Trinity Reflections 2011

Reflections for the Season of Trinity for 2011

Trinity Reflections 2011

Reflections for the Season of Trinity for 2011

November 26, 2011 - Saturday of the Last Week

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul. (Psalm 25:1 from the Introit for Advent 1)

November 25, 2011 - Friday of the Last Week

Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls filled with the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, "Come, I will show you the bride, the Lamb's wife." (Revelation 21:9)

November 24, 2011 - Thanksgiving Day

And He said to them, "Take heed and beware of covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of the things he possesses." (Luke 12:15)

November 23, 2011 - Wednesday of the Last Week

But what should you do if you are not aware of this need and have no hunger and thirst for the Sacrament? To such a person no better advice can be given than this: first, he should touch his body to see if he still has flesh and blood. Then he should believe what the Scriptures say of it in Galatians 5 and Romans 7. Second, he should look around to see whether he is still in the world, and remember that there will be no lack of sin and trouble, as the Scriptures say in John 15-16 and 1 John 2 and 5. Third, he will certainly have the devil also around him, who with his lying and murdering day and night will let him have no peace within or without, as the Scriptures picture him in John 8 and 16; 1 Peter 5; Ephesians 6; and 2 Timothy 2. (Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

November 22, 2011 - Tuesday of the Last Week

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thessalonians 5:9)

November 21, 2011 - Monday of the Last Week Year

For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth; And the former shall not be remembered or come to mind. (Isaiah 65:17)

November 20, 2011 - The Sunday of the Fulfillment

But while the bridegroom was delayed, they all slumbered and slept. (Matthew 25:5)

November 19, 2011 - Saturday of the Second-Last Week

LORD, make me to know my end, And what is the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am. (Psalm 39:4 from the Introit for the Sunday of the Fulfillment.)

November 18, 2011 - Friday of the Second-Last Week

And they put up over His head the accusation written against Him: THIS IS JESUS THE KING OF THE JEWS.(Matthew 27:37)

November 17, 2011 - Thursday of the Second-Last Week

When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!" (Matthew 27:29)

November 16, 2011 - Wednesday of the Second-Last Week

What should admonish and encourage a Christian to receive the Sacrament frequently? First, both the command and the promise of Christ the Lord. Second, his own pressing need, because of which the command and promise are given. (The Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

November 15, 2011 - Tuesday of the Second-Last Week

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.(2 Peter 3:9)

November 14, 2011 - Monday of the Second-Last Week

Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, That all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, Which shall not pass away, And His kingdom the one Which shall not be destroyed.(Daniel 7:14)

November 13, 2011 - The Second-Last Sunday in the Church Year

"All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats.(Matthew 25:32)

November 12, 2011 - Saturday of the Third-Last Week

For He has delivered me out of all trouble; And my eye has seen its desire upon my enemies. (Psalm 54:7 from the Introit for the Second-Last Sunday)

November 11, 2011 - Friday of the Third-Last Week

Since his days are determined, The number of his months is with You; You have appointed his limits, so that he cannot pass. (Job 14:5)

November 10, 2011 - Thursday of the Third-Last Week

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." (Luke 17:20-21)

November 9, 2011 - Wednesday of the Third-Last Week

Finally, Why do you wish to go to the Sacrament? That I may learn to believe that Christ, out of great love, died for my sin, and also learn from Him to love God and my neighbor. (Christian Questions)

November 8, 2011 - Tuesday of the Third-Last Week

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.(1 Thessalonians 4:17-18)

November 7, 2011 - Monday of the Third-Last Week

Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, "Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." (Exodus 32:1)

November 6, 2011 - The Third-last Sunday in the Church Year

"Therefore when you see the 'abomination of desolation,' spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place" (whoever reads, let him understand), then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. (Matthew 24:15-16)

November 5, 2011 - Saturday of the 19th Week after Trinity

Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. (Psalm 31:5 from the Introit for the Third-Last Sunday)

November 4, 2011 - Friday of the 19th Week after Trinity

“Be angry, and do not sin”: do not let the sun go down on your wrath, (Ephesians 4:26)

November 3, 2011 - Thursday of the 19th Week after Trinity

Then he dreamed, and behold, a ladder was set up on the earth, and its top reached to heaven; and there the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. (Genesis 28:12)

