Reflections

July 21, 2025

Today's Reading: Genesis 18:1-10a (10b-14)

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 4:1-22; Acts 17:1-34; Acts 16:23-40

“[Abraham] ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed himself to the earth and said, ‘O Lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant.’ … The LORD said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh and say, “Shall I indeed bear a child, now that I am old?” Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.’” (Genesis 18:2b-3, 13-14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Who is serving whom? Genesis 18:1-14 is a beautiful example of the relationship between faith and works. It shows the fruits of faith in God’s promise sprouting forth and bearing fruit in the works of Abraham.

Ordinarily, upon seeing the approach of sojourners, one as wealthy as Abraham would have given instructions to his servants and let them do the work involved with hospitality. But Abraham himself runs to them, begging them to be his guests, insisting that their presence would be to his benefit (“if I have found favor in your sight …”). He invites them to rest in a place of comfort, shaded by trees, and provides for them. He himself chose the calf (among his best!) and has it served lavishly with milk and curds. He requests Sarah to make bread from fine flour in amounts (3 seahs = 42lbs), allowing for such an abundance of bread that it will not run out. Abraham’s hospitality toward his visitors is extravagant.

What motivates Abraham to be of such high service to these sojourners? Whether or not he knows them to be God from the outset, it is God who motivates his generous service. Even before God’s promise to him of a son is given a second time (thus emphasizing its certainty and importance) Abraham’s faith has blossomed from its first pronouncement (Genesis 17:16), and his faith bears fruit in this lavish service which calls to mind Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats, “‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matthew 25:40)

Who is serving whom? As lavish as Abraham’s hospitality is, that of his visitor (God Himself) is greater. In the context of this extraordinary meal, God reiterates His promise to Abraham of a son, which foreshadows the Son who will be the fulfillment of the promised offspring of the woman, promised since Genesis 3. We are sojourners in this fallen world. It is God (incarnate) Himself who runs to us, begging us to be His guests, insisting that our presence among Him would be to our eternal benefit, and serving us – inviting us to rest in a place of comfort shaded by His countenance. He Himself prepares the meal by His crucified body and shed blood, a lavish meal with such an abundance of His mercy, it will never run out.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

There dwells the Lord our king, the Lord our righteousness, triumphant o’er the world and sin, the Prince of Peace. On Zion’s sacred height His kingdom He maintains, and glorious with His saints in light forever reigns. (LSB 798:7)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 20, 2025 

Today's Reading: Luke 10:38-42

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 3:1-21; Acts 16:1-22

“. . . Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.’ But the Lord answered her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.’” (Luke 10:40-42)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

You have been anxious and troubled about many things, distracted with much serving (and so have I). But Jesus’ concern isn’t serving, it’s distraction; distraction from the one thing that is needfull (necessary). Serving your neighbors (family, friends, classmates, coworkers, etc.) is a good and necessary aspect of your vocation as Christians. The Table of Duties in the Small Catechism gives examples of what this means. In this fallen world, there is always work to do for the good of others. There is nothing wrong (and everything right) with service to family, friends, community, and church. Martha’s desire to serve, in and of itself, was not wrong – in fact, it was completely right.

Martha was not wrong in her desire to serve, but in her troubled heart, trusting in her service to Jesus more than Him as her one thing needful. Her anxiety over loving and serving her neighbors (Jesus and others gathered) distracted her from the true purpose of Jesus’ presence. She had not grasped that Jesus came for her. Jesus “…came not to be served, but to serve…” (Matthew 28:20). While the one thing needful was right there at hand, Martha felt that serving Him was more important than being served by Him. Mary chose what is better when one is in the presence of Christ: she sat at His feet and received what He came to give.

Martha’s complaint to Jesus was rebuked not because He didn’t appreciate Martha’s service, but because Martha erred in thinking that Mary was wrong in her desire to be served by Him before serving. Both Martha and Mary represent critical aspects of living out your Baptism, loving God and loving neighbor (see Luke 10:27). But take care that your much serving doesn’t become more important than your being much served by Christ Himself. The former emanates from the law, which cannot save, but only curbs, accuses, and guides (necessary as that is). The latter is the Gospel itself, emanating from Christ our Savior, being necessary for salvation (John 6:27, Romans 5:21, Jude 1:21). It is the much-suffering of Christ (His crucifixion!) that saves you, and it will not be taken away! (See Small Catechism, Explanation to the 2nd Article, 2nd Paragraph)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

