St. Johns News

Bulletin – June 27, 2021

The 5th Sunday after Pentecost

God Governs Creation

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

June 26, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

Pastor Rodney Dietsche

June 27, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

Pastor Pete Zietlow

† P  R  E  P  A  R  A  T  I  O  N     F  O  R     W  O  R  S  H  I  P  †

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

 OPENING HYMN                                                                                             CW 384:1-3, “By Grace I’m Saved”

†  T  H  E      C  O  M  M  O  N      S  E  R  V  I  C  E  †

 Please stand.

 M:          In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

C: Amen. ♪

CONFESSION OF SINS                                                                                                    

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.

M:           Beloved in the Lord; let us draw near with a true heart and confess our sins to God our Father, asking him in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to grant us forgiveness.

C:           Holy and merciful Father, I confess that I am by nature sinful and that I have disobeyed you in my thoughts, words and actions. I have done what is evil and failed to do what is good. For this I deserve your punishment both now and in      eternity. But I am truly sorry for my sins, and trusting in my Savior Jesus     Christ, I pray: Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

LORD, HAVE MERCY

Kyrie

 C: Lord have mercy on us, Christ have mercy on us, Lord have mercy on us. ♪

 M:       God, our heavenly Father, has been merciful to us and has given his only Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. Therefore, as a called servant of Christ and by his authority, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son † and of the Holy Spirit.  

C: Amen. ♪

M:       In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

GLORY BE TO GOD

Gloria in Excelsis

C: Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, good will toward men. We praise you, we bless you, we worship you. We glorify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory. O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O Lord, the only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. O Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father, you take away the sin of the world. Have mercy on us. You take away the sin of the world. Receive our prayer. You sit at the right hand of God the Father, have mercy on us. For you only are holy, you only are the Lord. You only, O Christ, with the Holy Spirit, are most high, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. ♪

 PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:       The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you. ♪

M:       Let us pray.

O Lord, our God, govern the nations on earth and direct the affairs of this world so that your Church may worship you in peace and joy; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 C: Amen.

 Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings.

 †  T  H  E      W  O  R  D  †

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                      Job 38:1-11 (Saturday’s sermon text)

Summary: God’s wisdom over creation

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.

“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?

“Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’?

PSALM 46

* All sing in unison.

 Refrain: The mighty Lord is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. ♪

God is our refuge and strength,*

an ever-present help in trouble.

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way*

and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

though its waters roar and foam*

and the mountains quake with their surging.

 Refrain

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,*

the holy place where the Most High dwells.

God is within her, she will not fall;*

God will help her at break of day.

“Be still, and know that I am God;*

I will be exalted among the nations,

I will be exalted in the earth.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON                                                               2 Corinthians 5:14-21 (Sunday’s sermon text)

Summary: God’s reconciling love forms a new creation

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!  All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.  We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.  God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                   Galatians 4:6

M:       Alleluia. Because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” Alleluia.

 C: Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

 Please stand.

 GOSPEL LESSON                                                                                                            Mark 4:35-41

C: Glory be to you, O Lord!

Summary: Jesus’ power over creation

That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him.  A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped.   Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?”

He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.

He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”

They were terrified and asked each other, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!”

 C: Praise be to you, O Christ!

NICENE CREED

We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.

We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation, he came down from heaven, was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the virgin Mary, and became fully human. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate. He suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.

We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who in unity with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified,

who has spoken through the prophets. We believe in one holy Christian and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

Be seated.

 HYMN OF THE DAY                                                 CW 401, “Your Works, Not Mine, O Christ” 

 

SERMON                                                                                                                               

Saturday

 Job 38:1-11

“Trust in the LORD; He is greater and you!”

Sunday

 2 Corinthians 5:14-21

“The Old Has Gone-The New Has Come”

  1. New Status
  2. New Life
  3. New Work

Please stand.

C: 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 unto me the joy of your salvation and uphold me with your free Spirit. Amen.

 Please be seated.

† O F  F  E  R  I  N  G  S    O  F    G  I  F  T  S    &    P  R  A  Y  E  R  S  †

THE OFFERING

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Vacation Time Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER   

All:     Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.          

 †  H  O  L  Y      C  O  M  M  U  N  I  O  N  †

PREFACE

M:       The Lord be with you.

C: And also with you.

M:       Lift up your hearts.

C: We lift them up unto the Lord.

M:       Let us give thanks to the Lord, our God.

C: It is good and right so to do.

M:       It is truly good and right that we should at all times and in all places give you thanks, O Lord, holy Father, almighty and everlasting God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, and we praise you especially for the glorious resurrection of your Son, the true Passover Lamb, who by his sacrifice took away the sins of the world and by his resurrection restored everlasting life. Therefore, with all the saints on earth and hosts of heaven, we praise your holy name and join their glorious song:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY

Sanctus

 C: Holy, holy, holy Lord God of heavenly hosts: heav’n and earth are full of your glory.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

Blessed is he, blessed is he, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna in the highest.

WORDS OF INSTITUTION

M:       Our Lord Jesus Christ, on the night he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take and eat; this is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”

Then he took the cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you; this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for you for the forgiveness of sins. Do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.”

M:       The peace of the Lord be with you always.

