June 1, 2016 - GOD DESERVES OUR PRAISE

Day 153 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 63-65)

“Praise is due to you, O God...”   (Psalm 65:1 ESV) 

“David praises God for the forgiveness of sins, peace in the world and prosperity in the land–a straightforward song of praise to God for His awesome grace. We have nothing but what God gives us, and the appropriate response to such amazing generosity, both spiritual and physical, is praise. David begins the list of gifts with the most important, the forgiveness of sins and faith.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 908)

Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love. Amen.

Praise God in word and deed today.

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

May 31, 2016 - WISE CHOICE

Day 152 - 1 Kings Tuesday (chapters 1-4)

And God said, “Ask what I shall give you.”.... “Give your servant an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern your great people?”.... “Behold I give you a wise and discerning mind, so that none like you has been before you and none like you shall arise after you. I give you also what you have not asked, both riches and honor...” (1 Kings 3:5, 9, 12-13)   ESV)

“In return for Solomon’s selfless request for wisdom, God blesses him, not only with wisdom, but also with riches and honor. May we, like Solomon, recognize that we do not deserve the wonderful opportunities God gives us. Because of our human limitations, we are unable to perfectly fulfill the challenges we face. Yet, in Christ, we have forgiveness, we are a new creation and can do all things through Him who gives us strength and wisdom.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 537)

Lord God, heavenly Father, like Solomon, I ask that You grant me wisdom so that I may serve You to the best of my ability. Above all, grant me the wisdom to remember how much I need Jesus and His priceless gift of forgiveness. Amen.

Live wisely for Jesus today!

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

May 30, 2016 - WEEKLY MEMORIAL DAY

Day 151 - Exodus Monday (chapters 33-36)

“Six days work shall be done, but on the seventh day you shall have a Sabbath of solemn rest, holy to the Lord.” (Exodus 35:2 ESV)

On this Memorial Day set aside to remember our country’s war dead, we pause to honor them. In the verse quoted above we see that God is commanding us to pause on a weekly basis to remember Him. The day of rest has become much more hectic today. Still many do find time to pause in remembrance of Jesus, the One who died to make us all free spiritually. 

While Jesus’ words from John 15:13 are often used for members of our military, their original intent is to focus our attention on Jesus.   “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. “

Lord of the nations, thank You for America and for those who shed their blood so that I can be free. Thank You even more for Jesus who died to free me from sin, death and the devil. Please bless me with continued freedom in this land and with Your spiritual freedom today and forever. 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

May 29, 2016 - REMEMBER

Day 150 - Galatians Sunday (chapters 5-6)

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.” (Galatians 1:3-4 ESV)

Those who served in times of war remind us that Memorial Day is about those who died for our freedom. In these opening verses of Galatians, Paul is reminding us that Jesus died for our spiritual freedom. Throughout this book we will continually be reminded that Jesus did it all for us. And now, even as we do all that we can to thank our vets, so we Christians will want to do all that we can to show our thankfulness for forgiveness and heaven by living for Christ.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His being that transfigures you and me;
As He died to make men holy let us live to make men free!
While God is marching on.
Glory!  Glory!  Hallelujah!  Glory!  Glory!  Hallelujah! 
Glory!  Glory!  Hallelujah!  His truth is marching on! 
(The Battle Hymn of the Republic, verse 4, Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe, 1861)

On this Sunday, I thank You, heavenly Father, for sending Your Son, Jesus, to save me from sin, death and the devil. On this Memorial Day weekend, I ask You to watch over those who continue to serve in our nation’s armed forces.  Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning.

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

May 28, 2016 - LOVE YOUR ENEMIES

Day 149 - Luke Saturday (chapters 5-6)

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek offer the other also.” (Luke 6:27  ESV)

What Jesus is telling us to do with our enemies goes completely against how most of us react to such people. We want to get even. We want to pay them back. As for turning the other cheek, how could He actually be serious? We see how serious He is when we remember all that He took on our behalf as He suffered and died for us. In fact, it is at the cross that we find both the example and the power to forgive our enemies. The One who said: “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing,” has forgiven us too! Yes, just as Jesus loves His enemies, we now get to love our enemies.