November 2, 2011 - Wednesday of the 19th Week after Trinity

What motivated Christ to die for you? His great love for His Father and for me and other sinners, as it is written in John 14; Romans 5; Galatians 2; and Ephesians 5 (Christian Questions)

November 1, 2011 - All Saints' Day

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:10)

October 31, 2011 - Reformation Day

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:32)

October 30, 2011 - The 19th Sunday after Trinity

Now when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men. (Matthew 9:8)

October 29, 2011 - Saturday of the 18th Week after Trinity

[We will tell] to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. (Psalm 78:4 from the Introit for Trinity 19)

October 28, 2011 - St. Simon and St. Jude

You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16)

October 27, 2011 - Thursday of the 18th Week after Trinity

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2)

October 26, 2011 - Wednesday of the 18th Week after Trinity

What should we do when we eat His body and drink His blood, and in this way receive His pledge? We should remember and proclaim His death and the shedding of His blood, as He taught us: This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me. Why should we remember and proclaim His death? First, so we may learn to believe that no creature could make satisfaction for our sins. Only Christ, true God and man, could do that. Second, so we may learn to be horrified by our sins, and to regard them as very serious. Third, so we may find joy and comfort in Christ alone, and through faith in Him be saved. (Christian Questions)

October 25, 2011 - Tuesday of the 18th Week after Trinity

The Lord delighted only in your fathers, to love them; and He chose their descendants after them, you above all peoples, as it is this day. (Deuteronomy 10:15)

October 24, 2011 - Monday of the 18th Week after Trinity

"If David then calls Him 'Lord,’ how is He his Son?” (Matthew 22:45)

October 23, 2011 - St. James of Jerusalem

So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” (Matthew 13:57)

October 22, 2011 - Saturday of the 17th Week after Trinity

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek your good.(Psalm 122:9 from the Introit for Trinity18)

October 21, 2011 - Friday of the 17th Week after Trinity

"When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them; for the LORD your God is with you, who brought you up from the land of Egypt. (Deuteronomy 20:1)

October 20, 2011 - Thursday of the 17th Week after Trinity

One Lord, one faith, one baptism; (Ephesians 4:5)

October 19, 2011 - Wednesday of the 17th Week after Trinity

Do you believe then, that the true body and blood of Christ are in the Sacrament? Yes, I believe it. What convinces you to believe this? The word of Christ: Take, eat, this is My body; drink of it, all of you, this is My blood. (Small Catechism - Christian Questions)

October 18, 2011 - St. Luke, Evangelist

"And heal the sick there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near to you.'" (Luke 10:9)

October 17, 2011 - Monday of the 17th Week after Trinity

Debate your case with your neighbor, And do not disclose the secret to another; (Proverbs 25:9)

October 16, 2011 - The 17th Sunday after Trinity

"For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." Luke 14:11

October 15, 2011 - Saturday of the 16th Week after Trinity

Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, And teach me Your statutes. (Psalm 119:124 from the Introit for Trinity 17)

October 14, 2011 - Friday of the 16th Week after Trinity

"take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, 'How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.' (Deuteronomy 12:30)

October 13, 2011 - Thursday of the 16th Week after Trinity

"But you shall seek the place where the LORD your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name for His dwelling place; and there you shall go. (Deuteronomy 12:5)

October 12, 2011 - Wednesday of the 16th Week after Trinity

What are the Words of Institution? Our Lord Jesus Christ, on thenight when He was betrayed, took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples and said: "Take, eat; this is My body, which is given for you. This do in remembrance of Me." In the same way also He took the cup after supper, and when He had

October 11, 2011 - Tuesday of the 16th Week after Trinity

Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory. (Ephesians 3:13)

October 10, 2011 - Monday of the 16th Week after Trinity

So she said to Elijah, "What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to bring my sin to remembrance, and to kill my son?" (1 Kings 17:18)

October 9, 2011 - The 16th Sunday after Trinity

Then fear came upon all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us"; and, "God has visited His people." (Luke 7:16)

October 8, 2011 - Saturday of the 15th Week after Trinity

For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. (Psalm 86:13 from the Introit for Trinity 16)

October 7, 2011 - Friday of the 15th Week after Trinity

"Thenbeware, lest you forget the LORD who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. (Deuteronomy 6:12)

