September 15, 2020 - EVIL SEEMS TO BE WINNING, BUT...

Day 259 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 13; Psalm 75; 2 Timothy 1:1-18)

EVIL SEEMS TO BE WINNING, BUT...

2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah 4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn; 5 do not lift up your horn on high,   or speak with haughty neck.’” (Psalm 75:2-5 ESV)

We live in a day when the boastful seem to be gaining the upper hand. A case in point would be the instances where Christians who are attempting to follow Biblical moral values are told that they need diversity training. 

The wicked enjoy immense popularity and do, in fact, “speak with haughty neck.” Look at how a scientist who believes in creation is treated by the proponents of evolution.

Paul describes what the boastful and wicked are into: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,  idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.”  (Galatians 5:19-21 ESV)

David’s cry to the Lord is our prayer today as well. “Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants!” (Psalm 90:13 ESV)

Here is God’s assuring answer: 2 “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. 3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.”

Lord God, thank You for being in chargeand for having pity on Your servants. In Jesus’ 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!

September 14, 2020 - FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

Day 258 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 12; Psalm 74; 1 Timothy 6:11-21)

FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called...” (1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)

Remaining faithful to Christ in our godless world can be a struggle. Paul encouraged the young pastor, Timothy, to fight the good fight of faith. You and I are encouraged to do the same.

The picture reminds of Moses and his good fight of faith. God granted victory as long as faithful Moses held up his hand.  But Moses needed the help of Aaron and Hur in order to remain faithful. 

So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek... Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. (Exodus 17:10-13 ESV)

Who is your Aaron and Hur? Who is helping you to remain faithful? Who needs you to be an Aaron or Hur so that you can remain faithful?

Today the Lord wants to uphold your hands with His Word and with Holy Communion. In these treasures we find the faith-strengthening good news of Jesus’ sacrifice in payment for your sins. Talk about an uplifting message! 

Lord Jesus, thank You for holding up my hands so that I remain faithful  to You. And thank You for those around me whom You are using to bless me. May I be a blessing to others too.  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 13, 2020 - YOUR PRICELESS TREASURE

Day 257 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 11; Psalm 73; 1 Timothy 6:3-10)

YOUR PRICELESS TREASURE

But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content... For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. (1 Timothy 6:6-8,10 ESV)

“Rather than being content with what we have, we by nature covet the things we do not have. Those who covet often see money as a wonderful solution to all of life’s problems. But those who love money are in grave danger; they risk losing their faith in Christ. Our Savior has blessed us with the richness of His priceless salvation. Nothing can separate us from His love. As He tenderly cares for us through His word of promise, we are able to enjoy lives of godliness and contentment. All that we can take with us when we leave this world is the life and immortality that Jesus has given us through faith–and that is more than enough!” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 2077)

Hymn writer Johann Franck put these priceless thoughts to music:

4. Hence, all earthly treasure!

    Jesus is my Pleasure, Jesus is my Choice.

    Hence, all empty glory!

    Naught to me thy story

    Told with tempting voice.

    Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,

    Shall not from my Savior move me

    Since He deigns to love me. 

6. Hence, all fear and sadness!

    For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.

    Those who love the Father,

    Though the storms may gather,

    Still have peace within.

    Yea, whate'er I here must bear,

    Thou art still my purest Pleasure,

    Jesus, priceless Treasure!

(Jesus, Priceless Treasure, Luther Service Book, CPH, 2006, #743)

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being my truest Friend and my priceless treasure. Please help me to always remember this comforting truth, especially when the shiny bobbles of this world seem so alluring. 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 12, 2020 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

 

Day 256 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 10; Psalm 72; 1 Timothy 5:17-6:2)

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV) 

Encouragement, what a positive word. Encouragement is what an older person needs as they see their bodies showing signs of age. Encouragement is what younger people need as they try to find their way in this life. Encouragement to follow Christ is what all people need.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) 

Lord Jesus, help me to encourage others by reminding them of Your great love for them. May we never forget the eternally encouraging message of Your forgiveness and grace for all who repent and believe.  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 11, 2020 - LORD JESUS CHRIST, BE PRESENT NOW

Day 255 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 9; Psalm 71; 1 Timothy 5:1-16)

LORD JESUS CHRIST, BE PRESENT NOW

O God, be not far from me; O my God, make haste to help me!   (Psalm 71:12 ESV)

The Lord answers this prayer for us when He comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. 

“O God, be not far from me.” Jesus cannot be closer to us than when He comes to us in His true body and blood in with and under the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper.

“Make haste to help me!” You hear His answer as your pastor pronounces the absolution upon you: “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” 

Lord Jesus Christ, be present now;

Our hearts in true devotion bow,

Your Spirit send with light divine,

And let Your truth within us shine. Amen. 

(“Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now,” Lutheran Service Book, 2006, #902, stanza 1)

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 10, 2020 - NO COMPROMISE

Day 254 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 8; Psalm 70; 1 Timothy 3:14-4:16)

NO COMPROMISE

“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Kings 18:3 ESV)

Ahaz and Hoshea did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but Hezekiah did. Captured and settled in foreign lands, the northern tribes are lost to history. Hezekiah, king of Judah, does what is right and blessings follow.

“The Lord raises up Hezekiah to guide Judah through its most challenging moment, facing the great Assyrian Empire. Like Hezekiah, you are to trust and serve the one true God without compromise, presenting a positive testimony of grace. The Lord will support you in the face of every obstacle, equipping you through His Word.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 611)

I am trusting Thee to guide me;

Thou alone shalt lead,

Ev’ry day and hour supplying all I need.

(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #729)

Heavenly Father, strengthen me via Your Word and the encouragement of others to never compromise in faithfulness to You. To this end, strengthen my faith in Jesus, and protect me from the deceit and lies of the devil so that I, like Hezekiah, may do what is right in Your eyes.  Amen. 

No compromising today... the Lord is watching!

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 9, 2020 - FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

Day 253 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 7; Psalm 69; 1 Timothy 3:1-13)

FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive,  disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, re

ckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV) 

Are we living in “times of difficulty?” Are people on this planet “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive...”?

Paul is directing us to respond by avoiding those who exhibit what we have just read. However, here are a few other things I think the Lord would have us do.

● Remain close to Christ by prayer, Bible study and faithful worship.

● Pray for the lost and look for ways to be God’s love to them, with the goal of developing relationships that can lead to sharing the Gospel message of Christ and His love.

● Keep our eyes on our heavenly inheritance, and help our loved ones to do the same.

Lord Jesus, strengthen me for the end times. Use me to reach the lost and protect the weak before it is too late. And help all of Your people to remember that the best is yet to come. 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!