November 8, 2020 - HE CARES FOR YOU...

Day 313 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 2:46-3:30; Psalm 119:17-24; 1 Peter 5:1-14)

HE CARES FOR YOU...

Cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

Everyone can find something to worry about from time to time, especially these days as we deal the epidemic and social unrest. How about you? How do you handle those anxious moments? 

Peter’s advice to turn your worries over to God. And this makes lots of sense. Since He has taken care of your biggest worry by promising you eternal life, He certainly can help you through whatever challenges you may face in this life!

Yes, God really does care for you. So don’t worry. Simply trust in Jesus, your Savior, and be at peace no matter what your circumstances may be.

Heavenly Father, I cast all my cares on You, because are my only hope and my only Savior. Please keep me close to, and surrounded by Your peace no matter what life may throw at 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 7, 2020 - A LIVING HOPE

Day 312 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 2:17-45; Psalm 119:9-16; 1 Peter 4:1-19)

A LIVING HOPE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

How are your investments? What kind of retirement will you have? Do you expect to receive an inheritance? These verses from Peter assure the child of God that the spiritual answers to these questions are all in the affirmative.

You do have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” because of Christ’s resurrection!

Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal inheritance You have waiting for me because of the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live this day in Easter hope, joy and anticipation. 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 6, 2020 - THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

 

Day 311 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 1:1-2:16; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Peter 3:8-22)

THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

“Look, the world has gone after him.” (John 12:19 ESV)

The crowds have just followed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, prompting the Pharisees to complain that the world had gone after Jesus. And it was true. Some followed because they were convinced He was the Messiah, the Savior of their souls. Others followed the one they hoped would free them from the tyranny of Rome. And still others followed the great miracle worker. 

Sad to say, the same is true today. Not all of the world is going after Jesus. Millions upon millions do not believe that He is the Savior of the world. Tragically, not all who claim to follow Him see Him as their only hope and their only Savior from sin.

Are you following the Savior of your soul? Is Jesus your only hope for eternity? My prayer for you is that you are “going after” Jesus. May you be able to sing and pray this stanza with your whole heart!

Beautiful Savior, King of creation, 

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I'd love thee, Truly I'd serve thee, 

Light of my soul, my joy, my crown. (LSB 537)

Lord Jesus, even though the entire world is not following You, I want to. Please keep my faith in You strong so that I can share You with those who are not following 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 5, 2020 - YOU ARE SPECIAL . . . IN CHRIST

Day 310 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 10:28-44; Psalm 118; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

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

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 4, 2020 - LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS

Day 309 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 10:1-17; Psalm 117; 1 Peter 2:13-25)

LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”  (1 Peter 2:21 ESV)

1. Let us ever walk with Jesus, 

Follow His example pure,

Through the world that would deceive us  

And to sin our spirits lure.

Onward in His footsteps treading, 

Pilgrims here, our home above,

Full of faith and hope and love, 

Let us do the Father's bidding.

Faithful Lord, with me abide; 

I shall follow where You guide.

2. Let us suffer here with Jesus, 

And with patience bear our cross. 

Joy will follow all our sadness; 

Where He is, there is no loss,

Though today we sow no laughter, 

We shall reap celestial joy;

And discomforts that annoy 

Shall give way to mirth here after.

Jesus, here I share Your woe; 

Help me there Your joy to know.

(Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685)

Holy Spirit, please keep my eyes focused on Jesus so that I can follow in His steps. Heaven Father, please forgive me when I don’t. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that cleanses me from all sin. 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 3, 2020 - CALL UPON THE LORD

Day 308 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 9:1-15; Psalm 116; 1 Peter 2:1-12)

CALL UPON THE LORD

1 I love the Lord, because he has heard

    my voice and my pleas for mercy.

2 Because he inclined his ear to me,

    therefore I will call on him as long as I live.  (Psalm 116:1-2)

David is emphasizing the importance and power of prayer. In fact, it is because God mercifully hears David’s prayer, that David proclaims His love for the Lord.

Today is certainly a day for Christians in America to also emphasize the importance and power of prayer. On this election day, the call is to PRAY, AMERICA! PRAY!

Heavenly Father, Lord of the nations, please have mercy on America and bless us with leaders who will defend the lives of the pre-born and their mothers, as well as our religious freedom. We further pray for peace and calm following the election results. Above all, may America continue to be a place where the Gospel is proclaimed without interference of any kind. 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 2, 2020 - CALLED AND RANSOMED

Day 307 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 8:24-36; Psalm 115; 1 Peter 1:13-25)

CALLED AND RANSOMED

... it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ... 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:16-19)

Peter is reminding of two of life’s most crucial facts...

1) We have been called to be holy, something none of us comes even close to fulfilling.

2) Jesus has ransomed (bought back) from the consequences of our sin.

The Small Catechism’s explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed puts is so clearly:

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

(From Luther’s Small Catechism © 1986 Concordia Publishing House)

1. Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness

My beauty are, my glorious dress;

Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,

With joy shall I lift up my head.

(Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness, Lutheran Service Book 563)

6. Jesus, be endless praise to Thee,

Whose boundless mercy hath for me,

For me, and all Thy hands have made,

An everlasting ransom paid. 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!