Blessed By The Lord

Password: 843774

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

April 29, 2021 - THE SOLID ROCK

Day 119 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 21,22; Luke 22:1-30)

THE SOLID ROCK

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” (2 Samuel 22:2-4 ESV)

God had protected David from a jealous Saul. David’s response is to break into a song of praise in which he describes God as his rock, his fortress and his deliverer.

We can sing the same song because God has delivered us from our enemies of sin, death and the devil. Jesus is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer.

My hope is build on nothing less Than Jesus blood and righteousness.

No merit of my own I claim But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.

(Lutheran Service Book, #575 stanza 2)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me and protecting me. I praise You and thank You for being the solid Rock of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Recording of St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

https://youtu.be/ta8N21SuvOk

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

https://youtu.be/uMevWmUYOAg

Password: 843774

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

April 28, 2021 - THIS COULD BE THE DAY!

Day 118 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 19,20; Luke 21:20-38)

THIS COULD BE THE DAY!

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV)

It is so very easy to get sidetracked, to lose oneself in the distractions and cares of every day life. The Lord tells to pray for alertness and spiritual strength for the days that are to come. The hymn writer put it this way:

"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"

The watchmen on the heights are crying;

"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"

Midnight hears the welcome voices

And at the thrilling cry rejoices;

"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?

The Bridegroom comes, awake!

Your lamps with gladness take!

Allelujah!

With bridal care

Yourselves prepare

To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.".

(Lutheran Service Book, #516 stanza 1)

This could be the day, ARE YOU READY?

Lord Jesus, please keep me spiritually alert and ready for Your return. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Recording of St. Paul’s April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

https://youtu.be/uMevWmUYOAg

Password: 843774

Monday, April 26, 2021

April 27, 2021 - GRIEF AND FORGIVENESS

April 27, 2021 - Day 117 - (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 17,18; Luke 21:1-19

GRIEF AND FORGIVENESS

“Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son.” (2 Samuel 18:23 ESV)

Absalom, David’s son, leads a revolt against his father. He is killed and David is filled with grief.

The consequences of David’s earlier sins continue to plague him. Family discord has led to rebellion and the loss of another son. While we can understand David’s grief for his son, what we are amazed at is David’s desire to forgive all the rest who followed Absalom.

How do you respond to those who have it in for you? Better yet, how does Jesus respond to those who have it In for Him? Listen to Jesus:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34 ESV)

Lord God, heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace that cover all of the betrayal and ugliness of life. Keep me close to You through faith in my Savior, Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Recording of St. Paul’s April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

https://youtu.be/uMevWmUYOAg

Password: 843774

Sunday, April 25, 2021

April 26, 2021 - WATCH YOURSELF!

Day 116 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 17,18; Luke 21:1-19)

WATCH YOURSELF!

"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"

The watchmen on the heights are crying;

"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"

Midnight hears the welcome voices

And at the thrilling cry rejoices;

"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?

The Bridegroom comes, awake!

Your lamps with gladness take!

Allelujah!

With bridal care

Yourselves prepare

To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.".

(Lutheran Service Book, #516 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, please keep me spiritually alert and ready for Your return. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Recording of St. Paul’s April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Saturday, April 24, 2021

April 25, 2021 - GOVERNMENT AND GOD

Day 115 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 13,14; Luke 20:1-26)

GOVERNMENT AND GOD

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Luke 20:22-25 ESV)

The scribes and chief priests attempted to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him into big trouble with the Roman authorities. They hoped Jesus would say that paying “taxes” to an occupying army was wrong. Instead, Jesus gave them, and us, clear insight into the believer’s relationship with government. “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” His answer stymied them in their treacherous attempt.

His words remind us what Peter said. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

We obey man-made rules as long as they do not disagree with the Word of God. Where there is conflict, we must follow what God says instead.

Heavenly Father, please help me to be a good citizen and a faithful Christian. To this end, make me ever thankful for my country and my God. In Jesus’ saving name

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Friday, April 23, 2021

April 24, 2021 - I HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD

Day 114 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 10-12; Luke 19:29-48)

I HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD

Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”

David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” (2 Samuel 12:7&13 ESV)

David was the King of Israel, and he was a sinner. In today’s Old Testament reading, David is confronted with his sin. He confesses it to Nathan. And Nathan forgives him. There will still be consequences to his sin, yet he would continue to celebrate the gifts of reconciliation and forgiveness for the rest of his life.