C: Amen. ♪ 

O CHRIST, LAMB OF GOD

Agnus Dei

 C: O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; have mercy on us.

O Christ, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world; grant us your peace. Amen.

Be seated.

DISTRIBUTION

During the distribution the congregation may sing one or more hymns.

At St. John’s Ev. Lutheran Church & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Church we practice close Communion. If you are a guest at worship today and interested in receiving the Lord’s Supper, please speak with the pastor prior to the service.

DISTRIBUTION HYMN                                     CW 310, “I Come, O Savior, to Your Table”

*Sunday only.

 1  I come, O Savior, to your table, For weak and weary is my soul;

O Jesus, you alone are able To satisfy and make me whole.

Refrain:

Lord, may your body and your blood Be for my soul the highest good!

2  Oh, grant that I in manner worthy May now trust solely in your Word,

And, conscious of the sins before me, Look only unto you, O Lord.

Refrain

3  Unworthy though I am, O Savior, Because I have a sinful heart,

Yet you your lamb will banish never, Nor will your faithfulness depart.

Refrain

4  Oh, let me loathe all sin forever As death and poison to my soul,

That I through willful sinning never May see your judgment take its toll!

Refrain

5  Your heart is filled with fervent yearning That sinners may salvation see

Who, Lord, to you in faith are turning; So let me, too, come trustingly.

Refrain

6  Weary am I and heavy laden; With sin my soul is sore oppressed.

Receive me graciously and gladden My heart, for I am now your guest.

Refrain

7  You here will find a heart most lowly That feels unworthy in your sight,

That duly weeps o’er sin, yet solely Your merit pleads, as it is right.

Refrain

8  By faith I call your holy table The testament of your deep love,

For by your gift I now am able To know the heart of God above.

Refrain

9  What higher gift can we inherit? It is faith’s bond and solid base;

It is the strength of heart and spirit, The covenant of hope and grace.

Refrain

10  This feast is manna, wealth abounding Unto the poor, to weak ones pow’r,

To angels joy, to hell confounding, And life for me in death’s dark hour.

Refrain

11  Your body, giv’n for me, O Savior, Your blood, which you for me have shed—

These are my life and strength forever; By them my hungry soul is fed.

Refrain

 Please stand.

 SONG OF SIMEON

Nunc Dimittis

C: Lord, now you let your servant depart in peace according to your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared before the face of all people, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.

M:       O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.

C: And His mercy endures forever.

 M:       We give thanks, almighty God, that you have refreshed us with this holy supper. We pray that through it you will strengthen our faith in you and increase our love for one another. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

 C: Amen.

 M:       The Lord bless you and keep you.

The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.

The Lord look on you with favor and (+) give you peace.

 C: Amen. Amen. Amen.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                              CW 384:4-5, “By Grace I’m Saved”

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Live by Faith – June 24, 2021

For we live by faith, not by sight.
2 Corinthians 5:7

Live by Faith


Daily Devotion – June 24, 2021

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:7

See series: Devotions

Was it any wonder that Pontius Pilate found it hard to believe that Jesus was truly a king? That was the “crime” that Jesus was being accused of by his enemies—a rebel and an upstart who was trying to set up his own kingdom. But who could believe that to look at him? Isaiah described him this way: “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2). What few disciples Jesus had had all fled, abandoning their rabbi when he was arrested. Now he stood alone before the Roman governor, “despised and rejected by men.” You can hear the incredulity in Pilate’s voice as he asks, “Are you a king?”

We may have the same doubts about those who are followers of this king. Christians around the world are often harassed and persecuted for their faith in the Nazarene Jesus, who was crucified as a criminal. Their lives are full of the same suffering and pain as those around them, despite their allegiance to the God who they believe created the universe. They say that God is their Father and that he loves them, but Christians also get sick and die, just like everyone else.

But Christ’s kingdom is not of this world. And his followers live by faith, not by sight. They know God’s promises are true because they know that he is truthful. They put their faith in him because he is faithful. God kept his promise to send his Son as Savior of mankind, so he will also keep his promise to love us as his dear children for the sake of Jesus. And finally, God will keep his last promises when he comes to take us to live with him forever in heaven. These bodies we live in may be fragile, and the world we live in full of peril, but we live by faith, not by sight. Our king, the Lord Jesus Christ, will never disappoint us.

Prayer:
Lord God, I pray that you would increase my faith to trust your word even when my eyes tell me there is reason to doubt. Keep my faith focused on Jesus, who rose from the dead and who will give me eternal life by his side. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Growth Through the Gospel – June 23, 2021

In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace.
Colossians 1:6

Growth Through the Gospel


Daily Devotion – June 23, 2021

Devotion based on Colossians 1:6

See series: Devotions

Many missionaries were unable to travel during the worldwide pandemic. Sometimes that meant staying in the mission field for longer than they had planned, putting off trips to visit family back stateside for another year. Others were stuck outside of their field of labor for months at a time while borders were closed to international travel. All of them were grateful for modern technology that allowed them to communicate with people on the other side of the world almost instantaneously. It was only last century that missionaries usually had to wait weeks or even months for correspondence to be delivered either way.

