Thy Strong Word From Kfuo Radio

Rev. David Fleming, associate pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Executive Director of Spiritual Care with DOXOLOGY, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 8:54-66. Learn more about DOXOLOGY and the Respite Retreats for pastors at doxology.us. Solomon blessed and made peace offerings for God’s people. He asked the LORD to be with them, to keep them in the faith, and that the Word may be near to them. This is our prayer for ourselves, our families, and our church. The next time your pastor gives the benediction at the end of service, pay extra attention to the enactment of God’s Word for you and receive this good gift of blessing from Him. “Lord God, Heavenly Father, as You blessed the Israelites through Solomon, bless us by placing Your name upon us. Be near us, keep us in the faith, and the Word be near to our hearts. Lord help us. Amen”

Rev. Kevin Parviz of Congregation Chai V Shalom, St. Louis, Missouri joins host Rev. Brady Finnern of Messiah Lutheran, Sartell, MN to study 1 Kings 8:22-53. It’s time to pray.  Solomon stood before the Lord’s altar with all of Israel and pleaded with the LORD.  He asked for the Lord’s mercy to help them be faithful as He was faithful, faith for the unbelievers, forgiveness when we sin, and providence in all trials (especially in famine, pestilence, blight, drought, and battle).  We ask the LORD to help us to pray to Him who if faithful, not just in case brokenness comes because it will.  “O Holy Spirit, help us to pray as sin comes before us.  When this occurs, give us the words of Solomon that we may look to You and that Your grace will be upon us.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Jason Shockman of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, West Salem, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 8:1-21. The temple is ready.  The ark of the covenant is in the Holy Place and leaders and many nations gather to see the place that God would dwell.  Solomon reminds the people that it is the LORD that keeps HIs promises and they are able to see God’s handiwork that brings hope for the future.  We pray for the same reflection to remember that God keeps His promises and we can look forward in hope that our temple, the LORD JESUS, is the final sacrifice for our sins.  “Lord God, You dwell among us, and in a world that does not keep their promise, You are faithful until the end.  Point our eyes back to You that we may live according to Your will.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Timothy Sims of St. John Lutheran Church in Chester, IL joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 7:13-51. Bronze pillars, stands, sea of cast metal, oxen, cherubim, palm trees, and lions...oh my.  The LORD gave Solomon a very detailed list of furnishings to assure that everyone knew where to be made clean by the water and the bloody sacrifices.   In the Temple everything was covered by gold, showing the purity and sacredness of God’s presence.  We may not have churches made of gold, but we do have the presence of our LORD whose blood cleanses us from all sin.  Come into the presence of the LORD around the Word to receive a glimpse of what it was like in the Temple and what it will be like in heaven.

Rev. Gregory Alms of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Catonsville, MD joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 7:1-12. The Temple has been built after seven years of work.  As Solomon was a King he was to make a place to live, work, and care for his family.  It reminds us much of our own country’s political centers: The White House, the Capital, the supreme court chambers, the house, and the senate.  These places are  where the LORD guides our nations to keep order and peace.  Paul encourages Timothy to pray for everyone, especially kings and all who are in high positions, so should we pray for our leaders and ask for the same wisdom that the LORD granted to Solomon.  “Heavenly Father, we bring to You our political leaders: President, Vice-President, Governors, Senators, Congressmen, and local leaders.  As they do Your work of keeping order, fill them with wisdom and faith.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Matthew Ruesch of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Kingsford, Michigan, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 6. 480 years after the Israelites left Egypt, the temple was finally being built.  We see the intricate details of the building of the sanctuary, nave, holy place that has shaped how we build our modern-day churches.  God set aside a place for people to be around the Holy Things and today He has set aside the places (Word, Water, and Bread)  where He promises to give His gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation.  “Lord God, as You promised to be present with Your people in the temple, we give You thanks that You are present with us by Your gifts.  Help us to hold Your Word sacred and gladly hear and learn it.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 5. Find Wrestling with the Basics episodes at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. Solomon’s calling is clear: Build the Temple (2 Samuel 7:13).  To accomplish this goal God uses people outside of Israel like in Sidon and Tyre.  As a construction crew needs to prepare to build a home, God prepared the Israelites for His holy place.  We pray that God would continue to prepare the way of the LORD (Isaiah 40:3), prepare us for good works (Ephesians 2:10), and be prepared to make a defense for the hope this is in us (I Peter 3:15).  “Lord Jesus Christ, by Your Holy Spirit keep us in the true faith.  Prepare us to withstand the temptations of the evil one and may our eyes keep centered on You, our true temple.  Lord have mercy.  Amen”