Even though none of us are kings of queens, yet we can have the same blessings David did. We can confess our sins knowing that God will graciously forgive us for Jesus’ sake.

May the gift of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation fill you joy this day as you live every minute for Him. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Thursday, April 22, 2021

April 23, 2021 - LITTLE MAN, BIG FAITH

Day 113 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 7-9; Luke 19:1-28)

LITTLE MAN, BIG FAITH

Zacchaeus... was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”... Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:2-10 ESV)

The religious leaders thought little of Zacchaeus, and they weren’t just talking about his height. They saw him as a lost soul, someone to be shunned. Jesus also saw Zacchaeus as a sinner, but not as someone to be shunned.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

This is good news for us, for we also come up short when it comes to living the perfect life God requires of all. The good news for Zacchaeus was that Jesus invited him into His presence. And that is really big!

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Please grant me a hunger for Your Word and for Your Supper that drives me to Your house each Sunday. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

April 22, 2021 - WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

Day 112 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 4-6; Luke 18:18-43)

WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” (Luke 18:31-33 ESV)

“Everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished...”

One of the biggest problems Bible doubters have is the incredible odds against all of the Old Testament being fulfilled by one person. Yet, that is just what the account of the life of Christ reveals.

Peter Stoner, in Science Speaks (Chicago: Moody Press, 1963), determined the probability of one man fulfilling eight of the prophecies of the Old Testament for the Messiah to be 1 in 10 to the 17th power. Imagine taking 100,000,000,000,000,000 silver dollars and covering the state of Texas. That many coins would be two feet deep. Now mark one, stir the whole mass thoroughly, blindfold a person, and ask that person to pick the marked one in one try. Those are the exact same odds of anyone fulfilling eight of the Messianic prophecies by chance alone.

Peter Stoner then goes on to consider the possibility of any one person fulfilling 48 of the prophecies by chance. Here the odds jump to 1 in 10 to the 157th power (1 billion X 12). That number would look like this:

1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000.

What is even more amazing is the reason that Jesus endured this, “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.”

Jesus died and rose for sinners like you and me!

Thank You, my Lord Jesus, for fulfilling every single Old Testament prophecy so that I can be forgiven and look forward to eternity with You. Please use me to share Your amazing story with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Recording of St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

April 21, 2021 - NO WIGGLE ROOM

Day 111 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-3; Luke 18:1-17)

NO WIGGLE ROOM

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 18:9-14 ESV)

The point of the parable is clear. God calls us to honestly admit our sinfulness and seek His mercy. While this is not the way we proud and self-centered “Pharisees” want to go through life, it is the only way to be saved. When we repent of our sins and seek God’s mercy, for the sake of Jesus, we are forgiven and restored.

There is no wiggle room here. Humble yourself, repent, and seek God’s mercy!

God, be merciful to me, a sinner. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Monday, April 19, 2021

April 20, 2021 - LOSERS KEEPERS

Day 110 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 30,31; Luke 17:20-37)

LOSERS KEEPERS

“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” (Luke 17:33 ESV)

“Finders keepers, losers weepers,” is the selfish response when someone finds something lost by someone else. For followers of Jesus, it is just the opposite. Those who try to find (preserve) their lives are losers, while those who lose their lives for Jesus, are winners.

The key is putting Jesus first by

● trusting Him,

● repenting of our sins, and

● serving Him as we help others.

When we live for ourselves, ignoring God, we risk losing everything. When we live for God, we win everything.

Those who die without Christ, are eternal losers. Those who die trusting in Christ for forgiveness are eternal winners

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a winner by giving me saving faith in Christ Jesus. Please use me today to share my victory with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Sunday, April 18, 2021

April 19, 2021 - GOD CHOSE YOU

Day 109 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 27-29; Luke 17:1-19)

GOD CHOSE YOU

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1 ESV)

Yesterday’s Epistle reading reminds us that God loves us so much that He has chosen to call us His children. Isn’t that wonderful? Really! It is wonderful. The wonder is that He chooses you and me to be His. We certainly do not deserve it, do we?