“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19  ESV)

Lord teach us how to proclaim, 
All Your goodness, Your love and Your name!
Lord teach us how to forgive, 
and in love, teach us Lord, how to live. Amen.
[Words by Terry Dittmer, copyright 1983]

Be the love of Christ to all today. 

“See” you in church tomorrow.

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

May 27, 2016 - FAITH IN CHRIST - ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTES

Day 148 - Jeremiah Friday (chapters 44-46)

“The Lord could no longer bear your evil deeds and the abominations that you committed.” (Jeremiah 44:22 ESV)

“The Judean refugees who fled to Egypt refuse to give up their idolatry. They are convinced that worshiping false gods brings them peace and prosperity. God cannot tolerate such rebellion. God calls sinners to repent and face His judgment. Sadly, mankind often seeks religions that promise prosperity or personal gratification. These are nothing more than self-centered substitutes for faith. True faith comes only through the faithful proclamation of God’s lasting treasure–eternal life through Jesus.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 12708 

Lord, help me resist the substitutes for Jesus that surround me every day. Keep my faith strong in Your promises today and always.  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

May 26, 2016 - BLESSING AFTER STRUGGLE

Day 147 - Job Thursday (chapters 41-42)

“And the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” (Job 42:12  ESV)

“We often take our blessings in life for granted: our families, our friends, even our possessions. 

If they would be taken away, we would undoubtedly be filled with remorse and regret for not valuing them as we ought. 

Even when everything is wonderful, we can forget about God’s gracious providence and gift of justice. 

The Book of Job returns us to the roots of our existence - our faithful Lord. In the midst of suffering comes the bright light of victory in our Redeemer - Christ.”
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 838) 

If thou but trust in God to guide thee
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength, what-e’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days,
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that naught can move.
(The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #750, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to lead me through all of life’s challenges. Strengthen my faith that I may know the peace of Your unchanging love.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Trust in God to guide you today!

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

May 25, 2016 - SHIELD ME FROM ALARM

(Christ of the Andes, commemorating a series of peace and boundary treaties between Argentina and Chile, high in the Andes, on the Argentine-Chilean boundary.)

Day 146 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 60-62)

“Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings.”   (Psalm 61:4 ESV) 

“David turns once more to God for help in time of need, asking God to restore his throne in Jerusalem and bless him in the years and generations ahead. 

God often uses difficult times to strengthen our faith and redefine our priorities. 

If we have drifted away from the Lord, He can use a reversal of fortune in our earthly circumstances to make us aware of our precarious spiritual situation and bring us back to Him. 

David’s prayer that the King would reign forever is ultimately fulfilled in Christ Jesus, who embodies God’s steadfast love and faithfulness forever.” 
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 906)

Lord Jesus, who dost love me, 

 Oh, spread Thy wings above me 
And shield me from alarm!  

 Though evil would assail me, 
Thy mercy will not fail me: 

 I rest in Thy protecting arm. Amen.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #554, stanza 5)

Celebrate Jesus’ protecting love today.

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

May 24, 2016 - THE LORD IS YOUR ROCK

Day 145 - 2 Samuel Tuesday (chapters 20-24)

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,  my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold and my refuge, my savior; you save me from violence. I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies."   (2 Samuel 22:1-4 ESV)

The results of David’s sin were wide spread. He suffered treachery and betrayal at the hands of King Saul, his own flesh and blood - his son Absalom, and from the likes of “worthless men” like Sheba (1 Samuel 20). Even more so, he was the victim of the treachery and betrayal that emanated from his own heart. He needed help. He turned to God and found the rock solid refuge he so desperately was looking for. “I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” 

Where do you do when treachery and betrayal surrounds you - especially the kind that starts from within your heart? Like David, call upon the Lord because...

