Spiritual Stamina: Recent Episodes
Rev. DJ. Smith
Readings and reflections based on the Daily Revised Common Lectionary. Reflections speak to the context in which the people of Trinity Lutheran Church in Logansport, IN, conduct their mission. Yet, the Word of God speaks equally into every context and circumstance.
This is the final podcast from Cycle B of the Christian Church's Year where we have journeyed with the Gospel of Mark.
This coming Sunday, November 21st is Christ The King Sunday where we bow to our redeemer King. The Gospel reading is from Mark 13:32-37.
Here Mark quotes Jesus who is directing us to be alert and keep awake - to ready ourselves for the second coming of Christ. Our joys, sorrows, and anxieties often keep us awake. Knowing we can cast those cares to God and be embraced with the power of Jesus's love certainly removes any distractions. Therefore - be alert, engage Jesus, and stay awake.
Matthew 5:1-12. The Beatitudes are read on All Saints Day to affirm that our deeds have ultimate significance. We celebrate the saints – living and dead – who have sacrificed to do the right thing. They, like us, have done deeds that involved sacrifice or have caused suffering, or that nobody pays attention to, and we have done things that seem to be part of losing causes. Jesus tells us that these deeds: mercy, love, peace, mourn the dead, and suffering persecution in my name matter. They matter to Jesus, to us, the world, the kingdom. Be Blest!
The appointed Gospel for Reformation Day is John 8:31-38. It is the truth that Jesus speaks.
His words abide with us through out our journey. Take these words to heart.
Make Jesus the center of your lives. We need to be freed from the power of sin so we can
live and have our being.
What blinds us? Are we bold enough to call out to Jesus? In Mark 10:46-52 we hear a story of faith healing. Jesus simply says…what would you have me do for you? Let Jesus work His miracle in you as he did for the blind man. Be persistent, bold and confident in your faith and it will make you well.
Make the paths straight. Repent and prepare for the change that is coming. Invite Jesus into your life and it will never be the same.
November 1 2020 Gospel is Matthew 5:1-12. The Sermon by Jesus begins is radical fashion by upending the social strata of the day. Blessed are...
The Church is always reforming. The power of the Spirit gathers and sanctifies the Church from the heart of Christ. Luther’s symbol puts us in right relationship with God by centering are lives on His saving Grace in Christ Jesus.
The Gospel reading for Sunday, October 18, 2020, continues the engagement between Jesus and the Jewish leaders in Jerusalem. This passage is a seeming simple question designed to entrap Jesus. Yet, Jesus is cleaver and provides a clear picture of discipleship and Jewish understanding - God is priority One! It's a good message to hear since we often operate on the belief that God=Country. Honor God by making Him first - always.
Matthew 22:1-14. Please come. When the banquet is set by a king, consider it a privilege. As you live as the chosen people, follow the true King, Jesus Christ. The alternative is disastrous. Make sure everyone knows they are invited as well.
God expects good fruit from His vineyard. As good tenants of the church we build a community that reflects the best of God’s creation.
Matthew 20:1-16 The liberty of God to accept those into His vineyard is the key to widening God's Kingdom. No matter when you come to the waters of baptism you are welcome into God's vineyard. You will receive full compensations of salvation.
Matthew 18:21-35 Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Simply, forgive one another unconditionally. I know it takes time, but otherwise you will be imprisoned by our your own guilt. Forgiving frees both sinners.
Matthew 18:15-20 We are accountable to God and to one another. Jesus is present always and when we find ourselves in conflict with one another He can mediate. Let Jesus - his actions and words - serve as an example on how to forgive and manage sinful behavior. Many times we rely on human ways of handling hurt and injury.. This passage gives us a firm understanding on how accountability for our behavior is to be handled.
Matthew 18:10-14. Lost sheep...even just one are important to God. Jesus seeks the lost one as if it was the only one of the herd. We are called to follow that example to grow and preserve the community.
