December 30, 2020 - NOT EVEN A COFFEE BREAK

Day 336 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 7:66-72; Psalm 122; Revelation 2:12-17)

 NOT EVEN A COFFEE BREAK

“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3 ESV) 

Have you ever wondered if God has forgotten you, or perhaps is too busy to be concerned with you and the daily challenges you are facing? The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 121 that when we are feeling down, we need to look to Him comfort and strength. 

I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?

My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)

He goes on to offer the added peace that comes from the promise that God is watching over us 24/7. 

God doesn’t even take a coffee break.

What we need to remember, above all, is the fact that our help comes only in the name of the Lord (Psalm 121:2).

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

And drives away our fear. 

 (The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #524)

Heavenly Father, thank You watching over me continually. I do trust You. Therefore, into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 30, 2020 - ARE YOU LOOKING UP?

Day 335 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 7:5-65; Psalm 121; Revelation 2:8-11)

ARE YOU LOOKING UP?

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?

 My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot be moved;

    he who keeps you will not slumber.

 Behold, he who keeps Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)

When a person is ill, perhaps hospitalized, and lying in a bed, there is only one direction to look–up. Whenever we find ourselves incapacitated for whatever reason, there is only one direction to look for comfort and deliverance.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” 

Just think. The Creator of everything wants you to turn to Him in your need. He promises to always hear your fervent prayer and to answer you in a way that is best for you.

Almighty God, please hear my prayer as I look up to You for deliverance from the woes of life. Above all, please deliver me from sin, death and the devil, that I may be Your child today, tomorrow and forever.  Amen.

 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 29, 2020 - THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

Day 334 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80; 1 Corinthians 1:3-8; Mark 13:24-37)

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT

“11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 ESV)

Today is the First Sunday of Advent, a time that Christians set aside to prepare for celebration of the coming of Jesus as the Babe of Bethlehem. We get to prepare our hearts and minds to truly celebrate Christmas by focusing on God’s gift of His Son.

Paul’s words to the Thessalonians focus on the HOPE that is ours in Jesus, the Christian hope of heaven when Jesus comes a second time at the end of time. He encourages us to prepare for the end this way:

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for  all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”

Hark the glad sound! The Savior comes,

The Savior promised long;

Let every heart prepare a throne

And every voice a song.

He comes the broken heart to bind,

The bleeding soul to cure,

And with the treasures of His grace

To enrich the humble poor.

(“Hark the Glad Sound,” The Lutheran Service Book, #349)

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me hope by sending Jesus that first Christmas to help me prepare for eternity by dying on the cross and paying for my sins. Bless me this Advent season as You prepare me to truly celebrate the birth of my Savior. Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 28, 2020 - REMAIN FAITHFUL

Day 333 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 6:15-7:4; Psalm 120; Revelation 2:1-7)

REMAIN FAITHFUL

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 ESV)

This well-known passage at first does not seem that difficult to follow. Remain close to Jesus until you die, and you will live with Him forever. In fact, this is what I encourage Confirmation students to do when I remind them to “always, always, always, always, always, always stay close to your Jesus.”

This command becomes much more difficult to keep when opposition to Jesus appears and God’s people are subjected to harassment and abuse. The early church, the original hearers of he book of Revelation, knew persecution first-hand. Many had their faith put to the test. Would they remain faithful and face death, or would they deny Jesus and live? What would your answer be?

Paul gives us his answer in Romans 8:18:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Remain faithful and you will live in eternal glory with Him.

Lord Jesus Christ, please keep me faithful until the day I die. Protect me from all temptations to deny You. Instead, use me to help others see the importance of faithfully trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Amen. 

"See" in, at or on church tomorrow morning!

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 27, 2020 - JESUS IS COMING

Day 331 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 6:1-14; Psalm 119:169-176; Revelation 1:9-20)

JESUS IS COMING

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7 ESV)

Just as surely as December 25th is 28 days away from today, the day of Christ’s Second Coming is getting closer. Many will be filled with terror on that day. Many will wail. What will you do?

The focus on the Second Coming of Christ causes many to be confused and frightened. While the end of the world is no trifling matter, you, fellow Christian, do not need to be afraid. 

