September 8, 2020 - YOU ARE SPECIAL . . . IN CHRIST

Day 252 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 6; Psalm 68; 1 Timothy 2:1-15)

YOU ARE SPECIAL . . . IN CHRIST 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  (1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV)

In our worship services we state, “I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment.” That does not sounds like we are very special in God’s sight. Yet, right after we make our public confession of sin we get to hear these words: “Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto 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.”

The words of Peter become true for us in confession and absolution. We are called out of the darkness of our sin into God’s marvelous light of forgiveness. We were lost and God found us. We have been made God’s people and are showered with His endless mercy. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Yours. I rejoice in Your mercy and grace bestowed upon me through Jesus my Savior. In His name. Amen.

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!

September 7, 2020 - SHOUT FOR JOY

Day 251 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 5; Psalm 67; 1 Timothy 1:12-20)

SHOUT FOR JOY 

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of his name;

give to him glorious praise!

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.” (Psalm 66:1-3 ESV) 

The Psalmist encourages his readers to “shout for joy to God.” The reason for this joy is the awesome deeds of God. 

No Jesus, no joy. Know Jesus, know joy! Many people are looking for joy, peace and happiness without Jesus. But Jesus is the only One whose awesome deeds involve forgiveness of your sins and the promise of eternal life. 

1 Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love!

Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,

Praising Thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the gloom of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

2 All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird, and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3 Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Well-spring of the joy of living,

Ocean-depth of happy rest!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Fountainhead of love divine:

Joyful, we Thy heav'n inherit!

Joyful, we by grace are Thine!

(“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” Lutheran Service Book, #803)

Lord God, thank You for the joy of knowing Your mercy, forgiveness and promise of heaven! Amen.

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!

September 6, 2020 - CHIEF OF SINNERS

Day 250 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 4; Psalm 66; 1 Timothy 1:1-11)

CHIEF OF SINNERS

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV) 

1. Chief of sinners though I be,  Jesus shed His blood for me;

Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die.

As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.

2. Oh the height of Jesus' love!  Higher than the heav'ns above,

Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity.

Love that found me -  wondrous thought!  Found me when I sought Him not.

3. Only Jesus can impart Balm to heal the wounded heart;

Peace that flows from sin forgiv'n, Joy that lifts the soul to heav'n;

Faith and hope to walk with God In the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me;

All my wants to Him are known, All my sorrows are His own.

He sustains the hidden life  Safe with Him from earthly strife.

O my Savior, help afford by Your Spirit and Your Word! When my wayward heart would stray, keep me in the narrow way; Grace in time of need supply while I live and when I die. Amen.

(“Chief of Sinners Though I Be,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #611)

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!

September 5, 2020 - DOING GOOD IN RESPONSE

 

Day 249 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 3; Psalm 65; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-18)

DOING GOOD IN RESPONSE

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV) 

Do you ever get tired of doing good? This can happen, especially if others don’t appreciate what you are doing. Yet, doing what is right, obeying the golden rule, putting others first, obeying the Lord, is what God wants you to do.

In response to all that Jesus has done for you by paying for all of the times you have not done good, you get to thank Him by doing good for God and for others.

May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill

And do on earth our Father's will

As angels do above;

Still walk in Christ, the living way,

With all Thy children and obey

The law of Christian love.

("May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill," Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #698)

Heavenly Father, thank you for granting me forgiveness and salvation through Jesus death and resurrection. Please help to respond to Your mercy and grace by never tiring of doing good to others in Your name. Amen. 

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!

September 4, 2020 - CALLED TO PURITY

Day 248 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 2; Psalm 64; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5)

CALLED TO PURITY

“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness. Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.” (1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 ESV)

Impurity is one of the devil’s great tools designed to pull people away from Christ. That is why the Lord gave us the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and why there are so many Bible passages encouraging purity.

The purity prayer included here is an excellent tool to help our young remain pure and chaste.

Lord, thank You for the forgiveness of all of my sins through the innocent death of Jesus on the cross. Please help me and my loved ones to follow Your plan for purity.  

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!

September 3, 2020 - PERFECT PEACE

 

 Day 247 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 1; Psalm 63; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12)

PERFECT PEACE 

“You will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.  Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4)

Knowing God gives us perfect peace - peace when we contemplate what is waiting for the believer at life’s end, and peace right now as we trust in Him no matter what our circumstances are!  

In commenting on Is. 26:3, Martin Luther wrote:  “This is the origin of peace, namely, hope and faith, as Paul says in Romans 5:1: ‘Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God.’” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1129)

May the Lord bless you with His peace as you trust in the Prince of Peace who paid for all you peace-robbing mistakes (sins) on the cross of Calvary!

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the peace that comes from the forgiveness of my sins and Your promise of life everlasting. Yes, thank You for granting me faith in Jesus, my Prince of Peace.  Amen.

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!

September 2, 2020 - WISHFUL THINKING

Day 246 - (Today’s Bible readings: Esther 10; Psalm 62; 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12)

WISHFUL THINKING

“... when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, when he comes on that day to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our testimony to you was believed.” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-10 ESV)

Wishful thinking is something most folks engage in on a regular basis. If your MLB team has done miserably for the first half of the season, it is wishful thinking to hope that they still have a chance of winning the World Series. Another example is the student who has not prepared for the big test. It is wishful thinking to hope to get an “A” on that test. While those cases are sad, they are not tragic.

However, there is one case of wishful thinking that is certainly tragic. “My god (yes “g”) wouldn’t send anyone to hell.” However the fact remains that God does condemn impenitent sinners to hell.  Flaming fire, relentless suffering, and eternal regret are the eternal facts for all and any who reject Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Jesus makes it so very clear: 

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)

Peter reveals this same clear message:

“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)

Lord Jesus, help me to always believe in You as the way, the truth, and the life. And help me to share this truth in a winsome way with everyone. In Your saving name.  Amen.

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!