November 14, 2020 - FAITHFULNESS NO MATTER WHAT

Day 319 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 8:1-27; Psalm 119:65-72; 2 Peter 3:14-18)

FAITHFULNESS NO MATTER WHAT

“So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.”  (Daniel 6:28 ESV)

There is so much packed into these first six chapters of Daniel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego find themselves captive in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace provides the opportunity for us to witness God’s miraculous protection of those who honor Him. The handwriting on the wall is interpreted by Daniel, and the king, who was found wanting, dies. Darius, who assumes the throne of Babylon and Persia, is tricked into sending Daniel into a den of lions, and also gets to witness God’s amazing protection of one of His faithful servants. 

The lesson is the same for us us today. Remain faithful to the one true God in the middle of a culture that wants us to do just the opposite. Listen to Jesus’ words of  encouragement:

“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

   1. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won;  

And although the way be cheerless,

We will follow calm and fearless.  

Guide us by Thy hand to our fatherland.

   2. If the way be drear, if the foe be near, 

Let not faithless fears o'ertake us;

Let not faith and hope forsake us; 

For through many a woe to our home we go.

   3. When we seek relief from a long-felt grief;  

When temptations come alluring,

Make us patient and enduring;  

Show us that bright shore where we weep no more.

   4. Jesus, lead Thou on till our rest is won.  

Heavenly Leader still direct us,

Still support, control, protect us, 

Till we safely stand in our fatherland.

(“Jesus, Lead Thou On,” Lutheran Service Book #718)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of faithfulness to You in the middle of very trying circumstances. Please strengthen my faith in You and my desire to serve only You. 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!

November 13, 2020 - JESUS IS COMING SOON!

Day 318 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 7:9-28; Psalm 119:57-64; 2 Peter 3:1-13)

JESUS IS COMING SOON!

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:9-10 ESV)

As time continues to go on, the inhabitants of our planet have an extremely difficult time believing in Judgment Day. The verses for today contain both a clear warning about the impending end of all we see around us, and a glimpse into the compassionate heart of God. While He is planning to expose the sins of all members of the human race, He fervently desires that all repent and turn to Him for salvation.

Peter then shares what should be your personal response to the impending end:

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God!” (2 Peter 3:11-12a ESV)

Wake up and take seriously God’s call to repentance, and know the peace that flows from a soul made pure in the blood of the Lamb.

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me and calling me to the holiness and godliness that comes from repentance and absolution. Lord Jesus, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good as I keep my eyes focused on You in these last days. 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 12, 2020 - DON’T GO BACK TO THE MIRE

Day 317 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 6:1-7:8; Psalm 119:49-56; 2 Peter 2:10-22)

DON’T GO BACK TO THE MIRE

“For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.  What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” (2 Peter 2:21-22 ESV)

The picture, as well as the verse are crucial reminders of the importance of being prepared for Christ’s Second Advent, His coming on Judgement Day. I often remind the children to:  Always, always, always, always, always, always, stay close to your Jesus. 

The picture of the sow wallowing in the mire is meant to wake you up. Don’t go back to the mire!

Instead, go to church this Advent and Christmas season. Hear what the Lord wants to teach you. Hear His Word calling you to repent and His declaration of forgiveness. “Run” to the altar to receive Christ’s precious body and blood given and shed for you!

Heavenly Father, please keep me out of the mire by keeping me close to You. Feed me with Your precious Word and Sacraments and strengthen my faith. 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 11, 2020 - FREE FROM HARASSMENT

Day 316 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 5:1-31; Psalm 119:41-48; 2 Peter 2:1-10)

FREE FROM HARASSMENT

35 And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. 36 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (Matthew 9:35-36 ESV) 

Today’s focus is on a trait of Jesus that has profound implications for you and for all who find themselves harassed and helpless. This Includes all of us at some time or other. But what is the cause of such harassment and helplessness? Look at Peter’s answer:

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) And how does the devil harass us?

● He constantly tempts us to disobey God.

● He tells us that we will be better off without God in our lives.

● He then fills us with the hopelessness that comes from living without God.

● He tries to get us to believe that God doesn’t care about us.

But there is good news. God does care. We have a compassionate Savior. 

When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. 

Because Jesus showed His compassion by dying in payment for the times we gave into temptation, we don’t need to be harassed and helpless any longer, for we are not without a shepherd. Jesus compassionately declared:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)

  

Now we have forgiveness and a real hope for our future in this life and the next.

Lord Jesus, thank You for having compassion on me and freeing me from the harassment of the devil.  Please help me to remember all that You have done for 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 10, 2020 - EYE WITNESSES

Day 315 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 4:19-37; Psalm 119:33-40; 2 Peter 1:16-21)

EYE WITNESSES

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16 ESV)

Peter is referring to the fact that what he and the other apostles recorded about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus were facts. This means that Christianity is not the product of man’s imagination, not merely a series of myths. They were reporting what they saw with their own eyes.

While we are not eye witnesses of Jesus’ 33 years on this earth, we are “faith witnesses” of the truths of Christianity. We see Jesus clearly through eyes of faith. 

There is a time when we are in the physical presence of Jesus. When you receive the true body and blood of the Savior given and shed for you in Holt Communion. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes to see Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Remind me of His presence in my daily life, especially when I am faced with challenges and difficulties. 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 9, 2020 - YOUR SPIRITUAL DAILY SUPPLEMENTS

Day 314 - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 4:1-18; Psalm 119:25-32; 2 Peter 1:1-15)

YOUR SPIRITUAL DAILY SUPPLEMENTS

 5 For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love.  (2 Peter 1:5-7 ESV)

Daily supplements (vitamins and the like) are crucial to good physical health. In today’s reading Peter is encouraging us to take regular spiritual supplements to our faith...

virtue, 

knowledge, 

self-control,

steadfastness,

godliness,

brotherly affection, 

and love.

This certainly is a challenging list, isn’t it? While we know that our salvation depends on our faith in Jesus and His death in payment for our sins, we also know that this list is part of God’s plan for the living out of our faith. In spite of our sin, God wants us to live full lives. Peter put it this way: “His (God’s) divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness.” (verse 3).

How different would your life be if you took this list to heart and attempted to follow each one? You can do this... but only with the right help:

Lord, take my hand and lead me Upon life's way;

Direct, protect, and feed me From day to day.

Without your grace and favor I go astray,

So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.

(“Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me,” Lutheran Service Book #722)

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 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!