Sharper Iron From Kfuo Radio

Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL, and assistant to the president of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 141. In Psalm 141, David finds himself unable to join the other faithful Israelites worshiping at the temple in Jerusalem, and so he asks the LORD to count his prayer as a part of the incense that ascends to the heavenly throne. He prays that the LORD would keep his lips from speaking lies and his heart from any evil along with workers of wickedness. Rather than receiving delicacies along with an evil man, David would rather receive a rebuke from a righteous person as his anointing. David prays in hope that the LORD will have the last word, even in death, and so David sets his eyes toward the LORD and asks that the LORD deliver the wicked into their own snares. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in pr

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 137. Psalm 137 reveals its context quickly. The people of God are exiled in Babylon. Although Babylon’s waters may have seemed more fruitful from an earthly perspective, the people of God weep there because they are no longer in the Promised Land. Their captors only add insult to injury by mocking the songs of Zion. Yet the people dare not forget the LORD’s promises made concerning Zion. As they vow to remember, they call upon the LORD to remember and to visit their enemies with destruction. The prayer is jarring, and we hear it in the full counsel of God’s Word, all the while joining in the prayer of God’s people that our Lord Jesus would return and put an end to every evil. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him

Rev. Joshua Haller, pastor at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church in Fairgrove, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 133. In Psalm 133, David rejoices in the gift of unity that the LORD creates within His Church. This unity is founded upon the truth of the LORD’s Word in which Christians live together as true brothers in the faith. God anoints His Church with this gift from the top to the bottom, and He showers this gift upon His Church to refresh us with the living water of His Word. Within His dwelling among us, the LORD bestows His blessings now and forever. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. James Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ottumwa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 127. In Psalm 127, Solomon teaches us the wisdom that apart from the LORD’s activity, all our work is in vain. The LORD must be the One to build our families; He is the One who never fails to watch over our households. If we do our work and watching in worry, we squander His good gifts. Solomon particularly extols the LORD’s gift of children, who are always a blessing from Him to be received with thanksgiving. As He must be the One to build our household, so He is the One to work through our children for our good. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Carl Roth, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Elgin, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 120. Psalm 120 is the first of the psalms of ascent; these perhaps were used by pilgrims on their way to Jerusalem for one of the feasts that the LORD gave to His people. As the psalmist has received the LORD’s deliverance in the past, so he cries out again for rescue from lies. A tongue that spreads such lies deserves only judgment from the LORD. The psalmist recognizes that he has been dwelling for too long among those who love such lies, and he longs for the peace that comes from dwelling once more in the house of the LORD. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hannover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 115. In Psalm 115, the people of God pray that He alone would have the glory in the face of all idols. Though the nations may taunt the true God, their idols are seen to be absolutely nothing. As the work of human hands, idols have absolutely no power, and worshiping makes people stupid. The people of the true God, therefore, have every reason to trust in Him. He has remembered His people in the past and will continue to bless them into the future. As He grants to His people eternal life, they praise Him forever. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Shawn Linnell, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 103. In Psalm 103, David blesses the LORD for all of the benefits that He has given, both physically and spiritually. By making known His ways to Moses and Israel, the LORD has shown that His mercy and grace is trustworthy. He does not deal with sinners as we deserve, but He removes our iniquities from us. He treats us with compassion as His children; though our days fade like the grass, the LORD’s love is forever. Our praise joins with the praise of the whole heavenly host for all that Christ has done for us. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Dan Speckhard, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church and School in North Judson, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 98. Psalm 98 expresses the joy of God’s people over all the wondrous works He has done. In His righteousness, God has won a salvation that is revealed to the ends of the earth. For that reason, the voices and instruments of God’s people are put into service of praising their King. All creation participates in this joy as the Lord comes to judge the world in righteousness. The Lord’s coming in righteousness has been fulfilled in Jesus, our Savior whose righteousness covers us. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in North Little Rock, AR and Shepherd of Peace Lutheran Church in Maumelle, AR, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 90. In Psalm 90, Moses reflects upon the reality that God is eternal and sinful man is mortal. Man returns to the dust of death not as an accident, but as a consequence given from God. We sinners rightly deserve the anger and wrath of God, and so our years are short in the grand scheme of history. All of this drives us to pray for God’s mercy. He alone can give us a heart of wisdom so that we can receive His joy for however long He gives us life. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 84. As one of the sons of Korah serving in the temple, the writer of Psalm 84 speaks from firsthand experience when he extols the loveliness of God’s dwelling place. His longing to be in the house of the LORD is shared by every faithful Christian, whether due to extreme circumstances of absence or as a part of the weekly rhythm of public worship. As God provides even a home for the birds, so much more He makes His dwelling place a home for His people who receive from Him atonement at His altar. Those who trust in the LORD are blessed, even when they walk through a vale of tears, He gives them strength in His ways. To be in His presence even in a seemingly insignificant role is the desire of all God’s faithful people; He blesses all who trust in Him. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches u

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 77. The psalmist cries out to God in faith in Psalm 77, even as he wrestles with God in prayer. Day and night the psalmist can find no comfort as he considers God. He begins to turn as he makes diligent search, not within himself, but in the Word of God for the way God has acted in the past. As the psalmist recalls the mighty works of God from the Scriptures, the LORD draws the psalmist closer to himself so that the psalmist remembers that he is among the people of God who await promised deliverance. The Exodus from Egypt is the prime example of that for the psalmist; for us today, we see the LORD’s steadfast love through the greater Exodus Jesus has accomplished in His death, resurrection, and ascension. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety

Rev. Dr. Christian Preus, pastor at Mount Hope Lutheran Church and School in Casper, WY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 62. Though David makes no explicit request of the LORD in Psalm 62, still he has the truth of God to confess and pray. David waits upon God in silence, confident that God is his rock and fortress who will save him. Even as enemies attack David and the people of God with their lies, David continues to hope in God and wait for him as his refuge. Such trust is befitting of all peoples, whether low or high, rich or poor. Only God has power and steadfast love, and in His steadfast love, God vindicates His people’s trust in Him. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Jeffrey Ries, pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tacoma, WA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 55. In Psalm 55, David cries out to the LORD in the midst of great trouble and trembling. The distress is so great that David is restless and desires to flee away from the threat of those who intend him harm. David puts the matter of his deliverance into the LORD’s hands as David prays that the LORD would destroy those who are filled with iniquity and oppression. David’s pain is particularly great because the one who is seeking his life is a close companion, who spoke smoothly but intended only harm. David continue to entrust his enemy’s defeat into the LORD’s hands. He puts his burden on the LORD, for only the LORD can sustain and rescue the righteous. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savio

Rev. David Boisclair, interim pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Overland, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 46. Psalm 46 invites us to pray to God as the refuge and strength who will never fail us, no matter what enemies come against us. Neither disasters in nature nor political machinations can cause fear for the people of God, for He dwells in our midst and brings His help when it is needed the most. As we look out upon the battlefield from the safety of His presence, we see that He has defeated our enemies for us, as He calls us to be silent and trust in Him alone as our God. He is with us; He is our mighty fortress. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 34. Psalm 34 was David’s prayer while he was fleeing from King Saul and changed his behavior in the presence of the Philistine king. As David praises the LORD for answering his prayer for deliverance, he invites all those who trust in the LORD to experience the same goodness of the LORD. In this fear of the LORD is true wisdom and goodness, for the LORD looks upon His people, even in their brokenheartedness. The LORD has come near to us in the person of Jesus Christ, whose suffering, death, burial, and resurrection for our sake we see in Psalm 34. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee's Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 25. Psalm 25 is an acrostic poem that teaches and prays concerning a wide range of Christian experience. David prays that the Lord would keep His promises so that David would not be put to shame. In order that he better know the promises of the Lord, David asks that God would teach him and guide him according to the Word. David knows his failings; he knows that he is dependent upon the Lord’s mercy and steadfast love. That is why David looks to the Lord for true doctrine and for help in time of need. This help is not only for David, and so David invites all of God’s people to trust in the Lord and call upon Him for help in confidence. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Rev. William Terjesen, pastor at the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Peekskill, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 19. Psalm 19 starts with the way God reveals Himself in His creation. The heavens declare His glory as a constant testimony of His existence and His power. In particular, the presence of the sun in the sky that goes from one end of the heavens to the other gives evidence that God has created all things, and all things are subject to Him. That leads King David to narrow his focus even more, to the way God reveals Himself specifically in His Word. David teaches us to delight and find value in the Word of God both for what it is and for what it does. That leads David to his own confession; he asks that the Lord forgive him for the sins he does not know and that the Lord would keep him from sinning proudly. In such forgiveness, all Christians pray for their words and thoughts to be acceptable to God through Christ Jesus. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selec

Rev. Tim Eden, pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Bryan, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 14. Psalm 14 teaches godly wisdom to all who have ears to hear. Folly rejects the one true God. Such folly may not be spoken outright, but the meditations of the heart as made manifest in actions that have no regard for God and His Word reveal the foolishness. St. Paul picks this thought up in Romans 3 and says that all people are lost in such foolishness in their original sin. Yet God has had mercy upon the children of man by sending His Son as a man. True wisdom, then, is to turn to the same God who has pointed out our foolishness and find in Him our salvation. Those who reject this one true God remain in their folly, even as they persecute those who look to Him for refuge. Yet those who have their righteousness in Christ are those who receive the salvation in Jesus for which they pray. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us

Rev. Tim Storck, pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Chesterfield, MI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 5. As King David cries out to the LORD with growing urgency, he grows in trust and expectation. He prays in the morning, not because it is at the appointed time for sacrifice, but also because he looks to God first. David knows that God does not delight in evil nor in those who do it, and David also knows that he can only count himself as one of God’s people because of the LORD’s steadfast love for him. That is why David fears the LORD and asks him to lead him in righteousness that comes through faith in Christ. Though David’s enemies seek to work all kinds of harm with their lips, David leaves their destruction to the LORD as he trusts that he will find joy and security with the LORD as his refuge. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variet

Rev. Nate Hill, pastor at St. Michael’s Lutheran Church in Winchester, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 1. Psalm 1 sets the tone for the entire Psalter. God teaches us that the blessed man does not join in the wickedness of scoffers; instead, the blessed man delights in the Word of God at every opportunity. Through His Word, God causes the lives of His people to flourish, which remains true even in the midst of earthly suffering. The wicked, despite any earthly successes, do not last; their way is not known by God. However, the LORD does know the way of His people, and He leads them in His steadfast love in Christ. Join Sharper Iron during the month of July to study selected Psalms. In the Psalter, God speaks His Word to us and teaches us how to speak back to Him in prayer. Even in the great variety of the Psalms, each one points us to our Savior, Jesus Christ.