July 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Acts 14:1-18

Daily Lectionary: Judges 4:1-24; Judges 5:1-31; Acts 14:1-18

“In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been that way from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed and called out, ‘Stand up on your feet!’ At that, the man jumped up and began to walk. When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, ‘The gods have come down to us in human form!’” (Acts 14:8-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God is awesome. God does incredible things every day. When you look around you see God working in creation over and over again. This is exactly what happened that day. God works through Paul to heal this man in Lystra. This man had never walked. Paul saw his faith and told him to do that which he never had. His faith made him well, so well, in fact, that he didn't just stand up; he jumped up. This wasn’t a better situation, this was the best possible scenario.

However, people are not so smart. (Not just these people, all people, even you and me). People are arrogant and prideful and like to pretend that they understand what is happening, even when they don't. People that day saw god heal that man, but said it was Zeus! People today will see God do amazing things in your life and bless you in incredible ways and (they won’t give Zeus credit, probably) they will say things like; it is luck, it is coincidence, it is fate, or (the worst one) that you were able to “manifest” good things by “thinking about them.” We poor sinners take credit away from God and His goodness any chance that we get.

Today, this week, and this month, God will bless you. I do not know how, and neither do you. Bad things will probably happen; I do not know what, and neither do you. But just because you do not know does not change that…God will be with you. In His great love for you, God is with you no matter what. God is not the blue genie from Aladdin waiting to grant your wishes, and He certainly is not waiting around for you to “manifest” it yourself. God will provide for you, bless you, love you, and forgive you. The world will not understand. But by faith…you will.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Heavenly Father, open our eyes today to see your great work in your world around us. Strengthen our faith that we might see you more clearly. Bless our words and deeds so that others might be strengthened in their faith in You, the only true God. 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 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.

July 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 4 - Psalm 19:2, 4-6; antiphon: Psalm 19:1

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 23:1-16; Acts 12:1-25

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When Jesus, the bridegroom, comes for His bride, the church, the heavens, and creation itself will not hold back praise. On that day, all will be restored, and creation will dwell with its Creator again forever.

What a vivid scene. Come, Lord Jesus! While the psalmist writes, our minds read, and our hearts declare, “How long?” Indeed, how long will it be until that glorious day when the Bridegroom comes to take His Bride to the wedding feast and celebrate that glorious consummation of the age that will never end?

While waiting is depressing and this life can feel meaningless, we run our course with joy. Christ has come and will come again. Until then, He has given us every promise and blessing, including the assurance that we will stand with Him on that Last Day. How can I be so sure? I am baptized, and you, the baptized, will be with your Jesus, the one whose Name you were baptized into.

Though this course is long, and we grow tired and weak, we are strengthened by the wedding feast of the Lamb, given by the Lamb Himself for us, His bride, to eat and to drink. Jesus gives His Body for the feast and His Blood for you to drink to strengthen and sustain you until He comes to dwell with us fully.

On that day, we will be with Him in glory, with the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, hearing the heavens declare the glory of God and the sky proclaim His handiwork.

What a glorious day that will be, as we continue to pray with the psalmist, the saints of old, and saints to come, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

All creation joins to praise You; Earth and sky Your works display. Art and music, gifts You lend us, We return to You today. Alleluia! Alleluia! God, Creator, source of life! (LSB 795:2)

- Justin Chester is a seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.

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 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Acts 11:19-30

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 10:1-25; Joshua 10:28-22:34; Acts 11:19-30

“and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.” (Acts 11:26)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Man needs a preacher—someone to proclaim the Law that kills and the Gospel that makes alive. A man sent by God to that place to preach and teach the Word and administer The Sacraments. Antioch was no different, and St. Saul (Paul), although different, was that preacher.

Ever since Pentecost, the church had been growing among the Jewish people. Outreach to the Gentiles was not exactly the church’s area of expertise. Luckily, they had just the man for the job who had already been on the move preaching the Gospel in the synagogues in Damascus and Tarsus. Remember what God Himself said concerning Saul, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” (Acts 9:15).

Set Saul’s faults aside; God has made him His preacher to the Gentiles.

In the same way also, God sends you His preacher. He, like Saul, might have some quirks and might not do things the way we always want, but God has sent him to you to give you Jesus. Your pastor, like Saul, will sit with you, bear your cross and suffer with you, laugh and cry with you. In times of greatest doubt and despair, your Pastor is the one God has sent to you to proclaim that your sins are forgiven.

Like Saul, pastors are not perfect. They rely on God’s grace just as much as we do, and that grace sustains us even in the hard times. Saul would be no stranger to suffering for the sake of Christ. He had already been snuck out of Damascus in a basket and sent away from the apostles for his reputation. God was with Saul throughout his ministry and service to the church.

Saul and all pastors in Christ sent to serve His people in that time and place are sent to do what the church has always done. Care for you by preaching the Gospel that you are one of God’s elect, claimed in the waters of Baptism. God has not forgotten you; His words are written down for you and proclaimed to you by your pastor.

Thanks be to God for men like Saul, your Pastor who teaches, preaches, and cares for you.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord, help us walk Your servant way Wherever love may lead And, bending low, forgetting self, Each serve the other’s need. (LSB 857:1)

- Justin Chester is a seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.

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 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - First

Daily Lectionary: Joshua 8:1-28; Acts 11:1-18

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word. (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - First)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

If you were to look at the baptismal font without context, what would you see? An eight-sided font, perhaps, with a bowl and some water. It is nothing special and is pretty mundane when you think about it. Yet on that Sunday morning, there at the font, it is as if we were there, right back in the beginning.

Because it’s there, in the beginning, where such mundane, chaotically ordered things were made into good, very good, living things and people. In the beginning, you have the waters and the Spirit hovering over the waters. You have the Father ordering and crafting creation, and you have the Son, the Word itself, giving depth and shape by those words.

At that font in the beginning, the Spirit hovers over the face of the waters, and that little one (or even a not-so-little one) approaches. It is there the pastor, the man who stands in Christ Jesus, the Word’s stead, proclaims words that have given life since the beginning. “I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.” The water applied, the Words uttered, and the Father looked upon the one to whom His Word has been proclaimed and His Spirit has entered and says, “Very good.”

There at that font, the chaos of sin and death in that little one has died with the Word made flesh who died for all. You and I, that little one, and all who have come to that font young and old shall die and rise daily. Rising to new life by the Spirit, shaped by the living Word who was raised up by the order and glory of His Father.

There at the font, we see not just plain water but the Water included in God’s command and combined with God’s life-giving Word, just like in the beginning.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O hear and mark the message well, For God Himself has spoken. Let faith, not doubt, among us dwell And so receive this token. Our Lord here with His Word endows Pure water, freely flowing. God’s Holy Spirit here avows, Our kinship while bestowing The Baptism of His blessing. (LSB 406:2)

- Justin Chester is a seminary student at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN.

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.