October 6, 2011 - Thursday of the 15th Week after Trinity

You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it.' (Deuteronomy 5:27)

October 5, 2011 - Wednesday of the 15th Week after Trinity

What has Christ done that you trust in Him? He died for me and shed His blood for me on the cross for the forgiveness of sins. Did the Father also die for you? He did not. The Father is God only, as is the Holy Spirit; but the Son is both true God and true man. He died for me and shed His blood for me. How do you know this? From the Holy Gospel, from the words of instituting the Sacrament, and by His body and blood given me as a pledge in the Sacrament. (Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

October 4, 2011 - Tuesday of the 15th Week after Trinity

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches. (Galatians 6:6)

October 3, 2011 - Monday of the 15th Week after Trinity

"For thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on the earth.' " (1 Kings 17:14)

October 2, 2011 - The 15th Sunday after Trinity

"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6:26)

October 1, 2011 - Saturday of the 14th Week after Trinity

Rejoice the soul of Your servant, For to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. (Psalm 86:4, from the Introit for Trinity 15)

September 30, 2011 - Friday of the 14th Week after Trinity

"And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words.(Matthew 6:7)

September 29, 2011 - St. Michael and All Angels

"Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10)

September 28, 2011 - Wednesday of the 14th Week after Trinity

Who is Christ? The Son of God, true God and man. How many Gods are there? Only one, but there are three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

September 27, 2011 - Tuesday of the 14th Week after Trinity

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. (Galatians 5:17)

September 26, 2011 - Monday of the 14th Week after Trinity

My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. (Proverbs 4:20)

September 25, 2011 - The 14th Sunday after Trinity

"Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:18)

September 24, 2011 - Saturday of the 13th Week after Trinity

My soul longs, yes, even faints For the courts of the Lord; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:2 NKJV, from the Introit for Trinity 14)

September 23, 2011 - Friday of the 13th Week after Trinity

You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, And did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, And gave them water for their thirst. (Nehemiah 9:20)

September 22, 2011 - Thursday of the 13th Week after Trinity

Do you hope to be saved? Yes, that is my hope. In whom, then, do you trust? In my dear Lord Jesus Christ.

September 21, 2011 - St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" (Matthew 9:11)

September 20, 2011 - Tuesday of the 13th Week after Trinity

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. (Galatians 3:22)

September 19, 2011 - Monday of the 13th Week after Trinity

"And now you propose to force the children of Judah and Jerusalem to be your male and female slaves; but are you not also guilty before the LORD your God? (2 Chronicles 28:10)

September 18, 2011 - The 13th Sunday after Trinity

But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" (Luke 10:29)

September 17, 2011 - Saturday of the 12th Week after Trinity

Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; Remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. (Psalm 74:22 from the Introit for Trinity 13)

September 16, 2011 - Friday of the 12th Week after Trinity

For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)

September 15, 2011 - Thursday of the 12th Week after Trinity

Are you sorry for your sins? Yes, I am sorry that I have sinned against God. What have you deserved from God because of your sins? His wrath and displeasure, temporal death, and eternal damnation. See Romans 6:21,23 (Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

September 14, 2011 - Holy Cross Day

And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” (John 12:32)

September 13, 2011 - Tuesday of the 12th Week after Trinity

For if the ministry of condemnation had glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds much more in glory. (2 Corinthians 3:9)

September 12, 2011 - Monday of the 12th Week after Trinity

In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. (Isaiah 29:18)

September 11, 2011 - The 12th Sunday after Trinity

Immediately his ears were opened, and the impediment of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly. (Mark 7:35)

September 10, 2011 - Saturday of the 11th Week after Trinity

Make haste, O God, to deliver me! Make haste to help me, O Lord! (Psalm 70:1, from The Introit for Trinity 12)

September 9, 2011 - Friday of the 11th Week after Trinity

And Elisha prayed, and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. (2 Kings 6:17)

September 8, 2011 - Thursday of the 11th Week after Trinity

Even when we were dead in trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (Ephesians 2:5)

September 7, 2011 - Wednesday of the 11th Week after Trinity

Do you believe that you are a sinner? Yes, I believe it, I am a sinner. How do you know this? From the Ten Commandments which I have not kept. (Small Catechism, Christian Questions)

September 6, 2011 - Tuesday of the 11th Week after Trinity

After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians15:6)