Every day we blow it. We refuse to obey His command to be perfect. We choose to sin. We choose to disobey. And what does He do? He still chooses us!

God has done it all for us. We can’t contribute anything to our salvation. He sent His one and only Son to die in payment for our sin-filled lives. He adopted us into His family through our baptisms. He feeds our souls with His Word and with the body and blood of Jesus. He forgives our sins and promises us a room in His eternal house.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for choosing me. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for making me Your child. Please open my eyes for opportunities today to let someone else know that You want to do the same for them. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 25 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Saturday, April 17, 2021

April 18, 2021 - THE BIG CHANGE

Day 108 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 25,26; Luke 16:19-31)

THE BIG CHANGE

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ. (Acts 9:20-22 ESV)

After the blinding light and the voice of Jesus calling out to Saul, God worked a miraculous change in him. Those who knew him, were confused: “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

Saul was known as a fierce persecutor of the Jesus’ followers. But God changed him. And now Saul is proclaiming the good news: “He (Jesus) is the Son of God.”

What God did for Saul, He wants to do for others. While He reached Saul directly, today He uses us, His followers, to share the good news of the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus.

Lord Jesus, You have changed me too. Now please use me to share Your good news with others. In Your saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Friday, April 16, 2021

April 16, 2021 - SPUR ON ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE

Day 106 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 22-24; Luke 16:1-18)

SPUR ON ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)

We have celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and the fact that God has made us His own. Now in Hebrews 10 our attention is drawn to encouraging fellow Christians in responding to all that Christ has done for us.

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.” :

• We’re all in this together. We need each another.

• Be kind, not rude.

• Be aware of one another’s hot buttons and don’t push them.

• Chose not to get upset with ideas that differ from yours.

• Build up one another often.

• Be open to suggestions. Realize that positive criticism can really help you grow.

• Look for the good in living for God with those around you.

• Have fun serving together.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously.

• Do take your relationship with others, especially fellow Christians, seriously.

• Spur one another on in serving the Lord together.

Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me so that I can live with You forever. Please use me to spur other Christians around me to good works for You. I especially ask You to help me to not take myself too seriously by putting the feelings of others ahead of my own. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

Password: 843774

Thursday, April 15, 2021

April 16, 2021 - WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF...

Day 106 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 19-21; Luke 15:11-32)

WHEN HE CAME TO HIMSELF...

“But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.”’ And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’ And they began to celebrate." (Luke 15:17-24 ESV)

When the prodigal son blew his early inheritance and found himself in dire circumstances, he came to himself. He was ready to confess his sin and throw himself on his father’s mercy and ask to be taken back as a servant. The father did respond mercifully. He showered his son with a robe, a ring, shoes and a party. His rationale was simple: “For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.’

When we blow it and disobey God, we find ourselves in dire circumstances. It good that we come to our senses too. We need to confess our sins and throw ourselves on our heavenly Father’s mercy. And how does He respond? He forgives us, clothes us in the righteousness of Jesus and promises us a place in heaven.

Thank You, heavenly Father, for forgiving my sins and accepting me back. Please keep me close to You through faith in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Password: 843774

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

April 15, 2021 - LIONS AND DOGS AND BEARS...

Day 105 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 17,18; Luke 15:1-10)

LIONS AND DOGS AND BEARS...

But David said to Saul... “Your servant has struck down both lions and bears... The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” Then he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones from the brook and put them in his shepherd's pouch. His sling was in his hand, and he approached the Philistine. And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head... For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.” So David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and killed him. There was no sword in the hand of David. (1 Samuel 17:34-50 ESV)

“Lions and tigers and bears, oh my!” Those words spoken by Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, revealed her fear of walking in harms way. “Lions and dogs and bears,” terms found in our lesson for today, do not reveal fear. Instead they reveal the God-inspired confidence of a young shepherd boy and the self-inspired confidence of a giant.

David’s lack of fear was well founded because he knew that the battle (was) the Lord's. Goliath’s lack of fear was based on his confidence in his own strength. Faithful David won. Boastful Goliath lost. Our lesson is clear. If you want to be a winner, trust in the Lord!

