Thursday Psalms: God Is Your Life!

We know neither the time nor author of Psalm 119, but God's Law plays a central role in the psalmist's life.  In today's section, the psalmist proclaims through his prayers that God is his life.  Three times he prays God would give him life.  At least once in each verse, the psalmist proclaims a different gift that God gives us to support and provide our lives.

PSALM 119:153-160

¹⁵³ Look on my affliction and deliver me,

       for I do not forget Your law.

¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause and redeem me;

       give me life according to Your promise!

¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked,

       for they do not seek Your statutes.

¹⁵⁶ Great is Your mercy, O Lord;

       give me life according to Your rules.

¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and my adversaries,

       but I do not swerve from Your testimonies.

¹⁵⁸ I look at the faithless with disgust,

       because they do not keep Your commands.

¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love Your precepts!

       Give me life according to Your steadfast love.

¹⁶⁰ The sum of Your word is truth,

       and every one of Your righteous rules endures forever.

We all know that we can't ever keep God's law, rules, or commands.  But God forgives us when we confess our failures and God's forgiveness gives us new life, both here on earth and eternally in heaven!

Thanks be to God, that He gives us life, that He is our life!  

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 25, 2023

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

June 25, 2023

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!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 9:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:7-13
                Psalm:  Psalm 91
               Epistle:  Romans 6:12-23
              Gospel:  Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
We’re continuing a four-week gospel series at the beginning of Pentecost, the season of discipleship.  As Jesus sends 12 of His disciples out to proclaim Him, He addresses their expectations.  As one of Jesus’ disciples, what are your expectations of discipleship?  Our glory-craving hearts will not particularly like what Jesus tells us today.  But there is good news; Jesus removes our fear so we can endure the suffering of discipleship.

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

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17   

Thursday Psalms: God Protects You!

This psalm is a strong confession of faith and describes a life of trusting in God's protective safety.  When frightening and difficult times come our way, God invites us to take refuge in the Lord, the One who remains eternally faithful to us.

PSALM 91

¹ He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.

² I will say to the Lord,

      “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

³ For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence.

⁴ He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you will find refuge;

      His faithfulness is a shield and buckler.

⁵ You will not fear the terror of the night,

      nor the arrow that flies by day,

⁶ nor the pestilence that stalks in darkness,

      nor the destruction that wastes at noonday.

⁷ A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand,

      but it will not come near you.

⁸ You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.

⁹ Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—

      the Most High, who is my refuge—

¹⁰ no evil shall be allowed to befall you,

      no plague come near your tent.

¹¹ For He will command His angels concerning you

      to guard you in all your ways.

¹² On their hands they will bear you up,

      lest you strike your foot against a stone.

¹³ You will tread on the lion and the adder;

      the young lion and the serpent you will trample underfoot.

¹⁴ “Because He holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him;

      I will protect him, because he knows My name.

¹⁵ When he calls to me, I will answer him;

      I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.

¹⁶ With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” 

We're tempted to think that verses 9-13 promise us an easy life, but even those who take refuge in the Lord are not exempt from these dangers.  God protects us during them, and will not let these threats separate us from Him.  God will not let us end up like the wicked, who reject Him [nota bene Romans 8:31-39].  

Another thing, we can't be tempted to test God as the devil tried to tempt Jesus with verse 11.  God does send His angels to watch over us, but we should never test God's patience and force Him to protect us.

When our lives go from "smooth sailing" to "rough water", how encouraging it is to know God is protecting us!  Our security & confidence always come from God's promises He has kept for us.  Jesus' death & resurrection provide for us forgiveness of sins and eternal life.  No earthly struggle or danger will ever be able to take away these gifts.  

Call on  the Lord and He will answer you!  We walk confidently even in these dangerous times because God is with us and will never let us become separated from Him!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 18, 2023

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday after Pentecost

June 18, 2023

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!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 10:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Exodus 19:2–8
                Psalm:  Psalm 100
               Epistle:  Romans 5:6–15
              Gospel:  Matthew 9:35–10:8

THEME FOR WORSHIP

Of course, the greatest gift of Jesus’ human life on earth is the salvation from our sins which Jesus won for us when He died on Calvary’s cross.  Jesus also teaches us so much about living lives of compassion in the communities into which God has placed us.  Matthew describes Jesus’ compassion for us in the Gospel text for today.  We are harassed and helpless, yet in His loving compassion, Jesus calls us to Him.  Jesus teaches, heals, forgives, and saves us.

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

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17  

Thursday Psalms: Giving Thanks!

As I read this psalm for today, at first it reminds me of a slice of apple pie.  We may feel good & joyful after eating a dessert, but these emotions usually don't last very long and desserts aren't usually healthy or nutritious.  However, on closer inspection we see much more than feel-good emotions in this psalm.

PSALM 100    A Psalm for giving thanks.

¹ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!

² Serve the Lord with gladness!

     Come into His presence with singing!

³ Know that the Lord, He is God!

     It is He who made us, and we are His;

         we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

⁴ Enter His gates with thanksgiving,

     and His courts with praise!

         Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

⁵ For the Lord is good;

     His steadfast love endures forever,

         and His faithfulness to all generations. 

Consider verse three:  the Lord is God, for sure.  But the God who created and sustains all things has made YOU to be His!  In your baptism, the Lord has named you and claimed you as His beloved child, and God will NEVER let go of you!  [nota bene:  Romans 8:38-39]

And God is not like some absentee landlord who owns you but does not know you.    the Lord loves, protects and provides for you; Jesus is the perfect Good Shepherd who cares for His sheep.  And, God is neither fickle nor does He grow tired of you.  His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness to all generations!

