February 8, 2021 - BE PREPARED

Day 39 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Leviticus 4-6 Matthew 25:1-30)

BE PREPARED

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.   (Matthew 25:1-13 ESV)

The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be prepared.” And that is what Jesus is saying to us in chapter 25. The children of St. Paul’s are often reminded to always, always, always, always, always stay close to your Jesus. By staying close to Jesus you will be prepared for the return of Jesus, the bridegroom, when He comes to usher you into the eternal marriage feast of heaven. And how do you go about staying close to Jesus?

● Daily prayer, Bible reading and meditation.

● Daily confession and repentance.

● Weekly hearing of the words – “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

● Weekly fellowship in God’s house where His Word is heard.

● Weekly visits to the Communion table.

● Departing from God’s house in peace to serve the Lord.

Heavenly Father, please help me, in the midst of all of the distractions of life, to be prepared for the return of Your Son. Yes, keep me prepared as You feed my soul with Your means of grace.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 7, 2021 - STAY AWAKE!

Day 38 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Leviticus 1-3 Matthew 24:23-51)

STAY AWAKE!

“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only...  Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming."   (Matthew 24:36 & 42 ESV)

Some days it’s really difficult to stay awake. You’ve burned the candle at both ends, and now you’re paying the price.  If you happen to be driving, that can be very dangerous. You need to do whatever you can to stay awake – roll down the car window, turn up the radio, get a cup of coffee or soda.

In today’s reading from Matthew, Jesus is encouraging us to stay awake. The reason is far more crucial than merely suffering from physical fatigue. 

Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.

Only God knows when our last day will be. It will either be the day we die or Judgment Day... 

whichever comes first. What we do know is that we must be ready. We need to stay awake!

We need to do something much more effective than drinking coffee to stay spiritually awake. Those who are awake and ready for Christ’s return are those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus as their Savior. 

So stay awake by the weekly hearing of God’s Word and the receiving of Christ’s body and blood.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the warning.  Please help me to stay awake and be ready for Your return by feeding me with God’s Word and with Your body and blood every week.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 6, 2021 - ENDURE TO THE END

Day 37 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 39,40 Matthew 24:1-22)

ENDURE TO THE END

And Jesus answered them, “See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains. 

“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. 13 But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”   (Matthew 24:4-13 ESV)

Jesus is giving us a glimpse into the future – wars, uprisings, famines, earthquakes, tribulation, hatred, betrayal, death, and the disappearance of love. In other words, things are going to get rough as we near the end of time. In fact, as Judgment Day approaches, many are going to turn their backs on Jesus.

Jesus wants us to keep our eyes on the prize and not wander away from Him. He is the only One who promises forgiveness, life and salvation to repentant sinners like you and me. So, keep your eyes on Jesus and His cross as you anticipate the finish line.

   ♬ And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, 

Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,

And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.  

Alleluia, Alleluia!

(For All the Saints, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006 #677, stanza 5)

Lord Jesus, thank You for opening my eyes to how things will be before You return. Please sustain the gift of saving faith given to me on the day of my baptism. And please use me to encourage others to also endure to end so that they, too, can be saved.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 5, 2021 - THE LIGHT OF LIFE

Day 36 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 37,38 Matthew 23:23-39)

THE LIGHT OF LIFE

Exodus 37:17-24 (English Standard Version)

He also made the lampstand of pure gold. He made the lampstand of hammered work. Its base, its stem, its cups, its calyxes, and its flowers were of one piece with it. And there were six branches going out of its sides, three branches of the lampstand out of one side of it and three branches of the lampstand out of the other side of it; three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on one branch, and three cups made like almond blossoms, each with calyx and flower, on the other branch—so for the six branches going out of the lampstand.   (Exodus 37:17-19 ESV)

“The assembled lampstand gives light to the tabernacle but also symbolizes the light of God’s care and mercy. Due to sin, the eyes of our heart are bad, and the whole body is darkened (Matt 6:23). How great is our need for forgiveness! Jesus is the light of the world, and in Him we have the light of life” (John 8:12).  (The Concordia Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 160)

Matthew’s Gospel adds another enlightening dimension to the lampstand.

“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.  Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house."   (Matthew 5:14-15 ESV) 

The light we are called to shine forth in our daily lives is the light of God’s care and mercy revealed in sending Jesus to save us from our sins and guaranteeing the eternal light of heaven to all and any who believe.