Of course, even today, there are places where Christian missionaries do not always have Internet access. But those sent overseas in the name of Christ know they do not depend primarily on modern communication technology. Their confidence lies not in the speed of the Internet but the power of the gospel. Whether the good news of Jesus is preached over a loudspeaker, hand-written in a letter, shared quietly around a village campfire, or sent as bytes and bits through cyberspace, it has the same power of God to transform human hearts.

This message is for all people everywhere. The Bible tells us, “There is no difference … for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:22-24). And all around the world, this gospel message has been bearing fruit and growing, as people of all nations come to know and believe that Jesus Christ has died for the sins of the whole world.

And you are no different. The gospel is also for you and your family. You can read it in a book (or an emailed devotion!), listen to it live at church or a streamed broadcast, or hear it from a friend or a friendly missionary. But no matter the method, the message of forgiveness through Christ is powerful to save.

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for sending your gospel into the world. May it also remain with me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Thy Kingdom Come – June 22, 2021

[Jesus] said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. All by itself the soil produces grain—first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”
Mark 4:26-29

Thy Kingdom Come


Daily Devotion – June 22, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 4:26-29

See series: Devotions

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come.” But what is God’s kingdom? And how does it come? In his Small Catechism, Martin Luther explained it this way: “God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives his Holy Spirit so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and lead a godly life now on earth and forever in heaven.”

Has God answered your prayer? Has his kingdom come to you and others, as you’ve requested every time you’ve prayed the Lord’s Prayer? Perhaps it doesn’t seem so. I know I don’t always live in a way that shows that God is the king of my heart. And while I do believe that Jesus died for me and that my sins are forgiven because of him, I don’t know that I would compare my struggling faith in him to a “kingdom.” In fact, all too often, I’ve become frustrated with not seeing enough evidence of spiritual growth—either in my life or the lives of other Christians.

But Jesus helps us to understand the way that God answers our prayer for his kingdom to come. Just as a seed grows after it has been planted, so God’s kingdom comes slowly but surely, almost imperceptibly at times. Just as God works through the laws of nature that he established to give life and maturity to a growing plant, so the Holy Spirit works faith in us through the gospel of Jesus so that over time we produce its fruits in the form of love and good deeds.

So have patience with yourself and have confidence in the power of God’s word. Even at this moment, it is quietly at work within you.

Prayer:
Dear Father, your kingdom comes even without my asking. But I pray that it comes to me and my loved ones also. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Kingdom Aspirations – June 21, 2021

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Mark 4:30-32

Kingdom Aspirations


Daily Devotion – June 21, 2021

Devotion based on Mark 4:30-32

See series: Devotions

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Adults sometimes chuckle when they hear the four-year-old claim that he wants to be a ninja firefighter or even when the second-grader asserts that she will be the first person to walk on Mars. The children’s heart-felt aspirations can seem far-fetched to the practically-minded—and all the more so when the “future astronaut” stands before you, currently missing her two front teeth!

Might the disciples have been tempted to chuckle at Jesus’ suggestion that his kingdom, his church, would grow to the point of including followers from “all nations”? How could a dozen insignificant men following a homeless and harassed prophet ever dream that their movement would one day number in the billions of souls? How could these Aramaic-speaking apostles begin to understand that the letters and gospels they would write in Greek would eventually be translated into thousands of different languages? How could their humble teacher, once crucified and publicly shamed as a criminal, one day be glorified and worshipped by believers on every continent?

How? Only by Jesus’ power and blessing. By his power and blessing, he established a kingdom of grace, earned by his death on a cross and established by his resurrection from the dead. The purpose of this kingdom is to rescue sinners from their otherwise inevitable destruction in hell, and its goal is to bring people of every nation, tribe, and language out of darkness and into the light of his forgiving love.

As Jesus went to the cross, his hope for the future was for you to join him in paradise. His aspiration was to be your Savior. No matter how large his church grows, Jesus’ eye is always on every individual soul, and his ear is tuned in to their every prayer.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am grateful that there is room in your kingdom for me. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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An Eternal House – June 20, 2021

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
2 Corinthians 5:1

An Eternal House


Daily Devotion – June 20, 2021

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 5:1

See series: Devotions

My father would sometimes take me camping while I was growing up. We went often enough that I don’t remember every camping trip. But there is one I will likely never forget.

We borrowed a tent from a friend. When we arrived at the campsite and began to set up, we realized that some of the tent poles were missing. So my father grabbed some rope from the trunk of the car and used it to tie parts of the tent to tree branches to hold it up. We finished setting up the tent just in time for dinner, which is when we were attacked by hungry seagulls dive-bombing at our hotdogs. Evening finally came, which is when a thunderstorm rolled in and revealed two things: we hadn’t tied down the tent as securely as we had thought, and the tent wasn’t as waterproof as the packaging had promised. By midnight that evening, our camping trip was done, and we were back home resting comfortably in our own beds.

In today’s Bible verse, the apostle Paul compares our human bodies to a tent. Like the tent on our camping trip, they’re not entirely immune to destruction. We get sick, suffer injuries, get attacked by cancer, or some other debilitating diseases that dive-bomb into our lives. As healthy as we might eat, as often as we might exercise, we get to a point where our bodies don’t operate as quickly and pain-free as they did when we were young. And then, of course, every funeral is another reminder that one day death will roll in like a powerful thunderstorm and completely overwhelm our fragile bodies.

