July 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18

Daily Lectionary: Judges 3:7-31; Acts 13:42-52

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I can't focus. I'm distracted. I can't do what I want to do. I'm just trying to do my homework. I'm just trying to do my chores. No matter how much I try to check off my to-do list, my eyes always wander, and my thoughts are not focused on the tasks at hand. THERE IS SO MUCH TO DO.

These are strong words from Paul for the church in Galatia, and they have not softened in 2000 years. This is a lofty goal and a difficult to-do list: DO NOT GROW WEARY OF DOING GOOD.

You know why? Because that is the first thing that we grow tired of. We poor, miserable sinners want to do good for about 3.2 seconds, and then we become selfish. We want to do anything else. We are lazy. We don’t have the energy to do good. We are bored. We can’t be bothered with the needs of others. Our need comes first, and then we sin. We can’t do it on our own.

That is how Christ did good (the ultimate GOOD) for us. Our needs came first. Jesus did good for us because we could not. We have eternal salvation in Christ because He did not give up on us.

By the power of the Holy Spirit, you can, and will, do good. You will make good choices and God will bring forth fruit from those good choices. We should pray for strength and opportunities to make good choices and put ourselves in situations that help us to do good.

However, you are your own person. Good choices are not always easy. You will get distracted, and you will FAIL. You will FALL SHORT. You will make BAD CHOICES. And you know what…God will continue to LOVE YOU, FORGIVE YOU, and GIVE YOU another chance to do good.

God’s love for you is always there. He is always good (even and especially when we aren’t). God has so much to do, and He takes care of you. God is focused on you because He loves you. God is GOOD, and He does not give up on us.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, keep our eyes focused on you. You have done the ultimate good for us. Empower us with the strength to share that good with others. May we love as you have loved us. May we forgive as you have forgiven us. May we live lives reflective of your love. Amen.

- Rev. Roger Stites, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Sequim, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus’ farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ’s promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

July 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 66:10-14

Daily Lectionary: Judges 2:6-23; Acts 13:13-41

“As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

You might be at an age where you do not feel like you need “comfort” from your mom or dad. If you get hurt (it is no longer a boo-boo or an owie), you can simply console yourself. You do not need mommy (or daddy) to kiss it and make it better anymore. That time has gone. You are older and more mature. You simply do not need such things. That is not who you are anymore.

That is what the devil wants you to think. Satan wants you to feel COMPLETELY SELF-SUFFICIENT. He wants you to think that you do not need your parents, or anyone else, or even God to make it through this life. The worldly phrase is “pull yourself up by your bootstraps.” In other words, do it yourself. But then, when things go bad, and they inevitably will, it is no one’s fault but yours. It is your fault, your guilt, your debt…it is you separating you from your heavenly Father and His peace.

Before you were aware (of anything!), God was there. Before you were born, God knew you. Before you could articulate faith or express your love for God, He loved you. God has always been there for you and will always be. Whether you know it or not, you have a connection to God that will never go away.

Why is that important? Because life is hard. Sin affects us. We cannot handle it all on our own. The world is telling us to try harder, and it seems to be getting worse. The more I do, the more difficult it is. No matter how good you are, you are not good enough.

People in your life will come and go (maybe even your mom or dad). God is always there for you. On the good days, God is there. On the bad days, God is there. On the best day of your life, God is there. On the worst day of your life, God is there…for you. Always. Forever. God comforts you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Father in heaven, you are the author and source of all consolation, the great provider. May we always look to you for comfort and assurance in a world that is neither comforting nor assuring. Fill us with your Spirit that we might be strengthened in our faith and share your love through word and deed. In Jesus' name. Amen.

- Rev. Roger Stites, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Sequim, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus’ farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ’s promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.

July 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-20

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 24:1-31; Judges 1:1-36; Acts 13:1-12

“...rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus sent the 72. He called them. He sent them out. There was, after all, work to be done, and lots of it. So Jesus, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, called 72 ordinary people and equipped them for service in His Kingdom. They would carry His peace. They would heal the sick, drive out demons, and have the authority to tread on serpents and scorpions. Jesus called them to leave the comfort and security of their homes so that they would carry the love of God into people’s lives. Jesus called them to bring light to the darkness. Christ Himself equipped them to deliver the Gifts of salvation.

I never leave my house without three things. They are important. They are necessary. I would go back home to get them if I had forgotten. That is why, as I prepare to leave, I ask myself, “Do I have my wallet, keys, and my phone?” I cannot do most things without them. I need my keys to go anywhere (I live six miles from town) and to get in when I get there. I need my phone to be able to call someone (yes, I am old enough that my iPhone actually gets used to make phone calls), or to look something up. I need my wallet to pay for stuff (but I can do that from my phone now, too), but more importantly than that, my wallet has my ID—my identification. My ID tells me (and others) who I am. I know who I am, and I can go and do what needs to be done.

In the waters of your Baptism, Christ claimed you as His own and marked you as one redeemed. In that life-giving water, God bestows on you Gifts. You have God’s Gifts to share His love and shine His light. God will do awesome things through you, not because you are awesome but because He has made you awesome. You might be able to leave home without your wallet, keys, or phone, but you can’t leave home without Jesus. He called you by name.“...rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” (Luke 10:20b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God, You have built Your Church on the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. Continue to send Your messengers to preserve Your people in true peace that, by the preaching of Your Word, Your Church may be kept free from all harm and danger; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

- Rev. Roger Stites, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Sequim, WA.

Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, KY.

In Clarifying the Great Commission, Rev. Daniel Christian Voth identifies common omissions from our collective understanding of Jesus’ farewell discourse—omissions that turn Christ’s promises of forgiveness, life, and salvation into a legalistic command. Come and discover a richer understanding of The Great Commission.