Day 273 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 5; Psalm 90; Luke 8:26-39)
“As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.” (Job 5:8-9 ESV)
“Eliphaz (one of Job’s friends) praises God as the One who provides for all people and rescues the poor and downtrodden. In contrast, Job should entrust his problems to the Lord and bear his present (temporary) troubles in confidence.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 788)
The hymn writer aptly captures the essence of these encouraging words directed to Job and to us.
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, CPH 2006, #750, stanza 1)
In the link below, Madeline Robison sings this moving hymn. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6iFUUoqjoY
Please note the 11 challenges she addresses in the accompanying graphics:
Trust Him with your depression.
Trust Him with your diagnosis.
Trust Him with your preemie.
Trust Him with your grief.
Trust Him with your marriage.
Trust Him with your fears.
Trust Him with your debt.
Trust Him with your job.
Trust Him with your addictions.
Trust Him with your weight.
Trust Him with your dreams.
Our greatest challenge has been omitted from this list.
Trust in the Lord to remove you sin and grant you heaven!
Merciful God, even though I do not deserve it, I seek Your mercy and grace. Please grant me forgiveness and strengthen my faith in You. Please guide me through the rest of my life until that glorious day when You receive into the glories of Your heaven. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 273 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 4; Psalm 89; Luke 8:19-25)
“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV)
1. Chief of sinners though I be, Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.
2. Oh the height of Jesus' love! Higher than the heav'ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity.
Love that found me - wondrous thought! Found me when I sought Him not.
3. Only Jesus can impart Balm to heal the wounded heart;
Peace that flows from sin forgiv'n, Joy that lifts the soul to heav'n;
Faith and hope to walk with God In the way that Enoch trod.
4. Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me;
All my wants to Him are known, All my sorrows are His own.
He sustains the hidden life Safe with Him from earthly strife.
O my Savior, help afford by Your Spirit and Your Word! When my wayward heart would stray, keep me in the narrow way; Grace in time of need supply while I live and when I die. Amen.
(“Chief of Sinners Though I Be,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #611)
“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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 272 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 3; Psalm 88; Luke 8:9-18)
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)
“God’s Law shows us not only our sins but also their motivations and consequences. Consider a thought, an action, or a word by asking,
● Why am I doing this?
● Where could it take me?
● Can I do this in the name of the Lord?
God hates sin so deeply that He sent His Son to take away sin’s power–its curses and its eternal consequences. In Christ, we are forgiven and empowered to overcome sin. Good-for-nothings are made into God’s precious and valuable sons and daughters.”
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1008)
Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for Your good and gracious choice of me to be one of Your precious children. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay for all of my bad choices. In the name of my Savior, Jesus. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 271 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 2; Psalm 87; Luke 8:1-8)
On the holy mount stands the city he founded; the Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob. Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God. Selah. (Psalm 87:1-3 ESV)
The Psalmist is impressing upon us the fact that heaven will be glorious. Here is how the hymn writer expressed this fact:
Glorious things of you are spoken,
Zion, city of our God;
He whose word cannot be broken
Formed you for His own abode.
On the Rock of Ages founded,
What can shake your sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
You may smile at all your foes.
(“Glorious Things of You Are Spoken,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH # 648, stanza 2)
Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to make the new Zion, the city of God, glorious. Yet, with the Psalmist, I know that it is being in Your presence that will be truly glorious. Mercifully grant that I may spend eternity in the new Zion with You. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 270 - (Today’s Bible readings: Job 1; Psalm 86; Luke 7:236-50)
“For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you, for you answer me... Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:5-7, 11 ESV)
As we get older, we sometimes get the mistaken notion that learning is over. However, due to our sinful nature, learning is never over. We don’t seem to get it. His command is perfection, not even one sinful thought. This is why David is pleading for mercy. He knew well personal days of trouble. He knew his sin. He admitted his sin. He called on the Lord for help. And he prayed: “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.”
And what is the Lord’s way? Listen to Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
The truth we get to “walk in” is the forgiveness of sins and the promise of heaven. However, this “walk” starts with a serious assessment of ones sinful condition. It continues as we “learn of” the good news that Jesus died on the cross for us, paying for every one of our many, many sins.
