Reflections

January 8, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To Everyone

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 2:1-3:11; Romans 1:18-32

“The commandments...are summed up in this one rule: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Romans 13:9)

I urge…that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone. (1 Timothy 2:1)” (Small Catechism, Table of Duties, To Everyone)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Do you want to fulfill God’s Law perfectly? It isn’t difficult. Jesus said to one of the Pharisees who questioned him about the Law that loving God with every fiber...

January 7, 2026

Today's Reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Daily Lectionary: Ezekiel 1:1-14, 22-28; Habakkuk 1:1-3:19; Romans 1:1-17

“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.” (1 Peter 4:12-13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Do you intend to continue steadfast in this confession and Church and to suffer all, even death, rather than fall away fro...

January 6, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:1-12

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 66:1-20; Luke 3:21-38

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.” (Matthew 2:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Strange men visiting from a foreign country, stately men bowing down to a toddler, and very odd gifts being given—the Feast of Epiphany can certainly seem a...

January 5, 2026

Today's Reading: Genesis 46:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 65:8-25; Luke 3:1-20

“I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you up again, and Joseph’s hand shall close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Several years ago, I received a Divine Call away from my home state. It was an existential crisis for me...

January 4, 2026

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 63:15-65:7; Luke 2:41-52

“And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, ‘Out of Egypt I called my son.’” (Matthew 2:14-15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is a deep thread of exodus that flows through Holy Scripture. And so often, that exodus crosses a body of water. God calls his people out of Egypt...

January 3, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Second Sunday After Christmas - Psalm 8:1, 4-6; antiphon: Psalm 8:2

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 63:1-14; Luke 2:21-40

“Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger.” (Psalm 8:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christmas provides us with a unique lens to contemplate Psalm 8:2. Almighty God stills the enemy and the avenger. To still in the Hebrew is “lehashbit.” It is where we get the word “sabbath.” It means to cease or to...

January 2, 2026

Today's Reading: Galatians 4:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 62:1-12; Luke 2:1-20

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The word Paul uses for time here is "chronos," meaning clock time. The ticking of seconds. The seconds turned to minutes. The minutes adding to hours. The passing of days and the unfolding of hist...

January 1, 2026

Today's Reading: Luke 2:21

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 61:1-11; Luke 1:57-80

“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” (Luke 2:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There is something remarkable and yet so subtle in the Christmas story: the Holy Child of Bethlehem is not called Jesus until the eighth day when He is circumcised. Before verse 21, He is referred to as the baby, the child, Christ, and Lord, all glor...

December 31, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 12:35-40

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 60:1-22; Luke 1:39-56

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes…You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” (Luke 12:37, 40)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Awake and ready! These are the words our Lord Jesus uses to describe the mission of His disciples, you and I included. In other words, Christ Jesus has served us with His everlasting love and mercy given on the cross, and He...

December 30, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 or 2 Samuel 7:1-16

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 58:1-59:3, 14-21; Luke 1:26-38

“There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him…” (Isaiah 11:1-2a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Our lives and even this world (our newsfeeds, our headlines, our daily burdens) can so often feel like a dead stump. Hopeless. Lifeless. Good for nothing. Maybe your heart feels like that today; cut down & good f...

December 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 2:(22-32) 33-40

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 55:1-13; Luke 1:1-25

“...for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples…” (Luke 2:30-31)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It is now the fifth day of Christmas, and what is it that you see? Do your eyes gaze on a tree that was once brimming with anticipation, gifts, and loved ones? But now does it feel like an empty shell? Do you look at your house, dormitory, or apartment and see emptin...

December 28, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 2:13-18

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 52:13-54:10; Matthew 2:13-23

“Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted for they are no more.’” (Matthew 2:17-18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Christmas is war. That may sound jarring in our ears, but we cannot forget that truth. Yes, the incarnation of our Lord has raised up the sons of Adam out of the sinful curse of thorns a...

