Category: Moments of Meditation

July 10, 2024

Broadcast

                      Ten Commandments -- Part 3
                            Exodus 20:7-11
                              07/10/2024


        7    You shall not take the name of the LORD your God
             in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless
             who takes his name in vain.
        8    Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
        9    Six days you shall labor, and do all your work,
        10   but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your
             God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your
             son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your
             female servant, or your livestock, or the
             sojourner who is within your gates.
        11   For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth,
             the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the
             seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the
             Sabbath day and made it holy.  (ESV)

        This week we are looking at the Ten Commandments.  Often we
   speak of the two tablets of the Law.  The first tablet is our
   relationship to God, the second our relationship to each other.

        If we truly fear, love, and trust in the Triune God above
   all things, how should we act?  God said: ``You shall not take
   the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold
   him guiltless who takes his name in vain.''  Therefore, we use
   His name properly, to praise Him, to pray to Him, and to give
   thanks for His goodness.

        As we fear, love, and trust in God above all things, we take
   seriously His invitation to come into His presence to receive His
   gifts of love, grace, and mercy.  Therefore God also said:
        Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.  Six days
        you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh
        day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall
        not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter,
        your male servant, or your female servant, or your
        livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates.
        For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the
        sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh
        day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and
        made it holy.


        In this way, God cares for both our bodies and our souls.
   Our bodies rest while our souls are refreshed by hearing how He
   loves us enough to send His Son to redeem us from sin and death.

        May our Lord grant us the will to call upon Him and to hear
   His Word for our eternal benefit.  Amen.

July 9, 2024

Broadcast

                      Ten Commandments -- Part 2
                            Exodus 20:1-5a
                              07/09/2024


        1    And God spoke all these words, saying,
        2    ``I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of
             the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
        3    You shall have no other gods before me.''
        4    You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or
             any likeness of anything that is in heaven above,
             or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the
             water under the earth.
        5    You shall not bow down to them or serve them.''
             (ESV)

        When the children of Israel escaped from slavery in Egypt,
   they were led through the wilderness by a pillar of cloud by day
   and a pillar of fire by night.  Shortly after leaving Egypt, they
   came to Mount Sinai where God spoke directly to Moses.
        And God spoke all these words, saying, ``I am the LORD
        your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out
        of the house of slavery.  You shall have no other gods
        before me.''


        The sin of Adam and Eve was the desire to be like God, to
   replace Him.  We see how that worked out for everyone.  By
   looking to ourselves as our own god, we cause great dissension,
   wars, and violence.  In love God calls us to look outside
   ourselves, to fear, love, and trust in Him above all things.

        Not only do we become our own false god, but we place
   objects before Him.  God warned each of us of the danger of
   trusting in things rather than Him.
        You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any
        likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that
        is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under
        the earth.  You shall not bow down to them or serve
        them.


        God taught us that the things we create cannot support us in
   times of strife and trouble.

        May our Lord grant us faith to trust in the Creator rather
   than in things created.  Amen.

July 8, 2024

Broadcast

                      Ten Commandments -- Part 1
                             Exodus 20:1-3
                              07/08/2024


        1    And God spoke all these words, saying,
        2    ``I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of
             the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.
        3    You shall have no other gods before me.''  (ESV)

        Last month the governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, signed a
   law that requires the display of the Ten Commandments in every
   public school classroom beginning in 2025.  In addition, the
   poster-sized display will have four paragraphs describing how the
   Ten Commandments were a prominent part of American public
   education for almost three centuries.[1]

        This week's Old Testament lesson are the Ten Commandments.
   We believe, teach, and confess that God had these Commandments
   engraved on stone, not to limit our freedom, but to teach us how
   to live in harmony with both God and neighbor.  Jesus summarized
   the Ten Commandments:
        You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
        and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is
        the great and first commandment.  And a second is like
        it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.[2]


        As we study the Ten Commandments, we realize that any law
   serves three purposes.  The first is to curb antisocial and
   harmful behavior.  The second is to show us where we have failed.
   The third is a guide to show us how to best live in peace with
   each other.

        This week we will look at this controversial, yet so
   important, gift from God, a gift that helps us love Him and serve
   our neighbor.

        May our Lord grant you His richest blessings.  Amen.
   ____________________

   1. https://apnews.com/article/louisiana-ten-commandments-
      displayed-classrooms-571a2447906f7bbd5a166d53db005a62

   2. Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

July 5, 2024

Broadcast

                        Still Small Voice -- Part 4
                          1 Kings 19:13-14,18
                              07/05/2024


        13   And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in
             his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance
             of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him
             and said, ``What are you doing here, Elijah?''
        14   He said, ``I have been very jealous for the LORD,
             the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have
             forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars,
             and killed your prophets with the sword, and I,
             even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to
             take it away.'' ...
        18   [And the LORD said to Him,] ``Yet I will leave
             seven thousand in Israel, all the knees that have
             not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not
             kissed him.''  (ESV)

        The prophet Elijah, who was fleeing from Queen Jezebel,
   heard the voice of God.
        And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his
        cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the
        cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said,
        ``What are you doing here, Elijah?''  He said, ``I have
        been very jealous for the LORD, the God of hosts. For
        the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant,
        thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with
        the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek
        my life, to take it away.'' ...  [And the LORD said to
        Him,] ``Yet I will leave seven thousand in Israel, all
        the knees that have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth
        that has not kissed him.''


