Thursday Psalms: Praise In the Ordinary!

The main message of the final Psalm in the Bible is pretty clear! 😁  It is easy to imagine this grand procession of worship and praise.  We can almost hear the loud clashing cymbals & other musicians.  We can see the dancing as a great parade proceeds to a glorious temple or cathedral or other place of worship.  What a powerful & uplifting scene David describes for us!

Psalm 150

¹ Praise the Lord!  Praise God in His sanctuary;

     praise Him in His mighty heavens!

² Praise Him for His mighty deeds;

     praise Him according to His excellent greatness!

³ Praise Him with trumpet sound;

     praise Him with lute and harp!

⁴ Praise Him with tambourine and dance;

     praise Him with strings and pipe!

⁵ Praise Him with sounding cymbals;

     praise Him with loud clashing cymbals!

⁶ Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

     Praise the Lord! 

But what about today?  How can this psalm speak to you & me today?  The Lord is mighty and so deserving of our praise in each hour of our ordinary lives.  Praise the Lord, in the details. 

When you or a loved one begins to feel better, finally turning the corner toward health restored...Praise the Lord!  

When a test result comes back with good news...Praise the Lord!  

After overcoming pride and apologizing, you hear the beautiful words "I forgive you"...  Praise the Lord!  

A friend invited to church wants to know more about Jesus...Praise the Lord!  

God gives you a new understanding or application during your daily Bible reading...Praise the Lord!  

God reminds you how much He desires to hear your prayers and answer them according to His will...Praise the Lord!  

You get the picture, Praise the Lord in all the details of your ordinary life!  God is not a far-away, detached God!  For God so loved this world that He gave His only Son, to become one of His creation and to save us by His life, death & resurrection!  Praise the Lord!  Say it again... 😁

Peace in Christ,

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

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday April 21, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Fourth Sunday of Easter

April 21, 2024

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 Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR SUNDAY

   First Reading:  Acts 4:1–12

              Psalm:  Psalm 23
             Epistle:  1 John 3:16–24
            Gospel:  John 10:11–18

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY
Sunday’s Gospel text from John 10 provides pure, beautiful and unadulterated comfort to a suffering Christian conscience.  In these words, we learn that Jesus is our Good Shepherd.  He defends us against the attacks of the wolf [the devil].  He sticks beside us and will never leave us, not like a hired hand, a faithless shepherd or a faithless pastor would do.  Jesus does all this of His own choosing, even laying down His life.  Because of this, He is worthy of the Father’s love.  There is also another great & powerful lesson for us to discover in this text, one that is both frightening and freeing.  

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

Peace in Christ,

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

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a  

Thursday Psalms: Your Good Shepherd!

This Sunday is often called the Sunday of the Good Shepherd, an image which describes the rescuing work of Jesus from Calvary's cross and the empty tomb.  Jesus is both the Lamb who was slain for your salvation, and your Good Shepherd, who lays down His life for the sheep.  Not surprisingly, the Psalm assigned for this coming Sunday is the 23rd Psalm, one of the best known and most loved texts in Scripture.  

PSALM  23     A PSALM OF DAVID.
The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
     He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
     for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
     I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
          your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
     in the presence of my enemies;
          you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
     all the days of my life,

          and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Two thoughts come to my mind as I read these beautiful verses.  First:  The LORD is my Shepherd.  We aren't  self-sufficient creatures; we depend on our Shepherd for everything.  Without Him we're soon lost.  We live in a state of constant need.  We're not in control of our path, our destinations, nor anything else.  Boy, do we like to think so.  Pause and give thanks to God your Father in heaven, that He sent His Son to be your Shepherd, who cares for you every day!

Second:  I will fear no evil.  O, there is plenty in our lives worthy of fear, and we fear more than we should.  But Jesus, your Good Shepherd defeated evil on Calvary's cross!  While the devil, the world and your sinful nature do harm you, they cannot kill you.  In His Easter morning resurrection, Jesus your Good Shepherd defeated death itself!  The great news of Easter is this:  instead of fearing evil and death, we live joy-filled lives, set free from guilt & shame by God's forgiveness.  We also look forward to eternal life in heaven with complete confidence and surety.