● The Lord is your rock and your fortress.
● He is your deliverer and your God. 
● You can take refuge in Him.
● God is your shield and your salvation.
● Jesus is your stronghold, your refuge and Your Savior.
● He is your Rock of Ages.

♬ Rock of Ages, cleft for me, 
     Let me hide myself in Thee;
      Let the water and the blood, 
      From Thy riven side which flowed,
      Be of sin the double cure; 
     Cleanse me from its guilt and power.
(Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #761, stanza 1)

Lord God, I call upon You today to deliver me from all treachery and betrayal, including my own. Thank you for sending Jesus to be my rock and my salvation by paying for my sins. 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

May 23, 2016 - DO AND DON'TS

Day 144 - Exodus Monday (chapters 29-32)

So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and made a golden calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!”   (Exodus 32:3-4 ESV)

There are plenty of dos and don’ts in life. Most have to do with making wise and safe decisions such as drink in moderation and don’t drink and drive. 

DON’T practice blasphemy by denying the one true God. In other words, don’t make a golden calf out of anything or anyone you or others may think would make a better god than God!

DO keep the true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit first in your life. 

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  (Matthew 22:37-39 ESV)

This is a key to a blessed life, both here on earth and then eternally in heaven. The key is simply this: God first - others second - you last.

♬   If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
      And hope in Him through all thy ways,
     He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,
     And bear thee through the evil days.
     Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
     Builds on the rock that nought can move.
  (If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee,   
The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #750, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the gift of saving faith. Please keep me faithful to You no matter what or who may tempt me to deny You. Graciously lead me to keep You first, others second, and me last. In Jesus’ saving 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

May 22 2016 - MY WEAKNESS, GOD’S POWER

2 Corinthians Sunday (chapters 11-13)

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV) 

Are you content with “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities?” Paul was! He had learned to contentedly rely on the Lord at all times and in all circumstances. 

Paul got it. It happened to him on the road to Damascus, when the Lord appeared to him and changed him from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to a faithful follower and proclaimer of Christ. Yes, Paul got it. He knew that since He could trust in God to take care of his soul, he could also trust the Lord to work through his human weaknesses. He knew what you and I need to know. God’s grace is sufficient for us too, since His power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

What comfort for imperfect, error-prone sinners like you and me. God still uses us. He used stuttering Moses, doubting Thomas, and Paul the convert. So, take heart, God has a plan for imperfect you as well.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power in my imperfect life. Above all, I thank and praise You for the words of forgiveness I will hear this morning. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

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

May 21 2016 - BY THE BOOK

Day 142 - Luke Saturday (chapters 3-4)

If you want to navigate through life successfully, you would do well to do so “by the book.” When I was a boy I enjoyed putting models of ships, planes and cars together. I soon learned that the end result was far better if I assembled them “by the book” ( following the instructions).

Jesus gives us some clear and practical examples of living “by the book.” 

It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4  ESV)

It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8  ESV)

It is said, "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4:12  ESV)

How does the Lord want us to respond to the temptations of life? Jesus has given us the perfect example.... “by the book.” Yes, THE book, the Bible, is the place to go for strength, encouragement, and examples when you are facing temptation, when you are having to make decisions, and when you are looking for God’s answers.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105  ESV)

Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to respond to temptation and trials. Fill me with the desire for the treasures You have for me in the Bible.  May I be prepared to face life with Your words: “It is written.” When I fall, reassure me of Your forgiveness for me and all who repent and believe. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow.

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

May 20 2016 - GOD’S WAY OR YOUR WAY?