December 27, 2025

Today's Reading: John 21:20-25

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 51:17-52:12; Matthew 2:1-12

“If it is my will that he remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow me!” (John 21:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It’s easy to make comparisons to others. The flesh wants to be on top, number one, the best at everything. You see it in children who cry and throw tantrums when they lose at something or feel slighted by another child. Adults are no differ...

December 26, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 23:34-39

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:22-26; 50:4-51:8, 12-16; Matthew 1:18-25

“Truly, I say to you all these things will come upon this generation” (Matthew 23:36)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This text speaks about Jerusalem’s rejection of Christ. Prophets and wise men will come from God only to suffer death, a pattern history reveals in the examples of Abel and Zechariah the son of Barachiah, the latter being “murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.” Nevertheless, vindication will come...

December 25, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:1-18

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 49:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The words “in the beginning” take us back to Genesis. We know the story: a perfect, pristine creation by God in six days comes crashing down under the curse of sin by one man’s trespass...

December 24, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 1:18-25

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 44:21-45:13, 20-25; Daniel 10:1-12:13; Isaiah 48:1-22; Revelation 12:1-17

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Isaiah 44:21-45:13 makes the point that God is in control of conducting affairs and uses people according to His good and gracious will. His Word won’t return void but always accomplishes His purpose. So, despite how chaoti...

December 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-19

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:25-44:20; Revelation 11:1-19

“…I will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak to them all that I command him” (Deuteronomy 18:18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God charges every prophet, disciple, apostle, and pastor to speak His Word; thus, the wide sense of Deuteronomy 18:18. God gives His Word to His men bearing the task of speaking the full counsel of the divine Word. God desires His office bearers to speak what H...

December 22, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:19-28 

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 43:1-24; Revelation 9:13-10:11

“I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said” (John 1:23)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Pharisees sent priests and Levites to scope out the preacher, the first of many encounters between God and His enemies recorded in the Gospels. Their questions aren’t for idle curiosity and genuine desire for the truth. The higher-ups want to kno...

December 21, 2025

Today's Reading: John 20:24-29

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 42:1-25; Revelation 9:1-12

“Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thomas refused to believe his brothers’ testimony of the risen Christ. He wanted concrete proof, a living body he could feel, a real visual for the eyes. This makes sense. Jesus had prophesied His resurrection, and Thomas wanted evidence. Why would he give up everything for a lie? He’s doubting, thus the moni...

December 20, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 4 - Psalm 19:1, 4-6; antiphon: Isaiah 45:8a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:18-41:10; Revelation 8:1-13

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

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The heavens declare. The sky proclaims. The glory of God is spoken. The handiwork of God is revealed. Creation itself shows us who God is. Not fully; we have the Scriptures to tell us in detail who God is and of His great sacrifice on the cross on our behalf...

December 19, 2025

Today's Reading: Revelation 7:1-17

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 40:1-17; Revelation 7:1-17

"These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Revelation 7:14b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As we said on Wednesday, Revelation is not a timeline of the last days, but an image of Christ and His Church at all times. And also, there is once again a difference between what is heard and what is seen. 144,000 is 12 (the number of...

December 18, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To Widows

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 34:1-2, 8-35:10; Micah 1:1-7:20; Revelation 6:1-17

"She who is truly a widow, left all alone, has set her hope on God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day, but she who is self-indulgent is dead even while she lives." (1 Timothy 5:5-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Table of Duties tells us how we should live in the vocations that the Lord has placed us in. Even though not very many reading these...

December 17, 2025

Today's Reading: Revelation 5:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 33:1-24; Revelation 5:1-14

"...I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain..." (Revelation 5:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Revelation is not a timeline of the last days, but an image of Christ and His Church at all times. Sure, the pictures described inside make the imagination run wild. But all of Scripture tells us about Jesus and what He has done for us. This chapter is no different. 

There is only one worthy to open or c...

