Higher Things Reflections. Pentecost-Trinity 4 May 20-June 30, 2018

Transcription

1 Higher Things Reflections Pentecost-Trinity 4 May 20-June 30, 2018

2 2018 Reflections Pentecost-Trinity 4 May20'June9ReflectionswerewrittenbyRev.Brandt HoffmanthepastorandadministratorofChristLutheran ChurchandSchoolinCoosBay,Oregon. June10'June30ReflectionswerewrittenbyRev.AaronT. Fenker,thepastorofBethlehemandImmanuelLutheran churchesinbremen,kansas.heisalsothemedia ExecutiveforHigherThings. 2018%Reflections%Editorial%Staff: Rev.AaronT.Fenker(MediaExecutive) Mrs.KatieHill(ExecutiveEditor) Mrs.KayMaiwald(JuniorEditor) Rev.RenéCastillero(AudioEditor) 2018HigherThings,Inc. MartinLuther smorningandeveningprayerstakenfrom thesmallcatechismofdr.martinluther Unlessotherwisenoted,BiblicalquotationsarefromtheNKJV. HigherThingsReflectionsarefree,liketheGospelTheymaybereproducedfor congregational,personalandothernon'commercialuse.pleaseusethefollowing attribution:"dailyreflectionsareprovidedbyhigherthings. Usedwithpermission." HigherThingsexistsandgrowsonthebasisofdonationsandfree'willofferingsfrom congregationsandindividuals.alldonationsaretax'deductible.ifyouwishtocontribute totheworkofhigherthings,pleasesendyourdonationto: HigherThings,Inc. P.O.Box155 Holt,MO64048 (Donationsarealsoacceptedatwww.higherthings.orgviacreditcardorPayPal.) Visitourwebsiteatwww.higherthings.orgtoreadReflectionsonlineeachday. Questions,comments,kudos,concerns?

3 NOTES: Festival of Pentecost May20,2018 Today'sReading:John14:23931 DailyLectionary:Numbers21:10935ELuke21:20938 Ifanyonelovesme,hewillkeepmyword,andmyFatherwilllovehim, andwewillcometohimandmakeourhomewithhim.whoeverdoes notlovemedoesnotkeepmywords.andthewordthatyouhearisnot minebutthefather swhosentme.thesethingsihavespokentoyou whileiamstillwithyou.butthehelper,theholyspirit,whomthefather willsendinmyname,hewillteachyouallthingsandbringtoyour remembranceallthatihavesaidtoyou. (John14:23'26). IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.DoyouloveJesus?Ask yourself..."doilovejesus?"whatdoesthatevenmean?sooften peoplethink,"ifilovejesustheniwilldosomethingforhim."isthat you?areyoualwaystryingtoshowjesushowmuchyoulovehim?or perhaps,youhideawayfromhimbecauseyouknowyoudon'tliveupto yourownideaandstandardthatyousetforyourself.thehardestpartto acceptisthefactthatit'syourstandardandyoucan'tliveuptoit.ifyou thinkyourstandardishardtoliveupto,considergod s.hisstandardis perfection.thereisnohopeforyouifyouhonestlyanswerthequestion DoIloveJesus? Inresponse,Ihavegoodnewsandbadnews.Thebadnewsis, nomatterhowdifficultyourstandardis,god'sisharder...impossiblein fact.thegoodnewsis,asthebiblelessonshows,jesusknows.infact, whathesaidtothediscipleswasthathewouldbesendingthehelper, AKAtheHolySpirittocompletewhatHehascalledyoutodo.Namely, theholyspiritgivesyouthefaiththatsays,"iindeedbelieveinyouandi loveyou,"whenjesusspeaksoflove,heisspeakingoffaithandtrust inhim.doyoulovejesus?onlybythegraceandmercyofgoddowe joyfullysay"yes,"inthename+ofjesus.amen. OGodourmercifulFather,whotaughttheheartsofYourfaithfulpeople bysendingtothemthelightofyourholyspirit,bringusbythesame SpirittohavearightjudgmentinallthingsandevermoretorejoiceinHis holycomfort_throughjesuschrist,yourson,ourlord,whowithyou andtheholyspiritlivesandreigns,onegod,nowandforever.

4 Monday of the Week of Pentecost May21,2018 Today'sReading:Genesis11:199 DailyLectionary:Numbers22:1920ELuke22:1923 Nowthewholeearthhadonelanguageandthesamewords.Andas peoplemigratedfromtheeast,theyfoundaplaininthelandofshinar andsettledthere.andtheysaidtooneanother, Come,letusmake bricks,andburnthemthoroughly. Andtheyhadbrickforstone,and bitumenformortar.thentheysaid, Come,letusbuildourselvesacity andatowerwithitstopintheheavens,andletusmakeanamefor ourselves,lestwebedispersedoverthefaceofthewholeearth. (Genesis11:1'4) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Surely,you veheardofabraham Lincoln.WhataboutAlbertEinstein?DoesthenameMichaelJordanring abell?whenimentionthesenames,somecommonresponsesmight be,"au.s.president"and"thatscientistwhocameupwiththetheoryof relativity,"and"thatfamousbasketballplayer." Ineachcase,thesemendidsomethingoraccomplished somethingthatmadethemstandout.literally,theirnamesweremore recognizablethanothernames.inthebiblelesson,weseesomething herethatisn'tmuchdifferent.wehearofatimeinourhistorywhere peoplespokethesamelanguageandwhentheyworkedtogetherthey wereabletoaccomplishmanythings.that,inandofitselfwasn'tthe problem. Theproblemwaswhentheystartedtoworrythattheymightlose whattheyhad.ratherthantrustinthenameofgod,(thenameabove allnames)theytookmattersintotheirownhandsanddecidedtobuilda towertoheaven.asgodpointedout,theyweren'tfailing.itwasworse: theywereclosetosucceeding.theproblemis,a"success"wouldmean thattheirownnamewouldbetheonlyonetheycaredabout.their "success"wouldmeantheywouldlosethenamewhoactuallygave themalltheyhad.ratherthanletthem"succeed"inlosingtheonly Namethatmattered,Godtookawaythatwhichtheyweretryingsohard toprotect.intheendgodtookawaytheirtemporary"success"inorder togivethembackhisnameandeventuallyfromhiscross,givethem victory.inthename+ofjesus.amen. LordGodourheavenlyFather.HelpmetokeepYournameasthename aboveallnames.amen. A Short Form for Daily Reflection AdaptedfromLuther'sSmallCatechism Makethesignoftheholycrossandsay InthenameoftheFather,Son,andHolyGhost.Amen. ReadthePsalmfortheDay(Atableofdailypsalmscanbefoundin LutheranServiceBook,page304). Read Today'sReading ifthereisonelisted. ReadtheDailyLectionaryselections. ReadtheReflectionfortheDay. SaytheApostles'Creed. PraytheLord'sPrayer. Prayoneoftheselittleprayers: IntheMorning:% % IthankThee,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,Thydear Son,thatThouhastkeptmethisnightfromallharmanddangerE andipraytheetokeepmethisdayalsofromsinandallevil,that allmydoingsandlifemaypleasethee.forintothyhandsi commendmyself,mybodyandsoul,andallthings.letthyholy angelbewithme,thatthewickedfoemayhavenopoweroverme. Amen. IntheEvening:% % IthankThee,myHeavenlyFather,throughJesusChrist,Thydear Son,thatThouhastgraciouslykeptmethisday,andIprayTheeto forgivemeallmysins,whereihavedonewrong,andgraciously keepmethisnight.forintothyhandsicommendmyself,mybody andsoul,andallthings.letthyholyangelbewithme,thatthe WickedFoemayhavenopoweroverme.Amen. Inthemorninggotoyourworkwithjoy,singingahymn,astheTen Commandments,orwhatyourdevotionmaysuggest.Ifitisevening, thengotosleeppromptlyandcheerfully.

