February 13, 2026

Today's Reading: John 4:46-54

Daily Lectionary: Job 9:1-35

“Jesus said to him, ’Go; your son will live.” (John 4:50)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Isn’t it amazing how Jesus can make the most ridiculously absurd statements and no one from among His followers ever questions Him? Pharisees and Sadducees seemingly get paid by the inquiry, but that’s for another time. But really, if we made some of the claims Jesus did, people would stare at us and no doubt argue.

Not so, though, with Jesus. Because Jesus does something we cannot do. He backs up every statement He makes with proof, with action. In fact, without fail, everything He says comes to pass!

What a reading we have before us today. In John 4, Jesus heals the official’s son. The man desperately searches out the One he has heard could do something for his son—heal him before he dies.

If only we had the faith of this official. While we give lip service to knowing the One who heals the sick, casts out demons, raises the dead, and saves the sinner, all too often our actions don’t support that. Deep down, we cling to bits of doubt. Yes, Jesus has healed, but what if He doesn’t this time? Sure, He has risen from the dead, but what if I am not worthy enough? I know He has forgiven some sins, but what if He doesn’t forgive mine? Surely I have to assist in salvation in some way.

Such thinking is dangerous and does not seem to enter the mind of the official in our text. “The official said to him, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’ Jesus said to him, ’Go; your son will live.’ The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering.” (John 4:49-51)

Now, here is what we need to remember from this account. First, what faith this man has to believe Jesus would do exactly what He says. Second, Jesus NEVER enters the official’s house. He NEVER physically looks upon his dying child. He doesn’t need to. His power does not lie solely in seeing or touching… No! What we sing in the hymn “Thy Strong Word” is absolutely true. What breaks the darkness? What bespeaks us righteous?

The strong, powerful Word of God! In Baptism, in the Lord’s Supper, Creation, the Word of God holds ALL the power! It does. In His Word, He declares you to be His precious child. In His Word, He declares you forgiven of all your sins! In the Word which became flesh and dwelt among us, who took you who were dead in your trespasses and sins and raised you to new life. Nothing our Lord says is ridiculous, absurd, or untrue. He speaks peace, truth, and life for you. Which is why He urges us to “abide in My word.” (John 8:31)

Remain in that which holds all the power. That which creates, gives light, and makes us righteous. The Word of God.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Thy strong word did cleave the darkness At Thy speaking it was done For created light we thank Thee While Thy ordered seasons run. (LSB 578:1)

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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 12, 2026

Today's Reading: Catechism: Fifth Commandment

Daily Lectionary: Job 8:1-22; John 4:27-45

You shall not murder. What does this mean? We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body, but help and support him in every physical need.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

This might sound absurd to say, but the Fifth Commandment is a hard life lesson to learn. Face value, it could be our favorite, though. You shall not kill? I will go out on a limb and say that everyone reading this devotion today can say, “Yes! I have kept this commandment! I haven’t killed anyone, mark it down as the only commandment I have kept!”

Enter Martin Luther, who is the killjoy of the party. The Lord God says, “You shall not kill.” Luther says in his explanation of this Commandment, “We should fear and love God so that we do not hurt or harm our neighbor in his body…” (Explanation of the 5th Commandment) How many can check that box? A few less to be sure.

And then we realize Jesus has something to say about this. He says, “Everyone who is angry with his brother is liable to judgment… [and] the fires of hell.” (Matthew 5:22)

St. John even gets in on the action and says, “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.” (1 John 3:15)

All of a sudden, we are all standing here condemned by the Law in the sight of God, realizing we deserve to be cast into the outer darkness, where Jesus says there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Thanks be to God for the Gospel! Praise God, He has taught us through parents, pastors, and teachers that even this sin lies forgiven in His sight for the sake of Jesus. To the one who hates His brother, who has hurt or harmed his brother, even the one who has taken a life, Jesus took that to the cross and died for it.

Understand, it is for this reason that God continues to send His messengers to call us to repentance. Jesus' death is the payment for ALL sin. What the prophet Ezekiel was inspired to write is true!

“Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin. Cast away from you all the transgressions that you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit! Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” (Ezekiel 18:30-32)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Chief of Sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me. Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die. As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine. (LSB 611:1)

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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 11, 2026

Today's Reading: Job 7:1-21

Daily Lectionary: John 4:7-26

“What is man, that you make so much of him, and that you set your heart on him, visit him every morning and test him every moment?” (Job 7:17-18)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Not the most uplifting text from Job 7, is it? So much so that I almost didn’t pick it.

Job wasn’t very happy…and why should he be? His life was in shambles, a complete disaster. He lost children, servants, animals, everything! And in His sorrow and depression, he has the wherewithal to write it all down? Not to be mean, but who would want to read an entire chapter of complaining? Did you happen to catch the title of Job 7? “My life has no hope.” It is a Biblical temper tantrum!

And yet, in the midst of his frustrations, there is a clear Gospel message. Look at verses 1-21 again. Did you see it? Probably not. But, I promise it is there!

Think about this. Job is complaining to no end, having a bit of a hissy fit. Who, I ask you, heard that hissy fit? Who heard Job as he complained about his miserable life?

God! Job felt unrighteous and unworthy in every way. Even though he felt that he had been abandoned to Sheol, even though he felt lonely, sad, and even a bit depressed, guess what? It was only a feeling. And that feeling was far from the truth. God was there. The truth is, though Job had lost so much, though He felt like all was lost and that he was alone, God never left Job’s side!

You might not feel all that different from Job. Abandoned, lonely, depressed, unholy, unworthy of the love of the Father.

And yet, God is as near to you as He was to Job! You are in His presence daily because He is always with you. Through Confession and Absolution, He purifies you and brings you into His presence as you come into His holy house to be served by Him each Lord’s Day.

This was the same truth for the woman in our other reading today from John 4, whom Jesus encountered at the well. She didn’t belong in the presence of Jesus any more than Jesus belonged at the well at high noon. And yet, the love of Jesus knows no barriers. He doesn’t come only to those who are worthy and pure. For Jesus Himself says, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) He Himself is the purifier and perfector of all things through His death upon the cross.

And what joy, He comes, calls, and purifies you for His name’s sake. Thanks be to God.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Just as I am, without one plea But that Thy blood was shed for me And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee O Lamb of God I come, I come. (LSB 570:1)

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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 10, 2026

Today's Reading: 2 Corinthians 11:19-12:9

Daily Lectionary: Job 6:14-30; John 3:22-4:6

“He said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

What an excellent reminder of what we discussed on Monday, how our Lord plants the seeds of faith everywhere, even in places that seem unlikely. We all know Paul’s past, soiled with persecution of Christians, dragging men, women, and children bound in chains to Jerusalem to be put to death for following “the Way” Acts 9:2. And yet, the seed which was planted in his heart bore fruit that day on the road to Damascus.

You would think that going from persecutor to champion of the faith would be a great lifestyle change—from turmoil to tranquil, almost. However, Paul’s life, post-conversion, post-planting of the faith (though his heart was indeed a pleasant planting), was anything but a peaceful valley of blooming flowers.

The words that we read today, especially from 2 Corinthians 12, are very familiar to us. “Thorns in the flesh.” “Messengers of Satan.” He never says exactly what this struggle that plagues him is, and for good reason. The truth is, these messengers and thorns show up in all shapes, sizes, and forms. Satan surrounds us day and night to harass us and steal our focus from where it should be.

Dark secrets, addictions, hatred, jealousy, whatever it is, they all seek to distract us from the truth, turn our eyes away from God, and in turn destroy our faith. As we daily struggle with these thorns, Paul’s prayer, while not specifically written down, becomes our prayer. “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ’My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:8-9)

God’s grace is sufficient. God’s grace strengthens and sustains you. In His Grace, He sent His only begotten Son to be born of the Virgin Mary. So that He would, by what is seen as weakness by worldly standards (being betrayed, beaten, and crucified, and in a humiliating way), He would reveal His power and glory. And, what is more, by the death of the only begotten Son, He would destroy the messengers and thorns of Satan!

It is by our Baptism into the death and resurrection of His Son that the victory has been passed on to us. He has cast out the messengers of Satan that harass us. They have been rendered powerless against us by the work of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God for such sufficient grace!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

By Grace! On this I’ll rest when dying; In Jesus’ promise I rejoice; For though I know my heart's condition, I also know my Savior’s voice. My heart is glad, all grief has flown Since I am saved by grace alone. (LSB 566:6)

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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 9, 2026

Today's Reading: Isaiah 55:10-13

Daily Lectionary: Job 6:1-13; John 3:1-21

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth… so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Wouldn’t it be great to have a purpose in life? This is the question we spend the majority of our lives contemplating and attempting to figure out. We want nothing more than to have a purpose and to then fulfill that purpose. What is crazy is that you are forced to decide in high school what you think your purpose is. You are constantly asked what you want to be when you grow up. Adults ask it as if they expect you to know your future perfectly.

But how difficult that question is to answer!

Even when we are well into the career path we have chosen, the question continues to arise: Is this it? Am I doing what I am meant to do? Am I making the difference I set out to make? I can’t lie; I ask myself this question all the time.

We have a beautiful verse about purpose today. It’s not your purpose; it is about the purpose of the Word of God. St. John says it best. Concerning the words of his Gospel, he says, “These things are written that you may believe and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31)

The purpose of the Word is to bring us to forgiveness, life, and salvation. It does this through the doctrines of Law and Gospel. The Law, which is spread throughout the Scriptures, is most often thought of as that which was given through the words of the Lord God, which He spoke to Moses. When confronted with the Law, every part of it, we realize that we have miserably failed at every chance of keeping it. We realize that we deserve nothing but death and punishment because of our actions and inaction.

Then, when we are beaten down, the Gospel enters in! The great news is that our Lord Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, who bore the weight of our sins upon the cross of Calvary, died and rose again, FOR YOU! The great news is that, though we sin daily and deserve punishment, Jesus has taken that punishment for you and gives you his perfection. What a relief knowing that we are saved solely by the work of Jesus!

While we may change our minds about our purpose and plans, the Word of God will always remain to bring liberty to the captives and freedom to those oppressed. It is to deliver to you Christ and Him crucified. Thanks be to God!

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scripture to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Prayer for grace to receive the Word (148))

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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.

Today's Reading: Luke 8:4-15

Daily Lectionary: Job 5:1-27; John 2:13-25

“And when a great crowd was gathering and people from town after town came to him, he said in a parable, ‘A sower went out to sow his seed.’” (Luke 8:4-5)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

It’s a strange time of year for a gardening lesson, isn’t it? As I write this, I am sitting poolside in the sunshine, watching my kids during swimming lessons. That is the time for a planting lesson. But as you read this in the dead of winter, snow on the ground, if you’re in the north, frozen tundra, and Jesus speaks to us about planting. PLANTING! I don’t even have any seeds ready!

Why would this be the appointed reading for a Sunday in February? We are closer to Christmas than planting season. It’s strange. Strange until you realize what Jesus is explaining. Not prepping for the coming growing season, but giving us a lesson on the Trinity.

In the explanation of the parable, Jesus says the agent who works faith through the Word of God is the heavenly gardener, the great cultivator of faith, the Holy Spirit, and we know He works in mysterious ways. Where He works, how He works, is not revealed to us until we see the fruits of faith displayed in others. Just like Jesus said in the parable. The seed is planted, but the gardener knows not how until he first sees the blade, then the ear, and then the full grain in the ear.

Oh, how that seed, faith, is sustained! The Holy Spirit uses Holy fertilizer! First, there is the Word of God! This will be the focus of tomorrow’s Reflection. But know that it is through our hearing that our faith is nourished and strengthened.

There is also His most holy meal, the Lord’s Supper! For, as the Pastor says, as he places into your hands the bread and wine, “The Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ given and shed for you for the forgiveness of your sins.” He also says after your reception of this holy food, “The Body and Blood of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthen and preserve you to life everlasting.” The Giver of the feast offers nothing other than Himself to for your benefit, for your eternal good. Nothing is greater than that!

This is the blueprint for the planting, growth, and sustaining of faith. God be praised that He does it all for our sake.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O God, the strength of all who put their trust in You, mercifully grant that by Your power we may be defended against adversity; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Collect of the Day for Sexagesima)

Rev. Timothy Chase, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Truman, MN

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 7, 2026

Today's Reading: Introit for Sexagesima - Psalm 44:1-2, 7-8; antiphon: Psalm 44:23, 25a, 26a

Daily Lectionary: Job 4:1-21; John 2:1-12

“But you have saved us from our foes and have put to shame those who hate us. In God we have boasted continually, and we will give thanks to your name forever.” (Psalm 44:7-8)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Almighty God has enemies. And by extension, so do those who are baptized into Christ and bear His holy Name. That may sound strange at first. Who would be foolish enough to stand against the Almighty? And yet the Devil did exactly that. He rebelled, and ever since, he has waged war against God and His people. Death entered the world as a result of sin, a grim reminder that the world is not the way it was meant to be. Sin itself constantly seeks to overthrow the Lord and set up idols in His place, false gods of wealth, comfort, power, and self.

These enemies of Satan, death, and sin are no match for God, but they are formidable foes for us. Death breaks into our lives, stealing loved ones and filling us with dread. The Devil entices with lies that seem reasonable, and he preys on our weaknesses. Sin deceives us into thinking we know better than God. And we must admit that we are not just victims. Our sinful nature eagerly follows along. The old Adam within us is not reluctant; he is a willing participant in rebellion.

But God is not absent or passive. His strength is not found in raw displays of power, but in the humility and sacrifice of Christ Jesus. The cross, which looks like weakness and foolishness to the world, is in truth the power of God unto salvation. There, Christ disarmed the Devil, broke the power of death, and bore the weight of all sin. What looked like defeat was the decisive victory.

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, the enemies of God and of us, His people, have been put to shame. The Devil has lost his accusing voice. Death has lost its sting. Sin has been atoned for. And so, like the psalmist, we boast in the Lord. We boast not in ourselves, not in our strength, but in Christ alone. He has saved us from these terrible foes.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

O little flock, fear not the foe who madly seeks your overthrow; dread not his rage and pow’r. And though your courage sometimes faints, his seeming triumph o’er God’s saints lasts but a little hour. Amen. (LSB 666:1)

Rev. Christopher Brademeyer, St. John's Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND

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 6, 2026

Today's Reading: Job 3:11-26

Daily Lectionary: John 1:35-51

“I am not at ease, nor am I quiet; I have no rest, but trouble comes.” (Job 3:26)

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

Everyone has a bad day. Some days are worse than others. In fact, some are downright terrible. Job had one of these terrible times. He was robbed of his children, his possessions, even his health. The book of Job is often hard to read. He is utterly miserable, even longing for death. This is not easy stuff for us to hear or think about. And while preachers and teachers often hold up Job as a model of steadfast faith amid hardship, we should not overlook the depth of his despair.

Statistically speaking, many today feel just like Job. Anxiety and depression, even to the point of wishing for death, are increasingly common. Chances are, everyone reading this either knows someone who suffers from these afflictions or has struggled with them personally. What makes this kind of suffering so difficult is that it is not visible like a physical wound. There is no easy bandage or quick remedy for the grief of the heart and the anguish of the soul.

But the book of Job does not leave him wallowing in the dust. His friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar came to sit with him. They did not get everything right; they even made some things worse with their advice. But they came. They showed up. They sat in silence for seven days. And even in their imperfection, they remind us what Christian compassion can look like. We may not be able to fix a given situation or explain it, but we can show up.

Most importantly, God did not abandon Job. Though Job struggled, he never cursed God, because he knew, somehow, that God was still his Redeemer. And Job was right. In chapter 19, Job makes a bold confession: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will stand upon the earth.” He believed in the resurrection. He trusted in a Deliverer.

God does not promise us a life without suffering. In fact, He prepares us to expect it. But He does give us something even greater: Jesus Christ, who suffered in our place, endured the cross, and rose again. He meets us in our darkest days and leads us through death and despair to resurrection and life everlasting.

In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.

When in the hour of deepest need we know not where to look for aid; when days and nights of anxious thought no help or counsel yet have brought, then is our comfort this alone that we may meet before Your throne; to You, O faithful God, we cry for rescue in our misery. For You have promised, Lord, to heed Your children’s cries in time of need through Him whose name alone is great, our Savior and our advocate. Amen. (LSB 615:1-3)

Rev. Christopher Brademeyer, St. John's Lutheran Church in Oakes, ND

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.