5-Day Sermon Devotion

Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy • February 18, 2025

Sermon by Pastor Paul Dancy

Day 1: True Blessedness

Reading: Luke 6:20-26

Devotional: Jesus' Beatitudes challenge our worldly perceptions of success and happiness. Today, reflect on what it means to be "blessed" in God's eyes versus the world's standards. How might your perspective shift if you viewed poverty of spirit, hunger for righteousness, and even persecution as signs of God's favor? Consider areas in your life where you may be clinging to worldly comforts instead of seeking God's kingdom. Pray for a heart that values what God values, finding true blessedness in your relationship with Him, and in His salvation, which we find in His Word and Sacraments.

Day 2: The Riches of God's Kingdom

Reading: Matthew 6:19-24

Devotional: Jesus warns about the dangers of earthly treasures and the love of money. Today, examine your own heart. Where are your treasures truly stored? Are there material possessions or worldly pursuits that are competing with your devotion to God? Remember, true wealth is found in knowing Christ and storing up treasures in heaven. Ask God to help you loosen your grip on earthly riches and instead invest in eternal things – acts of love, service, and sharing the Gospel - the Good News! Our greatest treasure is the forgiveness that Christ won for us on the cross.

Day 3: Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness

Reading: Matthew 5:6, John 6:35-40

Devotional: Just as our bodies crave food and water, our souls were designed to hunger for God's righteousness. Are you truly hungry for God's presence and His ways? Or have you been filling up on the "junk food" of worldly pleasures and distractions? Today, intentionally "feast" on God's Word. Meditate on Scripture, spend extended time in prayer, and ask the Holy Spirit to increase your spiritual appetite. Remember that Jesus, Our Savior, is the Bread of Life who alone can satisfy our deepest longings.

Day 4: Godly Sorrow and True Joy

Reading: 2 Corinthians 7:8-11, Psalm 30:4-5

Devotional: The world tells us to avoid pain and pursue happiness at all costs. Yet Scripture speaks of a "godly sorrow" that leads to repentance and salvation. Today, allow the Holy Spirit to search your heart. Are there sins you've been ignoring or rationalizing? Take time to confess and truly repent, knowing that God's forgiveness brings deep, lasting joy. Remember that our temporary sorrows will one day give way to eternal rejoicing in God's presence.

Day 5: Blessed in Persecution

Reading: Matthew 5:10-12, Acts 5:40-42

Devotional: Following Jesus faithfully may lead to rejection or persecution from the world. While this is painful, Jesus calls it a blessing. Today, examine your life. Are there ways you've compromised your faith to avoid conflict or maintain popularity? Ask God for courage to stand firm in your convictions, even when it's difficult. Pray for persecuted believers around the world, and consider how you can support them. Remember that any suffering for Christ's sake is temporary, but our heavenly reward is eternal. Even if we deny Him, at times, by our words or actions, He will never deny His children when they repent and ask for forgiveness.

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News & Notes

Staffing Updates

By Pastor Danny Eggold • November 12, 2025

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, I hope this note finds you well and encouraged in the Lord. St. Peter’s continues to be a place where God is at work through our preschool, school, various ministries, and the daily faithfulness of His people. I am grateful to serve the Lord with you in this place! As we continue to serve together, I want to update you on changes in our church office and ministry staff. As many of you know, Michelle Leahy has been serving as our “Interim Director of Operations,” providing support and coordination across many areas of congregational life. In the coming weeks, Michelle will be stepping into a new role, “Executive Director.” This means her work will shift from hands-on ministry support to more administrative leadership and oversight of the church office, properties, finances, and technology. This is an important step for us as a congregation as we continue to support our staff and serve our members. With this change, we want to ensure that daily ministry needs are met. After reviewing our current staffing and budget, we can make an adjustment that supports the ongoing ministry without increasing costs. To that end, Kami Jo Mogelvang will expand her role to serve as “Church Ministry Coordinator.” Many of you have already seen Kami Jo assisting Pastor McDowell in youth ministry two days each week. Under the new alignment, she will: Continue serving in youth ministry, and Help coordinate ministry efforts and volunteer connections with Pastor Nate and Pastor McDowell across the congregation. This will help us strengthen volunteer support and the many “connecting points” that help our church family care for one another. As Kami Jo transitions out of her receptionist duties, this change will open about 18 hours per week at the front desk, which we have posted. This staffing arrangement stays within our approved 2025 budget. I am thankful for Michelle, Kami Jo, our staff, and all our volunteers. I also appreciate the spirit of grace and partnership that marks our congregation. Please keep our staff and ministry leaders in your prayers as we move through these transitions. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for the privilege of serving Christ with you! In Christ, Pastor Danny Eggold St. Peter’s Lutheran Church & School