5 Saturday of the Fourth Week after Trinity June30,2018 DailyLectionary:Joshua5:196:5EActs10:1917 Hear,OLord,whenIcrywithmyvoiceHavemercyalsouponme,and answerme.(psalm27:7,fromtheintroitfortrinity5) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.TheLordhearsyou.Hedoesn t justknowyourthoughts.heactuallyhearsyou.theverymomentyou saysomething,hehearsit.justlikewhenyou retalkingwithyour friends,yourparents,yoursiblings,orwhomeverelseyou retalkingto. That smaybemorethanalittlelessthancomforting.hehears everything.everythingnomatterwhat.he sgod,afterall.everygossip, everylie,everytakinghisnameinvain,everyfalseteachingspokenin HisName.Hehearseverylastbitofit. TheFatherdidn thearhissonforyou.thesonwasforsaken onthecross.yet,thefatherdidhearhissonforyou.thesonwas raisedonthethirdday.youarebaptizedintothatjesus,theeternalson ofthefather.youarebaptizedintohisdeath,hisresurrection.youare baptizedintohisneverspeakingevilbuthisalwaysspeakinggood.all ofthatcountsforyou,becauseallofyourspeakingcountedforjesus. Nowyoudon thavetowonderaboutifthefatherhearsyou. You reinhisson,andjesushearsyou,too.thespiritopensyour mouthtopraise,andthespiritspeaksthroughyou. That stomorrow.whenyousingthehymnsandliturgy,god hearsyou.he sreallythere.hehearswhenyouspeak,sing,andpray, justasthosestandingaroundyouhearyouspeak,sing,andpray.all gift.alldeliveringthelord swordintotheearsofthepeople,andinto Hisears,too Hehasmercyuponyou.Hewon tleaveyounorforsakeyou. He syoursalvation.hegivesthatagaintomorrow:bodyandbloodfor you.inthename+ofjesus.amen. Youhavebeenmyhelp_donotleavemenorforsakeme,OGodofmy salvation.(psalm27:9,fromtheintroitfortrinity5) Tuesday of the Week of Pentecost May22,2018 Today'sReading:Acts2:1921 DailyLectionary:Numbers22:21923:3ELuke22:24946 NowthereweredwellinginJerusalemJews,devoutmenfromevery nationunderheaven.andatthissoundthemultitudecametogether, andtheywerebewildered,becauseeachonewashearingthemspeakin hisownlanguage.andtheywereamazedandastonished,saying, Are notallthesewhoarespeakinggalileans?andhowisitthatwehear, eachofusinhisownnativelanguage? Whatdoesthismean? But othersmockingsaid, Theyarefilledwithnewwine. ButPeter,standing withtheeleven,lifteduphisvoiceandaddressedthem: MenofJudea andallwhodwellinjerusalem,letthisbeknowntoyou,andgiveearto mywords.forthesepeoplearenotdrunk,asyousuppose,sinceitis onlythethirdhouroftheday.(acts2:5'7,14'15) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Whenyougotochurchtoheara sermon,whatareyouexpecting?isyourpastorwittyandwhimsical?is hesomewhatdryandlong\winded?doeshetellstoriesorother anecdotes?arehissermonsinformational?aretheylively? ThinkaboutthoselisteningtoPeterinJerusalem,shortlyafter theholyspiritcamedownwithtonguesoffireontheapostles.they heardasermonbutitwasnotquitewhattheyexpected.asinthecase ofpeter,aswellastoday,thetaskofthepreacheristogiveyouallthe goodthingsofgod,namelyinlawandgospel.whetherheisfunny, cleveror(ahem)kindofboring,weshouldbecarefultomakesurethat regardlessofdeliverystyle,ishegivingyouthosegoodthings. WhenasinnerhearsthatJesuswasbornforaparticularreason, thatheministeredforaparticularreason,hesufferedforaparticular reason,hediedonthecrossforaparticularreason,heroseagainfora particularreason,youmayrejoiceinknowingthatthiswasnotdone simplyforotherpeople,butforyou.thisisthewonderfulmessageof thesalvationpromiseofchristgodblessyouthisweekinyourhearing ofthegoodnewsofgodfromthepulpitinthename+ofjesus.amen. LordGodourheavenlyFather,thankYouforthemessageofGood Newsforsinnerslikeme.LetmebecontinuallyblessedbyYourGood WordandpromisesfromthosewhomYouhavesenttoproclaimthem. Amen.

6 Wednesday of the Week of Pentecost May23,2018 DailyLectionary:Numbers23:4928ELuke22:47971 Youshallnotbearfalsewitnessagainstyourneighbor.Whatdoesthis mean?weshouldfearandlovegodsothatwemaynotdeceitfullybelie, betray,slander,ordefameourneighbor,butdefendhim,thinkandspeak wellofhim,andputthebestconstructiononeverything.(small Catechism:EighthCommandment) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Ononehand,wewouldliketo thinkwewouldn'tdeceitfullybelie,betray,slander,ordefameour neighbor,butmaybethat sonlytheoneswedon tlike.well,let sbe honest,sometimesit seventheneighborswedolike. Yousee,thiscommandmentisreallyatwo\partcommandment, inthatwearenotonlysupposedtonotsayanytypeoffalsehood againstourneighbor,weareactuallysupposedtospeakkindly,and truthfullyaboutthem,alwaysgivingthemthebenefitofthedoubt. WhywouldGodrequirethatofus?Imean,weareonlyhuman... wecanbethatniceallthetime...can twe?well,youseeheregodis notonlyprotectingyourneighborbywritingthiscommandment.heis alsoprotectingyouithinkwecanallagreethatanyonewespeak aboutwouldappreciateitifwedidn'tsmeartheirnameallovertown. Nobodywantsthat. RememberthatJesusperfectlyobeyedtheEighth Commandment.Heneverspokepoorlyaboutanyoneandalwaysgave thebenefitofthedoubt.hisperfectobediencehasbeenreckonedto you,throughfaith.nowthatwearefreetoloveourneighbor,wefindout thatdoingsoisgoodforyouaswell.whilegodiscallingyoutospeak wellofpeople,heisalsoshowingyouthatwhileyouareprotectingyour neighbor'sreputation,youarebuildingyourownreputationashis baptizedchild..inthename+ofjesus.amen. LordGodourheavenlyFather,yourCommandsaregoodandwise.Your wordisabetterguidethanmyown.helpmetoprotectsmyneighbor's nameandreputationandkeepmylipsfarfromslander.amen. St. Peter and St. Paul, Apostles June29,2018 Today'sReading:Galatians2:1910 DailyLectionary:Joshua4:1924EActs9:23943 Yetbecauseoffalsebrotherssecretlybroughtin whoslippedintospy outourfreedomthatwehaveinchristjesus,sothattheymightbringus intoslavery tothemwedidnotyieldinsubmissionevenforamoment, sothatthetruthofthegospelmightbepreservedforyou.(galatians2:4' 5) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Youarefree.Completely,100%, eternallyfreeinjesuschrist.yourslaverytosinisover.you renot subjecttodeathandthegrave.thedevilandworldarenolongeryour lordsandmasters.you resetfree:jesus\risen\from\the\deadfree, baptizedfree,absolvedfree,body\and\bloodfree. Sinning.That snotfree.that sslavery.that sbeingaslaveto yourself,yourpassions,yourdesires,yourlusts,yourwants.tothink thatjesussetsyoufreesoyoucandowhatyouwant,istonotonly abuseyourfreedom,butit stocastoffyourcross\won,empty\tomb freedom.it sto,onceagain,putyourselfundersin,death,andthedevil. Lawing.That snotfreeeither.asifyouneedtoreigninour freedom.thereneedtobelawsandrules.youdon twanttobetoofree. Wedothatallthetime.Oh,wemightmakeourselvesfree,butwe ll quicklytryandyokeandburdenotherswithwhatwethinktheyshouldbe doing,mustbedoingtomakegodhappy.butreallywejustwantthem tobedoinglikeus,butjustnotasgoodasussothatwecanbedoing better.hereweareputundertheyokeoflaw,slavery,anddeath. Jesusreallydidsetyoufree.HeboreyoursinskHewasborn undergod sholyandperfectlaw.hewashedyouandbroughtyouinto Hiskingdom.InJesus kingdomthereisonlyfreedom.freedomfromthe Law.Freedomfromsin.Freedomtolove.Freedomtoliveselflessly,just asjesuslived,died,andlivedagainforyou. Youarefree.Completely,100%,eternallyfreeinJesusChrist. Yourslaverytosinisover.You renotsubjecttodeathandthegrave. Thedevilandworldarenolongeryourlordsandmasters.You reset free:jesus\risen\from\the\deadfree,baptizedfree,absolvedfree,body andbloodfree.that sthetruthofthegospelnowandforever.inthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. WepraiseYouforSaintPeter_WepraiseYouforSaintPaul_They taughtbothjewandgentilethatchristisallinall.tocrossandsword theyyieldedandsawyourkingdomcome_ogod,thesetwoapostles Reachedlifethroughmartyrdom.(ByAllYourSaintsinWarfare,LSB 518:19)

