June 26, 2020 - TRIALS AND FAITHFULNESS

Day 178 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 24; Psalm 146; Acts 14:8-18)

TRIALS AND FAITHFULNESS

But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:19-23 ESV)

What would you do if someone had attempted to kill you? Would you go right back to the activity that led to the attempt? That is exactly what Paul did after he was stoned and left for dead. He continued sharing the Gospel message encouraging believers to remain faithful.

Most of us don’t have to make the kind of choice presented to Paul. However, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Those who know Jesus may know persecution as well. Above, we know that Jesus is our only hope... 

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for protecting Paul so that He could continue to serve You. Please watch over and protect my brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing extreme persecution. And please grant us the courage and trust in You so that all who bear your name can serve You faithfully. ln Your time, grant us all the gift of eternal life with You in heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

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

IN CHURCH SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am 
both with Holy Communion

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!