O Lord, grant us the Spirit to hear Your Word and know the one thing needful that by Your Word and Spirit we may live according to Your will; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect for the Sixth Sunday after Pentecost, LSB)

Rev. Jeffrey Ries is the pastor of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 19, 2025 

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 6 - Psalm 119:57-60, 64; antiphon: Psalm 119:105

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 2:18-36; Acts 15:22-41 

“I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.” (Psalm 119:58)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Have you ever been given a weird gift? Like a dead bird by your dog? A rock from a younger sibling? A feather from a toddler? Maybe a sloppy kiss from a baby? You understand the sentiment… but what are you going to do with a dead bird? You are probably going to wipe the slobber off your face after that messy kiss. And yet, you can’t help but be grateful; you know that the gift was given with love. 

I imagine myself as the dog or the sloppy baby giving myself up to God: Here I am! I’m a mess. I’m covered in sin, guilt, and shame. This hour/day/week/month/year/existence has been… rough. What is worse, though, is that I am not a cute little toddler giving something out of love— I am a dead enemy of God. Before Baptism, I am unable to come to Him (dead things can only be dead), let alone give Him a gift. And yet, along with the Psalmist, I am fervently asking Him for His favor. 

It is the second part of this verse that is such tremendous comfort; in our prayers, we get to point to the promises that God Himself has made. In the Garden of Eden, He promised a Savior, and He kept that promise. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished,” and it was. In our Baptism, He promises forgiveness of sins, life, and salvation— and they are ours. He promises to give us the Holy Spirit to create faith within us, and we have Him. In the Lord’s Supper, He promises to feed and nourish us in His grace, and we receive the Bread of Life. When we pray, He promises to hear us— and He does. So, when I come to him as a mess, I can remember and be comforted by His promises. 

It’s true. We come to God as broken sinners, day after day and week after week, and He meets us with forgiveness, mercy, and grace. We come to Him as beggars, and He treats us as His Beloved Children. He is gracious. He does remember His promises. And what’s more? He forgets our sins! He covers our shame, guilt, and deadness—Jesus paid for that; it is gone. He keeps His promises and gives us His favor abundantly. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wait, then, in quiet confidence, Your anxious thoughts at rest. God knows your needs before you ask And works for what is best. (LSB 771:3) 

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 18, 2025

Today's Reading: Galatians 6:1-18

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:21-2:17; Galatians 6:1-18

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

This is a tough requirement. This is a ‘daily failure’ level of task. Well, not the first part. I would be all too happy to catch someone doing the wrong thing. That part is easy. Judging others, especially if they are doing worse actions than I am, is sinfully satisfying. Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. 

The tough part? Restoring him in a spirit of gentleness. Gentleness? Where’s the fun in that? I would much rather judge from my morally superior position and deign to offer guidance. And being reminded to watch myself against temptation? That doesn’t seem necessary— remember, I am the one judging… I’m above all that sin stuff. But then it continues to the impossible… bear one another’s burdens? Fulfill the law of Christ? I don’t want to be known like ‘she is.’ I don’t want to be caught spending time around ‘him.’ And yet. 

Dear redeemed sinner, these words are a gift. They remind us, who love to focus on ourselves, that we are actually here for one another— we are here for our neighbors. A friend or family member may be caught in sin; these words remind us that we get to love them and teach them as Jesus does for us. Jesus went to the cross, without sin, and paid for the sin of the whole world. He defeated sin, death, and the devil by rising again. That is the message we get to share. We tell the truth, sin is sin, and yet we do it as a fellow forgiven sinner. 

Community, family, and relationships with others are Gifts from a loving God. Interacting with sinners is hard, and yet it is a joyful burden. We get to live redeemed and forgiven. We get to be reminded that we are part of God’s family. God has more grace than you have sin; you get to be the one He uses to share that grace and mercy with others around you. Rejoice in your vocations even as your Lord and Savior rejoices that you are His Child. Share His mercy, grace, forgiveness, and love; not as a work, but as an outpouring of what you have received in your Baptism, in the Words of Absolution, in the Lord’s Supper, and through God’s daily care of you. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

God would not have the sinner die; His Son with saving grace is nigh; His Spirit in the Word declares How we in Christ are heaven’s heirs. (LSB 571:3) 

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 17, 2025

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

Daily Lectionary: 1 Samuel 1:1-20; Galatians 5:1-26

How can water do such great things? Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. (The Sacrament of Holy Baptism - Third)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Have you ever stopped to think about how intricately and delicately God created and sustains His creation and everything within it? Take water, for example. While I am not very smart in science, I remember that H2O means two hydrogen atoms with one oxygen atom. Any other combination is not water. It seems so simple, boring even. And yet, it is incredibly delicate and necessary that those two elements be present for something to be water. 