7 Thursday of the Fourth Week after Trinity June28,2018 Today'sReading:Luke6:36942 DailyLectionary:Joshua3:1917EActs9:1922 Bemerciful,evenasyourFatherismerciful Youhypocrite,firsttakethe logoutofyourowneye,andthenyouwillseeclearlytotakeoutthe speckthatisinyourbrother seye.(luke6:36,42) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.There sonlyonewaythatsins aregottenridof.it sforgiveness.jesuscontinuallyteachesand preachesthis.trueforgivenessandmercyiswhatjesusandhisfather areallabout.thenewlifeofthespiritisoneof love,peace,patience, kindness,goodness,gentleness, andabunchofotherstuff,too (Galatians5:22\23) WehearJesussayingthataslongasweknowourownsins,we canjudgeothersfortheirsins.thatwecantakethelogoutofourown eyeandbeatotherswithittheproblemis:that snotwhatjesusis saying,atall.repent. Yoursinsandyourneighbor ssinsareremovedthesameway.it doesn tmatterifthey reyourbigsins( log )oryourneighbor ssmallsins (speck).mercy,love,andforgivenessiswhatremovessins.notyours butgod s. Jesushunguponthecrossforeverysinglelog,speck,and splinter.hisbloodcoversallsins.hisbaptismwashesoutyoureye. ThereHegivesyouacleanconscience,apureheart,andamindset uponheavenlythings:god smercy,love,andforgiveness. Oncewebelieveandtrustthatoursinshavebeenremovedby Jesus,wethenknowhowtoforgiveothers.Thisissomethingonlythe Spiritcandoforus.Jesushasforgivenyoursinsforfree.Heexpectsno payback. Sowetoowillsincerelyforgiveandgladlydogoodtothose whosinagainstus (SmallCatechism,5thPetition). ThemercyoftheFatherwaswashedoverusinBaptism.He wascompletelyandeternallymercifultoyouinjesus.toforgiveothers inthatjesusway,istouseyourbaptism.jesus cross\won,font\and\ you\deliveredforgivenessistheonlywaytoremovesin,afterall yours andyourneighbor s,too.inthename+ofjesus.amen. SouseitwellYouaremadenew InChristanewcreationAsfaithful Christians,liveanddoWithinyourownvocation,Untilthatdaywhenyou possesshisgloriousrobeofrighteousnessbestowedonyouforever (AllChristiansWhoHaveBeenBaptized,LSB596:6) Thursday of the Week of Pentecost May24,2018 Today'sReading:Joel3:1915 DailyLectionary:Numbers24:1925ELuke23:1925 Forbehold,inthosedaysandatthattime,whenIrestorethefortunesof JudahandJerusalem,Iwillgatherallthenationsandbringthemdownto thevalleyofjehoshaphat.andiwillenterintojudgmentwiththemthere, onbehalfofmypeopleandmyheritageisrael,becausetheyhave scatteredthemamongthenationsandhavedividedupmyland,and havecastlotsformypeople,andhavetradedaboyforaprostitute,and havesoldagirlforwineandhavedrunkit."(joel3:1 3) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Dowewanttobeinthe"Valley ofjehoshaphat?"jehoshaphatmeant"yahwehjudges."soiaskagain, dowewanttobethere?well,thetruthis,wedon'thaveachoice.god willindeedgatherallofus,jewandgentile,togetherforjudgment. Forwhatwillwebejudged?Simplyput,wewillbejudgedfor everythought(matthew5:22),word(matthew12:36)anddeed(matthew 5:21).Soprettymucheverytimeyouhavethought,saidordone somethingwrong,youwillstandbeforegod'sjudgment. Whatdoyouthinkthatwilllooklike?Canyouevenbegintothink ofeverythingwrongyouhaveeverdone?thebiblesaysyoucan t (Psalm19:12).Let'sfaceit:sinhasgotyouinatightspot.Ratherthan beingoutintheopenfreedom,sinhasyoucrammedinanarrowvalley.i knowit,youknowitandeventhepsalmistwhotolduswecan'tpossibly rememberalloursinsisthesameonewhoalsosaid,"declareme innocentfromhiddenfaults"(v.19). ThanksbetoGod,thatisexactlywhatGodhasdoneInsending HisSonJesusChristtodieforyouonthecross,andtorisefromthe grave,youhavebeengrantedhope.inbaptism,weseeallthesethings thatchristhasdonebeingdeclaredforyou,tooonaccountofthis,we knowonthelastday,aswestandbeforegod'sjudgment,wewillstand asthosewhothejudgedeclaresinnocentonaccountofchristinthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. LordJesus,Ideservenothingbutwrath.ByYoursavingdeathand resurrectionandthewashingofregeneration,youhavetakenthatupon Yourselfandgrantedmehopeandsalvation.ThankYouforrescuing me.

8 Friday of the Week of Pentecost May25,2018 Today'sReading:Acts10:34,42948 DailyLectionary:Numbers27:12923ELuke23:26956 WhilePeterwasstillsayingthesethings,theHolySpiritfellonallwho heardtheword.andthebelieversfromamongthecircumcisedwhohad comewithpeterwereamazed,becausethegiftoftheholyspiritwas pouredoutevenonthegentiles.(acts10:44'45) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen. Faithcomesbyhearingand hearingbythewordofgod (Romans10:17).Thisisoneofthemost populartextsthatteachthatthepreachingofgod sholywordisnotjust somethingthatisstagnantortheopeningmonologueonalatenight televisionshow.thepreachingandproclamationofgod swordactually doessomething(isefficacious)tousinourhearing.namely,itgrows andstrengthensthefaiththathasbeenplaceduponusthroughthe WordandWaterinHolyBaptism. ButhowmanywayscanwereceivethisblessedwordofGod? Dr.MartinLutheranswersthisforus. First,throughthespokenWordby whichtheforgivenessofsinsispreached[hecommandstobe preached]inthewholeworldkwhichisthepeculiarofficeofthegospel. Secondly,throughBaptism.Thirdly,throughtheholySacramentofthe Altar. WereceivetheWordofGodthroughthespokenandproclaimed word,throughholybaptism,andthroughthelord ssupper.through thewordofgodtheforgivenessofsins,life,andsalvationisplaced uponusthatwewouldnotperishbuthaveeternallife.thosewhohave ears,letthemhear.inthename+ofjesus.amen. Thystrongworddidcleavethedarkness_AtThyspeakingitwasdone. ForcreatedlightwethankTheeWhilethineorderedseasonsrun AlleluiaAlleluiaPraisetoTheewholightdostsendAlleluiawithoutend Alleluia,alleluia(ThyStrongWord,LSB578:1) Wednesday of the Fourth Week after Trinity June27,2018 DailyLectionary:Joshua2:1924EActs8:26940 God snameiskeptholywhenthewordofgodistaughtinitstruthand purity,andwe,asthechildrenofgod,alsoleadholylivesaccordingtoit. Helpustodothis,dearFatherinheavenButanyonewhoteachesor livescontrarytogod swordprofanesthenameofgodamongus. Protectusfromthis,heavenlyFather(SmallCatechism:TheLord s Prayer,1stPetition) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.TheLordgivesyouHisName: I baptizeyouinthenameofthefatherandofthesonandoftheholy Spirit. HemakesyouholybythatName,whichaloneisholy.Hedoesn t justwanttomakeyouholywithhisname,whichisawesomeenough, buthewantshisnametobe keptholyamongusalso. Whatdoesthismean?Well,GodwantsHisNametobekept holyaroundusinourdailylives.howdoeshedothat?well,withthe samethingthatmadeyouholy:hisword. HisWordtiedtowatermadeyouholy.HisWordtiedtobread andwinegivesyouthemeansofholiness:theholy,preciousbodyand BloodofJesus.HisWordrightlytaughtandpreachedmakesholy. WheneveryoureceiveHisWorditmakesyouholy,and wheneverwereceivethatwordtogetheritmakesusallholy.tosinisto beunholy.tothinkthatwe vegottoworkoutourownholinessistobe unholy. WhenweuseourBaptismandpraytheFirstPetition,we re askingourfathertohelpusleadholylivesbyreceivinghisword,and we reaskinghimtoprotectusfromsin,falseteaching,andfromnot receivinghisword. Hehearsyourprayer.Notbecauseofyou,butbecauseof Jesus.YourFatherhearsyoubecauseHe smadeyouholy.youhave theholyspiritwho smadeyouholy. TheLordkeepsHisNameholyforyou.That shislife\longgiftto you.ithastobe,hegaveyouhisname.inthename+ofthefather andofthesonandoftheholyspirit.amen. Yournamebehallowed.Helpus,Lord,InpuritytokeepYourWord,That tothegloryofyournamewewalkbeforeyoufreefromblame.letno falseteachinguspervert_allpoordeludedsoulsconvert.(ourfather, WhoFromHeavenAbove,LSB766:2)

