Thursday Psalms: God Adorns You!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

You & I have the great privilege & pleasure to praise the Lord! Whether singing or speaking or serving others or working in our various jobs & vocations, we are blessed to praise the Lord! But why does God call us to praise Him? We certainly don't deserve to have any relationship with God, we don't merit being in His presence for prayer or praising. So how is it that God desires your praise?

Psalm 149

1 Praise the Lord!

Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise in the assembly of the godly!

2 Let Israel be glad in his Maker;

let the children of Zion rejoice in their King!

3 Let them praise His name with dancing,

making melody to Him with tambourine and lyre!

4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people;

He adorns the humble with salvation.

5 Let the godly exult in glory;

let them sing for joy on their beds.

6 Let the high praises of God be in their throats

and two-edged swords in their hands,

7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the peoples,

8 to bind their kings with chains and their nobles with fetters of iron,

9 to execute on them the judgment written!

This is honor for all His godly ones! Praise the Lord!

We find the answer to this "why" question in verse four: "For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He adorns the humble with salvation."

WOW! The Lord takes pleasure in...YOU! Yes, even though you & I and all people sin against the Lord, He continues loving you, desiring to hear your true confessions and He pleasures in forgiving your sins! WOW! Even though we're humiliated in our sins, He adorns us, His beloved children, with salvation!

Fully confident in God's promises kept, you can sleep well, singing for joy on our beds! We are blessed to rest in comfort, joy and peace, knowing our sins are forgiven and our eternal home is in heaven. We rest in God's pleasure and salvation, each night and at the end of our days!

Praise the Lord, He adorns you with salvation!

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

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105

Pilgrim Worship Sunday October 26, 2025

 

“The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.”  Psalm 46:7

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Festival of the Reformation

October 26, 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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

  First Reading:  Revelation 14:6-7

     Psalm:  Psalm 46

            Epistle:  Romans 3:19-28

            Gospel:  John 8:31-36

THEME FOR WORSHIP

The heart of Reformation Day is God’s great love for His Church, “…the city of God”.  God tells us He “is in the midst of her”, preserving her through the proclamation of the Gospel, in spite of man’s sin and weakness.

Our text for today is Psalm 46, which recognizes the real problems we face, all caused by the world, our sinful nature and the devil.  Even better, these words of God provide comfort and security to you & all believers living in the fortress of Jesus’ protection.  

We’re reminded again today, that no matter how chaotic things may seem, God stands above all things, and He gives you a place of comfort & safety in the midst of evil.  Our safety, your fortress is in Jesus!

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.

Pilgrim Website           Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thursday Psalms: Be Still!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

On the eve of All Saints Day in 1517, Martin Luther nailed 95 theses [statements] to the castle church door in Wittenberg, Germany.  The debates which followed kicked off a reforming of the Christian Church, which had gone far astray from God's Word. This coming Sunday, we will celebrate the Reformation in our worship service at Pilgrim.

Below is Psalm 46, a song of complete trust in God, particularly during times of crisis.  This psalm was a favorite of Luther's, and the basis of one of his most beloved and powerful hymns.  On Sunday, we'll sing that beautiful, traditional hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God to open our 10:30 am worship service.  Come on Sunday, join in with us!

Psalm 46

   ¹ God is our refuge and strength,

        a very present help in trouble.

   ² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

        though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

   ³ though its waters roar and foam,

        though the mountains tremble at its swelling.

   ⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

        the holy habitation of the Most High.

   ⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

        God will help her when morning dawns.

   ⁶ The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

        He utters His voice, the earth melts.

   ⁷  The Lord of hosts is with us;

         the God of Jacob is our fortress.

   ⁸  Come, behold the works of the Lord,

         how He has brought desolations on the earth.

   ⁹  He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

        He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

           He burns the chariots with fire.

   ¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.

         I will be exalted among the nations,

         I will be exalted in the earth!”

   ¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;

         the God of Jacob is our fortress.

"Be still"  These two simple words can speak to us in many ways; today they remind me of my grandmother Bernhardt.  My siblings and I would frequently spend a week at Grandpa and Grandma's house, and I remember her speaking these words to my brothers and I in a commanding tone.  Be still!   As young boys are apt to do, we were not being still during nap-time and needed some correction.  Grandmother was really saying "Be quiet and lie still!

Today, we can hear in these two words our heavenly Father's gifts of calm and comfort.  This was the psalmist's intent; he reminds us of who God is, and his mighty power over all things.  Because God loves his children, we shouldn't cower in fear, but rather be encouraged, calmed, and comforted.  So today, "Be still"  and think about the God who created and controls the entire universe and all things.  "Be still"  and know He loves you, He cares for you, and He has redeemed you, making you holy and perfect in His sight by the blood of Jesus!  Amen!

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

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday October 19, 2025

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 19, 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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:   Genesis 32:22–30

                Psalm:   Psalm 121

               Epistle:   2 Timothy 3:14–4:5

               Gospel:   Luke 18:1–8

THEME FOR WORSHIP

In his two letters to Timothy, the apostle Paul writes God’s words of encouragement and instruction to his dear friend & young pastor.  In the Epistle text today, God clearly gives unique roles & responsibilities to the men He calls to be His under-shepherds.  How do these verses apply to you?  Today we’ll focus on the precious gift of God’s Word, and how it enables you to fulfill your ministry.

