Reflections

March 6, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 8:1-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 24:32-52, 61-67; Genesis 25:1-26:35; Mark 8:1-21“And his disciples answered him, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?’” (Mark 8:4)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.We can be so forgetful when it comes to our Lord’s compassion towards us, can’t we? We’re not alone! What good company we have with the disciples! They got forgetful, too. Only two chapters earlier, the Lord fed five thousand men plus women and children using five loaves and two fish. Now in Mark 8, the disciples are faced with four thousand growling stomachs. No McDonald’s or Applebee's in sight! Whatever shall they do? Jesus gives them the situation. “‘I have compassion on the crowd, because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat. And if I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way. And some of them have come from far away.’ And his disciples answered him, ‘How can one feed these people with bread here in this desolate place?’” (Mark 8:2-4) They were looking at the One who could and would feed these folks, but they got tripped up by the bigness of their need and fear.We, like the disciples, so often look at the bigness of our needs and fears and forget that there’s One who is bigger than our needs and fears! That One is Jesus, of course. Let’s fix our eyes on Him. His generosity knows no bounds! His compassion is for all! For you! For me! Compassion for Jesus is not just a feeling! Whenever Jesus has compassion in His Ministry, He does! He provides! He acts! His compassion produces action. We see His compassion for a scared-and-scarred World when He died for it. He gave everything He had on the Cross for you and me—every drop of blood to have us as His own. We belong to Him. Baptized in His Name, we lack nothing! More forgiveness than sin! More peace than anxiety! More life than death! Because Jesus has taken care of our biggie-salvation-needs, He’ll take care of our smaller, everyday needs as well. We’re reminded of this every time we eat and drink His Body and Blood. The Lord’s Supper fixes our eyes on the One who is compassionate towards us, feeding us food that fills us with His unending life. With the Lord, we lack nothing here in time and there in eternity. He will provide what we need for this body and life. Compassion is who He is and what He does for you.    In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead, Ev’ry day and hour supplying All my need. (LSB 729:4)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

March 5, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: Eighth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Genesis 24:1-31; Mark 7:24-37“We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.” (Luther’s meaning for the Eighth Commandment)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The Eighth Commandment! Thanks be to God for this commandment and Luther’s explanation! After all, the tongue can be so destructive. It’s teeny-tiny and yet can go scorched earth on a person’s life, as James reminds us: “So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6) Every one of us has had those moments when we stayed silent as gossip was shared, when we were delighted to share the faults and failures of others, when we embellished a story to make ourselves look better, or when we lied about someone to turn people against them. We have used our tongues as a wrecking ball. Reputations turned into rubble. Friendships fractured. Relationships ruined.  Repent! All of us! Return to the Lord, for He is gracious and merciful! Go to His called and ordained man who uses his tongue to speak that passion-purchased pardon into our ears! “You are forgiven all for Jesus’ sake!” Those words cover all the bad our tongues have done. What Good News that Christ only speaks well of you and me! Forgives us all sins! Defends us from every accusation from Slithery Serpent Satan! Yes, Jesus is no adversary like Satan but our Advocate! Before the Father, He continually pleads for us, showing the Father the very wounds that won peace! Peace with God! Peace with one another! Having been forgiven, we now strive to live at peace with all. Yes, our tongues have been set free to defend our neighbor, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way. We now have the joy of imitating Jesus, who is our Advocate. Keep your eyes open every day for those opportunities to be an advocate to and for your neighbor. And when you sin with your tongue, what joy to hear once again Christ’s forgiveness from the lips of your pastor.      In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Bear no false witness nor defame Your neighbor nor destroy his name, But view him in the kindest way; Speak truth in all that you say.” Have mercy, Lord! (LSB 581:9)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

March 4, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 7:1-23Daily Lectionary: Genesis 22:1-19; Mark 7:1-23“And he said, ‘What comes out of a person is what defiles him.’” (Mark 7:20)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The topic of food can get complicated these days with all of the diets out there: keto, carnivore, Mediterranean, vegetarian, gluten-free, etc. In Jesus’ day, food was a controversial topic. Lines were drawn in the sand. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. There was a food fight going on, so to speak. Certain foods were deemed “clean” and therefore okay to consume, while other foods were considered defiled and dirtied, leaving a person ritually unclean and unable to worship at the Temple. Jesus stops the food fight when He says, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” (Mark 7:14b-15) The disciples have a tough time with this. It’s not what their Jewish mothers taught them. They would’ve been well aware of the clean/unclean categories. Jesus rocks their world when He tells them that food can’t defile anyone. Every bite passes the heart and is expelled. Jesus declares all foods clean! So then what makes a person defiled and dirty?Food isn’t the real problem since the heart of the problem is the human heart! And he said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles him. For from within, out of the heart of man, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, coveting, wickedness, deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, pride, foolishness. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.” (Mark 7:20-23) No one gets away guilt-free from that list! Ouch! Leaves us all realizing that we have had thoughts, words, and actions that defile and dirty us. We’re all in the same boat. We confess together, “I, a poor, miserable sinner!” Dirty and defiled, we deserve damnation! Thanks be to God, we get what we don’t deserve! Grace upon grace! Jesus is the One who defiles and dirties Himself! He touches the unclean leper, lifts up the unclean dead, eats and drinks with unclean sinners and tax collectors. He takes upon Himself the dirt and defilement that damns! He bears our sins to die our death! Yes, He cries out those words of abandonment that we’ll never have to speak: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34). The Temple curtain is torn from top to bottom. The way to the Father is open to all through that godforsaken death on Good Friday. His blood cleanses us from all sin. “Take, drink, this is My blood shed for you for the forgiveness of all your sins.” There is food that sprinkles our hearts clean. Take, drink!       In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Mine is the sin, but Thine the righteousness; Mine is the guilt, but Thine the cleansing blood; Here is my robe, my refuge, and my peace: Thy blood, Thy righteousness, O Lord my God. (LSB 631:5)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

March 3, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-7 or Romans 5:1-5Daily Lectionary: Genesis 21:1-21; Mark 6:35-56“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Through! What a tiny preposition, but that preposition is Good News for you! Paul states that “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1b) Peace with God is not through our brains and brawn, our achievements and accomplishments, our degrees and pedigrees, likes and looks. Peace with God is not even through how good we are as Lutherans or how good we have Luther’s Small Catechism memorized. Although it’s not a bad idea to store those words in your heart. Peace with God is through our Lord Jesus Christ. Period. No one or nothing else. The Jesus who lived the perfect life we couldn’t live. The Jesus who died the godforsaken death we deserved to die. The Jesus who was raised for our justification. Yes, you are justified–declared enough–all for Jesus’ sake! This is Good News that’s out of this World for everyone in this World! We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ! There’s more! Always more with the Good News! It’s no trickle of Good News but an endless gushing fountain! Paul tells us that “through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand.” (Romans 5:2a) His grace and not our grit got us into God’s House! What undeserved kindness and favor from God our heavenly Father! You need not doubt what God thinks of you. By faith in Jesus, you stand in God’s House as His beloved Child. Your Baptism assures you of this. Paul encourages us to remain in the Father’s House, a house that has grace as the floor, ceiling, and walls. In this grace place, “we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” (Romans 5:2b) We look forward to our glorious resurrection on the Last Day when everything wrong will be made right, beautiful, true, and good!  As we wait with Holy Spirit-ed confidence for the great-and-glorious Last Day, there will be pressures. You’ve felt them before, haven’t you? Paul tells us that we get to rejoice in the pressures of life because they produce endurance, that is, a hunger and thirst for God’s grace to sustain and shelter us 24/7. And endurance produces character, that is, we don’t despair over the pressures, but depend on God, who is leading us by the hand through the pressures into Paradise. And character produces hope; that is, no matter what our eyes see, we know we will outlast the pressures, all because of that little preposition “though”! Through our Lord Jesus Christ! Yes, through Jesus, we have peace with God today, tomorrow, and forevermore!   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. In God, my faithful God, I trust when dark my road; Great woes may overtake me, Yet He will not forsake me. My troubles He can alter; His hand lets nothing falter. (LSB 745:1)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

March 2, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 32:22-32Daily Lectionary: Genesis 18:1-15; Genesis 18:16-20:18; Mark 6:14-34“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. What a wrestling match in Genesis 32! Not the one we would expect. Wasn’t the Lord on Jacob’s side? Yes, but here it appeared that the Lord was Jacob’s adversary. Not exactly what Jacob probably wanted. I mean, his life was already in deadly danger. Why? Well, you may remember when Jacob cut a deal with Esau, his older brother. Esau’s birthright for a bowl of vegetable stew. And then, Jacob deceived his dad to get Esau’s blessing. Not a happy camper! Filled with rage, Esau threatened to murder his baby brother. A family feud was in process. Jacob didn’t want it to escalate to bloodshed! He desired his family to be safe and sound, so he made plans that could possibly cool off Esau’s jets. Jacob prayed to the Lord and then sent his family ahead to Esau with loads of goodies.  Jacob, now alone, found himself wrestling all night. No match against a mere man but against the Lord Himself! Throughout the struggle, Jacob had quite the grip. The Lord even touched his hip and put it out of socket, but Jacob refused to tap out. At daybreak, the Lord said, “Let go!” “Not until you bless me,” Jacob yelled! The Lord came through for Jacob as He promised! He gave Jacob the new name “Israel,” which means “he who wrestles with God.” And then, the Lord blessed him. Jacob called the place “Penuel,” which refers to seeing the Lord’s face. This wrestler wouldn’t share his name even though Jacob wanted that. The name would be shared, though, many years later, by the angel Gabriel with the virgin Mary and her guardian Joseph. Yes, the One that Jacob wrestled with was the One that would come from Jacob’s family tree and take down Sin, Death, and Satan for you and me.  We can feel like we’re in a wrestling match with the Lord. It can look like God is against us as we get bumps and bruises from the rough and tumble of life. Some days we just limp along. Suffering and sickness tucker us out. Temptations wear us down. Even though it can seem like we’re all alone, we’re not! Jacob is an example for us. Hold onto the Lord’s promises day after day until we see him face-to-face in the resurrection. We will! All of God’s promises have their “yes” in Jesus! No promise will ever be broken by the One who has broken the powers of Sin, Death, and Satan by His wrestling match at Golgotha for us. Because Jesus has conquered, we will, too! It’s His promise, and His grip on us won’t slip. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Jesus, lead Thou on Till our rest is won; And although the way be cheerless, We will follow calm and fearless, Guide us by Thy hand To our fatherland. (LSB 718:1)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.We wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