Rev. Peter Schmidt, pastor of Beautiful Savior, Waukesha, WI joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 4. The author gives us a whole list of Solomon’s cabinet as he led all of Israel.  A wise leader understands that they can not do it alone, but God provides people around us to use His gifts to His glory.  God also gave Solomon wisdom to understand all of His creation (proverbs, songs, cedars, hyssop, beasts, birds, reptiles, and fish).  We can do the same today.  To be life-long learners of His creation, remember that all righteousness, redemption, sanctification, and wisdom is found in Christ.  “Heavenly Father, grant us Your wisdom to humbly learn and teach the truths of Your creation, knowing that in Christ we have the fullness of wisdom now and forever.  Amen”

Rev. John Rickert, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Newark, Delaware, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 3:16-28. Each day we are presented with ethical questions and conflict to be resolved.  King Solomon was presented with the most conflicted situation anyone could imagine.  By God’s grace, Solomon was able to give proper judgment as to fair and in accordance with God’s Word.  We pray that He would grant us wisdom so that others may see our witness and give Him the praise.  “Lord God, Heavenly Father, as we are presented with conflict, give us solutions that are in accordance with Your Word and point others to the reconciliation with You that we have in Christ.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Brain Davies, pastor of Lord of Glory Lutheran Church in Grayslake, IL, joins Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 3:1-15. What do you seek from the LORD?  Our prayers will often function like a vending machine.  “Please grant me ________.” And we wait to see if he gives it.  We seek the tangible: health, protection, providence, and healing.  Yet, when Solomon was given the opportunity to ask for whatever he desired, he asked for wisdom.  Wisdom to rule Israel and the wisdom of faith.  We know that wisdom is manifested in Christ who is our righteousness, sanctification, redemption, and our wisdom.  “O Lord God, grant us wisdom to live a holy life in Christ and keep us in the one faith under His name and to be wise unto salvation.  In Him, Amen” If you are grateful for Thy Strong Word, consider supporting KFUO Radio with a gift today so that we can continue broadcasting the Gospel of Christ to listeners worldwide. Give now at kfuo.org/give or text KFUO to 41444.

Rev. Nathan Meador, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Wisconsin, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 2:13-46. All Adonijah wanted to do was get married, right?  Solomon’s reign in his kingdom had begun after David’s death.  As requested by David before his passing, there were some that needed to be taken care of.  There had been disobedience and sin on the part of Adonijah, Shimei, and Joab and when there is sin there must be blood.  This points us to the depth of our own sin and gratefulness that it is the blood of Christ that saves and cleanses us from all unrighteousness.  “O Holy Spirit, lead us to repentance and to receive Your free and full forgiveness.  Help us to be humble and to serve you in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness. Lord have mercy.  Amen” 

Rev. Peter Lange, First Vice President of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 2:1-12. What words do you want to share with your family before you leave this world?  David clearly had reflected on this question as he spoke to his son, Solomon, before his death.  He proclaims to Solomon what was most important, “Be strong and keep the charge of the LORD.”  David points Solomon back to the Word of God (statutes, commandments, rules, and testimonies) where he will find hope, strength, and wisdom.  “Lord God, give us the words to speak to our families of what is most important: Christ and Him crucified.  Help us to live holy lives so that others may see our good works and give glory to You.  In Him, Amen”  

