April 1, 2016 - Day 92 - HOPE IN THE MIDDLE OF GRIEF AND DESPAIR

Jeremiah Friday (chapters 1-6)

“Jeremiah grieves for Judah and its people, lamenting their imminent destruction. The same God who created the world by His powerful Word has pronounced judgement upon His sinful and rebellious people. 
●  Even in the midst of his grief, Jeremiah voices a word of hope–all is not lost. 
●  God is faithful to His promises of salvation. 
●  Today, He also remains faithful to you, even in the midst of grief and despair.” 
(Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1214) 

O God, my faithful God,
True fountain ever flowing,
Without whom nothing is,
All perfect gifts bestowing:
Give me a healthy frame,
And may I have within
A conscience free from blame,
A soul unstained by sin.
  (O God, My Faithful God, Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #696 stanza 1) 

Faithful God, my heavenly Father, I confess that I am like Judah, sinful and rebellious. I deserve Your judgment. Thank You for Your mercy showered upon me through Jesus. May I spend the rest of my life telling others about You. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

March 31, 2016 - Day 91 - CONFESSION AND FORGIVENESS

Job Thursday (chapters 25-26)

“The brevity of this last speech by Job’s friends (Job 25) shows they have finally run out of arguments.  Bildad’s speech is a good sermon for Job and for everyone.  He calls us to humility and contrition before God.  We can offer no defense for ourselves and for our sins; we must throw ourselves entirely on God’s mercy.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 814) 

“I, a poor miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You ... But I am heartily sorry for them and sincerely repent of them....”  (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, page 184) 

We can throw ourselves entirely on God’s mercy because He promises to forgive. So we pray...

Praise be to God! "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."  Amen. (1 John 1:9)

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

March 30, 2016 - Day 90 - TRUST AND WAIT

Psalms Wednesday (chapters 36-38)

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:5&7 ESV)  

Not many people are good at waiting. Yet this is exactly what the Lord calls His people to do. So instead of complaining about our circumstances and even questioning God, we get to quietly and faithfully wait for Him.

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 
Never let me fall.
I am trusting Thee forever 
And for all.
(“I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729 stanza 6)

Lord Jesus, I do trust You. Help me to patiently wait for You and Your will for my life now and in eternity. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

March 29, 2016 - Day 89 - CHRISTIAN BOLDNESS

1 Samuel Tuesday (chapters 11-15)

“And the Spirit of God rushed upon Saul when he heard these words, and his anger was greatly kindled...and he mustered... three hundred thousand.” (1 Samuel 11:6&8 ESV)

“In the Spirit of God, Saul acts boldly and strategically.  When circumstances call for boldness and righteous anger, do you act confidently?  The Lord is our ‘very present help in trouble’ (Psalm 46:1).  In challenging times, God’s Spirit empowers you to face the challenge.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 450) 

Stand Up, Stand up for Jesus;
The strife will not be long;
This day the din of battle,
The next the victor's song.
The soldiers overcoming,
Their crown of life shall see
And with the King of Glory
Shall reign eternally.
(Stand Up, Stand up for Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #600 stanza 4)

O Holy Spirit, fill me with passions that reflect Your desire for my life. Please grant me Your words and gifts so that I can be an instrument of Your help and hope for others.  In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

March 28, 2016 - Day 88 - PROPHECY FULFILLED “YESTERDAY”

Genesis Monday (chapters 48-50)

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler's staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” (Genesis 49:10 ESV)

These words of prophecy point to the Descendant of Judah who shall rule over all. Yesterday we celebrated the resurrection of Judah’s descendant. Jesus is the Ruler of all rulers, the King of kings and Lord of lords. His scepter, His rule will be forever, for He has triumphed over our mortal enemies of sin, death and the devil.

  The foe was triumphant when on Calvary
The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.
n Satan’s domain did the hosts shout and jeer,
For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones fear.

But short was their triumph, the Savior arose,
And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes;
The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high.
He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die.
(He’s Risen, He’s Risen, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #480 stanzas 2-3)

Mighty victor reign forever.
Bear the crown so dearly won.
Never shall Your people never
Cease to sing what You have done.
You have fought Your people’s foes.
You have healed Your people’s woes.  Hallelujah!  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf