Reflections
Religion & Spirituality
About
Join HT for a reading of the days Higher Things Reflection. A short devotion directed toward the youth of our church, written by the Pastors and Deaconesses of our church, clearly proclaiming the true Gospel of Jesus Christ! Find out more about HT at our website, www.higherthings.org
Episodes
- Monday of the Sixth Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses the biblical symbolism of the serpent, drawing parallels between the bronze serpent in Numbers and specific instances in Luke. It explores themes of sin, repentance, and salvation as depicted in script…
- Sixth Sunday of Easter, Rogate
This episode of Reflections, titled "Sixth Sunday of Easter, Rogate," explores the Aaronic Benediction found in Numbers 6:22-27. The discussion highlights the blessing and peace that come from God’s promise and name, comparing it to His pl…
- Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections, titled "Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter," explores themes of prayer, God's steadfast love, and repentance, drawing from Psalm 66:20 and other lectionary readings. It emphasizes God's desire to hear prayers…
- Friday of the Fifth Week of Easter
This episode reflects on Luke 13:29-30, contrasting Jesus' inclusive message of salvation for all people, regardless of background, with the exclusivity held by some during his time and the self-reliance prevalent today. It emphasizes Chri…
- Thursday of the Fifth Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses the Second Petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy Kingdom Come." It explores how God's kingdom is present in Christ, comes through the Holy Spirit enabling belief in God's Word and godly living, and is re…
- Wednesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
Rev. Timothy Davis reflects on Luke 12:35-53, emphasizing that readiness for Christ's return is achieved through baptism and God's forgiveness, not adherence to man-made laws. He contrasts this with the apostasy of a church leadership that…
- Tuesday of the Fifth Week of Easter
This episode discusses the Epistle of James, emphasizing that all good gifts come from God and that Christ has fulfilled the law, freeing believers to live as children of God. It contrasts living as God's people with indulging in sin.
- Monday of the Fifth Week of Easter
This reflection focuses on Isaiah 12:1-6, relating the people of Judah's precarious position and King Ahaz's misplaced trust to contemporary human pride and technological self-reliance. It emphasizes that true salvation comes from Christ's…
- Fifth Sunday of Easter, Cantate
This episode explores Jesus' discourse on the departure of the Helper, the significance of Pentecost, and the sacramental presence of Christ. It emphasizes that salvation is for all and that Christ remains with believers through the Euchar…
- Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter
This reflection focuses on Psalm 98, highlighting how the theme of salvation is sung throughout the Scriptures. Examples range from Israel's song after the Red Sea crossing to Mary's Magnificat and the songs of saints and angels in heaven.
- St. Philip and St. James, Apostles
This episode discusses the biblical accounts of the disciples' anxieties and Jesus' message of peace and faith amidst their fears. It draws parallels between their troubles and modern-day worries, emphasizing Jesus' promises and presence a…
- Thursday of the Fourth Week of Easter
This episode discusses the Holy Spirit, likening its function to the Bat-signal, guiding believers and bringing the rescue of Jesus. The Holy Spirit works through ordinary means like water, word, bread, and wine to foster faith and point t…
- Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
This episode examines the biblical account of the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16, highlighting the symbolism of two goats. It draws parallels between these goats and Jesus Christ's role as a sin offering and substitute, emphasizing theme…
- Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses the concept of holiness as presented in scripture, emphasizing God's inherent holiness and its manifestation in places and things through His presence. It contrasts this with human unholiness and expla…
- Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections, titled 'Monday of the Fourth Week of Easter,' discusses spiritual weariness and faintness, contrasting secular motivational slogans with the everlasting strength and mercy found in God's promises, as proclaimed…
- Fourth Sunday of Easter, Jubilate
This episode of Reflections discusses the Fourth Sunday of Easter with readings from John, Leviticus, and Luke. It focuses on Jesus' message of sorrow turning into joy and the enduring gift of joy for Christians amidst suffering.
