Day 182 - Job 21-21 & Acts 10:1-23
9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” .... 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests. (Acts 10:9-15, 22-23 ESV)
“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Verse 15 NIV)
This special vision given Peter has two messages. One is that Peter was no longer subject to the Old Testament dietary laws. However, as we see in verses 22-23, there is also a far more important message. Cornelius, a non-Jew, is now a candidate for the Gospel. How monumental this was for him and for us! JESUS DIED FOR THE SINS OF ALL PEOPLE, Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles).
34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (vv. 34-35 ESV)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for offering salvation to all who repent and believe. Help me to remember this when You call on me to witness to someone who is different than me. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 181 - Job 19-20 & Acts 9:23-43
For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God, whom I shall see for myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another. My heart faints within me! (Job 19:25-27 ESV)
These confident words of Job are the confident words of all believers in Christ of all time. May you find comfort in your risen Savior and the fact that because Jesus lives, you too shall live.
He lives, all glory to His name!
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
(I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, LSB 461 stanza 8)
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Thank You, Lord Jesus, for rising from the dead and thereby granting me the same confidence Job displayed. May I, like the hymn writer, celebrate this sweet joy for the rest of my life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 180 - Job 16-18 & Acts 9:1-22
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. 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?” (Acts 9:1-5, 19-21 ESV)
Do you know of a person whom you are sure will never become a follower of Jesus?
● Someone who may use His name, but never with faith and reverence?
● Someone who insists that there is no God?
● How about followers of false gods?
The conversion of St. Paul vividly teaches us that Jesus, who came to seek the lost, can change anyone. He changed Saul from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest Christian missionaries of all time.
Now, how about that person you were thinking about. Jesus can change him or her just as easily as He changed Saul. So, continue to pray. And do not be afraid to share Jesus as winsomely and lovingly as you can.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for changing Paul. Please have mercy on _________ and change _______ into one of Your followers too. In Your saving name, O Lord. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 179 - Job 13-15 & Acts 8:26-40
“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not...If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:1-2, 14 ESV)
Job’s suffering causes him to share some harsh sounding thoughts. Life is short. Is there life after death?
Paul gives us the answer in Romans 7:24-25:
“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”
Jesus did, in fact, deliver us from death by His death and resurrection. And we are guaranteed eternal life with Jesus.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for promising me eternal life with You. Use me to share Your promises with others so they, too, may be saved. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 178 - Job 10-12 & Acts 8:1-25
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8 ESV)
“There was much joy in that city.” Demons were cast out and people were healed physically. Naturally, people would be joyful.
However, were does true and lasting joy come from? We find it our churches as we gather around God’s Word and the precious body and blood of Jesus. Real joy comes from our believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” (Last sentence of the Apostles’ Creed)
Lord, please keep filling me with Your joy as I go to Your house every week and find You there with Your joy-instilling gifts of forgiveness, peace and promise. And please let Your love and mercy show in my life so that others can come to know the joy of being Your child too. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 177 - Job 7-9 & Acts 7:44-60
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” ... 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:51-60 ESV)
What courage displayed by Stephen! He confronts the sins of his hearers and is stoned to death for it. Was it worth it? Stephen’s answer would be a loud “yes.”
Stand up for Jesus even if it means death.
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, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #660 v.4)
Lord, please protect me from those who would take my life. At the same time, grant me courage to stand up for You no matter what the circumstances may be. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 176 - Job 4-6 & Acts 7:20-45
Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking? (Job 4:1-2 ESV)
In chapters 4 and 5. “Eliphaz, the best friend who tries to comfort Job, only adds to Job’s misery. His ‘encouragement’ discourages Job because Eliphaz never really connects with Job or his pain. He only offers platitudes. When you reach out to a friend or family member, do not give answers that simply bandage deep hurts. Listen carefully to the sufferer and learn to share the pain. God does use adversity to discipline His people... In the midst of trial, we might doubt God’s love for us. But the cross shows us the measure of God’s love.” (Lutheran Study Bibe. CPH. 2009, page 789)
Lord, please make me sensitive to the pain of others, that You may use me to share Your comfort and peace with them. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 175 - Job 1-3 & Acts 7:1-19
There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. (Job 1:1-3 ESV)
Faithful Job was truly blessed by the Lord. Then Satan was unleashed and Job was severely tested. He lost everything--his children, his property and his servants. What was Job’s response to this calamity?
Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:20-22)
Job displayed his distress and anguish, but he also proclaimed his faith in God. He came into the world with nothing, and he knew he would leave with nothing. He would still bless the name of God.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Would that be your response to losing everything? A child of God can sincerely bless the name of the Lord during life’s darkest moments because we know what Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Because Jesus is the most important part of our lives, we know that we have everything even when we lose it all. I have known Christians on their death beds who confess, “When you have Christ, you have everything.”
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me peace and comfort no matter what my circumstances may be. Help me to be like Job and bless Your name even when I face life’s darkest hours. Use me to let others know that when you have Christ, you have everything. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 174 - Esther 7-10 & Acts 6
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (Acts 6:1-5 ESV)
The choosing of the first seven deacons shows us how God does things. He gives His people various vocations designed to serve Him by serving others.
Have you ever asked: “What does the Lord want me to do with my life?” Reading the Bible, praying and seeking the input of other Christians are the ways that God lets you know what He has planned for you
Lord, help us walk Your servant way
Wherever love may lead
And bending low, forgetting self,
Each serve the other’s need.
(“Lord, Help Us Walk Your Servant Way” LSB 857 stanza 1)
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the choosing of the first deacons. Help me to know what You have chosen for me to do for You. Above all, keeping me mindful of what You have done for me by redeeming me with Your holy and precious blood. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 173 - Esther 4-6 & Acts 5:17-42
“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b ESV)
God puts His people in just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purposes. This certainly was true for Esther. God has placed her in the palace of King Ahasuerus at just the time when Haman was plotting to influence the king to destroy the Jews living among them. But God’s ultimate purpose, the coming promised Messiah, the Savior of the world who would come from Esther’s people, would not be thwarted by Haman’s twisted plan.
What is God’s plan for your life? Are you here for such a time as this? No, maybe your life will not be as influential to as many as was Esther’s life, but it is to those closest around you. God places you in the just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purpose today!
Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your impeccable timing in Esther’s life and in mine. Even though I may not see Your plan for my life right now, keep me aware that You know what You are doing with my life, and that You have me here for such a time as this. Above all, keep my faith strong in my Savior. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 172 - Esther 1-3 & Acts 5:1-16
But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ... Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. .... After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Acts 5:1-11 ESV)
If you lie to God, expect dire consequences. How foolish could they be? God knows everything. How could they possibly think that God would bless their lack of veracity? What they received for their foolish lying was God’s justice.
Have you ever tried to hide the truth from God? It does not work. What does work is confessing our wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness. What repentant sinners receive is God’s mercy.
Today Your mercy calls us
To wash away our sin.
However great my trespass,
Whatever we have been,
However long from mercy
Our hearts have turned away,
Your precious blood can wash us
And make us clean today.
(Lutheran Service Book #915)
Lord God, may I learn from Ananias and Sapphira the importance of not attempting to cover up my sins. I confess all of my sins and humbly ask for Your mercy and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus, who is my only hope of mercy. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 171 - Nehemiah 12-13 & Acts 4:23-37
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:34-37 ESV)
“Son of encouragement,” what a great title for a follower of Jesus! We will see this title lived out in the ministry of Barnabas in later chapters.
The concept of encouragement is most often evident in encouraging words, words that build up the person they are directed toward. However, in the lesson for today, we find Barnabas encouraging His fellow believers by his actions. He sold a field and donated the proceeds to the church.
How encouraging it is when Christians extend a helping hand to others in need! Today there are fellow Lutherans, and many others too, helping out the victims of natural disasters around our country. Donations to food pantries, mission trips, and support of A Place of Refuge are all examples of encouraging action.
The greatest encouraging action of all time took place on Mt. Calvary when Jesus died in our place and purchased heaven for sinners like you and me.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the encouraging example of Barnabas. Thank You for the many Christians who are following that example. Thank You, above all, for Your death in my place and for granting me the encouragement of my eternal home. In Your encouraging name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 170 - Nehemiah 9-11 & Acts 4:1-22
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)
This verse clearly proclaims the exclusive claims of Christianity. Salvation is found in no one else since only Jesus died in payment for your sins. There is no one else.
All other religious ideas involve man’s attempt to save himself by his own effort. Only Jesus guarantees forgives to anyone who repents and believes in what He accomplished on the cross.
The hymn writer expressed the exclusivity of Jesus this way:
Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus,
Can my heartfelt longing still.
Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus
What He wills alone to will.
For my heart, which He hath filled,
Ever cries, Lord, as Thou wilt. (The Lutheran Hymnal, #348, stanza 1)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying for me on the cross, paying for my sins, and promising me a place with You in eternity. Please use me today to share Your love with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 169 - Nehemiah 7-8 & Acts 3
But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Acts 3:6-8 ESV)
Can you imagine never being able to walk for your entire life? Then Peter and John appear. You ask for some money, and Peter is used by the Lord to give you something you thought could never be. The lame man’s response is not surprising.... walking and leaping and praising God.
You and I were born lame too. We were not able walk with the Lord. But Jesus came to us with His forgiveness, presence and promise of heaven.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for granting spiritual healing and strength by means of Your death on the cross. May I spend the rest of my life walking and leaping and praising You, o blessed Trinity. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 168 - Nehemiah 4-6 & Acts 2:14-47
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts 2:37-39 ESV)
The promise of forgiveness and new life in Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is also at the heart of an annual gathering taking place this morning. Life Walk 2017 promises to be a fun morning spent in support of our efforts to help mothers chose life for their babies. One of the major emphases we make is the encouragement to have their babies baptized. This is one of the wonderful tasks this pastor has been privileged to carry out over the last couple of decades.
The promises of Jesus are meant for all of us:
“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”
Peter then assures us of the importance of infant Baptism by adding: “For the promise is for you and for your children.”
Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your gracious plan to save sinners from eternal doom by granting complete forgiveness for all who repent and believe. Thank also for the assurance that infants are saved by Baptism. Please bless Life Walk this morning, and all that we do to help these mothers and their children. Amen.
If you would like to help support A Place Of Refuge, please click on this link: https://www.razoo.com/story/Jyzaxf
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Nehemiah 1-3 & Acts 2:1-13
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. (Nehemiah 2:17-19 ESV)
“The Word moves Nehemiah’s heart to begin plans for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. As you read God’s Word, recognized that He will move you as well to serve Him and His people. Studying the Word is never an end in itself, because the purpose of the Word is to console you in Christ and equip you by the Holy Spirit.
Console and equip me this day, dear Savior, to overcome all obstacles to Your good and gracious will. Amen.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 742)
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 166 - Ezra 9-10 & Acts 1
So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21-26 ESV)
As God chose Matthias to be the twelfth man, the disciple who replaced Judas, so God has chosen you to be His disciple. You can take great comfort in this fact.
God puts you in the right place, at the right time, for His right purpose.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect timing in my life. Please use me powerfully in Your service. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 165 - Ezra 6-8 & John 21
Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored. And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be retained. (Ezra 6:1-3 ESV)
“The emperor Darius approves the building of the temple, sponsors it sacrifices, and curses those who would interfere. The God of heaven has so radically changed the circumstances that the government that opposed the project became its sponsor. Today, do not fail to offer prayers for your officials. Who knows what changes God may bring? Above all, offer thanks to Him for your salvation by Jesus’ sacrifice.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 729)
Lord, we trust You to lead the nations of this world to serve Your purposes. May it be Your will to grant peace in our world and to quell the evil of radical Islam. May all come to know the peace that is found only in Jesus. In His saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 164 - Ezra 3-5 & John 20
But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:11-16 ESV)
In the midst of her sorrow over the death of Jesus, Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize her risen Savior. Do the sorrows, disappointments and challenges of life get in the way of seeing Jesus in your life? As Jesus revealed Himself to Mary by simply speaking her name, so He reveals Himself to you by calling out your name on the day of your Baptism. Since then He continues to call you by name at the Communion table and in His holy Word.
I am Jesus' little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need and well provides me,
Loves me ev'ry day the same,
Even calls me by my name.
Click on this link for another song that reminds you that “God Knows Your Name.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KM3ndNE-Fo
Lord Jesus, as You connected with Mary be calling her name, please do the same for me. Remind me every day that You know my name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 163 - Ezra 1-2 & John 19:23-42
For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God. (1 Thessalonians 3:9 ESV)
This was a special morning at St. Paul’s. The congregation celebrated the 40th anniversary of my ordination. During these four decades, I have been privileged to serve four congregations..
St. Paul - Woodland, Indiana
Zion - Menomonee Falls
Immanuel - Sheboygan
St. Paul’s - Brown Deer
Paul’s words to and about the Thessalonians express how I feel about those I have been privileged to serve. I, too, thank God for the people with whom I have been allowed to share the love of God.
