and one prophet. From Hazael to Jehu to Elisha, none will escape the sword. Elijah, who shrank back because of Israel's faithlessness, is welcomed into the company of seven thousand men who have not bowed their knees to Baal. God shows His love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His Commandments. Finally, Elijah, who mourned in lonely exile, departs and finds a faithful companion near. Elisha receives the prophet's cloak, call, and commission, and commits himself to the Lord's work. Strengthened by the presence of his God on Mount Horeb, Elijah descends to the plain to proclaim—together with Elisha—“the word of the Lord.” In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God of the prophets, bless the prophets' sons; Elijah's mantle o'er Elisha cast. Each age its solemn task may claim but once; Make each one nobler, stronger than the last. Anoint them prophets, men who are intent To be Your witnesses in word and deed, Their hearts aflame, their lips made eloquent, Their eyes awake to ev'ry human need. (LSB 682:1-2)Rev. David Woelmer, pastor of Grace Lutheran Church, Smithville, Texas. 

July 4, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 5 - Psalm 27:1a, 11-12, 14; antiphon: Psalm 27:7, 9bDaily Lectionary: Joshua 10:1-25; Joshua 10:28-22:34; Acts 11:19-30“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” (Psalm 27:1a)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.As a young child, I don't really think I was scared of the dark; I just didn't like it. I wanted to be able to see where I was walking if I got up. And there was simply a little comfort in the soft glow of the night light.As an adult most of my ministry has been in towns with plenty of light coming through our windows, so that it is never truly “dark.” I still find the comfort and convenience of a little light to make my way to the bathroom, or kitchen for some water.For some, though, there are things to be fearful in the dark. In a dangerous neighborhood there may be someone lurking and waiting to rob. Or maybe there is uneven ground or pavement, and someone can easily trip and be injured. In this sinful, broken world, there are many dangers that can await us there. These dangers have but one remedy. Light. And not just any light. Not a night light, or a lamp, or even a flood light.Jesus says, “I am the light of the world.” (John 8:12) That is no mere opinion. It's not even a comparison to other sources of light in creation. It simply is pure truth that Christ Jesus IS the Light of the world. When the darkness of sin, death, and the devil feel like they are closing in on you, and you are being pulled into the depths of darkness, Jesus is the Light who is giving the comfort and the sure and certain hope.The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? (Psalm 27:1a) The Light of the world is Jesus, whose very name means “The Lord saves.” He IS salvation. King David is singing the sweet and powerful truth to you that Jesus is the LORD, He is the Light of the world, and He is salvation in the flesh. Your Savior is all this for you. And so you have nothing to fear.The devil, the world, and your own sinful flesh are constantly lurking in dark places to ambush you. Yet your Lord Jesus, the Light of the world, has overcome the darkness for you. He defends and protects you, and His whole Church, as He calls you, His baptized child, out of darkness into His marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)Fear not. Jesus is the Light of the world, for you.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)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

July 3, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 7th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Joshua 8:1-28; Acts 11:1-18“But deliver us from evil. What does this mean? We pray in this petition, in summary, that our Father in heaven would rescue us from every evil of body and soul, possessions and reputation, and finally, when our last hour comes, give us a blessed end, and graciously take us from this valley of sorrow to Himself in heaven.” (Small Catechism: Lord's Prayer - 7th Petition)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I don't know about you, but it feels like there is a lot of evil all around. Voters in any major party these days will talk of their opponents as evil, even when they don't use that specific word. News on television or the Internet is constantly filled with stories of violent assaults and murder. Abortions are justified and even celebrated by massive amounts of people. And just about everyone knows someone with an ex-spouse who became vindictive and cruel in their dealings with them.But settle down, Christian. You have that log to pull out of your own eye, again. There is lots of evil that Old Adam has swum back to the surface and accomplished. You're not just an innocent bystander.Our loving and forgiving Lord knows that. And He died and rose for that. He suffered the absolute worst that evil could unleash at Him, and He won. Evil is defeated. The evil one is limited and knows he is doomed to the prison of hell. That is why his misery-loves-company self hurls all that he can at us, to attempt to drag us down with him in unbelief. The evil one wants you to get so discouraged that you “curse God and die.” (Job 2:9) Daily, he rages against Christ and His Church, with anything he can think of. But try as he might, even Satan can not steal you from God. He is a created angel, and can never overcome the Lord God. No one can snatch them out of My hand. (John 10:28)The Lord sends the Comforter, who calls you by the Gospel, enlightens you with Christ's gifts, sanctifies you and keeps you in the one true faith.That's really what we are praying for here. That the Lord continues to give His gifts and keep us in the faith, even when the devil is hurling evil at us. Jesus keeps you. Jesus preserves you. And even when you suffer assaults to body, mind, and spirit, He delivers you from evil by keeping you in that one true faith.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.From evil, Lord deliver us; The ties and days are perilous. Redeem us from eternal death, And, when we yield our dying breath, Console us, grant us calm release, And take our souls to You in peace. (LSB 766:8)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

July 2, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 1:39-45 (46-56)Daily Lectionary: Joshua 7:1-26; Acts 10:34-48“‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42b)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Saint Elizabeth was blessed. Her young relative from Nazareth had arrived at her home, and she was happy to see her. You can just see her in your mind, coming to the doorway, seeing Mary, and shrieking with excitement! The crazy thing is, the Blessed Virgin would not even be one month into pregnancy yet. She's not showing. But St. Elizabeth knows! And she knows Who is in the womb of her relative, since God has revealed that to her.Saint John the Baptizer was blessed. Today's world might dismiss him as merely a six-month-developed fetus. But that precious baby in his mother's womb was gifted by God also to know! St. John wasn't just kicking like babies normally do inside their mothers; he was leaping for joy at the presence of God! He was not able to use his voice yet to preach and point others to Christ, so he used movement to do the preaching. “Mom! Look! God is here!”The Virgin Mary is blessed. God, in His wisdom and grace, chose this girl to be the Mother of God-with-us. She was blessed to hear the Word of God through the Angel Gabriel, and through faith to believe it. Then she was blessed to actually carry God in her womb! Nine precious months with the Creator inside a creature, the Nourisher and Sustainer of all being nourished and sustained by His mother.All of these saints are blessed not from themselves, but from their connection to THE Blessed One. Take some time to go through the Psalms. Did you ever notice how many times it talks about the Blessed Man? It's not David bragging about how good he is. It's not even praising some prophet or other man. It's all about Jesus! Christ is THE Blessed One. And through His holy life, innocent death, and glorious resurrection, He gives that blessedness to you and all His Church.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior. For He has regarded the lowliness of His handmaiden. For behold from this day all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One has done great things to me, and holy is His name; and His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel in remembrance of His mercy as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His seed forever. (LSB 248)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

July 1, 2026Today's Reading: Romans 12:14-21 or Romans 8:18-23Daily Lectionary: Joshua 6:6-27; Acts 10:18-33“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It's like Paul is saying, “Don't lower yourselves to their level.” Only he isn't wording it condescendingly or negatively. “Win them over by love and goodness.” Yes, that is more like it.When Paul had been the Pharisee of Pharisees, seeking out the supposed heretics - the Christians among the Jews, he had one thing in mind: lock them up, and if they don't recant, we will stone them all to death. He thought they were evil. And he was attempting to overcome their evil by the evil of killing them.Jesus had other plans. He came and stood before this zealous and religious man, and came crashing down with the accusation: “Why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:4). And then He sent Ananias. But Ananias is not there to punish Paul. He does not come with weapons, a jail sentence, or even more words of judgment. Ananias is sent to call Paul “brother,” to restore his sight, and to baptize him. Ananias overcomes evil with good.Ultimately, that is what Christ Jesus Himself had done. Betrayed by one of the Twelve, beaten, spit on, stripped, humiliated, and then nailed to a cross to die of asphyxiation. You are hard-pressed to find anyone suffering more evil than that. Yet Jesus does not return evil for evil. The King of the Universe could have demanded justice against those transgressors and responded with agonizing punishment. But He did not. He knew the great paradox of His salvation for mankind was in overcoming evil with good. Jesus Christ remained good and holy even in suffering all evil. And the goodness of God is what overcame sin, death, and the devil in His sacrifice.Now, Paul says, you do the same. Not simply as some example that you follow. Not because you are supposed to do it. The Law has been fulfilled by God the Son when He overcame evil with good at the cross. So now, you do this from the love of Jesus that fills you. In faith, the Lord grants that you respond to Him by loving your neighbor and doing good. Doing good can only come from faith in Christ, the One who has truly overcome evil with good. And as “little Christs,” as Luther calls you, you are happy to not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O grant that nothing in my soul May dwell but Thy pure love alone; Oh, may Thy love possess me whole, My joy, my treasure, and my crown! All coldness from my heart remove; My ev'ry act, word, thought be love. (LSB 683:2)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