God has put unfathomable depth into the Gift of Baptism. Consider just the words quoted above; Baptism is water and God’s Word. We just discussed what makes water water. And we know that it is God Who created water, including the element of water. In Baptism, God is using a tangible element that He created for His creation. And, the power of Baptism is the Word of God. Who is the Word of God? St. John tells us that Jesus is the Word of God. So, we learn that Baptism is the combination of His created element, water, with the 2nd person of the Trinity: Jesus. We have the Father and the Son present in this. And yet! The explanation continues— it is the faith that trusts that Jesus (this word of God) is in the water! How are we given faith to believe and receive? Through the power of the Holy Spirit! Do you see it? In this simple, boring Gift, God gives us Himself: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

You matter. You have great value. You belong. How do I know? In Baptism, God names you as His Own: He marks you with His Name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. He sustains you in this identity. He continues to give you what you need for this body and life. In the Divine Service, you receive the words of Absolution: you are forgiven. In the Lord’s Supper, you receive Jesus’ Body and Blood for you. You have been redeemed, adopted, and covered with Christ. 

Water seems pretty boring. Baptism can look pretty boring. And yet, consider the intricacies and the intentionality with which God gives His Gifts— to you. He created and sustained the world— for you. He sent His perfect Son to die and rise again— for you. He gives you the Holy Spirit to create faith that clings to and rests in His hope. Take comfort in this promise for you. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

The gifts flow from the font Where He calls us His own; New life He gives that makes Us His and His alone. Here He forgives our sins With water and His Word; The triune God Himself Gives pow’r to call Him Lord. (LSB 602:2)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 16, 2025

Today's Reading: Galatians 4:12-31

Daily Lectionary: Judges 16:4-30; Judges 17:1-21:25; Galatians 4:12-31

“Have I then become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (Galatians 4:16)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Good news is fun to share. Compliments are fun to give. People tend to enjoy having you around when you say something nice or positive. And yet, it seems that when times of trials, sin, or struggles come along… people are less likely to enjoy hearing about that. “Don’t connect God’s Name to things He hasn’t said or hasn’t promised.” “Stop hurting your neighbor.” “Gossiping is lying.” “A baby is a gift from God.” “Marriage is a reflection of Jesus and His Church.” It seems as though the saying “don’t blame the messenger” does not apply when speaking what someone doesn’t want to hear. 

Paul, in this letter to churches in Galatia, is wondering at their treatment of him and his words; he suggests that they are seeing him as an ‘enemy’ now. What changed? Well, sin taints everything. The recipients of this letter, and we today, do not like hearing messages that hurt our feelings or speak against our favorite sins. And yet, look at what Paul says is the ‘reason’ the Galatians are treating him as an enemy… he is telling them the truth! But, what is The Truth? 

The Truth is you are not enough on your own; you are sinful, dead, and selfish. The Truth is, you are lost. And yet, there is more! The Truth is that you were rescued from your sinfulness and selfishness. The Truth is that in Baptism, you were brought to life, covered by Jesus, forgiven, and redeemed. The Truth is that you have a Savior, Jesus, Who paid for all of your sins and covers all of your hurts. The Truth is you are enough in Christ; You are in God’s family and are loved. 

So, why is this message (The Truth) not well received? We sinners love control and really would prefer to live by our own works. We, like the Galatians, want to mix a little of our own efforts with the Gospel of Jesus. We want to define, adjust, or decide what is right or wrong. 

Repent, dear forgiven sinner. The Truth of your sinfulness and your rescue is what we daily cling to and confess. Receive the message of your ‘sinner status’ with humility and rejoice that it is for sinners that Jesus died and rose again. Rest in your Baptism. Receive Jesus’ Body and Blood. Hear the Truth with joy. And when you are sharing the Truth with those around you, whether they receive or reject it, know that The Truth rests on Jesus and not on us (or others). It is with great assurance that we live in grace and speak to others with hope. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

He canceled my offenses, Delivered me from death; He is the Lord who cleanses My soul from sin through faith. In Him I can be cheerful, Courageous on my way; In Him I am not fearful Of God’s great Judgment Day. (LSB 724:3)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 15, 2025

Today's Reading: Colossians 1:1-14

Daily Lectionary: Judges 15:1-16:3; Galatians 3:23-4:11

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

“The domain of darkness.” What a chilling description. To be where there is no light. To be where there is no hope. To be where there is no life. What a horrible place to find oneself. The depth of evil and depravity would have no end. 