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place... Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”  (Revelation 1:1 & 3 ESV)

Lord Jesus, help me to look forward to Your Second Coming with peace and anticipation as I live my life trusting in You for forgiveness and eternal life. Please open my eyes to the opportunities You will place before me today to share my Christian hope and confidence with others. Amen. 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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 (INCLUDING THANKSGIVING): 

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!

November 26, 2020 - WHY THANK GOD?

Day 331 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 5:14-19; Psalm 119:161-168; Revelation 1:1-8)

WHY THANK GOD?

The answer to this question in found in all that God has done for you.

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them.  Also clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life; That He defends me against all danger, and guards and protects me from all evil; And all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him.  This is most certainly true”   (Luther’s explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed) 

And how do we get to respond to all of these blessings?

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; 

tell ev'ryone what He has done.

Let all who seek the Lord rejoice 

and proudly bear His name.  

He recalls His promises 

and leads His people forth in joy 

with shouts of thanksgiving.  

Alleluia, alleluia. 

(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House 2006)

Heavenly Father, thank You showering me with so many earthly blessings. Above all, I thank You for forgiving my sins and saving my soul. In Jesus’ saving name.  Amen. 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 25, 2020 - WAIT FOR THE MERCY OF THE LORD

Day 330 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 5:1-13; Psalm 119:153-160; Jude 1-25)

WAIT FOR THE MERCY OF THE LORD

“17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 18-23 ESV)

Jude gives us a picture of “the last time” and what you should do in preparation:

● There will be scoffers, mockers of the Christian faith. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● These worldly people will cause divisions. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Build yourself in faith through prayer, as well as through the Word and the Lord’s Supper. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Keep yourself in the love of God. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Wait for the mercy of the Lord. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Have mercy on doubters. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Share Christ with those who are living without Jesus and are in danger of hell-fire.     - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

● Show mercy and hate sin. - REMAIN FAITHFUL!

Lord Jesus, I praise You and thank You for coming to earth to be our Savior. Please strengthen my faith and grant me Your peace and comfort so that I may wait for Your Second Coming. Please use me to share Your mercy and grace wherever and whenever You wish. Amen. 

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Thanksgiving Day Service (Sunday too):

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 24, 2020 - FACE TO FACE—TOMORROW NIGHT

Day 329 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 4:15-23; Psalm 119:145-152; 3 John 1-15)

FACE TO FACE—TOMORROW NIGHT

“I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face.” (3 John 14 ESV)

John is writing to Gaius, a faithful layman. He expresses his care for Gaius, body and soul. At the end of this one-chapter letter, John states that he could write more, but that he prefers to speak to Gaius face to face.

Dear friends, this is precisely the opportunity you have tomorrow night as we gather for our annual Thanksgiving Eve worship service at 7 pm (also on Zoom on Thanksgiving Day at 9 am). Almighty God also wants to “see” you soon. He is planning to come to you in His Word as it is read, proclaimed and reflected in the hymns and songs of the Divine Service. And then, in the Lord’s Supper, Jesus will come face to face with you as you are offered His true body and blood. 

Yes, it is true, the one true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is planning to meet you face to face every week.

God Himself is present:

Let us now adore Him

And with awe appear before Him.

God is in His temple;

All within keep silence;

Humbly kneel in deepest rev'rence.

He alone on His throne

Is our God and Savior;

Praise His Name forever!

(God Himself is Present, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #907, stanza 1)

Thank you, almighty God, for promising to meet me tomorrow night in worship. Please bless me with a heart-felt response to Your call to repent and believe. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Thanksgiving Service (Sunday too):

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 23, 2020 - GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE

Day 328 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 4:1-14; Psalm 119:137-144; 2 John 1-13)

GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE 

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3 ESV) 

The words from John’s second letter reveal the blessings Jesus brings to all who  worship and adore Him. 

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.” 

