Thursday, July 10, 2025

Thursday Psalms: O Lord, Be Gracious!

 

Considering Sunday's Gospel includes Jesus' Parable of the Good Samaritan, it is easy to see why Psalm 41 is included in the readings for Sunday.  David compares those who care for the poor, sick and needy [vv 1-4] to his enemies who do the opposite to David when he needs help [vv5-9].  The first section is the basis for David's plea that the Lord save him, and it also condemns David's enemies who have not cared for him as the Lord requires.     

Psalm 41    To the choirmaster.  A Psalm of David.

Blessed is the one who considers the poor!

        In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him;

the Lord protects him and keeps him alive;

        he is called blessed in the land;

                You do not give him up to the will of his enemies.

The Lord sustains him on his sickbed;

        in his illness You restore him to full health.

As for me, I said, “O Lord, be gracious to me;

        heal me, for I have sinned against You!”

My enemies say of me in malice,

        “When will he die, and his name perish?”

And when one comes to see me, he utters empty words,

        while his heart gathers iniquity;

                when he goes out, he tells it abroad.

All who hate me whisper together about me;

        they imagine the worst for me.

They say, “A deadly thing is poured out on him;

        he will not rise again from where he lies.”

Even my close friend in whom I trusted,

        who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.

10 But you, O Lord, be gracious to me,

        and raise me up, that I may repay them!

11 By this I know that You delight in me:

        my enemy will not shout in triumph over me.

12 But You have upheld me because of my integrity,

        and set me in Your presence forever.

13 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

        from everlasting to everlasting!             

             Amen and Amen.


In the final movement of this psalm [vv10-13], we hear that David is certain that the Lord is on his side and not his enemies'.  David challenges the Lord to give him the promised salvation.  David acknowledges his "integrity" [v12a], that he does care for the poor and thus he brings the Lord's salvation to them.  Those who care for the poor are agents through whom the Lord brings deliverance and salvation.  As psalm 41 makes clear, salvation in all its forms ultimately comes from the Lord alone.

Though he is a sinner, David lives as one who trusts in the Lord  and desires to do His will.  In spite of David's present circumstances (sick, needy, under attack), he is certain of where he stands with the Lord.  Pray the Holy Spirit gives you this confidence and trust in God's promises, found throughout God's Word and purchased for us in the blood of Jesus Christ!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 


We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.


Pilgrim Website       Pilgrim Facebook page


Soli Deo Gloria

"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Monday, July 7, 2025

Pilgrim Worship Sunday July 6, 2025

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

July 6, 2025

We're thankful you've come here to watch our service and to worship the one true God!

This was another exciting Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!  We're now in our Summer Schedule starting with our 9:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gathered for food and conversations, while the children enjoyed Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS
 Old Testament:   Isaiah 66:10–14
              Psalm:   Psalm 66:1–7
             Epistle:   Galatians 6:1–10, 14–18
             Gospel:   Luke 10:1–20

THEME FOR WORSHIP
For anyone feeling overwhelmed in life, today’s Old Testament text offers a clear message of hope. You may have faced so many disappointments that you’re afraid or unable to even have hope again. Isaiah first spoke these words to God’s people in the 5th century before Jesus’ birth. Their disobedience and idolatry would be punished with years of Babylonian captivity followed by their return to their beloved but destroyed Jerusalem. Amid all these challenges, Isaiah announces that God’s people have certain hope in His promises, and they will move from grief to joy.

God’s promises are true for you today, too. Only God can truly bring life from death, joy from grief. Where & how does God deliver these gifts to you? With eyes of faith, Isaiah sees the Church, God’s dwelling among His people. God’s Church is not made of buildings & organizations, but of His people, gathered around His Word & Sacraments. Come and receive His gifts!


To watch the video of today's service, please click HERE.

Your servant in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188   


We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  
       Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.

Soli Deo Gloria

"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Thursday Psalms: Come and See!

These verses from Psalm 66 are calling us to join with all creation in praising God.  

Psalm 66:1-7

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of His name; give to Him glorious praise!

Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds!

        So great is Your power that Your enemies come cringing to You.

All the earth worships You and sings praises to You;

        they sing praises to Your name.”

Come and see what God has done:

        He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of man.

He turned the sea into dry land;

        they passed through the river on foot.

There did we rejoice in Him, who rules by His might forever,

        whose eyes keep watch on the nations - let not the rebellious exalt themselves.


Come and see what God has done!  On days we live in good health and under other great blessings of God, it's easy and comfortable to sing this song.  But on other days when our pain continues, and our struggles seem endless, can we still sing with the psalmist?  

Especially during your difficult times, ask yourself this question:  What is it that God has done for you?  What awesome deeds toward the children of man can you celebrate?  There is one I know for sure, even not knowing what's going on in your life.  God has sent His Son Jesus Christ, who became your Savior on Calvary's cross.  There Jesus completed His suffering and died for you, taking upon Himself all the punishment you deserve.  You are set free from the guilt & shame of your sins; confess them and they are forgiven!  That is as awesome as anything gets!  

Pause today and consider what God has done for you.  Come and see, Jesus has set you free!

Your servant in Christ,
Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188 


We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

     Sharing God’s Love & Mercy with Each Other & the World.


Pilgrim Website       Pilgrim Facebook page


Soli Deo Gloria

"The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble."  Psalm 9:9