Author: admin

September 11, 2024

Broadcast

                Seek First the Kingdom of God -- Part 3
                           1 Kings 17:12-14
                              09/11/2024


        12   And she said, ``As the LORD your God lives, I have
             nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar
             and a little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering
             a couple of sticks that I may go in and prepare it
             for myself and my son, that we may eat it and
             die.''
        13   And Elijah said to her, ``Do not fear; go and do
             as you have said. But first make me a little cake
             of it and bring it to me, and afterward make
             something for yourself and your son.
        14   For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, `The jar
             of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil
             shall not be empty, until the day that the LORD
             sends rain upon the earth.'''  (ESV)

        The prophet Elijah, trusting in God's promise to care for
   his needs through the hands of the widow in Zarephath, asked the
   woman to bring him water and a morsel of bread.
        And she said, ``As the LORD your God lives, I have
        nothing baked, only a handful of flour in a jar and a
        little oil in a jug. And now I am gathering a couple of
        sticks that I may go in and prepare it for myself and
        my son, that we may eat it and die.''  And Elijah said
        to her, ``Do not fear; go and do as you have said. But
        first make me a little cake of it and bring it to me,
        and afterward make something for yourself and your son.
        For thus says the LORD the God of Israel, `The jar of
        flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not
        be empty, until the day that the LORD sends rain upon
        the earth.'''


        The widow was at the end of her resources.  Due to the
   drought, due to the death of her husband, she had no ability to
   continue to feed her son or herself.  As a last act of
   desperation, she would bake a final loaf of bread, share it with
   her household, and quietly prepare to starve to death.

        Elijah called the widow to act in faith, to seek first the
   kingdom of God, to love the Lord and trust in Him above all
   things.  He told her of God's plan to preserve her and her
   family.

        May our Lord grant us faith to trust in His promises,
   especially as we are in times of trouble and distress.  Amen.

September 10, 2024

Broadcast

                Seek First the Kingdom of God -- Part 2
                           1 Kings 17:10-11
                              09/10/2024


        10   So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he
             came to the gate of the city, behold, a widow was
             there gathering sticks. And he called to her and
             said, ``Bring me a little water in a vessel, that
             I may drink.''
        11   And as she was going to bring it, he called to her
             and said, ``Bring me a morsel of bread in your
             hand.''  (ESV)

        During the reign of King Ahab in the northern kingdom of
   Israel, around 850 years before the birth of Jesus, God caused a
   drought in the land to cause the nation to repent, turn from the
   false gods who could not provide for the people, and return to
   Him.  During the early part of the drought, which lasted three
   years, God provided food and water to Elijah in the wilderness.
   Later, God instructed Elijah to go to Zarephath where a widow
   would care for his needs.

        So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to
        the gate of the city, behold, a widow was there
        gathering sticks. And he called to her and said,
        ``Bring me a little water in a vessel, that I may
        drink.''  And as she was going to bring it, he called
        to her and said, ``Bring me a morsel of bread in your
        hand.''


        Elijah did as God directed.  Hungry and thirsty, he found
   the widow just as God had promised.  He made a reasonable request
   for water and food.

        God does indeed provide our daily bread, that which we need
   to sustain this body and life.  He works through means, through
   people, through the dignity of labor, through the generosity of
   friends, family, neighbors, and strangers.  Elijah recognized
   this, even as he recognized the person through whom God would
   provide food and drink.

        May our Lord grant that we recognize His rich blessings,
   that He strengthen us to serve Him by serving our neighbors.
   Amen.

September 9, 2024

Broadcast

                Seek First the Kingdom of God -- Part 1
                            1 Kings 17:8-9
                              09/09/2024


        8    Then the word of the LORD came to him,
        9    ``Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon,
             and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow
             there to feed you.''  (ESV)

        For the past several weeks, the Bible readings we use at
   Trinity Lutheran Church reflect God's Word as given through
   Moses: ``Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  You
   shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all
   your soul and with all your might.''[1] The parable of the Good
   Samaritan built on a question about this verse, while the account
   of the thankful Samaritan leper is a practical application of
   this verse.