God showers all who trust in His Son as their Savior and Lord with His grace, mercy and peace. In fact, these are the treasures you find every time you attend church and He comes to you through His Word and Sacraments. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing all repentant sinners, including me, with 

Your grace, mercy and peace. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 22, 2020 - CONSOLED AND EQUIPPED

Day 327 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 3; Psalm 119:129-136; 1 John 5:13-21)

CONSOLED AND EQUIPPED

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. (Nehemiah 2:17-19 ESV)

“The Word moves Nehemiah’s heart to begin plans for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. As you read God’s Word, recognized that He will move you as well to serve Him and His people. Studying the Word is never an end in itself, because the purpose of the Word is to console you in Christ and equip you by the Holy Spirit. 

Console and equip me this day, dear Savior, to overcome all obstacles to Your good and gracious will.  Amen.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 742)

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 21, 2020 - THE WILL OF GOD

Day 326 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 2; Psalm 119:121-128; 1 John 5:1-12)

THE WILL OF GOD

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 ESV)

One of the biggest complaints God-doubters have is that He doesn’t answer their prayers. What they don’t understand is that He will only answer in ways that line up with His perfect will for us.

How does this work? Perhaps you decide to take the Lord up on this promise: “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”  (John 14:4 ESV) So you pray, “Lord, please give me a million dollars.” But God doesn’t fulfill that desire. He could do anything, but He knows that a million dollars would not be good for you. He knows that you would start trusting in your money instead of Him.

James warns against prayers that are not in line with God’s will:  “You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.”  (James 4:3 ESV)

What can you pray for that God promises to grant? The answer is forgiveness, His presence in your life, and eternal life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect will for my life. Please help me to accept Your answers to my prayers, and to treasure Your best gifts of forgiveness, reconciliation and heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 20, 2020 - PERFECT LOVE

Day 325 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nehemiah 1; Psalm 119:113-120; 1 John 4:1-21)

PERFECT LOVE

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)

John’s first letter is jam-packed with spiritual gems that are extremely practical and applicable to the Christian’s daily life. Of course this is true of the rest of the Bible as well. Here are a couple of examples from 1 John.

v 4 “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 

v 10 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 

v 12 “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

v 15 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

v 19 “We love because he first loved us.”

When it comes to the daily pressures we all face, it is certainly assuring to know that “perfect love casts out fear.” 

So, don’t worry, the perfect love of Christ...

● sent Him to the cross for sinners like you and me.  

● will see you through your daily struggles.

● will show itself in us as we live for Him.

● will lead others to Him as we model His love.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your perfect love lavished upon this sinful world. As You comfort me with the eternal promises Your love imparts, please use me to share Your love with others. Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 19, 2020 - EITHER OR

Day 324 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 12:1-13; Psalm 119:105-112; 1 John 3:11-24)

EITHER OR

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.”  (Daniel 12:2 ESV)

Daniel’s vision focuses on the end of time. This is a topic most people don’t want to consider. They would rather mimic an ostrich and bury their heads in the sand. And what is the result of such foolishness?

While the popular notion about ostriches is a myth, the results of burying our heads in the sand when it comes to the things of God is extremely foolish. The facts are these:

● Either you trust in Jesus for forgiveness and heaven, or you don’t.

● Either you will die and go to heaven (Luke 6:23; Philippians 3:20), or you will wind up in hell (Matthew 10:28) .

● Either you will believe the truths of God or the myths of man.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to the cruel cross as payment for my sins. Help me to live the rest of my with an eye on the future. Help me to not ignore and deny Your gracious gift of heaven for all who believe.  Have mercy on me, and take me to heaven in Your time, Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 18, 2020 - LOVE IN ACTION

Day 323 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 11:20-45; Psalm 119:97-104; 1 John 2:28-3:10)

LOVE IN ACTION

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18 ESV)

Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate display of love in action. John tells us to be willing to lay down our lives for others. Then he gets specific: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” 

The picture shows a man putting his love into action by giving a cup of something warm to what appears to be a homeless man. 

We all have opportunities to share the love of God with people in need. The person is helped, and we get to serve Jesus.

1. Where charity and love prevail,

   there God is ever found;

   brought here together by Christ's love,

   by love we thus are bound.

2. With grateful joy and holy fear

    His charity we learn;

    let us with heart and mind and soul

    now love God in return.