9 Tuesday of the Fourth Week after Trinity June26,2018 Today'sReading:Romans12:14921 DailyLectionary:Joshua1:1918EActs8:1925 Donotbeovercomebyevil,butovercomeevilwithgood.(Romans 12:21) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Geteven.Fightback.Theyhit you,soyouhitthemharder.nastycommentonline.nastyvideo.nasty texts.nastyrumors.nasty.mean.harsh. That sthewayoftheworld.ifsomeoneisevil,youhavetocrush thatquickly.that swhatwarisallabout:violenceagainstsomeone who sviolentagainstyou.butthat snotwhatthelord sabout,atall. TheLordisn tevilandnasty.ratherthelordis mercifuland gracious,slowtoanger,andaboundinginsteadfastloveand faithfulness,keepingsteadfastloveforthousands,forgivinginiquityand transgressionandsin (Exodus35:6\7).Hereceivesevil,yourevil,your beingunkind,yourbeingunloving,yourbeingunforgiving.godhimself overcomesevilbygoingthroughit,bysuffering,bybeingcrucified,by dying.hewinsallgood,allforgivenessforyou.andhewoulduseyouto overcometheevilaroundyou.hewouldhavehislovehaveitswaywith yousothathisforgivenessandlovewouldflowthroughyoutothose aroundyou. Yet,theLord willbynomeanscleartheguilty,visitingthe iniquityofthefathersonthechildrenandthechildren schildren,tothe thirdandthefourthgeneration (Exodus34:7).Forthosewhowantthe lifeofjudgment,ofcomparing,ofnastiness,ofunforgiveness,that swhat Hegives.Repent. Yet,Hismercyenduresforyou. Hisangerisbutforamoment (only tothethirdandfourthgeneration ), andhisfavorisforalifetime (Psalm30:5),evenforever: OhgivethankstotheLORD,forheisgood, forhissteadfastloveenduresforever (Psalm107:1) TheLordalwaysworkstoovercomeevilwithgood Hisgood. ByHisdyingandrisingHeundoesallevil.Heundoesevilwithinyouwith Hisfont,HisAbsolution,HisBodyandHisBlood.Hedoesitthroughyou, too.heovercomesevilarounduswithhisforgivenessthroughus.inthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. Forgiveoursinsasweforgive, Youtaughtus,Lord,topray_ButYou alonecangiveusgracetolivethewordswesay.( ForgiveOurSinsas WeForgive, LSB843:1) Saturday of the Week of Pentecost May26,2018 Today'sReading:IntroitforTrinity DailyLectionary:Numbers32:196,16927ELuke24:1935 OLord,OurLordhowexcellentisyourNameinalltheearth(Psalm8:1 fromtheintroitforholytrinity) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Sometimesitisratherdifficultto believethattheearthisfullofthelord sgoodness.youlookaround, evennearby,andthereisviolence,tragedy,diseaseandhunger.the listcouldgoon.themanifestationsofsinareallaroundus.the evidenceseemsquiteclear. Thetemptationforyou,dearchildofGod,istothinkthatGod doesn tcareorworseyet,thathedoesn texist.maybehejustsitsback intheheavenswithhisexcellentnameandwatchesthingsfallapart. ThePsalmistrejoicestoconfesselsewhere(Psalm33)that The earthisfullofthegoodnessofthelord. Hepointsusnottosome generic goodness, buttothecovenantloveofgod,thefactthatgod keepshispromises.thattruthismadeknowntodayinthepreachingof thegospelofjesuschrist. TheearthisindeedfullofthegoodnessoftheLord,becausethe Gospelisbeingpreachedtotheendsoftheearth.ThesameWordthat madetheheavensiscreatingnewpeopleasthegoodnewsthatjesus suffered,diedandroseagainisproclaimedtotheworld.thepowerof sin,deathandthegravehasbeenvanquishedinchristjesus,crucified andresurrected. ThemanifestationofthecrucifiedandrisenSaviorisallaround usashisgospelisproclaimed,hisbaptismiscarriedoutinhisname, andhissupperiscelebrated.themanifestationofthecrucifiedand risensaviorisallaroundyou.yourlifeisfullofhisgoodness,his covenantlove. Theevidenceisclear.TheGospelofJesusChristhascometo youwithforgivenessandnewlife.yoursisthekingdomofgod.inthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. TheGospelshowstheFather sgrace,whosenthissontosaveour race,proclaimshowjesuslivedanddiedthatwemightthusbe justified.itisthepow rofgodtosavefromsinandsatanandthegrave_ itworksthefaithwhichfirmlyclingstoallthetreasureswhichitbrings. (TheGospelShowstheFather sgrace,lsb580:1,4)