December 16, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 32:1-20; Revelation 4:1-11

"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (1 Corinthians 4:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It is important to know what a pastor isn't and what a pastor is. Since he's in front of the congregation all the time, we sometimes think he's the most important person there. He's not. We sometimes think that because he knows so much of God's Word, he must be holier than everyone...

December 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:27-31:9; Revelation 3:1-22

"A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain." (Isaiah 40:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When John the Baptizer was asked who he was, he pointed to this verse from Isaiah. So, how did he change the la...

December 14, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 11:2-11

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 30:15-26; Revelation 2:1-29

"Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?" (Matthew 11:3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

John the Baptizer has been faithful since before he was born. John leapt in his mother Elizabeth's womb in greeting when Jesus visited inside Mary before He was born. He proclaimed a baptism of repentance while dressed in camel's hair and eating locusts. He stood against Herod marrying his brother's wife, which is why he was in...

December 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 3 - Psalm 85:1-2, 6, 8; antiphon: Phil. 4:4-5

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:15-30:14; Revelation 1:1-20

"You forgave the iniquity of your people; you covered all their sin." (Psalm 85:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Introit for tomorrow comes from Psalm 85, but there's a part of many psalms that we don't bother with very often. If you open up your Bible to Psalm 85, you will see at or maybe even before verse 1 these words: "To The Choirmaster. A Psalm Of The Sons Of Korah." Who is...

December 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Jude 1-25

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 29:1-14; Jude 1-25

"I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints." (Jude 3b) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The letter from St. Jude, also known as Thaddeus, to the Church is short. But in it, the apostle sees that false teachers are twisting God's Word, and people are following after them. He reminds the Church that this is not the first time this has happened. I...

December 11, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of Duties: To Youth

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 28:14-29; 1 John 5:1-21; 2 John 1-13; 3 John 1-15

"Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’ Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you" (1 Peter 5:5–6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

You will hear the word 'vocation' a lot in Lutheran circles. It means...

December 10, 2025

Today's Reading: 1 John 4:1-21

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:20-27:13; 1 John 4:1-21

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

False prophets don't come with warning labels. They do not advertise that they are wolves dressed as sheep. They may not even intend to do harm, but that doesn't stop the harm they cause. There are a lot of things in this world called...

December 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Romans 15:4-13

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 26:1-19; 1 John 3:1-24

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

I've sometimes heard people say they like Jesus pretty well, but that Old Testament God sure sounds mean. As tempting as it is to point out that Jesus isn't always smiles and sunshine (Hello, cleansing of the temple!), it's better to find out why. If...

December 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Malachi 4:1-6

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:14-25:12; Obadiah 1-21; 1 John 2:15-29

"Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes." (Malachi 4:5)

"On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true." (End of the Explanation of the Third Article) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We look forward to the coming of the Day of the Lord. A d...

December 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 21:25-36

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 24:1-13; 1 John 1:1-2:14

"Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." (Luke 21:28)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Where is God? The nations are in distress, the earth roars with violence, people are fainting with fear, the powers are shaken. Where is God? My home breaks, disaster takes away what I have, fear haunts my waking moments, and the social pressure is more than I can bear. Where is...

December 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 2 - Psalm 80:1, 3, 14, 17; antiphon: Isaiah 62:11b; 30:30, 29

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 14:1-23; 2 Peter 3:1-18

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation comes.’ The Lord will cause his majestic voice to be heard, and you shall have gladness of heart. Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, you who lead Joseph like a flock! You who are enthroned upon the cherubim, shine forth. Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved! Turn again, O God of hosts! Look down from heaven, and se...

December 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 11:1-12:6

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 11:1-12:6; 2 Peter 2:1-22

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” (Isaiah 12:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Salvation” is a powerful word, but you might not use it every day. We’re more familiar with the verb “to save” and with the noun “savior,” but to say that God is our salvation is unique. Salvation is what God accomplishes and brings. The Sa...