September 5, 2011 - Monday of the 11th Week after Trinity

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him. (Genesis 4:8)

September 4, 2011 - The 11th Sunday after Trinity

And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ (Luke 18:13)

September 3, 2011 - Saturday of the Tenth Week after Trinity

Let God arise, Let His enemies be scattered; Let those also who hate Him flee before Him. (Psalm 68:1 from the Introit for Trinity 11)

September 2, 2011 - Friday of the Tenth Week after Trinity

For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.(Romans 10:2)

September 1, 2011 - Thursday of the Tenth Week after Trinity

Therefore I make known to you that no one speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and no one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit.(1 Corinthians 12:3)

August 31, 2011 - Wednesday of the Tenth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Would you want your friends to do drugs? Drive while drunk? Let them cheat if they didn't get caught? If you knew something would hurt someone, would you warn them? Of course you would try to help them. This is one of the reasons that Lutheran pastors practice “closed Communion” or “altar fellowship.” The Catechism reminds us that being “worthy” to receive the Supper isn't about how good we are but whether we believe it's really the Body and Blood of Jesus that we receive for the forgiveness of sins.

August 30, 2011 - Tuesday of the Tenth Week after Trinity

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No! They were not at all ashamed, Nor did they know how to blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall; In the time of their punishment They shall be cast down," says the LORD. (Jeremiah 8:12)

August 29, 2011 - The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist

And the king was exceedingly sorry; yet, because of the oaths and because of those who sat with him, he did not want to refuse her. (Mark 6:26)

August 28, 2011 - The Tenth Sunday after Trinity

Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19:41-42)

August 27, 2011 - Saturday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

As for me, I will call upon God, And the LORD shall save me. (Psalm 55:16 from the Introit for Trinity 10)

August 26, 2011 - Friday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. There has not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised through His servant Moses. (1 Kings 8:56)

August 25, 2011 - Thursday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

And it came to pass, when the priests came out of the holy place, that the cloud filled the house of the LORD,so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD (1 Kings 8:10-11)

August 24, 2011 - Wednesday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. If someone gives you a gift, do they thank you for opening it? Have you ever sent a thank you note to someone whom you gave something? “Dear, So and So, thanks for opening the present I gave you.” It sounds silly and it is. The best thanks is knowing the person received a gift and enjoyed it. Just so, we dare not take the Sacrament of the Altar and turn it into something we do, as if by going to Communion we are showing God that we are obedient. In many churches, this is why the word “obligation” or “ordinance” is used of the Sacrament; it has been turned into something we count as having done for ourselves.

August 23, 2011 - Tuesday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)

August 22, 2011 - Monday of the Ninth Week after Trinity

God is my strength and power, And He makes my way perfect. (2 Samuel 22:33)

August 21, 2011 - The Ninth Sunday after Trinity

No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. (Luke 16:13)

August 20, 2011 - Saturday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

For strangers have risen up against me, And oppressors have sought after my life; They have not set God before them. (Psalm 53:3 from the Introit for Trinity 9)

August 19, 2011 - Friday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

"Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.” (Acts 20:30)

August 18, 2011 - Thursday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (Romans 8:16)

August 17, 2011 - Wednesday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Ask your friends what it means to be a Christian and you'll get lots of answers. “It means trying to live a good life.” “Being a Christian means loving others and helping them.” “It means I go to church and learn stuff about Jesus.” “It means learning to choose the right path over the bad path every day.” You'll get many answers but one you probably won't hear is, “Being a Christian means feasting upon the body and blood of Jesus.”

August 16, 2011 - Tuesday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

Thus says the LORD of hosts: "Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They make you worthless; They speak a vision of their own heart, Not from the mouth of the LORD. (Jeremiah 23:16)

August 15, 2011 - St. Mary, the Mother of God

Then Elizabeth spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:42)

August 14, 2011 - Sunday of the Eighth Week after Trinity

Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)

August 13, 2011 - Saturday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

We have thought, O God, on Your lovingkindness, In the midst of Your temple. (Psalm 48:9 from the Introit for Trinity 8)

August 12, 2011 - Friday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)

August 11, 2011 - Thursday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

But David said to Abishai, "Do not destroy [Saul]; for who can stretch out his hand against the LORD's anointed, and be guiltless?" (1 Samuel 26:9)

August 10, 2011 - Wednesday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Sacrament of the Altar is one of those things that Christians can't seem to agree on. The truth is, problems in the teaching of a church about the Sacrament of the Altar can all be solved and answered by Jesus' words.