        Our Gospel reading this week included the words of Jesus, a
   paraphrase of God's directive given through Moses: ``But seek
   first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these
   things will be added to you.''[2] Our Old Testament lesson this
   week is another practical example of the faith which trusts in
   God to provide what we need to sustain this body and life.  It is
   the story of Elijah and a widow who lived in the Phoenician town
   of Zarephath.  It is the story of the widow's faith and God
   providing for her and her household during a great drought.

        Then the word of the LORD came to [Elijah], ``Arise, go
        to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there.
        Behold, I have commanded a widow there to feed you.''


        When we pray, ``give us this day our daily bread,'' we do so
   knowing that our heavenly Father provides all we need to support
   this body and life.  Time and again we hear of people who have
   lost everything due to fire or flood or storm, get have immediate
   comfort and aid.  This week's Old Testament lesson is an example
   of the Father's love and the faith which trusts in Him.

        May our Lord grant us grace to hear and believe His merciful
   promises.  Amen.
   ____________________

   1. Deuteronomy 6:4-5 (ESV)
   2. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

September 6, 2024

Broadcast

                           Wisdom -- Part 5
                           Proverbs 4:18-19
                              09/06/2024


        18   But the path of the righteous is like the light of
             dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until
             full day.
        19   The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they
             do not know over what they stumble.  (ESV)

        One ancient service in the Church begins:
        Jesus Christ is the Light of the World, the light no
        darkness can overcome.

        Stay with us, Lord, for it is evening, and the day is
        almost over.

        Let Your Light scatter the darkness and illumine Your
        Church.

        Joyous light of glory: of the immortal Father;
        heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ.


        We pray that the light of God's grace, love, and mercy shine
   in our hearts to chase away the gloom of this world.  King
   Solomon used this same image:
        But the path of the righteous is like the light of
        dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full
        day.  The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they
        do not know over what they stumble.


        ``The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,''[5]
   Solomon taught.  Wisdom brings us the light of truth, that our
   heavenly Father sent His only begotten Son to take upon Himself
   our sins.  Because of the death and resurrection of Jesus, we
   have the hope of eternal life.

        Please join us at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday morning
   at 9:00 a.m. to learn more of God's grace and love.  May our Lord
   bless you with wisdom.  Amen.
   ____________________

   5. Proverbs 1:7

September 5, 2024

Broadcast

                           Wisdom -- Part 4
                           Proverbs 4:16-17
                              09/05/2024


        16   For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong;
             they are robbed of sleep unless they have made
             someone stumble.
        17   For they eat the bread of wickedness and drink the
             wine of violence.  (ESV)

        Both King David and King Solomon wrote: ``The fear of the
   LORD is the beginning of wisdom.''[4] Each one taught his
   children, each one taught you and I, the importance of seeking
   first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.  Both taught of
   the blessing of hope which comes from trusting in the one true
   God above all things.

        Solomon gives a warning to stay on the path of
   righteousness, not to walk in the way of the wicked.  He is
   telling us the truth about those who do not respect the Word of
   God.
        For they cannot sleep unless they have done wrong; they
        are robbed of sleep unless they have made someone
        stumble.  For they eat the bread of wickedness and
        drink the wine of violence.


        Solomon, writing 3,000 years ago, is telling us about the
   things we see in the news today.  Look at the violence and crime
   in our cities, the problems caused by our greed and selfishness
   even in rural towns and villages.  We don't need to hear of the
   escalating wars in the Ukraine or Israel.  We can see death and
   destruction as we drive in the neighborhoods of Minneapolis and
   Chicago and New York.

        God, through His Word, calls us to fear, love, and trust in
   Him above all things.  The summation of the commandments is love,
   both for God and for our neighbor.  As we seek first His kingdom
   and righteousness, we also reflect his love in our dealings with
   others.

        May our Lord grant us wisdom to remain firmly in His Word,
   to trust in His mercy, and to walk in the way of righteousness.
   Amen.