Day 141 - Jeremiah Friday (chapters 37-41)

“Obey now the voice of the Lord in what I say to you, and it shall be well with you, and your life shall be spared.” (Jeremiah 38:20 ESV)

“King Zedekiah arranges a private meeting with Jeremiah and learns that he can avoid capture and save the city by surrendering to the Babylonian army, yet Zedekiah fears his own advisers more. God mercifully offers Zedekiah and his family their lives and will spare the city if only they will trust Him and leave matters in His hands. 

God’s people have always faced the difficult choice of trusting God and doing things His way or following their own wisdom and the world’s way. 

When faced with such dilemmas, pray that the Lord would grant you both wisdom and courage. Jesus, crucified and risen, is our wisdom.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1270) 

Lord, like Zedekiah, I am so often tempted to follow the way of the world and my own foolish wisdom instead of You. Remind me that You alone have the words of eternal life.  Amen. 

Which will it be today... God’s way or your way? 

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

May 19 2016 - GOD’S DINOSAUR

Day 140 - Job Thursday (chapters 39-40)

“Behold behemoth, which I made as I made you. Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly. He makes his tail stiff like a cedar...” (Job 40:15-16  ESV)

Were dinosaurs real? The discovery of fossilized dinosaur remains answer that question, as does God here in Job 40.  In impressing upon Job the fact of God’s creation, God points out His BIG job with the words: “Behold, behemoth.” Amazing!

The truly amazing fact is that almighty God, who made the world and all that is in it simply by the power of His Word, loves you and has made a way for you to spend eternity with Him!

Heavenly Father, Creator of all that is, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to take my place on the cross.  This gift is truly huge for me, and I humbly thank and praise You for it!  Amen.

Thank the Creator of all for giving you His all!

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

May 18 2016 - PRAY IN CONFIDENCE

Day 139 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 57-59)

“Be faithful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.”   (Psalm 57:1 ESV) 

“David turns to God for help. Chased by Saul, his king and father-in-law, David flees for his life and hides in a cave to avoid discovery. He confidently asks God for deliverance and praises God for rescuing him even before it happens (cf 2 Samuel 22). We often pray with uncertainty and hesitation, doubting God’s love and interest in our lives. Trusting in Jesus, we have confidence that God listens to us as a loving father listens to his beloved children.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 902)

“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 ESV)

Have we trials and temptations?  Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770)

Heavenly Father, please grant me the confidence of David when I pray to You. Please lead me through whatever challenges the day may bring.  In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Pray in confidence today.

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

May 17, 2016 - GRIEF AND FORGIVENESS

Day 138 - 2 Samuel Tuesday (chapters 15-19)

“Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son.” (2 Samuel 18:23 ESV)

Absalom, David’s son, leads a revolt against his father.  He is killed and David is filled with grief.  

The consequences of David’s earlier sins continue to plague him. Family discord has led to rebellion and the loss of another son.  While we can understand David’s grief for the his son, what we are amazed at is David’s desire to forgive all the rest who followed Absalom.

How do you respond to those who have it in for you? Better yet, how does Jesus respond to those who have it In for Him? Listen to Jesus:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” (Luke 23:34 ESV)

Lord God, heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy and grace that cover all of the betrayal and ugliness of life.  Keep me close to You through faith in my Savior, Jesus. 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

May 16, 2016 - THE CALL TO REPENT

Day 137 - Exodus Monday (chapters 25-28)

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Acts 2:21 ESV) 

This verse was the focus of the sermon for Pentecost shared yesterday at St. Paul’s. The theme was the The Call of Pentecost. The three points were 1) The Call to Repentance, 2) The Call to Faith, and 3) The Call to Action. As one of the worshipers was leaving church, she asked for a copy of something shared under point 1) The Call to Repentance. It is a little lengthy, but it does the make THE point very well.

RECALL NOTICE:

The Maker of all human beings is recalling all units manufactured, regardless of make or year, due to a serious defect in the primary and central component of the heart.

This is due to a malfunction in the original prototype units code named Adam and Eve, resulting in the reproduction of the same defect in all subsequent units. 