On our own, that is our only place to be. In the darkness is where sin, the devil, and death abide. As sinners, infected with the depraved Old Adam, we do not have or even want anything but darkness. And yet, there is great joy, hope, relief, and comfort in the rest of these verses: we have been transferred out! We have been snatched out of this hopeless, dark place and brought to the place with The Light! 

Before we get too proud about ‘transferring ourselves out,’ we remember that we were rescued from the darkness. We did not work for, assist with, or participate in being moved. This is a Gift. This new life, this ‘change of address,’ this forgiveness of sins came to us in water and The Word. It comes to us in the announced Absolution— our sins are forgiven. It comes to us in the Body and Blood of His Beloved Son. We rest and are covered by Jesus. We were transferred out of the darkness and into the Light by the only hope there is: Jesus, the Son of God, the Incarnate Word, the Savior of the World. 

God had a plan even before the foundation of the world to rescue and redeem you. He did not spare His Only Son, but sent Him into the darkness to bring you out of it. You now abide in the kingdom of God. You now live in The Light. You have been rescued, redeemed, named, and kept in Jesus. You, dear Baptized Child of God, are loved, forgiven, and given mercy. 

There will be moments of darkness in your life. For you still live in this sinful, broken world. You still daily battle the Old Adam even as the New Man, given to you in Baptism, desires the Light. And yet, even in these moments, you do not belong, nor do you live in the domain of darkness. You belong to the Light; you have been purchased and won by the Son of God. Even in moments of trial, cling to that hope. You are safe and redeemed in God’s kingdom. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

As true as God’s own Word is true, Not earth nor hell’s satanic crew Against us shall prevail. Their might? A joke, A mere facade! God is with us and we with God Our vict’ry cannot fail. (LSB 666:3)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 14, 2025 

Today's Reading: Leviticus (18:1-5) 19:9-18

Daily Lectionary: Judges 14:1-20; Galatians 3:1-22

“You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:10b)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

As you read these verses in Leviticus, perhaps you (like me) nod your head along with God’s commands: “Yes - that is absolutely the right thing to do! Leave some for the poor. Tell the truth. Pay fair wages. Great rules, I concur!” These rules (The Commandments) are great on paper. They are absolutely the right way to engage with those around us. Well, until I am one of the poor, or the outsider, or the deaf, or the blind… then I would rather be in control, thank you. I can *handle* this. I don’t need your or anyone’s help; I. Am. Fine. 

Do you ever find yourself automatically assuming the role of the ‘doer?’ You have, you don’t need. You understand, you aren’t confused. You give, needy ones receive. And yet, can you honestly say that you have never been the one in need? That you have never been the one ‘on the outside?’ 

Why is it so hard for us to admit that we are dependent and poor and lost and in need? 

God is giving rules to His people to curb their sinfulness, yet He is also showing mercy. The Ten Commandments are indeed gifts; these are listed in Leviticus and show us the vocational roles and the boundaries that we have with one another. Also, though, they connect to Who God is: “I am the LORD your God.” We have this God! We have this merciful, loving, providing, forgiving God! Even when I won’t admit my need, He fills it. Even when I think I am ‘in charge,’ He shows me I am not. How do I know? In Baptism, God takes the dead man and breathes new life. On Good Friday, Jesus declared, “It is finished” as He died the sinners’ death to redeem all of the world. Every Sunday, in the Divine Service, we hear, “I forgive you in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.” 

Sometimes, you might get to be the ‘doer’ who serves their neighbor and gives of what you have; thanks be to God. And sometimes, you will be the poor and the outsider in need of relief, sustenance, love, and forgiveness, and others will care for you; also, thanks be to God. In both cases, though, you are covered by and made new through your Savior Jesus; you are connected to our merciful and gracious God. Thanks be to God.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Oh, how great is Your compassion, Faithful Father, God of grace, That with all our fallen race In our depth of degradation You had mercy So that we Might be saved eternally! (LSB 559: 1)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 13, 2025

Today's Reading: Luke 10:25-37

Daily Lectionary: Judges 13:1-25; Ruth 1:1-4:22; Galatians 2:1-21

“And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test saying, ‘Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?’” (Luke 10:25)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Do you see it? Do you see how the lawyer already misstepped? 

