Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Dr. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church & School in Plymouth, WI joins Rev. Brady Finnern to pray and study Psalm 8. David directs people to sing of the majesty of the LORD. He gives thanks to the LORD as He looks at creation (stars, moon, sheep, oxen, beasts of the LORD, birds, and fish) and realizes the unworthiness of God’s love for him. The Holy Spirit also led David to point us to Christ, who was made lower than angels yet a King who shows us the greatest of His majesty on the cross. Psalm 8 is a perfect prayer as we meditate and enjoy God’s creation. “Almighty Father, we are unworthy to receive Your love, grace, and attention, yet Your majesty has been poured on us through Christ’s salvation. Help us to take a step back and enjoy Your creation keeping You in mind and giving thanks for Your forgiving grace. Amen”

Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding of Zion Lutheran Church, Fort Myers, FL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 7. What is your refuge?  To take refuge is to know that you are safe, the work has been done, and where we find comfort.  David reminds us that our refuge is the LORD.  He is a righteous judge, He is our shield, and although He could bring His wrath at any time, in love He has placed that wrath on Christ.  We pray that He would take evil and our enemies from our lives and to trust in His help.  “O LORD God Almighty, You are our refuge.  We pray that You would take away evil and destroy the enemies of Your name.  Bring repentance to all of our hearts so that in You, we are saved.  In Christ. Amen”

Rev. Matthew Wurm, pastor of Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 6. God’s steadfast love is so great that He allows us to lament to Him, admit our weaknesses, and show our pain. David shows us the connection of body and soul that when one is struggling the other is affected. We are shown our relationship with the LORD is real. He knows what it is like to feel what we feel and addresses us not as a judge, but more as a merciful Father. We can speak “How long O LORD?” and reminds us that He not only hears our prayers, but accepts us on account of His work in Christ. “O LORD, hear our prayer. When we are troubled, we come to You. Turn to us with Your grace, keep away evil, and we know that by the cross of Christ, You will be near to us and will deliver us by Your strength. In Him, Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz, pastor of Congregation Chai v'Shalom in St. Louis, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to pray and study Psalm 145. Great is the LORD.  David shows us how He is great. He is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, steadfast love, good to all, and has mercy on ALL.  He calls us to speak this truth, not only of His grace, but also the consequences of a lack of faith.  He assures us that He is near and will preserve us to love Him and love others.  “O LORD, You are our King and extend Your undeserved mercy on us.  Help us to rest in that grace while also proclaiming the truth of Your salvation to those who do not believe.  Preserve us in trial and may we bless Your name.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Luverne, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 146. Praise the LORD because He is worthy of our trust.  The LORD gives us words when we are able to praise the Lord.  He is the one who gives salvation, gives life, keeps us in faith, provides for our needs, lifts us up, upholds the weak, and reigns forever.  Our praise is not dependent on our circumstance, but our praise is because God keeps His promises.  Today and the rest of our lives we join together, “Alleluia, Christ is Risen!  He is Risen Indeed, Alleluia.”  “Lord God, we praise Your name for You are faithful with caring for us and we ask for Your help to praise You throughout our days for You are gracious and merciful on us.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Reed Lessing, professor of Theology & Director of the Center for Biblical Studies at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN joins Rev. Brady Finnern to conclude our study of Nehemiah 13. Nehemiah’s main concern was the faith of God’s people. He fights the idolatry and injustice of the land Remember--call to mind and act. All the laws commanded in chapter 10 were already broken. For the sake of faith people he brings reform in dramatic ways, which is a reminder for us that there are times we need to make dramatic changes in order to stay in faith. Nehemiah did all of his work understanding that the LORD remembered him according to the greatness of His steadfast love. This steadfast love is ours as well in Christ and in this love we continue to fight the good fight of staying steadfast in Him. “Lord God, remember me according to Your steadfast love. Give us faith to trust in You and help us to break our idols to stay in Your favor. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Michael Morehouse of Catalina Lutheran Church in Tuscon, Arizona joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to joyfully study Nehemiah 12. The LORD’s grace was upon real people in real time. The priests were gathered, the wall was being dedicated, the people purified, choirs were singing with jubilation, and there was great joy. The LORD likes order and chooses people to be placed in the right “office” to assure that people are protected and able to keep their eyes fixed on Him. We pray that the Lord would help us keep order that we may rejoice in His grace upon us right now. “Almighty God, Your grace in Christ showers upon us each day. Help us to keep order as to serve Your people according to Your love. Purify us so that by Your Word we purify others with Your forgiveness on account of Christ. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. Jeremy Loesch, pastor of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Grandview, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 11. Jerusalem needed leaders and the LORD provided: priests, Levites, temple servants, chiefs, musicians, and gatekeepers. Everyone had a role to play in order that the neighbor would be served and the gifts of the LORD would be received. The LORD grants us a willing spirit to serve where we are planted and continue to receive His gifts. “O Holy Spirit, open our eyes, ears, and hearts to believe in Christ and to serve in Your name where You have placed us. Lord have mercy. Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 10. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. All that the LORD has told us---we will do. We follow His laws out of faith. It is clear that the people of old had broken God’s commandments and after confession they re-establish their commitment to the LORD. These commandments are motivated by faith in a gracious and loving God knowing that the curse of the law is separation from Him, but the LORD has become a curse for us. This leads us to follow His commands for the sake of love for Him and love for others. “O Holy Spirit, keep us in faith. Faith in Your loving kindness found in the cross and help us to live out this way according to Your commands. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Brian Kachelemeier, pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Las Alamos, NM joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 9. The Word does not come back empty.  The Israelites heard the Word with joy and the LORD, who is holy, leads them to repentance and prayer.  They recounted the works of the LORD and had a divine conversation with the LORD.  In this recounting they confess sin and receive His mercy.  What do we do?  Sin.  What does God do?  Mercifully forgive. God gives-We receive.  “Lord God, You have been merciful from the beginning.  Help us to recount Your deeds, lead us to repentance as we receive Your gracious forgiveness on account of Christ.  In His name, Amen”