June 30, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 50:15-21Daily Lectionary: Joshua 5:1-6:5; Acts 10:1-17“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.” (Genesis 50:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Joseph's brothers had a lot of specks in their eyes. They had gone for two decades without seeing him, after their tempers grew short that dreadful day. Nine of them wanted to kill him outright. Reuben persuaded a change of plan, and they threw him down a dry cistern. (Everyone else thought they were leaving him to die of hunger and thirst; only Reuben had a plan to return after everyone's tempers calmed down.) Then the plan changed again, and they sold Joseph into slavery. That was the last they saw of him for 20 years. Of course, it had gotten worse. Joseph was treated well and completely trusted by his master, only to have the master's wife falsely accuse him of attempted rape. Off to prison he went. By the time Joseph was brought before Pharaoh to interpret his dreams, Joseph had been a slave or imprisoned for 13 years. Isolation. Cut off from his family, homeland, and language. Loss of freedom. Joseph suffered much, and humanly speaking, had a lot to be angry about.Yet none of the brothers knew or understood the work and timing of God. The Lord was giving Joseph these experiences and placing him in locations that would lead to the saving of lives. Not just his and his family's, but the lives of thousands upon thousands in and around Egypt. Entire peoples were given life and delivered from death through the innocent suffering of Joseph.You would think that after 17 years of living together in the land of Egypt, everyone would be relaxed and trusting at last. But the brothers were fearful that Joseph would come and judge them for all those specks when their father Jacob died. They came before him like beggars, ready to be his servants.The Lord has mercy. In His mercy, He gave Joseph wisdom and understanding to see that the evil deeds done against him were actually setting a plan in motion that would save entire nations. None of them would be alive if it weren't for their past transgressions. As God had forgiven them, so also Joseph had forgiven. I'm sure he even saw the log in his own eye about the arrogance and in-your-face reporting of his boyhood dreams. In truth, we are all beggars. Joseph knew this. He was forgiven. And that forgiveness spilled over to those around him, understanding that God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.For Your Son has suffered for me, Giv'n Himself to rescue me, Died to save me and restore me, Reconciled and set me free, Jesus' cross alone can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish. (LSB 608:3)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

June 29, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 16:13-19Daily Lectionary: Joshua 4:1-24; Acts 9:23-43“And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16:17)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Peter and Paul. The “Prince of the Apostles” and the “Apostle to the Gentiles.” They both are great movers and shakers in the first generation of the New Testament Church—heroes of the faith. And we remember them with appreciation and thanksgiving, sometimes in our stained glass windows, or even with statues flanking the Risen Christ on some altars. It is good to remember them and give thanks.But is it the wisdom and skill of Simon and Saul? Did Simon Peter pass some exam with flying colors, giving Jesus the right answer? Did Saul of Tarsus suddenly realize he was wrong on the Road to Damascus, and shout, “My bad!” as he made up his own mind to start a new life? Here is a hint: even with the greatest saints, they could “not by [their] own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ [their] Lord, or come to Him.”The Father in heaven gave His Spirit to these men, that they might come to faith in Christ, and be great apostles to build the foundation of the Church. These two had a great many things in common. Peter raised Dorcas from the dead; Paul raised Eutychus. Peter was released from jail in Jerusalem by an angel; Paul by an angel in Philippi. Both preach to thousands, both Jew and Gentile, around the Roman Empire. And then, the last thing they shared in common: they both were martyred in Rome during Nero's persecution of Christians. Paul, as a Roman citizen, was given a swift, less torturous death by beheading. Peter, as merely a subject of the Empire, was crucified.Ah! But there is yet another thing in common. These two saints now rest from their labors, asleep in Jesus. And they are awaiting the Resurrection at the Last Day. The Resurrection foreshadowed in the empty tomb, and revealed to Peter in the Upper Room and at breakfast on the beach. The Resurrection was revealed to Paul when he was “knocked off his high horse” and saw and heard the Risen Christ on the Road to Damascus.The Gospel of this Resurrection is revealed to you, too. Through the Word of God delivered by these two saints (and so many others!), you have been blessed and are being prepared for the Resurrection.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We praise You for Saint Peter; We praise You for Saint Paul; They taught both Jew and Gentile That Christ is all in all. To cross and sword they yielded And saw Your kingdom come; O God, these two apostles Reached life through martyrdom. (LSB 518:19)Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.

