May 9, 2020 - IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS, TAKE HEART

Day 130 - (Today’s Bible readings: Habakkuk 3:1-13; Psalm 119:1-8; Luke 21:10-24)

IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS, TAKE HEART

 But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. (Mark 6:52-53 ESV)

Do you ever lose heart? Do the storms of life fill you with dread and fear? In today’s reading from Mark, Jesus teaches you how to deal with whatever turbulent seas you may find yourself floundering in.

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 

What made the difference for the disciples that night? Jesus did. He knew that they were in trouble, so He went to them!

And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. (v. 48)

Jesus knows that you are in trouble too. The winds of our sinful world and your sinful self are pressing relentlessly against you. When all seems hopeless, Jesus comes looking for you!

● He calms the storms of life with His presence and powerful Word.
● He stills your fears with His body and blood in simple bread and wine.
● He gives you confidence for tomorrow with the assurance of your baptism.
● He removes the fear of death with His promise that because He lives, you will live also.
● He encourages you to believe Him and TAKE HEART.

And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, 
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.  
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(“For All the Saints,” The Lutheran Service Book #677-5)

Lord Jesus, thank You for stilling the storms of my life with Your precious means of grace and Your constant presence.  Amen.

Link to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
https://zoom.us/j/177003912
 password: 518940

Parking Lot Worship Service 10:30 am

Youtube link to all previously recorded services:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

 Link to Wednesday Online Bible Study 7 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85832224078

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!