Day 74 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 1:1-17; Psalm 69; Luke 4:14-30)
HAVE NO FEAR
“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 ESV)
The coronavirus certainly is generating a lot of fear and panic in our world and our communities these days. How unique to walk into Walmart and see empty shelves where the hand sanitizer and toilet paper had been. And now schools are being closed, and sporting events and seasons are being postponed or even cancelled.
It is to a fear-filled world like ours that Jesus says: “Fear not, little flock.” You can take His words to heart. Paul did:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Joshua put it this way:
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
So, when it comes to the coronavirus fears, we can trust the Lord to watch over us. And then we need to use common sense. That’s what we are doing at St. Paul’s at this time.
1. The church building has been sanitized.
2. Those who feel ill are encouraged not to attend church.
(You can tune into AM radio 1340 at 8 am for the service from St. Paul’s - West Allis or at 10 am for Mt. Olive - Milwaukee. Check First Immanuel - Cedarburg’s Facebook page for a link to their live-streaming services.)
3. We are not shaking hands.
4. Thorough hand washing and the use of hand sanitizer is being encouraged, along with coughing into one’s sleeve.
Click this link for some comforting words from LCMS President Matthew Harrison.
https://blogs.lcms.org/2020/resource-helps-congregations-plan-for-widespread-illnesses/?fbclid=IwAR2W4wFJKLL-Um3T-XDoyC5426HkbaBDx9OjmVXZSVQgZ5k2OHWjlylrBmc
Heavenly Father, please protect all of us during this time of pestilence. We pray that it would be Your will to grant healing to all who are afflicted with the coronavirus. Please grant Your comfort to all who have lost loved ones to this disease. Above all, remind us of Your gift of mercy and forgiveness given to all who repent and believe in Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
“See” you in church on Sunday.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings from the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2020 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
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