May 1, 2017 - GOOD NEWS OR BAD NEWS?

Day 121 - 1 Kings 1-2 & Luke 22:54-71

“But from now on the Son of Man shall be seated at the right hand of the power of God.” (Luke 22:69 ESV)

Jesus is telling the Jewish Council that He is the Son of God. For them, this was blasphemous news.

How do you feel about Jesus’ claim that He is seated at the right hand of God the Father? 

For the believer this is truly good news. His mission of purchasing salvation for lost sinners is accomplished. He is now preparing our mansions and interceding with the Father on our behalf.

For the unbeliever, the fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father is bad news, for this means that Jesus is for real. It also means that God’s punishment for those who do not believe and do not repent of their sins is real!

Dearest Lord Jesus, please remember me as You sit at the right hand of the Father. Keep my faith grounded in You and Your sacrifice on the cross, so that one day I may witness You sitting next to the Father in heaven. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 30, 2017 - THINGS OF GOD

Day 119 - 2 Samuel 23-24 & Luke 22:31-53

From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.” But he turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a hindrance to me. For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man.” (Matthew 16:21-23 ESV)

Jesus had just shared God the Father’s plan of salvation with Peter, and Peter rejected it. “Far be it from you, Lord! This shall never happen to you.”  Of course, he is not alone, multitudes have also rejected Jesus. 

Peter’s blessing was that Jesus would not let him go. He quite powerfully and eloquently encouraged Peter to set his mind on the things of God. 

How are you doing in this area? God’s plan to save you is focused on Jesus going to Jerusalem where He would suffer and die in payment for your sinners. But on the third day He would rise again, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to you and all who, through saving faith, set their minds on these things of God.

Lord Jesus, please keep my mind focused on You and the things of God so that I may continue to be forgiven and heaven-bound.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 29, 2017 - HOPE ON THE ROAD OF LIFE

Day 119 - 1 Samuel 21-22 & Luke 22:1-30

"22 And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
3 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.
4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
    and I am saved from my enemies.'" (2 Samuel 22:1-4 ESV)

David’s faith-filled confession reveals his utter dependence on God. 

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.... and I am saved from my enemies.” 

These words can give you real hope as you travel down the road of life. Jesus has saved you from your enemies too – your enemies of sin, death, the devil, your own sinful nature, and whatever else may be ruining your life. No, God does not promise you a perfect life on this earth, but He does guarantee the perfect peace that comes from sins forgiven, heaven guaranteed, and His constant presence in your life right now.

Dearest Lord Jesus, my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, thank You for the peace You have given me by cleansing me of my sin. Please continue to fill me with Your hope as you lead me down the road of life . Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 28, 2017 - THIS COULD BE THE DAY

Day 118 - 1 Kings 1-2 & Luke 21:20-38

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV)

It is so very easy to get sidetracked, to lose oneself in the distractions and cares of every day life. The Lord tells to pray for alertness and spiritual strength for the days that are to come. The hymn writer put it this way:

"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices;
"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!
Allelujah!
With bridal care 
Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.".
(Lutheran Service Book, #516 stanza 1)

This could be the day, ARE YOU READY?

Lord Jesus, please keep me spiritually alert and ready for Your return. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 27, 2017 - TRUSTING GOD

Day 117 - 2 Samuel 17-18 & Luke 21:1-19

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4 ESV)

Trusting God is what the widow teaches us here. In so doing, the Lord judged her gift greater than the gifts of those who gave out of their abundance.

Most of us would have a most difficult time trusting God enough to give away all that we have. I do remember one shut-in, though, who gave the church almost all of the monthly stipend he received. He was living in a nursing home and decided that he would rather give all he could to his church. Earlier he had given the church a very special gift. Every time the congregation listens to the bell choir, they can rejoice in the generosity of this man. He was following the example of the widow and trusting God. 

How about you? No, it is not simply financial giving that is involved in trusting God. Above all, learning to trust God involves a sinner’s heartfelt repentance and an abiding dependence on God’s provision in his daily life. The hymn writer put it this way:

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.
(Lutheran Service Book, #759 stanza 1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for teaching us what it means to trust in You. May I follow the example of the widow and put my entire life into Your caring, saving and protecting arms.  Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 26, 2017 - THE SOLID ROCK

Day 116 - 2 Samuel 21-22 & Luke 20:27-47

“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 22:2-40 ESV)

God had protected David from a jealous Saul. David’s response is to break into a song of praise in which he describes God as his rock, his fortress and his deliverer. 

We can sing the same song because God has delivered us from our enemies of sin, death and the devil. Jesus is our rock, our fortress and our deliverer.