June 27, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 4 - Psalm 27:3-4a, 5; antiphon: Psalm 27:1-2Daily Lectionary: Joshua 2:1-24; Acts 8:26-40“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In the beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” Out of the nothingness and darkness, God spoke, and light was created. And God said it was good. John's gospel opens with “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God…the light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:1, 5) The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? All this talk of light. Why? Because there is darkness in this life. There is suffering and hardship. And there are things we fear. On our own, we are left hurting and broken with no hope and no lasting help.Sin breaks stuff. The world is broken, and so are we. The suffering we endure in this life, often as a consequence of our own sin, is persistent and heavy, and overpowering. The devil seeks to devour us. The world seeks to destroy us. Our sinful nature hates God and would call evil everything He has called good. The sinful flesh has reason to fear the darkness and shadow. But God is not afraid of the dark. God's solution to this darkness and evil, and brokenness is not to turn His back on us. He does not leave us in the dark. He sends light and life. He sends Jesus. Jesus, the light no darkness can overcome. Jesus, who died that sinners might live eternally. Jesus, Who rose that we might also rise in Him to newness of life. There is much to fear, but you, dear child of God, need not fear. The Lord of life and death calls you His own. You have been given life and light, forgiveness and salvation, freely. You have been given the Gift of dwelling in the house of your God all the days of your life, now and in eternity. Though an army encamps against her, Jesus will not forsake His Bride, the Church, and that includes you. When you find yourself in the valley of the shadow of death, remember these words: Jesus is my light and salvation, Jesus is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid?In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus comes in joy and sorrow, shares alike out hopes and fears; Jesus comes whate'er befalls us, cheers our hearts and dries our tears; Alleluia! Alleluia! Comforts us in failing years. (LSB 353:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 26, 2026Today's Reading: Acts 8:1-25Daily Lectionary: Joshua 1:1-18; Acts 8:1-25“Now when Simon [the magician] saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money, saying, ‘Give me this power also, so that anyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.'” (Acts 8:18–19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Simon the magician likes a spectacle. He profited from the deeds and signs he performed. The people called him “the power of God that is called Great.” It seemed, outwardly, he possessed great power. When the disciples came, preaching the Good News of Jesus, Simon the magician and many others believed and were baptized, having been amazed by signs and wonders. To magic Simon, this was power! Peter and John came to lay on hands, that the people might receive the Holy Spirit, and it was then that Simon came with money to purchase this power. Peter rebukes him harshly, warning of destruction for Simon if he does not repent. Simon believed he could buy the gifts of God with money. Simon then asks Peter to intercede with the Lord on his behalf. But the truth is clear: God and His gifts cannot be bought. The sinful flesh and world seek power and will take it by whatever means necessary. We see this in the account of Simon the magician, but we see it in ourselves as well. We want power over others; we want control. Simon's desire to literally buy power is the most obvious depiction of our inner desire to be God and use that authority our way.Thanks be to God, His ways are not our ways! Instead of having to pay anything to receive God, He gives Himself freely to sinners who believe. We should repent when we seek to wield the love of God as a means to our own ends. God's power cannot be bought. His love cannot be taken by force. It is only given, and this is Good News to you and me. Instead of withholding life and salvation or His own Spirit from sinners who misuse it, God, in His mercy, pours out Himself that sinners may be forgiven and the dead and dying may live. Jesus paid the price, in His death and resurrection, so we may be given life-saving grace, free of charge. Simon mistook the power of God as a tool for him to wield. He was wrong. The power of God is freely given to forgive sinners. It cannot be bought and does not need to be. It is yours, dear Christian, that you may have life in Christ now and always. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.What costly sacrifice to cover human sin! Who but Christ Jesus had the right to enter in? His blood, that sprinkled price, so we might be assured that our inheritance in light has been secured. (LSB 564:4)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 25, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 6th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Proverbs 31:10-31; John 21:1-25And lead us not into temptation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Prayer is chiefly for comfort. It is not a way to barter with God for what we want, like a cosmic vending machine. It is a Gift our Heavenly Father gives to us to be a balm in a hurting world. When we pray the words Jesus gave us, they are meant to remind us of God's many promises. The words, “lead us not into temptation,” are not merely a request. They are a repeating back of God's promise, but not because He's forgotten you. God does not need a reminder, but you and I do. Praying the same words day after day is to remind you, dear Christian, that God has already promised and granted these things. He sees you, knows you, and hears you. So pray the Lord's Prayer, not because it is the only way to get God's attention, but because He gave us prayer that we might cling to the promises therein, as dear children go to their dear father for comfort.The Sixth Petition is about our ongoing struggle with sin—sin we have inherited from Adam and Eve. The truth is, we cannot evade temptation because of our sinful nature. Apart from God, we are naked and vulnerable to the assaults of the devil, the world, and our own flesh. Without the Lord, we fail each and every time. So as God's people, we flee to Him for protection. Luther's explanation is clear: God tempts no one. But He doesn't simply watch us blindly stumble in the dark, either. Instead, God gives us guard and protection: Christ Jesus. Jesus was tempted just as you and I are, but He did not falter. Having kept the law perfectly, He suffered, died, and rose from the dead to impart His perfection to you. In Baptism, you were washed clean and were given robes of righteousness. So when you are tempted, you lean on Jesus and His saving work. And when you fall into temptation, you may receive the forgiveness won for you and freely given to sinners. We pray that God leads us not into temptation but rather to the great victory that is ours in Christ, our Lord, because He has already promised to do so. And there is our comfort.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Transcendent Comfort in our every need, help us neither scorn nor death to heed that we may not falter nor courage fail us when the foe shall taunt and assail us. Lord, have mercy! (LSB 768:3)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 24, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 1:57-80Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 30:1-9, 18-33; John 20:19-31“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people” (Luke 1:68)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Everything John the Baptist did pointed to the Messiah. His father, Zechariah, prophesied John “would go before the Lord, to prepare His way to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.” John preached in the wilderness, calling the people to repentance. He prepared them for the Gospel. He directly pointed to Jesus as “the Lamb of God Who takes away the sin of the world” when Christ came to be baptized. John, even in his doubts, when he sent his disciples to Jesus, bore witness to Christ. Jesus tells John's disciples to tell him, “the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, and the dead are raised up, and the poor have good news preached to them” (Matthew 11:5). John did not point perfectly, but he pointed to Jesus. And finally, in his martyrdom, John pointed to Christ as he preached the truth to unlistening ears. John the Baptist pointed to Christ - that's the job of a hypeman.What's worth hyping up that much, though? Zechariah's words at his son's birth say it clearly: God visited His people and redeemed them. The Second Person of the Trinity took on human flesh (even at John's birth, Jesus was already in Mary's womb) and not only visited God's people but dwelt among them. And while He dwelt among us as Immanuel, he suffered and died that He might purchase, or redeem, us with His precious blood. This was the promise God made first to Adam and Eve in the Garden and reminded His people over and over again. The Messiah is coming. God even added that one would come to prepare the way for the Messiah to clue in the people that their Redeemer was coming soon. John gave a Baptism of water only, prefiguring the Baptism of the Holy Spirit to come. He, as a faithful way pointer, directed the hurting towards their Redeemer and Lord.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.To Jordan came the Christ, our Lord, to do His Father's pleasure; Baptized by John, the Father's Word was given us to treasure. This heav'nly washing now shall be a cleansing from transgression and by His blood and agony release from death's oppression. A new life now awaits us. (LSB 406:1)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 23, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17 or 1 Peter 5:6-11Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 27:1-24; Prov 28:1-29:27; John 20:1-18The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. (1 Timothy 1:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.St. Paul is not looking for sympathy. When he says he is foremost or chief of sinners, he is not self-deprecating. He is not looking for Timothy to say, “Oh, Paul, no, you aren't that bad. There are worse people than you. Don't talk about yourself that way.” By no means! St. Paul is not looking for sympathy. Paul is not telling Timothy he is the chief of sinners to boast in himself. In fact, Paul's claim that he is the chief of sinners says more about Jesus than it does about Paul. Paul is proclaiming the gospel. Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners - even him, who persecuted Jesus and His church. God sought to be reconciled with His fallen creation. He sent His only son, Jesus, to do the reconciling. Jesus Christ did not wait until sinners worked hard enough to save themselves. He did not wait until they proved themselves worth saving. God stepped in because we can't save ourselves. And in this, St. Paul boasts and declares it trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. This gospel is for you as much as it was for St. Paul or Timothy or anyone else. When your conscience is burdened by the knowledge of your sinful condition, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. When all seems lost and you have failed in your vocations, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. When death draws near, and you come face to face with your own frailty, take heart. Jesus came into the world to save sinners. He came into the world to save you. Jesus took on our frail human flesh to redeem our inability to fulfill God's commands. Jesus fulfilled the law of God perfectly, that we might be restored. He died and rose, that sinners might die and rise as well, in Holy Baptism. He came into the world to forgive you of your sins and to rescue you from the power of death and the devil. It is trustworthy and worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, to save you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sin, disturb my soul no longer; I am baptized into Christ! I have comfort even stronger: Jesus' cleansing sacrifice. Should a guilty conscience seize me since my Baptism did release me in a dear forgiving flood, sprinkling me with Jesus' blood? (LSB 594:2)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

June 22, 2026Today's Reading: Micah 7:18-20Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 25:1-22; Prov: 26:1-28; John 19:23-42“He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Satan's head is crushed by the bruised heel of Christ. That is where your iniquities lie - crushed into dust under the feet of a victorious God. Rotting in the belly of a great fish in the depths of the sea - that is where your sins are. The compassion of our God would put His Son in our place. We should be dead in the grave, punished for our sins. We should be dead in the belly of a fish. But we are not. Instead, Christ takes our iniquities and sins and rids us of them, taking them upon Himself. In His death, he destroys death, and in His rising from the dead, he brings you with Him. The wages of sin is death, but you have been brought into new life. Death cannot hold Christ, and it cannot hold you. God will again have compassion on us. He takes on what we cannot carry. He defeated sin, death, and the devil. He, the God of life and light, shines forth into the darkness of sin and death and cannot be overcome. Those things that seek to crush and drown us have come undone. In Holy Baptism, water, which would kill us, unites with God's Word to make us alive. Old Adam is drowned and dies, and the New Man is dragged out of the water, leaving the wages of sin to sink to the depths of the sea.God looks upon sinners with compassion and love. We deserve to be crushed under His feet and thrown into the sea because we are sinful by nature. But instead, our sin and iniquity, which we have never lived without (in sin did my mother conceive me), is now dust and sand, cast into the sea. God looks upon us in love. He looks upon us and sees His Son. He does not consider your sin or iniquity. He forgives you and renews you. He is steadfast and immovable. He has made you His own, and He will not forget you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In a wat'ry grave are buried all our sins that Jesus carried: Christ, the Ark of Life, has ferried us across death's raging flood. (LSB 597:3)Deac. Emma Heinz, registrar for Higher Things.