- St. Mark, Evangelist
This episode of Reflections discusses the theological significance of Baptism, emphasizing that it is water and God's Word, specifically the Triune name, that makes a Baptism valid. It details the salvational benefits conveyed through Bapt…
- Friday of the Third Week of Easter
This episode examines the biblical readings for Friday of the Third Week of Easter, drawing parallels between King Hezekiah's deliverance from the Assyrians and the Passover event. It highlights themes of faith, divine intervention, and sa…
- Thursday of the Third Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses Jesus as Lord and Redeemer based on the Second Article of the Creed. It explains that Jesus, as the God-man, sacrificed His life and blood to redeem humanity from sin, death, and the devil, ultimately…
- Wednesday of the Third Week of Easter
This episode examines Luke 7:36-50, contrasting Simon the Pharisee's lack of courtesy towards Jesus with a sinful woman's acts of love and worship. The passage highlights how the degree of forgiveness one receives correlates with their cap…
- Tuesday of the Third Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections, dated April 21, 2026, focuses on 1 Peter 2:21-25. It explores the dual nature of Jesus as presented by Peter: a salvific gift who atoned for sins, and an example for Christians on how to endure suffering and pe…
- Monday of the Third Week of Easter
This episode delves into the concept of shepherds in religious history, referencing figures like Abraham, Moses, and David. It contrasts the failures of human shepherds with the divine promise of God to personally shepherd His people, ulti…
- Third Sunday of Easter, Misericordias
This episode discusses the role of the Good Shepherd, referencing John 10:11-16 and Isaiah 53:6. It emphasizes that salvation comes through dependence on Jesus Christ, who lays down His life for His sheep, offering forgiveness and guidance.
- Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
This episode reflects on the Saturday of the Second Week of Easter, drawing from Psalm 33 and Exodus. It emphasizes God's attentive and active presence in creation, His hearing of prayers, and the redemption offered through Jesus Christ, e…
- Friday of the Second Week of Easter
This reflection focuses on Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, contrasting His restorative power with the Pharisees' attempts to trap Him. It emphasizes that Jesus is a savior for sinners, offering forgiveness and heal…
- Thursday of the Second Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections centers on Luther's Explanation of the First Article of the Apostles' Creed. It highlights that God is the sole giver and fulfiller, acting out of fatherly goodness and mercy, not based on human merit. The episo…
- Wednesday of the Second Week of Easter
This episode discusses the readings from Exodus 24:1-18 and Luke 5:1-16, focusing on the concept of the blood of the covenant. It contrasts the Old Testament covenant with Jesus' New Covenant sacrifice, emphasizing Jesus' blood as the aton…
- Tuesday of the Second Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses the testimony of the Spirit, water, and blood from 1 John 5. It explains how these elements relate to Baptism and the Eucharist, offering spiritual life and a new identity in Christ.
- Monday of the Second Week of Easter
This podcast episode reflects on the biblical readings from Ezekiel 37:1-14 and Luke 4:16-30 for the Monday of the Second Week of Easter. It draws parallels between Ezekiel's prophecy to dry bones and the work of pastors and preachers toda…
- Second Sunday of Easter, Quasimodo Geniti
This reflection on the Second Sunday of Easter, Quasimodo Geniti, discusses the Gospel reading John 20:19-31, highlighting Thomas's doubt and confession, and Jesus's commission to the disciples to forgive sins, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
- Saturday of the Week of Easter
This reflection on the Saturday of the Week of Easter discusses the readings from Psalm 81 and other biblical passages. It highlights God's consistent deliverance of His people, despite their unfaithfulness, and emphasizes that salvation a…
- Friday of the Week of Easter
This episode of Reflections discusses the Christian readings for the Friday of the Week of Easter, referencing 1 Corinthians and Hosea. It emphasizes the victory over death and sin through Jesus Christ's resurrection, a truth fulfilled in…
- Thursday of the Week of Easter
This episode discusses Job's profound faith and hope in his Redeemer despite immense suffering, drawing parallels to the Christian belief in Jesus Christ's resurrection and eternal life.