My hope is build on nothing less 

Than Jesus blood and righteousness.

No merit of my own I claim 

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand; 

All other ground is sinking sand.
(Lutheran Service Book, #575 stanza 2)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me and protecting me. I praise You and thank You for being the solid Rock of my life.  Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 25, 2017 - GOVERNMENT AND GOD

Day 115 - 2 Samuel 13-14 & Luke 20:1-26

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Luke 20:22-25 ESV)

The scribes and chief priests attempted to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him into big trouble with the Roman authorities. They hoped Jesus would say that paying “taxes” to an occupying army was wrong. Instead, Jesus gave them, and us, clear insight into the believer’s relationship with government. “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” His answer stymied them in their treacherous attempt. 

His words remind us of last Sunday’s first lesson. But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

We obey man-made rules as long as they do not disagree with the Word of God. Where there is conflict, we must follow what God says instead.

Heavenly Father, please help me to be a good citizen and a faithful Christian.  To this end, make me ever thankful for my country and my God.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 24, 2017 - I HAVE SINNED AGAINST THE LORD

Day 114 - 2 Samuel 10-12 & Luke 19:29-48

Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”
David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”   (2 Samuel 12:7&13  ESV)

David was the King of Israel, and he was a sinner. In today’s Old Testament reading, David is confronted with his sin. He confesses it to Nathan. And Nathan forgives him. There will still be consequences to his sin, yet he would continue to celebrate the gifts of reconciliation and forgiveness for the rest of his life. 

Even though none of us are kings of queens, yet we can have the same blessings David did. We can confess our sins knowing that God will graciously forgive us for Jesus’ sake.

May the gift of God’s forgiveness and reconciliation fill you joy this day as you live every minute for Him. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 23, 2017 - LITTLE MAN, BIG FAITH

Day 113 - 2 Samuel 7-8 & Luke 19:1-28

Zacchaeus... was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”... Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:2-10 ESV)

The religious leaders thought little of Zacchaeus, and they weren’t just talking about his height. They saw him as a lost soul, someone to be shunned. Jesus also saw Zacchaeus as a sinner, but not as someone to be shunned.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 

This is good news for us, for we also come up short when it comes to living the perfect life God requires of us all. The good news for Zacchaeus was that Jesus invited him into His presence. And that is really big!

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Please grant me a hunger for Your Word and for Your Supper that drives me to Your house each Sunday. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 22, 2017 - WHAT ARE THE ODDS?

Day 112 - 2 Samuel 4-6 & Luke 18:18-43

And taking the twelve, he said to them, “See, we are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished. For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” (Luke 18:31-33 ESV) 

“Everything that is written about the Son of Man by the prophets will be accomplished...”

One of the biggest problems Bible doubters have is the incredible odds against all of the Old Testament being fulfilled by one person. Yet, that is just what the account of the life of Christ reveals.

Peter Stoner, in Science Speaks (Chicago: Moody Press, 1963), determined the probability of one man fulfilling eight of the prophecies of the Old Testament for the Messiah to be 1 in 10 to the 17th power. Imagine taking 100,000,000,000,000,000 silver dollars and covering the state of Texas. That many coins would be two feet deep. Now mark one, stir the whole mass thoroughly, blindfold a person, and ask that person to pick the marked one in one try. Those are the exact same odds of anyone fulfilling eight of the Messianic prophecies by chance alone.

Peter Stoner then goes on to consider the possibility of any one person fulfilling 48 of the prophecies by chance. Here the odds jump to 1 in 10 to the 157th power (1 billion X 12). That number would look like this: 
1 in 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000, 000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000. 

What is even more amazing is the reason that Jesus endured this, “For he will be delivered over to the Gentiles and will be mocked and shamefully treated and spit upon. And after flogging him, they will kill him, and on the third day he will rise.” 

Jesus died and rose for sinners like you and me!

Thank You, my Lord Jesus, for fulfilling every single Old Testament prophecy so that I can be forgiven and look forward to eternity with You. Please use me to share Your amazing story with others. Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 21, 2017 - LORD HAVE MERCY

Day 111 - 2 Samuel 1-3 & Luke 18:1-17

He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:  “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee, standing by himself, prayed thus: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified, rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”  (Luke 18:9-14 ESV)

The point of the parable is clear. God calls us to honestly admit our sinfulness and seek His mercy. While this is not the way we proud and self-centered “Pharisees” want to go through life, it is the only way to be saved. When we repent of our sins and seek God’s mercy, for the sake of Jesus, we are forgiven and restored.