March 1, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 15:21-28Daily Lectionary: Genesis 16:1-9, 15-17:22; Mark 6:1-13“And [Jesus] answered, ‘It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.’” (Matthew 15:26)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus calls her what?!? A dog! What many Jews labeled the Canaanites! Looks like a roadblock! A wall! This mommy doesn’t slink away, though, with her tail between her legs. Not defeated. What appears to be a pure “NO”, she hears as a “NO” that has a “YES” inside. A hidden “YES”! “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” (Matthew 15:27) “Ain’t nothing but a hound dog!”Fine with her because even the dogs are family! Canaanites are part of Jesus’ family tree. Rahab! Tamar! Ruth! Jew AND Gentile included in Jesus’ Salvation Mission from day one! She believes that. Jesus is for her, even when everything says otherwise. She won’t let Him go until she’s proven right. And she is! She goes on her journey back home with His “for you” Word in her pocket! “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” (Matthew 15:28) Jesus doesn’t disappoint! Brings her beyond the wall, and she returns home not the same. Stretched! Surprised! Severed! Jesus stretched her to the breaking point, so she finds help and hope in Him alone. Jesus surprised her with growth, enlarging her heart to wait on Him alone. Jesus severed her from all attachments and allegiances that she feared, loved, and trusted, so He became her God and Lord alone! She expects walls ahead, but she can trust Jesus at every wall. He’ll bring her through.  We’ll have those moments where it’s like we’re on the autobahn of faith—cruising along and making the lights. Getting to our destinations. Sure, a few hiccups, but nothing horrible. Then one day, we slam the brakes. We only see red. Stopped! Stuck! What a standstill! All our plans thrown out the window. A wall before us. Can’t get around it, over it, under it. What a wall! The wall comes in many shapes and sizes. Parents separate! Betrayed by friends! Shattered dreams! Failed a class! Cut from the team! A beloved family member dies! When we run up against the wall, we’re confused. “Jesus loves me this I know!”Really? Jesus doesn’t seem warm and friendly. No matter the wall, though, we cling to Jesus like this mommy. We trust Him at the wall. After all, on the Cross, He confronted all the walls we could ever run up against. And on Easter, He walked out of the Grave. Alive and well! The way through has been paved and paid! The journey of faith has begun, and Jesus will bring us through every wall. Not the same either. And certainly not alone. We’re surrounded by one another. And Jesus leads the way. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Through long grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord, To trust Your grace for courage to endure, To rest our souls in Your supporting love, And find our hope within Your mercy sure. (LSB 764:5)Rev. Aaron Schian is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Auburn, MI.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Finally Free: Three Lessons in the Parable of the Prodigal Sonby Bryan WolfmuellerWe wander through life looking for freedom, only to realize we have listened to the devil's call to serve our selves, our pleasures, and our lusts. Instead of freedom we find ourselves enslaved to sin. We wonder if we have sinned too often, too deep to ever be welcomed back to the Father's home, back into His loving embrace. Have we lost our inheritance as children of God?In this short book, author Bryan Wolfmueller digs into the popular parable of the Prodigal Son to bring hope and aid to our hurting conscience. Wolfmueller proclaims the freedom-giving Gospel that through Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection, our place in the Father's house is secure, and forgiveness and welcome are ours in His outstretched arms. Fully Free, now available from CPH.

February 28, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 2 - Psalm 25:1-2a, 7-8, 11; antiphon: Psalm 25:6, 2b, 22Daily Lectionary: Genesis 15:1-21; Mark 5:21-43“Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!” (Psalm 25:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Did you know that a person’s brain doesn’t fully develop until about the age of twenty-five? David must have known this as well, and that’s why he asks God not to remember the sins of his youth. People often hold the opinion that youth should not dwell on their failures but instead view their mistakes as opportunities to learn, adapt, and improve.While there may be some element of truth to that idea, some people are willing to excuse and overlook foolish and sinful behavior under the pretense of youthful ignorance. Does that mean God is willing to do the same? After all, God can’t expect us to make good decisions all of the time, especially while we are young and still learning to navigate through life.   If all of this is true, at what point can a person expect to outgrow this phase of life and begin taking responsibility for oneself? In actuality, the problem was never so simple. It’s not a rite of passage that we’ll simply outgrow. Our Lutheran Confessions state “that since the fall of Adam, all who are naturally born are born with sin, that is, without the fear of God, without trust in God, and with the inclination to sin  . . .” And that never changes! The Old Adam, our old self or that old man in us, will never change. It will never get any better. It will never produce works that are pleasing to our Creator and Almighty God. And it will never be inclined to do good! We shouldn’t think of the Christian life as a process of chipping away at the Old Adam until finally, someday, we’ll be completely free from its evil influence. The sinful nature needs to be dealt with much more forcefully than that. It needs to be put to death, it needs to be drowned in the waters of Holy Baptism, and a New Man in Christ needs to be given life!  This is what the loving and merciful God has done for you. He has come to you in Baptism and united you with His Son, the Savior. And because of this, God no longer sees your sin; it was crucified and buried with Christ. Now your sins (all of them, not just the ones of your youth) are forgiven. You are washed clean in the blood of Christ. You are a New Man in Christ.   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Jesus, refuge of the weary, Blest Redeemer, whom we love, Fountain in life’s desert dreary, Savior from the world above: Often have Your eyes, offended, Gazed upon the sinner’s fall; Yet upon the cross extended, You have borne the pain of all. (LSB 423:1)  Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 27, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 5:1-20Daily Lectionary: Genesis 13:1-18; Genesis 14:1-24; Mark 5:1-20“And crying out with a loud voice, he said, ‘What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?’” (Mark 5:7a) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.