October 30, 2020

LynnDaily Devotion

Speaking the Word of God has always carried a price. Jesus warned us about that. He told us that he was sending us out as sheep among wolves. He also told us that he would use that persecution to give his servants the chance to share the Gospel. He promised that the Holy Spirit would speak through us when we stand trial. He kept that promise when Stephen, the first martyr, stood trial.

When persecution broke out after Stephen’s death, Christians were jailed, tortured and killed because they refused to deny their Savior. Every one of the apostles went to jail. All but one was killed for his faith. Years later, Martin Luther was threatened, declared an outlaw, hunted and vilified for teaching what the Bible said. Everything that Jesus told us has happened.

These days, the persecution has changed. Instead of vehement, murderous threats, Christians are now insulted, branded, belittled, and ignored. It’s not coincidence that liquor stores, marijuana dispensaries, and bars are called “essential,” while churches are labeled “non-essential.” It’s part of the new persecution. Condemning sin is now unacceptable and promoting righteousness is branded “judgmental.” We’re called unloving, closed minded, and evil.

And it hurts. Being rejected and maligned is heart breaking. It can make us want to keep our faith to ourselves. We have to stand with each other and encourage each other to stand with Christ when it’s dangerous, unpopular, painful, or just plain hard. Jesus promised, “All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”

Jesus doesn’t guarantee an absence of persecution, but faithfulness in spite of it. Jesus told us that we will witness to the Word of God before brothers, fathers, children, governors and princes. What comfort that brings. With Martin Luther we declare: “Here I stand. I can do no other. God help me. Amen.”

 

God bless,

Pastor Tesch

 

Here is the link for online worship for October 25: https://youtu.be/NCFP8RmigB0

Or you can watch it from our website: https://youtu.be/e2V1bQkcFio 

Or you can watch is on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TrinityEvLutheranChurchWisSynod/

Come to worship! You can sign up here: https://trinitymarinette.com/events/communion-worship-services/ or call Pastor or call the church office to let us know which service you prefer.

Here is this week’s bulletin: https://trinitymarinette.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/2020-10-25-Announcements-The-Twenty-First-Sunday-after-Pentecost.pdf. Check it out.

 

Online Survey: We would like impute on Christmas for kids. Please give your opinion with our online survey. The link will be at the end of your daily devotions, our on-line announcement bulletin or by going to https://forms.gle/dsn6mojk9GmZQ2cZ6

Ladies Aid: Join us and other strong woman in our congregation as we gather, Thursday Nov. 3rd at 1:00 pm in the Church Basement for Ladies Aid.                                                                                                      What is Ladies Aid???    The Ladies Aid organization at Trinity Lutheran Church exists to provide opportunities for Bible study and Christian fellowship for ladies of the congregation and to furnish occasions for service projects to the congregation and community.

 

TLS is having a Wreath Fundraiser: PTO is doing a wreath fundraiser! Funds raised will be going towards future field trips. Wreaths are 20 inches, there are two different options to choose from this year. Undecorated: $20.00/ Decorated with an assorted bow: $25.00 Wreaths will be ready for pickup immediately after school 3:00 pm on: Monday, November 23rd. If you need to arrange a different time to pick up please let Amy Peterson know.  If you would like to order a wreath please call the school office or you can call Amy Peterson at 715-701-6418                                                                                                     Please make checks payable to: Trinity Lutheran PTO