- Easter Wednesday
On Easter Wednesday, today's reading from John 21:1-14 recounts Jesus revealing himself to his disciples after the resurrection. The episode focuses on Peter's denial and subsequent restoration by Jesus, drawing parallels to baptism and th…
- Easter Tuesday
This reflection on Easter Tuesday, based on Luke 24:36-49, emphasizes seeing Jesus amidst anxieties and doubts. It highlights Jesus appearing to his disciples, offering peace, and opening their minds to scripture, ultimately showing God's…
- Easter Monday
This Reflections podcast episode discusses the Easter Monday biblical reading from Luke 24:13-35, focusing on Jesus appearing to the Emmaus disciples and revealing himself through scripture and the breaking of bread.
- The Resurrection of Our Lord
This episode of Reflections discusses the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, using Mark 16:1-8. It highlights the angel's message to the women at the tomb and emphasizes the Gospel of the empty tomb and the believer's freedom in Christ.
- Holy Saturday
This episode of Reflections discusses Holy Saturday, an in-between day where darkness appears triumphant. It explores the perspective of the chief priests and Pharisees, who, despite their perceived victory, live in fear of Jesus' promise…
- Good Friday
In this Reflections episode on Good Friday, the discussion centers on Jesus' statement to Pilate that his kingdom is not of this world. It explores how Jesus demonstrated power through weakness, contrasting his divine kingship with worldly…
- Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday, the episode "Holy Thursday" on the podcast "Reflections" explores the Gospel of John 13:1-15. It highlights Jesus washing the disciples' feet as a lesson in humility and service, emphasizing that only through His cleansin…
- Wednesday in Holy Week
This episode discusses Peter's betrayal of Jesus, contrasting fictional portrayals of spiritual battles with the reality presented in Luke's Gospel. It highlights that true strength comes from Christ's mercy, not self-reliance, offering ho…
- Tuesday in Holy Week
This Reflections episode on Tuesday in Holy Week examines Judas's betrayal of Jesus, exploring the logic behind his actions and drawing parallels to contemporary self-justification and passive or active sin. It suggests that true avoidance…
- Monday in Holy Week
This Reflections episode, focusing on Monday in Holy Week, examines John 12:1-36 (37-43) and lectionary readings from Exodus, Lamentations, and Hebrews. It delves into how Jesus' ministry subverts expectations and how understanding His glo…
- Palm Sunday, Palmarum
This reflection on the Palm Sunday reading from Matthew focuses on Peter's impulsive act of drawing his sword to defend Jesus and Jesus' rebuke. Jesus clarifies that he does not need human defense, as he could summon legions of angels, emp…
- Saturday of the Fifth Week in Lent
This Lenten reflection uses the harvest moon's optical illusion to illustrate how God's presence can seem distant during trials. It emphasizes that God is always present through Baptism, the Sacrament of the Altar, and His Holy Word.
- Friday of the Fifth Week in Lent
This episode reflects on Jesus's cry from the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", interpreting it as a declaration of His sacrifice for sins. It connects this ultimate abandonment to human feelings of loneliness and sin, em…
- Thursday of the Fifth Week in Lent
This episode reflects on the concept of God as a jealous God, drawing from Exodus 20:5-6 and Luther's Small Catechism. It discusses how people are tempted by secular gods and emphasizes God's love and the salvation offered through Christ's…
- The Annunciation of Our Lord
This episode of Reflections examines the Annunciation of Our Lord, the conception of Jesus by the Virgin Mary. It explores the theological concept of the Incarnation, where God the Son became human, emphasizing its importance as the ultima…
- Tuesday of the Fifth Week in Lent
This episode delves into Christ's role as High Priest, highlighting his once-for-all sacrifice as described in Hebrews. It contrasts this with human attempts at appeasement and clarifies that the Eucharist is a participation in Christ's co…
- Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent
This episode reflects on the biblical readings for Monday of the Fifth Week in Lent, drawing parallels between Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac and Jesus's crucifixion. It emphasizes Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate provision for the si…