10 Holy Trinity May27,2018 Today'sReading:John3:1917 DailyLectionary:Numbers35:9930ELuke24:28953 Truly,truly,Isaytoyou,unlessoneisbornofwaterandtheSpirit,he cannotenterthekingdomofgod.thatwhichisbornofthefleshisflesh, andthatwhichisbornofthespiritisspirit.donotmarvelthatisaidto you, Youmustbebornagain. Thewindblowswhereitwishes,andyou hearitssound,butyoudonotknowwhereitcomesfromorwhereit goes.soitiswitheveryonewhoisbornofthespirit. (John3:5'8) IntheName+ofJesus.InthemovieSkyHighweseeagroup ofteenagerswho,becauseoftheirsuperpowers,gotoaspecialschool toteachthemhowtousethosepowers.it'sactuallyaprettyfunnymovie thatshowswhatit'slikeforsuperheroparentsraisingsuperherokids. Likeallsuperheromovies,thisonehasavillain.Atfirst,theythoughtshe wasthedaughterofanoldervillain,butitturnsout,shewastheolder villain,zappedbyaweaponthatturnedherintoababyshecomplained thatshehadtogrowupalloveragaininasense,shewasbornagain ButthisisnothingcomparedtowhatNicodemusthoughtwhen Jesustoldhimhemustbebornagain.Allhecouldlookbacktowas physicalbirth,whichiswhyhescoffedattheideaofasecondbirth possiblymeaninggoingbackintoone smother swombonlytobeborn again.inreality,jesuswasreferringtobaptismratherthanteething (again)learningtowalk(again)learningtobepotty\trained(again)and everythingelsethatgoeswithbeingbornthefirsttime,jesuspromises somethingdifferent.inthebaptismofjesus inthenameofthefather, thesonandtheholyspirit Jesusgivesyouthewashingof regeneration.muchlikeatyourbirthwewitnessedyournewlife,in Baptismyouaremadenew.YouareclaimedbyChristasHisown.And that snosuperheromovie that srealityinthename+ofjesus.amen. GraciousGod,inthewatersofHolyBaptism,Youhavegivenmefaith, lifeandahomewithyou.thankyouforsuchawonderfulrebirthamen. Monday of the Fourth Week after Trinity June25,2018 Today'sReading:Genesis50:15921 DailyLectionary:Proverbs31:10931EJohn21:1925 Donotfear_Iwillprovideforyouandyourlittleones. Thushe comfortedthemandspokekindlytothem.(genesis50:21) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.TheLordisalwaysaboutthe forgivenessofsins.he salwaysaboutmercyandlove.fromthevery firstsinofadamandevetothelastsincommittedbeforehecomes back,frombeginningtoend,alphatoomega,thelordisabout forgiveness.weseethatbecausefromstarttofinisheverythingisunited bythisoneevent:thedeathandresurrectionofthealphaandthe Omega,Jesus,forthesinsofthewholeworld. Josephwasdead.He dbeendeliveredintothepitbyhis brothers.theywantedhimdead.why?thelordhadpromised deliveranceandlifethroughhim.theydidn twantthat.theyweretired ofthispromise.itprobablydidn thelpthattheyheardthispromisefrom Josephhimself,butasJesusHimselfsaid, Noprophetisacceptablein hishometown (Luke4:24). SoitwaswithJesus.Hewasrejected.He dpromisednotjust deliveranceinthislife,buthepromisedeternalandeverlastinglifeand deliverancethroughhim.theydidn twantthat,sotheykilledhim.jesus wasdead.deadforallwhowanttheirownway,whowanttopull themselvesupbytheirownbootstraps. ButJesuscamebackfromthedead,and,inasense,sodid Joseph.ButJesusandJosephdidn tcomebackfromslavery,death, prisontobeatuponthosewhosesin,unbelief,andselfishnessputthem there.no,instead,intheirdyingandrisingtheywantedtodeliver deliverance,life,andforgiveness. That swhatjosephdidforhisbrothers.jesusdoesthesamefor youandforall.heforgivesyoudailyandmuch,untilhebringsyouto HimselfintheeternalPromisedLand. TheLordisalwaysabouttheforgivenessofsins:yoursandyour neighbor s,too.jesususedjosephtolove,forgive,anddeliverhis brothers(specificallyjudah)sothathewouldbeborn.soalsoyou,that Hewouldbeborninyourneighbor slifeandheartevenashewasborn intoyourlifeandheart,nowandforever,throughholybaptism.inthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. WherecharityandloveprevailThereGodiseveryfound_Broughthere togetherbychrist slovebylovearewethusbound.(wherecharityand LovePrevail,LSB845:1)

11 The Nativity of St. John the Baptist June24,2018 Today'sReading:Luke1:57980 DailyLectionary:Proverbs30:199,18933EJohn20:1918 togiveknowledgeofsalvationtohispeopleintheforgivenessoftheir sins. (Luke1:77) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.WhenwethinkofJohnthe Baptizer,sometimeswethinkofafireandbrimstonepreacher.He preachedrepentance,thatthetreeisabouttobecutdown,thatthefire iscomingonallsinners,unbelievers,andwickedpeople.andjohn certainlypreachedthosethings.hedidpreachrepentance,butthat snot allthathepreached.yousee,johnwasagospelpreacher. Yes,JohnwasreallyaGospelpreacher.That swhatjohn s fatherzechariahprophesied:thatjohnwould giveknowledgeof salvationtohispeopleintheforgivenessoftheirsins. That swhatjohn did, baptizinginthewildernessandproclaimingabaptismofrepentance fortheforgivenessofsins (Mark1:4). WhenevertheLordsendsapreacher,aprophet,apastor the Lord smenarealwayssenttodothesamething:preachtheforgiveness ofsinsinjesuschrist,todeliverthatforgivenessinthelord sgifts (Baptism,preaching,theSupper).JohndidthatbeforeandwhenJesus came.yourpastordoesthatnowuntiljesuscomesagain. Yousee,theLordisalwaysabouttheforgivenessofsins.You re sinsreallydoseparateyoufromhim.ourtryingtomakeupforoursins justdrivesusfartherandfartherfromhim.sohecomestous.ina preacherhecomestous.yes,thatpreacherpreachesrepentance,that oursinscutusofffromgod,thatifweturntooursinsandourselveswe willbecutdownandthrownintothefire.butthelorddoesn tsend preacherstosendustohell,butrathertheyaresenttodeliverjesus,the LambofGod.Theyaresenttodelivertheforgivenessofsins.Thatwas John.That syourpastor,too.thanksbetogodinthename+ofjesus. Amen. OLordGod,heavenlyFather,whothroughYourservantSaintJohnthe BaptistdidbearwitnessthatJesusChrististheLambofGodwhotakes awaythesinoftheworld,andthatallwhobelieveinhimshallinherit eternallife,wehumblyimploreyoutoenlightenusbyyourholyspirit thatwemayatalltimesfindcomfortandjoyinthiswitness,continue steadfastinthetruefaith,andatlastwithallbelieversattainuntoeternal life_throughthesamejesuschrist,yourson,ourlord,wholivesand reignswithyouandtheholyspirit,onegod,nowandforever.amen. (CollectfortheNativityofSt.JohntheBaptist) Monday of the Week of the Holy Trinity May28,2018 Today'sReading:Isaiah6:197 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon1:192:7EJohn5:1918 Andthefoundationsofthethresholdsshookatthevoiceofhimwho called,andthehousewasfilledwithsmoke.andisaid: WoeismeFor Iamlost_forIamamanofuncleanlips,andIdwellinthemidstofa peopleofuncleanlips_formyeyeshaveseentheking,thelordof hosts Thenoneoftheseraphimflewtome,havinginhishanda burningcoalthathehadtakenwithtongsfromthealtar.andhetouched mymouthandsaid: Behold,thishastouchedyourlips_yourguiltis takenaway,andyoursinatonedfor. (Isaiah6:4 7) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Thefierymessengerandburning coalmusthavebeenascarysightforisaiahyettheycamefromthe placeofsacrificeandspokethelanguageofatonement.thefierycoal symbolizesthetotalsignificanceofthealtarfromwhichitcamekthatthe penaltyofsinwaspaidbyasubstituteofferedinthesinner splace.the symbol,appliedtoisaiah slips(theplacewhereheconfessedtobe unclean),assureshimofpersonalforgiveness. WhenIsaiah sawthelordsittinguponathrone,highandlifted up, hecriedoutandconfessedthathewas amanofuncleanlips. If eventheholyangelscovertheirfacesinthepresenceof theking,the Lordofhosts, howcansinfulhumansstandbeforehim?(isaiah6:1\5) Yet,thegloryoftheLordissavinggrace,andwith aburningcoal from thealtartheangeltouchedisaiah slips,removinghisguilt(isaiah6:6\7). Likewise,fromthealtarofChrist scross,bytheministryofthegospel, thewholeearthisfullofhisglory (Isaiah6:3).ForHewascrucified, diedandwasburied, accordingtothedefiniteplanandforeknowledge ofgod, andgod raisedhimup,loosingthepangsofdeath (Acts 2:23 24).He receivedfromthefatherthepromiseoftheholyspirit (Acts2:32)andHeraisesupthefallenworldbypouringoutHislife\ givingspirituponsinnersthroughhisearthlymeansofgrace.whenhis Suppertouchesourlips,we,too,receiveforgivenessofsins.Inthe Name+ofJesus.Amen. LordGodourheavenlyFather,Yourwaysarenotmyown.ThankYou foryourawesomeactofredemptionamen

