The God Pause from The Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Monday, 1 May 2017 with The Scripture Acts 2:42-47Acts 2:42 They continued faithfully in the teaching of the emissaries, in fellowship, in breaking bread and in the prayers. 43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many miracles and signs took place through the emissaries. 44 All those trusting in Yeshua stayed together and had everything in common; 45 in fact, they sold their property and possessions and distributed the proceeds to all who were in need. 46 Continuing faithfully and with singleness of purpose to meet in the Temple courts daily, and breaking bread in their several homes, they shared their food in joy and simplicity of heart, 47 praising God and having the respect of all the people. And day after day the Lord kept adding to them those who were being saved.[Complete Jewish Bible]
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It's a mission developer's dream, to be asked to write devotions for your alma mater, and then get Acts 2 for your first scripture reading. When I was called to start a new church, now 11 years ago, this is what I dreamed of--that each day "the Lord would add to our numbers." Not for the sake of seeing our congregation grow--although that is exciting--but for the sake of seeing God at work transforming lives, and through that transforming our community.
Do you dream of this? Do you wonder what it would look like to see the church grow today? Do you pray for courage and boldness to share your faith story with one other person who may desperately need to hear it? It is amazing to see how God works through us to invite others into a faith community!
Awesome God, fill us with awe for you and give us the boldness to share our story of faith with another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Rob James, '06
Pastor, GPS (God’s People Serving) Faith Community, Machesney Park, Ill.
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.[New Revised Standard Version]
It's a mission developer's dream, to be asked to write devotions for your alma mater, and then get Acts 2 for your first scripture reading. When I was called to start a new church, now 11 years ago, this is what I dreamed of--that each day "the Lord would add to our numbers." Not for the sake of seeing our congregation grow--although that is exciting--but for the sake of seeing God at work transforming lives, and through that transforming our community.
Do you dream of this? Do you wonder what it would look like to see the church grow today? Do you pray for courage and boldness to share your faith story with one other person who may desperately need to hear it? It is amazing to see how God works through us to invite others into a faith community!
Awesome God, fill us with awe for you and give us the boldness to share our story of faith with another. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Rob James, '06
Pastor, GPS (God’s People Serving) Faith Community, Machesney Park, Ill.
Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
43 Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
44 All who believed were together and had all things in common;
45 they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
46 Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts,47 praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.[New Revised Standard Version]
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The God Pause from The Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States for Sunday, 30 April 2017 "My Life Flows On in Endless Song" (ELW 763)"My Life Flows On in Endless Song" (ELW 763)
1. My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
2. Though all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
1. My life flows on in endless song;
above earth's lamentation,
I catch the sweet, though far-off hymn
that hails a new creation.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
2. Though all the tumult and the strife,
I hear that music ringing.
It finds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
3. What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
3. What though my joys and comforts die?
The Lord my Savior liveth.
What though the darkness gather round?
Songs in the night he giveth.
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
4. The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
4. The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
a fountain ever springing!
All things are mine since I am his!
How can I keep from singing?
Refrain:
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
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I wonder what tumult and strife hymn author Robert Lowry was facing in his lifetime. Today in our world we face times of tumult and strife, even though we might not use exactly these words to describe them in our everyday conversations. A tumult is defined as confusion or disorder, while strife is defined as an angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues. If we translate this into how we talk today, then this second verse would probably read as such, "Through all the confusion and angry disagreements, I hear that music ringing..." God's song is what rings clearly over all the noise and anger in this world. Those storms may rage, but God is still our rock and refuge that unites us all. God calls us to sing out the song of Christ into those storms. What is the song of Christ you are being called to sing out today into the world?
God of hope, we give you thanks for being present in our lives and the world. Thank you for the song of Christ that sweetly sings through, around and above the storms of this world. Amen.
Michelle de Beauchamp, '12
Pastor, Saron Lutheran Church, Hoquiam, Wash.
No storm can shake my inmost calm
while to that Rock I'm clinging.
Since Christ is Lord of heaven and earth,
how can I keep from singing?
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I wonder what tumult and strife hymn author Robert Lowry was facing in his lifetime. Today in our world we face times of tumult and strife, even though we might not use exactly these words to describe them in our everyday conversations. A tumult is defined as confusion or disorder, while strife is defined as an angry or bitter disagreement over fundamental issues. If we translate this into how we talk today, then this second verse would probably read as such, "Through all the confusion and angry disagreements, I hear that music ringing..." God's song is what rings clearly over all the noise and anger in this world. Those storms may rage, but God is still our rock and refuge that unites us all. God calls us to sing out the song of Christ into those storms. What is the song of Christ you are being called to sing out today into the world?
God of hope, we give you thanks for being present in our lives and the world. Thank you for the song of Christ that sweetly sings through, around and above the storms of this world. Amen.
Michelle de Beauchamp, '12
Pastor, Saron Lutheran Church, Hoquiam, Wash.
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The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
The Luther Seminary
2481 Como Avenue
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108, United States
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