        With awe and reverence we hear the Word of God.  He hears
   our complaints, He strengthens us with His Word and sacraments.
   He assures us of His love, grace, and mercy as we learn of Christ
   Jesus.  The still small voice gives us calm reassurance, ``Your
   sins are forgiven because Jesus died and rose again for your
   salvation.''

        You won't find earthquakes or wind or fire or great
   theatrical productions at Trinity Lutheran Church as you join us
   at 9:00 a.m. each Sunday morning.  You will hear the still small
   voice of God saying, ``You are my beloved child, to whom I give
   the gift of eternal life because of My grace, love, and mercy.''

        Please join us as we continue to learn the truth of God's
   Word and receive His gift of life everlasting.  Amen.

July 4, 2024

Broadcast

                         Prayer for the Nation
                            1 Timothy 2:1-2
                              07/04/2024


        1    First of all, then, I urge that supplications,
             prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made
             for all people,
        2    for kings and all who are in high positions, that
             we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
             dignified in every way.  (ESV)

        Saint Paul wrote:
        First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers,
        intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all
        people, for kings and all who are in high positions,
        that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and
        dignified in every way.


        On this Independence Day, it is fitting, therefore, to offer
   the prayer once delivered by George Washington:
        Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt
        keep the United States in Thy holy protection, that
        Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to
        cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to
        government, and entertain a brotherly affection and
        love for one another and for their fellow citizens of
        the United States at large.

             And Finally that Thou wilt most graciously be
        pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy,
        and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility,
        and pacific temper of mind which were the
        characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed
        religion, and without an humble imitation of whose
        example in these things, we can never hope to be a
        happy nation.

             Grant our supplication, be beseech Thee, through
        Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen.
   ____________________

      Written at Newburg, June 8, 1783, and sent to the Governors of
      all the States.  From 1942 Armed Forces hymnal.

July 3, 2024

Broadcast

                      Still Small Voice -- Part 3
                           1 Kings 19:11-12
                              07/03/2024


        11   And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount
             before the LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by,
             and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and
             broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the
             LORD was not in the wind.  And after the wind an
             earthquake, but the LORD was not in the
             earthquake.
        12   And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was
             not in the fire.  And after the fire the sound of
             a low whisper.  (ESV)

        The prophet Elijah, who was fleeing from Queen Jezebel,
   heard the voice of God.
        And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount before the
        LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and
        strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the
        rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the
        wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD
        was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a
        fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the
        fire the sound of a low whisper.


        Where do we find God?  Do we need to go on a pilgrimage into
   the mountains, to a secluded cave, to find Him?  Do we need to
   lock ourselves into a barren room to contemplate His goodness, to
   discover Him in our deepest thoughts?  Do we need to perform
   mighty deeds of strength and valor to attract His attention so
   that He will listen to us?

        We do not find God, He seeks us out.  He comes to us in His
   holy Word, the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, which were
   written for our redemption.  He comes to us as an infant born in
   a stable, crucified as a criminal, yet resurrected and alive
   forever.  He comes to us in the water of Baptism, in the bread
   and wine of the Lord's Supper where He gives us His body and
   blood.  He comes to us in the words of absolution, ``Depart in
   peace, your sins are forgiven for the sake of Christ Jesus.''

        May our Lord find us, and may we respond in faith to His
   great mercy and love.  Amen.

July 2, 2024

Broadcast

                      Still Small Voice -- Part 2
                           1 Kings 19:11-12
                              07/02/2024


        11   And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount
             before the LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by,
             and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and
             broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the
             LORD was not in the wind.  And after the wind an
             earthquake, but the LORD was not in the
             earthquake.
        12   And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was
             not in the fire.  And after the fire the sound of
             a low whisper.  (ESV)

        Elijah the prophet was hiding from Queen Jezebel.  Earlier
   he had demonstrated to the children of Israel that the LORD God
   was the one true God by asking God to bring fire from the sky to
   consume a burnt offering.  The prophets of Ba'al, an idol, failed
   at the same task.  Because the people who witnessed this display
   of God's power killed the prophets of Ba'al, Jezebel vowed to
   have Elijah executed.

        So Elijah ran and hid.  While in seclusion, God spoke to
   him.
        And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount before the
        LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and
        strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the
        rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the
        wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD
        was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a
        fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the
        fire the sound of a low whisper.


        We talk of God's alien work and God's proper work.  God's
   alien work is punishing sin, displaying His power over all of
   creation, and bringing terror to those who reject Him.  His
   proper work is showing grace, love, and mercy to all sinners who
   repent, who do not reject His offer of forgiveness.

        God was not found in the wind or the earthquake or the fire.
   Those are evidence of His alien work, His work of condemnation.
   He was found in the low whisper, in the still small voice which
   brings comfort and not fear.