God has attached His name, honor, and reputation to His people; and that reality cannot help but shape our prayers—and our expectations of God. "O Lord, listen! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, give heed and take action! For Your own sake, O my God, do not delay...," Daniel 9:19 (LSB). As Daniel realized Israel's exile was nearing its promised end, he also recognized that God's people were not ready to receive the renewal God had promised. Unrepentance and complacency characterized many in exile when humble, penitent loyalty was in order. So Daniel prayed. In the opening verses of Daniel 9, we saw how Daniel's private character led him to pray. This week, we'll see specifically how he prays—and what his prayer teaches us. His prayer, recorded in Daniel 9, is a model prayer for God's people, especially those experiencing His discipline, longing for His deliverance, and seeking renewal from His hand. This Lord's Day, we'll return to our study of Daniel 9, focusing on what to pray when God's people have drifted from Him, are slow to acknowledge their sin, and seem unprepared to receive the renewal He has promised. Join us as we consider, "Back to the Future: How to Pray in the Dark." Prepare for Sunday: Read and meditate on Daniel 9:4-19. How, specifically, should the church pray as Daniel prayed? What does this prayer proclaim about God? What does this prayer acknowledge about His covenant people? Why do you think Daniel included himself in this prayer of corporate confession? What anchors Daniel's confidence in God's response? Note: This Sunday we'll also come to the Lord's Table and rejoice in the very promises Daniel's prayer highlights. Let's prepare

June 20, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Trinity 3 - Psalm 25:1-2a, 5b, 15, 20; antiphon: Psalm 25:16, 18Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 22:22-23:12; John 18:15-40“Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.” (Psalm 25:16, 18)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Loneliness hurts. Suffering hurts. Having troubles hurts. Knowing I've sinned hurts. Being sinned against hurts. There is a lot of hurt in this broken world. Life can often hurt. It is such a gift, then, to realize that God gives us the psalms to pray, sing, and meditate upon. In today's verses, we have the words we need to cry out to God. We get to admit that we are alone and bothered. We get to be honest about what is hurting us and causing us pain. We can share all that burdens us; we can call out when we feel troubled and are in need of forgiveness. We can say that we need help. It is amazing to realize that just as God gives us these words to pray and use, He also promises to hear us when we talk to Him. In fact, He longs to hear our hurts and cares. He loves us and desires for us to bring all that we carry to Him. In fact, He would not have us carry our sins and our burdens at all. He gives them to His Son, our Savior Jesus. And Jesus willingly carries them all to the cross, where He pays for them with His life. He defeats all that is broken by defeating death. He pays the price for our sin and reconciles us to the Father. We died and rose with Jesus and are now mercied, loved, and forgiven. We pray with confidence and hope. We are not alone. Every day, we live under the weight of sin. Luther's Small Catechism teaches us that our Old Adam must DAILY be drowned and die; we continue to struggle with sin and sadness. And yet, the grace that we have from our loving and merciful Heavenly Father is new every morning. We remember our Baptism and cling to the promises that we have in Jesus. We have an attentive, loving, and compassionate God. He hears our prayers and fulfills His promises. We go to the Divine Service and our hope is renewed; we hear our sins forgiven, we hear of the promises and works of God, we eat Jesus' Body and Blood. We are given good Gifts from our loving, Heavenly Father, who hears our prayers and promises to never leave us nor forsake us.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Sing praise to God, the highest good, The author of creation, The God of love who understood Our need for His salvation. With healing balm our souls He fills And ev're faithful murmur stills: To God all praise and glory! (LSB 819:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-sixty-fourth episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the G-4 Senior Sustainment Planner from Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guest is the Battalion Commander for the 82nd Light Support Battalion, LTC Peter van Howe.   The 82nd Light Support Battalion (LSB), formerly the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), serves as the sustainment backbone of the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, providing logistics, maintenance, medical, transportation, and distribution support to enable the brigade's rapid deployment and expeditionary operations worldwide. Known by its Hollywood call-sign, “Gator,” the battalion has a long history of supporting airborne and contingency operations, ensuring paratroopers can seize, hold, and fight from key terrain under austere conditions. As the Army transitions from the BSB to the LSB construct, the battalion continues to evolve its sustainment capabilities to support dispersed operations, contested logistics, and prolonged combat against peer threats. The battalion's motto, “Service to the Line,” reflects its enduring commitment to projecting, generating, and preserving combat power for the brigade, ensuring maneuver forces remain lethal, mobile, and ready to fight whenever and wherever the Nation calls.   This episode explores the employment of the Light Support Battalion (LSB) and how sustainment formations are adapting to survive and sustain maneuver forces on the modern battlefield. The discussion focuses on base cluster design, command and control, survivability, distribution operations, and the constant balance between protection and sustainment throughput. Leaders examine different approaches to organizing the Brigade Support Area, emphasizing that there is no single solution and that sustainment leaders must remain flexible based on the enemy situation, terrain, mission requirements, and available resources. Topics include dispersed versus consolidated support areas, use of forward logistics elements, deception operations, engineer support, survivability positions, signature management, and the employment of decoy command posts. A recurring theme throughout the episode is that sustainment formations must think and fight like maneuver formations, continuously adapting their posture to maintain survivability while preserving the ability to project, generate, and preserve combat power for the brigade.    The conversation also focuses on the critical relationship between maneuver units and the sustainment enterprise. Leaders discuss the importance of accurate LOGSTAT reporting, synchronization across echelons, understanding the roles of the S4, Support Operations Officer (SPO), G4, and G8, and ensuring sustainment is integrated into planning from the outset. Additional topics include running estimates, logistics common operating pictures, rehearsals, battle rhythm events, sustainment forecasting, and the role of NCOs in MDMP. The episode highlights how sustainment success depends on shared understanding, continuous communication, and deliberate synchronization in time and space. Ultimately, the discussion reinforces that the LSB is far more than a logistics provider—it is a combat multiplier that enables brigade operations by ensuring forces can continue to fight, move, communicate, recover, and sustain themselves throughout prolonged operations against a capable peer threat.      Part of S05 “Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids, Batteries, Water, & Fuel” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast.   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.