This defect has been technically termed, "Subsequential Internal Non-morality", or more commonly known as S.I.N., as it is primarily expressed.

Symptoms include:
1. Loss of direction, 2. Foul vocal emissions, 3. Amnesia of origin, 4. Lack of peace and joy, 5. Selfish, or violent behavior, 6. Depression or confusion in the mental component, 7. Fearfulness, 8. Idolatry, and 9. Rebellion.

The Manufacturer, who is neither liable nor at fault for this defect, is providing factory authorized repair and service free of charge to correct this SIN defect. The Repair Technician, Jesus, has most generously offered to bear the entire burden of the staggering cost of these repairs. There is no additional fee required.

The number to call for repair in all areas is: P-R-A-Y-E-R. Once connected, please upload your burden of SIN through the REPENTANCE procedure. Next, download ATONEMENT from the Repair Technician, Jesus, into the heart component.

No matter how big or small the SIN defect is, Jesus will replace it with:

1. Love, 2. Joy, 3. Peace, 4. Patience, 5. Kindness, 6. Goodness, 7. Faithfulness, 
8. Gentleness, and 9. Self control.

Please see the operating manual, the B.I.B.L.E. (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth), for further details on the use of these fixes.

WARNING: Continuing to operate the human being unit without correction voids any manufacturer warranties, exposing the unit to dangers and problems too numerous to list and will result in the human unit being permanently impounded. For free emergency service, call on JESUS.

DANGER: The human being units not responding to this recall action will have to be scrapped in the furnace. The SIN defect will not be permitted to enter Heaven so as to prevent contamination of that facility. 

“Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Acts 2:21 ESV) 

Heavenly Father, thank You for convicting me of my sin, and thereby showing my desperate need for the forgiveness Jesus purchased on the cross for me. I do admit that I am a sinner. I do repent of all my sin and ask You for forgive me for Jesus’ sake. 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

May 15, 2016 - BOASTING ALLOWED

Day 136 - 2 Corinthians Sunday (chapters 9-10)

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17 ESV) 

Boasting is very common human expression. It is done in order to impress one person’s importance to another person. It is based on human pride. 

Paul encourages us to not boast about ourselves. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast 
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain thinks that charm me most, 
I sacrifice them to His blood. 
(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #425 stanza 2)

Lord Jesus Christ, help me to boast about You, that is, to share Your soul-saving love with everyone I can. Keep me focused on Your cross and Your command to share Your love with others. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

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

May 14, 2016 - BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENTS

Day 135 - Luke Saturday (chapters 1-2)

“... your wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and you shall call his name John.” (Luke 1:13  ESV)

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31  ESV)

The Gospel of Luke begins with two special birth announcements . . . John the Baptist and Jesus the Christ.

Both mothers-to-be were in circumstances where the promised event should not have been possible. Elizabeth was beyond child-bearing age and Mary was a virgin. The response to both women and to all of us is this:

“For nothing will be impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37  ESV)

What comforting words as we remember the mission God had in mind for cousins John and Jesus! John was sent to prepare the way for the Messiah, and Jesus was sent to be THE WAY.   (John 14:6 ESV)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the good news announced to Elizabeth and Mary. Thank You for the miracles You fulfilled in both of them. Thank You above all for Jesus whom You sent to be the Way, the Truth and the Life.  Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

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

May 13, 2016 - GOD’S PROMISE

Day 134 - Jeremiah Friday (chapters 32-36)

“I will make with them an everlasting covenant.” (Jeremiah 32:40 ESV)

“As certainly as day follows night, so will God keep His promise that a Davidic King will rule over His people and that a High Priest shall intercede for them. 

In Jesus, the Lord sent a faithful King to rule over all His people and a High Priest to intercede. 

Entrust your cares to Him through prayer.