“Jesus is my homeboy.” Have you ever heard anyone say something like that? Yes, Jesus took on human flesh, but does that make Him a fun-loving buddy you’d like to hang out with at the roller rink on Friday night? (That’s still a thing, right?) Did the legion of demons that possessed the man in the country of the Gerasenes think that Jesus was a joke? Notice that the demons didn’t come up to Jesus and try to dab him up or try to engage Him in casual conversation. When the man saw Jesus, he ran to Him, fell before him in fear, and cried out, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God?” Their knowledge of who Jesus is and their recognition of the power and authority He held over them was evident in their posture and pleading. Do we approach Jesus in the same way? Like those demons, we ought to recognize His power and authority over us. Unlike those demons, Christ is our Savior and has invited us into His presence through worship, through the study of His Word, and through our reception of the Lord’s Supper. This should help you to understand why Lutherans take worship so seriously. In worship, God has promised to spare us from judgment. When we say things, “Lord, have mercy upon us,” we know that He does because of Christ’s sacrifice and service to us. Unlike the demons, who stand condemned, we’ve been redeemed. Christ assures us of our place in His kingdom through His sacrificial death and resurrection. Additionally, in our worship, we should not act as if Jesus is anything less than God in the flesh who comes into our presence to bring us the fruits of His salvation. Jesus is not inaccessible to us. He has come near to save us. Once he was healed, the demon-possessed man longed to be with Jesus, but Jesus told him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” That same admonition can be given to each one of us. We live in a world that needs to hear the Good News about Christ. So what does the world need? Another buddy? A real fun guy to go bowling with? Or does the world need a Savior - God in the flesh who has power over sin, death, and Hell and has mercy on you?   In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Before You, Lord, we bow, Our God who reigns above And rules the world below, Boundless in pow'r and love. Our thanks we bring In joy and praise, Our hearts we raise To You, our King! (LSB 966:1)  Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 26, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: Seventh CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Genesis 11:27-12:20; Mark 4:21-41“We should fear and love God so that we do not take our neighbor’s money or possessions, or get them in any dishonest way, but help him to improve and protect his possessions and income.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, The Seventh Commandment - What does this mean?)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.The letter of the law says, “You shall not steal.” (That’s in Exodus 20:15 by the way. God also reiterates this command for the Israelite people in Leviticus 19:11 and Deuteronomy 5:19. Jesus also emphasizes the importance of this commandment, as recorded in Matthew 19:18, Mark 10:19, and Luke 18:10). Why does it matter whether or not we steal? First of all, it tells us that God cares about your possessions. After all, whatever you have in this life is ultimately a gift from Him. Remember that the explanation to the First Article of the Creed in Luther’s Small Catechism says God “gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.” This truth is reinforced when we pray in the Lord’s Prayer, “Give us this day our daily bread,” which includes God’s daily provision for you. Isn’t it interesting how all of these things are related and how the Seventh Commandment protects those gifts that God has given to you? In our sinfulness, we’re inclined to focus only upon ourselves, our own possessions, and the blessings that God has given to us. We’re also tempted to gain more possessions for ourselves through dishonesty and deceit. But God calls us to put others above ourselves and recognize the gifts that He has given to them as well. Therefore, we do not follow only the letter of the law but also the spirit of the law. As those redeemed by Christ and washed clean from the stain of sin, we are called to help our neighbor improve and protect his possessions and income. We should be willing to use the gifts, money, and possessions that God has given us in this life (not only to meet our own bodily needs) but to generously help our neighbors as a way of serving them in the service of Christ.  In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Heavenly Father, You are a giver of all good gifts and have blessed me abundantly in this life. Thank you for caring for me and providing people in my life to help me to improve and protect the gifts You’ve given. Forgive me for those times when I have selfishly neglected to serve my neighbor and have been dishonest in my gain of worldly possessions. Help me to love and serve my neighbor the way that You love and serve Your creation. Amen.     Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 25, 2026Today's Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16Daily Lectionary: Genesis 8:13-9:17; Genesis 9:18-11:26; Mark 4:1-20“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Hebrews 4:15)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.It could be argued that the best coaches in professional sports are the ones who’ve been athletes on the field. Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time (that Super Bowl trophy is named after him), understood that playing experience helped to make him a better coach. He once said, “Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player and motivate.”Can the same be said about Jesus Christ? Is He able to motivate us because He knows what it’s like to be human? Is that what makes Him such a great savior... because He doesn’t expect us to do anything that He hasn’t done Himself?   It’s certainly encouraging that Jesus knows what it’s like to be human because He is an actual human being! He was conceived, grew, and developed in His mother's womb. He was born and continued to grow from childhood into adulthood, just like human beings do. Throughout His life on earth, He experienced hunger, weariness, sadness, and anger. In every respect, He knows what it’s like to be human, and yet He lived His life without sin. He can sympathize with our weaknesses, but He hasn’t excused them. It’s not like after His 33-year stint on earth, He reported back to His Father, “You know what, that was really hard. I think the expectation You have from them is just too high. You need to lower Your standards and give them some credit for trying real hard. I barely made it. You can’t expect them to do much better.” Jesus came in the flesh, not to motivate. He came in the flesh as our substitute- to take our place under God’s wrath against sin. He came to cover your sin with His righteousness. If He had not done this, we could never approach His throne of grace with confidence. Instead, we would live our lives in constant fear and trepidation, wondering if we’ve lived our lives “good enough” to be accepted by Him. Because Christ is our Great High Priest, who has succeeded where we have fallen short and showered us with God’s grace and mercy, we have great confidence and hold fast the confession of faith that’s been revealed to us. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Christ, You walked the road Our wand’ring feet must go. Stay with us through temptation’s hour To fight our ancient foe. (LSB 424: 5) Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 24, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 11:25-30Daily Lectionary: Genesis 7:11-8:12; Mark 3:20-35“Jesus declared, ‘Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.’” (Matthew 11:28)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Our bodies need rest. Your brain can only study for so long before you need a break. Your voice can only practice singing for so long before it starts to get strained. Your muscles can only work out for so long before they get sore (and not in the good way- you don’t get swoll overnight, amiright?). A lot of times, we pride ourselves on working through the pain and struggle and boast about our achievements. But other times, we just get tired and we need to rest. Even then, is it always easy to shut your brain off and stop thinking about what else needs to be added to your list? Can you stop worrying about whether or not you’ve studied enough for the test, or wonder whether you’ve done enough reps to get ripped before Spring Break?    We struggle in this life, not only with bodily weariness, but also with spiritual weariness. Jesus invites us to rest in Him. He’s the one who labors for us and assures us of everlasting rest in His kingdom.    Battles with sin will just keep coming in this life without reprieve. If we think we've conquered one sin, another is sure to arise and take its place. The Holy Spirit will continue to crush us with God's law, show us our sinfulness, and drive us to the despairing revelation that we are wretched in our sinfulness and tormented by this body of death (cf. Romans 7:24).Here’s the promise that God has revealed: through His Word, His Holy Spirit, through Baptism, through Communion, you are yoked with Christ. There is no burden to keep the law. There is no mystery about what needs to be done in order to have salvation. Christ has done it all for you! There is only the promise of life everlasting. Even though we continue to struggle with sin and fail in the face of temptation, this is no indication of our status before God. Your status before Him is not determined by your ability to keep the law– rather, it is determined by your union with Christ.The Christian's struggle against the sinful flesh is truly wearying and burdensome, but Christ has promised you rest. He's promised you life and everlasting salvation in His kingdom despite your sinfulness.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of mine; His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline. I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord; Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured (LSB 606: 3)Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 23, 2026Today's Reading: Genesis 3:1-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 6:1-7:5; Mark 3:1-19“And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.” (Genesis 3:8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever played hide and seek with a toddler? They’re not very good at it. Either their incessant giggling or their inability to pull their entire body behind the sofa gives up their “hiding” spot in a matter of seconds. How do you respond? You pretend you don’t hear the child or that you don’t see their rump sticking out from underneath the coffee table because it’s all part of the game.However, when Adam and Eve hid from God, it was no game at all. Their Fall into sin destroyed their peace and communion with God, and they hid from him because they were afraid, and rightly so. God couldn’t pretend that He didn’t see their sin or that it wasn’t offensive to Him. Their Fall had consequences.    Adam and Eve’s attempts to hide from God were ill-fated. God knew where they were hiding, and He knew exactly why they were trying to hide from Him. And yet, remarkably, God sought them. He called out for them and gave them an opportunity to confess their sin. Instead, it turned into the blame game. Adam blamed Eve (and God)! Eve blamed the serpent! God’s creation was destroyed. Even still, this sin was not enough for God to stop loving His creation. Instead, He proclaimed the promise of redemption that would come through the seed of the woman, through Christ. He promised to care for mankind despite their Fall into sin.   We have all inherited the sinful nature from Adam. We know that we cannot hide our sin from God. He sees it all, and it is offensive to Him and deserving of His wrath and condemnation. But we also know that the Savior He promised to send has come. He has taken our sin upon Himself and cleanses us from it.  Although it can be painful for us to admit, we faithfully confess our sins, and God, who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.      In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.In Adam we have all been one, One huge rebellious man; We all have fled that evening voice That sought us as we ran . . . But Thy strong love, it sought us still And sent Thine only Son That we might hear His Shepherd’s voice And, hearing Him, be one (LSB 569:1, 3)Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 22, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 4:1-11Daily Lectionary: Genesis 4:1-26; Mark 2:18-28“Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Because of our sinful nature, it doesn't always take a whole lot of prodding from Satan for us to succumb to temptation.Are you ever tempted by selfishness? After all, look at how much you've sacrificed for others. Are you ever tempted to complain? Why not? There's certainly enough wrong with this world and my life to be upset. Are you ever tempted to pass the blame? It's a dog-eat-dog world out there. You've got to be a little unscrupulous if you want to succeed in life. Are you ever tempted to worship something or someone else before God? There’s always a temptation to neglect being in worship! Are you ever tempted by lust or by gossip or by greed? Are you ever tempted by worry or by laziness or by pride? How often do these temptations result in sinful action?  We cannot escape the daily assault of temptations that the devil, the world, and our own sinful flesh visit upon us. And there is nothing that we can do to overcome them. For this reason, we need a Savior! Thanks be to God, this is the Savior we’ve been given in Christ Jesus. Though He is God (100% divine), Jesus is also a human being (100% man). Because of this union, Jesus is the perfect human being who has done everything right where we have done wrong. He was tempted in every way that we are, yet without sin. He fulfilled God's plan for the salvation of all the world and actively kept the Law of God perfectly for you. His perfect life wasn’t just to show you how it’s done, but it was actually a necessary part of God’s plan to save you.   Not only is Jesus’ dying part of God’s plan, but also His living- His succeeding where we fail. And His success in withstanding Satan’s temptations was perfect.  Now, through faith, the victory over Satan that Christ accomplished is your victory. He shares it fully and freely with you. What Jesus did right is credited to you; it is declared by God to be your own! In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the Promised Land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. Rev. Chad Hoover serves as Campus Pastor and theology teacher at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, IN and pastoral assistant at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, IN.Audio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 21, 2026Today's Reading: Introit for Lent 1 - Psalm 91:1-2, 9-10, 13; antiphon: Psalm 91:15a, c, 16Daily Lectionary: Genesis 3:1-24; Mark 2:1-17“With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:16)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I’m not from Missouri, but I know that Missouri is known as the “Show Me” state. You might know the phrase “actions speak louder than words.” We can say lots of things, but if our actions don’t support our words, you can certainly doubt whether or not the person speaking those words really means it. So too, with love. We can say that we love someone, but if our actions seem contrary to our words, one might question the love we have for them. In other words, if you love me, show me!On Good Friday, the people who were gathered at the cross asked Jesus to show them that He really was who He said He was, the Son of God, by coming down from the cross. One of the criminals on the cross next to Jesus even told Him to save Himself and the two of them on either side of Him. Except the ONLY way that Jesus could show everyone that He really was who He said He was was by NOT coming down from the cross. The only way for Jesus to bring forgiveness and salvation was to remain there until He breathed His last breath and gave up His spirit. Love kept Jesus on the cross. Love for you, love for me, love for the whole world. And it is in His death and His subsequent resurrection from the dead where He is able to show them the salvation that He won for them. As Jesus appears to the women, the disciples, and over 500 people at one time, showing the nail marks in His hands and feet, and His side where the sword pierced Him, they are able to see just how Jesus saved them. It is in His death and resurrection that He shows the world that He has defeated sin, death, and the power of the devil, once and for all. And if Christ is not risen from the dead, our faith is futile, we are still in our sins, and there is no salvation for us. Thanks be to God that Christ has indeed risen from the dead, and will one day come back and take us to be with Him! Thanks be to God that He has given us His Word, where we can hear of His salvation. And thanks be to God that the Holy Spirit creates faith in us through the hearing of that Word, so that by faith we know we also have salvation. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Christ the redeeming Son, who shares our human birth, and by His death salvation won for ev’ry child of earth; Inspire our hearts, we pray, to tell Your love abroad, that all may honor Christ today and follow Him as Lord. (LSB 829:3)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 20, 2026Today's Reading: Mark 1:29-45Daily Lectionary: Genesis 2:4-25; Mark 1:29-45“And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed.” (Mark 1:35)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Healings and more healings. This is what Jesus is doing. But amidst the healings is prayer. Jesus prays. We see this quite often with Jesus, that He goes off alone to pray. Sometimes it’s to present specific requests to God and we get to hear them (like the High Priestly Prayer in John 17, or Jesus praying in the Garden of Gethsemane), but sometimes we don’t get to hear the conversation He has alone with the Father. We do see that once He finishes praying, He’s ready for what comes next. It’s almost as if spending time alone with His Father in prayer refreshes, renews, and energizes Him. In Mark 1, after Jesus prays, He sets off for what’s next: more healings. Life can be exhausting sometimes. I don’t know if you would describe yourself as an introvert or an extrovert. All of us can get tired, exhausted, and worn down from something, whether it’s the stresses we face, the pressures of school, family, work, or something else, like just living life. Some introverts are refreshed by being alone, spending time with themselves. I am not one of those people. I get refreshed and energized by being with people. Spending time in prayer can refresh us because we get to be with the One who created us, we get to cast all of our cares, concerns, worries, issues, and burdens on the One who is able to not only handle all of our stuff, but the One who can actually do something about our stuff. This doesn’t mean that all of our prayers will be answered. Jesus knew what God’s will was in the Garden of Gethsemane, and He prayed for His will to be done. He also asked that the cup would be removed from Him, even though He knew it wouldn’t be. Paul writes, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7). Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, who brought peace between us and God through His death and resurrection, gives us peace no matter what God’s answer to our prayers is. In Him we can have peace knowing that He is always with us when He says no, and when He says yes.