        May our Lord grant us His richest comfort as we hear His
   Word as given to us in the Bible.  Amen.

July 1, 2024

Broadcast

                      Still Small Voice -- Part 1
                           1 Kings 19:11-12
                              07/01/2024


        11   And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount
             before the LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by,
             and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and
             broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the
             LORD was not in the wind.  And after the wind an
             earthquake, but the LORD was not in the
             earthquake.
        12   And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was
             not in the fire.  And after the fire the sound of
             a low whisper.  (ESV)

        We like things big and flashy.  Although you can buy a good
   new car for $25,000, the average is twice that amount.  Watching
   our 80 inch television screens, we see advertisements for cruises
   on ships that hold 5,000 or more passengers with massive theaters
   and theme parks onboard.  Our smartphones are the latest
   technology from Apple, because who would want something as
   mundane as an Android?

        This tendency shows up as we look for evidence of God.  In
   this week's Old Testament lesson, Elijah was fleeing from Queen
   Jezebel and was hiding in a cave on Mount Horeb.  There God spoke
   to him.
        And he said, ``Go out and stand on the mount before the
        LORD.'' And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and
        strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the
        rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the
        wind.  And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD
        was not in the earthquake.  And after the earthquake a
        fire, but the LORD was not in the fire.  And after the
        fire the sound of a low whisper.


        When you look for a church home, what is the most important
   thing you wish to find?  Is it a coffee bar in the narthex, or a
   live band, or a great light show?  Or is it the voice of God,
   sometimes a whisper, always hidden from our view?

        This week we will explore how God is hidden in the common
   things of this world, yet is the Almighty Creator.

        May our Lord grant you His richest blessings.  Amen.

June 28, 2024

Broadcast

                        Repaying Evil -- Part 5
                           Genesis 50:19-21
                              06/28/2024


        19   But Joseph said to them, ``Do not fear, for am I
             in the place of God?
        20   As for you, you meant evil against me, but God
             meant it for good, to bring it about that many
             people should be kept alive, as they are today.
        21   So do not fear; I will provide for you and your
             little ones.''  Thus he comforted them and spoke
             kindly to them.  (ESV)

        This week we have been looking at the account in Genesis of
   Joseph, the prince of Egypt, forgiving his brothers.  That
   forgiveness was not earned by his brothers, it was a gift.
   Joseph told them:
        But Joseph said to them, ``Do not fear, for am I in the
        place of God?  As for you, you meant evil against me,
        but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many
        people should be kept alive, as they are today.''  So
        do not fear; I will provide for you and your little
        ones.''  Thus he comforted them and spoke kindly to
        them.


        There are two lessons we find from this story.  First, if we
   confess our sins, God will forgive them for the sake of the
   innocent suffering and death of Jesus Christ.  Even as Jesus
   burst forth from the tomb, so are we loosened from the bonds of
   death which are the result of sin.

        Second, even when we are sinned against, God will use this
   as a blessing.  We may not see that blessing, but we trust that
   His Word is true, that His love extends completely over those for
   whom His Son died.

        Come to Trinity Lutheran Church each Sunday at 9:00 a.m. to
   hear more of this incredible and unbelievable love that God has
   richly poured out upon you.  Come and hear that, for the sake of
   Jesus, you are declared holy in God's sight.  Because you are
   God's child, He does comfort you in every trial.

        May our Lord continue to bless and keep you.  Amen.

June 27, 2024

Broadcast

                        Repaying Evil -- Part 4
                           Genesis 50:19-20
                              06/27/2024


        19   But Joseph said to them, ``Do not fear, for am I
             in the place of God?
        20   As for you, you meant evil against me, but God
             meant it for good, to bring it about that many
             people should be kept alive, as they are today.''
             (ESV)

        A bit less than 2000 years before the birth of Jesus, during
   a great famine, the Jewish patriarch, Jacob, and his family moved
   to Egypt.  Several years earlier, Joseph, one of Jacob's sons,
   had declared that in some future date both his father and
   brothers would bow before him.  For this prideful statement, and
   because of jealousy, the brothers sold Joseph into slavery.

        It came to pass, after being falsely accused of adultery,
   Joseph was imprisoned.  Eventually, because he could interpret
   Pharaoh's dream about the coming famine, Joseph became the second
   highest ruler in Egypt.  Indeed, his father and brothers did bow
   to him.

        But now Jacob was dead, and the brothers, fearing
   retribution for their past evil towards Joseph, confessed their
   guilt, expecting severe punishment.
        But Joseph said to them, ``Do not fear, for am I in the
        place of God?  As for you, you meant evil against me,
        but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many
        people should be kept alive, as they are today.''


        Had Joseph sinned against his brothers?  Yes, the sin of
   pride.  Did his brothers sin?  Yes, attempted murder.  Yet,
   Joseph repented and was forgiven.  Joseph gave the same
   forgiveness, complete and without conditions, to his brothers.

        ``Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass
   against us.''  Our prayer is to forgive in the way Joseph
   forgave, the way that God forgives us, full and complete pardon
   without conditions.

        May our Lord grant us the desire to forgive as we have been
   forgiven.  Amen.