But Paul also tells us that our bodies are simply tents. As long as we’re in them, we’re never really at home. But one day, we will be. Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, our heavenly Father forgave our sin and gave us the right to look forward to our eventual arrival at an eternal house in heaven, where we will finally rest comfortably.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, when I am reminded of how fragile my body really is, keep my faith focused on the eternal and perfect home you have prepared for me through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Bulletin – June 20, 2021

The 4th Sunday after Pentecost

Father’s Day

St. John’s & Emmanuel Ev. Lutheran Churches

Montello & Mecan, WI

June 19, 2021

4:30p.m. St. John’s

June 20, 2021

8:00a.m. Emmanuel

10:00a.m. St. John’s

St. John’s  Ev. Lutheran Church
313 East Montello St. Montello, WI 53949

Emmanuel  Ev. Lutheran Church
W1568 Evergreen Lane Montello, WI 53949   Pastor Pete Zietlow
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH We extend a warm welcome to everyone worshiping with us today! We ask God that he fill our hearts with peace, joy and understanding as we praise Him together during this Pentecost season.  

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Saturday: 4:30p.m. at St. John’s
Sunday: 8:00a.m. at Emmanuel           10:00a.m. at St. John’s  
Each worship service is posted to our website. If you don’t have internet access or are unable to attend today’s service, DVDs, sermons and the bulletin are available for your use at home. You may pick them up in the office or request them to be mailed. Please contact our secretary Ciara Neuhauser at the church office or Pastor Zietlow.  

HOLY COMMUNION Communion is offered at both Emmanuel and St. John’s on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month and at St. John’s on the Saturdays before those Sundays. Private communion by request is also available from Pastor Zietlow or a church Elder at your home. Please call Pastor or the church office to schedule private communion.  

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY Today’s theme: The 4th Sunday after Pentecost – Don’t Underestimate Jesus and His People! – On Independence days people celebrate the growth and power of the nation.   Yet there is a more powerful kingdom that has grown up from humble beginnings.  It is the kingdom of God, which often makes unnoticeable progress in conquering hearts for Christ.  Yet stepping back to look at it you can see its tremendous growth. Those who are part of it will be longing for the final outcome when they are “clothed” with immortal life away from the struggles of the world.

P R E P A R A T I O N   F O R   W O R S H I P

We prepare ourselves to worship the one Savior God by expressing our humble repentance, offering our fervent prayers and singing our thankful hymns of praise.

WELS CONNECTION

OPENING LITANY

M:           See what love the Father has given us,

C:            that we should be called the children of God.

M:           You are my sons and daughters, this day I have begotten you.

C:            See what love the Father has given us.

M:           As many received him, to them he gave power to become the children of God.

C:            See what love the Father has given us.

M:           Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

C:            See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called the children of God.

OPENING HYMN                                                                      CWS 753, “Father, God of Grace, You Knew Us”

S E R V I C E   O F   W O R D

Please stand.

M:           The grace of our Lord † Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you.

C:            And also with you.

CONFESSION OF SINS                                                                                                    

We confess to God that we have failed to live up to the perfect standards in his law, and we plead for his mercy.

M:           We have come into the presence of God, who created us to love and serve him as his dear children. But we have disobeyed him and deserve only his wrath and punishment. Therefore, let us confess our sins to him and plead for his mercy.

C:            Merciful Father in heaven, I am altogether sinful from birth. In countless ways I have sinned against you and do not deserve to be called your child. But trusting in Jesus, my Savior, I pray: Have mercy on me according to your unfailing love. Cleanse me from my sin, and take away my guilt.

M:           God, our heavenly Father, has forgiven all your sins. By the perfect life and innocent death of our Lord Jesus Christ, he has removed your guilt forever. You are his own dear child. May God give you strength to live according to his will.

C:            Amen.

PRAYER AND PRAISE

M:           In the peace of forgiveness, let us praise the Lord.

OH, TASTE AND SEE

PRAYER OF THE DAY

M:           Let us pray.

O God, protector of all the faithful, you alone make strong; you alone make holy. Show us your mercy and forgive our sins day by day. Guide us through our earthly lives that we do not lose the things you have prepared for us in heaven; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Please be seated for the day’s Scripture readings

T H E   W O R D

The Lord Jesus speaks to us in Scripture reading, preaching and song.

FIRST LESSON                                                                                                                                         Ezekiel 17:22-24

Summary: The Lord builds His Kingdom from the Messianic shoot

“`This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I myself will take a shoot from the very top of a cedar and plant it; I will break off a tender sprig from its topmost shoots and plant it on a high and lofty mountain.  On the mountain heights of Israel I will plant it; it will produce branches and bear fruit and become a splendid cedar.  Birds of every kind will nest in it; they will find shelter in the shade of its branches.  All the trees of the field will know that I the LORD bring down the tall tree and make the low tree grow tall.  I dry up the green tree and make the dry tree flourish.’”

 “`I the LORD have spoken, and I will do it.'”

PSALM  92                                                                              

* Cantor sings 1st line, congregation sings 2nd line and refrains.

How great are your works, O LORD,*

how profound your thoughts!