   ____________________

   4. Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10

September 4, 2024

Broadcast

                           Wisdom -- Part 3
                           Proverbs 4:14-15
                              09/04/2024


        14   Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not
             walk in the way of the evil.
        15   Avoid it; do not go on it; turn away from it and
             pass on.  (ESV)

        One year our youngest daughter gave me a magnet for Father's
   Day.  There on the refrigerator are words of wisdom, ``Life does
   not come with an instruction book.  That is why we have dads.''

        Solomon was a dad teaching his children, desiring that they
   listen to him so to keep themselves out of trouble.  He pleaded
   with them to listen to the words of wisdom, and spoke of the
   benefits of fearing, loving, and trusting in God above all
   things.

        He also warned them of the problems if they ignored this
   lesson.
        Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in
        the way of the evil.  Avoid it; do not go on it; turn
        away from it and pass on.


        If the fear of the LORD, if walking in the paths of
   righteousness bring the comfort of knowing God's love, then
   straying from that path brings sorrow, pain, and death.
   Following God gives us the comfort of knowing His love and mercy.
   We know, in spite of the worst that the devil, the world, and our
   own selfish desires may say, that we have the comfort of the hope
   of everlasting life.  If we turn from Him, we are confronted with
   the reality that we are without help and without hope.

        May our Lord turn our hearts to follow the teaching of
   Solomon, to seek wisdom and the fear of the LORD above all
   things.  Amen.

September 3, 2024

Broadcast

                           Wisdom -- Part 2
                           Proverbs 4:12-13
                              09/03/2024


        12   When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and
             if you run, you will not stumble.
        13   Keep hold of instruction; do not let go; guard
             her, for she is your life.  (ESV)

        King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, desired the
   best for his children.  He taught them that the ``fear of the
   LORD is the beginning of wisdom.''[2] He pleaded with them to
   listen to his words of wisdom, to take to heart the truth of
   God's rich grace, love, and mercy.  Solomon was well aware of the
   promise once given to Adam and Eve, once passed from Abraham to
   Isaac to Jacob and to the children of Israel that God would send
   a Redeemer to pay the price of the sins of all people.  Solomon
   passed this truth to his sons and daughters.

        What is the benefit of Solomon's teaching?
        When you walk, your step will not be hampered, and if
        you run, you will not stumble.  Keep hold of
        instruction; do not let go; guard her, for she is your
        life.


        Jesus made the same promise to those whom He taught.  ``But
   seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all
   these things will be added to you.''[3]

        The wise person trusts in the Triune God, Father, Son, and
   Holy Spirit, not out of compulsion, but out of love.  God calls
   us to Himself through the revelation of His Word, longing to be
   loving and gracious to us.  Those who hear Him are eternally
   blessed.

        May our Lord grant us faith to learn of His mercy and to
   love Him above all things.  Amen.
   ____________________

   2. Proverbs 1:7

   3. Matthew 6:33 (ESV)

September 2, 2024

Broadcast

                           Wisdom -- Part 1
                           Proverbs 4:10-11
                              09/02/2024


        10   Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years
             of your life may be many.
        11   I have taught you the way of wisdom; I have led
             you in the paths of uprightness.  (ESV)

        What is wisdom?  That is the question for this week as we
   look at the words written by King Solomon to his sons.  Both King
   David and King Solomon wrote: ``The fear of the LORD is the
   beginning of wisdom.''[1] Both of these mighty kings desired the
   same thing, namely that their children understand the importance
   of knowing the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
   Because of his love for his sons, Solomon pleaded:
        Hear, my son, and accept my words, that the years of
        your life may be many.  I have taught you the way of
        wisdom; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.


        What is the fear of the LORD?  Is it terror caused by seeing
   His power and might?  Is it trembling at the condemnation we
   deserve because we have sinned against Him in thought, word, and
   deed?  Is it the realization that we cannot be assured of life as
   we conform ourselves to the devil or the world?  Certainly that
   is one sort of fear, which is caused by the stark reality of
   God's holy law.  But David and Solomon were not talking of that
   fear, but of respect and reverence for God because He is truly
   merciful and loving.  The fear of the LORD comes from knowing
   that we are His creation, that He cares for us, and He desires
   that we be part of His family forever.