All of the comforts in this beautiful psalm are yours, because your Shepherd walked through the valley of death and rose victoriously for your salvation!  Rest and feast at HIs table, living in His house forever!

Peace in Christ, your awesome & good Shepherd!

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

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."  Psalm 46:1

Pilgrim Worship Sunday April 14, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Third Sunday of Easter

April 14, 2024

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 Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR THIS SERVICE

  First Reading:  Acts 3:11–21

             Psalm:  Psalm 4
            Epistle:  1 John 3:1–7
            Gospel:  Luke 24:36–49

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP SUNDAY
“O, grow up!”  “Stop being so childish!”  While these exclamations may be helpful sometimes, we all remain children, even remembered so after we die.  Being a child is an undeserved status, given to you by God, through the means of your parents.  In his first epistle, St. John proclaims your greatest status, that you are called a child of God!  What amazing and unexplainable love God has for you!

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

Peace in Christ,

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

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a   

Thursday Psalms: Sleep Well!

If you're like me, you sometimes have a hard time falling asleep.  Often our minds are still churning on the problems of the day, of the week, of our lives.  Sometimes worry keeps us awake, other nights it's our guilt.  David gives us some really good sleep-aid advice in Psalm 4, which opens with a verse of prayer and closes with three prayer verses.

PSALM 4
¹ Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!
     You have given me relief when I was in distress.
        Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!
² O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?
     How long will you love vain words and seek after lies? 
³ But know that the Lord has set apart the godly for Himself;
     the Lord hears when I call to Him.
⁴ Be angry, and do not sin;
     ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent.
⁵ Offer right sacrifices, and put your trust in the Lord.
⁶ There are many who say, “Who will show us some good?
     Lift up the light of your face upon us, O Lord!”
⁷ You have put more joy in my heart 
     than they have when their grain and wine abound.
⁸ In peace I will both lie down and sleep;

     for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. 

FIRST, notice how David prays in the first verse.  He is bold and honest about his questions and concerns, remembering and reminding that God has heard and answered him before.  David advises us by example:  don't hesitate to pray boldly, honestly and emotionally to God your heavenly Father!  If you're in a melancholy or sad place, PRAY IT to God.  If your situation is frantic and fearful, PRAY IT to God.  If you're confused and angry, PRAY IT to God.  Sins to confess... PRAY THEM to God.  You get the picture.  

God desires all your prayers, and has given His baptized children the Holy Spirit to be our Helper.  If your heart is sinful and wrong in your motives, the Spirit will direct your thoughts, convict you of your sin, and give you comfort.  Both the Holy Spirit [Romans 8:26] and Jesus Himself [Romans 8:34] have promised to intercede for our prayers with God the Father.

SECOND, David gives you and me advice about getting a good night's sleep.  Take the advice in verse four seriously; Jesus modelled this for us as He drove the dishonest and disrespectful businessmen out of the Temple [Matthew 21:12].  Every night before sleeping, confess all your anger and other sins to God, so you can fall asleep in the comfort of His forgiveness [verse 8].  It is only the Lord's forgiveness which allows you to "dwell in safety" from the devil and sleep "in peace" by His great mercy.

Nightly honest & serious prayer, along with heartfelt confession of our sins; these are the BEST sleep aids EVER!

Peace in God alone,

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 

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday April 7, 2024

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Second Sunday of Easter

April 7, 2024

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 Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 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 later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR THIS SERVICE

  First Reading:   Acts 4:32–35
             Psalm:   Psalm 148
            Epistle:   1 John 1:1–2:2
            Gospel:   John 20:19–31

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
In our Scripture readings God gives us so many spiritual gifts!  In the Epistle reading, St. John reminds us how God faithfully forgives our confessed sins.  We’ll speak these same words today, as we prepare to confess our sins together.  Jesus gives His peace to His disciples on the first Easter evening, and again to Thomas a week later.  Jesus also gives His disciples God the Holy Spirit, who enables them to live in the peace He gives.  Jesus gives His Church the responsibility for forgiving or withholding sins.  Be prepared to be gifted by God!