The senseless man does not know,*

fools do not understand,

that though the wicked spring up like grass*

and all evildoers flourish,

they will be forever destroyed.*

But you, O LORD, are exalted forever.

Refrain

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree,*

they will flourish in the courts of our God.

They will still bear fruit in old age,*

they will stay fresh and green,

proclaiming, “The LORD is upright;*

he is my rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”

Glory be to the Father and to the Son*

and to the Holy Spirit,

as it was in the beginning,*

is now, and will be forever. Amen.

Refrain

SECOND LESSON                                                                                                                            2 Corinthians 5:1-10

Summary: Kingdom living – by faith not by sight

Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.  Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked.  For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.  Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.  We live by faith, not by sight.  We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.  So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it.  For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

VERSE OF THE DAY                                                                                                                                        Psalm 132:9

M:           Alleluia. May your priests be clothed with righteousness; may your saints sing for joy. Alleluia.

Please stand

GOSPEL LESSON                                                                        Mark 4:26-34(today’s sermon text underlined)

Summary: Internal and external growth of God’s Kingdom

He also said, “This is what the kingdom of God is like.  A man scatters seed on the ground.  Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.  All by itself the soil produces grain– first the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head.  As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come.”

Again he said, “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?  It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground.  Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade.”

With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.  He did not say anything to them without using a parable.  But when he was alone with his own disciples, he explained everything.

Please be seated.

HYMN OF THE DAY                                                                                          CW 559, “Lord of the Living Harvest

SERMON                                                                                                                                                    Mark 4:26-29

“The Word of God Works Like a Seed” (It is…)

  1. Imperceptible
  2. Powerful
  3. Productive

Please stand.

APOSTLES’ CREED      

All:         I believe in God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth.

I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty. From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints,

the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.

Please be seated.

O F F E R I N G S   O F   G I F T S   &   P R A Y E R S

THE OFFERING

Members of this congregation show their thanks to God for all he has done for them by returning a portion of their income to the Lord.  Through these free will offerings, this congregation and its ministries are maintained.  Guests need not feel obligated to contribute. The plate is located in the church entryway.

PRAYERS

The Offering Prayer, Father’s Day Prayer and Intercessory Prayers are spoken by pastor. Please see

 announcement details of today’s Intercessory Prayers.

Please stand.

LORD’S PRAYER  

All:         Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.          

HYMN                                                                                            CW 324:1-3, “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”

M:           O Lord God, our heavenly Father, pour out the Holy Spirit on your faithful people. Keep us strong in your grace and truth, protect and comfort us in all temptation, and bestow on us your saving peace, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

M:       As you go from here, remember this:

God’s love is from everlasting to everlasting,

from generation to generation.

Just as a father has compassion on his children

so God has compassion on those who fear him,

who listen to his voice,

and who do his will.

Go out in the knowledge that the everlasting love of God goes with you.

Amen.

Please be seated.

CLOSING HYMN                                                                         CW 324:4, “Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast”

*See page 9.

Songs are reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-722228. Scripture is taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version ® (NIV ®). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of International Bible Society. Service of Word and Sacrament © 1993 Northwestern Publishing House. All rights reserved.

 A  N  N  O  U  N  C  E  M  E  N  T  S 

June 20 – June 26

Sun.  
   
   
Mon.  
   
Tues.  
   
Wed.10:00a.m.Care Center Devotion
   
   
Thurs.  
   
Fri.  
   
   
Sat.4:30p.m.St. John’s  Worship with communion
   
   
    Next week’s theme:-  June 20, 2021
The 5thSunday after Pentecost:
God Governs Creation    
8:00 a.m.   Emmanuel Worship with communion
10:00 a.m.St. John’s Worship with communion

†  C  H  U  R  C  H      N  E  W  S  †

INTERCESSORY PRAYERS (read by pastor)

– For those hospitalized, ill, shut-in and facing trials: Jim & Caryl Bassett, Cheri Borzick, Ed Buchholz, Darlene Burrough (Judy Fandrey’s niece), Sharon Crook, Don Ebert, Reinold Eckelberg, Ken & Sally Elmer, Mike Farrell, Kelleen Grucza (Judy Fandrey’s daughter), Marian Heller, Louise Hillmer, Jerry & Darlene Hunter (Bonnie Chapman’s parents), Xzander Jahr, Ellie Kendall, Robert Lederer (Jackie & Jeanne Buchholz’ father), Thomas Marcelain (Dawn’s son), Luanne Mittlesteadt, Shelley Myers, Phil Nelson (Melanie Zuehls’ step-father), Al Pompa (Pete & Lucy Laun’s brother-in-law), Karen Radke, LuAnn Reber, Jeff Reimer & son Tim, Don & Doris Smith, Mary Smith, Tom Stempniak (Carol’s husband), Dennis & Ramona Wacholtz, Linda Lou Wacholtz, Dixie Wagner, Kathy Weinfurter (Ken Pabelick’s mother-in-law), John Wildt, Bill Zamzow (Kay Maass’ brother-in-law) – (added this week: Dan Finger)

– For laborers in God’s harvest field

– For the family of David Finger, age 62, Dan’s father, called to his heavenly home on 6/13

VOTERS MEETING Save the date: Sunday, June 27 immediately following 10:00am St. John’s service.