June 19, 2026Today's Reading: John 18:1-14Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 22:1-21; John 18:1-14“So Jesus said to Peter, ‘Put your sword into its sheath; shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me?'” (John 18:11)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Whenever Peter is involved, I usually end up cringing, feeling embarrassed on his behalf, or trying to justify his choices (because I see myself in them). Here's the thing. Peter always seems to try. He walks out of the boat and onto the water to Jesus…only to look down and start to panic. He declares that Jesus is the Christ…and then suggests that Jesus shouldn't go to the cross. He's so sure that he is going to boldly claim his connection to Jesus…only to deny Jesus three times (just like Jesus foretold). And here, in this moment in the garden, he ‘tries again.' He cuts off the ear. Of a servant. Yikes, Peter. And here is where I would love to try and justify Peter's actions - all of them. ‘At least he's trying.' Or ‘he did his best.' Or ‘he didn't get things all the way wrong…all the time.' Yeah, I don't believe these excuses either. And here's the thing - the reality is, sinners trying…usually results in failure. We sure do try our best (well, some of the time), and yet nothing works out perfectly. Life is still usually messy. And hard. And awkward. And not quite right. Yeah, now we are starting to get it... Look at the rest of the statement that Jesus says to Peter: Shall I not drink the cup that the Father has given me? Here's the thing. God had a plan for salvation, and it doesn't involve us trying. There is no ‘cooperation' or ‘partnership.' God's plan. God's work. For us. When we ‘try,' specifically in our salvation, we are always going to be wrong. In fact, the idea that we even could try is wrong. God's Word clearly teaches us that we were dead in our trespasses - dead things can't try. So, what does this mean? Are we just stuck being a bunch of awkward Peters - trying and (usually) failing? Rest, dear redeemed one. Your salvation is perfectly complete in Jesus. God the Father poured out His wrath on Jesus, and Jesus took it. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus lives. For you. There is no trying or needing to try as you look in faith to Jesus. You have been reconciled. It is a gift. It is yours in your Baptism. It is yours in Jesus' Body and Blood. So now, you do get to try - but it's for your neighbor and it isn't to earn anything. Out of the love and mercy that you receive from God, through Jesus, you try, and you love those around you. It won't be perfect on this side of glory, but it will be redeemed. Thanks be to God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Be of good cheer, for God's own Son Forgives all sins which you have done; And justified by Jesus' blood, Your Baptism grants the highest good. (LSB 571:4)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 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 17, 2026Today's Reading: John 16:17-33Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 17:1-28; Proverbs 18:1-20:4; John 16:17-33“For the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” (John 16:27-28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.How amazing are these words!?! Jesus is vouching FOR US! He is claiming us before our Heavenly Father. The Creator of the world. The Holy and Perfect God. The Author of Life. This is an amazing gift. God the Father loves YOU. YOU belong to Jesus. In your Baptism, you are covered with Jesus - holy, blameless, and perfect. When God the Father sees you, He sees His Son, our Savior Jesus, and loves. In Communion, you are given Jesus' Body and Blood for your salvation. You are a guest at God's Table and get to feast on His gifts! Jesus was at the creation of the world; Jesus is the Word. Jesus knew what the cost would be once sin entered into the world. Jesus knew He would have to leave His Father, take on flesh, live a blameless life, die a terrible death, and rise again. He knew this was the plan to save sinners from eternal death. And in these verses, as He talks with His disciples before His Death, Resurrection, and Ascension, Jesus is declaring that it is going to happen. He is declaring that you are loved. As we live in this sin-broken world, it can be hard to remember that we are loved. It seems as though all around us, everything is coming apart. We sin daily. We are daily sinned against. Something always hurts. Something always seems to go wrong. Our feelings lie to us. The world would have us focus on just today and wallow in despair. The devil would have us believe the lies that we aren't enough. But the Truth is not found in our feelings, the world, or in the lies of the devil. We are not without hope. In your moments of brokenness, remember your Baptism. Remember that you are not alone. You are covered by Christ and are seen by God the Father. You have the Holy Spirit, and in faith, you pray and cry out to a listening and faithful God. You are loved. Cling to the Truth, even if (and when) your feelings would want to declare something else. Be in God's Word; rejoice in the gift that is God's Law and Gospel for you. Remember that you have been claimed by Jesus, and God the Father rejoices that you are His. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ, the way that leads unfailing To the Father's house on high, Christ, the truth that frees the captive, Christ, the life that cannot die. Mediator to the Father, Sacrifice and great High Priest: Lead us to Your heav'nly mansions, There to share Your wedding feast. (LSB 540:5)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 16, 2026Today's Reading: Ephesians 2:13-22 or 1 John 3:13-18Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 16:1-24; John 16:1-16“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever been excluded? Perhaps you were picked last for a game or event. Maybe your interests aren't ones that are seen as ‘cool.' Or maybe the issue is bigger than that. Your parents are divorced, and you always seem to be back and forth - not really able to settle into one place. Or, you have had to move away from your friends, your school, and your familiar community. Separation is hard. If you aren't ‘in,' then you are ‘out,' and that is difficult. Paul is writing to the church in Ephesus. And these words—these bold statements of inclusion—are pretty shocking. Paul is declaring that the Gospel is for Gentiles, too. He is saying that Jesus' Blood covers all people; God's love ties together that which was broken or segmented. He is reminding the Jews and the Gentiles that their focus needs to be on the promises of God, which are for all people. The Gentiles had always been ‘out,' but the Jews had had their seasons of exile and separation, too. And yet now, all is united. Now, the promises have been fulfilled, Jesus paid for the sins of the whole world, and there is no need for separation anymore. It would seem that everyone then and now would rejoice at these words. God has brought all to Himself, and there is no need to distinguish or separate. And yet, we sinners like putting each other in boxes. Whether it's by interests, looks, heritage, or some other artificial measurement that we've constructed, we like to compare and contrast. We want to be accepted - even if that means excluding someone else. Repent, dear chosen ones! For God has more forgiveness than you have sin. Jesus' Blood does indeed cover all. He has brought you to Himself - and there is room for more. Rest in your Baptism; Jesus has covered you and claimed you as His. Invite and include those around you - for God's desire is for all to be saved. You get to look at your neighbors, even in their differences, with joy and love. God has destroyed all that would separate or keep others ‘far off.' Share the Good News that Jesus is for all sinners - for those far off, and for you too. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Baptism we now put on Christ Our shame is fully covered With all that He once sacrificed And freely for us suffered, For here the flood of His own blood Now makes us holy, right, and good Before our heav'nly Father. (LSB 596:4) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 15, 2026Today's Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10Daily Lectionary:Proverbs 15:1-29;  John 15:12-27“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” (Proverbs 9:10)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever had a conversation with a toddler? They are sure of everything. They know how to put on their shoes. They know how to get dressed. They know what they want to eat. They KNOW! And yet, would you eat a meal that was prepared by a toddler? Would you feel safe with a doctor who was a toddler? You see what I mean, right? Being two or three years old does not make you an expert in, well, anything. Here's the truth, though. You aren't an expert either. You may be older than two, but are you still a sinner? (Martin Luther, in the Small Catechism, invites us to consider our lives according to the Ten Commandments…how's that going for you?) You make mistakes. You still hurt yourself and your neighbors. Age doesn't mean maturity or expertise. So how do we become wise? How can we know what is true? Those are great questions. And our reading today teaches us: start with God and His Word. When we start with God, we realize that we are dependent, humble, begging creatures who, without merit or worthiness, implore their Creator for mercy. In fact, Romans 5 teaches us that we were enemies of God - we were dead - when He chose us, redeemed us, and saved us. Indeed, when we start with God, we realize that we are nothing on our own. We have no knowledge. We have no skills. We have no wisdom. God's Word teaches us who He is and who we are. Start there. Be reminded that God is just, compassionate, and merciful. Be reminded that He made you and sustains your body and life. Be reminded that in Baptism, you are covered by Jesus' Blood and have been given the Holy Spirit. When you start there, you are then equipped to serve your neighbors. Rejoice as a student! Celebrate the roles you have in your family. Recognize the gifts you have to be on a team, in a class, or at a job. Rest in the knowledge that God is God and you are not; receive what He gives and use those gifts to love those around you (whom He has also given). Wisdom is indeed fearing and trusting God. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Yea, Lord, ‘twas Thy rich bounty gave My body, soul, and all I have In this poor life of labor. Lord, grant that I in ev'ry place May glorify Thy lavish grace And help and serve my neighbor. Let no false doctrine me beguile; Let Satan not my soul defile. Give strength and patience unto me To bear my cross and follow Thee. Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord, In death Thy comfort still afford. (LSB 708:2) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 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 12, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer - 4th PetitionDaily Lectionary: Proverbs 10:1-23; Proverbs 11:1-12:28; John 14:1-17What does this mean? God 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.We need to be reminded to be grateful. Ouch. A quick ‘thanks,' is sufficient, right? I do have other things to get done - I have money to make, groceries to buy, errands to run…I'm taking care of my life! Hmmm. Maybe this Petition is worth some time and reflection. In the Lord's Prayer, we are given the Petition ‘Give us this day our daily bread.' This is not some type of magic incantation that allows pizza to softly float down to our dinner tables. No, this is a reminder that God DOES give us what we need. Our daily needs are met. Furthermore, none of this is done with our control or effort. As Luther explains, God certainly gives without our prayers.We are given this Petition so we might pause and reflect on God's character. God is merciful, abundant, and loving. He gives more than we can even imagine. He had a plan for our salvation before the world even existed. He certainly provides for our needs of body and soul. When we are tempted to think about our own efforts in ‘meeting our needs,' we should repent. We must remember that it is God who provides the sunshine, air, dirt, and seeds that will one day be wheat for flour (for that pizza!). It is God who equips farmers, truck drivers, and store owners - all those who help us find the food that is necessary for sustaining our bodies (which are also Gifts from God). And this Petition reminds us that God gives us ALL that is needed for our body and life - not *only* the food that we daily receive. Indeed, this part of the Lord's Prayer is a powerful and humbling reminder that God is in control, and this is good. God knows our needs and meets them - without our asking, our assistance, or even our thanks. We get to reflect on all that God gives and all that He is, and then give Him thanksgiving. We are reminded of who He is: the One who sent His own perfect Son to die in the place of sinners. The one who defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil for us. The one who calls us His own in Baptism and feeds us Jesus' Body and Blood. Yes! We have so much to give thanks for - we have a generous and loving God! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God makes the clouds rain goodness, The deserts bloom and spring, The hills leap up in gladness, The valleys laugh and sing. God fills them with His fullness, All things with large increase; He crowns the year with blessing, With plenty and with peace. (LSB 893:2)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.