Matthew 18:5-6. The Baptized should take on the character of the child of God they are. Discipline yourselves to become trusting of God, honest, self correcting, innocent as doves. Do not tempt or cause fellow disciples to stumble or fall. Go everywhere in the name of Jesus.
Gospel lesson for this week is Matthew. 18:1-20. Today we read from verses 1-5. Child-like qualities are welcomed and affirmed and desirable in the Kingdom of Heaven. Be humble, trusting, and thirst for learning.
Matthew 16:21-28. Taking up our cross is difficult. Yet through the pain and suffering we bring glory to God by fixing our lives on following Jesus and brining his message of salvation to the world.
Matthew 16:21-24. Jesus rebukes Peter...and us. Humans are selfish creatures and easily distracted. Keep your focus on Jesus and His mission.
Matthew 16:24-25. Taking up your cross means to struggle with everyday challenges. Within the challenges are pain, anguish and even death. On the other side of the cross, out of the suffering is new life.
Matthew 16:21-28. The first of three predictions of Jesus’ death and resurrection. We encounter what it takes of us to journey with Jesus and be a disciple.
Matthew 16:13-20 unlocks God’s will for our lives. God gives us keys to life, relationship and salvation. A primary key is to practice forgiveness.
Matthew 16:13-20. The Church built on the rock can withstand the conflict between good and evil. *recorded Aug 19.
Matthew 16:21-30. Today we encounter the clear message to remain linked with God to understand His authority over both heaven and earth. God alone can forgive repentant sinners. Our mission is to lead people to the waters of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
Matthew 16:21-30. This week the Gospel lesson for the 12th Sunday after Pentecost is the first prediction by Jesus of His Passion. Who do we say Jesus is? Peter answers and now it’s our opportunity to do the same in our setting.
Matthew 15:28. Because The Canaanite woman came to Jesus, kneeled at his feet her daughter was healed - instantly. That is good news for all of us when we come to Jesus knowing that grace extends to us.
Matthew 15:25-27 is a passionate, pleading of the woman for Jesus to heal her Daughter. She simply prays...Lord, Help Me. Go to Him in prayer, simply and with the assurance your prayer will be answered.
Matthew 15:23-24. Jesus does not answer. Very uncommon. Jesus accepts the challenge to define his true mission to Israel. At the same time opens up salvation to the gentiles. We are included. Thanks be to God.
Matthew 15:21-28 is the Gospel lesson this week. Jesus ventures to the gentile territory and encounters an opportunity to show mercy.
Matthew 14:31-33. Jesus’ outstretched hand is always there. Even just a little faith can save us. Amid the doubt and distractions of this world, God’s promises are firm and fully realized in Jesus Christ.
Matthew 14:28-33. Peter asks Jesus to let him come. Jesus says COME! Peter, like you and me, steps out of the boat. Whatever compelled Peter to step out it was a bold move. People of faith need to step out - move forward to make Christ known. Its faith over fear - even just a little faith - that the world needs to see.
Matthew 14:25-27. Jesus shocks the disciples by walking to them on water. Yet when he speaks they and nature are calmed. Put away your fear. Don’t exaggerate your problem...together with Jesus helping you can find solutions.
Matthew 14:22-24 sets the stage for the moments after the feeding. Jesus compels disciples to get into the boat and he withdraws to pray. Prayer nourishes our soul and reenergizes our faith as we listen and dialog with God.
Gospel lesson for this week is Matthew 14:22-33. Jesus tells Peter...Come. He does and in the midst of his water walk turns his attention from Jesus to himself. He begins to sink. Jesus grabs his hand and saves him. The self-righteous will parish. Trust Jesus and live.
Matthew 14:13-21 is our Gospel this week and as we end the week...it is us to whom it speaks most loudly. Never take the provisions of God for granted. Honor God and share your bread.