LADIES AID Ladies Aid would like to invite all Emmanuel and St. Johns ladies to our summer meeting on July 1 at 12 noon. We will have a light lunch before the meeting, please feel free to join us and see what we are all about. Please RSVP,  so we know how many to prepare for, to Dolly Eggert at 414-294-9382

CROSSES The Time of the Church is the longest season of the church year. Green represents growth-growing the Church through witnessing and missions-becoming “fishers of men.”

This season appears 1st and 2nd Sunday of Epiphany and ends Transfiguration Sunday just before Lent. It reappears the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost and ends on Reformation Sunday.

Please pick up your ribbon today! If you are in need of a cross or would like to gift to someone, please help yourself. They are available and both Emmanuel and St. John’s. Thank you again to Gene Crook (Emmanuel) and LuAnn Zieman (St. John’s) for creating and coordinating!

CHURCH NEWSLETTER The St. John’s church newsletter will again resume starting in July. It will be sent out via email to the congregations. Need to sign up on our mailing list? Please call the office. If you wish to receive a hard copy, we offer a yearly subscription for $10.00.

APPLIANCES Do you (or someone you know from our congregation) need a washer, dryer, refrigerator, or stove? Our retired Little Lambs house has these items in working condition. Please contact the office for more information.

OUR KIDS COMPLETE 2020-2021 MISSION PROJECTS Thank you to our school children and Sunday school children for their generous gifts to missions and to parents for supporting them as they actively practiced Jesus’ command “to go and make disciples.”  Kids may not be able to go into the mission field, but they can still share the Message by giving to missions.  St. John’s School and Little Lambs children gave $951.53 to their Kids C.A.R.E. project, Children’s Outreach Ministry, which helps congregations start programs to minister to small children and builds bridges to sharing Christ with their families as well.  Their gift will be pooled with those given by kids around the WELS and presented at the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention, June 24-27.  The Sunday school children gave $654.68 to Costa Maya Ministries in Mexico.  Their gifts will aid the building of a new church as well as helping with children’s programs.  To God be the glory!

CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office.  Thanks!

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

†  S  C  H  O  O  L      N  E  W  S  †

OUR KIDS COMPLETE 2020-2021 MISSION PROJECTS  Thank you to our school children and Sunday school children for their generous gifts to missions and to parents for supporting them as they actively practiced Jesus’ command “to go and make disciples.”  Kids may not be able to go into the mission field, but they can still share the Message by giving to missions.  St. John’s School and Little Lambs children gave $951.53 to their Kids C.A.R.E. project, Children’s Outreach Ministry, which helps congregations start programs to minister to small children and builds bridges to sharing Christ with their families as well.  Their gift will be pooled with those given by kids around the WELS and presented at the Lutheran Women’s Missionary Society Convention, June 24-27.  The Sunday school children gave $654.68 to Costa Maya Ministries in Mexico.  Their gifts will aid the building of a new church as well as helping with children’s programs.  To God be the glory!

LITTLE LAMBS REGISTRATION OPEN We are currently accepting registrations for St. John’s Little Lambs 2021-2022. Forms are available from the school office, church Information Room or from Director Lynn Sellnow.

FREE MEAL SIGNUP FOR SCHOOL FAMILIES

CONFIRMATION GOWNS If you have a confirmation gown that you, or someone you know, is not using and want to donate it to church for future confirmands, please drop by the office.  Thanks!

LIST OF DEDICICATED ACCOUNTS Want to donate and know exactly where your money is going?! Here is a list of accounts between St. John’s church and school that you can choose from:

Church General, School General, House/Parking Lot, Family Easter Festival, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, School Technology, Church Video/Audio System, Security System, Tuition Assistance, Athletic Fund, Outreach Events, School Server Upgrade, School HVAC/Purifying System

St. John’s Lutheran PRINCETON Soccer Camp 2021 – Jesus Always Makes The Save!

When: July 6th – 8th
Time: Times will be run differently this year. Please see below for age group and time:
K3-1st Grade: 4:30 pm – 7 pm
2nd-6th Grade: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: St. John’s Lutheran School 227 Harvard St.
Theme: Jesus Always Makes The Save!

Soccer camp begins with registration each evening at 4:30, and each camp participant will receive dinner and a T-shirt. And it’s all FREE! Boys and girls, ages 3 through 12 are welcome!

In the game of soccer, the goalie needs to make the save again and again or the team has no chance of victory. In life, the Bible tells us that our victory is assured because Jesus has come to seek and to save the lost. Your children are invited to a three-day camp where they will learn how to “make the save” in soccer and grow closer to their Savior Jesus. Drills, exercises, and scrimmages will help them set goals for soccer. Breaks for devotions, music and other activities will help them set goals for life as they grow in the knowledge of Jesus Christ their Savior.

For more information: https://www.sjlprinceton.com/

Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeT4vV2bfkIvG8cy3tjLz2IJWWO7muf0sb-c37RfuTn3172Tg/viewform

SCHOOL MERGER UPDATE

Some of you may have heard that your church leaders are making plans to lead us into the future as far as our educational system here at St. John’s is concerned.  We are looking at ways to meet the educational needs of our church and community.  The Church Council has been kept aware of the ongoing meetings, but most of you may not have been updated for some time.

