May 1, 2018 - THE GLORY OF THE LORD

Day 119 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 38:21–39:1; Psalm 112; Mark 9:30–41)

“Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.” (Exodus 40:34 ESV)

In obedience to God’s directives, Moses oversaw the building of the tabernacle. God then occupied the tabernacle and His people were blessed.

God has commanded His people today to gather where He is present. In our churches God comes to us through the Means of Grace. No, He does not come to church in the form of a cloud, but He is there in His Word and Sacraments. And we, too, are blessed. In church is where we receive the public proclamation of forgiveness and the comfort, strength and direction that come from His Word and the Lord’s Supper.

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for keeping Your promise to be wherever two or three gather in Your name. Please grant me a hunger for Your Word, and, therefore, a great desire to worship in Your house every week.  In Jesus’ saving name I pray. Amen.  

Worship is also 24/7. Therefore, live for Him who died for you today!

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 30, 2018 -FEAR, PRACTICE AND FAITH

Day 120 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 38:1-20; Psalm 111; Mark 9:14-29)

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom;  all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever! (Psalm 111:10 ESV)

“When people believe the Word of God (His covenant) proven by the works of God (creation, redemption, provision), they have wisdom. But wisdom also proves itself in the practice of living by faith.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH. 2009, page 957)

Living by faith, this is what David is getting at in verse 10 of Psalm 111. Faith in Christ, our Savior, is the key to heaven and, therefore, also the key to everyday living. Most folks seem to forget this fact by living their daily lives with little or no thought about their eternal future. But those who repent and trust in Jesus for forgiveness are prepared for heaven.

The explanation to the First Commandment conveys this sense of faithful preparation with these wise words: We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.

Lord, may the Holy Spirit continue to strengthen my faith in You so that I will always fear, love and trust in You above all things. Amen.

Pastor Dave Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 29, 2018 - AT THE RIGHT HAND OF GOD

Day 119 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 36:31–37:29; Psalm 110; Mark 9:1-13)

The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” (Psalm 110:1 ESV)

In today’s reading from Psalm 110, David is giving a prophetic insight into what Jesus is now doing in heaven. The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” Jesus is seated in the seat of great power and authority at the right hand of His heavenly Father, with our enemies of sin, death and the devil serving in the vanquished role of a footstool. 

“He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God, the Father Almighty.” So we confess in the second article of the Apostles’ Creed. One of the reasons we Christians declare and confess our faith by means of the three ancient creeds (the Apostles’ Creed, The Nicene Creed and the Athanasian Creed) is that we remember what the Bible teaches us about the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the second article we focus on Jesus and all that He has done for us poor miserable sinners.

While Jesus is sitting in this position of awesome and complete dominion over the universe, He is thinking of you and your desperate need of divine goodness and mercy. Paul put it this way in his letter to the Romans: “Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Romans 8:34 ESV)

Jesus, the Savior of the whole world, is seated at the right hand of the Father, whispering in His ear on your behalf. He is reminding His Father that, even though you sin greatly every day, you still are His precious child because of your Baptism and the saving faith that God the Holy Spirit has placed in your heart. 

Do you find as much comfort in these words as I do?

The hymn writer gives yet another “right-handed” perspective:

    Therefore I murmur not, Heav'n is my home;
    Whate'er my earthly lot, Heav'n is my home.
    And I shall surely stand There at my Lord's right hand;
    Heav'n is my father-land, Heav'n is my home.
    (I'm But a Stranger Here, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #748-3)  

I thank You my heavenly Father, that Your Son, my Savior, is seated at Your right hand interceding for me. May the Holy Spirit keep me in the faith so that I may join You in the eternal glories of heaven. To this end, bless me this day as You feed me with Your Word and Sacraments as I worship You in Your house. Amen.


“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 28, 2018 - WHO DO YOU SAY HE IS?

Day 118 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 35:30–36:30; Psalm 109; Mark 8:22–9:1)

And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.”  (Mark 8:27-29 ESV)

The most important question of all time is this: “Who is Jesus to you?” Some answer merely a prophet, a good man, a spiritual leader.

It is crucial that you have the right answer, and there is only one right answer--Peter’s answer:

“You are the Christ.” Matthew’s version adds, “the Son of the living God.”  (Matthew 16:17 ESV)

Who do you say Jesus is? Jesus is the Son of God, your Savior and Lord, your only hope for forgiveness and heaven.

