Monday, March 22, 2021

March 23, 2021 - PLEASED WITH JESUS



Day 82 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Joshua 9,10; Luke 3)

PLEASED WITH JESUS

Now when all the people were baptized, and when Jesus also had been baptized and was praying, the heavens were opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form, like a dove; and a voice came from heaven, “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  (Luke 3:21-22 ESV)

God the Father speaks at the Baptism of His Son. 

“You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased.”  

The Father was pleased with Jesus that day, and He was pleased with His Son when He spread out His arms on the cross and fulfilled the Father’s plan for the salvation of the world!

Hear all about the Father’s great plan for your salvation when you read your Bible today and when you attend church this weekend. When you are reminded again of all that Jesus has done for you, you, too, will be pleased with Him.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for pleasing Your Father by following His amazing plan for the salvation of the world. Thank You for forgiving me and for preparing my place in heaven for me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
Password: 843774

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion

Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday April 1 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
(Parking lot 7:00 pm only)
Good Friday April 2 1:00 am & 7:00 pm
(Parking lot 7:00 pm only)
Easter Sunday April 4 9:00 am & 11:00 am
(Parking lot both services)
IN CHURCH WEDNESDAY SERVICE 7 pm with Holy Communion

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774
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Sunday, March 21, 2021

March 22, 2021 - IN YOUR FATHER’S HOUSE



Day 81 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Joshua 7,8; Luke 2:25-52)

IN YOUR FATHER’S HOUSE

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.” And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” (Luke 2:46-49 ESV)

Jesus’ mother and stepfather had spent three anxious days searching for Him. They finally found Him in the temple, amazing the Bible scholars with His knowledge. This should not be surprising since He is God, the author of Scripture.

He also teaches by example the blessing of being in church. His words are to be our words.

“Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?”

What blessings are ours when we spend time being fed with God’s Word and Sacrament.

During these days of covid precautions, St. Paul’s offers three different safe ways to worship...

   1) In church, following CDC guidelines by wearing masks and staying 6 feet apart.

   2) In our church parking and listening to the service on an a low frequency FM channel and bringing Holy Communion out to the cars.

   3) On line via Zoom and YouTube.

May you be blessed every week as you gather in, at or on church and are fed with the Good News of the forgiveness of your sins bestowed on you through Jesus!

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for showing us how important it is to be in Your Father’s house. Please bless me with Your forgiveness, faith and obedience when I make my weekly visits to church. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

LINK to St. Paul’s 9 am online Sunday Worship Service:
Password: 843774

IN CHURCH SUNDAY SERVICE and Parking Lot Worship Service 9 am
both with Holy Communion

Holy Week Schedule
Maundy Thursday April 1 10:30 am & 7:00 pm
(Parking lot 7:00 pm only)
Good Friday April 2 1:00 am & 7:00 pm
(Parking lot 7:00 pm only)
Easter Sunday April 4 9:00 am & 11:00 am
(Parking lot both services)

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774

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Saturday, March 20, 2021

March 21, 2021 - AND THE WALL CAME TUMBLING DOWN



Day 80 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Joshua 4-6; Luke 2:1-24)
AND THE WALL CAME TUMBLING DOWN

15 On the seventh day they rose early, at the dawn of day, and marched around the city in the same manner seven times... 16 And at the seventh time, when the priests had blown the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city.”... 20 So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. As soon as the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people shouted a great shout, and the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they captured the city. (Joshua 6:15-20 ESV)
Joshua obeyed God’s unique battle-plan for the capture of Jericho, and the children of Israel were blessed with an astounding victory.

God had another unique battle plan where He would defeat mankind’s enemies of sin, death and the devil. He didn’t use trumpets and marching. He used a cross and His only Son.

Almighty God, thank You for the story of Your victory over Jericho. Thank You even more for Christ’s victory of sin, death and the devil when He died on the cross for me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774
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Friday, March 19, 2021

March 20, 2021 - GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU TOO



Day 79 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Joshua 1-3; Luke 1:57-80)

GOD HAS A PLAN FOR YOU TOO

Luke 1:66 ff “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him.

The scene is quite dramatic. Elizabeth had just given birth to John (later referred to as John the Baptizer). Eight days later the relatives ask Elizabeth what the baby will be named. They don’t understand her answer. They have no relatives named John. Her husband, Zechariah, who has been silent for the past nine months, writes on a tablet, “His name is John.” And then something really amazing happens – the mute man begins to speak.

What is even more amazing is what his first words were – “And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.” He proclaimed that his son was set aside for unique service to the Lord. 

76 And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
    for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
77 to give knowledge of salvation to his people
    in the forgiveness of their sins...
79 to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
    to guide our feet into the way of peace.”
80 And the child grew and became strong in spirit.

John would be the forerunner of Jesus, calling his hearers to “behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.”

