This hymn/prayer of St. Francis speaks for itself. Rather than muddy the waters and the word of St. Francis with 21st century thoughts, let me suggestion for you and I to speak this hymn’s lyrics two times, okay? Then, again on Sunday, and frequently, thereafter.
Prayer: Gracious God, place your will into our will, your love, into our love, your spirit into our spirit, so we may be more like your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Refrain
Make me an instrument of your peace. O God, fill me with love. Make me an instrument of your peace. O God, make me an instrument of your peace.
1 Wherever there is hatred, let me sow love Wherever there is sorrow, let me sow joy. Wherever there is oppression, freedom let me sow. O God, fill me with love. Refrain
2 May I seek to console, not to be consoled.May I seek to pardon, not to be pardoned. I seek to understand, not to be understood. O God, fill me with love. Refrain
3 May I be mindful that all creatures are one: Sisters and brothers with the earth and sun. I pray release me from my need to be in charge. O God, fill me with love. Refrain
1Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; 2but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night. 3They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. 4The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6for the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.
What makes you ‘Happy?’ What puts a smile on your face? How long lasting is that period of ‘happy?’ Most of our life experiences are temporal, fleeting? A trick of a pet, a cute picture of a child or grandchild? Someone thanking you for doing them a favor or an act of kindness. But then, something changes and the happiness turns to dislike, or anger, or frustration.
The Psalmist understands that typical human cycle of ‘happy’ to being expected to have someone demanding and then conflict. The Psalmist is suggesting a more enduring ‘Happiness’ that is not chemical, not artificial not so temporal as a ‘feeling’ rather an on-going condition.
2 but their delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law they meditate day and night.
The focus for these people is one whose orientation, like a flower rotating to follow the sun and its beams. Eyes, heart, mind, lifestyle, set upon God, God’s word God’s will, God’s Law, God’s directions for living.
I am so frustrated by what seems to be the current and consistent behaviors/language in our culture totally foreign/alien to God-talk, and God-directed actions and lives. I understand it- it is sin, I have you have it. Gee, God must be totally patient until God coming day of Judgement.
Be like the trees planted by the water, well-nourished and flourishing. Let others shame you, criticize you, it is ONLY God we need to please to be happy. The others will simply perish.
PRAYER: Lord, we seek more permanent, more eternal joys, happiness, and fulfillment than those the world teases us with. Nurture within us, your gentle Spirit of grace, love, peace, kindness, and let us fulfill your LAW by being people of your Kingdom. In Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
DAY 15- MARCH 4 THURSDAY
GOD LOVED THE WORLD: MY STORY, ALL HUMANITY’S STORY INTERSECTING WITH JESUS’ STORY! PRAISE GOD!
GOD LOVED THE WORLD... EL WORSHIP BOOK
1 God loved the world so that he gave his only Son, the lost to save,
that all who would in him believe should everlasting life receive.
2 Christ Jesus is the ground of faith, who was made flesh and suffered death;
all who confide in Christ alone are built on this chief cornerstone.
3 If you are sick, if death is near, this truth your troubled heart can cheer;
Christ Jesus saves your soul from death; that is the firmest ground of faith.
4 Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son forgives all sins which you have done,
and justified by Jesus’ blood, your baptism grants the highest good.
Text: Gesangbuch, Bollhagen, 1791; tr. August Crull, 1846-1923, alt.
From the Lenten section of our worship hymnal, comes this less familiar hymn, but words are most known from John 3:14. Let me raise up word clusters that grab me.
“ God loved the world
Never take for granted, but it is available for us!
he gave his only Son, the lost to save,
Christ was not lost on planet earth, he can to find all of us, the lost!
Christ Jesus is the ground of faith,
Make not doubt about the centrality of how and who makes our new life possible, Christ Jesus.
who was made flesh and suffered death; (his story)
He offers his life freely in His suffering, redemptively, not ours!
If you are sick, if death is near, (our story- our hope in Christ Jesus)
Christ Jesus saves your soul from death
Be of good cheer, for God’s own Son forgives all sins”
A wonderful way to restate John 3 by the hymnwriter.
Prayer: Lord, you came our way and met us to redeem us from being lost and so wayward. Lord, your journey was routed to intercept us, by surprise, and it was. Your grace and unconditional love in incomprehensible. May all I say, think, and do, genuinely give honor, praise and glory to you, now and forever in your Kingdom. Amen.
MARCH 3 DAY 14, WEDNESDAY
Beneath the Cross of Jesus
1 Beneath the cross of Jesus I long to take my stand;
the shadow of a mighty rock within a weary land,
a home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat and burdens of the day.
2 Upon the cross of Jesus, my eye at times can see
the very dying form of one who suffered there for me.
And from my contrite heart, with tears, two wonders I confess:
the wonder of his glorious love and my unworthiness.
3 I take, O cross, your shadow for my abiding place;
I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss,
my sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.
Text: Elizabeth C. Clephane, 1830-1869
A true expression of our penitent heart crying out in the darkness, of our existence. That probably contributes to its popularity among the ‘older.’ crowd.
As we age we sense the years of broken hopes and dreams. Political figures get caught in moral scandals, those on our pedestals, fall and are fractured by the media. But our Lord is ‘the home within the wilderness.’ Within God’s camp there is safety from the world and all of its threats. There is peace and ‘A Balm in Gilead’ cool spring of cool, refreshing water from the scorching sun. Can you feel the calming and cooling presence of our Lord?
a home within a wilderness, a rest upon the way,
from the burning of the noontide heat and burdens of the day.
Christ became our substitution sacrifice for human sin. He who knew no sin literally became my sin, your sin as he hung upon the Cross at Golgotha. When I realize he is and was hanging there for Me, for Me, for Me. How can I ignore the pain, love, all mingled down. My heart must be touch by his sacrifice. He for me! Yes, He for me! It is totally awesome, the wonder of his glorious love, and in stark contrast, my total bankruptcy
the very dying form to contribute one who suffered there for me.
And from my contrite heart, with tears, two wonders I confess:
the wonder of his glorious love and my unworthiness.
Having nothing in the covenant of grace Christ placed on the table, Lord, what can I say, all I want. Lord, all I seek is to serve you. Lord, I desire forever to be warmed by the sunshine of your face, dear Jesus. Lord, let me never be foolish enough, to seek greener pastures for there are none, only you, my Lord. Amen.
your shadow for my abiding place; I ask no other sunshine than the sunshine of his face;
content to let the world go by, to know no gain nor loss, my sinful self my only shame, my glory all, the cross.
March 2-- DAY 13, TUESDAY
Psalm 46 1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
4 There is a river whose stream make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. 9 He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields[d] with fire. 10 He says, “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 Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.
1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
This is the Psalm which touched the Reformer, Martin Luther so profoundly that it was the text he incorporated into his timeless hymn, A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD.
Attributes of our Lord, he is our refuge= the one we go to for comfort, healing, protection, the mother/father figure in one’s life. God is our STRENGTH. Times when we feel or know we are literally or figuratively weak. In aging, we discover the weakness of our joints and muscles., and even life itself.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.[c]
Therefore, we will not fear…
Easier said than achieved, we might say. But the Psalmist knows out there in the real world, there is plenty of chaos, dangers abound, creation seems to reject humanity. The sound of mountains eroded into bodies of water, the angry waters of a Lake Huron, when they are dark grey and ugly. The mountains that once sang to God and trees clapped their branches in other psalms, now are quaking, shaking, fearful for what is going upon them, as well.
God is calling all creation, all people to LISTEN UP to the LORD. There is only ONE Supreme being, one big cheese, one that we must listen and obey. LOOK, you people of God, THE ALMIGHTY IS WITH US…. HE IS OUR VERY FORTRESS!
Application 1- NOTHING is beyond God’s power, reach, or will.
Application 2- While life, seems to be ‘out of control’ God has this under God’s power and control.
Application 3- The World may ‘hate’ us, it is God we only need to please!
Application #4- As we, in today’s uncertain world for raising family, making personal decisions, anxiety of life/death. We know Christ has that beaten, at the cross for all people, all times.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help us to see the challenges of life not a immutable barriers, but as ways to train us to serve faithfully. In our Lenten songs, in our Lenten readings, fee our souls for living faithfully by your power, not our power, Lord. In Christ’s name I pray. Amen.
MARCH 1 DAY 12, MONDAY LOVE LIFTED ME RANDY TRAVIS
I was sinking deep in sin Far from the peaceful shore Very deeply stained within Sinking to rise no more
But the Master of the sea Heard my despairing cry From the waters lifted me Now safe am I
Love lifted me Love lifted me When nothing else could help Love lifted me
Love lifted me Love lifted me When nothing else could help Love lifted me
All my heart to Him I give Ever to Him I'll cling In His blessed presence live And ever His praises sing
Love so mighty and so true It merits my soul's best songs Faithful, loving service, too To Him belongs
REFRAIN
His love lifted me Oh, His love lifted me
Ever use the common expression, ‘I feel down in the dumps?’ Honestly, most of us have said it. Life may seem pointless, like a struggle, 1 step forward and we slide back 6 or 7. We feel we have tried everything, right? To no avail. The New Testament suggestions LOOKING BEYOND OURSELVES TO HEAVEN. Set our minds in Godly things. Our God walks with us, beside us, and preparing the way for us.