Christ be my Teacher in age as in youth,
Drifting or doubting, for He is the truth.
Grant me to trust Him; though shifting as sand,
Doubt cannot daunt me; in Jesus I stand.
(Christ Be My Leader, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #861 stanza 2)
Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me about my sin and my Savior. Please help me to walk in Your truth. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 269 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 34; Psalm 85; Luke 8:18-35)
And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” (Luke 8:24-25 ESV)
The storm was raging causing the disciples to be in fear of losing their lives. This consuming fear appeared as quickly as the storm blew, in even thought the Prince of Peace was sleeping at the disciples’ feet.
When life’s storms blow into you life, do you also forget that Jesus is with you and that He is not asleep? Do you forget that God is the Creator of everything and has the whole world, including the circumstances of you life, in His all powerful hands?
Jesus offers these words of comfort for you, words that remind you that God is bigger than any storms in your life: “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:32 ESV)
It is God the Father’s good please to promise heaven to all who have faith in Christ Jesus!
Have no fear, little flock;
Have no fear little flock,
For the Father has chosen
To give you the Kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!
Have good cheer, little flock;
Have good cheer, little flock,
For the Father will keep you
In His love forever;
Have good cheer, little flock!
Praise the Lord high above;
Praise the Lord high above,
For He stoops down to heal you,
Uplift and restore you;
Praise the Lord high above!
(“Have No Fear, Little Flock,” Lutheran Service Book #735)
Thankful hearts raise to God;
Thankful hearts raise to God.
For He stays close beside you,
In all things works with you;
Thankful hearts raise to God! 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 268 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 33:12-29; Psalm 84; Luke 7:1-17)
And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he came up and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” And the dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. (Luke 7:13-15)
The picture included here lists many of the ways that Jesus shows how much He cares for you. He hears your prayers. He feels your sorrows. He holds you close when you hurt.
We see the compassion of our caring Savior played out perfectly in Luke chapter 7. He comes upon a funeral procession for the only son of a widow. His response is not only compassion. He acts on His compassion and commands the dead young man to come back to life. He then gave him back to his mother. The Bible does not record how the mother responded, but we can imagine that it was with ecstatic joy.
Jesus’ compassion for our lost world resulted in His journey to the cross. He cares so much for us sinners, that He died in our place and saved us from our enemies of sin, death and the devil. Our response of ecstatic joy is seen best as we share the fact that JESUS CARES and JESUS SAVES!
♬ 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 Setting One, Lutheran Service Book, CPH)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for caring for me and for saving me from my sins, and promising me a place in heaven. May the joy of what You have done for me motivate me to tell others all about You. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 267 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 33:1-11; Psalm 83; Luke 6:37-49)
“Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” (Luke 6:37-38 ESV)
Jesus is teaching us to be...
● nonjudgmental
● forgiving and
● giving.
He then promises that we will receive the same in return. Of course, the ultimate motivation for following these directions is to simply to...
● obey
● serve and
● glorify God.
Jesus clearly wants us to know that when we live for Him by living for others, we can’t lose. He put it this way in Matthew’s Gospel:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:335)
Lord Jesus, help me to be nonjudgmental, forgiving and giving. May my motivation be Your dying love 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 266 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 32:26-52; Psalm 82; Luke 6:20-36)
“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. To one who strikes you on the cheek offer the other also.” (Luke 6:27 ESV)
What Jesus is telling us to do with our enemies goes completely against how most of us react to such people. We want to get even. We want to pay them back. As for turning the other cheek, how could He actually be serious? We see how serious He is when we remember all that He took on our behalf as He suffered and died for us. In fact, it is at the cross that we find both the example and the power to forgive our enemies. The One who said: “Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing,” has forgiven us too! Yes, just as Jesus loves His enemies, we now get to love our enemies.
“We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 ESV)
Lord teach us how to proclaim,
All Your goodness, Your love and Your name!
Lord teach us how to forgive,
and in love, teach us Lord, how to live. Amen.