The St. John’s School Board sent out a survey to our school parents last winter regarding a possible move of our upper grades to Princeton.  The response from our school families was quite positive overall.

Leaders from St. John’s have had numerous meetings with leaders from our WELS congregations in Princeton and Green Lake.  These started before the pandemic, stalled for quite some time during the pandemic, and have now picked up again.  Our leadership is very interested in joining with Princeton and Green Lake (and possibly other neighboring churches) to form a federation school for grades 3-8 at the St. John’s, Princeton facility.  We have received great support and interest from Princeton and are hoping to move forward with this vision.

The main reason for this idea is to allow for growth in our early childhood program.  Our larger early childhood classes could greatly benefit from being in separate classrooms.  In addition, many families are requesting extra childcare options.  Because of this, there is interest in building a new facility that would be able to provide full-time childcare, beginning at the infant/toddler level. There is currently a great need for childcare in our area.  A committee is in the process of studying our long-range plans and needs as a congregation. 

Another reason for this proposal is that the upper grades would be much better served by having larger class sizes and a larger gym so we can provide activities and competitive sports for our students. 

There had been talk of moving grades 3-8 to Princeton already next school year.  However, Princeton’s council met and is presenting a plan to their voters to join with Montello for a federated school (rather than this being an east campus of St. John’s, Montello) beginning in the 2022-23 school year.  By working together, we can more efficiently accomplish the work of spreading the Gospel to the children of our congregations, as we train the next generation of church leaders. 

At the past two joint meetings between Princeton and Montello, the main topic has been budget since both congregations need to know what their financial obligation will be before they can approve the plan.  Obviously that obligation will be contingent on the possibility of other congregations joining as federation members.  At our most recent meeting, we toured the facility and found it to be in very good shape (for having no occupancy since its closure in 2011).  There will need to be a few upgrades (especially carpeting and technology), but nothing too intrusive.

We are currently awaiting full approval from the Princeton congregation to move forward with the next planning stages.  At that point, our leaders will also bring this to the congregation to ask for full support.  This merger will definitely not happen until at least the 2022-23 school year.

Your leaders are excited for this opportunity to expand our ministry, and we pray that God will use and bless our efforts to spread His Word so that His Kingdom can grow. 

Don’t Underestimate Jesus and His People!

Pentecost 4 – B

God’s Word for Today

On Independence days people celebrate the growth and power of the nation.   Yet there is a more powerful kingdom that has grown up from humble beginnings.  It is the kingdom of God, which often makes unnoticeable progress in conquering hearts for Christ.  Yet stepping back to look at it you can see its tremendous growth. Those who are part of it will be longing for the final outcome when they are “clothed” with immortal life away from the struggles of the world.

First Lesson (Ezekiel 17:22-24)

1.     What will he do with the “top of the cedar tree?”

2.     What will the new tree attract?

Second Lesson (2 Corinthians 5:1-10)

3.     Why does Paul call this life (his body) “a tent?”

4.     What difference will that make in our lives?

Gospel (Mark 4:26-34)

5.     How does Jesus help us understand the kingdom of God with the illustration of the growing seed?

6.     What else do we learn about the kingdom of God from the mustard seed?

Answers:

1.             God uses the picture of breaking off the top of a cedar tree and planting it to vividly prophesy the miraculous success of his people.  They would start off insignificant and small.  But this kingdom of God would grow more powerful than the nations around because Jesus will be at its core.

2.             This kingdom of God would have a worldwide influence. People with every kind of background from all over the world will find safety and shelter in its “branches.”  (See the parable of the mustard seed – Matthew 13:31-32)

3.             Our bodies on this earth are not our permanent dwelling but just temporary (like a tent).   We groan with the pains and struggles of our bodies, but know that God has given us more – eternal life!  The more we understand what is coming up, the more we will long for it.  How much is this a part of your daily perspective?

4.             Because we know confidently look ahead to the judgment, we make it our goal to please him and do all for the glory of God.  Christian living is not a matter of rules and regulations but joyful response to the gospel as we join in unfolding God’s effect on the world.

5.             The growth of God’s kingdom is God’s work as he provides consistent progress toward bearing fruit for the final harvest.  The seed of the gospel unfolds God’s ruling activity in people in often-unnoticed development.   Can you look back and see the progress God has made in your faith life?

6.             The kingdom of God in a big world sometimes seems small and insignificant, but it grows to be the largest.  The parable emphasizes the extraordinary power and growth of the gospel as it brings growth to the church where all peoples can find its benefit (“perch in its shade”).