3. Forgive we now each other's faults

    as we our own confess,

    and let us love each other well

    in Christian holiness.

4. Let strife among us be unknown;

    let all contentions cease;

    be God's the glory that we seek;

    be ours His holy peace.

5. Let us recall that in our midst

    dwells Christ, His only Son;

    as members of His body joined,

    we are in Him made one.

6. For love excludes no race or clan

    that names the Savior’s name;

    his family embraces all

    whose Father is the same.

(Where Charity and Love Prevail, Lutheran Service Book #845)

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial death. May I copy Your example of love in action and not merely in words.  Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 7 2020 - THE ETERNAL BENEFIT OF BEING A CHRISTIAN

Day 322 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 11:1-19; Psalm 119:88-96; 1 John 2:15-27)

THE ETERNAL BENEFIT OF BEING A CHRISTIAN

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2 ESV)

Daniel isn’t mincing any words here. There are only two eternal options, eternal life or everlasting contempt, eternity in heaven or in hell.

Therefore, as we come to the end of the church year with its emphasis on be prepared for judgement, don’t forget to make sure you are ready. Repent and believe that the Jesus came to purchase your salvation. You can now face your eternal future with peace, confidence and eager anticipation because you know that everlasting life is yours in Christ.

Lord God, heavenly Father, graciously keep me close to You through saving faith in Jesus, my Savior and my Lord, so that I may spend eternity with You. Amen. 

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 16, 2020 - BLIND HATE

Day 321 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 10:1-21; Psalm 119:81-88; 1 John 2:1-14)

BLIND HATE

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:10-11 ESV)

Activity contrary to John’s clear intent in these verses is rampant in this hate-filled world of ours. We see this in our homes. We see this on the job. We see this in our families. Unfortunately, we even see hatred being fueled by many who should know much better.

If you were to ask people if they would rather abide in the light instead of stumbling around in the darkness, a good number would choose the light. However the One who does the choosing is not us, it is Jesus. And since He has chosen to make us His own by showering us with His soul-cleansing love, how can we not share His love with others?

It is the love of Christ that is at the heart of President Harrison’s statement made six years ago:

“The good news is that violence and distrust and animosity are not the last word. Christ, the Word made flesh who dwelt among us, full of grace and truth and life and salvation; Christ, whose death atoned for the sins of all humanity and whose resurrection trampled sin and Satan; Christ, the Prince of Peace—Christ gets the last Word. His is a Word of peace, despite sin’s turmoil (1 Thess. 5:23).” - LCMS President Matthew Harrison

So, what is the answer to blind hate? The answer is the love of Christ Jesus, the Lord of all!

Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering us from blind hate by means of the hate-conquering love of Jesus. As He has showered His love upon me, may I learn to love others - in His name. Please grant Your peace all places on this earth where hatred is destroying relationships among people. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!

November 15, 2020 - CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Day 320 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 9:1-27; Psalm 119:73-80; 1 John 1:1-10)

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

In today’s verses, John is calling us to be honest with ourselves and with God. Don’t deny your sins; instead, confess them to God. This is difficult, yet necessary. It is a natural tendency for us proud human beings to deny that we have done anything wrong. Yet God’s Law rings out clearly, “They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 53:3 ESV)

There are great emotional benefits to confessing our wrongs, our misdeeds, our sins. A child who has done something wrong is filled with a gnawing guilt until he or she tells mom or dad. Their relationship is restored. Yes, confession is good for that child.

Look at the second sentence in today’s Biblical selection. Confession is good for the soul of the child of God because God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

While it is important to be reconciled to one’s parents, it is far more crucial to be reconciled to the One who controls eternity. Because God the Father accepted His Son’s sacrificial death on the cross as payment for our sins, He now mercifully forgives us and washes all of our sins away. Confession truly is good for the soul of the believer!

Rejoice every time you hear your pastor proclaim Christ’s words over you and to you: Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God to all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to forgive me when I repent. Help me to resist the foolish attempt to cover up and deny my sins, so that I may know the joy of Your forgiveness and reconciliation. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

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

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

Password now required too: 843774

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!