June 10, 2026Today's Reading: John 13:1-20Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:22-36; John 13:1-20“Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Do you get anxious before a big event? Maybe you get really excited; all those butterflies of anticipation are fluttering in your stomach. You have a big test, a big game, a fancy dinner, or a presentation… something big is coming, and you know that it matters. Sometimes, in our desire to focus, we forget about other people or other things. Washing the dishes? Later, I have a paper to finish. Walking the dog? Later, I have an important dinner to get ready for. We focus on our next big moment and nothing else. In today's reading, Jesus knows what is coming; His ‘big event' is His crucifixion. This has been the plan of salvation since before the world was created, and now the time had come. And yet, who is His focus? Where does He spend His last hours before death? Jesus “loved them to the end.” Jesus, knowing all that is about to happen, stays focused on those whom He loves. In John 13, Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He shows, yet again, what it means to love sacrificially. He shows what it means to love and care for your neighbors. He continues to teach and to serve His disciples. He knows what His next hours are going to include, but He continues to love. He teaches the disciples that this is an example to them (and to us) - that we are to serve others. Jesus says in John 13:20 that, ‘truly, truly, I say to you, whoever receives the one I send receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.' You have received the one whom Jesus sends - you have been given the Holy Spirit! In your Baptism, you are made clean and declared holy; you are covered by Jesus and bear God's name. You are one of Jesus' own. On the cross, it was for you that Jesus willingly hung and willingly died. In the Resurrection, it is you that He brings into new life and unto life eternal. You are one for whom Jesus died. You are loved. And Jesus will indeed love you to the end. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Yes, Father, yes, most willingly I'll bear what You command Me. My will conforms to Your decree, I'll do what You have asked Me.” O wondrous Love, what have you done! The Father offers up His Son, Desiring our salvation. O Love, how strong You are to save! You lay the One into the grave Who built the earth's foundation. (LSB 438:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 9, 2026Today's Reading: 1 John 4:16-21Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 8:1-21; John 12:36b-50“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I have to admit, I like to be first. In school, I liked it when I was done with my homework first, and I liked it when I ran a race and got first place. Even now, I like it when my favorite team gets first. I want to win. I want to be the best, and being first is definitely the best. And yet, this short verse in 1 John says that someone else was first. This verse says that I can love, can know love, and can give love only because someone else did it first. This verse says that He loved me and He loved you. This verse is clear - I wasn't the first to love. When I stop and think about it, this verse tells me that being first isn't really the point. When I admitted to liking to be first, to always winning, I was also admitting that my mindset is selfish. If I am winning, then everyone around me has to be losing. I'm not thinking about them; I am only thinking about me. Maybe I don't know what love is, because that definitely isn't love. These verses in 1 John teach us about what love is - about who love is. It isn't about winning, and it isn't about me (or you) being the best. Instead, love is sacrificial. Love is reassuring and is hope without fear. There is no competition in love. God is love. Love lays down His life so that others (sinners…you…me) can live. Love is given freely and is good. Love looks like something - it looks like Jesus on the cross. Love looks like an empty tomb. Love looks like God's Word and water. Love is in, with, and under Bread and Wine. God's plan to love is shown in the mercies and grace that are ours every day. It's a good thing that God loved us first. It's a good thing that before we were born or could even think about what love is and how we might have it, God loved and planned for our rescue. Now, I can know and you can know that love is resting in God, in His promises, and in His work, not our own. Then, out of that love, comes love for our neighbors. We get to look around, not at ourselves, and see the needs of those around us. We get to rejoice in the love we have and then share it with others. God loved you first, and that is very good. And, now you get to love too. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus loves me! This I know, For the Bible tells me so. Little ones to Him belong; They are weak, but He is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! Yes, Jesus loves me! The Bible tells me so. (LSB 588:1)Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

June 8, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 15:1-6Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 5:1-23; Proverbs 6:1-7:27; John 12:20-36a“But Abram said, ‘O Lord God, what will you give me, for I continue childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?'” (Genesis 15:2)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Perhaps Abram has a point. At age 75, he was called by God to leave his home and travel to a new land, but life has been fraught with problems. There was a famine, so Abram found himself in Egypt, where that (first) awkward encounter between the Pharaoh and Sarai happened. And then, Abram has to rescue his nephew Lot from war in Sodom and Gomorrah. What about the promises of being a great nation, being blessed, and having his name be great? Ever since Abram listened to God, it has been one issue after another; there doesn't seem to be any follow-through on those promises. In today's reading, God is making promises again: Fear not, Abram, I am your shield; your reward shall be very great.” But Abram pushes back: But God…what will you give me? I don't even have an heir of my own!Here's the thing. We sinners like to develop our own timelines and our own measuring sticks. Abram wanted those promises fulfilled now. He wanted what was coming to him. He wanted proof and assurance that this was going to be worth it. Abram is having doubts; he and Sarai hadn't had a child yet - how could they possibly be the great nation that God had promised? Abram doubts. You and I doubt too. Why is my life full of suffering? Why is the Christian life hard? When will I receive what God has promised? The rest of today's reading is the comfort we need. Abram expresses his doubts, and God hears them! God's character is one of mercy and patience. While Abram had no ‘right' to question God or worry about what was going to happen, God met Abram's question with assurances. God gave Abram more promises - Abram, you will have your own son. You will have more descendants than stars in the sky. And even more amazing - when Abram believes these words from God, God counts his belief as righteousness! What about for you? What about when you ask questions, worry, and doubt? God answers you, too. Remember your Baptism. You are named as a Child of God and covered by Jesus. Go to the Divine Service and hear God's Word of Law and Gospel for you. Be reminded that you are a sinner - one for whom Jesus bled and died. Rejoice that you are a saint and that Jesus' resurrection is yours also. Take and eat Jesus' Body and Blood. Believe in the One who always keeps His promises and always hears your prayers. God is faithful.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.God gives me my days of gladness, And I will Trust Him still When He sends me sadness, God is good; His love attends me Day by day, Come what may, Guides me and defends me. (LSB 756:3) Deac. Sarah Longmire, Curricula Curator for Higher Things and Director of Family Life at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO.

How God's people respond to prophecy—especially prophecy portending hardship—reveals where ultimate priorities lie. Some respond in fear to warnings of coming tribulation, while others respond with speculative diagnoses that match today's headlines with Bible prophecy. Daniel responded with faith in God's character and confidence in His promises; he prayed in the direction of both. "So I gave my face to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes," Daniel 9:3 (LSB). God gave Daniel prophetic visions of Israel's scary future not to satisfy his curiosity, but to realign His people to His priorities, and strengthen their faithfulness to Him. That's why Daniel's prayer in Chapter 9 shows the same pattern we find in the apostles praying Psalm 2, in John's vision of heaven, and in Christ's instruction to His disciples concerning prayer. When God promises His people something, we're meant to think and pray in the direction of those promises, letting His word direct our petitions, and then our lives. This Lord's Day, we'll begin our look at Daniel 9, starting with a prayer that precedes one of the Old Testament's clear prophecies of our Lord's first advent, Calvary, and the inauguration of His covenant of grace. Join us as we turn to Daniel 9:1-3 and consider "Back to the Future: When Prophecy Prompts Prayer." Prepare for Sunday: Read Daniel 9:1-19, meditating on verses 1-3. What historic setting is described in verses 1-3? What specifically was Daniel reading? What was Daniel's immediate response after understanding God's promise? What does Daniel's attention to Jeremiah's prophecy reveal about his view of Scri

June 5, 2026Today's Reading: John 11:17-37Daily Lectionary: Proverbs 1:8-33; John 11:17-37“I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” (John 11:25-26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.If you've been to a Lutheran Funeral, you have likely heard those words. In the Funeral order, the pastor speaks the words, the congregation speaks the Nunc Dimittis (Lord, now you let your servant go in peace), and then the pastor repeats them. What a blessed comfort. Jesus is the resurrection and the life.  Of course, as Jesus said these words, He proved how true they were by raising Lazarus from the tomb just moments after speaking them. Lazarus had been sick, and the people came to tell Jesus so that He could heal the poor man. Jesus dawdled, Lazarus died. And now Martha, to whom Jesus said this confession, calls Jesus on his delay. “Lord if you had been here my brother wouldn't have died.” “Lord if you had come when we called you, I wouldn't be in this sorrow right now.” “Lord, if only you had done what we asked, this would all be a lot easier.”  But then Jesus comes to the tomb of Lazarus, and what does He do? First, He weeps. Why? He's already told Martha who He is. He's already made the point to Martha that He's going to raise Lazarus. What is this? It's sorrow at death. Death isn't the way it's supposed to be. Death is the consequence of sin and Man not doing what God has told him to do. So death hurts. And Jesus feels it in that moment. He feels it to His core. As I've spoken those words at funerals, I've spoken them in the hearing of loved ones who feel death to their core. I've spoken them to children who have lost parents who have been suffering for years and so are relieved, but still hurt to their core. I've spoken them to parents who lost children far, far too soon, and were rocked to their core. And in all of the cases, the words were still true. This Man who called Lazarus from the tomb entered the tomb for us that first Good Friday, carrying the burden of our sins to that tomb so that He could leave them there on the First Easter, and we could have victory over death by His resurrection.  Christian, when death hurts you to your core, know that it is defeated. Christ is the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Him, though he die, yet shall he live, and whoever lives and believes in Him will never die.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ, the life of all the living, Christ the death of death our foe, Who, Thyself for me once giving, To the darkest depths of woe; Through thy sufferings, death, and merit, I eternal life inherit, Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, Dearest Jesus, unto Thee! (LSB 420:1)Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