Have your tried simply, Bible in hand, turn to the book of Psalms. For even in the laments of God’s people their song turns back to their loving God, steadfast in our favor. You will hear through the people of God, their tears and their praise, a faith and strength to make it one more day. How you may ask, LOVE LIFTED THEM. As it continues to lift millions every day. Love is accessible in Christ. Love does indeed lift us up. Even when nothing else can do it, God’s love does lift us up. Come to God’s fountain and drink. Come to our God and taste and see that our God is good. Come, Come!
PRAYER: Many times, in our lives, we hunger and thirst and find no relief. Draw us to you, Lord. You are our only salvation. In our blindness, we lose direction and our way. Set us right, lift us up with your love, dear Jesus. Amen
SUNDAY, FEB. 28 2nd Sunday of Lent
Some reflection of today's Gospel reading. Please remember we weekly provide a FULL hour of worship of word of the Lord and the music of God's saints (30+ minutes chosen just for you this week! Your feedback is heard. Please provide your comments/comments. Daily devotions are drafted by Pastor for your reflection on FB, don doerzbacher and our saviour pages. The days are Monday thru Saturday, since Sundays were not counted in the 40 days of Lent. Sundays: Local radio- 8:30 am, 1380, AM, WPHM, 85+ YEARS (1938), 6 years (before pandemic) Simulcast, internet- no radio, www.wphm.net @ 8:30 am; and also for any time, for weeks, PODCAST, www.wphm.net.
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FEB 25 DAY 11, SATURDAY Colossians 3:1
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your [1] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. 6 Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. [2] 7 You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Many books, articles, and formulas have been proposed to relief stress, sleep better, forget about unpleasant thoughts, etc. However, the Apostle Paul had the winning combo without meds, drugs, nor a self-improvement library. Truth is simple, but is so complicated, too. It has never been about us. It is not even about escapism, nor the power of positive thinking. Rather, it is re-framing our life from the temporal, earthly things, which frustrate, distract, and bring us down.
I hope you have begun to learn, as I too, struggle to look up, call out to God, to think from a heavenly point of view about those things that perplex and bring me down. To this world, we are “dead’ Paul reminds. 9 since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.
We are ‘putting on the new self.’ Not yet finished. Just in the process to becoming the new person deemed to be in Jesus Christ. I want it now, right? Do not delay, make me perfect, NOW! God says, all in due time. When Christ returns and the new life, new heavens and a new earth, THEN is the acceptable time for comple5ting what has begun here by our faith relationship in Jesus Christ. MY PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to keep my eye on the ball and not be distracted by the less important stuff. Raise my sites and attention heavenward but also in serving you n this world with people with real needs, with my feet firmly planted on your created world. In Christ’s love. I pray. So let it be. Amen.
FEB 24 DAY 10, FRIDAY PS 16
8 I keep the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. 10 For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. 11 You show me the path of life. In your presence there is fullness of joy; in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Ever notice the pleura of self proclaimed gurus and psychological writing their books and having tv interviews of their ‘true’ insight so the ‘human problem/predicament.’ Why does humanity ignore the 4000 year old ‘source’ of the analogy of God’s Eternal Word.
The Psalmist understood that the reality is walking next to us. God IS AT MY RIGHT HAND. Nothing can move me. God alone makes the fragments of my broken life ‘sing’ again. Incomplete thinking/seeing, fear/anxiety meet then enemy , the Lord of creation and redemption and are defeated in Christ’s blood. Now, and in Resurrection, my body, mind, and my spirit, will rest secure. Lord, you have shown me the path of lIfe. In your presence there is fullness of joy. PRAYER: My Lord, I need your and your promised in the assault of this world and its dangers, and chaos, Bring your light, your Spirit, and renew my faith in this perishing world that so many trust, I ask this In the name of the true victor and my Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
FEB 23 DAY 8, THURSDAY
When Peace like a River It Is Well with My Soul
1 When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll, whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well, it is well with my soul. Refrain It is well (it is well) with my soul, (with my soul,) it is well, it is well with my soul.