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.

Pilgrim Website           Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thursday Psalms: God Keeps You!

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

We've all seen better days.  No, seriously.  

Whether you're enduring sickness, economic decline or simply getting older, many of you will agree that "things were better back then", whenever that may have been.  Many of you may also agree that "these days" are more sinful, evil, violent and frightening than even a year ago.  Looking around, both within your daily life and beyond, we would all agree we need some help getting through the hard things we suffer.  Perhaps today you're joining with the psalmist and asking "From where does my help come?"

Psalm 121

¹ I lift up my eyes to the hills.

     From where does my help come?

² My help comes from the Lord,

     who made heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot be moved;

     He who keeps you will not slumber.

⁴ Behold, He who keeps Israel

     will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord is your keeper;

     the Lord is your shade on your right hand.

⁶ The sun shall not strike you by day,

     nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all evil;

     He will keep your life.

⁸ The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in

     from this time forth and forevermore. 

Your good news today is clear and simple.  Your help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.   The Lord supports you when you're standing against harm, not letting you be moved. The Lord keeps you from harm and danger; He keeps you in His love and forgiveness.   The Lord shades and protects you from disasters, both natural and man-caused.   The Lord keeps you from evil, strengthens you against temptations and restores you with His forgiveness.   Especially powerful, the Lord keeps your entire life, so that the evil one, Satan, can not pull you away.  

Give thanks to the Lord today, right now, that He is your helper, your keeper, your protector and your Savior!  His love & protection for you is true always, from this time forth and forevermore! 

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

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105 

Pilgrim Worship Sunday October 12, 2025

 

James Tissot (1836-1902)   The Healing of Ten Lepers

Pilgrim Lutheran Church

The Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost

October 12, 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've returned to our regular Sunday schedule, starting with Adult Bible class at 9:15 am and 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 on Pilgrim's website.

Here is information about this worship service:

SCRIPTURE READINGS

   Old Testament:  Ruth 1:1–19a

           Psalm:  Psalm 111

       Epistle:  2 Timothy 2:1–13

       Gospel:  Luke 17:11–19

THEME FOR WORSHIP 

In the Gospel text today, we read St. Luke’s well-known account of Jesus’ interactions with ten lepers.  “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” they cried out.  Jesus mercifully healed these men, yet only one returned to Jesus in worship and thankfulness.

You & I are also outcasts from God, horribly sick with sin, a condition far worse than leprosy or any other earthly disease.  We cry out also, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.”  Jesus does indeed mercifully forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.  What is our response to God’s great mercy to us?  

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.

Pilgrim Website           Pilgrim Facebook page

Soli Deo Gloria

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105

Thursday Psalms: Gracious & Merciful!

  

Blessed Thursday to each of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, your Savior!

After reading Psalm 111 one might say the writer must be having a really good day with no big problems.  We may have days like this, but most are not.

Psalm 111

¹  Praise the Lord!

    I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,

      in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

² Great are the works of the Lord,

    studied by all who delight in them.

³ Full of splendor and majesty is His work,

    and His righteousness endures forever.

⁴ He has caused His wondrous works to be remembered;

    the Lord is gracious and merciful.

⁵ He provides food for those who fear Him;

    He remembers His covenant forever.

⁶ He has shown His people the power of His works,

    in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

⁷ The works of His hands are faithful and just;

    all His precepts are trustworthy;

⁸ they are established forever and ever,

    to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

⁹ He sent redemption to His people;

    He has commanded His covenant forever.

      Holy and awesome is His name!

¹⁰ The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;

      all those who practice it have a good understanding.

          His praise endures forever!

Are you suffering or feeling beaten down today?  Is the evil in the world pressing near you, leading you to despair and anguish?  In this psalm, the Lord has at least three important messages of encouragement for you today.  First consider verse four; not only are the Lord's amazing works remembered, but He has preserved His Word, the true and eternal record of His works and promises for you.  By reading & praying over God's Word, He causes you to remember how much He loves you and forgives your sins against Him.  In this, the Lord is indeed gracious and merciful!

Second, consider verse nine, the most important example of the Lord's grace & mercy.  God the Father sent Jesus His Son to this earth, to YOU and the rest of His people.  Jesus lived the only sinless life, and He willingly suffered & died the most cruel death on the cross, all so that He could take onto Himself ALL your punishment and pay the price for ALL your sins!  Every day and completely free of charge, God gives to you forgiveness, life and salvation!  In this, the Lord is most certainly gracious and merciful!

Third, in verse ten the Lord describes your new life, secure & glorious because you are a forgiven child of God.  Especially in your worst days, the fear of the Lord gives you true wisdom & understanding.  God never promises we can understand all that He does & allows to happen in our world.  But God does promise that you are secure in His mercy, grace and love, no matter what difficult things are in front of you.  In this, the Lord is also gracious and merciful!

So today & every day, the Lord calls you to remember His wondrous works and to pray over His perfect & true Word.  Every day, the Lord gives to you redemption & forgiveness of your sins!  Every day, you can live a new & forgiven life, secure in God's grace & mercy!

In all things, the Lord is most certainly gracious and merciful!

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

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."  Psalm 119:105