December 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism - Table of duties: To Employers and Supervisors

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 10:12-27a, 33-34; 2 Peter 1:1-21

“Masters, do the same to [your bondservants], and stop your threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and that there is no partiality with him.” (Ephesians 6:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Well, this is an awkward bit of the Catechism to discuss in reflections geared toward youth, isn’t it? The “bondservants” described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians can also be unde...

December 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Romans 13:(8-10) 11-14

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 9:8-10:11; 1 Peter 5:1-14

“Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed.The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” (Romans 13:11-12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Perhaps you remember the story of Paul Revere, the Boston silversmith who warned the...

December 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 23:5-8

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 8:9-9:7; 1 Peter 4:1-19

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: ‘The Lord is our righteousness.’” (Jeremiah 23:5-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

These days, there aren’t very many kings...

December 1, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 21:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 7:10-8:8; 1 Peter 3:1-22

“And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, 'Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!’” (Matthew 21:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wait, how did a Holy Week reading break into December? Palm Sunday happened the week of Good Friday and Easter, not four weeks before Christmas. Maybe the Bible-reading calendar (the lectionary) goofed up! Don’t worry. This is not a...

November 30, 2025

Today's Reading: John 1:35-42a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 6:1-7:9; 1 Peter 2:13-25

“One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ)” (John 1:40-41)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Andrew told his brother that they had found Jesus, the Messiah. It seemed that way. They believed the Old Testament prophecies that the Messiah would come. Now, they had found Him! Except that Jesus hadn’t b...

November 29, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Advent 1 - Psalm 25:4-5, 21-22; antiphon: Psalm 25:1-3a

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 5:1-25; Amos 1:1-9:15; 1 Peter 2:1-12

“Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles.” (Psalm 25:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Advent strikes a truer chord in the Psalms. We wait for the God who has made great promises. Let me not be put to shame. By the devil, who prowls about like a lion seeking to devour me. By the world, who finds little worth in everything I call preci...

November 28, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Workers of All Kinds

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 2:1-22; Isaiah 3:1-4:6; 1 Peter 1:13-25

“Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, wh...

November 27, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 17:11-19

Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 1:1-28; 1 Peter 1:1-12

“[the lepers] lifted up their voices, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.’” (Luke 17:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Today, we celebrate the blessed and historic feast of American Thanksgiving and try to keep the sarcasm off our faces. Pilgrims and Indians ate together, got along perfectly, and avoided arguing about politics. If you sprinkle some Jesus on it, there’s a sermon in there about who you’re thankful to. The problem is, I’m bad at it. All I ca...

November 26, 2025

Today's Reading: Revelation 22:1-21

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 6:1-28; Daniel 9:1-27; Revelation 22:1-21

“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.” (Revelation 22:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The Bible ends with hope. Christ will return soon. The faithful pray, “Amen. Come Lord Jesus,” and the grace of the Lord Jesus is with them all. If there’s that much hope, it can endure even when the evildoe...

November 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Colossians 1:13-20

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 5:1-30; Daniel 7:1-8:27; Revelation 21:9-27

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Colossians 1:15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This is what God looks like. Jesus. And you’ll only see it here. On account of the “image of the invisible God” part. We rush to creation to find evidence of God, but can’t see anything, even if we know that even there Christ was working. Psalm 19 is right. Creation shows there is a God. It...

November 24, 2025

Today's Reading: Malachi 3:13-18

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 4:1-37; Revelation 21:1-8

“You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts?” (Malachi 3:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It doesn’t seem to be going any better for the faithful than they were when Malachi wrote. We aren’t marked as the richest or most successful. We aren’t the healthiest. We don’t avoid natural disasters. It hurts down here...

November 23, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 23:27-43

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 3:1-30; Revelation 20:1-15

“One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, ‘Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!’But the other rebuked him, saying, ‘Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.’ And he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’And he said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, today you w...

November 22, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 24 - Psalm 134; antiphon: Psalm 33:8

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 2:24-49; Revelation 19:1-21

“Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord,  who stand by night in the house of the Lord! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth!... Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him!” (Psalm 138:1-3, Psalm 33:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Psalm...