Rev. David Boisclair of Faith and Bethesda Lutheran Church in Pine Lawn, MO joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 1:28-53. Our plans are not our own.  Adonijah appointed himself to be king, but David and the LORD had different plans--Solomon.  Our plans are not always God’s plan, most likely they aren’t even close.  We move forward by faith trusting in the promises that we do know: Christ and Him crucified.  “Lord God, as You lead us forward in this broken world, we pray that You would help us remember that You are our King and our eternal promise in Christ gives us more than any of our well thought out plans.  In Your name, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Walter Maier, III, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, Indiana, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 1 Kings 1:1-27. Who is next in line to be king?  David was near the end of his journey on earth and his oldest son, Adonijah, tried taking the throne against the will of God.  In one way, we can relate with the desire to do something we are convinced is right because WE want to do it, as opposed to what God desires.  We pray for the Holy Spirit to continuously show us what He calls us to do as His children and lead us to repentance and the forgiveness of sins on account of Christ.  “Lord God, strengthen us in our daily walk to live in accordance with Your Word and trust in Your forgiving grace won for us in Christ.  Amen”

When we think of kings, we may think of all-wise, upright, strong men who fairly rule the land with patience and love.  Yet, the stories of 1 and 2 Kings do not paint a heroic picture. Deception, idolatry, lies, and immorality summarizes the success of the kings of this era. The books of Kings were written for a greater purpose: to show a patient and merciful God. Join us these next few months as we slowly walk with the Kings in their failings, but we also receive the grace and forgiveness of a gracious God in Christ. Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Brady Finnern, pastor of Messiah Lutheran Church in Sartell, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.

Rev. Steven Theiss, vacancy pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, Missouri, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Psalm 150. Praise the LORD!  Praise the LORD where his name is given, praise Him where He has placed us, praise Him for He has done marvelous things through our Savior Jesus.  The Psalmist reminds us of our need to praise the LORD of all creation and shows us the gifts He gives to do so: our bodies, trumpets, lute, harp, tambourines, and even dancing ;-).  “O Lord God, open our mouths to praise You and help us to use our bodies to give sacrifices of praise.  Open our ears to hear everything that has breath praises You.  And open our eyes to see all that You provide to give You the praise in many and various ways.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. Dr. Timothy Saleska, professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study Psalm 1. The Psalms are what God gives to us as we wait for Him.  In Psalm 1, the LORD shows us that we are blessed as He knows and has chosen us.  He compares the righteous to a tree by streams of water.  Our connection to the LORD is a delight because He bears the fruit of faith.  We pray that the LORD would keep us from all evil that we may meditate on His law both day and night.  “Lord God, thank you for choosing us to be blessed on account of Christ.  You have planted us like a tree to bear the fruit of faith and we ask that You would keep us in Your righteousness and bring the wicked back to You.  In Christ, Amen”

Rev. John Lukomski, host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 3. Find Wrestling with the Basics at kfuo.org/wrestlingwiththebasics. The Christian life is not idle.  Paul tells the Thessalonians to keep away from any brother who is walking in idleness, even going as far as to say that if one is not willing to work they should not eat.  Paul challenges us to live an active Christian life centered on the grace of Christ through prayer and service to others.  All of this active work is done while standing on the foundation of our Lord who is faithful.    “Lord God, we bring to You those who labor in Your vineyard.  Bear fruit by Your Word that it may be honored and speed ahead to bring faith around the world.  Christ has mercy.  Amen”

Rev. George Murdaugh, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Douglasville, GA, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 2. Paul points the Thessalonians to what really matters: the comfort and good hope through God’s grace in Christ.  There were rumors in Thessalonica that Christ had already returned, but the end will not come until the man of lawlessness is revealed.  He will be the son of destruction, he will oppose God, and he will say that he is God, but do not be afraid, Christ will have the final victory.  The comfort of God’s grace in Christ’s victory will strengthen them in trial and strengthen us today.  “Lord Jesus Christ, You have had the victory and have called us to be Your own.  Give us comfort, center us back to the revealed Word, and free us to serve in word and deed to Your glory.  In Your name, Amen”  

Rev. Scott Adle, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Collinsville, Illinois, joins host Rev. Brady Finnern to study 2 Thessalonians 1. “We always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power.”  Paul gives thanks for the Thessalonians’ faith in the LORD and their steadfastness in Christ during persecution.  He reminds the church that the LORD will have vengeance on those who persecute and that believers will be glorified according to His grace.  In response, we pray for believers to stay with the LORD and that by His Holy Spirit He would turn hard hearts to Him.  “O Holy Spirit, pour Your love into our hearts that we may be steadfast in Christ and that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified.  In Christ, Amen”