The focus of a pastor’s life and ministry is found in these well-known words of Jesus:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
It is all about Jesus and His great love for sinners like you and me!
Beautiful Savior, Lord of the nations,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, Praise adoration
Now and forevermore be thine! Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 162 - 2 Chronicles 34-36 & John 19:1-22
So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” (John 19:5 ESV)
“Behold the man,” Pilate prompts the crowd. As horrific as the beaten and berated Lamb of God look now, they have not seen anything yet. Soon Jesus would be hanging between heaven and earth on Calvary’s cruel cross atoning for the sins of the world.
“Behold the man,” the Holy Spirit prompts us in Word and Sacrament. But we have not seen anything yet either. One day we will see the Righteous Judge return to take us to our heavenly home with Him. For now, the key is to keep on beholding Jesus in our weekly worship and regular attendance at His Communion table.
Lord Jesus, keep my eyes focused on You so that I may gaze upon Your glory and beauty in eternity. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 161 - 2 Chronicles 32-33 & John 18:24-40
37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38 ESV)
So much of what the advertising world values never lives up to the hype. In fact, in many of areas of life, it is difficult to identify what is true - especially when it comes to what is reported as news these days. Jesus is just the opposite. Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus reminded us that He is the way, the truth and the life. It is so comforting to know that you can trust everything Jesus says and does on your behalf! May the Lord bless you as you trust in Jesus as your Savior and your Lord.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the One that I can truly trust and believe in. Please us me to share this truth with others so they too can know the truth about You. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 160 - 2 Chronicles 29-31 & John 18:1-23
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:20-21 ESV)
Hezekiah is an excellent example of faithfulness to God. “He did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God.” May this be said of you as well.
Lord, please grant me the same faithful insight You gave to Hezekiah so that I, too, may seek You with all of my heart. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 159 - 2 Chronicles 26-28 & John 17
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23 ESV)
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus is asking God the Father to grant unity to His disciples. The same prayer fits for His disciples today, the Christian Church. The reason for this prayer is for the sake of Christ’s followers themselves, so that we may witness well to the world around us. Jesus’ ultimate desire is that all may come to believe that the Father sent Jesus to be the Savior of mankind.
The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the sacraments to unite us in our common Christian faith. The devil also works hard to divide us. However, we who have been given faith in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, do not have to listen to the enemy. Instead, we repeat Christ’s prayer, and sing other prayers, like this one:
As we gather together in Your Son,
Let us know the joy of being one!
Let the time we share in this place
Be a time of love and friendship in Your grace.
By Your Spirit help us be One in faith and unity.
Bless us here as we gather in Your Son.
Give us joy, Grant us peace, Make us one!
(By Tim Frusti)
Lord, make Your people one so that we can speak of Your love with a united voice. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 158 - 2 Chronicles 23-25 & John 16:16-33
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
LCMS President Matthew Harrison wrote: “The 20th century was the bloodiest in Christian history with the death of tens of millions at the hands of Communist regimes. Now, we are continuously shocked by Islamic radicals persecuting and killing Christians daily in the Middle East and Africa. Meanwhile, our consciences vacillate as we sense the cultural shift in the U.S. that has produced an increasing avalanche of harassment and is likely to get much worse.”
“In this world you will have tribulation.” Jesus is warning us that life on this earth may not be peaceful. Peter warned with these words: “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
Not very uplifting. But wait. Jesus has something to add: “But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for overcoming sin, death and the devil by Your death on Calvary’s cross. Help me to remember that, no matter how difficult life may get for me now, because You have overcome, I too have overcome and will live with You in eternity. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 157 - 2 Chronicles 20-22 & John 16:1-15
“Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11 ESV)
“Christ comforts the disciples by promising to send them the Helper (the Holy Spirit) who will guide them into a deeper understanding of Christ’s Word. Mistakenly, we sometimes think that Jesus’ physical absence places us at a disadvantage. In fact, Jesus is present with us through the witness of the Spirit, who works among us through the God’s Word and Sacraments.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 1814)
Holy Spirit, ever dwelling
In the holiest realms of light;
Holy Spirit, ever brooding
O'er a world of gloom and night;
Holy Spirit, ever raising
Those of earth to thrones on high;
Living, life-imparting Spirit,
You we praise and magnify. Amen.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, # 650)
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