November 21, 2025

Today's Reading: Daniel 2:1-23

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 2:1-23; Revelation 18:1-24

“Daniel answered and said: ‘Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;  he reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with him. To you, O God of my fathers, I give thanks and praise, for you have given me wisdom and might...

November 20, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Children

Daily Lectionary: Daniel 1:1-21; Matthew 28:1-20

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and your mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise—’ that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life in the Earth.’ Eph. 6:1-3” (Catechism, Table of Duties: To Children)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

How does the Lord take care of you in this world—not just in your life of faith where you are...

November 19, 2025

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 38:1-28

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 38:1-28; Jeremiah 39:1-44:30; Matthew 27:57-66

“So they took Jeremiah and cast him into the cistern of Malchiah, the king's son, which was in the court of the guard, letting Jeremiah down by ropes. And there was no water in the cistern, but only mud, and Jeremiah sank in the mud.” (Jeremiah 38:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Put yourself in Jeremiah’s shoes. Wait, maybe don’t do that. Jeremiah is standing in mud. At the bottom of a cistern. Waiting to die. <...

November 18, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 3:(1-5) 6-13

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 37:1-21; Revelation 17:1-18; Matthew 27:33-56

“May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ. Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. … For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies.” (2 Thessalonians 3: 6, 11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

“I...

November 17, 2025

Today's Reading: Malachi 4:1-6

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 33:1-22; Jeremiah 34:1-36:32; 45:1-51:64; Matthew 27:11-32

“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” (Malachi 4:5-6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

The prophet Malachi promises an Elijah. But what was Israel’s problem that they needed an Elijah? 

Isr...

November 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 21:5-28 (29-36)

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 31:1-17, 23-34; Revelation 16:1-21; Matthew 27:1-10

“[Jesus said,] ‘And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves,  people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to ta...

November 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 23 - Psalm 121:1-2, 5, 7-8; antiphon: Luke 21:33

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 30:1-24; Revelation 15:1-8; Matthew 26:57-75

“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade on your right hand.” (Psalm 121:5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“The Lord is your keeper.” Wow! Now that’s a promise to grab onto. Not just any lord, but The Lord is your keeper, and his keeping covers your entire life, past, present, and future. 

If we’re honest, we often go through the day totally unaware of ho...

November 14, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 26:36-56

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 29:1-19; Revelation 14:1-20; Matthew 26:36-56

“Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?’” (Matthew 26:53-54) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Jesus is praying, the disciples are sleeping, and Judas is coming, leading a great crowd carrying clubs and swords. It’s happening; the hour is at hand. It feels like a climactic scene fro...

November 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Parents

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 26:1-19; Revelation 13:1-18; Matthew 26:20-35

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thank God for our parents. Without them, we wouldn’t be here. It pleased God to continue his work of creation by giving you life through a mom and a dad. God continues to care, provide, and protect us through the parents he gives us. Th...

November 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 26:1-19

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 25:1-18; Matthew 26:1-19

“You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” (Matthew 26:2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The hour has come; the time is at hand. The Son of Man is hours away from his cross. Jesus knew this, yet his disciples refused to believe it. The Scriptures pointed to this, and this is the reason Jesus was born: to die that he might save his peop...

November 11, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-8, 13-17

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:21-40; Matthew 25:31-46

“To this he called you through our gospel, so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 2:14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God has made a decision for you. Do you realize that? God has made a choice for you and has called you to Himself. Do you slow down to stop and take time to think about that? You are a miracle of God’s divine grace. God came to you throug...

November 10, 2025

Today's Reading: Exodus 3:1-15

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 23:1-20; Matthew 25:14-30

“God also said to Moses, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:15a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

We have a God who hears us; he never plugs his ears to our cries for help. We have a God who remembers; he never forgets but is faithful to keep his promises. We have a...

