October 15, 2020 - BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE

 

Day 289 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 43; Psalm 104:1-18; Hebrews 11:1-12)

BELIEVE, BELIEVE, BELIEVE

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1a ESV)

What the unbelieving world needs to see in followers of Jesus is vibrant faith. Our verse for today reminds us of the assurance and conviction that we have in Jesus.

● He did innocently die on the cross in payment for our sins.

● Sinners who sincerely repent and have faith in Jesus are forgiven.

● Because Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise to eternal life.

When doubt and uncertainty arise, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we need to doubt our doubts and believe, believe, believe.

In this time of desperation

When all we know is doubt and fear

There is only one foundation

We believe, we believe

In this broken generation

When all is dark, You help us see

There is only one salvation

We believe, we believe

We believe in God the Father

We believe in Jesus Christ

We believe in the Holy Spirit

And He's given us new life

We believe in the crucifixion

We believe that He conquered death

We believe in the resurrection

And He's comin' back again, we believe. 

(“We Believe,” The Newsboys)

Link to “We Believe”    https://youtu.be/T5CVN-dpvbQ

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me saving faith in Jesus, my Savior. May He keep my faith strong and certain. 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!

October 14, 2020 - BLESS THE LORD

 

Day 288 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 42; Psalm 103; Hebrews 10:32-39)

BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit...

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-4, 10-12 ESV)

Fellow repentant sinner, God has made you holy and fit for heaven. All of your sins are gone, separated from you as far as the east is from the west. WHAT A WONDERFUL REASON TO BLESS THE LORD!

   1. I lay my sins on Jesus, The spotless Lamb of God;

He bears them all and frees us From the accursed load.

I bring my guilt to Jesus To wash my crimson stains

Clean in His blood most precious Till not a spot remains.

   2. I lay my wants on Jesus; All fulness dwells in Him;

He heals all my diseases; My soul He does redeem.

I lay my griefs on Jesus, My burdens and my cares;

He from them all releases; He all my sorrows shares.

   3. I rest my soul on Jesus, This weary soul of mine;

His right hand me embraces; I on His breast recline.

I love the name of Jesus, Immanuel, Christ, the Lord;

Like fragrance on the breezes His name abroad is poured.

        (“I Lay My Sins on Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #606)

Gracious heavenly Father, I do bless You holy name for all of Your benefits showered upon me every day. Above all, I thank you for not repaying me according to my iniquities. Please continue to sustain me with Your steadfast love.  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!

October 13, 2020 - ENCOURAGE AND WORSHIP

Day 287 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 41; Psalm 102; Hebrews 10:19-31)

ENCOURAGE AND WORSHIP

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)

The writer to the Hebrews reminds that the Day is drawing near. Judgement Day is coming soon. His advice is that we spend our remaining time encouraging, or stirring up one another to love and good works. 

Since love and good works flow from a close relationship with God, he calls to “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some.” When God comes to us in worship, He strengthens our faith and prepares for lives of faithful service.

Almighty God, may I find in the cross of my Savior, Jesus, the motivation to live a life of love and good works, all to Your glory. Please grant me a strong desire to meet with my brothers and sisters in Your house on a weekly basis, so that You can feed my soul with Your precious Word and Sacraments. As You encourage me, may I also encourage others. 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!

October 12, 2020 - HIS PEOPLE - OUR GOD

Day 286 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 40; Psalm 101; Hebrews 10:11-18)

HIS PEOPLE - OUR GOD

“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. . . And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20 ESV)

Ezekiel is given a vision of the just punishment God will render toward His unfaithful people. Yet God is planning to show mercy.  Do you remember David’s prayer?  

Hide your face from my sins, 

and blot out all my iniquities.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence, 

and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, 

and uphold me with a willing spirit.

(Psalm 51:9-12 ESV)

In Christ Jesus this prayer was answered for David and for us. His death on the cross has blotted out all of our sins and iniquities. The result is a clean heart and a right spirit. The second half of David’s prayer is for a renewed relationship with God. This we find answered directly by God’s declaration: “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayer for forgiveness and for a clean heart. I rejoice that, in spite of my sinful nature, I am still one of Your people and You are still my God. 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!

October 11, 2020 - GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

Day 285 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 39; Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:1-10)

GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)

Life can get tough. There are so many negative distractions that can drain us of hope. Perhaps the writer to the Hebrews was aware of these challenges to faith, so he encouraged his hearers:

● Keep the faith.

● Don’t loose hope.

● Don’t give up on Jesus.

● Remember that God always keeps His promises.

● Look for God’s faithfulness.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

(Great is Thy Faithfulness, The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 809) 

Almighty God, when life gets difficult, please keep me faithful and full of hope as I remember Your faithfulness to sinners like 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!

October 10, 2020 - HOW TO BEGIN YOUR DAY

Day 284 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 38; Psalm 99; Hebrews 9:11-28)

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR DAY

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:1-4 ESV)

How do you plan to start your Saturday? The Psalmist gives an excellent reminder. God is God. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is in charge of everything, including time, and life itself. The hymn writer put it this way:

With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it. 

For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it. 

Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended, 

In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended.

(“With the Lord Begin Your Task”, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #869)

Click here to hear the hymn,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkjXyqzZgQg

Lord, please help me to remember that You are in charge. Please guide me in Your way today and always. 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!

October 09, 2020 - HOPE FOR DEAD BONES

Day 283 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezekiel 37; Psalm 98; Hebrews 8:1-10)

HOPE FOR DEAD BONES

“Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3 ESV)

The Lord asks this question of the prophet Ezekiel at the beginning of a dream. This divine communication calls on the prophet to inform God’s people that there is hope for dead bones. 

What good news for Ezekiel’s hearers! New life will be breathed into them by almighty God and the two kingdoms will be united under David. They were as good as dead in their relationship to God. But...

“Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves.” (Ezekiel 37:12 ESV)

Again, what comfort this must have given to the children of God.

We baptized believers read verse 12 and immediately remember Resurrection Sunday and the Easter promises that assure us of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.  

●  Death is not the end for the believer in Christ!

●  Our dead bones will come back to life.

●  Breath will return to us, and we will rise again. 

●  Remember what Jesus said:

“Because I live, you also will live!”  (John 14:19 ESV)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your plan to raise Your people back to life through the death of Jesus. Please sustain my faith in Him today so that my dead bones will be raised to eternal life on the last day! In the name of Jesus, my risen Savior. 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!