Thank You, heavenly Father, for driving away all fear for those whom You have chosen by sending Jesus to the cross to defeat sin, death and the devil. Yes, thank You for His sacrificial love that casts out all fear. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Password: 843774

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

April 14, 2021 - GOD’S SURPRISING CHOICE

Day 104 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 15,16; Luke 14:25-35)

GOD’S SURPRISING CHOICE

And Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” Then Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your sons here?” And he said, “There remains yet the youngest, but behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and get him, for we will not sit down till he comes here.” And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and had beautiful eyes and was handsome. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord rushed upon David from that day forward. (1 Samuel 16:10-13 ESV)

Of Jesse’s eight sons, David was the youngest and the least likely candidate for king. But God had a different idea, leading to His surprising choice. That is how God does things.

On Palm Sunday we saw Jesus enter Jerusalem humbly riding on a donkey. You would think that the King of kings would have ridden a majestic white steed.

But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. (1 Corinthians 1:27-29 ESV)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your surprising choices – David, Jesus and me. Thank You for choosing a sinner like me to be one of Your children. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Password: 843774

Monday, April 12, 2021

April 13, 2021 - A FORETASTE OF THE FEAST TO COME

Day 103 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 13,14; Luke 14:1-24)

A FORETASTE OF THE FEAST TO COME

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. (Luke22:19-21 ESV)

Maundy Thursday was the day when Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Supper. What a blessing this gift is to God’s people.

A perfect prayer for those receiving these precious gifts is this: “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.” (LSB 618)

In, with and under the simple elements of bread and wine, our Lord feeds us His actual body and blood, granting us forgiveness, strengthening our faith, and assuring us that He is with us.

“Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life... Grace our table with Your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come. Amen.” (LSB 955)

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Password: 843774

Sunday, April 11, 2021

April 12, 2021 - THE NARROW DOOR

Day 102 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 10-12; Luke 13:22-35)

THE NARROW DOOR

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke13: 23-24 ESV)

Jesus is saying that only those who enter through the narrow door will get into heaven. What is He talking about? Listen to how His answers to that question:

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:7-11 ESV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)

On the day of your Baptism, the Lord chose you and gave you faith. This is the key that opens the narrow door for you. The only ones who enter through the narrow door are those who confess their sins and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the narrow door and for accepting sinners like me. Please keep my faith in You strong so that I may continue to be an heir of eternity with You in heaven! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm

https://youtu.be/-fp2kIX1fgs

Password: 843774

Saturday, April 10, 2021

April 11, 2021 - THE KINGDOM OF GOD GROWS

Day 101 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Samuel 7-9; Luke 13:1-21 )

THE KINGDOM OF GOD GROWS

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.”(Luke 13:18-19 ESV)

Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God will grow. From the seed of God’s Word, the souls of sinners are filled with faith and the gifts of forgiveness and heaven. There is great comfort in the fact that God the Holy Spirit grows the Church and that we don’t. We simply get to share Jesus and His love with fellow sinners.

Looking back over the 44 years that I have been privileged to be a pastor, one of the joys has been to witness the Lord growing His Church. He has done this through the clear preaching of God’s Word - Law and Gospel, and through the friendliness and receptivity of God’s people as they share the love of Jesus with new people. Yes, it cannot be overstated how important the friendliness of a congregation (or lack thereof) influences first time visitors. My prayer for St. Paul’s - Brown Deer, as well as Immanuel - Sheboygan, Zion - Menomonee Falls, and St. Paul - Woodland, Indiana is that they will continue to welcome visitors with the open arms of genuine Christian kindness and friendship. May the Lord grant this in all Christ-centered churches.

Heavenly Father, thank You for growing Your kingdom in the hearts of those to whom You give faith. Thank You for including me in Your kingdom and in the exciting activity of sharing Your kingdom with others. Please help our churches to be welcoming places to all who gather to worship You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am live stream of the April 18 Sunday Worship Service:

Those who opt for the live stream service are asked to send an email to the church office so that you attendance can be recorded. Here is that address:

stpaulsbrowndeer@wi.twcbc.com

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am

both with Holy Communion

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year.

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm