Sharper Iron from KFUO Radio

David cries out to the LORD for deliverance from violent men. Their violence comes primarily through their wicked words toward David and toward the LORD’s Word. Although they have laid their poisonous trap, David’s confidence remains in the LORD as his God. The LORD is the one who shields David’s head, even as the LORD also brings His fire down upon the head of the wicked. The LORD maintains justice and righteousness for His afflicted people. Even if His people suffer and die in this life, the LORD will bring them to the resurrection on the Last Day. Rev. Mark Squire, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in St. Ansgar, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 140. To learn more about Immanuel Lutheran, visit immanuelsta.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The songs of ascents end with this brief psalm in which the people of God arrive at His holy house to bless His name. In their zeal, they arrive at night to stand watch with the ministers of His house and call upon His name in prayer. Knowing His promise to hear and answer, they continue to bless His name even before their prayer is finished. The LORD has the last word as the Creator of all things blesses His people from Zion. Rev. Jeff Hemmer, pastor at Bethany Lutheran Church in Fairview Heights, IL and Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 134. To learn more about Bethany Lutheran, visit bethanylcms.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Near the end of the Songs of Ascents, the people of God call upon Him to remember David, particularly his desire to build a dwelling place for the LORD. As God’s people remember David’s desire, they share that desire to go and worship at the LORD’s footstool, and they ask that the Church would be present there together: priests, saints, and the Christ. The LORD reiterates His oath to make for David an everlasting kingdom and promises that His people will be clothed with the salvation of Christ. Rev. Sean Kilgo, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lawrence, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 132. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit Redeemer-Lawrence.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

As the people of God go to worship Him, their lives are filled with joy to realize that His gracious restoration is reality. The nations see this same truth and hallow the name of the LORD, even as His own people experience the relief of His grace. God’s people pray that He would bring His restoration suddenly, so that even as they do their work in sorrow now, they will one day reap in a season of joy because God has kept His promise. Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 126. To learn more about Trinity in Vinton, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In this song of ascents, the Christian lifts his eyes toward the mountain of the house of the LORD, for that is the place where God has promised to dwell as the helper for all His people. The Christian then turns and speaks this reality to all who are joining him in worship to speak of the LORD’s help. The LORD does not fall asleep on the job, but He constantly watches over His people. Day or night, the LORD keeps His people’s lives safe from evil wherever they go. The LORD gives His people such safety eternally in the resurrection of the dead. Rev. David Vandercook, pastor at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crawford, NE and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Harrison, NE, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 121. To learn more about Bethlehem and Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Churches, visit belccrawford.org and relcharrison.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Although Psalm 117 is the shortest psalm, its call to praise goes forth to the largest audience—all nations. The LORD, the God of Israel, has steadfast love not just toward one nation, but to all the earth. His faithful acts of salvation extend to all people and for all time. In this way, the worship of God’s people serves a missionary purpose to the nations, so that all people would join together in singing to the LORD: “Hallelujah!” Rev. Luke Zimmerman, pastor at Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mechanicsburg, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 117. To learn more about Calvary Evangelical, visit calvarymechanicsburg.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Psalm 116 finds its place in the life of the Church both on Maundy Thursday and during the Offertory in the Divine Service. Hearing the psalm first on the lips of Jesus, we hear Him pray for deliverance from death and receive comfort in knowing that the Father has answered Jesus by delivering Him into death for our trespasses and then raising Him from the grave for our justification. This helps us to cry out these same words in prayer to our heavenly Father who rescues us from death for the sake of Christ. Rev. Harrison Goodman, Executive Director of Mission and Theology for Higher Things, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 116. To learn more about Higher Things, visit higherthings.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Even though the prayers of David, son of Jesse, are said to have ended in Psalm 72, the Psalter records more Davidic psalms. In this way, the Psalter teaches us to look for the coming King who is both David’s son and David’s Lord. In Psalm 108, this Davidic king leads the people of God in rejoicing and giving thanks to the LORD for His steadfast love and faithfulness. He has shown His steadfast love and faithfulness to the King and all His people by giving victory to His people over their foes. Rev. Dr. Adam Hensley, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 108. To learn more about Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, visit csl.edu. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

n Psalm 94, we cry out to the LORD as the God who takes vengeance, lest we take it ourselves against the wicked. Although the wicked afflict the weak as if God cannot see, He truly is the One who sees, hears, knows, and rebukes. The righteous receives discipline from the LORD’s hand as a blessing, knowing that following God’s Word during persecution does give rest. The LORD rises against the wicked and wipes them out because He is the refuge for His people. Rev. Jason Schockman, pastor at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, School, and Early Childhood Center in Oconomowoc, WI, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 94. To learn more about St. Paul's Lutheran, visit splco.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