There is no wiggle room here. Humble yourself, repent, and seek God’s mercy!

God, be merciful to me, a sinner. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 20, 2017 - LOSERS KEEPERS

Day 110 - 1 Samuel 30-31 & Luke 17:20-37

“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will keep it.” (Luke 17:33 ESV)

“Finders keepers, losers weepers,” is the selfish response when someone finds something lost by someone else. For followers of Jesus, it is just the opposite. Those who try to find (preserve) their lives are losers, while those who lose their lives for Jesus, are winners.

The key is putting Jesus first by

   ● trusting Him,
   ● repenting of our sins, and
   ● serving Him as we help others.

When we live for ourselves, ignoring God, we risk losing everything. When we live for God, we win everything.

Those who die without Christ, are eternal losers. Those who die trusting in Christ for forgiveness are eternal winners

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me a winner by giving me saving faith in Christ Jesus. Please use me today to share my victory with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 19, 2017 - GOD CHOSE YOU

Day 109 - 1 Samuel 27-29 & Luke 17:1-19 

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 John 3:1 ESV)

God loves you so much that He has chosen to call you His child. Isn’t that wonderful? Really! It is wonderful. The wonder is that He chooses you and me to be His. We certainly do not deserve it, do we? 

Every day we blow it. We refuse to obey His command to be perfect. We choose to sin. We choose to disobey. And what does He do? He still chooses us!

God has done it all for us. We can’t contribute anything to our salvation. He sent His one and only Son to die in payment for our sin-filled lives. He adopted us into His family through our baptisms. He feeds our souls with His Word and with the body and blood of Jesus. He forgives our sins and promises us a room in His eternal house.

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for choosing me. Thank You for saving me. Thank You for making me Your child. Please open my eyes for opportunities today to let someone else know that You want to do the same for them. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 18, 2017 - THE BIG CHANGE

Day 108 - 1 Samuel 25-26 & Luke 23:39-56 

And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?” But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who lived in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.  (Acts 9:20-22 ESV)

 After the blinding light and the voice of Jesus calling out to Saul, God worked a miraculous change in him. Those who knew him, were confused: “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name? And has he not come here for this purpose, to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

Saul was known as a fierce persecutor of the Jesus’ followers. But God changed him. And now Saul is proclaiming the good news: “He (Jesus) is the Son of God.”

What God did for Saul, He wants to do for others. While He reached Saul directly, today He uses us, His followers, to share the good news of the forgiveness of sins through faith in Jesus.

Lord Jesus, You have changed me too. Now please use me to share Your good news with others. In Your saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 17, 2017 - SPUR ON ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE

Day 107 - 1 Samuel 22-24 & Luke 22:1-30 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.”   (Hebrews 10:24 NIV)

We have just celebrated the resurrection of Jesus and the fact that God has made us His own. Now in Hebrews 10 draws our attention to drawn to encouraging fellow Christians in responding to all that Christ has done for us. 

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good works.” 

• We’re all in this together. We need each another.

• Be kind, not rude.

• Be aware of one another’s hot buttons and don’t push them.

• Chose not to get upset with ideas that differ from yours.

• Build up one another often.

• Be open to suggestions. Realize that positive criticism can really help you grow.

• Look for the good in living for God with those around you. 

• Have fun serving together.

• Don’t take yourself too seriously.

• Do take your relationship with others, especially fellow Christians, seriously.

• Spur one another on in serving the Lord together.

Lord Jesus, thank You for dying for me so that I can live with You forever. Please use me to spur other Christians around me to good works for You. I especially ask You to help me to not take myself too seriously by putting the feelings of others ahead of my own. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 16, 2017 - EASTER FOOLISHNESS

Day 106 - 1 Samuel 30-31 & Luke 24:1-35 

And he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26 ESV)

There is a lot of foolishness associated with today. While rabbits, colored eggs, candy, and brunches are nice, but for too many people, this is all that Easter means.

Jesus had to contend with Easter foolishness later in the day on that first Easter. The Emmaus disciples foolishly thought that Jesus had been defeated on the cross. Instead, the resurrection reality is that Christ won the greatest victory of all time on that Friday we call Good Friday!

The Catechism explains His victory in this fact fashion:

Why is Christ's resurrection so important and comforting?
Christ's resurrection proves that
A. Christ is the Son of God;
B. His doctrine is the truth;
C. God the Father accepted Christ's sacrifice for the reconciliation of the world;
D. All believers in Christ will rise to eternal life.

In foolishness, the world rejects the deity of Jesus. Unbelievers do not accept His teachings to be true. Neither do they see a need for reconciliation and the guarantee of heaven to all who repent and believe. 