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Amen, that is, so shall it be. Make strong our faith in You, that we May doubt not but with trust believe That what we ask we shall receive. Thus in Your name and at Your Word We say, “Amen, O hear us, Lord! (LSB 766:9)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 19, 2026Today's Reading: Catechism: Sixth CommandmentDaily Lectionary: Genesis 1:20-2:3; Mark 1:14-28“You shall not commit adultery. What does this mean?” (Sixth Commandment, Luther’s Small Catechism)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I have been a Lutheran for almost my whole life. I was baptized when I was just a couple of months old. I like to think of myself as a first-generation Lutheran because my mom and her whole family were Catholic until my brother and I were baptized in the Lutheran Church. What I have found in these 40+ years of being a Lutheran is that while Luther is great, he doesn’t compare to Christ. While Luther in his catechism uses the phrase “what does this mean?”, we’ve seen it before in God’s Word (Exodus 13:14, Acts 2:12). God’s Word gives us this Sixth Commandment: You shall not commit adultery.We then insert, “What does this mean?” to which we hear: “We should fear and love God so that we lead a sexually pure and decent life in what we say and do, and husband and wife love and honor each other.”I’m going to be honest. Not my favorite commandment. I’d love to skip over this one. But I won’t. I shouldn’t. After all, it’s one of God’s Ten Commandments, right? I mean, two days ago we were talking about love and marriage, and now we get to talk about… lust. Well, lust is one part of this commandment, since God tells us, “everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). I have done this too many times to count. Probably more often prior to being married, but even in marriage, the temptation is there. To desire something, someone, whom I have not made vows or promises to. Even though I cannot count the number of times I’ve broken the Sixth Commandment, every time God has brought me to repentance for these sins, He has forgiven me. More times than I can count. More times than I deserve. And then, by God’s grace, I try to lead a life that is pleasing in His sight, not breaking the Sixth Commandment. I cannot do this on my own. I cannot love my wife sacrificially, unconditionally, honoring her with my own strength, without first knowing God’s sacrificial, unconditional love for me. Thanks be to God that I can clearly see that in the death and resurrection of Jesus. I don’t know what God has in store for you and your life, but my prayer is that He would help you lead a sexually pure and decent life in your singleness, and in your married life if the blessing of a spouse is given to you. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O Spirit of the Father, breathe on them from above, so searching in Your pureness, so tender in Your love that, guarded by Your presence, and kept from strife and sin, their hearts may heed Your guidance, and know You dwell within (LSB 858:3)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 18, 2026Today's Reading: Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21Daily Lectionary: Genesis 1:1-19; Mark 1:1-13“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.When you think about treasure, maybe you think about buried treasure, chests full of gold, pirates searching for that which is lost, maps where X marks the spot. Martin Luther said in theses #62 (of 95), “the true treasure of the church is the most holy gospel of the glory and grace of God.”The treasure of the Gospel is not about buried chests of gold; rather, it’s about the death and burial of Jesus, who saves us “not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). It’s not about pirates searching for lost treasure; it’s about the Good Shepherd who seeks to save His lost sheep and bring all people to Himself. It’s not about maps where X marks the spot. And if you rotate the X just a little bit, it becomes the shape of a cross. The cross marks the spot where true treasure is found, that cannot perish, spoil, or fade. Today is Ash Wednesday. There’s a Lutheran joke that talks about a pastor who, on Ash Wednesday, says, “We are but dust.” To which the little kid in the pew says to their parent, “What’s butt dust?” Ash Wednesday reminds us that we are but dust in the sense that “for you are dust and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). The ashes remind us that death is the punishment for our sin. And one day, when death comes for us, we might have a pastor speak over our body, “ashes to ashes, dust to dust,” as we are laid in the ground. But the ashes in the shape of a cross remind us that even though death may await us, physical death that is, Christ has given His life that we would not face eternal death, Hell. The cross reminds us of the Good News that Jesus took on the fullness of our humanity. He who was without sin became sin for us. And on the cross, He generously gave up His life out of love for us. But Jesus does not return to the dust of the ground because He rises from the dead on the third day. And so, the cross on our foreheads reminds us that though we may return to the dust, we will also rise to new life in Christ on the day of resurrection. Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, resurrection to resurrection, and life to life.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Death, you cannot end my gladness: I am baptized into Christ! When I die, I leave all sadness to inherit paradise! Though I lie in dust and ashes faith’s assurance brightly flashes: Baptism has the strength divine to make life immortal mine. (LSB 594:4)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 17, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13Daily Lectionary: Job 13:1-12; John 6:1-21“Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians 13:7-8)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.1 Corinthians 13 is a Scripture you might hear quite often at weddings. As a man and woman stand in the presence of God and His people, they declare their love for one another. They make vows to one another, they exchange rings, and are pronounced husband and wife. The vows they make are until death parts them, which means the commitment that they are making to each other to be husband and wife is to love each other in sickness and health, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in the good days and the bad, no matter what life brings them. They are committing to love that never ends. Until it does end.Because not every man and woman who makes those promises to one another keeps them. Not every man and woman who promises to love their spouse until death parts them does exactly that. If you’re a child of divorce, like me, or if you have seen marriages of people that are close to you end, like me, you might know this quite well. So, why does this happen? Why do marriages end? Why can’t people keep their promises? Why can’t people love no matter the circumstances? In short, sin. Sin has caused all of us to be imperfect people. And imperfect people have imperfect marriages. Imperfect people don’t keep promises. Imperfect people love conditionally, rather than unconditionally. This means their love for their spouse is conditional on certain things (their spouse loves them in return, does certain things for them making them worthy/deserving to be loved, etc.). If those conditions are not met, the spouse thinks he/she does not have to love them. Thank goodness this is not how God loves us! He loves us unconditionally. This means that His love for us is not conditional on anything we do. If it were, I know that God would not have very much love for me at all. I am unworthy of God’s love, and He still loves me. In fact, He loves me so much that He sent His Only Son, Jesus Christ, for ME. To die on the cross for me, rise from the dead for me, for my sins, to bring me forgiveness, life, and salvation. And He has done the same for YOU. The unconditional, sacrificial love that God has for us is seen most clearly in Jesus Christ, who is the bridegroom of His bride, the Church. And His love for us never ends.