God sits in judgment above all authorities, and He calls them to account for the injustice they show against His divine mandate. He has called them to give justice to those most in need, but when they act in ignorance of God’s command, they shake the very foundations of life. Those who would set themselves over God’s authority, whether human beings or false gods, are ultimately brought into death. Therefore, the people of God call upon Him to act according to who He is and bring His righteous justice. Rev. Jacob Dandy, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Atchison, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 82. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinityatchison.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Psalm 72 prays to the LORD concerning the king to whom He gives justice and righteousness and through whom He brings justice and righteousness to His people and to the world. Although our earthly kings—even David and Solomon—fall short of the ideal God gives in His Word, the Lord Jesus does not. He is the King who perfectly cares for the poor and the needy. He is the King over all kings. He is the King who does wondrous things, whose name is blessed forever. Rev. John Bussman, pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and School in Cullman, AL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 72. To learn more about St. Paul's in Cullman, visit stpaulscullman.com. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David knows that his enemies are secretly plotting against him, and so he asks God to preserve his life. These enemies set an ambush for David by their words, thinking that no one can see them. Yet, the LORD sees and springs His own ambush against these enemies that brings them to ruin by their own plots. When the nations see the LORD’s actions, they fear Him and tell what He has done, even as His own people rejoice and take refuge in Him. Rev. Dr. Adam Koontz, pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Oakmont, PA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 64. To learn more about Redeemer Lutheran, visit redeemer-oakmont.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

As David’s enemies attack him on every side all day long, he puts his trust in God. The Word of God is the Christian’s praise and trust so that there is no need to fear the power of man, which cannot conquer God and His Word. As the enemies of God persecute His people, God personally knows each of their sufferings so that His people can be certain that God is for them and live according to His Word in thanksgiving for all that He has done. Rev. Sam Beltz, pastor at St. John Lutheran Church in Oskaloosa, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 56. To learn more about St. John Lutheran, visit stjohnosky.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

In Psalm 53, David repeats much of his prayer from Psalm 14 as he speaks about the folly that infects all mankind. Even the smartest of people show their foolishness when they live in the practical atheism that acts without the fear of God. Such folly is the state of all mankind apart from the grace of God. In that grace, God’s people cry out to him to deliver them from evil and bring His salvation through Jesus Christ, the Word dwelling in our flesh. Rev. Kale Hanson, pastor at Zion Lutheran Church and School in Bethalto, IL, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 53. To learn more about Zion Lutheran, visit zionbethalto.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The love song of Psalm 45 points us toward the love that exists between the King, Jesus Christ, and His Bride, the Church. As true God and true man, Jesus is the beautiful and victorious King over His enemies. He rules with true righteousness, and His people join Him in the splendor of His heavenly palace. Both Jews and Gentiles through faith rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ, who reigns forever and ever. Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, pastor at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 45. To learn more about Grace Lutheran, visit gracebrenham.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David feels the consequences God has brought upon him for his sin, and so he turns to God as the only Source of rescue from such consequences. The effects of sin are both spiritual and physical, and the LORD knows them already. Prayer cries out to Him in trust that He alone can help, even when friends and foes alike provide no refuge. On the LORD alone we wait, asking Him to be near quickly for our salvation. He keeps this promise through our Savior, Jesus. Rev. Jeremiah Johnson, pastor at Glory of Christ Lutheran Church in Plymouth, MN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 38. To learn more about Glory of Christ, visit gloryofchrist.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David praises the LORD for bringing him up and giving him healing ultimately from death. Such praise belongs not only to David but to all Christians because God’s anger over our sins quickly turns to His gracious favor for the sake of Christ. Therefore, we cry to Him for help, knowing that His promise of resurrection turns our momentary mourning into eternal singing. Rev. Philip Hoppe, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Colby, KS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 30. To learn more about Trinity Lutheran, visit trinitycolby.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

David prays in joy for what the LORD has accomplished for him and through him as king. The LORD’s blessings have overflowed for David and for all Israel because of the LORD’s steadfast love. The LORD has given victory to Israel from their enemies, and He is exalted as the true King. In this way, David and all the kings of Israel point forward to the eternal reign of Jesus Christ. Rev. Steve Andrews, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Lee’s Summit, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 21. To learn more about St. Matthew Lutheran, visit GraceFaithLove.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

The prayer of Psalm 13 sets the pattern for many other psalms and for our own prayers as Christians. David repeatedly cries out to the LORD, “How long,” protesting God’s seeming absence while David experiences the troubles of his soul and the attacks of his enemies. David then asks that the LORD answer him by granting him life and keeping the enemies from prevailing. Knowing the LORD’s faithfulness, David continues in his trust and joins in the praises and songs of all God’s people to the Savior. Rev. Zelwyn Heide, pastor at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Hanover, ND and Zion Lutheran Church in New Salem, ND, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 13. To learn more about St. Peter and Zion Lutheran Churches, visit stpeterzion.org. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org

Psalm 12 prays against the lying and flattering words that speak against the truth of God’s Word. Christians realize the battle against the Word of God and cry out honestly to the LORD to act decisively against those who set their words over His. In such an imprecatory prayer, we pray against our own sinful nature. As God speaks His Word, He acts, so that His Word is proved true and provides a true refuge for us as we walk through the flames of this world. Rev. Andrew Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Haven, MO, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Psalm 12. To learn more about Trinity in New Haven, visit trinitynewhaven.com. Join Sharper Iron this spring 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. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: listener@kfuo.org