Beautiful Savior, King of creation, 
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love thee, Truly I'd serve thee, 
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
 (Beautiful Savior, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #357)

Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the faith to confess with Peter that Jesus is Your Son and my Savior. In His saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 27, 2018 - REMEMBER WHAT GOD HAS DONE

Day 117 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 34:29-35:29; Psalm 108; Mark 8:11–21)

Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?  Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember? (Mark 8:17-18 ESV)

The disciples find themselves low on bread. Jesus counters their fear of hunger with a somewhat biting call to remember, to remember all that he can do with bread.

19 When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” They said to him, “Twelve.” 20 “And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?” And they said to him, “Seven.” 21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?” (Mark 8:19-21 ESV)

Do you remember all that Jesus has done for you? If so, then “impossible” is not in your vocabulary.

● He paid for all of your sins when He died on the cross.
● He promises to walk with you every day.
● He feeds you with His body and blood every time you come to Communion.
● He promises you that the best is yet to come.

Lord Jesus, than You for being my Savior and my constant companion. Please help me to never forget all that You have done for me.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 26, 2018 - TELL EVERYONE

Day 116 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 34:1–28; Psalm 107; Mark 7:31–8:10)

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. (Psalm 107:2 ESV)

Why are you alive? What does the Lord expect of you? He has called those He has redeemed from sin, death and the devil to say so, to be His witnesses. After we receive the Lord’s Supper in our weekly worship service, we often respond with these words of praise:

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.  
He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.  
Alleluia, alleluia.   
 (Divine Service One, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006)

Lord Jesus, thank You for my salvation. May my life be filled with daily thanksgiving as I tell others of all that You have done. Please lead us forth in Your joy. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 25, 2018 - OPEN EARS

Day 115 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 33:7–23; Psalm 106; Mark 7:14–30)

And they brought to him a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment, and they begged him to lay his hand on him. And taking him aside from the crowd privately, he put his fingers into his ears, and after spitting touched his tongue. And looking up to heaven, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” And his ears were opened, his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. And Jesus charged them to tell no one. But the more he charged them, the more zealously they proclaimed it. (Mark 7:32-36 ESV)

The deaf mute had a great need, but there were no medical specialists available to help him. Then Jesus came on the scene, and the man had hope. The man’s friends petition Jesus on behalf of their friend. You have a friend named Jesus who petitions God the Father on Your behalf. 

Just as the man’s greatest need was to hear, so our greatest need is to hear God’s Word. Only in God’s Word do we find the offer of forgiveness and hope for the future. We find these treasures in Jesus, of whom God the Father says, “listen to Him.”

Listen, listen, God is calling 
through the Word inviting,
offering forgiveness,
comfort and joy.
 (Listen, Listen, God Is Calling, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #833)

Heavenly Father, please keep my ears open to You and Your word of Law that calls me to repentance, and Your word of Gospel that calls me to faith in my Savior Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 24, 2018 - DON’TS AND DOS

 

Day 114 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 32:17–33:6; Psalm 105; Mark 7:1-13)

 

DON’TS AND DOS

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)

 

And he said to him, “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)

 

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

 

In today’s readings we see the ultimate dos and don’ts. In good theological order, we start with the don’ts in our Genesis reading.

 

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. 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, Lutheran Service Book, #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

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 23, 2018 - IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STORMS, TAKE HEART

Day 113 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 32:1–16; Psalm 104; Mark 6:45-56)

But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And he got into the boat with them, and the wind ceased. (Mark 6:52-53 ESV)

Do you ever lose heart? Do the storms of life fill you with dread and fear? In today’s reading from Mark, Jesus teaches you how to deal with whatever turbulent seas you may find yourself floundering in.

“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.” 

What made the difference for the disciples that night? Jesus did. He knew that they were in trouble, so He went to them!

And he saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them. And about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. (v. 48)

Jesus knows that you are in trouble too. The winds of our sinful world and your sinful self are pressing relentlessly against you. When all seems hopeless, Jesus comes looking for you!

● He calms the storms of life with His presence and powerful Word.
● He stills your fears with His body and blood in simple bread and wine.
● He gives you confidence for tomorrow with the assurance of your baptism.
● He removes the fear of death with His promise that because He lives, you will live also.
● He encourages you to believe Him and TAKE HEART.

And when the fight is fierce, the warfare long, 
Steals on the ear the distant triumph song,
And hearts are brave again, and arms are strong.  
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(“For All the Saints,” The Lutheran Service Book #677-5)

Lord Jesus, thank You for stilling the storms of my life with Your precious means of grace and Your constant presence.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 22, 2018 - DON’T FORGET

Day 112 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 31; Psalm 103; Mark 6:30–44)

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, 
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity, 
who heals all your diseases, 
who redeems your life from the pit, 
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, 
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  (Psalm 103:2-5 ESV) 

The psalmist is calling us to bless the Lord because He has first blessed us. And what is at the top of the list of His blessings (benefits)?