August 9, 2011 - Tuesday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23)

August 8, 2011 - Monday of the Seventh Week after Trinity

And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, "Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat;but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die." (Genesis 2:16-17)

August 7, 2011 - The Seventh Sunday after Trinity

So He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. And He took the seven loaves and gave thanks, broke them and gave them to His disciples to set before them; and they set them before the multitude.(Mark 8:6)

August 6, 2011 - Saturday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne.(Psalm 47:8 from the Introit for Trinity 7)

August 5, 2011 - Friday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

But he shook off the [viper] into the fire and suffered no harm. (Acts 28:5)

August 4, 2011 - Thursday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers, "Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved. (Acts 27:31)

August 3, 2011 - Wednesday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Do you jump out of bed on Sunday morning because there's another chance to eat and drink the body and blood of Jesus? Or is the Sacrament just one more thing to blow off when you've got other more important things to do? The Catechism reminds us that the Sacrament of the Altar is given to us Christians to eat and drink. That means that if we're Christians, we'll eat and drink it.

August 2, 2011 - Tuesday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4).

August 1, 2011 - Monday of the Sixth Week after Trinity

I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. (Exodus 20:2)

July 31, 2011 - The Sixth Sunday after Trinity

Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. (Matthew 5:17)

July 30, 2011 - Saturday of the Fifth Week after Trinity

To You I will cry, O LORD my Rock: Do not be silent to me, Lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down to the pit. (Psalm 28:1 from the Introit for Trinity 6)

July 29, 2011 - Friday of the Fifth Week after Trinity

For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18)

July 28, 2011 - Thursday of the Fifth Week after Trinity

There is also an antitype which now saves us- baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:21).

July 27, 2011 - Wednesday of the Fifth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. When you go to church, your pastor, speaking in the place of Jesus, forgives your sins. When he says, “In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins,” well, then your sins are forgiven. God remembers them no more.

July 26, 2011 - Tuesday of the Fifth Week after Trinity

"Yet I have reserved seven thousand in Israel, all whose knees have not bowed to Baal, and every mouth that has not kissed him." (1 Kings 19:18).

July 25, 2011 - St. James the Elder

And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. (Mark 10:41)

July 24, 2011 - The Fifth Sunday after Trinity

But Simon answered and said to Him, "Master, we have toiled all night and caught nothing; nevertheless at Your word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5)

July 23, 2011 - Saturday of the Fourth Week after Trinity

One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD All the days of my life, (Psalm 27:4 from the Introit for Trinity 5)

July 22, 2011 - St. Mary Magdalene

Then they said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She said to them, "Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him." (John 20:13)

July 21, 2011 - Thursday of the Fourth Week after Trinity

Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head." (Romans 12:20)

July 20, 2011 - Wednesday of the Fourth Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Notice which of the two parts of confession is the big deal. Well, there's the confessing our sins part. That's where we say what we've done or not done according to the commandments. But the big deal is the absolution, the forgiveness of sins from the pastor that is as from God Himself and by which we know that our sins are forgiven before God Himself in heaven.

July 19, 2011 - Tuesday of the Fourth Week after Trinity

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)

July 18, 2011 - Monday of the Fourth Week after Trinity

“Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. (Genesis 50:21)

July 17, 2011 - The Fourth Sunday after Trinity

" Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (Luke 6:37)

July 16, 2011 - Saturday of the Third Week after Trinity

The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 from the Introit for Trinity 4)

July 15, 2011 - Friday of the Third Week after Trinity

However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. (1 Timothy 1:16)

July 14, 2011 - Thursday of the Third Week after Trinity

'I will arise and go to my father, and will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you, and I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants." '

July 13, 2011 - Wednesday of the Third Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. The Old Adam is like that guy in the movies that the police shoot a bunch of times but he still keeps coming. The Old Adam is done for. Doomed. He won't survive the Last Day. But until then he keeps coming. Keeps fighting and struggling. The Catechism teaches us that the only thing to do for him is to hold him under the water of our baptism until he stops moving! Sounds awfully violent doesn't it? But there's nothing else for it. The Lord Himself was crucified for our sins. Our Old Adam is that bad. He's got to go.