12 Tuesday of the Week of the Holy Trinity May29,2018 Today'sReading:Romans11:33936 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon2:893:11EJohn5:19929 Oh,thedepthoftherichesandwisdomandknowledgeofGodHow unsearchablearehisjudgmentsandhowinscrutablehisways Forwho hasknownthemindofthelord,orwhohasbeenhiscounselor? Or whohasgivenagifttohimthathemightberepaid? Forfromhimand throughhimandtohimareallthings.tohimbegloryforever.amen. (Romans11:33 36) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Haveyoueverhadoneofthose momentswhereyoujustcouldn'tfiguresomethingout?whenyou lookedataproblemforawhatseemslikeaneternityandyoujust couldn tfigureitout?maybeit'smath,maybeit'sscience,maybeit'sa projectyouareworkingonormaybeit'sabiblepassageyouare strugglingwith.ithinkwe'veallbeenthereandwewillinevitablybethere againthroughoutourlives. TheRomanChristianswereinaverysimilarsituationwhenit cametothemercyandwisdomofgod.theywerewonderinghowitwas possibleforgodtosaveevenisrael.theycouldn twraptheirbrains aroundit.tohelpthemgrapplewithit,st.paultoldthemthatisraelwas sufferingwithahardeningoftheirhearts,whichiswhytheywere doubtinginsteadofrejoicingoverthesalvationfromchrist.intheend, wefindthateventhoughwechristiansarestubborn,hard\heartedand overalldifficultsinners,theseareexactlythepeoplewhoneedsaving ThesearethepeoplewhoChristcameforItseemsbackwardtous,but thenagain,wearenotgodandhiswaysarenotourways.(thankthe Lord) ItseemsattimesthatGodissocomplexandmysterious.In somewaysthatmaybetrue,butthanksbetogod,weknowhim throughjesuschrist,ourlordandredeemer,whoshowshimselfin abundancethroughword,waterandthesupperinthename+of Jesus.Amen. LordGodourHeavenlyFather,IconfessthatIamofteninaweofYour magnificence.iknowthatyouworkinwaysotherthanmyown.wheni strugglewithyourwill,iamgratefulthatyouhavesentyoursontogive meforgiveness,hopeandpeace.amen. Saturday of the Third Week after Trinity June23,2018 DailyLectionary:Proverbs27:1924EJohn20:1918 TheLORDismylightandmysalvation_whomshallIfear?TheLORDis thestrengthofmylife_ofwhomshallibeafraid?(psalm27:1,fromthe IntroitforTrinity4) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Whatareyouafraidof?We re afraidofallsortsofthings.fromspiderstowar,publicspeakingtobeing alone,povertytonaturaldisasters.whateveritisforyou,thereis somethingthatwe reallafraidof:death. We reallgoingtodie.youcoulddieyoung.youcoulddieata reallyoldage.youcoulddiefromcancer.youcoulddieinacar accident.itdoesn tmatter.we reallgoingtodie.onedayyourheartwill stop,youreyeswillclose,and...thenwhat?thinkaboutthat.one momentyou relivingandbreathing,heartbeating,andthenextmoment you renot.you redead.wedon tliketothinkaboutitortalkaboutit.we don tlikeitbecausewe reafraidofit.thefearofdeathisuniversal. Butyoudon tneedtobeafraid.jesus,yourgod,becamea humanbeing,andhedied.onthecrosshebreathedhislast,hisheart stopped.hewasdead,andthenhewasburiedinagrave.butthenhe camebacktolife.heisn tdeadanymorehewentthroughdeathandthe graveandcameouttheothersideverymuchalive. Hegivesthattoyou.What shisisyours.hegivesyouhisdeath andhislifeagainatthefont.thebodyandbloodthatwascrucifiedand raised,that snowascendedandwillcomeagainingloryisgiventoyou toeatandtodrink.thelordwhowentthroughdeathandthegraveis yourlight,yoursalvation,andyourlife. Yes,you lldie.butyou llalsorisefromthedead.justlikejesus lefthistombempty,onedayyourcasketwillbeempty.yourbodywill comebacktolifeandyou llseejesusfacetoface.that sthepromiseof yourbaptism.thereyoualreadydiedandrosewithjesus.thedeath you lldiesomedayisnowjustanap anapjesuswillwakeyoufromon thelastday.you llbeverymuchalivethatdayandforever.nomore casketsanddeath,justlifewithjesus.inthename+ofjesus.amen. ThereisnothingworthcomparingTothislife'longcomfortsureOpen' eyedmygraveisstaring:eventherei llsleepsecure.thoughmyflesh awaitsitsraising,stillmysoulcontinuespraising:iambaptizedinto Christ_I machildofparadise(god sownchild,igladlysayit,lsb 694:5)

13 Friday of the Third Week after Trinity June22,2018 DailyLectionary:Proverbs25:1922EJohn19:23942 ItisthegloryofGodtoconcealthings,butthegloryofkingsistosearch thingsout.(proverbs25:2) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Kingsliketobepowerfulandin control.it snotjustkings.that sthewayoftheworld.whetheritssports orwork,politicsorschool,weallwantpower,influence,money,strength, riches,andthelistgoesonandon. Wesearchandstriveforallsuchthings.Thegloryofmen,the gloryofthislifeandworldistobetopdog.you vegottoworktogetfirst place,thebestgrades,thepromotionatwork,thebonuscheckatthe endoftheyear.there scertainlyglorywhenyougetthosethings,but there salsogloryinputtingforththebesteffort,evenifyoucomeup shortbytheworld sstandards. Godistheopposite.HehidesHisglory.Infact,HisgloryisHis hiddenness.thegloryofgodisjesuschristborninabarn,livingasa poorman,hangingonacross,burieddeadintomb.thegloryofgodis savingyoufromallthethingswesearchout,striveafter,andworkfor. HestillconcealsHimselfforyou.Hestilldoesglorythatway.He washesyouinsimplewater,butwithhiswordit snolonger plain water, but itisabaptism,thatis,alife\givingwater,richingrace,anda washingofthenewbirthintheholyspirit (SmallCatechism,Baptism). Hesendsyouapreachertoforgiveyoursins.HespeaksHisWordover breadandwinethataccordingtohiswordofpromisereallyarehis BodyandBloodgivenforyoutoeatandtodrinkfortheforgivenessofall yoursins. Wemustrepentofourglory.Ourglorywon tsave.(neitherwill ourrepenting.)now,oursearching,striving,andworkingmaygetusall sortsofcoolstuffinthislife,butourkindofgloryleadsusawayfrom God.Hisgloryistosaveyouinwaysthatseemsillytooursensesand smarts.butthanksbetogodthathe sgodandwe renot.hedoesit Hisway,andHiswayistohideandsave,todieandrise,tobaptize, absolve,andfeed.inthename+ofjesus.amen. AllthatthemortaleyebeholdsIswateraswepourit.Beforetheeyeof faithunfoldsthepow rofjesus merit.forhereitseesthecrimsonflood Toallourillsbringhealing_ThewondersofHispreciousbloodThelove ofgodrevealing,assuringhisownpardon.(tojordancamethechrist, OurLord,LSB406:7) Wednesday of the Week of the Holy Trinity May30,2018 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon4:195:1EJohn5:30947 Youshallnotcovetyourneighbor shouse.whatdoesthismean?we shouldfearandlovegodsothatwemaynotcraftilyseektogetour neighbor sinheritanceorhouseorobtainitbyashow ofjusticeand right,oranyothermeans,buthelpandbeofservicetohiminkeepingit. (SmallCatechism:NinthCommandment) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.InthisCommandmentweseea realexampleofthesinfulyearningsoftheheart.whenyouwant someone's"house"itismorethansimplywantingthatwoodenboxwith doorsandwindows.inourcatechismlesson,weseetheuseof"house" asbeingwrappedupinaperson'sidentity.we'llrememberwhenesau wasouthuntingandwhenhereturnedhome,hewassohungryhe thoughthewasneardeath.whenhesawhisbrothermakingstew,he wasofferedatradeofthestrewforhisbirthrightor"house".hegladly tradeditforabowlofstew adecisionhewouldlaterregret. Sowhatisyour"house"?Thankfully,weknowthatthosewho believeandarebaptizedhavebeenmadeapartofthehouseofgod. WebecomeheirsofHisrighteousness.Thedevilwouldliketotrickyou intothinkingyouhavenohome,no"house"buttheworld.weknowthat isn'ttrue.inbaptismyouhavebeenmadenewandclaimedbygodas Hisown. Wearegladthatthishouseisnotonethatcanbetakenaway fromgodbytheftortrickery,asmartinlutherwritesinhisfamoushymn "AMightyFortressisourGod."Ratherthanleavingustofendoffour ownfeeblehomesgodmakesusapartofhishouse,onethatisbuilton thesurefoundationofjesuschrist,crucifiedandriseninthename+of Jesus.Amen. AlmightyGodandFather,YouhavegivenusYourWordasbotha blessingandacaution.pleasehelpmetorememberthatiamnotalone, butinfactiamamemberofyourhouseforalleternity.amen.