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 8. The wall is finished.  A new day had begun. Now what?  We ask this question often as Christians and we should follow the example of the Judeans: they demanded that their scribe and priest give them the Word.  From these simple words the LORD brought rejoicing and a new life of worship.  As we go through transitions, we pray for that same joy that may bring emotions, but it may not, either way that we know our foundation that is centered on Christ and His Word.  “Lord God, as the Israelites demanded the Word be proclaimed which brought joy, may Your Word bear fruit in our lives and that the joy of You may be our strength.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Lucas Witt, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore, MD joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 7. The wall is finished, but Nehemiah realizes that this was not time to relax.  He established the offices of gatekeeper, singers, guards, and appointed Levitical priests to prepare for the coming of the exiles back home.  There are many numbers and confusing names, but it reminds us that each person matters to God and He has called you by name---You are mine.  “LORD God, the work is not done, but it is all in Your hands.  Help us to have mercy on all people as You are merciful to the whole world in Christ.  Amen”

Rev. Clint Poppe of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lincoln, NE joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 6. The unholy trinity of adversaries (Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem) do not want the wall to be built.  They used every last strategy to make Nehemiah feel like his life was more important than the Word of God.  This tactic can bring fear and if one is fearful they will not stay grounded in the LORD.  Yet, Nehemiah is steadfast in faith by fighting accusations by the Word of God and prayer.  The message is simple, “Do not be afraid” the LORD has conquered death and the devil and salvation is set.  “Lord God, we will have adversaries, fear, and lies used by Satan to try to lead us away from You.  Keep us steadfast like Nehemiah to use Your Word as a sword against evil as we confess the truth of Your grace.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Shank of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 5. God’s people were struggling with famine, finances, and slavery.  Nehemiah saw the sinful oppression and called God’s people to repentance.  However, he did not just use words, but as governor he provided for the people, even with serving people at his own table.  The LORD calls us to be generous and compassionate to others as He, in Christ, extends generosity and compassion to us.  “O LORD, help us to be generous like Nehemiah, we do so because of fear of You, realizing that You are the most generous of all creation in Christ, we follow You and compassionately love and give to others.  In Christ, Amen” 

Dr. Joel Heck, professor of theology at Concordia University in Austin, TX joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 4. The building of the wall is well underway.  The wall revealed the tensions from the surrounding countries (Samaria, Asdod, Amon, and Arab countries).  Nehemiah continues to be a servant leader by identifying needs, coming to the LORD in prayer, and preparing others for the realities (setting up guards and providing weapons for the workers).  All of the strategies, preparations, and organizational structure of the military had a foundational vision “Our God will fight for us.”  Our LORD fights for you.  We wrestle and battle evil each day with the Word as our weapon and knowing that our LORD has had the victory.  “Lord God, help us to fight the good fight with our might because You are our strength and our right and you are all eternally.  Lord help us.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Ned Moerbe of Trinity Lutheran Church in Blackwell, OK joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 3. Nehemiah and God’s people started to build the wall.  The wall was needed for the sake of protection from their enemies.  At the same time the rubble of the old wall was a sign of shame for the past sins.  To have the wall restored was a sign of God’s restoration, not only for the people of Nehemiah’s time, but our restoration as God covers our shame by robe’s of Christ’s righteousness.  “Lord Jesus Christ, our shame and shine is covered by Your righteousness.  Thank you for Your forgiveness and your protection from all evil.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Tim Winterstein, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in East Wenatchee, WA joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 2. The hand of God granted Nehemiah the opportunity to return to Jerusalem, gather timber, inspect the wall, and recruit workers. Although there was opposition it was God who made sure it was built. We are reminded that we give thanks to God for all His blessings and trust in His promises. Too often we can assume that what we have and accomplish is due to our hand, but it is clear that “unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1).” “Lord God, help us to trust that Your good hand is upon us and give us lips to give You all glory grounded in Your work in Christ. Amen”

Rev. Ben Meyer of Hope Lutheran Church in Sunbury, OH, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Nehemiah 1. Nehemiah hears the news that although the temple had been built over 70 years ago, his homeland was still in shambles. In his vocation as a cupbearer he has influence with King Artaxerxes, but he doesn’t first go to the king to plead the case. He first fasts and prays to the LORD. May He help us to do the same when we grieve and pray the way of Nehemiah which reflects Luther’s example to his barber: Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication. “Lord God, You are the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love for us. We have all sinned and not kept the commandments and statutes You gave to us. We give thanks for Your protection from our enemies and ask that You would hear our prayers and give us mercy through all trial and joy. In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to pray and study Psalm 147. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. Why do we need a reminder to praise the LORD?  God’s people were in exile, but now back in their homeland, the temple restored, and the wall rebuilt.  In a certain sense, this is a call to repentance for us to be reminded to praise the LORD for He even knows the name of the stars, how would He not know ours?  His healing is for you and His steadfast love will lift you up through anything.  “Praise the LORD!  Amen”

Rev. David Fleming, Pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church and School in Grand Rapids, MI & Executive Director of Spiritual Care with Doxology, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study and pray Psalm 148. Praise the LORD.  The Psalmist commands the angels, all creation, all creatures, and all nations to sing their hallelujahs because He has raised up the horn of salvation in our LORD Jesus.  The Hallelujah psalms help us open our eyes to see His handiwork and to be strengthened by His majesty above earth and heaven.  “Lord, give us words to give You praise for all Your benefits.  As you have raised up the horn of Christ’s salvation, lead us to holy living that loves You and loves others.  Praise the LORD, Amen”