Matthew provides his explanation of the Feeding of the 5000 to mark the transition from classroom disciples to disciples who engage in ministry. Just like a young bird leaving the nest for the first time we are destined to put our learning into action. We will fall, look awkward and lose a few feathers along the way - but the Kingdom of God is at hand - go! Its time for you to fly.
Matthew 14: 13-16. Jesus comes ashore and sees the crowds and has compassion on them. They hunger for hope and comfort. Jesus simply heals the sick among them invoking the name of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Those that seek healing find a cure in Jesus' touch. Seek this Jesus, be healed.
Matthew 14:13-21 describes the miracle of the feeding. In the midst of some urgency the Disciples beckon Jesus to advise them in a crisis. Jesus directs them to feed them. We are also directed to feed those around us.
This week the Gospel lessons move from Parable to Miracle. Matthew 14:12-27 is the account of feeding the 5000.
Matthew 13 contains 8 parables of Jesus. Jesus has revealed to the world an important revelation about the Kingdom of God. As we become competent and confident in the Word, we are called to continue this revelation as St. Paul describes in Ephesians 3:8-11.
Matthew 13 is textbook Jesus as teacher. The series of parable gives us a clear message about the Kingdom of God and also the last day. When Jesus comes again it is God’s desire that all humanity enter the Kingdom. The role we have is to evangelize all to give everyone opportunity to stand with Jesus.
Matthew 13:44-52. At the end of the readings Jesus talks about the ability of scribes to draw from the old and the new. These Secretaries of State for the High Priest and the Roman Prefect issue decrees. As a scribe...we draw upon the treasure who is Jesus Christ...the way, the truth, the life.
Matthew 13:31-33. Another series of parables about the Kingdom of God. If we see our life as beginning like a mustard seed but can provide shelter and rest for others as we grow to maturity...we can understand what Jesus is teaching.
This week our Gospel reading is Matthew 13:44-52. This parable has stories of finding treasure that brings great joy and results in actions of selling everything. Selling everything is a process or journey. But to find treasures you need to search. Staying in a state of stagnation will be to your peril at the end of the age. Search and you shall find....begin first in your own heart.
Today we journey into Psalm 78. Jesus quotes Ps. 78:2 in Matthew 13 when explain the parables. We have a story and God expects us as disciples to bring glory to HIm through our lives. So tell your children, grandchildren and anyone who will listen about God's salvation in Jesus Christ through your life's lessons. Just as Jesus did - make salvation personal.
Matthew 13:24-30, 34-43 is the Gospel reading form Sunday July 19. Today we encounter the harvest. While we learn to cope and persevere alongside the weeds. God will remove the weeds - sinner and evil doers - at harvest time. The most important fact is that Jesus is alongside of us every moment...we are not in this alone. Together, we will shine like the sun on the last day.
Matthew 13:37-39. The weeds grow along with the wheat. The wheat holds steadfast to the good news. Rootedness in the world does not produce a fruitful harvest.
Matthew 13:30. One verse explains how the Kingdom will be perfected at the harvest. Even though evils may appear to temporality prevail...be patient and trust that God’s promises will always be fulfilled.
Matthew 13: 34-43. Portions of this scripture segment describe the use of parable by Jesus. The world thirsts for hope and assurance in the coming Kingdom...but what will the Kingdom be like? Jesus shares in everyday storytelling.
Gospel Part II Matthew 13:18-23. Jesus explains the Parable of the Sower. We are called to continue to scatter seeds everywhere no matter the outcome...but keep on mission.
Matthew 13:1-9 is the first portion of the Gospel reading for Sunday, July 12. Just as Jesus shared the good news, so are we. No matter the soil, sowing the Word of love come to earth in the person of Jesus is good farming.
Luke 10: 23-24 has parallels with Matthew 11. Those who engage in Jesus' mission receive many blessings that others do not. We are more blessed than governors and presidents. We see the world through the eyes and ears of Christ. Among the relatively free nations of the world we blessed to worship more freely. However, we value our dependence on God's promises more than individual freedoms. For the truth is, our freedom from sin and death is never possible through human endeavors, rather only through the blood of the lamb - Jesus Christ.
