The Lord is my Shepherd

Sharing a video that was sent to me. Hope you enjoy it!

The Truth Divides

Based on: Luke 12:49-53

The Truth Divides (.mp3 – 4.4 MB)

It can really put a knot in your stomach, when you have something difficult to tell someone. You know it is something that needs to be said, but you don’t know how it will be received or maybe you do and that is what makes it difficult. Sometimes as Christians there are difficult things that need to be said, and it is out of love for others and concern for their souls that we are compelled to say the difficult things. We must tell the truth, what God’s word says is truth, because that is what’s best for the soul. That is the “tough love” that will rescue lost souls from hell, but this kind of love will also cause division.

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Programmed for higher things

I’m finally getting around to posting a copy of the article that ran about Kevin shortly after we got here in the local newspaper. A few of the facts aren’t exactly correct, but it’s very nice, regardless. Enjoy!

Read “Programmed for higher things” (PDF)

Do Not Be Afraid, the Kingdom Is Yours

Based on: Luke 12:32-40

Do Not Be Afraid, the Kingdom Is Yours (.mp3 – 4.6 MB)

If you haven’t read Luke chapter 12 recently I would suggest reading it for your own personal devotion sometime in the near future. In Luke chapter 12 Jesus plainly tells us that the things of this world are nothing to worry about. It is the world to come –eternal life with our Savior – that should be the focus of our attention, our highest priority. For today, let’s give special attention to one beautiful and comforting verse from this chapter – “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” This verse provides the reason and motivation for God pleasing priorities. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”

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Happy Birthday, Dear Nana! Cha-cha-cha!

The Draper’s raised our voices and put forth our finest smiles in honor of Sallie’s Mom’s birthday today. God has blessed Nina Carter Wilson with 77 wonderful years of his grace, and for that we are very thankful! Hope you enjoy the greetings, Mama!

Happy Birthday – Draper style – (175 Kb – 35 secs – MP3)

Teach It To the Children

Based on: Deuteronomy 11:1-7,16-21

Teach It To the Children (.mp3 – 4.5 MB)

Today we will install two teachers into our Lutheran Elementary School. You know, the Bible really doesn’t say anything specific about running an elementary school, but God does command the entire church in the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations by baptizing and also teaching. This church agrees that it has the responsibility to teach children. Whenever we baptize a child in a worship service the congregation is asked if it will carry out this responsibility to teach the child that was just baptized, and the congregation responds with, “Yes, as God gives me strength.”

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Pray With Expectation

Based on: Luke 11:1-13

Pray With Expectation (.mp3 – 4.3 MB)

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Did you hear what Abraham said to God in our Old Testament reading for today (Genesis 18:20-32)? “You wouldn’t do that. You are not that kind of God, are you?” Then Abraham proceeded to haggle with God, coming back to God over and over again with his request. What bravado Abraham had to stand before the almighty God and talk to him this way. But Abraham had spent some time sitting at Jesus’ feet. He had listened to God and heard God’s promises of the Savior and promises to bless him. He knew God would answer his prayer and he knew God would bless him with the best, so he could be bold and persistent.

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Ordination Video

We’ve finally captured the video of Pastor Draper’s ordination. Enjoy!

Watch the Ordination of Pastor Kevin L. Draper (43 MB – 13:45 – WMV)