[Words by Terry Dittmer, copyright 1983]
Be the love of Christ to all today.
“See” you at the Communion table 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 265 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 32:15-35; Psalm 81; Luke 6:12-19)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7 ESV)
“The First Commandment teaches that ‘We should fear, love, and trust in God above all things’....
Solomon reminds us of the difference between true wisdom and the wisdom of the world. True wisdom is from the Lord, a message of foolishness to those who reject it but God’s very power to us who are being saved.
Paul encourages us to find our peace in Christ Jesus and His precious Word of mercy and forgiveness...
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
Heavenly Father, teach me to fear, love, and trust in You above everything else. Help me to wise up to You and Your gracious plan for my salvation in Jesus. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 264 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 31:23-32:14; Psalm 80; Luke 6:1-12)
9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus. (Luke 6:9-11 ESV)
The dog that bites his master as he gives his pet some food, the kind religious prisoner who rescues his pursuer only to be killed for his beliefs, and the compassionate Savior who heals a man’s withered hand all have something in common. They proved that, many times, no good deed goes unpunished.
“Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.
Jesus has compassion on a man whose life and livelihood were greatly hampered by his withered hand. The only problem, in the eyes of His enemies, was that the Lord did this “work” on the Sabbath. His kind miracle filled them with anger and with a desire to get back at Him. His kindness would not go unpunished if they had anything to say about it.
They certainly had plenty to say!
“Crucify him... His blood be on us and on our children.” (Matthew 23:23-25)
Jesus’ good deed of healing on the Sabbath did not go unpunished. As unfair as this is, it was all part of God the Father’s plan for our salvation. Thank God our kind and compassionate Jesus was punished on the cross for us!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing the withered hand on the Sabbath, showing Your divinity. Thank You even more for healing my sin-withered soul. Regardless of how some may be negatively rewarded for acts of kindness, please guide me and empower me to continue to serve You by sharing Your kindness with others. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 263 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 31:1-22; Psalm 79; Luke 5:27-39)
“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)
Moses, who is about to be retired, encouraged the Israelites to face their future with strength and courage. Strength and courage are traits that many would like to have. If you are one of these folks, listen to how this can come about. Number one, don’t worry, the Lord will go with you wherever you go. Number two, He will never turn His back on you.
At St. Paul’s, there is a phrase that many members know well:
Always, always, always, always, always, always, always STAY CLOSE TO YOUR JESUS.
Our text for today offers us another version:
Never, never, never, never, never, never, never WILL GOD LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU!
Lord, what comfort I find in Your promise to never leave my side. I know that I do not deserve this. Thank You for Your mercy and grace showered upon me through Jesus, my Savior. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 262 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-49; Psalm 79; Luke 5:22-26)
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4 ESV)
“Be strong, and don’t be afraid.” That sounds good advice, doesn’t it? It sounds like the kind of advice a football coach would give to one of his players, or the kind of advice that might be given to someone attempting to meet a personal challenge. The implication in that advice is that the person being encouraged can find strength in themselves. Isaiah’s advice directs his hearers elsewhere.
God will come and defend you. He will save you. In fact, He has already come and has already saved you. He did this by sending Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jesus has saved you by taking on Himself the punishment for your sins. Therefore you no longer need to fear sin, death and the devil because nothing in all creation can separate you from the love of God that is yours in Christ Jesus, your Lord (Romans 8:39)!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me and for driving fear out of my life. Please keep me close to you today, tomorrow and forever. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 261 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 29:9-29; Psalm 78:1-35; Luke 4:42-5:11)
“I will utter ... things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might.” (Psalm 78:2-4 ESV)
One of the distressing, and far too often spoken comments from parents who are desperately attempting to “go with the flow” is this: “I am not going to force my religious beliefs on my children. Instead, I will let them decide for themselves when they are older.”
There are two tragic facts that go along with this statement. First, their offspring could well wind up like some children I have met who have no understanding of even the basics of Biblical knowledge, to say nothing about faith in Christ. Second, those parents themselves are most likely not true believers and are therefore also lost.