Matthew 11:28-30. In these three short verses, the true character of Jesus is revealed. We are invited to become yoked to him. He will bear the load in our life of mission and kingdom building.
We jouney in the Gospel of Matthew Chapter 11 verses 25-27. Here we have another teaching about the Kingdom of God. Jesus clearly establishes our purpose as sent people of God. God's grace is fully revealed in Jesus, His Son. With repentant hearts we engage in His mission.
Jesus is the way, truth, life. In the small things, like children playing, we hear and see God. While we can't please everyone around us, we can remain true to His mission.
Daily Office from I John 4:1-6 We have to test the messages and messengers who claim to come from God. The world produces many voices that are not from God. The criteria we use to discern the true message are: Word Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone.
Daily office from I Thessalonians 4:9-12. St. Paul encourages use to live a life pleasing to God. Do so with integrity - following and imitating the life of Jesus. Mutual love is the key to awakening a broken world to the power of Jesus Christ.
We conclude the Sermon on Mission from Jesus. Generous acts on behalf of the faithful are rewarded. All the baptized are providing essential ministry and those who support them are rewarded as well. Welcoming and receiving fellow disciples is the equivalent of welcoming and receiving Jesus into our lives.
Daily Office from Luke 17:1-4. Forgive often and with intent to increase faith. Whom do you need to forgive?
Dailly Office from Psalm 13. When we cry out to God in the midst of trouble, hurt and pain - God is never closer. God delivers us from all the enemies of the world through the power of His Son Jesus Christ. God's steadfast love endures.
Daily office from Matthew 10:16-23. Bearing witness to the promises of God in the miracle of Jesus Christ is a dangerous endeavor. Yet God equips us with what we need and sends us an advocate in the Holy Spirit.
Daily office from Matthew 10:5-15. GO! You and I are sent on a mission from God in the name of Jesus Christ. In these verses, Jesus creates the job description of His missionaries. Pray that God would equip your mission as you engage the world with the promise of salvation.
Daily office from Revelation 2:1-7. The first message of the week and to the churches is repent. Return to loving acceptance and worship of God. As disciples, you will be pressured to succumb to the worldly idols and gods. Resist, return to the Lord your God, who is abounding in steadfast love.
Daily Office from Luke 11:53-12:3. Beware of those who practice a civil religion. Do not become hyporcites - those who are raised by the world's gods of greed and self-righteousness - then say you are disciples of Jesus. Rather be encouraged that God expects authenticity - living and loving as if you were saved by grace alone through faith. You can't live a double life. Choose a life of service and proclamation as Jesus demonstrated.
Daily Office from Genesis 35:1-4. Put away all other gods. Build your life as a witness to the one true GOD who sent his Son Jesus to save us. Cling to God in your distress, bury other gods and follow Jesus on the road in mission.
Daily Office from Psalm 126. Choose joy! God is constantly delivering you and me from calamity and circumstances that threaten our faith. Life is full of times of joy, pain, celebration and sorrow. For all those times, God delivers us and relieves our parched lives by cold, refreshing water. That water sustains all life and it has a name - Jesus The Christ. Depend on God.
Daily office from II Thessalonians 2:13-17. Words and encouragement from mentors in faith are key traits of community. Following Jesus means to emulate his life as individuals and as a community of believers.
Daily office from I Thessalonians 3:1-3. To be the church we will suffer. The world and all its earthly powers will oppose the true king - Jesus Christ. Communities must encourage and equip one another to stand firm and conduct ministry in the midst of persecution. One of the 'marks' that a church is engaged with the world in spiritual warfare is to be persecuted. So put on the full armor of God and go - do mercy, love kindness and proclaim the Gospel of Christ.