God had a plan for John’s life, and He has a plan for your life too. What is His plan for you? The answer is found in listening to God as He teaches you and directs you in the Bible. The answer is also found in listening to the advice of other Christians (parents, grandparents, teachers and pastors).

Heavenly Father, as You revealed Your plan for John’s life, so let me know what You want me to do with the rest of my life. As You lead me through each day, grant me the comfort and assurance that come from sins forgiven and heaven guaranteed. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape

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

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774

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Thursday, March 18, 2021

March 19, 2021 - THE BABY LEAPED



Day 78 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Deuteronomy 33,34; Luke 1:24-56)
THE BABY LEAPED

And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb....“For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.” (Luke 1:41&44 ESV)

Our verse for today states, “The baby leaped.” These words give us several precious insights.

● The baby in Mary’s womb is very special (He is Jesus, the long-promised Messiah).

● Little John, in Elizabeth’s womb, was moved to leap in the presence of his cousin and Savior.

● There is life in the womb (we believe from the moment of conception).

We hear nothing of Elizabeth anywhere other than Luke 1. We do hear much more about Mary, the mother of our Lord. While she is filled with joy both here and at the birth of Jesus, there will be a time when she will experience the opposite, as foretold by Simeon.

And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through your own soul also.”  (Luke 2:34&35 ESV) Mary’s soul would be pierced as she witnessed the crucifixion of her son. 

John leaped in utero at the in utero presence of the One who would die for him. The womb is a powerful place, a blessed place, an honored place. 

May we spiritually leap with joy as we remember that Jesus accomplished the complete removal of our sins when He died that first Good Friday. And may we leap with joy for every life protected in utero, born physically, and then born spiritually through Baptism.

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to this earth as a baby so that You could die on the cross for me and for all sinners. Help me to do all that I can to protect and promote Your gifts of physical and spiritual life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

March 18, 2021 - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS... IN CHRIST



Day 77 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Deuteronomy 31,32; Luke 1:1-23)
BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS... IN CHRIST

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

Moses spoke these words to Israel, God’s people, as they prepared to enter the Promised Land where they would not be welcome by the inhabitants. But God promised to defeat these enemies and bless His people.

We, too, have a promised land to look forward to – the eternal promised land of heaven. We, too, have to deal with formidable enemies – the enemies of sin, death and the devil. Once again, God promises to defeat our enemies in preparation for entrance into heaven. And this He did on Mt. Calvary by means of the cross and the Lamb. What joy we can have in facing the future knowing that Jesus shed His blood to redeem us and to make us heirs of heaven!

However, Christians often face opposition and persecution. In North Korea, fellow believers in Christ were killed for possessing Bibles. The early church experienced this kind of cruel hatred, as the picture portrays. Yet they could be strong and courageous because they believed in God’s promise that heaven was theirs because of their faith in Christ. In Christ they could face a horrible death. They could be strong and courageous in Christ.

 Most of do not know that kind of persecution, yet these words are for us too: “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” 

Whatever challenges you are facing today, know that the Lord is with you. 

●  He will NEVER turn His back on you! 

●  Your Baptism assures you of this. 

●  Christ’s body and blood, given and shed for you, assure you of this. 

●  The words of absolution heard in the Divine Service assure you of this. 

●  So, don’t be afraid. 

●  You are not alone. 

●  God is with you no matter your circumstances may be! 

Heavenly Father, thank You for my Baptism and the faith You have given me in Jesus. Please keep me strong and courageous in Christ no matter what challenges and trials I face in this life. Constantly remind me that You will never leave me or forsake me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774

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Tuesday, March 16, 2021

March 17, 2021 - GO AND TELL



Day 76 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Deuteronomy 29,30; Mark 16)
GO AND TELL

 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)

Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century, a time when that country knew only paganism. His efforts were greatly blessed as the Lord led many Druids to Christianity. Patrick died on March 17, 461, making today St. Patrick’s Day. However, I am sure that he would not be pleased with how the day has become a day for merely the wearing of the green and drinking.

Patrick was concerned with the souls of a people that had kidnapped him at the age of 16 and dragged him from Great Britain to Ireland. Several years later he escaped and began preparing for the priesthood and his eventual role as a missionary to the Irish

In our verse for today, Jesus says “go and tell,” which is exactly what Patrick did.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” 
 
The Lord then gives us the ultimate motivation for such service.

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Heaven and hell are in the balance. People either are saved through faith in Christ, or they are lost and damned for not believing in Christ.

How do we respond when we hear God’s command to “go and tell” today? My prayer is that we also obey.
Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to saving faith in You. Please use me to go and tell others so that they can also be saved and not condemned. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

You Tube link to all previously recorded services:
Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

THURSDAY EVENING ONLINE BIBLES CLASS at 7 pm
Password: 843774

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