Like David, who directed God’s people to “say so” (Psalm 107:2), we are to tell the next generation about all that God has done for us in sending Jesus to be our one and only Savior from sin.
Are you doing this? Thank the Lord for the help He gives us in the catechism, our Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, and our Christian Day Schools!
Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful gift of family. We humbly pray that You would use us to help the generations that follow us to also be close to You through saving faith in 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 260 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:58-29:8; Psalm 77; Luke 4:31-41)
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.” (Psalm 66:5 ESV)
David cries out to God for mercy and rescue from the enemies around him. Believers have that amazing right and perfect comfort. Remember Peter? He cried out to the Lord in similar fashion:
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him... (Matthew 14:29-31 ESV)
When the storms of life press in upon you, just as they did for David and Peter, remember that you have a God who reaches out to you with His glorious cross!
Lord, on the cross of Calvary You answered my prayer. May I live the rest of my life thanking you for saving me from sin, death and the devil. Amen.
Thank God for His saving hand in your life.
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 259 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:30-57, Psalm 76; Luke 4:14-41)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll (Isaiah) and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 ESV)
When Jesus returned home to Nazareth, His first stop was the local synagogue where He shared the words of today’s devotion. His concluding words let His hearers know that He is the One, the promised Messiah. Look again at what the Messiah came to do.
● Proclaim good news to the poor.
● Proclaim liberty to the captives.
● Provide recovery of sight to the blind.
● Set at liberty those who are oppressed.
● Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Jesus did come to proclaim the mercy of His Father to the poor, captive, blind and oppressed. However, the ultimate mission His Father sent Him on involved a cross, and bitter suffering and death as our substitute. We now receive the Lord’s favor through faith in Jesus who has set us free, liberating us from sin, death and the devil.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the promised One, the Messiah, my Lord and Savior. May all that I do and say today glorify Your name and be used by the Holy Spirit to witness to others. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 258 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:1-29; Psalm 75; Luke 4:1-13)
If you want to navigate through life successfully, you would do well to do so “by the book.” When I was a boy I enjoyed putting models of ships, planes and cars together. I soon learned that the end result was far better if I assembled them “by the book” ( following the instructions).
Jesus gives us some clear and practical examples of living “by the book.”
It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4 ESV)
It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8 ESV)
“It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4:12 ESV)
How does the Lord want us to respond to the temptations of life? Jesus has given us the perfect example.... “by the book.” Yes, THE book, the Bible, is the place to go for strength, encouragement, and examples when you are facing temptation, when you are having to make decisions, and when you are looking for God’s answers.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to respond to temptation and trials. Fill me with the desire for the treasures You have for me in the Bible. May I be prepared to face life with Your words: “It is written.” When I fall, reassure me of Your forgiveness for me and for all who repent and believe. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 257 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 27; Psalm 74; Luke 3:18-38)
“Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Arise, O God, defend your cause...” (Psalm 74;20-22 ESV)
“When calamity strikes, we ought to see God calling us to repentance...”
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5 ESV)
... “In repentance, we flee to God for mercy, not because of anything in us but by what He has done for our redemption.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, page 919)
What God the Father has done for our redemption is to defend from sin, death and the devil by sending Jesus to the cross in our place.
Thank You Heavenly Father for defending me against all danger and guarding and protecting me from all evil. Remind today that this is all because of Your divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. It truly is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. May the Holy Spirit empower to do my duty to You who have done it all for me. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 255 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 26; Psalm 73; Luke 3:15-17)
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” (Psalm 73:28 ESV)
“Being troubled by doubt and envy does not mean that we have lost our faith. We are called to struggle against doubt and envy. We find strength to do so in the certainty of the final outcome of God’s promises.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 918)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)
No wonder David calls God his refuge. Christ is our refuge too. It so important to always, always, always stay close to our Jesus And how do we do this?
Weekly Worship
Bible Study
Prayer
Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Lord, help me to fight doubt and fear by keeping me close to You. Bless me with a hunger for Your Word of promise. Amen.
Stay close to your Jesus today and always.
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