July 12, 2011 - Tuesday of the Third Week after Trinity

Resist [the devil], steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same sufferings are experienced by your brotherhood in the world. (1 Peter 5:9)

July 11, 2011 - Monday of the Third Week after Trinity

Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. (Micah 7:18)

July 10, 2011 - The Third Sunday after Trinity

"Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)

July 9, 2011 - Saturday of the Second Week after Trinity

To You, O LORD, I lift up my soul.O my God, I trust in You; Let me not be ashamed; (Psalm 25:1-2, from the Introit for Trinity 3)

July 8, 2011 - Friday of the Second Week after Trinity

Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles...Now when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord. And as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. (Acts 13:46,48)

July 7, 2011 - Thursday of the Second Week after Trinity

...and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity. (Ephesians 2:16)

July 6, 2011 - Wednesday of the Second Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. We are surrounded by churches and Christians who don't know what Holy Baptism is all about. If we were to talk about what a great gift our Baptism is and how it gives all those great gifts that the Catechism mentioned last week. The objection is usually the same: “Baptism is a symbol. It's something WE do. And what WE do doesn't save us.” But Baptism ISN'T “something WE do.” Baptism is God's work. This question in the Catechism is answered simply and clearly: Baptism is a “washing of new birth.” But here's some more verses to consider to add to your arsenal of baptismal awesomeness.

July 5, 2011 - Tuesday of the Second Week after Trinity

My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

July 4, 2011 - Monday of the Second Week after Trinity

"Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed.Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. (Proverbs 9:5-6)

July 3, 2011 - The Second Sunday after Trinity

'For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste my supper.' " (Luke 14:24)

July 2, 2011 - The Visitation

And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.(Luke 1:41)

July 1, 2011 - Friday of the First Week after Trinity

So the people shouted when the priests blew the trumpets. And it happened when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat. Then the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. (Joshua 6:20)

June 30, 2011 - Thursday of the First Week after Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. I challenge you to find something that does as much cool stuff as Baptism! Forgiveness of sins? Check! Rescue from death AND the devil? Check! Eternal salvation? Check! Baptism is, simply put, awesome! By that water and Word the Spirit delivers these gifts to you. And your Baptism does all this because God's Word says so. So go boldly into every conversation confessing your Baptism. After all, to confess your Baptism IS to confess Jesus because in Baptism, Jesus is bestowing upon you all that He won for you on Calvary.

June 29, 2011 - St. Peter and St. Paul

"And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18)

June 28, 2011 - Tuesday of the First Week after Trinity

Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. (1 John 4:17)

June 27, 2011 - Monday of the First Week after Trinity

And Abram believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. (Genesis 15:6)

June 26, 2011 - The First Sunday after Trinity

"But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.' " (Luke 16:31)

June 25, 2011 - The Presentation of the Augsburg Confession

I will speak of Your testimonies also before kings, And will not be ashamed. (Psalm 119:46)

June 24, 2011 - The Nativity of St. John the Baptist

So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.His mother answered and said, "No; he shall be called John." (Luke 1:59-60)

June 23, 2011 - Thursday of the Week of the Holy Trinity

Do not boast about tomorrow, For you do not know what a day may bring forth. (Proverbs 27:1)

June 22, 2011 - Wednesday of the Week of the Holy Trinity

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. One thing we can say about the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—is that's He's not theoretical. He's practical. You may have learned about how to properly confess the Triune God in Catechism, but the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were at work long before that in your life, already on the day you were baptized. After all, it was in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit that the water was put upon you.

June 21, 2011 - Tuesday of the Week of the Holy Trinity

"Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?" (Romans 11:35)

June 20, 2011 - Monday of the Week of the Holy Trinity

And he touched my mouth with it, and said: "Behold, this has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged." (Isaiah 6:7)

June 19, 2011 - Holy Trinity

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

June 18, 2011 - Saturday of the Week of Pentecost

O LORD, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth (Psalm 8:1 from the Introit for Holy Trinity)

June 17, 2011 - Friday of the Week of Pentecost

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, (Romans 8:16)

June 16, 2011 - Thursday of the Week of Pentecost

I will also gather all nations, And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel, Whom they have scattered among the nations; they have also divided up my land. (Joel 3:2)