September 1, 2020 - WRAPPED UP IN GRACE

 

Day 245 - (Today’s Bible readings: Esther 9; Psalm 61; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28)

WRAPPED UP IN GRACE

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 ESV) 

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians the same way he began it, making this epistle “wrapped up in grace.”

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 ESV) 

What follows in between the first and last verses, is the good news of God’s undeserved blessings (grace) bestowed upon sinners like you and me. 

1 By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;

My soul, believe and doubt it not.

Why stagger at this word of promise?

Hath Scripture ever falsehood taught?

No! Then this word must true remain;

By grace you too will life obtain.

3 By grace God's Son, our only Savior,

Came down to earth to bear our sin.

Was it because of thine own merit

That Jesus died your soul to win?

No, it was grace, and grace alone,

That brought Him from His heav'nly throne.

        (“By Graced I’m Saved,” Lutheran Service Book #566)

Lord God heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me, even though I do not deserve such divine kindness. Please continue to keep me wrapped up in Your grace and mercy for the rest of my life. In Jesus' saving name. Ame

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:

 https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88676558248

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am 

both with Holy Communion

IN CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7 pm with Holy Communion

Youtube link to all previously recorded services:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNFbkeFTQAhiGc7bafdvlPkfwnuiDfTQ9

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!