AttendanceEmmanuelSt. John’s
6-12 18
6-136579
St. John’s Altar Committee for June 2021: Delores Cotte & Diane Eisermann

SUMMER OFFICE HOURS

Monday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Tuesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Wednesday 8:00am – 4:00pm

Thursday 8:00am – 4:00pm

●●●
Welcome To Our Visitors!
Find & Like us on Facebook
Visit our website:  www.stjohnsmontello.org
Pastor Peter Zietlow: (608) 408-7830, E-mail: zietlowPL6@hotmail.com
Little Lambs Director & Teacher Mrs. Lynn Sellnow: 616-826-0816
K, 1st & 2nd Grade Teacher Ms. Shelley Myers: 920-285-7554
3rd-5th Grade Teacher Ms. Katlynn Tindall: 262-352-7021
Principal & 6th – 8th Grade Teacher Mr. Larry Sellnow:  616-822-6689, Email: principal@stjohnsmontello.org
Church & School Secretary/Office Ciara Neuhauser: (608) 297-2866
Church & School Address/Mail: 313 E Montello St, Montello, WI 53949
Church & School E-mail: scsecretary@stjohnsmontello.org  
●●●  

A Joy Story – June 19, 2021

I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.
Genesis 3:15

A Joy Story


Daily Devotion – June 19, 2021

Devotion based on Genesis 3:15

See series: Devotions

When Satan tempted Adam and Eve to sin against God, they deliberately disobeyed God and justly deserved the divine sentence of eternal death on themselves and the whole human race. But God demonstrated his great love not only for Adam and Eve but also for all their descendants. He made a promise! He would send a Savior to suffer the punishment for the sins of all people!

God explained his eternal plan for the salvation of sinners. One born of the woman—that’s Jesus—would “crush [Satan’s] head.” Yes, Satan would “strike his heel”—Jesus would suffer and die—but by his death and resurrection, Jesus would rescue all humanity from the power of the devil and free them from the curse of sin.

This promise of God revealed God’s eternal plan of salvation. It was a promise that, like a flower not yet seen on the plant from which it will grow, is nevertheless coming into bud. It would be fulfilled! The promise would one day flower and flourish. This was the hope of the people in the Old Testament.

Finally, God fulfilled his promise, and in his love for all people, sent Jesus into the world to save us. Our gracious God took the sad story of man’s fall and changed the outcome into good news for us. The devil’s horrifying deed was overcome by the power of God’s sweet promise. Now that’s a true story that fills our life with real joy!

Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for your great love that moved you to promise and send your Son to rescue me from the power of Satan. Fill my heart with the joy of knowing Jesus as my Savior from sin and death. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Focus – June 18, 2021

So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
2 Corinthians 4:18

Focus


Daily Devotion – June 18, 2021

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 4:18

See series: Devotions

Where are your eyes fixed these days? Are they fixed on debt as you keep going over the financial statements wondering how you are going to make it? Maybe your eyes are focused on deadlines, as you worry and stress about whether you will be able to get everything done for everyone who has expectations of you. Perhaps your eyes keep staring at your phone, waiting for the doctor to call with the results from a recent test. So often, our eyes are focused on things that fill us with stress and anxiety. We pace the halls. We fill our minds with what-ifs and worst-case scenarios. And, of course, we have little or no control over any of it. These situations are temporary as our Bible reading today reminds us, but certainly, a new set of temporary troubles will come our way whenever the old ones are resolved.

There is a solution to this problem. That is, to fix our eyes on what is unseen. Namely, on Jesus and the heavenly home that he has waiting for us. Everything we face on earth is by nature temporary. But spiritual blessings in Christ are eternal. Because Jesus died on the cross in our place and rose from the dead, we have been given eternal life which far outweighs anything this life can throw at us.

But it is always easier to focus on the here and now than it is on things unseen. God invites and encourages us to lift our eyes to things above. To always have Jesus and his Word in our thoughts and our hearts. To think about and look forward to our heavenly home. To eagerly anticipate eternity with Jesus and all believers in heaven—a place where we will not pace the halls with worry or anxiety, but a place where we will live stress-free in perfect peace and joy. Fix your eyes on that!

Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank you for the heavenly home you have prepared for me. Help me to fix my eyes on things eternal. Amen.

Daily Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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Earthly Troubles – June 17, 2021

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.
2 Corinthians 4:17

Earthly Troubles


Daily Devotion – June 17, 2021

Devotion based on 2 Corinthians 4:17

See series: Devotions

Cancer. Alzheimer’s. Broken relationships. Job loss. Depression. Persecution. Life in this world is not short of troubles. We all have them. It is just a question of which troubles we have at any given time. So many things we experience weigh us down, and we are so often under pressure. So much so that these things can often seem unbearable.

So, who does the author of this verse think he is to call such troubles “light or momentary”? In a world that seems to care little or nothing for what we are going through, it is important to understand that God is not insensitive to what we are experiencing. Nor should we assume that he does not care about us or love us. It can be an easy thing for us to get angry with God or assume that he does not love us or is not there for us. God has not forgotten us!

But God does want us to see things from his perspective. Our heavenly Father sees all eternity and knows that our life span is but a tiny blip on the eternal timeline. He knows that if we stay the course and trust in Jesus, we have an eternal future waiting for us. When we leave this world, we have a place waiting for us, where we will experience perfect joy that will never end. This is all through Jesus, who endured his own momentary troubles for us. Because of his troubles on that day, Jesus has opened eternal life for us all.

Whatever it is you are going through right now, God wants you to view your troubles in comparison to the eternal joys of heaven. Our joy and the glory in heaven will not be momentary, and whatever we endured on earth will be “light” in comparison. Keep your eyes on your heavenly home and trust the Lord to bring you through all your earthly troubles into the glories of heaven.

Prayer:
Dear Father in heaven, give me strength for the troubles of today. Help me to see things from your perspective and to keep my eyes on my heavenly home. Amen.

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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