2 Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, let this blest assurance control, that Christ has regarded my helpless estate, and has shed his own blood for my soul. Refrain It is well (it is well) with my soul, (with my soul,) it is well, it is well with my soul.
3 He lives--oh, the bliss of this glorious thought; my sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to his cross and I bear it no more. Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Refrain
4 Lord, hasten the day when our faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, the trumpet shall sound and the Lord shall descend; even so it is well with my soul. Refrain
Text: Horatio G. Spafford, 1828-1888
The words to this deep emotional hymn should not be taken lightly. Horatio Spafford have lost his wealth in the Great Chicago Fire. A few years later, his wife and children went ahead of him on a steamship for a vacation to England. The ship sunk with crew and hundreds of other passengers, including Horatio’s wife and children.
As soon as he could get another steamship to England, Horatio and fellow passengers were informed by this new captain of the approximate spot the former steamship had sunk with all those deaths. Horatio, in his manuscript, noted he was moved to write this hymn’s lyrics over the sight of were it was believe Horatio and so many others lost family members by a terrible event. Pain for their death instead of a happy, joyful vacation in England.
Losses are a terrible fact of life. Ponder the lyrics. Horatio says it best. I could not add anything to his pain, sadness, grief, series of misfortunes, and yet, FAITH was foremost for him.
That is worthy to pray about. Verse 4 speaks of hope, future victory of our Lord.
Prayer: Gracious and steadfast Lord, in this world we think we have security in the things around us. Only you, my Lord, are strong, immutable, and enduring. When our idols, are crushed, when our heart is broken, help us to rise up in you, Lord, and say ‘it is still well with my soul, too.’ On the solid rock, I pray, dear Lord. Amen.
FEB 24 DAY 7, WEDNESDAY
This past weekend's broadcast of the Gaither Music Hour had a special great singer who had recently died. His deep, deep bass was awesome. The video was of him singing these lyrics. I believe the words touch on the theme of our life’s journey. Look up the Gaither’s and this hymn on U Tube.
THE LORD STILL LIVES IN THIS OLD HOUSE
If this earthly tabernacle should be dissolved today, I'd trade it for a finer one that would not pass away. But 'til the day arrives when it's time for moving out, It's such sweet peace to know the Lord still lives in this old house.
The sweetest fellowship I've known has fortified these walls. And peace has reigned since He's been won up and down these halls. With snow upon the rooftop now and these hinges near worn out, It's such a joy to know the Lord still lives in thie old house.
CHORUS To Him it's been a dwelling place where He kept my hand in His. To me a home away from Home is all it really is. It sure ain't fine or fancy, and all I can boast about Is after all these years, the Lord still lives in this old house.
There were times He had the right to up and move away. And there were times it took His great amazing Grace to stay. But He never left this old building once, that's why I can sing and shout 'Cause after all these years the Lord still lives in this old house. CHORUS: To Him it's been a dwelling place where He kept my hand in His. To me a home away from Home is all it really is. It sure ain't fine or fancy, and all I can boast about Is after all these years, the Lord still lives in this old house.
Is after all these years, the Lord still lives in this old house. The young may not understand what is coming there way. But the wise and experienced know the passages we must all go through if we survive the dangers. God is good! God lives with us by the water of our baptism.
PRAYER: Lord, you have made your presence in the midst of your community of faith and even within our llves as we age. Continue to raise us up as we falter. Continue to encourage us with your grace. And, Lord, also help us to be mindful of others in their aging and struggles with the patience and compassion of Jesus Christ. Amen.
FEB 23 DAY 6, TUESDAY
Raised in the church these many decades, I heard, I sang, I meditated on the words of this hymn. Perhaps, you have heard it or it is unfamiliar. Regardless, ponder them this day for the days of our life. We walk this journey, not alone, but with our Savior.
The Glory of These Forty Days
1 The glory of these forty days we celebrate with songs of praise;for Christ, through whom all things were made, himself has fasted and has prayed. 2 Alone and fasting Moses saw the loving God who gave the law; and to Elijah, fasting, came the steeds and chariots of flame.
3 So Daniel trained his mystic sight, delivered from the lions' might; and John, the Bridegroom's friend, became the herald of Messiah's name. 4 Then grant, O God, that we may, too, return in fast and prayer to you. Our spirits strengthen with your grace, and give us joy to see your face.