        David and Solomon are telling us of the response of faith
   that we have when we learn of God's gracious love and mercy.
   Their instruction points us to Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and
   rose again for our salvation from sin and eternal death.

        May our Lord grant us the faith which fears Him, which holds
   Him in reverence and high esteem because of His grace.  Amen.      
____________________

   1. Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 9:10

August 30, 2024

Broadcast

                            Mercy -- Part 5
                          2 Chronicles 28:16
                              08/30/2024


        15   And the men who have been mentioned by name rose
             and took the captives, and with the spoil they
             clothed all who were naked among them. They
             clothed them, gave them sandals, provided them
             with food and drink, and anointed them, and
             carrying all the feeble among them on donkeys,
             they brought them to their kinsfolk at Jericho,
             the city of palm trees. Then they returned to
             Samaria.  (ESV)

        Two thousand seven hundred years ago, the prophet Oded and
   the princes of the kingdom of Israel called for mercy to be shown
   to the captives of a raid on the kingdom of Judah.  Two hundred
   thousand men, women, and children had been captured and taken to
   Samaria to be enslaved.

        The army who had brought the captives to Samaria listened to
   the Word of God and the princes, repented, and entrusted the
   captives to the men who called for mercy.
        And the men who have been mentioned by name rose and
        took the captives, and with the spoil they clothed all
        who were naked among them. They clothed them, gave them
        sandals, provided them with food and drink, and
        anointed them, and carrying all the feeble among them
        on donkeys, they brought them to their kinsfolk at
        Jericho, the city of palm trees. Then they returned to
        Samaria.


        God calls us to be merciful, to love our neighbors as
   ourselves.  This is impossible by our own reason and strength
   because we are by nature sinful, we are by nature selfish, we are
   by nature power-hungry.  Yet God, in His mercy, has sent His
   only-begotten Son to pay the price of our sin, to redeem us from
   the powers of this world, and to give us everlasting life.  As we
   confess our sin, as we are showered with God's grace and love,
   like Oded the prophet and the princes of Israel, we will desire
   to reflect God's mercy in this world.

        Where do we learn of God's mercy?  He graciously has given
   us the Church to proclaim His love, to bring us the forgiveness
   of our sins, and to comfort us when we are distressed.  Please
   join us on Sunday morning at Trinity Lutheran Church as we gather
   at 9:00 a.m. to receive God's rich gifts of grace and mercy.  May
   our Lord grant you peace.  Amen.

August 29, 2024

Broadcast

                            Mercy -- Part 4
                          2 Chronicles 28:14
                              08/29/2024


        14   So the armed men left the captives and the spoil
             before the princes and all the assembly.  (ESV)

        This week we are talking about mercy, the compassion shown
   to those who are in distress and need.  Mercy certainly includes
   love and forgiveness, the acceptance that each person is a unique
   individual who needs to be treated with kindness.

        The northern kingdom of Israel, about 740 years before the
   birth of Jesus Christ, had plundered the southern kingdom of
   Judah.  As the victorious army brought two hundred thousand
   captives to Samaria with the intent to enslave them, the prophet
   Oded and several prominent leaders stopped this atrocity.  Oded
   that the leaders called for mercy.

        ``So the armed men left the captives and the spoil before
   the princes and all the assembly.''  The army, seeing the great
   harm they were about to inflict, repented of their sin and acted
   with kindness.  As warriors, the army knew they were not able to
   properly care for these captives.  Therefore, those who called
   for mercy accepted the responsibility for returning the captives
   to their homes.

        In this election season, where tensions run high, where
   opinions are loudly expressed, we are tempted to divide this
   nation in the same way the kingdom of David and Solomon was
   divided.  Yet, in the heat of the moment, can we show love,
   respect, and mercy to those with whom we disagree?  Can we allow
   each person to express their opinion, knowing that all have
   sinned against God and neighbor, thus need the forgiveness
   offered by Christ Jesus?  This incident which happened almost
   2,800 years ago is also a call for us to love each other, show
   mercy, and repent of our own sins.

        May our Lord grant us the wisdom and strength to hear His
   Word, to know of His mercy, and to reflect His grace to each
   other.  Amen.