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Kurt Steinbrueck December 7, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 7

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

This life is filled with strife, violence, and war. Continue to bring peace into this world and please give me peace in my life. I thank and praise You that You I have peace with You through Christ. Help me to to have peace with my family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors as well. Help me to forgive when I am harmed or offended and to be forgiven when I harm or offend others.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 7, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 6

O Little Town of Bethlehem

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

In and of myself, I am the least. I have nothing to offer of myself, but by You creating me, I have value and in Christ I have been filled with the most value. We are clay jars which contain a great treasure, the Gospel. Even You dwell in me. Help me to always remember my value in You and happily share the treasure in me.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 5, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 5

Coventry Carol

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

The world is full of sin and its horrible effects. Lord, be with those who have lost children. Comfort them and give them the hope of Jesus’ resurrection. Help us to push back against the atrocities of sin committed every day, but also stand secure in the hope of Your return when there will be no sin and no death.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 4, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 4

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

Before Jesus, my heart was cold and stony because of my sin. Yet, through Jesus and Your Spirit, You have given me a new heart that is flesh. I am alive in Christ. Thank You for the new life I have in You. Help me to give my heart to You each and every day. Help me to praise You like the angels in joyful song and also worship You and ponder You in my heart like Mary.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

There are a few different versions, including one modern adaptation. So, I thought I’d share a few.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 3, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 3

Hark the Harold Angels Sing

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

You sent Your Son into the world to reconcile us. By our sinful nature, we were estranged from You, our relationship with You broken. Yet, You sacrificed everything to fix that relationship and even call us sons and daughters, making that little baby in the manger our brother and calling us friends. Thank You.

Help me to have a closer and closer relationship with You each day of my life.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

One of my favorite versions…

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 2, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 2

O Come, All Ye Faithful

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

It must have been so exciting to hear the angels singing and go see Jesus in the manger. Today, it is still exciting. I praise the name of Jesus our King. May I always praise His name and tell the people around me about Him.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck December 1, 2021

Blog 25 Days of Christmas, Christmas, Daily Devotions, Devotions

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25 Days of Christmas – Day 1

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

A welcome message from Pastor Kurt:

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen!

As you begin your time of devotion, today, I invite you to take a minute or two to click the link below and watch the video below and settle your heart and focus your mind on the Lord. Feel free to watch as much or as little of the video as you want.

Today’s Devotional Message from Pastor Kurt:

Next, let’s spend some time in prayer.

Heavenly Father,

You have sent Your Son to us, to dwell among us. He is Jesus, our savior. Thank You for caring so much for us that You are willing to come to us in all our messiness and sinfulness. Thank You for saving us.

As I go through this Christmas season, help me to always remember that not only is Jesus the reason for the season, but Jesus came to die for my sins and rise again. May the manger always lead me to the cross and the empty tomb.

(Take this time to pray whatever is on your heart.)

The Lord’s Prayer:

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name,
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us;
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever.

Amen

Listen to today’s carol to conclude your devotional time.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Faith Lutheran Church, Wesley Chapel, FL
Worship services on Sundays at 11am
27221 Foamflower Blvd. Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
(813) 602-1104

Kurt Steinbrueck November 30, 2021

Blog Jesus is King, king, Prophet Priest and King

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Be Prepared…For Our King

Be Prepared...For Our King

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

Jesus is Lord. We hear that and say that a lot, but what does it mean? It means He rules. He rules us. He rules the world. He rules all of creation. He gets to call the shots and He is our judge.

So, how does Jesus rule?

Jesus’ rule can be divided into three kingdoms, the kingdom of power, the kingdom of grace, and the kingdom of glory. He rules over each absolutely, but differently.

The Kingdom of Power:

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. – Matthew 28:18

Christ is the King of all of creation. He is the king of the land and the seas. He rules over all people, even those who do not believe in Him. In this kingdom, He rules by His almighty power. No one is above Him and His Law is final.

The Kingdom of Grace:

And I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one…I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. – John 17:11, 15

This is the kingdom of all who believe in Jesus, His church. His Law is still good and true, but He judges us not by the Law, but rather by His grace as displayed on the cross. He rules in forgiveness and changes us from the inside out. We are His and are called to be in the world, but not of it, living as His ambassadors of reconciliation.

The Kingdom of Heaven:

The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – 2 Timothy 4:18

Jesus is the ruler of heaven and earth. In heaven, He also reigns as God, whether it be over angels or those in the church who have gone to be with our Lord. Every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

So, yes, Jesus is Lord! I pray that for you, as for me, You are in His Kingdom of Grace, trusting His work on the cross and being ruled by His grace and forgiveness.

Dear Jesus,

You are the creator and ruler of all. Create in me a clean heart and fill me with Your Spirit. Rule over my heart and mind and draw me continually to You and Your promises of Grace and forgiveness.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck November 29, 2021

Blog Advent, jesus, Priest

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Be Prepared…For Our Priest

Be Prepared...For Our High Priest

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. – Hebrews 4:14-16

A priest is one who intercedes for us before God as well as gives God’s Word. In the Old Testament’s priestly system, there were many priests, however, there was only one chief priest. The chief priest had some very specific tasks, including going into the Holy of Holies in the temple (or tabernacle) once a year and sprinkling the blood of a sacrifice on God’s Mercy Seat. He interceded for the forgiveness of the Israelites.

The One, True Sacrifice
Jesus interceded for us, not sprinkling the blood of a bull, but his own blood. He continues to intercede for us every day. Jesus is both our High Priest and our sacrifice. The sacrifices of bulls and lambs before Him were a shadow of the one true sacrifice, Jesus. His blood brought us true forgiveness of our sins.

So, What’s the Big Deal?
Jesus is True God and True Man. His divinity gives us confidence that He can and will fulfill every promise. When Jesus says we are forgiven, we are. When Jesus says we will be raised again, we will.

Jesus is also True Man, though. His humanity assures us that our high priest knows what it is like to be human. He knows what it’s like to suffer. He knows what it’s like to be tempted (though He never gave in and sinned). He’s walked in your shoes.

So, we can pray and know that He gets it. He understands. We see His love and mercy in the sacrifice He made for us. So, we pray knowing that He loves us and wants to forgive us. Therefore, we can go with confidence before God’s throne of grace, confess our sins, be forgiven, and receive help in our time of need.

That’s a big deal!!

How Do We Prepare?
We prepare by humbling ourselves, examining our lives, and being repentant. We also prepare by hearing and reminding ourselves of Christ’s promises, of His grace and forgiveness. We trust His Word. We trust His sacrifice. We trust His love.

Dear Jesus,

You are my High Priest. Thank You for Your sacrifice. I confess that I have sinned…(confess your sins)…Please forgive me. Wash me clean with Your blood and help me as I face temptation this day and every day.

Amen.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Kurt

Kurt Steinbrueck November 27, 2021

Blog Advent, jesus, Prepare, Prophet

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Be Prepared…for our Prophet

Be Prepared...for our prophet

“Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and “God has visited his people!” And this report about him spread through the whole of Judea and all the surrounding country.” – Luke 7:16-17

Advent is a time of preparation. We prepare for the coming of Jesus, God made flesh, who dwelt among us. He is the promised Messiah who came as our prophet, priest, and king.

In the passage above from Luke, Jesus had just raised a widow’s son to life. The people who saw what He had done were amazed and concluded that Jesus must be a prophet since Jesus was performing miracles.

Miracles, however, were not the primary purpose of a prophet. A prophet is first and foremost a messenger of God. A prophet is someone who delivers God’s Word to the people.

Jesus is the greatest prophet.
Jesus spoke God’s Word to the people. It is not just this crowd that noticed, but Jesus, Himself, said,

“For I did not speak on my own, but the Father who sent me commanded me to say all that I have spoken.” – John 12:49

When we read Jesus’ words, we know we are getting the truth. We know we are receiving the Word of God. All Jesus’ promises are true.

When He says He will never leave us nor forsake us, He won’t.
When He says that He has overcome the world, He has.
When He says He has come to give us an abundant life, He will give us life and an abundant one at that.
When He says He is going to prepare a place for us, He has.

All of Jesus’ promises are true and He both has the will and the authority to fulfill His promises. So, we can trust Him and find rest in Him, for His burden is light (another promise).

Dear Jesus,

You are our prophet. Everything You say is true. Help me to listen to Your Word and be changed by it. Help me to put aside my own beliefs and sinful desires to pursue You. Most of all, help me to put my faith in You and trust Your wonderful promises.

Amen

Blog

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

O Little Town of Bethlehem

Coventry Carol

In the Bleak Mid-Winter

Hark the Harold Angels Sing

O Come, All Ye Faithful

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Be Prepared...For Our King

Be Prepared...For Our High Priest

That’s a big deal!!

Be Prepared...for our prophet

Faith Lutheran Church in Wesley Chapel, FL serving Lutz, Zephyrhills, Land O’ Lakes, and New Tampa, FL