June 4, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: The Lord's Prayer 3rd PetitionDaily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 12:1-14; John 11:1-16God's will is done when He breaks and hinders every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature, which do not want us to hallow God's name or let His kingdom come; and when He strengthens and keeps us firm in His Word and faith until we die. This is His good and gracious will. (The Small Catechism, The Lord's Prayer, The Third Petition)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Those are words you hopefully speak daily at least. But when it comes to the will of God, do you actually reflect on it? How often do you act or even pray for things without reflection on God's will? It's pretty easy to go through our day-to-day activities without thinking much about what God's desire is for us. Or we can overcomplicate it. We can pray about every minute detail as though if we make a left turn instead of a right turn because we left our house at 8:35 instead of 8:37, we have deviated from God's will and now He must be angry with us.  But what is God's will? As Luther explains it so well, he shows that it relates to breaking and hindering every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful nature. And what do these enemies do that is deviant from God's will? They seek that we would not hallow His Name, nor let His Kingdom Come. They seek that the Word of God would not be taught in its truth and purity, and that we as Christians would not lead holy lives according to the Commandments. Likewise, they seek that God's Spirit would not bring faith in God's Word to those people in order that they would lead holy lives here in time and there in eternity.  So what are we praying for? We are praying for God's defense of us in the faith. We are praying that God would guard and keep us from the devil, who would seek to destroy our faith, and our own sinful temptations, which would be drawn to unholy living contrary to God's will revealed in the Ten Commandments.  So, how does God work this protection? Thankfully, by how He operates in the world. However, we can certainly be assured of protection in His Word. It is in that Word where He continues to speak faith into ears, to feed faith to us in His Supper. By these, He strengthens us in our daily struggles with sin, and gives us rest always in the forgiveness of the cross of Christ. Amen.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Your gracious will on earth be done, as it is done before Your throne, That patiently we may obey, Throughout our lives all that You say. Curb flesh and blood and every ill That sets itself against Your will. Amen. (LSB 766:4)Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

June 3, 2026Today's Reading: John 10:22–42Daily Lectionary: Ecclesiastes 11:1-10; John 10:22-42“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand. I and the Father are one.'” (John 10:27-30)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“I and the Father are one.” What does Jesus mean by those words? As we are reflecting on the Triune Nature of our God, is this one of those places where Jesus is pointing us to the reality that He and the Father are homoousias, one in substance? Well, substance is what a thing is. Jesus says that He and the Father are one, so just by the words alone, we have to understand that Jesus is talking about their unity of substance.  But as He is talking about that unity, what is He talking about? He's talking about security. He is telling His people that they are His sheep and He is their Shepherd. He is telling them that as He is their Shepherd, they are protected and secure. They are secure because no one can snatch them out of His Hand. In fact, the Father has given these sheep to Jesus, and no one can snatch them out of the Father's Hand. At this point, if we think too hard about the unity of substance, about the oneness of the Trinity, we can get really confused. How can the Father have a hand and the Son have a different hand if they're one? Back to that question of how can one be three? Idunno. But in this case, that's not the main point. The main point is to tell you, His beloved sheep, that you have no need to fear. You are safe in the hands of your God. You are safe in the hands of the Son. You are safe in the hands of the Father. Which hands, the Father's or the Son's? It doesn't matter, you're safe. Your One God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit cares for you, guards you, and protects you.  You can see this in the Son, who is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life on the cross to defend you from the wolves of sin, death, and the devil. You can see it in the Father who sent His Son into this world that you would be saved. You can see it in the work of the Spirit who has called you by the Gospel, enlightened you with His gifts, sanctified, and kept you in the true faith. This God has pursued you with His rod and staff, and He has picked you up in His ever-loving hands. The whole world around you might appear to fall away, but this unified God is working monolithically to save, guard, and keep you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have no fear, little flock, for the Father has chosen to give you the Kingdom, have no fear little flock! (LSB 735:1)Rev. Matthew Zickler, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Western Springs, IL.

Nelver - Proud Eagle Radio Show #627 [Pirate Station Online] (03-06-2026) ✅ Subscribe to Telegram channel: https://t.me/nelvermusic All episodes: https://band.link/proudeagle YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/6jy8nCkuXDk Tracklist: 01. SLESS & Mylen - Lose Control 02. Luude - Never Adds Up [feat. Inéz] (Ekko & Sidetrack Remix) 03. Synthetic & Quoone - Cash Flow 04. TANTRON & Wiguez - ICARUS (feat. Moneo) 05. AUGVST & Indy Skies - Burn 06. DRZ - Like U 07. FractalOne - Beyond The Pale 08. DUX - Rakaton 09. Vici - Intense 10. Gracie Van Brunt - WORLDS AWAY 11. Culture Shock - Empire 12. Tomoyoshi - Fake News 13. Entita & Furious Freaks - Dutty Nutty (DIS25 VIP) 14. Cuepric & Matec - Nihilation 15. Subscript & Cosmo - Solid State 16. nCamargo - Timeflux 17. Zombie Cats - Face (Des McMahon Remix) 18. Chazwav - Server Stuck 19. Minor Forms & Amoss - LTK 20. NC-17 & Philth - DiJi 21. Telm & Wilson & Ill Truth - Amnesia 22. OBSES - Get Involved 23. Azur - Obedient 24. The Upbeats - Wubber Subber 25. DAN3MAN & MRV - Come Alive 26. Erotic Cafe' - BOOSTA 27. Kuttin Edge - Don't You Know 28. Leks & Speaker Louis - Dread Fashion 29. Document One - Spin Doctor 30. Yatuza - On The Low 31. FourD - Reaper 32. Streetz Of Rage - Punish You 33. Satl - Gljtch 34. Aksel - Colder 35. Pola & Bryson & Cimone - Twilight (Live Mix) 36. LOATIAL & ALB - Absence 37. DJ Marky & Makoto - It's Alright, I Feel It (feat. Vanessa Freeman) 38. Nelver - Stardust 39. Rafau Etamski - Last Time 40. Kind Fiction - All I've Got (feat. Lauren Walton) 41. Nelver - City Lights 42. MissGray - Take Me Away 43. Son - Need U 44. Nelver - Free Fantasy 45. Joja - Simple 46. Gemma Rose - Echo (feat. Ben Soundscape) 47. Loudrise - Absolute Love 48. Nelver - What You Are 49. Cymbolic - Grow 50. Flaco - Andromeda 51. Primitive Instinct - Glacier Drift 52. Keylo & Duoscience - Never Yours 53. Keeco - For A Better Tomorrow 54. Nelver - Red Light 55. Note & Kublai - Resting Place 56. Silence Groove - Care More 57. Nelver - Private Time 58. SiLi - In My Soul 59. LSB & DRS - Jazz Arps (Technimatic Remix) 60. Nelver - Abstractions 61. Big Bud - Green It Was 62. Nelver - Our Time 63. Nelver - Consequence Weekly updated Playlist "Proud Eagle" on Spotify: https://bit.ly/4ncuv3g Follow Nelver: https://www.instagram.com/nelvermusic/ https://vk.com/nelver https://spoti.fi/2ThGKDT https://soundcloud.com/nelver https://www.facebook.com/nelverdnb/ https://www.mixcloud.com/Nelver/ https://twitter.com/Nelvermusic #nelver #nelvermusic #drumandbass #newmusic #electronicmusic #dnbculture #vibes #mood #exclusive #trending #viral #proudeagle

I've used the HCSB from 2004 to early 2026, but I've recently made a change in my primary Bible to the Legacy Standard Bible. Why? I begin to look at the CSBible website, answering their reasons for abandoning their 656 uses of the name Yahweh in the Old Testament.

