Rev. DJ. Smith
Rev. DJ. Smith
Rev. DJ. Smith
Rev. DJ. Smith

About

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.

  • Christ The King Sunday, November 21, 2021. What Keeps You Awake?
    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.  
  • For All the Saints!
    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!
  • It Ain't Over Until It's Over
    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.   
  • October 24 2021. Perseverance
    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.
  • Advent Week 2 - Mark 1:1-8 Prepare to Change - Make the Paths Straight
    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.
  • Advent 1 One Candle is Lit While We Are Waiting
    Thoughts on the First Week of Advent using Isaiah 64.
  • October 28 2020 Podcast for All Saints Day
    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...
  • October 23 2020 The Seal of Luther
    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.
  • October 14 2020 Weekly Podcast - Matthew 22:15-22
    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.
  • October 7 2020. Matthew 22:1-14 The Ultimate Feast is being prepared.
    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.
  • September 30 2020 Matthew 21:33-46
    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.
  • September 16 2020 GRACE - freely given never earned
    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.
  • September 9 2020 Forgive as you have been forgiven
    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.
  • September 4 2020 Jesus is Our Accountability Partner
    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.
  • September 2 2020. Seek the Lost
    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.
  • September 1 2020 Go In Jesus’ Name
    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.
  • August 31 2020. Welcome the Children
    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.
  • August 28 2020 Witnessing through the pain
    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.
  • August 26 2020 Don’t be selfish...follow Him at all costs.
    Matthew 16:21-24. Jesus rebukes Peter...and us. Humans are selfish creatures and easily distracted. Keep your focus on Jesus and His mission.
  • August 25 2020 From the cross to new life
    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.