Daily Office from Psalm 100. Its not about us - rather worship and all life serves God. Despite our public narrative that begs us to become a better you - we are God's. God loves us as if we are the only one on earth to love. We return that steadfast love to the world by loving our neighbor.
Daily Office from Acts 7:35-43. If we turn our backs on God and the leaders, like Moses, whom God sent - we become followers of the sun, moon and stars. When we reject God, we embrace a survival mode ministry which neither serves our neighbor or pleases God.
Daily office from Job 39:26-40:5. Quit arguing with God. God can handle your anger and deserves your love. Job is humbled as God responds to his pleading and questioning. Job stops. He realizes God has heard him.
Daily office from I Corinthians 12:4-13. Paul talks further about the varieties of Spiritual Gifts. These include wisdom, knowledge, prophecy and others. These gifts are endowed by God and empowered by the Holy Spirit. They are gifts so often despised by the world since we use them for building up of community.
Daily office from I Corinthians 12:1-3. The Holy Spirit has endowed each of us with the gifts needed to profess and confess that Jesus is Lord! We cannot do so without the power of the Spirit. The Church of Jesus Christ is One, not by our own works or reason, but solely by the call of the Spirit.
A preview of the sermon on June 7th. The Gospel is: Matthew 28:16-20. Life Together in changing times is filled with opportunity. First, we must recognize our responsibility for others. If we fail to help someone when we have the means and resources to do so, then we are responsible for their demise. As we consistently follow Jesus' commands to love our neighbor and listen to them - we are doing what pleases God. The world is unable to solve its problems by it's own powers and principalities and can only succeed with God.
Daily Office from John 14:15-17. Love is our calling and mission. How else will Jesus Christ become known in the world? We have the Holy Spirit in us - to empower us as we follow the commandments of Jesus.
Daily office from Psalm 8. The Lord God is Sovereign. He is not a wizard but creator and owners of all creation. He draws His power from the most vulnerable. Yet, He give us dominion and that is a great responsibility. So He sent His Son Jesus to demonstrate what dominion is and what it looks like. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Daily office from Job 38:1-11. God claims the origin of all things. God sets Job straight - I am God and you are not.
Daily office from Romans 8:26-27. The Holy Spirit intercedes to bring for God’s glory but also to train us to keep looking forward in hope.
Daily office from Romans 8:18-23. Hope rules our lives and ministry. We are to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Where there is unrest we are called to be the change that results in peace.
Daily office from Psalm 33:12-22. Faith - Hope - Love form the essence of discipleship.
Daily office from Romans 8:14-17. Since we are adopted into God’s family we also have all the benefits and responsibilities. May the Holy Spirit empower the domestic church.
Daily office from John 3:31-36. Jesus is above all. He is transcends our circumstances. He accompanies us on the journey of life. Those who commit their lives to Christ are rewarded with eternal life - not through what they do - but by the grace of God. Baptized people of God have nothing to fear - they are forgiven and sent to make Christ known.
Daily office from Numbers 16:41-50. Building community involves good leadership. When resistance is encountered, leaders often stand between those in conflict. This is a dangerous place, yet is where restoration of good order begins.
Daily office from Leviticus 9:1-11;22-24. As Moses and the people remained at Mt. Sinai, God appointed leaders and formed community. God gave blessing to the people and received their offerings. Here we find the convergence of God’s promise and blessing...the same blessing on our communities of faith today.
Daily Office from II Kings 2:13-15. God’s love and prophetic word continues forever. The grace of God through Jesus is never interrupted. Hold fast to God’s saving Word no matter how circumstances try to separate us from it.
Daily office from Psalm 93. God is forever. God reigns. His majesty endures and cannot be devalued or reduced by human reason.
Daily Office from Luke 24:44-53. Jesus ascends to the right hand of God from Bethany. The Disciples witness the fulfillment of God’s plan of salvation. Promises fulfilled.
Daily office from John 16:16-24. Jesus is preparing the disciples for his crucifixion. He speaks about the reality that they will be greatly grieved but their sorrow will turn to joy.