November 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 20:27-40

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 22:1-23; Matthew 25:1-13

“Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him.” (Luke 20:38)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Dead men don’t rise. That’s what common sense will tell you. Dead is dead! That’s what the Sadducees would have told you. Even though they were a Jewish sect, they did not believe in the afterlife and certainly not in the resurrection of the dead. As a matter of fact, they limited th...

November 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 22 - Psalm 115:2-4, 8, 17-18; antiphon: Psalm 115:11

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 20:1-18; Matthew 24:29-51

“You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord! He is their help and their shield. “ (Psalm 115:11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

“Stop! Don’t do it!” Wouldn’t you scream those words if someone you cared about was about to make a bad decision that you know they would regret later? Wouldn’t it pain you to watch a person choose to believe a lie and then act on it, if you abs...

November 7, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 24:1-28

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 11:1-23; Jeremiah 12:1-19:15; Matthew 24:1-28

“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 24:13)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

One of the perks of being a disciple was that you could ask Jesus questions when you had some alone time with him. Jesus was sitting down on the Mount of Olives, which provided the opportunity for his disciples to ask a burning question about the end of the age and the sign of his return. Jesus tells of s...

November 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Wives

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 8:18-9:12; Matthew 23:13-39

“Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:22)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God’s gifts come in all sorts of packages. Think about Adam; the first gift God gave him was the gift of life. Adam was then given a garden to take care of, and from it, he received the gift of daily food. But then God gave Adam a very special gift fit just for him—a wife. Go...

November 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Jeremiah 7:1-29

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 7:1-29; Matthew 23:1-12

“So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall call to them, but they will not answer you.” (Jeremiah 7:27)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God called Jeremiah to speak some hard words to hardened hearts. God was persistent. He kept sending His messengers to His people, yet they did not listen. God called them to repentance, and they did not answer Him. Instead, they followed their own plans; they...

November 4, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-5 (6-10) 11-12

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 5:1-19; Matthew 22:23-46

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.” (2 Thessalonians 1:3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Paul was persistent. He was a man on a mission, literally, and his mission plan was simple: go into a city and find a synagogue, open up the Scriptures, and preach Christ from them. Some would beli...

November 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Isaiah 1:10-18

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 3:6-4:2; Matthew 22:1-22

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18).

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Have you ever put on clothes thinking they were clean only to find out they are not? What about getting dressed up in your nicest clothes for a special occasion, looking in the mirror, and then, to your comp...

November 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 19:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Jeremiah 1:1-19; Matthew 21:23-46

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

For whatever reason, Zacchaeus sought to see Jesus. And in an ironic turn of events, it is actually Jesus who seeks after Zacchaeus. He spots him up a Sycamore tree and calls out, “Hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.” Jesus was going to have church with Zacchaeus. He joyfully received...

November 1, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 5:1-12

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Matthew 21:1-22

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Imagine the disciples and the huge crowd gathered around Jesus for the Sermon on the Mount. They nod to each of the Beatitudes, maybe with a little less boldness as Jesus continues. Perhaps they even look around to see how the other 11 are reacting. “Maybe I’m not perfect, but I’ve been pretty good at this one or that.” “I think I’m goo...

October 31, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 11:12-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 32:28-52; Deuteronomy 33:1-29; Matthew 20:17-34

“From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence” (Matthew 11:12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

“Lord, I thank you that I am not like other church bodies: Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, the Baptists…” Sound familiar? Just a few days ago, we heard Jesus tell us about the Pharisee and the Tax Collector. The sinful pride of the Pharisee clouded his thoughts on all things spiritual, and he ended up thinking...

October 30, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 21 - Psalm 50:1-2, 14-15; antiphon: Psalm 50:23

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:30-32:27; Matthew 20:1-16

“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; the one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” (Psalm 50:23)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

You know our situation. As human beings, we are conceived and born sinful; there is no good in us to do anything right. None of us could ever offer thanksgiving that is perfect in God’s eyes. No one could sacrifi...