Heavenly Father, thank You for shining the light of Your Gospel light into my life by granting me faith in Jesus. Please shine through me to others so that they may also spend eternity in the glorious light of heaven.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 4, 2021 - NOT HUMBLE? WOE X 7

Day 34 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 34-36 Matthew 23:1-22)

NOT HUMBLE? WOE X 7

The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.  (Matthew 23:11-12 ESV)

The picture depicts an event in our current readings from the book of Exodus. God’s people got so tired of waiting for Moses (and God), that they fashioned a golden calf, thereby exalting themselves. God responded, through Moses, by throwing “the book” at them. What he threw was actually the two tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments. 

In today’s New Testament reading from the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, in effect, throws the book of God’s Law at the pharisees and all who act like they have the ability to make themselves holy. In verses 13-29, Jesus uses the word “woe” seven times. This is a declaration of deep distress and wretchedness. And it fit the Pharisees perfectly. 

13  But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  

 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

16  Woe to you, blind guides....  17 You blind fools! 

23  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

25  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people's bones and all uncleanness. 

29  Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! 

Heavenly Father, please keep me humble so that I may never hear the word “woe” directed at me. Teach me the importance of humble service that is performed out great thankfulness for You unlimited mercy and grace revealed in Christ, my Savior and Lord, In His saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 3, 2021 - DON’TS AND DOS

Day 34 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 31-33 Matthew 22:23-46)

DON’TS AND DOS

So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”   (Exodus 32:3-4 ESV)

And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)

There are plenty of dos and don’ts in life. Most have to do with making wise and safe decisions such as all things in moderation and don’t drink and drive. 

In today’s readings we see the ultimate dos and don’ts. In good theological order, we start with the don’ts in our Genesis reading.

DON’T practice blasphemy by denying the one true God. In other words, don’t make a golden calf out of anything or anyone you or others may think would make a better god than God!

DO keep the true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit first in your life. This is a key to a blessed life, both here on earth and then eternally in heaven. The key is simply this: God first - others second - you last.

♬ If thou but suffer God to guide thee,

And hope in Him through all thy ways,

He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,

And bear thee through the evil days.

Who trusts in God’s unchanging love

Builds on the rock that nought can move.

  (If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee,   

Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #750, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the gift of saving faith. Please keep me faithful to you no matter what or who may tempt me to deny you. Graciously lead me to keep you first, others second, and me last. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774

February 2, 2021 - WEEKLY WEDDING REHEARSALS

Day 33 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Exodus 29,30 Matthew 22:1-22)

WEEKLY WEDDING REHEARSALS

“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come... And those servants went out into the roads and gathered all whom they found, both bad and good. So the wedding hall was filled with guests...

“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’... ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’”   (Matthew 22:2-13 ESV)

While this account clearly uses the imagery of a wedding feast, my thoughts went to an event that  occurs before most weddings. Most couples want to be prepared for their big day, so a rehearsal is usually planned for the night before the wedding. After all, it is the beginning of the rest of their lives.

The point of the parable is for us to take seriously Christ’s call to follow Him. In other words, Jesus is calling us sinners to repent and believe. However, this is not a one-time event.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith... (Hebrews 12:1-2 ESV)

What does it take to be part of the eternal wedding feast in heaven? The answer is a broken and contrite heart that trusts in God’s promise of salvation through the death of Jesus. The writer to the Hebrews describes the Christian life as an endurance race. And this brings us to the concept of a wedding rehearsal.

As a wedding rehearsal enables a couple and their wedding party are ready for their big day, so regular worship and attendance at the Lord’s Table helps us to be ready for THE big day, Judgment Day. But the poor soul who was not allowed into the wedding banquet, was not prepared. He did not have a wedding garment.

♬ 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.

Bold shall I stand in that great day,

Cleansed and redeemed, no debt to pay; 

Fully absolved through these I am

From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

  (Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness , 

Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #563, stanzas 1&2)

Heavenly Father, thank You for covering me with the righteousness of Jesus and providing the covering of saving faith so that I will dwell with You in heaven. Please bless my weekly “eternal wedding rehearsals” so that my faith remains firm in Christ. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Password: 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://bit.ly/StPaulsBrownDeer

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

Password: 843774