Daily Office from I Peter 3 quoted from Psalm 34:12-16. In the Psalm we received guidance to form our character as we pursue peace.
Daily office for May 18 2020 from Genesis 9:8-17. God sets the rainbow as a sign of unconditional promise. Through Jesus God’s promises are fully revealed. His Church is the visible public sign that God saves us through His Son Jesus.
Daily Office reading from Genesis 8:13-19. After the flood God remembered Noah, his family and all the animals and creeping things. God said go from the ark. God beckons us to go as well into the world to multiply His people and spread the Gospel.
Daily Office from Psalm 66:13-20. We are externally grateful for God’s presence and work. God led Israel out of bondage in Egypt. He leads us on our own exodus as well. Celebrate and share the many blessings God has bestowed on your life.
Daily Office from Psalm 66:8-12. God is at work setting things right. During this time the people endure tests and trials. We receive them to once again acknowledge our dependence on God’s protection.
Daily Office from Proverbs 3:13-18. Wisdom has expectations for those who follow her path and avoid evil. The rewards will result in true wealth, peace and long life.
Daily Office from Proverbs 3:5-12. In this chapter Wisdom bestows well being for those who are obedient. God removes obstacles and accompanies us during times of testing.
Daily Office is from Exodus 13:17-22. The journey to places we have never been can be filled with both apprehension and hopeful expectation. God leads His people everywhere. We simply look for pillars of God and follow.
Jesus responds to the worry of His disciples. “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” With the help of God, the Holy Spirit, and Scripture we can choose to quiet our hearts. These are troubled times...we need all the help we can get. Jesus is the way, truth and life.
Daily Office reading is Psalm 31:15-16. God, as Creator, Owner, and Redeemer of all the universe promises protection from our enemies and persecutors.
Daily Office for May 8 from Genesis 12:1-3. God gave His divine promise to Abram. He also promises us and ensures us salvation through Jesus Christ. Our mission is to bring God forward into the lives of all people. God has chosen you and me...like Abram...for this special purpose.
Daily Office from Psalm 31:1-5. God is our refuge, rock and deliverer from the storms of life. God sends us out into the world with Jesus, our Redeemer by our side. To God we commit our Spirit.
Daily Office reading for May 6th. Jeremiah 23:1-8. God is working restoration. He will raise up just and righteous leaders to shepherd us out of exile. God has raised His Son Jesus who is the good shepherd of our flock at Trinity. Follow him out of exile into the future.
Daily Office for May 5 2020 comes into our midst from Psalm 100 once again. Because God’s love is everlasting we publicly worship with thanksgiving. On God’s time we will soon enter His sanctuary at 97 E Market St. led by the Holy Spirit who gathers the church. We will never take that ability and spiritual call for granted.
Daily Office for May 4 2020. Psalm 100. With jubilant confidence with give thanks and praise to God our creator.
Daily Office for May 2 2020 from Luke 15:1-7. Jesus seeks the lost sheep. He doesn’t forsake the other 99 rather seeks the one lost sheep to make the flock while again. Jesus seeks us to make the Kingdom of a God complete. Turn and embrace Jesus so he may carry you on his shoulders.
From 1Peter 2:13-17. Honor, respect and love. Three marks of Christian response to authority. While we endure continued isolation let us always know Jesus is present and calling us to be gracious to one another.
You are chosen, handpicked by God. Do good things and show mercy. Love your neighbor and worship God with your mind, body, and soul.
Daily Office for April 29 2020 from 1 Peter 2:4-8. You...yes you! You are a fellow minister of Jesus Christ. May you carry the mantle of God’s Grace everywhere. Become the spiritual leader in your home and community.
The Daily Revised Common Lectionary reading from 1 Peter 2:1-3. Drink of God's Word. Taste and see that the Lord is Good. Put aside the bad taste of the world - envy, malice, slander. Drink in the salvation of Jesus and grow.