October 29, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 31:1-29; Matthew 19:16-30

“No one came to stand by me, but all deserted me… But the Lord stood by me and strengthened me, so that through me the message might be fully proclaimed.” (2 Timothy 4:16,17)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Even St. Paul felt isolated at times. While standing in court, defending the faith, where were his friends, other pastors, and Christians whom the Holy Spirit brought to faith through his preaching? Anyone who could have been supporting was scattered like th...

October 28, 2025

Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15

“I chose you out of the world.” (John 15:19)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

As we remember the Apostles of our Lord throughout the year, we might feel sorry for a few of them. Poor Simon “the Zealot” and Jude (a.k.a. Judas, or Thaddeus). They are some of the more obscure of Jesus’ disciples. They definitely don’t get the attention of Peter, James, and John. They don’t even get the word count for Saint Andrew or...

October 27, 2025

Today's Reading: Genesis 4:1-15

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 29:1-29; Matthew 18:21-35

“And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.” (Genesis 4:15)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” (Genesis 4:9)  Even after his heinous act is done, Cain does not appear repentant at all. He has committed the first murder and shrugs it off. “Not my problem.” 

What is behind all of this? Jealou...

October 26, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 18:9-17

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 28:1-22; Matthew 18:1-20

“But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other.” (Luke 18:13-14a)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

“Great sermon, Pastor, THEY really needed to hear that!” When your pastor hears something like that, his heart sinks, and he knows he did not communicate well. No one...

October 25, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 20 - Psalm 56:10-13; antiphon: Psalm 56:3

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 27:1-26; Matthew 17:14-27

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, In God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me? I must perform my vows to you, O God; I will render thank offerings to you. For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of...

October 24, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - To Husbands

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 25:17-26:19; Matthew 17:1-13

“Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (1 Peter 3:7) Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. (Col. 3:19)” (Catechism, Table of Duties)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Who would’ve guessed that our Lord’s first Gift to mankin...

October 23, 2025 

Today's Reading: Matthew 13:54-58

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 24:10-25:10; Matthew 16:13-28

“And coming to his hometown [Jesus] taught them in their synagogue, so that they were astonished, and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? Is not this the carpenter's son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?’” (Matthew 13:54-58) 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

The fact of...

October 22, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 16:1-12

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 21:1-23; Deuteronomy 22:1-24:9; Matthew 16:1-12

“[Jesus said,] ‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that he did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (Matthew 16:11-12)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Your warning: “Beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and the Sadducees!” Good. But what’s that? The Pharisees and Sadducees are different from one another, far different. You will hear the Pharisees as yo...

October 21, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 20:1-20; Matthew 15:21-39

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to th...

October 20, 2025

Today's Reading: Genesis 32:22-30

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 19:1-20; Matthew 15:1-20

“A man wrestled with [Jacob] until the breaking of the day. When the man saw that he did not prevail against Jacob, he touched his hip socket, and Jacob's hip was put out of joint as he wrestled with him. Then he said, ‘Let me go, for the day has broken.’ But Jacob said, ‘I will not let you go unless you bless me.’” (Genesis 32:26)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

We start out thinking about what God wants us to d...

October 19, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 18:1-8

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 18:1-22; Matthew 14:22-36

“[Jesus said,] ‘Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on Earth?’” (Luke 18:8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Jesus is giving you the Gift of prayer by presenting to you a judge who is so ridiculously bad that no reasonable person would waste time asking a favor of this judge. This judge neither fears God nor respects any man. He couldn’t care less about protecting the innocent, caring only for his own convenience and well-be...

October 18, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 10:1-9

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 17:1-20; Matthew 14:1-21

“Heal the sick in it and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ But whenever you enter a town and they do not receive you, go into its streets and say, ‘Even the dust of your town that clings to our feet we wipe off against you. Nevertheless know this, that the kingdom of God has come near.’ I tell you, it will be more bearable on that day for Sodom than for that town.” (Luke 10:9-12)

In the...

October 17, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 19 - Psalm 74:18-19, 21, 20a, 22a; antiphon: Psalm 74:2a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 15:19-16:22; Matthew 13:44-58

“Remember this, O LORD, how the enemy scoffs, and a foolish people reviles your name. Do not deliver the soul of your dove to the wild beasts; do not forget the life of your poor forever. Have regard for the covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence. Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame; let the poor and needy praise your name. Arise, O Go...

October 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of Citizens

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 14:1-2, 22-23, 14:28-15:15; Matthew 13:24-43

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior.” (1 Timothy 2:1-3)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

How often do you pray for the leaders of your country? And I mean really pray for them. Even if you...

October 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 13:1-23

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 13:1-18; Matthew 13:1-23

“And he told them many things in parables, saying: “A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured them. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew...

October 14, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 12:13-32; Matthew 12:38-50

“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, the offspring of David, as preached in my gospel, for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will al...

October 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Ruth 1:1-19a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:26-12:12; Matthew 12:22-37

“And she said, ‘See, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods; return after your sister-in-law.’ But Ruth said, ‘Do not urge me to leave you or to return from following you. For where you go I will go, and where you lodge I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die I will die, and there will I be buried. May the LORD do so to me and more als...

October 12, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 17:11-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 11:1-25; Matthew 12:1-21

“When he saw them he said to them, 'Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, ‘Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigne...

October 11, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 18 - Psalm 34:2-4, 17; antiphon: Psalm 48:1a

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:23-10:22; Matthew 11:20-30

“My soul makes its boast in the LORD; let the humble hear and be glad. Oh, magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt his name together! I sought the LORD, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (Psalm 34:2-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Here is a fun little exercise. What are you proud of? What do you boast in? What’s on your t-shir...

October 10, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 11:1-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 9:1-22; Matthew 11:1-19

“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to co...

October 9, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - Of Civil Government

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 8:1-20; Matthew 10:24-42

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of...

October 8, 2025

Today's Reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-19

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 7:1-19; Matthew 10:1-23

“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (Deuteronomy 7:6)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What does it mean to be “holy to the LORD?” In the rest of our Deuteronomy reading, we see the LORD giving specific instructions to the people of Israel to destroy all the re...

October 7, 2025

Today's Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 6:10-25; Matthew 9:18-38

“who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,” (2 Timothy 1:9-10)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Vocation can be an overwhelming thing to think about. It’s...

October 6, 2025

Today's Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:9; Matthew 9:1-17

“Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” (Habakkuk 1:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The days are evil. That’s written somewhere, and it could not be more true. What I just said would be true no matter...

October 5, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 17:1-10

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Matthew 8:18-34

“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” (Luke 17:3-4)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Rebuking is the fun part. You’ve been hurt badly. Their words ring in your ears, and one part of you cannot believe what you just heard. “They called me WHAT?” “I ca...

October 4, 2025

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 17 - Psalm 119:162, 164-165, 167; antiphon: Psalm 119:166

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:21-40; Matthew 8:1-17

“I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments. I rejoice at your word like one who finds great spoil. Seven times a day I praise you for your just and righteous decrees. Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble. My soul keeps your testimonies; I love them exceedingly. I hope for your salvation, O Lord, and I do your commandments.” (Psalm 119:162, 164–165, 167; antiphon...

October 3, 2025

Today's Reading: Matthew 7:13-29

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 4:1-20; Matthew 7:13-29

“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus...

October 2, 2025

Today's Reading: Catechism: Table of Duties - What Hearers Owe Their Pastors

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 3:1-29; Matthew 7:1-12

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13)

Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that...

October 1, 2025

Today's Reading: Amos 6:1-7

Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 2:16-37; Matthew 6:16-34

“So as soon as all the men of war had perished and were dead from among the people, the Lord said to me, ‘Today you are to cross the border of Moab at Ar. And when you approach the territory of the people of Ammon, do not harass them or contend with them, for I will not give you any of the land of the people of Ammon as a possession, because I have given it to the...