Ascension Lutheran Church - KS https://ascensionpratt.org Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0000 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:30:00 +0000 hourly 1 3600 SnapPages.com Weekly Readings https://ascensionpratt.org/blog/2026/06/21/weekly-readings Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:00:00 +0000 https://ascensionpratt.org/blog/2026/06/21/weekly-readings
As we continue our study of the wisdom of the Proverbs we will hear three Proverbs that remind us that our life of faith begins with our heart.
23 Guard your heart more than anything else,
because the source of your life flows from it.

3 The crucible is for refining silver and the smelter for gold,
but the one who purifies hearts by fire is the Lord.

2 A person thinks everything he does is right,
but the Lord weighs hearts.


Our second reading comes from the sixteenth chapter of the book of Samuel where God chooses David by looking at his heart instead of at his appearance.

The Lord asked Samuel, “How long are you going to mourn for Saul now that I have rejected him as king of Israel? Fill a flask with olive oil and go. I’m sending you to Jesse in Bethlehem because I’ve selected one of his sons to be king.”

2 “How can I go?” Samuel asked. “When Saul hears about it, he’ll kill me.”

The Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I’ve come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 Invite Jesse to the sacrifice. I will reveal to you what you should do, and you will anoint for me the one I point out to you.”

4 Samuel did what the Lord told him. When he came to Bethlehem, the leaders of the city, trembling with fear, greeted him and said, “May peace be with you.”

5 “Greetings,” he replied, “I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Perform the ceremonies to make yourselves holy, and come with me to the sacrifice.” He performed the ceremonies for Jesse and his sons and invited them to the sacrifice. 6 When they came, he saw Eliab and thought, “Certainly, here in the Lord’s presence is his anointed king.”

7 But the Lord told Samuel, “Don’t look at his appearance or how tall he is, because I have rejected him. God does not see as humans see. Humans look at outward appearances, but the Lord looks into the heart.”

8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and brought him to Samuel. But Samuel said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.”

9 Then Jesse had Shammah come to Samuel. “The Lord has not chosen this one either,” Samuel said. 10 So Jesse brought seven more of his sons to Samuel, but Samuel told Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen any of these. 11 Are these all the sons you have?”

“There’s still the youngest one,” Jesse answered. “He’s tending the sheep.”

Samuel told Jesse, “Send someone to get him. We won’t continue until he gets here.”

12 So Jesse sent for him. He had a healthy complexion, attractive eyes, and a handsome appearance. The Lord said, “Go ahead, anoint him. He is the one.” 13 Samuel took the flask of olive oil and anointed David in the presence of his brothers. The Lord’s Spirit came over David and stayed with him from that day on. Then Samuel left for Ramah.


The Gospel lesson this morning is taken from Matthew’s account of the life and teachings of Jesus, the sixth chapter.  
“Be careful not to do your good works in public in order to attract attention. If you do, your Father in heaven will not reward you. 2 So when you give to the poor, don’t announce it with trumpet fanfare. This is what hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets in order to be praised by people. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. 3 When you give to the poor, don’t let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Give your contributions privately. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.

5 “When you pray, don’t be like hypocrites. They like to stand in synagogues and on street corners to pray so that everyone can see them. I can guarantee this truth: That will be their only reward. 6 When you pray, go to your room and close the door. Pray privately to your Father who is with you. Your Father sees what you do in private. He will reward you.
7 “When you pray, don’t ramble like heathens who think they’ll be heard if they talk a lot. 8 Don’t be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven,
let your name be kept holy.
10 Let your kingdom come.
Let your will be done on earth
as it is done in heaven.
11 Give us our daily bread today.
12 Forgive us as we forgive others.
13 Don’t allow us to be tempted.
Instead, rescue us from the evil one.


]]> Day 1 https://ascensionpratt.org/blog/2026/06/15/day-1 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 08:34:00 +0000 https://ascensionpratt.org/blog/2026/06/15/day-1
Day 1: Knowing Your Destination
Reading: Colossians 3:1-4

Devotional: The astronauts of Artemis II knew exactly where they were headed—the moon. As Christians, we also have a clear destination: the kingdom of heaven where there is no more sorrow, pain, or death. Paul urges us to "set your mind on things above." This isn't escapism; it's orientation. When you know where you're going, you can navigate the daily decisions that get you there. Today, take time to visualize the promise God has made to you—eternal joy in His presence. Let this destination shape your priorities, your relationships, and your choices. When you're clear about where you're headed, the path becomes clearer too.

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Day 2: Following the Right Path
Reading: John 14:1-6

Devotional: Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life." He doesn't just point to the path; He is the path. Just as the Artemis mission required precise trajectory calculations, our spiritual journey requires following Jesus closely. But this isn't about perfection—it's about direction. When we stray, Jesus doesn't abandon us. His sacrifice on the cross reaches us wherever we've wandered and restores us to the right path. Today, ask yourself: Am I following Jesus or just my own ideas about Him? The difference matters. His way leads to life; our own way leads to confusion. Choose to follow Him today in one specific area where you've been doing things your way.

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Day 3: Daily Course Corrections
Reading: Proverbs 4:14-19

Devotional: The Orion spacecraft needed twelve course corrections during its journey. Our spiritual lives require daily adjustments too. Proverbs warns us: "Do not stray onto the path of wicked people." Every day presents choices—will you spend time with those who draw you closer to Christ or pull you away? Will you hold grudges or practice forgiveness? Will you speak with integrity or bend the truth? These seem like small decisions, but over time they determine your trajectory. A one-degree deviation at launch means being 4,345 miles off course at the destination. Today, identify one small habit or relationship that's pulling you off course. Make a correction now before it takes you further away.


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Day 4: Building on the Rock
Reading: Matthew 7:24-27

Devotional: Jesus presents two builders: one who builds on rock, one on sand. Both hear His words, but only one does them. The difference isn't knowledge—it's obedience. God's Word isn't given merely for information but for transformation. Like flight control guiding astronauts through space, Scripture guides us through life's journey. This is why daily Bible reading, worship, and Bible study matter—they keep us calibrated to God's will. The storms will come to everyone, but those who hear and do God's Word stand firm. Today, don't just read Scripture—identify one specific instruction and put it into practice. Let obedience be your foundation.

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Day 5: The Gift of Repentance
Reading: 1 John 1:8-10

Devotional: Repentance is simply a course correction. When astronauts realize they're off trajectory, they don't keep going—they adjust immediately. God's love, grace, and forgiveness give us confidence to do the same. We don't have to pretend we're perfect or hide our failures. Jesus came to meet us wherever we've strayed, no matter how far off course we've gotten. His cross covers every wrong turn. Today, embrace the gift of repentance. Where have you drifted? What grudge are you holding? What anger needs releasing? What relationship needs mending? God isn't waiting to condemn you—He's offering you a course correction. Turn back toward Him. His arms are open, and His forgiveness is complete.

Remember: Your 666,670-hour journey through life is made successful through small, daily course corrections. Stay in God's Word, stay in community, and keep your eyes on your destination—the kingdom of heaven promised to you through faith in Jesus Christ.

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