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

Peace in Christ,

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

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a  

Thursday Psalms: God Raises Up!

As we read this psalm, we quickly become overwhelmed by the Lord's vast creation, completely praise-worthy and all HIs creation praises Him, even the waters, mountains & creeping things!

PSALM 148

¹ Praise the Lord!

        Praise the Lord from the heavens;

                praise Him in the heights!

² Praise Him, all His angels;

        praise Him, all His hosts!

³ Praise Him, sun and moon,

        praise Him, all you shining stars!

⁴ Praise Him, you highest heavens,

        and you waters above the heavens!

⁵ Let them praise the name of the Lord!

        For He commanded and they were created.

⁶ And He established them forever and ever;

        He gave a decree, and it shall not pass away.

⁷ Praise the Lord from the earth,

        you great sea creatures and all deeps,

⁸ fire and hail, snow and mist,

        stormy wind fulfilling His word!

⁹ Mountains and all hills,

        fruit trees and all cedars!

¹⁰ Beasts and all livestock,

        creeping things and flying birds!

¹¹ Kings of the earth and all peoples,

        princes and all rulers of the earth!

¹² Young men and maidens together,

        old men and children!

¹³ Let them praise the name of the Lord,

        for His name alone is exalted;

        His majesty is above earth and heaven.

¹⁴ He has raised up a horn for His people,

        praise for all His saints,

        for the people of Israel who are near to Him.

        Praise the Lord! 

But in the final verse we find the greatest reason for our praise, and the Easter connection to this Sunday's readings.  "He [the Lord ] has raised up a horn for His people..."  In God's word, horns are emblems of power, dominion, glory, and fierceness, witnessed by the animals who use them as their chief means of attack and defense.  "Horn" is used as a metaphor for strength in Deuteronomy 33:17 and for honor in Job 16:15 & Lamentations 2:3, and are also symbols of royal dignity and power (Jeremiah 48:25 ; Zechariah 1:18 ; Daniel 8:24 ).  The expression "horn of salvation," applied to Christ, means a salvation of strength, or a strong Savior (Luke 1:69). 

So this week just after our glorious Easter celebration, join me in thanking & praising God, that He has "raised up" Jesus from death, to be our horn of  salvation!  Jesus gives to you His resurrection, so you and I will be raised up too!  God raises you up in the middle of troubles in this life, and God will raise you up after death to live forever with Him in heaven!

Live today in the joy of being Raised Up!

Peace in God alone,

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

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a  

Pilgrim Easter Sunday Worship March 31, 2024

Christ's Appearance to Mary Magdalene after the Resurrection

Alexander Andreyevich Ivanov (1806 - 1858)

  Pilgrim Lutheran Church

Easter Sunday Worship

March 31, 2024

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

This was another glorious Easter Sunday at Pilgrim Lutheran Church!

If you live in the Burton area, please consider joining us on Sunday mornings!  Each Sunday begins with our Adult Bible study at 9:15 am, then our 10:30 am Worship service.  Afterward, we gather for food and conversations, while the children enjoy Sunday School.  These classes are full of activities and teaching, so the children learn how much God loves them!  

Anyone can watch our services live on Facebook or later on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

BIBLE READINGS FOR THIS SERVICE

     Easter Proclamation:  Luke 24:1-5

              Old Testament:  Isaiah 25:6-9  
                          Epistle:  1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
                          Gospel:  Mark 16:1–8

OUR THEME FOR WORSHIP
Easter morning brings many different emotions & feelings.  This morning we see beautiful flowers, the delicious aroma of breakfast drifts down the hallway, and our ears are filled with triumphant music.  Perhaps you’re thrilled that the somber, repentant season of Lent is behind you.  Perhaps preparing for gatherings of family or friends has left you exhausted.  Perhaps you don’t feel much today; you’ve been here, you’ve done this, and the story is the same today as last year.  Consider the women in Mark’s Gospel.  Alarm, fear and running away is how they celebrated the first Easter morning.  Their Easter emotions were very different from ours…or were they?

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

Peace in Christ,

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

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom..."  Psalm 111:10a