So enjoy the sweet and joyful flavor of this psalm today, but also be strengthened by the promises of God which it proclaims!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 11, 2023

The Calling of Saint Matthew, Caravaggio, 1599-1600

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Second Sunday after Pentecost

June 11, 2023

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!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 10:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Hosea 5:15–6:6

                Psalm:  Psalm 119:65–72
               Epistle:  Romans 4:13–25
               Gospel:  Matthew 9:9–13

THEME FOR WORSHIP
Jesus’ calling of Matthew is afforded only the fewest of words in today’s Gospel text, followed by the brief description of table fellowship at Matthew's home.  The Pharisees took great exception to this entire scene.  In turn, Jesus also calls them to discipleship, calling them to turn from the sinfulness in their own hearts and lives.  What is Jesus teaching you & me, as He continues calling us to lives of discipleship?

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

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17  

Thursday Psalms: Affliction Is Good!

 

All of us endure affliction & suffering; some result from our own sinful actions and others we endure without causing them. God causes and allows many of our afflictions in order to chasten and discipline us. God desires all "thorns in our flesh" to cause us to hear His words: "My grace is sufficient for you; My power is made perfect in weakness." [2 Corinthians 12:9]

I pray that all of you have experienced the benefits of loving discipline, both applied to you and applied by you. In the Psalm text for today, the psalmist shares an important and valuable perspective on his own suffering. He states this clearly in verses 67 and 71. The humility which comes from suffering is a discipline from God, which restores him to God's Word.

PSALM 119:65–72

65 You have dealt well with Your servant,

O Lord, according to Your word.

66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge,

for I believe in Your commandments.

67 Before I was afflicted I went astray,

but now I keep Your word.

68 You are good and do good;

teach me Your statutes.

69 The insolent smear me with lies,

but with my whole heart I keep Your precepts;

70 their heart is unfeeling like fat,

but I delight in Your law.

71 It is good for me that I was afflicted,

that I might learn Your statutes.

72 The law of Your mouth is better to

than thousands of gold and silver pieces.

In verse 66, the psalmist also teaches us another Godly response to affliction: we're to learn good judgement and knowledge from God's commands. I encourage you today to review each of God's ten commandments from memory, your LSB hymnal or Luther's Small Catechism. Consider how each is given by God in love, care, and for your benefit. There's no better way to learn judgement & knowledge from God, which we'll be able to apply to EVERY affliction or situation we must face.

Martin Luther wrote these words of prayer regarding verse 71: "It is good that You took my wisdom away from me, so that You might give me Yours". Yes, affliction is good when it opens our minds and hearts to receive God's wisdom & mercy! I pray you receive all of God's gifts today!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114

Pilgrim Worship Sunday June 4, 2023

 

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Festival of The Holy Trinity

June 4, 2023

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!  Once again, we had lots of great activities going on, starting with our 10:30 am Worship Service.  Afterward, we gathered for food, conversations, and Adult Bible study, 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about today's worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

     Old Testament:  Genesis 1:1–2:4a

                  Psalm:  Psalm 8
  Second Reading:  Acts 2:14a, 22–36
                 Gospel:  Matthew 28:16–20

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
As we consider God the Holy Trinity, we simply can never fully understand how God is always both one God and three Persons.  We believe and confess this by faith, yet God remains beyond our understanding.  However, because He loves us so dearly, God reveals Himself as the Holy Trinity so that we CAN understand much about Him.  God tells us all that we need to know about Him, by what He says and by what He does.

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

Peace in Christ, your Savior,

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save"  Zephaniah 3:17  

Thursday Psalms: The LORD Cares for YOU!

This coming Sunday commemorates The Holy Trinity, how God chooses to describe Himself to us, who we can never entirely understand. The Triune God is all things, including majestic, indescribable and beyond our understanding. Yet God reveals much about Himself that we can understand. We know who God is by what He says, and by what He does. David seems to capture these ideas in the Psalm for today.

PSALM 8 A Psalm of David.
1 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
You have set Your glory above the heavens.
2 Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
You have established strength because of Your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.
3 When I look at Your heavens, the work of Your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which You have set in place,
4 what is man that You are mindful of him,
and the son of man that You care for him?
5 Yet You have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
6 You have given him dominion over the works of Your hands;
You have put all things under his feet,
7 all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
8 the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

9 O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!

David marvels at the beauty and majesty of the Lord's, created world, even though he knows & sees only a fraction of what we know & see. David proclaims that the Lord is beautiful & majestic & glorious, because of the evidence David sees. But even more glorious, in verses 4-8 David points to the most glorious attribute of the Lord.

David knows one answer to the question he asks in verse four: man is nothing & deserves nothing when compared to the Lord, who is everything! Yet, the Lord cares for us, He cares for you! Why is this, David asks: "...what is man...that You care for him?"

You & I know this answer. We are loved, because God is love! You & I are loved by the Lord, and that is glorious, indeed! The majestic & glorious Triune God, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit loves you beyond your understanding. God explains in Romans 5:8

"...but God shows His love for us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

Give thanks & glory to your majestic Savior, who loves & cares for you!

Peace to you!

Pastor Mark

Pilgrim Lutheran Church, LCMS    Burton, Michigan

     We are Pilgrims with a Purpose:  

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

office:  810.744.1188

mobile:  248.881.7627

Pilgrim Website

Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your Word." Psalm 119:114