Many saints of old had discovered the power of ‘spiritual food fasting.’ As the lyrics refer, sometimes by personal decision and sometimes imposed upon the saints, the separation from food, behaviors, or drinking had ‘cleared the mind’ to ‘see’ God better and God’s place in their life. Consider, perhaps, a daily period of a fast from ‘social media’ of 2-4 hrs, a fast from ‘looking and holding our phones,’, or some other behavior. The freed time can be directed to prayer, Scripture, or service to another person. God guide us to use these days, wisely.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help us to separate the desires of this temporary existence from the eternal worth of life lived in and through you and your Holy Spirit. Let this Lenten period mark a new day in our lives. For Christ’s sake. I pray. Amen
FEB 22 DAY 5, MONDAY
On this past Saturday (Feb. 20) morning the Gaither Music Hour was on and I watched as it my habit. It was incredibly early in the morning, I might add. They sang this Bill Gaither hymn, CHILD OF THE KING. For me, it was empowering and restored my perspective of this failing world. Its lyrics:
Child Of The King Bill Gaither
Once I was clothed in the rags of my sin, Wretched and poor, lost and lonely within. But with wondrous compassion, the King of all kings, In pity and love, took me under His wings.
Oh, yes, oh yes, I'm a child of the King His royal blood now flows in my veins. And I who was wretched and poor now can sing Praise God, praise God, I'm a child of the King.
Now I'm a child with a Heavenly home, My Holy Father well he's made me His own. And I'm washed by His blood, and I'm clothed in His love, And some day I'll sing with the angels above.
Oh, yes, oh yes, I'm a child of the King His royal blood now flows in my veins. And I who was wretched and poor now can sing Praise God, praise God, I'm a child of the King.
I have found over 60 years, the value of Christian music to touch me, may be, you? The inspiration of the poet with the lyrics and the musician composing the musical score to bring the words to life! In our personal journeys, we often loose sight of whose we are, while walking in the trenches of mud. Redeemed in Christ, we are as the Apostle wrote, MORE THAN CONQUERORS through Jesus Christ. Our journey regardless of years in length or brevity is wrapped in Christ, review the lyrics in the above hymn. If you are electronic, U TUBE the Gaither Music for this selection. I am sure it will grab you as it did me. Have a blessed Monday, Child of the King!
JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE, FOR SATURDAY, FEB. 20
3 When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more; guide me gently, safely o’er to thy kingdom shore, to thy shore. RefrainJust a closer walk with thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea; daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
3 When my feeble life is o’er, time for me will be no more;
All journeys have a ‘starting point’ and regretfully/sadly an ‘ending point.’ A vacation long anticipated brings us back to the reality we left. A honeymoon transports us in our fairy time away, to a return to the mundane life of job and family. Well, so it is with birth, schooling, jobs, careers, as Ecclesiastes writes, “a time for everything, a time to be born and a time to die.” While we know it we generally want to forget or ignore the ‘grim reaper.’ The hymn reminds us, that TIME FOR ME WILL BE NO MORE.
Guide me, gently, safely o’er to thy kingdom shore, to thy shore.
As we lived daily needing God presence, so we die, needing God’s Presence into the next realm of our existence. And surprise, for those in Jesus Christ, it will be incredibly better than this 1st go-around. For it will be to God’s shore, God’s Kingdom shore. As Paul wrote, whether we live or we die, we are Christ’s. Always God’s!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, you hold our very life, existence, and destiny in the palm of your hand. Help us not to fear but to trust in your love, and abiding forgiveness to welcome us a one of your own redeemed In Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
BECAUSE LENT IS 40 DAYS, PLUS SUNDAYS. The devotionals take 1 day off Sunday per week. Listen to us on Radio, Simulcast, or podcast. Blessing! WPHM., WPHM.NET
JOURNEYS: YOUR LIFE UNFOLDING, THE HUMAN JOURNEY. THE LORD JESUS’ JOURNEY. FEBR 19 DAY 3, FRIDAY JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE Verse 2
Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares? Who with me my burden shares? None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee. Refrain Just a closer walk with thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea; daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be.
Through this world of toil and snares, if I falter, Lord, who cares? If you and I listened to the testimonies/heartaches/ tragedies of others of so many people after: personal losses- homes, family members, marriages, children, victims of crimes, etc. you may be inclined to curse an ‘almighty’ if there was one, right?
You and I have experiences/events, in rapid secession or over a lifetime and develop ‘coping skills’ for these emotional pits and disappointments.
The fundamental question in the hymn verse is ‘if I falter, LORD who cares?’ Faith holds on with each let down to the hand, of the divine one. One ‘unseen’ but no the less still present. Walking with us in our life’s journey, right? It is not ‘feelings’ but rather faith grounded in repeated times of God’s healing/hopeful confirmations of a caring/ aware/ responsive/ compassionate/ forgiving God in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Who with me my burden shares? None but thee, dear Lord, none but thee.
Remember the words of the great hymn, BE STILL MY SOUL. The Lord is on our side. Or the hymn, On Christ the Solid Rock I Stand all other ground. Oh, my soul, take heart. God who brought you and I this is not about to abandon us now.
PRAYER: My Lord, when I become so sad, angry, negative, and bitter, help me to remember your Presence in all of my life’s events, regaining my balance of your goodness. You are a God of HOPE. Be near me and supply my inward needs as well as my outer needs. In Christ’ name. Amen.
FEBR 18 DAY 2 devotional THURSDAY
Just A Closer Walk With Thee, ELW 697 Refrain Just a closer walk with thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea; daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be. 1 I am weak but thou art strong: Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to thee.
Refrain The theme I selected for Lent 2021 has been: THE JOURNEY: OUR PERSONAL JOURNEY, THE HUMAN FAMILY’S JOURNEY, AND OUR LORD JESUS’ JOURNEY.
I raised a question a couple of videos ago, on FACEBOOK VIDEO, about who authorized this JOURNEY? What if I don’t want to go? I don’t want to participate, must I? What is the ‘designer’s’ purpose of this journey? Can I trust the convenor of the trip? The answer is it is the Lord who brought me into this world. I had no responsibility for my entrance, the conditions of my birth, my birth family, my DNA, whatever. I and you entered here powerless. This is GOD’S GAME BOARD; I have referred to for decades. To understand the journey, I need to discover God and God’s nature and whether I can trust this ‘divine spirit’ unseen and yet always present Jesus Christ and his brilliant heart of love. For many of us children, we learned young in life that God can be trusted, even if unseen to me. Our launch in life began, sort of smooth. For those without that experience/or love-sense, they must acquire it in a different route, but God will guide you to that understanding. The hymn, JUST A CLOSER WALK WITH THEE, has for generations suggests one of many paths to ‘grow’ into God as you develop. Just a closer walk with thee, grant it, Jesus, is my plea; daily walking close to thee, let it be, dear Lord, let it be. (the refrain)
This JOURNEY of our days, begins with a humble spirit, asking, not demanding, God to reveal God’s self to us. Humble in that we ask, please, Lord grant this for me, for you alone can dispense it. I am weak but thou art strong: Jesus, keep me from all wrong; I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to thee.
Clearly, by age 10 to 15 yrs., we understand that we are powerless over so much of our life and getting to achieve all we want in school, sports, or life. Our weakness may drive us to depression or resignation of life itself, regretfully, like these dark days of a pandemic. As the hymn indicates we are ‘powerless’ but in contrast, God in Christ is all powerful and offers to help us ‘carry our load.’
When it seems like we could flip over to curse God and do evil, then, we greatly need Christ support to keep us safe from all evil. To walk with Christ is the walk of life, a life of trust, a life learn in increments. Lord, walk close with me, right?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, let us not give up the cause, the trust, the walk with you. Walk with us even when we may seem not to trust you. This is our daily plea, dear Lord. In Jesus' name, I pray. AMEN
JOURNEYS: YOUR LIFE UNFOLDING, THE HUMAN JOURNEY. THE LORD JESUS’ JOURNEY.
FEBRUARY 17 The Ash Wednesday, Psalm 51 begins us….
Psalm 51:1-17 (NRSV)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you alone, have I sinned, and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are justified in your sentence and blameless when you pass judgment. 5 Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me. 6 You desire truth in the inward being; therefore teach me wisdom in my secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones that you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me away from your presence, and do not take your holy spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and sustain in me a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will return to you. 14 Deliver me from bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation, and my tongue will sing aloud of your deliverance.
15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise. 16 For you have no delight in sacrifice; if I were to give a burnt offering, you would not be pleased. 17 The sacrifice acceptable to God is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
OUR PERSONAL JOURNEY COMMENCES TODAY as it does every year with Ash Wednesday for Lent. Psalm 51 calls us to come clean as we advance in our life and approach our great God. At our core, we have nothing to take pride in before God, even with our best efforts are filthy rags. Rather, God wants of us a humble and broken spirit and a contrite heart (remorse) for our sin.