I suppose we could start with how he *dares* to question Jesus, or that he wants to ‘put him to the test.’ But let’s talk about the biggest misstep of all—the one that all sinners make (including you and me). 

The lawyer’s question asks, “What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He, a sinner, thinks he can achieve eternal life. He, a sinner, thinks he can work hard enough or do enough to ‘earn’ it.   

The reality is, there is no amount of work that any sinner can do to get eternal life. This lawyer forgot, and we sinners routinely (daily) forget, that we are completely tainted with original sin. We have a condition. We have a death sentence. We have an incurable infection. No amount of work, attempts, or restarts is going to cure it. 

Even before the lawyer asked this question, he had it wrong. When we look at grace, mercy, forgiveness, or eternal life as ‘achievable’ or earned by our works, we have it wrong. We want a way to save ourselves; we, like the lawyer, want to justify ourselves and our good works. We want to control our destiny. 

Inheritances are received, usually by an heir, after someone’s death. Through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, His heirs, including you, receive eternal life. In Baptism, Jesus drowned the Old Adam and created a New Man; He killed the root of the original sin infection. In Baptism, He claims you as His. In Baptism, you receive forgiveness, life, rescue, and eternal life. You receive it! You don’t work for it! It is a Gift and it is yours! 

Dear redeemed sinner, the next time you might want to work for your salvation, or ask God for a chance to ‘work for your eternal life,’ repent. Make the sign of the cross. Remember your Baptism. Go to church and hear the Gospel. Receive Jesus’ Body and Blood given and shed for you. You are a Beloved child of God, named as one of His heirs; all that He has, He gives freely to you. 

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Lord Jesus Christ, in your deep compassion You rescue us from whatever may hurt us. Teach us to love You above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves; for You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (LSB Collect of the Day)

- Deac. Sarah Longmire, Bible study editor for Higher Things.

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

Step back in time to the late Reformation and learn about a divisive yet inspirational figure: Matthias Flacius Illyricus. His contributions to Lutheranism still echo in our teachings today, from the Magdeburg Confession to parts of the Lutheran Confessions. Learning about Flacius’s life will help you understand more intricacies of the Reformation than ever before.

July 12, 2025 

Today's Reading: Introit for Pentecost 5 - Psalm 136:23-26; antiphon: Psalm 136:1

Daily Lectionary: Judges 7:1-23; Judges 7:24-12:15; Galatians 1:1-24

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. 

Thanksgiving has become “turkey day” in the United States (or tofurkey day if you are vegetarian or vegan). Thanksgiving in Canada is in October (that’s different). Some people eat cranberry “stuff” from a can, and others make fresh cranberries (you will know them because they will tell you incessantly how good their fresh cranberries are). I would say that mashed potatoes are a must, but people differ in their love or hate of lumps in their mashed potatoes (even if they have never mashed a potato in their life). I could go on, but I won't. The only thing that we all agree on is that we are thankful when it is over. Dealing with family can be exhausting. Getting ready to go shopping on Black Friday can be even more exhausting. We gather together under the guise that we are thankful but really want to control the situation to our liking. We are thankful for things being our way. But that is not what God intends.

God intends for us to be thankful all the time, not just seasonally or when it suits us. God is good all the time, not sporadically or when He feels like it. God is good when the sun shines, and the rain falls. God is good when the temperature is above 100 degrees and when it is 20 below. God’s love is ours when we are at our best and when we are at our worst. We give thanks to God because He is good, not because good things are happening to us, and certainly not because we are good, because we are not good enough. 

So we give thanks to God on the good days and the bad. We give thanks to God then we are hungry and when we are full. We give thanks to God when we have no money and when we have plenty. We give thanks to God from the time we are born to the time we die because He is good. Eat turkey and give thanks. Celebrate Thanksgiving in October and give thanks. Eat whatever kind of cranberries and give thanks. Give thanks at Christmas, Easter, Veteran’s Day, and the 4th of July. Give thanks today because God is good.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Now thank we all our God with hearts and hands and voices, Who wondrous things has done in whom His world rejoices; Who from our mothers arms has blessed us on our way With countless gifts of love and still is ours today. (LSB 895:1)

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

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

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