●  Your sins (iniquities) are all forgiven. 
●  Your soul has been healed. 
●  Your life has been redeemed. 
●  And the Lord has crowned you with His love, mercy and goodness.

Sounds like blessings worth remembering, right?

Thank You, Lord, for all Your benefits to me. I do not deserve any of them. Yet You daily shower me with Your forgiveness, redemption and my daily life. My response is to bless You, O Lord. Please keep showering me with Your blessed benefits for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Don’t forget how blessed by the Lord you are!

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 21, 2018 - NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

Day 111 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 30:11-38; Psalm 102; Mark 6:14–29

NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6:32 ESV)

Jesus shows He concern for His disciples as invites them to seek a meal and some rest.

Physical food and rest are necessary to recharge our bodies. Likewise, spiritual food and rest are necessary to recharge our souls. While the disciples went off to a desolate place for refreshment, we are called to spiritual places that are anything but desolate.

In our churches we find nourishment and rest for our souls as we listen to the One who said:

Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (Matthew1:29 ESV)

David echoed the blessings of our houses of worship when he wrote:

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 121:1 ESV)

What makes the house of the Lord so special is that He meets us there and feeds our souls with His Word and Sacraments. What blessed rest comes to those who hear His words of reconciliation and forgiveness:

“Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

I love Your kingdom, Lord,
The house of Your abode,
The Church our blest Redeemer saved
With His own precious blood.
(I love Your kingdom, Lord, Lutheran Service Book, LSB, #651 v. 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the nourishment and rest You provide my soul in Your house. Let nothing keep me from the weekly treasures Your serve me there in the form of Your holy Word and the sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Please grant that many more people may join us in Your house tomorrow.  Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 20, 2018 - WHERE IS GOD?

Day 110 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 29:35-30:10; Psalm 101; Mark 6:1–13)

“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” (1 Kings 8:27 ESV)

“Solomon’s entire prayer (vv.22-53) emphasizes the fact that former sanctuary (the temple) was neither adequate nor stationary. When God’s Spirit dwells within people’s hearts, they become God’s temple in all circumstances of life. Luther: ‘Christians make up the dwelling place of God in the New Testament, where God is no longer confined to cities and buildings.’” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 547)

So, where is God? He is in you, fellow Christian!

“Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV)

God is dwelling in you. Does your life reflect that fact?

Almighty God, thank You for making me Your temple. Please help to me to live like it. And when I fail, please have mercy on me and grant me Your forgiveness. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 19, 2018 - A JOYFUL NOISE

Day 109 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 29:1–34; Psalm 100; Mark 5:21–43)

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!... For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”  (Psalm 100:1 & 5 ESV) 

There is a lot of distracting noise surrounding us every day. The Psalmist is calling us to be sources of joyful noise. The contrast is striking. While the cacophony of worldly sound takes our attention away from the Lord, the joyful noise that emanates from the child of God points people to the Lord. 

We want to heed this call because we know that the Lord has been good to us. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to the cross for us, showering us with His enduring love. Our joy is multiplied as we realize that, even though we are not faithful, He is!

May the joyful noise that comes from us forgiven sinners honor You, O Lord. And may Your goodness, love, and faithfulness remain with us forever. Amen.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord today!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 18, 2018 - PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN

Day 108 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 28:14-43; Psalm 99; Mark 5:1-20)

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!
    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!
The Lord is great in Zion;
    he is exalted over all the peoples. (Psalm 99:1-2 ESV)
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    Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
    To His feet your tribute bring;
    Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
    Evermore His praises sing:
    Alleluia, alleluia!
    Praise the everlasting King.

    Praise Him for His grace and favor
    To His people in distress;
    Praise Him still the same as ever,
    Slow to chide, and swift to bless:
    Alleluia, alleluia!
    Glorious in His faithfulness
(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book, #793)

Almighty God, I praise and thank You for being the Lord of my life and the Savior of my soul. May the way I live my life bring glory to Your name and other sinners to Your cross. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 17, 2018 - PEACE, BE STILL

Day 107 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 28:1–13; Psalm 98; Mark 4:26-41)

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:3-41 ESV)

“Hush, little baby, don’t you cry...” So starts a lullaby intended to comfort an infant into peaceful and quiet sleep. “Peace, be still” are the words of our Savior Jesus intended in this text to quiet both the raging storm and the anxious hearts of His disciples.

“Peace! Be Still!” Do you ever find yourself in need of the Savior’s word of comfort in your life? If you are human, like the rest of us, you desperately need such assurance. Whatever storms come into your life, Jesus is able to grant you His peace. That is the message of the cross where He secured the perfect peace of sins forgiven and heaven promised!