WE PRAY… Lord, as our journey begins join with us in seeing ourselves as you see us. Then, we can become more honest and truthful of where and what we are doing in our life’s journey. In Christ’s name. AMEN. Shot in chancel of OUR SAVIOUR while videoing 6 min. segment for Facebook Lenten series on Sundays and Wednesdays. Check them out on don doerzbacher or our saviour pages.
DUE TO THE CURRENT MEDICAL GLOBAL CRISIS NO IN-HOUSE GATHERING FOR AT LEAST THE UNKNOWN PERIOD. BUT OUR RADIO IS BROADCASTING Simulcast on www.wphm.net at 8:30 AM SERVICE, WPHM, 1380 AM AND PODCAST,is always running 24/7 for severval months of music and Word, on the www.WPHM.net pod casts from HOMEPAGE, PODCAST on their HOMEPAGE We will send you the Sunday liturgy, by email or snail mail with your addresses and names. Happy to help you worship in this in-between time!
We would love to save some monies on postage by using WEEKLY e-mailings. PLEASE help us by sharing your email address to: oursaviourluth@aol.com
THANK YOU!
RADIO SPONSORS AND OPENINGS:
Openings: Rest of February All March, April, May
Submit your request and donation by mail, phone message church recorder, or call Pastor Don on cell phone. We will try to match your reequest with the availabke Sundays. Thank you. We are charged $110. per Sunday for the passed 4 years.
ON WEB PAGE: SERVICES AND CLASSES, BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES FOR FEBRUARY
2021 LENTEN SEASON BEGINS WITH ASH WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17
THE JOURNEY BEGINS!
On Facebook, beginning on February 10, Sundays/Wednsdays through LENT 5-10 min. viedo segments at don doerzbacher and our saviour pages.
ALSO, daily devotionals from various sources to those requesting by sharing their email address.
COME ON THE JOURNEY WITH US!
A JOURNEY OF OUR OWN LIFE; THE JOURNEY OF ALL HUMANS; AND THE JOUNREY OF OUR LORD JESUS.
Share your personal Lenten practices and we will share them here. E mail in or snail-mail.
ddoerzbach@aol.com
Share your personal Lenten practices and we will share them here. E mail in or snail-mail.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commends almsgiving, prayer, and fasting, but emphasizes that spiritual devotion must not be done for show.
[Jesus said to the disciples:] 1"Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.
2"So whenever you give alms, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be praised by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 3But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
5"And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 6But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
16"And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. 17But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
19"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; 20but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
I hope to post the daily devotion in this position. Check daily. Thank you. Share comments.
PRAYER LIST:
PRAYERS: SUNDAY, FEB. 21
MARIA ROMPHF
JOE COULTHARD
ALVIRA COULTHARD
DONNA TAYLOR
RAY CHENOSKI
DON CHIDESTER
PHYLLIS AIKERS
THERESA and HER HUSBAND, RICK HAZARD
As a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America we are linked in many with our national expression, www.elca.org as well as our South East Michigan Synod, www.semisynod.com and the Blue Water Conference of sister congregations.
2020, February 21, was our congregation's 100th year of loving, living, and serving our God and community.
DUE TO THE CURRENT MEDICAL GLOBAL CRISIS NO IN-HOUSE GATHERING FOR AT LEAST THE UNKNOWN PERIOD. BUT OUR RADIO IS BROADCASTING Simulcast onwww.wphm.net at 8:30 AM SERVICE, WPHM, 1380 AM AND PODCAST,is always running 24/7 for severval months of music and Word, on thewww.WPHM.net pod casts from HOMEPAGE, PODCAST on their HOMEPAGE We will send you the Sunday liturgy, by email or snail mail with your addresses and names. Happy to help you worship in this in-between time!
We would love to save some monies on postage by usingWEEKLYe-mailings. PLEASE help us by sharing your email address to: oursaviourluth@aol.com
WORSHIP LIFE AT AND SEPARATED FOR OUR SAVIOUR
We gather faithfully in all kinds of weather to renew and to our strengthen our own faith and presence of God within this world. WORSHIP is not to only 'feel good', nor a struggle between contemporary vs. traditional Gospel, but rather a blending of all strains of Christ's Church from over the centuries as well as today!
While we are a 'litugurical church', this doesn't enslave us to to anything contrary to God's Word. The heritage enriches our worship and presents the fullness of God's Word in reading and preaching. Liturgy serves us, we do not serve LITURGY!