Paul put it this way:  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead... For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead.  (1 Corinthians 15:19-21 ESV)

I praise You, my risen Savior, for dying for me on the cross and for rising in proof that You accomplished Your saving mission. Please use me to help others who are lost in the foolishness of this world hear of Your amazing victory for all of humanity. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion table this Easter morning!

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 15, 2014 - HOLY SATURDAY

Day 105 - 1 Samuel 17-18 & Luke 15:1-10

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison. (1 Peter 3:18-19 ESV)

What did Jesus do on the first Holy Saturday? While we do not have a minute by minute account, we do have the words of Peter. He tells us that Jesus descended into hell.

Why did Jesus descend into hell? Some say that He had endure more suffering. However, when Jesus declared “It is finished,” he was proclaiming that His suffering was over, and that our sin is paid for.

Peter lets us in on this question. Jesus was put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison. In other words, Jesus descended into hell to proclaim His victory over Satan and death.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your death on Calvary on my behalf. Thank You for defeating sin, death and the devil for me.  Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow on Resurrection Sunday!

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 14, 2017 - GOOD FRIDAY WORDS FOR YOU

Day 104 - 1 Samuel 25-26 & Luke 23:39-56 

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 ESV) 

Today is Good Friday, the day that the greatest victory of all time was won. When Jesus said, “It is finished,” He defeated our worst enemies of sin, death and the devil. 

What does Good Friday mean for you personally? Because died in your place, paying for all of your sins, you will one day receive the same assurance Jesus gave the second criminal, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Because you believe that Jesus died and rose for you, the best is yet to come. Heaven is yours for sure!

Jesus, pitying the sighs
Of the thief, who near you dies,
Promising him paradise:
Hear us, holy Jesus.  (LSB 447)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking my place on the cross, forgiving my sins, and promising me heaven. Please keep me faithful so that I will be blessed with paradise on my last day. Amen. 

“See” you in church on this holy today!

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 13, 2017 - A FORETASTE OF THE FEAST TO COME

Day 103 - 1 Samuel 22-24 & Luke 22:1-30 

“And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood. But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table. (Luke 22:19-21 ESV) 

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Supper. What a blessing this gift is to God’s people. 

A perfect prayer for those receiving these precious gifts is this: “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.” (LSB 618)

In, with and under the simple elements of bread and wine, our Lord feeds us His actual body and blood, granting us forgiveness, strengthening our faith, and assuring us that He is with us.

 “Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life... Grace our table with Your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come. Amen.” (LSB 955)

Pastor David Paape 

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 12, 2017 - THE NARROW DOOR

Day 102 - 1 Samuel 10-11 & Luke 13:22-35

And someone said to him, “Lord, will those who are saved be few?” And he said to them, “Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13: 23-24 ESV)

Jesus is saying that only those who enter through the narrow door will get into heaven. What is He talking about? Listen to how His answers to that question:

So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep... I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”  (John 10:7-11 ESV)

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  (John 14:6 ESV)

On the day of your Baptism, the Lord chose us and gave you faith, the key that opens the narrow door for you. The only ones who enter through the narrow door are those who confess their sins and trust in Christ as Savior and Lord.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the narrow door and for accepting sinners like me. Please keep my faith in You strong so that I may continue to be an heir of eternity with You in heaven! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 11, 2017 - THE KINGDOM OF GOD GROWS

Day 101 - 1 Samuel 7-9 & Luke 13:1-21

He said therefore, “What is the kingdom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? It is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his garden, and it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.” (Luke 13:18-19 ESV)

Jesus reminds us that the kingdom of God will grow. From the seed of God’s Word, the souls of sinners are filled with faith and the gifts of forgiveness and heaven. There is great comfort in the fact that God the Holy Spirit grows the Church and that we don’t. We simply get to share Jesus and His love with fellow sinners.

Heavenly Father, thank You for growing Your kingdom in the hearts of those to whom You give faith. Thank You for including me in Your kingdom and in the exciting activity of sharing Your kingdom with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 10, 2017 - SIGNS OF THE TIMES

Day 100 - 1 Samuel 4-6 & Luke 12:35-59

He also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising in the west, you say at once, ‘A shower is coming.’ And so it happens. And when you see the south wind blowing, you say, ‘There will be scorching heat,’ and it happens. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time? (Luke 12:54-56 ESV)

“Jesus condemns the unbelief of those beholding His miraculous signs who yet reject the obvious implications. Satan blinds the hearts of unbelievers even to this day. Only by God’s grace can we see clearly, as the Spirit opens our eyes through faith in Jesus Christ.” (Lutheran Study Bible, page1742)

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see!
(Lutheran Service Book, #744)

Lord Jesus, please open my eyes to Your presence in my life. To this end, grant me a hunger for Your Word, the Bible. And then please use me to share You and Your promises with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 9, 2017 - THE UNFORGIVABLE SIN

Day 99 - 1 Samuel 1-3 & Luke 12:1-34

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God. And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Luke 12:8-10 ESV)

A couple of people I met some years ago would be surprised to know that they are guilty of the unforgivable sin. On claimed to be an agnostic and the other stated that she sees good in all religions, after all, “we all serve the same God.” 