♬ When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
It is well with my soul,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
(“When Peace, Like a River,” The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #762 stanzas 1&3)

Lord Jesus, thank You for calming the storms in my life and granting me the peace of sins forgiven and the promise of heaven. Help me to remember Your peace-giving presence today and always. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 16, 2018 - LISTEN – ACCEPT – GROW

Day 106 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 27; Psalm 97; Mark 4:1–25)

 2 And he was teaching them many things in parables, and in his teaching he said to them: 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And as he sowed, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. 5 Other seed fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil, and immediately it sprang up, since it had no depth of soil. 6 And when the sun rose, it was scorched, and since it had no root, it withered away. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no grain. 8 And other seeds fell into good soil and produced grain, growing up and increasing and yielding thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”  (Luke 4:2-8 ESV)

Jesus is teaching us the importance of listening to God’s Word, especially His call to repent and believe.  The sad thing is that many people don’t get it. Jesus highlights three different tragic responses to the Word:

1) And these are the ones along the path, where the word is sown: when they hear, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that is sown in them. 

DON’T LET SATAN GET YOU TO NEGLECT THE WORD AND THEREBY TAKE IT AWAY FROM YOU!

2) And these are the ones sown on rocky ground: the ones who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy. And they have no root in themselves, but endure for a while; then, when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately they fall away.

DIG DEEPLY INTO THE WORD SO THAT YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THE TRIALS OF LIFE!

3) And others are the ones sown among thorns. They are those who hear the word, but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful. 

DON’T LET THE CARES OF THE WORLD CHOKE OUT THE WORD IN YOUR LIFE!

INSTEAD, BE LIKE GOOD SOIL AND WATCH THE BLESSINGS OF GOD’S GROW IN YOUR LIFE!

20 But those that were sown on the good soil are the ones who hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirtyfold and sixtyfold and a hundredfold.”

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still You’re there right beside me,
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.  Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Lord, may Your precious Word take root in my heart and produce abundant fruit of faith and obedience, all to Your glory. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 15, 2018 - BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST

Day 105 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 26; Psalm 96; Mark 3:22–35)

And his mother and his brothers came, and standing outside they sent to him and called him. And a crowd was sitting around him, and they said to him, “Your mother and your brothers are outside, seeking you.” And he answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” And looking about at those who sat around him, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. (Mark 3:31-35 ESV)

Thank God He has made us brothers and sisters OF Christ. He has done this by means of...

● the Cross where Jesus fulfilled God’s will on our behalf.
● the body and blood of Jesus given and shed for the forgiveness of sins.
● our Baptisms where the Holy Spirit gave us saving faith in Jesus.
● the promises of God’s Word all pointing to Jesus and you.

Yes, thank God we are brothers and sisters of Christ. And because of this, we are also brothers and sisters IN Christ.

1. Sing Alleluia! Amen! Let your prayers and your praises ascend.
Lift up your voices and sing to the Lord God, our Savior and King!
Here brought together by grace, We are gathered as friends in this place.
And assembled as one in the Name of the Son, 
Lifting hearts, lifting hands, celebrating as friends,
And proclaiming the Lord, All our praises afford.  
        We are brothers and sisters in Christ.

2. Man walked alone and in need, Without faith, hope or promise or creed;
Wandering aimlessly lost, unaware of the staggering cost; 
That God in His mercy would save All His people from death and the grave
And assembled as one in the Name of the Son, 
Lifting hearts, lifting hands, celebrating as friends,
And proclaiming the Lord, All our praises afford.  
        We are brothers and sisters in Christ.

3. 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.
Raising our voices in song, Help us tell all the world we belong.
And assembled as one in the Name of the Son, 
Lifting hearts, lifting hands, celebrating as friends,
And proclaiming the Lord, All our praises afford.  
        We are brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.
[Words and music by Terry Dittmer, copyright 1983 by the author]

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

April 14, 2018 - SING TO THE LORD

Day 104 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 25:23–40; Psalm 95; Mark 3:1–21)

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV)

God’s children can truly sing to the Lord because He is the “great King above all gods.” He is the God of creation who made the sea and the land. He is the God of salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. This makes Him “the rock of our salvation.”

Any attempts to earn forgiveness and salvation are like sinking sand, offering empty promises with no reason to sing. But we believe in the free and gracious gifts of “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Therefore, we sing!  

O, Sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.
O, sing to our God, O sing to our God.

For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
O sing to our God, O sing to our God.
(“O Sing to the Lord”, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #808)

Heavenly Father, because of Your overwhelming love in sending Jesus to save sinners like me, I will sing Your praises for the rest of my life and beyond. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!