His all-availing sacrifice and His compassionate rule will bless and keep you.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 1263)

“And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”  (Jeremiah 32:38 ESV) 

These words remind us of our baptisms when God, in effect, made this promise to you: “I will be your God, and you will be My child. And I will walk with you everyday of your life, right up to your best day when I walk you right up to heaven.”

Thank You, Lord, for my baptism and Your promise to make me Your child and to walk with me for the rest of my life. Keep me faithful and obedient.  Amen. 

Celebrate God’s covenant with you today! 

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

May 12, 2016 - I KNOW NOTHING

Day 133 - Job Thursday (chapters 37-38)

“Who is it that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?” (Job 38:1 ESV)

“I know nothing.” This quote from Sergeant Schultz of the old TV sitcom, “Hogan’s Heroes,” puts a smile on our faces as we picture the plump and confused prison guard. 

There is nothing to smile about as God confronts and challenges Job’s wisdom and knowledge. God shows Job how little he knows and thereby how foolish it would be to second-guess God. However, second-guessing God is something we are all so good at. Every time we choose to sin we are second-guessing God by “claiming” that we know better than God does. Just as Sergeant Schultz continually got into trouble despite his claim to “know nothing,” so we get into trouble because of our lack of knowledge.

But there is a way out for the child of God.... 

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. (2 Corinthians 4:6 ESV) 

 As always, our answer is found in Jesus!

Lord Jesus, I find myself so often confused and lacking knowledge. May the Holy Spirit grant me wisdom as I read and meditate on the Bible. Remind me daily that because I am Yours, all is well.  Amen.

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 3:18 ESV)

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

May 11, 2016 - IN GOD I TRUST

Day 132 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 54-56)

“When I was afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”   (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV) 

“Even in the midst of danger, David rejoices in God’s love and His certain deliverance from death. 

When we face trials, we may be tempted to worry about our own welfare or feel like giving up in hopelessness. 

Instead, we can remember that our problems are nothing new and that God is able to help in every situation. 

Through these experiences, He strengthens our faith and draws us closer to Jesus, our Savior.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 901)

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 

Nevver let me fall.
I am trusting Thee forever

And for all.
(“I Am Trusting, Thee, Lord Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729)

Heavenly Father, please help me to trust You, especially during those times that make me doubt. May the Holy Spirit strengthen me to doubt my doubts and believe, believe, believe!  In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Trust in God today no matter what!

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

May 10, 2016 - COVER-UPS DON’T COVER ANYTHING

Day 131 - 2 Samuel Tuesday (chapters 10-14)

“But the thing that David did displeased the Lord.” (2 Samuel 11:27b  ESV)

David was guilty of lust, adultery, attempted deception, murder, and an attempted cover-up. But it didn’t work. Appealing to the king’s remaining sense of justice, the prophet Nathan gets David to condemn his own sin by making a proclamation about one who would abuse another (2 Sam. 12:1-6). To which Nathan replies: “You are the man!” (12:7)

We operate in a similar way. Whatever our sins may be, we try to cover them up, at least in our own minds.  “It isn’t so bad.” “I’m not such a bad person.” “Surely God can look the other way this time.”

“YOU ARE THE MAN!”

What can we do when God blows our cover? What can we do when He confronts our sin?

Like David, we have the opportunity to stop hiding and unburden our consciences.

“David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the Lord.’ And Nathan said to David, ‘The Lord also has put away your sins; you shall not die.’” (1 Samuel 12:13-14 ESV)

This is why Jesus went to the cross... to pay for all of our sins, including our attempted cover-ups. As with David, there may be grave consequences to our sins, but the sin itself has been removed for all who repent and trust in Jesus for forgiveness.

Lord God, heavenly Father, may Your Holy Spirit guide and direct me away from temptation and sin. When I do sin, work in my heart the immediate desire to confess my sin to You and not attempt to cover it up. Please protect me from sin and the consequences that follow sin as I live my life with Jesus. In His saving name I pray. 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