14 Thursday of the Week of the Holy Trinity May31,2018 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon5:296:3EJohn6:1921 AfterthisJesuswentawaytotheothersideoftheSeaofGalilee,which istheseaoftiberias.andalargecrowdwasfollowinghim,because theysawthesignsthathewasdoingonthesick.jesuswentuponthe mountain,andtherehesatdownwithhisdisciples.nowthepassover, thefeastofthejews,wasathand.liftinguphiseyes,then,andseeing thatalargecrowdwascomingtowardhim,jesussaidtophilip, Where arewetobuybread,sothatthesepeoplemayeat? Hesaidthistotest him,forhehimselfknewwhathewoulddo.(john6:1'6) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Whythat snotpracticalhave youeverbeentoldthat?iremembermydadsayingthattomewheni toldhimiwantedtoinvitemyentireelementaryschooltomybirthday party."that'sjustnotpractical,son.althoughwehavefiveacres,thereis nowaywecouldfeedandcarefor800elementaryschoolkids." Hewasright,youknow.Myparentsinsteadplannedonincluding ourfamilyofeightaswellasacoupleofmyfriends.ifwehadmorethan that,thecake,thehamburgers,theicecream,andthepartyfavors wouldrunoutittrulywasn'tpractical. Inthereadingfortoday,weseesomethingsimilar.Butrather than800schoolkids,wehave5,000menplustheirwivesandchildren Seeingthis,JesustellsHisdisciplestofeedthem.Well,youcanjust imaginetheyhadaresponsemuchlikemydad's.somethinglike"jesus, that'snotapracticalrequest.evenifwehad200denari(abunchof money)wewouldn'tbeabletoaffordittherewerejusttoomany people" ThedifferencebetweenmybirthdayandtheGospellessonis Jesus.Hewasn'tbeingimpractical...HeknewwhatHewasdoing.The problemwasn'tmoney,theproblemwasthedisciplesweren'ttrusting Jesus.Alltheyweredoingwaslookingatthemselvesandsaying,"Ilook atmyselfandiseethatiamunabletodothis."ofcourse,theywere rightaboutthatgoodthingjesuswasn'taskingthemtodoitbytheir ownstrengthandreason,hewastellingthemthetruththatwhathewas askingofthemwasn'timpossiblebecauseitwasjesuswhoasked. ThanksbetoGodthatwhatwecall"impossible"Godsays"Allthingsare possiblewithme."inthename+ofjesus.amen. ThankYou,Lord,forYourgraceandmercyonme,asinner.Clarifyand soothemyconcernswheniworry.injesusname.amen. Thursday of the Third Week after Trinity June21,2018 Today'sReading:1Peter5:6911 DailyLectionary:Proverbs24:1922EJohn19:1922 Andafteryouhavesufferedalittlewhile,theGodofallgrace,whohas calledyoutohiseternalgloryinchrist,willhimselfrestore,confirm, strengthen,andestablishyou.(1peter5:10) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Thedevilwantstodevouryou. Hewantsyoutosuffer.HewantstodestroyyourfaithinJesus.He wantstoseparateyoufromyousavior.hewantsyoutochoosethingsof thisworldandliferatherthanyourlordwhogivesyoueternallife. TherearemanywaysthedevilmakesussufferasChristiansin ordertoshipwreckourfaith.thefirstisobvious.justlookaroundthe world:therearemanychristianswhoarepersecutedandkilledfortheir faithinjesus.butit snotjuststakesandstones,gunsandknivesthat thedevilusestomakechristianssuffer.he sgotfarmoresubtlewaysof sinkinghisteethintoyou. Sinanddoubt.That swhatallchristianssufferwithevenifno oneistryingtokillthem.thedeviltemptsyoutosin,toliveforyourself first,tobeunkindandunlovingtowardthepeopleinyourday\to\daylife. Theninsteadofrepenting,hecausesyoutodoubttheloveinChrist Jesus.Asifwhatyoudodailyandmuchmeansthatyourunworthyofthe Father slove.hemakesyoudoubtthatjesusdiedforyou,thathe baptizedyou,thathegivesyoutoeatanddrinkofhisbodyandhis Bloodfortheforgivenessofyoursins. Butnomatterwhat,Jesusdidallthosethingsforyou.Hedied androse.hebaptized.heabsolved.hepreached.hesuppered.allfor youandtoyou.yes,wesin dailyandmuch.yes,wesuffer whether it sthedevil sliesorhispersecutions,ordeath. Afteryouhavesuffered alittlewhile,thegodofallgrace,whohascalledyoutohiseternalglory inchrist,willhimselfrestore,confirm,strengthen,andestablishyou. (1 Peter5:10).IntheName+ofJesus.Amen. AstrueasGod'sownWordistrue,Notearthnorhell'ssataniccrew Againstusshallprevail.Theirmight?Ajoke,amerefacadeGodiswith usandwewithgod Ourvict'rycannotfail.(OLittleFlock,FearNotthe Foe,LSB666:3)

15 Wednesday of the Third Week after Trinity June20,2018 DailyLectionary:Proverbs22:22 23:12EJohn18:15920 WiththesewordsGodtenderlyinvitesustobelievethatHeisourtrue FatherandthatweareHistruechildren,sothatwithallboldnessand confidencewemayaskhimasdearchildrenasktheirdearfather. (SmallCatechism:IntroductiontotheLord sprayer) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.YouhaveaheavenlyFatherwho lovesyou.he sdoneeverythingforyou.hesenthistrueandonlyson todieandriseforyou.besidesthatgreatgift,hemadeyouhischildand gaveyoutheholyspirit.thosetwogreatgiftscameatyourholy Baptism. BaptismisholybecauseGod satworkthere.therehemade youholy.therehegaveyou thewashingofrebirthandrenewalbythe HolySpirit (Titus3:5).ThereHegaveyou theforgivenessofsins (Acts 2:39).ThereHemadeyouadisciple(Matthew28:19).Butmorethana disciple,hedeclaredofyou thisismybelovedson, mybeloved daughter, inwhomiamwellpleased (Matthew3:17). WeweremadealiveinJesus resurrectionbybaptism,butour fleshstillleadsusawayfromthislifeandintodeath.weendupnot usingourbaptisms.since baptismnowsavesyou (1Peter3:21),you canalwaysuseit now. Now,I msureyou rewondering: HowdoIusemyBaptism? Sinceit smadeyouatruechildofthefather,youcanthencallupon Him asdearchildrenasktheirdearfather. Whenyoupray,that susing yourbaptism.infact,wheneveryoupraythelord sprayer,you reusing yourbaptism. Thedevilwouldhaveusberunaways.Onourown,we dforsake ourfather.theworldwouldhaveusliveonourown.butweare baptized.wearedearchildrenoftheheavenlyfather.weareadopted asco\heirswithjesus.wearesetfreetouseourbaptismdailyand much. Baptismnowsavesyou (1Peter3:21),andsoyouarealways freetousethatbaptismnow.whenyoupray,especiallythelord s Prayer,that susingthebaptismthefather,son,andholyspiritsaved youwith.inthename+ofjesus.amen. ChildrenoftheHeav nlyfathersafelyinhisbosomgather_nestlingbird norstarinheavensucharefugee erwasgiven.(childrenofthe HeavenlyFather,LSB725:1) Friday of the Week of the Holy Trinity June1,2018 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon6:497:5EJohn6:22940 Whentheyfoundhimontheothersideofthesea,theysaidtohim, Rabbi,whendidyoucomehere? Jesusansweredthem, Truly,truly,I saytoyou,youareseekingme,notbecauseyousawsigns,but becauseyouateyourfilloftheloaves.donotworkforthefoodthat perishes,butforthefoodthatendurestoeternallife,whichthesonof Manwillgivetoyou.ForonhimGodtheFatherhassethisseal. Then theysaidtohim, Whatmustwedo,tobedoingtheworksofGod? Jesusansweredthem, ThisistheworkofGod,thatyoubelieveinhim whomhehassent. (John6:25'29) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Whataresomeofthethings Jesuswasfamousfor?Offthetopofmyhead,Iwouldsay1.Beingborn inastable,2.teachinginthetemple,3.turningwatertowine,4. Raisingafewpeoplefromthe,5.Healingsomelepers6.Healingthe blindman7.feedingthousandsofpeople.idon'tthinkanybodyinhis rightmindwouldsaythatthesethingswereanythingshortofamazing. TrulyJesushasdonesomeincrediblethingsSometimes,though,these miraclescould,iftheywereallwesoughtafter,mightbeahindranceto ourfaith. Howmanytimeshaveyouwatched"faithhealers"doallthese seeminglyamazingthingsontvyetneverinacancerward?howmany timeshaveyoueverseenapersonwhohasbeeninjuredbytheworld languishindespairbecausetheyareaskinggodwhyhealloweditto happen?yousee,whenweseepeoplebeingfooledbyfalseprophets andfalsepromisesofcontinualjoy asifthatwerepossiblebeforethe resurrectionthatwelookforwardto weknowthattheyarehopingfora differentjesus.it sjustlikejesusintoday sbiblepassage,whenhe wasrebukingthosefollowingafterhimforjustbeinginterestedinfilling theirbellieswithbread.afterall,jesusdidn'tcometobeasocialworker oramagician. WhileallofJesus miraclesweresimplydoingtheirjob pointing tohimasthesavior theintentionwasnevertoobscurehismessage ofcomingtoseekandsavethelost,jesus provisionoffoodforthe crowdwasindeedmiraculous,buthisbodyandblood,whichthat miraclepointedto,iswhatheusestohelpsustainourfaith.the promiseshemakesandkeepsforyouareeternalinthename+of Jesus.Amen. Thankyou,Jesus,forkeepingmeinYourgracethroughYourSupper. Amen.

16 Saturday of the Week of the Holy Trinity June2,2018 DailyLectionary:SongofSolomon7:698:14EJohn6:41959 Howlong,OLord?WillYouforgetmeforever?HowlongwillYouhide Yourfacefromme? (Psalm13:1fromtheIntroitforTrinity1) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen. Howlong,OLord? Howmany ofushaveprayedthissameprayerasthepsalmist?whenthereis tragedyorhardship,sadnessordepression,thelordseemssofaroff. Whenwearesurroundedbyevil,havingfallenonceagaintotemptation, perhapsevenbythesamesinsthathavesuchaholdonus: Howlong, OLord? Thepsalmistisawareofhisenemy.Theenemyisalwaysthere, tauntingyou,rejoicinginyoursorrows,rubbinginyourmisery.he shootsflamingarrowsatyou: Youareweak,OChristian.Goddoesn t loveyou.godisabsent,otherwisehewouldcometoyouraid. Justaseasilyaswesuccumbtotemptation,wefallpreytothe liesofthefatheroflies.that sbecauseoureyesseewhatisbeforeus, therealitiesofthislife:pain,suffering,weakness,defeat,evendeath. HasGodforgottenme?Doeshehearmyprayer?Ifnot,whybother? Thispsalmisshort,onlysixverses,butitspeaksvolumes.This psalmisreal.itdeliversusfromthesnaresofthetheologyofgloryand bringsusbacktothetheologyofthecross.itremovesall misconceptionsofwhatyouandithinkourlivesshouldbelike. Weakness,suffering,fallingintosin,death thisisourlife.thisislife underthecrossofyourlordjesus. AsthePsalmistrealizesthis,thereisasuddenchangein confession.thereisfaiththatovercomesdoubt.thereisstrength beyondweakness.thereisatruththatburststhroughtheliesofthe enemy.thereisthelord ssalvation.thereisthelord ssteadfastlove forhispeople. InthecrossofyourSaviorthereissuffering,thereispain,there isweakness,thereisdefeat,thereisdeathbutthereisglory,hiddenin Hisperfectbloodshedthereforyou.ThereislifehiddeninHisbody, givenupforyou.andwhenhegivesthatbodyandbloodtoyouathis Table,thereisnodoubtthatHeremembersyou.ThoughHisgloryis hidden,hisfaceisnot,forthefaceofgodisthesteadfastlovewith whichhelovesyouinhisson.inthename+ofjesus.amen. Myheartwithjoyisspringing_Iamnolongersad.Mysoulisfilledwith singing_yoursunshinemakesmeglad.thesunthatcheersmyspiritis JesusChrist,myKing_Theheav nishallinheritmakesmerejoiceand sing.(ifgodhimselfbeforme,lsb724:10) Tuesday of the Third Week after Trinity June19,2018 Today'sReading:1Timothy1:12917 DailyLectionary:Proverbs22:1921EJohn18:1914 Thesayingistrustworthyanddeservingoffullacceptance,thatChrist Jesuscameintotheworldtosavesinners,ofwhomIamtheforemost. (1Timothy1:15) IntheName+ofJesus.Amen.Jesussavessinners.Heonly savessinners.hediesfortheirsins.herisesfortheirforgiveness,their justification.hedoesn tjustdoitforlittlesinners.no,hedoesitforbig sinners,too Wethinkthatthough.Wethinkthatwe vegottodosomething, thatwehavetotryharder,getbetter,thatwe velickoursecretsins,our bigsins,ourlittlesinsbeforewecancometojesusandreceivehis forgiveness,hissupper,hismercy,hislove. Butno,that snothowitworkswithjesus.jesussavessinners. HEdoesit.LookatPaul.HewasonthewaytolockupChristiansand havethemkilled,andwhatdidhedo?hecollapsedonthegroundand wasstruckphysicallyblind.jesusshowedpaulthathewasdeadand blindspiritually,andsojesusthensentpaulapreacher(ananias)who forgavepaul,baptizedhim,andgavehimhisphysicalsightback. Thisisn tanexcusetosin.that dbelikesayingpaulcouldgo backtopersecutingandmurderingchristians.no,jesussavesusfrom oursins.hereallydoes.paulwasn tamurdererorpersecutor.hewasa baptizedchildofthefather.hereceivedthelord sbodyandbloodfor Hisforgiveness.Thosethingsdefinedhim,Jesusdefinedhim,andnot hissins. You,too.Youareasinner.Youhavesins.That sself\evident. ButevenmoreevidentisthatyouhaveaSaviorbecauseJesusonly savessinners.hebaptizesthem.hecontinuallyabsolvesthem.he delivershisbodyandbloodtothem.hedoesallthissotheycanbe forgiven,bemadeholyandpure,bewelcomedintoeternallifewithhim forever.hedoesallofthisforyou.inthename+ofjesus.amen. Myguilt,OFather,YouhavelaidOnChrist,YourSon,mySavior.Lord Jesus,YoumydebthavepaidAndgainedformeGod sfavor.oholy Spirit,FountofGrace,thegoodinmetoYouItrace_Infaithandhope preserveme.(ifyourbelovedson,ogod,lsb568:5)