May 27th, 2026, marks the 350th anniversary of the death of Paul Gerhardt — one of the most beloved hymn writers in the history of the Lutheran Church. In this episode, host Elizabeth Pittman is joined by Peter Reske from the CPH music team for a deep dive into Gerhardt's life, his enduring hymns, and the faith that sustained him through one of history's most devastating eras. Grab your hymnal and join us.Episode Timestamps1:51 — Why talk about Paul Gerhardt? Previous episodes & the 350th anniversary5:21 — Overview of Gerhardt's 17 hymns in Lutheran Service Book (grab your hymnal!)10:44 — Paul Gerhardt's biography: Early life, the Thirty Years' War & Wittenberg14:42 — "A Lamb Goes Uncomplaining Forth" (LSB 438) — hymn as drama25:28 — "Entrust Your Days and Burdens" (LSB 754) — comfort, acrostic structure & Psalm 37:537:04 — Mittenwalde, the altarpiece & the origin of "O Sacred Head Now Wounded"44:53 — "Rejoice My Heart, Be Glad and Sing" & closing reflections46:43 — New CPH release: Gerhardt Hymns for SAB Choir by Kevin Hildebrand Preview the new collection of hymns at cph.org/paul-gerhardt-hymns-for-sab-choir.About the GuestPeter C. Reske is senior editor of music/worship at Concordia Publishing House, where he has served since 2004. He holds degrees in English literature from Marquette University and in musicology from The Pennsylvania State University. In addition to his ongoing role overseeing music publications for CPH, he was the editor of Lutheran Service Book (2006) and its attendant resources, editor of The Hymns of Martin Luther (2016), and editorial advisor for One and All Rejoice (2020). With Joseph Herl and Jon D. Vieker, he was co-editor of Lutheran Service Book: Companion to the Hymns (2019). Concordia Publishing House – Bringing you God's enduring Word in a changing world.

“Once upon a time, a princess was born ...”  Three hundred years before Martin Luther was kidnapped and taken to Wartburg Castle for his own safety, the towering Schloss hosted another notable saint of God: Elizabeth of Hungary.   Born in 1207 in Sárospatak, Hungary, Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary. At the age of four, she left home to be betrothed to Hermann, son of the Count of Thuringia in present-day Germany.   In this episode, Sarah tells the story of one of the more obscure saints on the Lutheran calendar of commemorations (LSB xiii), celebrating especially her devout faith and selfless acts of charity. Although Elizabeth was a product (and in some ways a tragic victim) of the Medieval church that Luther later sought to reform, her example of piety and generosity continues to inspire Christians to this day.   For further reading, check out the following resources:  Philipp I, Landgrave of Hesse – Reformation 500  Philipp of Hesse: Unlikely Hero of the Reformation - Concordia Publishing House  St. Elizabeth's Church, Marburg - Wikipedia  Elizabeth of Hungary - Wikipedia  Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse - Wikipedia  George I, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt - Wikipedia  Louis V, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt - Wikipedia  George II, Landgrave of Hesse-Darmstadt - Wikipedia  Anna Sophia II, Abbess of Quedlinburg - Wikipedia  Connect with the Lutheran Ladies on social media in The Lutheran Ladies' Lounge Facebook discussion group (facebook.com/groups/LutheranLadiesLounge) and on Instagram @lutheranladieslounge. Follow Sarah (@hymnnerd), Rachel (@rachbomberger), and Erin (@erinaltered) on Instagram! Sign up for the Lutheran Ladies' Lounge monthly e-newsletter here, and email the Ladies at lutheranladies@kfuo.org.

The church in America enjoys an unusual kindness of God's providence. Our liberty to worship and serve God as He leads, though not without opposition, is rare compared to the experience of Christians throughout the world in any age. Daniel's prophecy prepares us for the reality that God's people face persecution throughout history; our future is not one of ease, but perseverance. For now we live in the age of monstrous beasts—worldly kingdoms that, for a season, are permitted to wage war against the saints. But the beasts are not ultimate. One day, the saints will be vindicated forever. "... The saints of the Highest One will receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, for all ages to come," Daniel 7:18 (LSB). Heaven's interpretation of Daniel's prophetic vision gives sober encouragement to God's people: we're called to keep our eyes fixed on heaven's throne room and live, not in dread or pessimism, but with courage anchored in Christ's kingdom. The saints of all ages triumph not by escaping persecution, but by enduring faithfully through it. This Lord's Day, we'll return to Daniel 7 and its interpretation of Daniel's beastly dream. Join us as we consider "Back to the Future: From Chaos to Conquest." Prepare for Sunday: Read Daniel 7 once more, focusing this time on verses 9-28. Why is Daniel troubled by the vision? According to verses 17-18, what is the vision's basic meaning? How is the fourth beast different from the others? What does the word "until" convey to you in verse 22? How does Daniel 7 help you fix your eyes on Christ's present reign, rather than fear of current events? How, specifically, can you live with hope and coura

Send us Fan Mail+++Preacher: Pastor Adam SteinbrennerSubmit sermon questions by emailing podcast@stjohndublin.orgLink to SermonChurch Website: stjohndublin.orgChurch Center: stjohndublin.churchcenter.comThank you to Higher Things Inc. for permission to use their recording of LSB 834 “O God, O Lord of Heaven and Earth”. (leader.higherthings.org)Thank you for listening to the Post-Sermon Podcast.

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present the one-hundredth-and-fifty-third episode to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.' Hosted by MAJ Amy Beatty, the G-4 Senior Sustainment Planner from Plans / Exercise Maneuver Control Task Force on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). Today's guest is the Battalion Commander for the 626th Light Support Battalion, LTC Adam DiGiovanni.   The 626th Light Support Battalion (LSB), formerly the 626th Brigade Support Battalion (BSB), serves as the sustainment backbone of the 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team “Rakkasan,” 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). Carrying the Hollywood call-sign “Assurgam”—Latin for “I Rise Up”—the battalion traces its lineage through decades of airborne and air assault sustainment operations supporting the division across combat deployments, contingency operations, and large-scale training exercises. As part of the Army's transition from the legacy BSB structure to the modern LSB construct, the battalion now synchronizes sustainment operations across dispersed formations through combat logistics companies (CLCs), while remaining directly integrated with the brigade's maneuver fight and closely linked with division sustainment assets. Today, the 626th LSB continues to adapt for large scale combat operations, providing the Rakkasans with the logistics, maintenance, medical, and distribution support necessary to fight and win in contested, multi-domain environments.   This episode focuses on how the light support battalion (LSB) operates within the mobile brigade combat team under the Army's new mobile brigade force structure, and the opportunities and challenges that come with replacing the legacy brigade support battalion (BSB) and forward support companies (FSCs). The discussion highlights how the transition to CLCs fundamentally changes sustainment relationships inside the brigade, requiring sustainers to balance centralized control with direct support to maneuver battalions. Leaders emphasize that the LSB is no longer simply a logistics provider in the rear, but a command-and-control headquarters responsible for synchronizing sustainment, protection, maintenance, distribution, and operational reach across dispersed formations in a contested environment. The episode explores how sustainers must now integrate more deliberately into MDMP, LOGSYNCs, targeting cycles, and current operations while managing significantly smaller formations and reduced manpower.    The conversation also examines how the new CLC construct changes the relationship between maneuver and sustainment units at echelon. Rather than functioning as permanently tied FSCs, the CLCs remain part of the LSB and operate in direct support relationships that allow the battalion commander to mass sustainment capability where needed most. Leaders discuss the cultural adjustments required on both the maneuver and sustainment sides, the importance of building trust between battalion commanders and logisticians, and the difficulty of sustaining operations with extremely small distribution platoons. Additional topics include sustainment at distance, sustainment culmination, base cluster operations, and the challenge of maintaining command and control while supporting deep and distributed operations. Ultimately, the episode reinforces that the success of the modern brigade depends on an LSB capable of synchronizing sustainment across the battlefield while remaining agile, survivable, and fully integrated into brigade operations.    Part of S05 “Beans, Bullets, Band-Aids, Batteries, Water, & Fuel” series.   For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast.   Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center.   Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format.   Again, we'd like to thank our guests for participating. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future.   “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.