Before you come to experience our worship, why not hear us on our weekly podcacts, WPHM.net, podcats, OUR SAVIOUR. It is a safe way to experence us.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE WITHIN OUR SAVIOUR
WORSHIP MINISTRY: Lectors: Scripture Lesson Readers- Youth and Adults Deacons: Assisting Minister to liturgy, Communion Assistants Greeters: Welcoming worshippers Design and make Banners Altar Guild: Behind the scenes support for Sacraments, Candles, Paraments, etc. Chancel drama: Design, Direct, Script, Cast, and share in worship YOUR suggestions?
FELLOWSHIP MINISTRY: Sponsor/co-sponsor a COFFEE HOUR after 11am worship Host/Hostess for special Events, concerts during the year Greeter at front door prior to worship service Attend/Participate in monthly potlucks Attend/Participate in weekly Wonderful Wednesday meals, activities Host future cottage meetings 3 sites, in early fall- Contact pastor Call/send greeting cards to absentees, ill, prayer life, homebound Organize, work with others for annual Church Picnic Volunteer to photograph church events, and provide to church office the digital originals for possible use YOUR suggestions?
EDUCATIONAL MINISTRIES:
Serve 1-2 x month with CHILDREN'S SERMON Organist, plan, staff and select VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL, first full week in August Any portion. on our Board of Education: dreaming, decision-making, implementation of educational ministries Serve on our YOUTH COMMITTE: planning, organizing, implementing Christian and FUN events/activities for our youth and families. Staffing for August VBS: crafts, teachers, support, meals, music, etc. Music school component for older youth, play with/teach. YOUR suggestions?
CARING MINISTRY:
Prayer Chain Ministry- call office for more details Home shut-in Communion Ministry- See Pastor Offer a smile, introduce yourself to those you do not know their names .
SUPPORTING STAFF: Assist with bulletin folding/production Assist with monthly newsletter assembling and post office transfer, calculations. Availability to do small office tasks Learn software for bulletin formation, requires pre-existing computer skills YOUR suggestions?
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE BEYOND OUR WALLS:
Soup Kitchen, cooking serving, cleaning for the indigent of our community Habitat for Humanity: Job site work and possible food baskets this summer for the workers to eat- See Pastor Neighborhood Ecumenical Team (NET): monthly inter-church group coordinating material assistance to needy. Monthly meeting.
More opportunities as they become available to our people. YOUR suggestions??
BUILDING, GROUNDS, PROPERTIES:
Assist with Tasks as TRUSTEES identify on erasable board in upstairs classroom. Flower beds on property, work with Sally Sawyer and TRUSTEES. All types of talents, skills, general laborers, always need- check of tasks with your availability. KEN PARRY See something that needs to be returned, please do so. PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY: Bring in for a coffee hour: make sure refrig is emptied, counters cleared, coffee pot emptied, drained, off. Ovens: turned off, and temp down, burners, off. Classrooms, sanctuary, parlor, any room, tables clear, wipe as needed Discard old bulletins found in hymnals, pews. In this way, we are can all care in some portion, to maintain a good appearance of our property. THANK YOU. If you borrow: videos, anything, be sure to return it promptly.
Plant Roots With Believers In a Christian Church
Grow with God at OUR Lutheran church that is committed to its community. Whether you are a lifelong Lutheran or seeking to learn more, join our community of believers at a service on Sunday or one of our church choirs on Wednesday.
In addition to serving church members with Sunday services, we offer group catechism classes and a youth ministry. Learn to identify more deeply with your faith and the Christian community when you join us for one of our ministries.
Celebrate your love and commitment to one another at our church. Our secretary can send or provide you from the office a breakdown of fees for different services for your wedding to make it special for you! We also have A/C for hot summer weddings.
Our Pastor also performs baptisms for children and adults who wish to complete this sacrament.
Our Saviour Lutheran Church is a Christian church in Port Huron, Michigan. A member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church In America (ELCA), we emphasize the relationship with God available through the Holy Spirit. Our view of God embraces his promise of steadfast love and mercy and enables us to live a life of bold trust and generous service.
The church was organized in 1920 when members from a local Lutheran congregation wanted worship services in English.
Since the church's beginnings, there have only been three pastors. Our current pastor, Don Doerzbacher, has been serving our community since April, 1993. In addition to regular worship services, his sermons can be heard every Sunday via podcast.
Martin Luther, an influential figure in the Protestant Reformation, described the exuberant freedom of, "a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that believers would stake their lives on it a thousand times." He also wrote, "Oh, it is a living, busy, active, mighty thing, this faith. It is impossible for it not to be doing good things unceasingly." Join our welcoming and joyful community and grow and serve in the location where God has planted you.
(810) 982-1240