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Father, You created Adam, crafted Eve, and made them one; Jesus, from their sin You saved us, as God's true incarnate Son; Holy Spirit, You forgive us; from our sins we are released. Bring us, Lord, at last to heaven, to the endless wedding feast. (LSB 860:5)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 16, 2026Today's Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13 or Isaiah 35:3-7Daily Lectionary: Job 12:1-6, 12-25; John 5:30-47“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’” (1 Samuel 16:7)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.I’m the youngest in my family, like David. And while I can’t tell you that I’m like David in that I’m a man after God’s own heart (1 Samuel 13:14, Acts 13:22), what I can tell you is that maybe I did have a similar stature to David. For most of my life, I was the smallest kid in the class. At the end of 8th grade, heading into high school, I was 4’11”. When I graduated high school, I was 5’5”. In all those years of school, I was never picked first for any sports teams, even though I felt like I could be just as good as everyone else. I was usually one of the last ones picked (I was also much shyer than I am today, so I wasn’t one to speak up for myself). In college, I grew another five inches. I was a bit of a late bloomer, but that still just makes me kind of average. And what if God were to look at my heart? What if He looks at the desires within it, what will He find? Evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander (Matthew 15:19), and an abundance of other things not mentioned (greed, pride, selfishness, etc.). I can’t become a man after God’s own heart—not on my own, at least.I need someone to make my heart clean. Peter talks about God, who knows the heart, bore witness to the Gentiles by giving them the Holy Spirit just like He did to the Jews, and cleansed their hearts by faith (Acts 15:8-9). The Good News is that my heart is clean. Not by my own doing, but through the waters of Baptism, where I have been washed through the water and the Word, where the Holy Spirit has been given to me, Jesus has marked me as one redeemed by Him, called me by name, brought me into His family, rescued me from death and the devil, and gives to me eternal life, because of faith, which was present in my Baptism. I still have moments where I will stumble and fall, just like David. And I am forgiven and restored when I am brought to repentance, just like David. And through God’s work alone, in me, I can be a man after His own heart. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-11)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.

February 15, 2026Today's Reading: Luke 18:31-43Daily Lectionary: Job 11:1-20; John 5:19-29“And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. But he cried out all the more, ‘Son of David, have mercy on me!’” (Luke 18:39)In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.Have you ever had someone ask you to do something, and you didn’t listen to them? A parent? A friend? A sibling? A teacher? A coach? A boss? Or have you ever asked someone to do something for you, and they didn’t listen to you?Depending on the situation, sometimes when people don’t listen to what we’re saying, in order to get them to hear us, we might shout it. I have three kids, ages nine, seven, and four. There have been plenty of times where we’ve had to shout at our kids because we want to keep them safe (crossing the street without looking, running in a parking lot, running on a dock without a life jacket on, play fighting with pointy sticks, the list goes on and on).The blind beggar cried out to Jesus because he wanted Him. When the people tried to silence him, he cried out even louder. Even though this blind beggar had not seen Jesus, he had heard about Him and believed in Him. Sometimes you hear faith described as “believing without seeing.” Certainly, in this instance, it’s fitting. And what did he want from Jesus? Mercy. I’ve sometimes heard mercy described as “not getting what we deserve.” We, who have not seen Jesus, ask Him to be merciful to us, too. In our confession of sins, sometimes we say the words of the tax collector, “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13). We do not deserve God’s forgiveness because we are sinners. We deserve death, we deserve Hell. God would be just and right in giving us that. Instead, God in His mercy gives us Jesus to be the atonement for our sins, sacrificing His life voluntarily on the cross for us, not giving us what we deserve. He gives what we deserve to Jesus. Jesus suffered death and Hell for us. And in faith, gifted to us by the Holy Spirit, we receive Christ’s mercy. In faith, we don’t get Hell; we get heaven and eternal life. Thanks be to God!And in our daily living, we can cry out to God for healing, for help in struggles, for whatever we need. And no matter how loud we are, we know He hears us, and answers according to His good and gracious will.In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.O God of mercy, God of might, in love and pity infinite, teach us, as ever in Thy sight, to live our lives in Thee. And Thou, who cam’st on earth to die that our lost world might live thereby, O hear us; for to Thee we cry, in hope O Lord, to Thee. (LSB 852:1, 2)Rev. Glenn Worcester, pastor of Peace Lutheran Church, Winnipeg, ManitobaAudio Reflections Speaker: Rev. Richard Heinz, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lowell, IN.Better understand difficult and overlooked Old Testament passages in this new book by Authors R. Reed Lessing and Andrew E. Steinmann. Their conversational yet academic writing style makes learning about the Old Testament accessible to those at all points in their Bible reading journey. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter invite you to think more in-depth about what you just read and record your answers. To stretch your understanding, a list of resources for further reading is also included at the back of the book.