August 10, 2020 - FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

Day 223 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:11-23; Psalm 39; Ephesians 5:22-6:4)

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE 

“So he (Naaman) went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God (Elisha), and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14 ESV)

In this account of a miraculous healing performed by almighty God through His spokesman Elisha, we find several examples of faith. First we encounter the Israelite servant girl whose faith in her God showed when she encouraged Naaman to seek out the great prophet of God.  Next we hear Elisha’s faithful words as he directed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Finally we witness Naaman’s faith as he, after a little coaching, trusts God enough to follow His prescription.

How do you do when faced with God’s improbable directions for life in His family? Faithfulness and obedience would be the wise answer!

Above all, faithfully obey these words of Jesus: 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.”  (John 5:24 ESV)

Lord God, help me to trust You and Your provision for my life today and Your plan for my eternal life. I ask this in the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.

NEW 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!

August 9, 2020 - IMITATE GOD

Day 222 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:1-11; Psalm 38; Ephesians 5:1-21)

IMITATE GOD

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV) 

The picture speaks volumes, reminding us that others may be looking to us as role models. Paul encourages us to follow the best role model of all, God Himself! He then gives us two examples of how this kind of imitation looks, one positive and one negative.

What God wants us to do: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” 

What God does not want us to do: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”  (Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV)

May we be positive role models as we walk in Christ-like love.

Almighty God, please forgive me for the many times that I fail to imitate You. May I walk in the love of Jesus and be a positive Christian witness to others. Amen.

NEW 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!

August 8, 2020 - DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY

 August 8, 2020 - Day 221 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 50:33-46; Psalm 37:23-40; Ephesians 4:17-32)

DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV) 

Paul is sharing with us one of the most difficult things to do, yet also one of the wisest. He is calling the child of God to let go of anger and forgive. The person you could choose to be angry with may not accept your apology, but you will be all the better for letting go. Besides, the One who has the right to be angry with you for all eternity sent His only Son to a cruel cross so that He could forgive you!

Paul’s words, which are actually God’s Words to and for you, can really help you and your family. When we don’t follow God’s plan, the devil is right there attempting to destroy all that we hold dear. For the sake of your family, your relationship with coworkers, your life at church, your community, and your own inner peace, FORGIVE. 

Yes, “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”  (Colossians 3:13 ESV)

Lord, please help me to forgive ________. Remind me constantly of what it cost You to forgive me, so that I will be ready to forgive others, in Your name. Amen.

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

https://zoom.us/j/177003912

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!

August 7, 2020 - TRUST AND WAIT

Day 220 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 50:17-32; Psalm 37:1-22; Ephesians 4:1-16)

TRUST AND WAIT

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:5&7 ESV)  

Not many people are good at waiting. Yet this is exactly what the Lord calls His people to do. So, instead of complaining about our circumstances, and even questioning God, we get to quietly and faithfully wait for Him.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 

Never let me fall.

I am trusting Thee forever 

And for all.

(I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729 stanza 6)

Lord Jesus, I do trust You. Help me to patiently wait for You and Your will for my life. Amen. 

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

https://zoom.us/j/177003912

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!

August 6, 2020 - KEEP ME HUMBLE, LORD

Day 219 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 50:1-16; Psalm 36; Ephesians 3:14-21)

KEEP ME HUMBLE, LORD

“Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me...” Psalm 36:11 

Yes, Lord, keep me humble as I remember that it is all about You, as David put it so well...

5 Your steadfast love, O Lord, extends to the heavens,

    your faithfulness to the clouds.

6 Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;

    your judgments are like the great deep;

    man and beast you save, O Lord.

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

    The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

8 They feast on the abundance of your house,

    and you give them drink from the river of your delights.

9 For with you is the fountain of life;

    in your light do we see light.

Heavenly Father, keep me humble as I remember that it is all about You and Your great love for me in sending Jesus to be my Savior and Lord. Amen.

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

https://zoom.us/j/177003912

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!

August 5, 2020 - JESUS IS YOUR FOUNDATION

Day 218 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 49:34-39; Psalm 35; Ephesians 3:1-13)

JESUS IS YOUR FOUNDATION

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV) 

Paul is giving us a picture of the Church, built on the truths of Holy Scripture. His reference to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets,” clearly means the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. And in what direction does the entire Bible point? It points us to Jesus, “the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”

The cornerstone of Paul’s day was not merely a symbolic container of historical documents. The weight of a building rested on the cornerstone. In fact, if you removed it, the entire building would collapse.

The same is true for Christianity. If you removed Jesus and His cross, it all collapses. The holy life, innocent death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of our faith. Oh how blessed is everyone whose life is built solidly on Jesus!

Christ is our cornerstone,

On Him alone we build;

With His true saints alone

The courts of heav'n are filled.

On His great love our hopes we place

Of present grace and joys above.

(Christ Is Our Cornerstone, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #912 stanza 1)

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for making Jesus the cornerstone of Your Church. 

May my life remain built solidly on Jesus so that I may always be blessed with Your love, hope, grace and joy. Amen.

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

https://zoom.us/j/177003912

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!

August 4, 2020 - DELIVERANCE

Day 217 - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 49:23-33; Psalm 34; Ephesians 2:11-22)

DELIVERANCE

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:18-19 ESV)  

Have you ever been brokenhearted, crushed, and afflicted? If so, what did you do about it? The hymn writer gives us a clear and powerful answer.

Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?

We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?

Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.

(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 2)

The Lord is as near to you as a prayer. Brokenhearted, crushed afflicted, Jesus will deliver you in His time. So, pray!

Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior, still our Refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  Take it to the Lord in prayer;

In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.

(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 3)

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my deliverer. Please hear my prayer for mercy, pardon and peace. Yes, may I find eternal solace in You. Amen. 

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

https://zoom.us/j/177003912

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!