Jesus is calling us to genuine Christianity, the belief that “there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name (Jesus) under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

The unforgivable sin, a.k.a. the sin against the Holy Spirit, is the refusal to believe in Christ as Savior. Luther’s explanation to the Third Article of the Apostles’s Creed helps us understand the Spirit’s most crucial work:

I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. 

Those people I met in the past had one thing going for them... They were still alive. They still had a chance to believe in Jesus as their Savior from sin. I encouraged both of them to look at Jesus, to read His words recorded in the gospels, especially John. It is through the Word of God that the Holy Spirit changes minds and leads doubters to Jesus and His precious gifts of forgiveness and heaven.

Lord, please protect me and keep my faith strong in Jesus my Savior. Help me to keep my eyes and ears open for others who do not believe in Christ s that You can use me to share the best news they will ever hear. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 8, 2017 - BLESSED BY THE LORD

Day 98 - Ruth 1-4 & Luke 11:29-54

“May you be blessed by the Lord...” (Ruth 3:10 ESV)

Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, were truly blessed by the Lord even though it did not at first seem so.  Their husbands were dead, and there was no insurance and no Social Security for them.  Yet God had a plan – a plan whereby all of us would be blessed by the Lord through Ruth and Naomi.  You see, one of their descendants would be King David, and his great Descendant would be King Jesus!

“The Book of Ruth relates a beautiful story in the history of King David’s family, illustrating how God guides history for the sake of His people.  He works through suffering and redemption to preserve His people and to welcome the nations.  These aspects of the book point to the birth of Jesus, the world’s Redeemer, who descends from Ruth and Boaz.
Though the Book of Ruth is not a love story, it beautifully illustrates the Lord’s enduring love for you.  As you read Ruth, consider how the Lord calls you to show love and faithfulness to your family and your neighbors, for whom Christ lived and gave His life.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 423) 

Lord, if Your plan for me today includes hardships, remind me of how You faithfully led Naomi and Ruth, and that You were doing so for the purpose of blessing countless generations through them.  May I, too, be blessed by the Lord this day as You guide and empower me to be faithful and kind to family and friends and all.  In the name of my “kinsman Redeemer,” Jesus.  Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 7, 2017 - ASK

Day 97 - JUDGES 20-21 & Luke 11:1-28

And I tell you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.  (Luke 11:9-10 ESV)

One of the precious gifts God grants His children is the privilege of prayer. 

In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus teaches us how to pray this way:

 And he said to them, “When you pray, say:
“Father, hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come.
 Give us each day our daily bread,
 and forgive us our sins,
    for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
And lead us not into temptation.” (Luke 11:2-4 ESV)

It is after teaching us the Lord’s Prayer that the Lord encourages us to simply ASK.

ASK
SEEK 
KNOCK

He then guarantees an answer. However, as we learn from the rest of Scripture, we are to ask for earthly things adding, “if it be Your will.”

Take comfort is God’s assurance that He is always willing to forgive those who repent.

Lord God, thank You for the opportunity to talk to You in prayer. Please keep me faithful in bringing all of my needs, joys and concerns to You in prayer. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

April 6, 2017 - SHOW MERCY

Day 96 - JUDGES 18-19 & Luke 10:25-42

Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road, and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion. He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ Which of these three, do you think, proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” He said, “The one who showed him mercy.” And Jesus said to him, “You go, and do likewise.”  (Luke 10:28-37 ESV)

In this familiar account Jesus teaches us to be a good neighbor to any one in need, even an enemy. Earlier in Luke’s Gospel Jesus gave us more motivation:

“Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”   (Luke 6:36 ESV)

We, forgiven sinners, who have received God’s undeserved mercy from the cross of Jesus, now get to share His mercy with others.

Lord God, thank You for mercifully calling me to be one of Your children and for forgiving all of my many sins. Please give me the desire and the opportunity to share Your mercy with people in need. Yes, open my eyes today for those who need Your mercy just as much as I do.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf