Friday, October 1, 2021 - JESUS IS THE KEY

Day 274 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 43-44; Colossians 2)

JESUS IS THE KEY

“And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isaiah 22:22 ESV) 

“God’s own people would experience His wrath, for they had lived in ways indistinguishable from the nations. When we do not live lives of repentance, we are also indistinguishable from unbelievers. The living Christ, who descended from the house of David, holds the key of heaven, which He graciously opens for all who believe.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1125)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the key to my salvation! Thank You for opening to me the rich blessings of Your Word and Sacraments. And thank You for promising to open the gates of heaven to me when my life on this earth comes to an end. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, September 30, 2021 - CHRIST IS YOUR CORNERSTONE

Day 273 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 19-21; Ephesians 2)

CHRIST IS YOUR CORNERSTONE

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV) 

Paul is giving us a picture of the Church, built on the truths of Holy Scripture. His reference to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets,” clearly means the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. And in what direction does the entire Bible point? It points us to Jesus, “the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”

The cornerstone of Paul’s day was not merely the symbolic container of historical documents. The weight of a building rested on the cornerstone. In fact, if you removed it, the entire building would collapse.

The same is true for Christianity. If you removed Jesus and His cross, it all collapses. The holy life, innocent death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of our faith. Oh how blessed is everyone whose life is built solidly on Jesus!

Christ is our cornerstone,

On Him alone we build;

With His true saints alone

The courts of heav'n are filled.

On His great love 

Our hopes we place

Of present grace 

And joys above.

(Christ Is Our Cornerstone, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #912 stanza 1)

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for making Jesus the cornerstone of Your Church. 

May my life remain built solidly on Jesus so that I may always be blessed with Your love, hope, grace and joy. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Wednesday, September 29, 2021 - YOU BELONG TO GOD

Day 272 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 16-18; Ephesians 1)

YOU BELONG TO GOD

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV) 

It is a great comfort to us poor, miserable sinners to know that God has chosen us to be His children. Because of the faith He has worked in our hearts, we believe that Jesus died and rose as our Savior from sin, and that He is the way to eternal life.

Our comfort is magnified by the fact that God chose us before the foundation/creation of the world. Just think of it, you were on God’s mind before time even began. WOW! That must mean that you are very special to God. And you are. You belong to the family of God! You belong to God!

What comfort this gives us as we face the daunting challenges of daily life. The Creator of the universe loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be your substitute and to make you His! 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for choosing me to be Your child from before the creation of the world. May I live this day with the comfort of what You done for me motivating my every thought and action. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, September 28, 2021 - BURDEN BEARERS

Day 271 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 13-15; Galatians 6)

BURDEN BEARERS 

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV) 

You and I have an unbearable burden that only Jesus could take off of our shoulders. We are sinners, lost and condemned by the righteous God of the universe. But in His great mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our burden-bearer, our one and only Savior.

When Paul wrote about bearing one another’s burdens, he was addressing this directive to those who have had their sin burden removed by Jesus. Because Christ bore your burden, you now get to help others in His name. Just how can you go about helping someone else with their burden?

● Pray for them.

● Be a friend to them.

● Help them with their physical and emotional burdens.

● Look for a chance to share all that your burden-bearing God means to you (forgiveness, salvation, comfort, protection, motivation, provider of all that you are, have and hope to be, and the bearer of you burden of sin)

● Be lovingly and politely persistent is sharing God’s love with them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for removing my burden of sin. Please use me to show others around me that You are their burden-bearer too. In Jesus’ saving and burden-bearing name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

 

Monday, September 27, 2021 - LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

Day 270 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 10-12; Galatians 5)

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR 

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14 ESV) 

We who have been freed from the consequences of our sins by means of Christ’s forgiveness are called to love our neighbors by serving them. What would this kind of other-focused service look like? Paul answers that question a few verses later.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,  faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV) 

I believe that the love of Christ, and only the love of Christ, is the answer to all of the name calling and outright hatred we are bombarded with every day in the news and social media by people of all stripes. As followers of Jesus Christ, you and are I are in a unique position whereby the Lord can use us to change things one person at a time. We get to do this by reflecting these Jesus traits...

● love

● joy

● peace

● patience

● kindness

● goodness

● faithfulness

● gentleness and

● self-control!

WE’RE ALL HUMAN. WE’RE ALL BROKEN. WE ALL NEED JESUS and His LOVE!

1. Love in Christ is strong and living, 

        Binding faithful hearts in one;

Love in Christ is true and giving, 

        May His will in us be done.

2. Love is patient and forbearing, 

        Clothed in Christ’s humility,

Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, 

        Reaching out in charity.

3. Love in Christ abides forever, 

        Fainting not when ills attend;

Love, forgiving and forgiven, 

        Shall endure until life’s end.

(“Love in Christ Is Strong and Living,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #706) 

Heavenly Father, please have mercy on our hate-filled world. Please use those who bear Your name to reach out to our neighbors in our communities, nation and around the world with the life-changing and soul-saving love of Jesus Christ. In holy name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, September 26, 2021 - FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT

Day 269 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 7-9; Galatians 4 )

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT 

“The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

    on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2 ESV) 

Isaiah’s prophetic words point sinful humanity struggling in our spiritual darkness to Jesus - the Light of the world. Jesus lived a sinless life, died an innocent death, and rose in triumph from the grave for sinners like you and me, allowing us to see the light, His light.

It is a tragic fact that there are so many today who continue to walk in spiritual darkness. So many have no idea why Jesus came to this earth. They have no idea of what Jesus has to offer them... 

- peace

- forgiveness of their sins

- reconciliation with God the Father

- guarantee of eternity in heaven

- true love (God’s love) that changes EVERYTHING!

Perhaps you know someone like that. They may even be close to you, a relative, a coworker, a neighbor. If so...

- pray for them 

  (Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me. 

  And may I humbly do my part to win that soul for Thee. Amen.)

- model Christ’s love to / for them

- share God’s plan of salvation with them (Jesus died and rose for them)

- invite them to your house

- invite them to God’s house

And pray some more, so they might join you in walking in the light!

1. I want to walk as a child of the light; 

    I want to follow Jesus. 

    God set the stars to give light to the world; 

    The star of my life is Jesus.

    In him there is no darkness at all; 

    The night and the day are both alike. 

    The Lamb is the light of the city of God. 

    Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

   (I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light, Lutheran Service Book #411)

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Light that this sin-darkened worlds needs so desperately. May He continue to shine on me and through me for the rest of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, September 25, 2021 - WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS

Day 268 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 4-6; Galatians 3)

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS 

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13 ESV) 

This is the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus took our place and redeemed us from the curse that should follow our breaking of God’s Law. We have disobeyed almighty God, and His response was to send His only begotten Son to redeem us. His death on the cross has bought us back from sin, death and the devil. What wondrous love this truly is!

What wondrous love is this, 

O my soul, O my soul! 

What wondrous love is this, O my soul! 

What wondrous love is this

That caused the Lord of bliss 

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, 

To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

(“What Wondrous Love is This,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #543, stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing the dreadful curse I deserve so the I could be redeemed. May I remember Your wondrous love every day of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Friday, September 24, 2021 - WHITE AS SNOW

Day 267 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 1-3; Galatians 2)

WHITE AS SNOW 

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

    they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ESV) 

While we certainly are not ready to start thinking of snow, the first chapter of Isaiah contains the assurance that, in Christ, all repentant believers are declared righteous and white as snow and wool. I guess wool and snow do go together like wool gloves and winter!

Because of Jesus’ substitutionary death, now sinners and their Savior go together as well, and we are declared “white as snow.” 

Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to live in my soul.

Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Refrain

Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

(“Lord Jesus, I Long to Be Perfectly Whole,” words by James L. Nicholson, 1872)

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me whiter than snow by shedding Your precious blood on the cross of Calvary. Please strengthen my faith and keep me Yours forever. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, September 23, 2021 - NO OTHER GOSPEL

 Thursday, September 23, 2021 - Day 266 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 6-8 Galatians 1)

NO OTHER GOSPEL 

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9 ESV) 

Paul is warning us about one of the basic facts of life–there are different gospels. Of course, as he points out, there is only one TRUE Gospel? Any other religious idea does not offer forgiveness and eternal life. Every other approach to God is based on man’s attempt to curry favor by means of good works – what we attempt to do to please God. THE Gospel is based on what Christ has done on the cross for us, cleansing us of all sin. 

The Law reveals the guilt of sin

And makes us conscience-stricken;

But then the Gospel enters in

The sinful soul to quicken.

Come to the cross, trust Christ, and live;

The Law no peace can ever give,

No comfort and no blessing.

(Salvation Unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #555, stanza 8)

Almighty God, thank You for using Paul to warn us against false gospels. Protect me from such harmful deceit by keeping me grounded in THE soul-saving Gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ. In His precious name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Wednesday, September 22, 2021 - THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

Day 265 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 4,5 2 Cor. 13)

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST 

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!” (Song of Solomon 4:1 ESV) 

“Like Solomon calling the Shulamite, our Lord calls us to come out of our worldliness and to reside in communion with Him. He calls us holy, beautiful, stainless, pure. He calls us forgiven in His Gospel.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1072)

Rejoice, fellow Christian! As a member of the Christian Church, the Bride of Christ, you are under the eternal protection of Jesus, the Bridegroom. He died and rose for you. And all who repent and believe are declared holy, beautiful, stainless, pure and heaven-bound. 

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me by means of Your cross. Thank You for making me a part of the Church, Your bride. May I never forget how much you have blessed me with Your mercy and grace. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, September 21, 2021 - WEAK BUT STRONG

 Day 264 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 1-3 2 Cor. 12)

WEAK BUT STRONG 

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

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

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

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

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power in my imperfect life. Above all, I thank and praise You for the words of forgiveness my pastor proclaims every Sunday. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Monday, September 20, 2021 - FOOLS FAIL

Day 263 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 10-12 2 Cor. 11:16-33)

FOOLS FAIL 

“Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,

    but a fool's heart to the left.

Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,

    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 ESV) 

Foolishness abounds in this world. There are so many examples. Solomon warns us against being foolish because fools lack sense. David warned against being the worst of fools: 

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1 ESV) 

Trust in the Lord. Look for opportunities to share His wisdom, mercy and grace, all found in Jesus!

Heavenly Father, please help me to speak and act wisely on Your behalf. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, September 19, 2021 - SINNERS ALL

Day 262 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 7-9 2 Cor. 11:1-15)

SINNERS ALL 

“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV) 

“What do you call a sin?” That was the response I received from a lady many years ago when I stated that all people are sinners. 

What is sin? “Sin is every thought, desire, word and deed which is contrary to God’s Law.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, CPH, 1986, page 98)

While that lady needed to hear that she was a sinner, she also needed to hear of the glorious hope that God has for all sinners who repent and believe.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV) 

Jesus, the holy, innocent Son of God, took your sins and mine to the cross and paid for every one of them!

O almighty God, merciful Father, I know that I am a poor, miserable sinner. I heartily repent of my sins. Thank You for sending Jesus to shed His holy, precious blood to redeem me and make me Yours forever. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, September 18, 2021 - BOASTING ALLOWED

Day 261 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 4-6 2 Cor. 10)

BOASTING ALLOWED 

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

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

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

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast 

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

Al l the vain thinks that charm me most, 

I sacrifice them to His blood. 

(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #425 stanza 2)

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

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, September 16, 2021 - CHEERFUL LIVING

Day 259 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ecclesiastes 1-3 2 Cor. 9)

CHEERFUL LIVING

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV) 

Paul is giving us a partial description of cheerful Christian living. We who have been given everything by means of the death and resurrection of Christ, now get to respond in cheerful thanksgiving. He who gave us His best, now expects us to return our best to Him, and to do it joyfully. And what is it that He expects us to give? The best of our time, talent, treasure and testimony.

Lord of Glory, You have bought us

With Your life-blood as the price,

Never grudging for the lost ones

That tremendous sacrifice;

And with that have freely given

Blessings countless as the sand

To th' unthankful and the evil

With Your own unsparing hand.

Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give You

Gladly, freely, of Your own.

With the sunshine of Your goodness

Melt our thankless hearts of stone

Till our cold and selfish natures,

Warmed by You, at length believe

That more happy and more blessed

'Tis to give than to receive.

(Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #851 stanzas 1&2)

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for giving Your best to me. Please help me to thankfully give my best back, and to do it cheerfully. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, September 16, 2021 - GODLY WOMEN

Day 259 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 30,31 2 Cor. 8)

GODLY WOMEN

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels...

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:10 & 30 ESV) 

Young men thinking of marriage would do well to use Proverbs 31 as a “shopping list.” 

Above all, he should be looking for a Christian woman who loves and honors the Lord.

While many husbands are as blessed as I am, and are able to say that they are married to a Proverbs 31 wife, every wife would say that she is far from the perfect mate pictured in this chapter. The fact is that none of us measure up to God’s expectations for our roles in life. But there is good news for us imperfect husbands and wives.

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”  (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV) 

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying for me. Now help me to live for You by being the best wife/husband/parent/friend/neighbor/Christian I can be. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

 

Wednesday, September 15, 2021 - HOW’S YOUR VISION?

Day 258 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 28,29 2 Cor. 7 )

HOW’S YOUR VISION?

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV) 

Part of taking care of your body is having your vision tested. How did it go the last time? Do you need assistance with your vision?

We sinners all have a vision problem. Our sinful nature blinds us to the truths of God. However, God’s Word corrects our vision by focusing our spiritual vision on the cross of Christ and God’s message and method of reconciliation.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV) 

The hymn writer reminds us of another aspect of the Christian’s cross-centered vision:

1. The vision of a dying world is vast before our eyes; 

    We feel the heart-beat of its need, we hear its feeble cries:

    Lord Jesus Christ, revive Thy church in this, her crucial hour!  

    Lord Jesus Christ, awake Thy church with Spirit-given power.

2. The savage hugs his god of stone and fears descent of night; 

    The city dweller cringes lone amid the garish light:

    Lord Jesus Christ, arouse Thy church to see their mute distress! 

    Lord Jesus Christ, equip Thy church with love and tenderness.

4. The warning bell of judgement tolls, above us looms the cross;

    Around are ever-dying souls - How great, how great the loss!

    O Lord, constrain and move Thy church, the glad news to impart!

    And Lord, as Thou dost stir Thy church, begin within my heart.

Heavenly Father, keep my vision focused on Jesus and His cross. May that vision also include those in this world who are dying without Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, September 14, 2021 - WHAT TIME IS IT?

 Day 257 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 25-27 2 Cor. 6)

WHAT TIME IS IT?

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, ‘In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’  Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV) 

What time is it? When some of us were kids, we sang along with that black and white TV show. It’s Howdy Doody time... But it sure isn’t Howdy Doody time any more! That show has been off the air for decades.

Paul is encouraging his hearers to realize what time it is. It is time to trust in Jesus. 

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

He is encouraging you to take seriously God’s call to repent and trust in Jesus’ death as payment for your sins. It is an urgent call. Since none of us knows if we will see tomorrow, today is the day to listen, believe, repent and be saved!

This hymn is calling us to remember what time it is:

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near.

The waters of life are now flowing for you.

No price is demanded, the Savior is here,

Redemption is purchased, God’s promise is true. 

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come;

For mercy still lingers and calls you today.

Its voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;

Its message, unheeded, will soon pass away. 

Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse

The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?

A fountain is opened; how can you refuse

To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood? 

(Delay Not, Delay Not, o Sinner, Draw Near, Lutheran Worship, CPH, 1982  #349 stanzas 1,2,5)

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me to repent today and trust in Jesus before it is too late. Please use me to share this message with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Monday, September 13, 2021 - SWEET WISDOM

Day 256 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 23,24 2 Cor. 5 )

SWEET WISDOM

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”  (Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV) 

What do comedian Jackie Gleason, Winnie the Pooh and King Solomon all have in common? They would all say of honey, “How sweet it is.” Gentlemen, remember the wisdom of saying the same thing of your honey, “How sweet she is.” In fact, wisdom is the focus of these verses, as well as the rest of the book of Proverbs.

“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

The kind of wisdom Solomon is highlighting for us is...

● wisdom that listens to the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that trusts the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that obeys the Word of the Lord, and ultimately

● wisdom that trusts in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, for forgiveness and heaven!

We sing about this kind of sweet wisdom in this hymn stanza:

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

And drives away our fear. 

(How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #524 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sweet Gospel message I find in Your Word. Please keep my faith strong so that my ears will continue to hear and my life will honor the sweet name of Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, September 12, 2021 - TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS

Day 255 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 21,22; 2 Cor. 4)

TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”   (Proverbs 22:6 ESV) 

I have often used this verse to encourage parents whose children have strayed from the Lord. Since they have imparted the truths of God’s Word to their children, these faithful parents can pray that their children will return to the Lord. 

My wife and I have been blessed in our efforts to “train up” our two children in the Christian faith. I remember those precious times of teaching them how to pray, how to sing hymns, how to worship, and how to trust in the promises of God. While both are involved in Christian education, we are most thankful that they are also training their children in the way of the Lord! 

Lord Jesus Christ, the children's friend,

To each of them Your presence send;

Call them by name and keep them true

In loving faith, dear Lord, to You.

(Lord Jesus Christ, the Children's Friend, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #866 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, please bless all Christian parents as they train their children in the Christian faith. We beg You to keep our children close to You forever. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, September 11, 2021 - WE MUST NEVER FORGET

Day 254 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 19,20 2 Cor. 3)

WE MUST NEVER FORGET

“Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked... For you, O Lord, are my hope.”  (Psalm 71:4-5 ESV) 

Today is the twentieth anniversary of September 11, 2001. Most of us, I am sure, remember exactly what we were doing when we first heard the news that our country was under attack. It was a day that filled us with fear, foreboding, sadness and anger.

That evening, like many other congregations around our country and the world, we gathered in church for a special service of the Word and prayer. On the way to church, I passed a gas station with a long line of cars. While our first reaction to the tragedies of 9/11 was to turn to God, others could only think of running out of gas. I heard something even worse on the radio this week. The host said that all he could do on 9/ 11/2001 was to get drunk!

What a striking contrast between God’s people and those who do not know Him, or at best don’t possess Christian coping skills. Our Bible verse for today is a prayer for help in time of fear, tragedy and uncertainty. “Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked.” We especially pray this prayer for those we have deserted in Afghanistan. 

In the past twenty years our world has not gotten safer, even more so in the last month! We continue to have to deal with terrorism, hatred, war, and all other forms of evil. But Christ is still our Redeemer and our hope. We can still trust in His steadfast love to deliver us. So, on this September 11th, let’s start the day right:

I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.   (Luther’s Morning Prayer) 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Friday, September 10, 2021 - A GRAND BLESSING FROM THE LORD

Day 253 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 17,18 2 Cor. 2)

A GRAND BLESSING FROM THE LORD

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

    and the glory of children is their fathers.”   (Proverbs 17:6 ESV) 

When I was a child I certainly thought like a child. Many of the things I thought were so important turned out only to be foolish “dreams.” The blessings in my life are all from the Lord.

● Baptism

● Forgiveness and salvation

● Family

David knew the blessing of family when he wrote: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” I agree with him, even though I don’t see the term “aged” apply to me!

One of the great joys of life is when the members of your family are also members of the family of God. 

  Children of the heav’nly Father

  Safely in His bosom gather;

  Nestling bird nor star in Heaven

  Such a refuge e’er was given.

  (Children of the Heavenly Father, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #725, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family, especially grandchildren. Please keep all faithful to You so that we may remain part of Your eternal family, the Church. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, September 9, 2021 - WHAT WISDOM!

Day 252 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 15,16 2 Cor. 1)

WHAT WISDOM!

“A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.”   (Proverbs 15:1 ESV) 

Have you ever found yourself in an argument?

Have you ever gotten someone mad at you because of your harsh words?

This proverb gives you some very wise words... “soft answers” and no “harsh words.”

As sinners, we know that we need help in this area. The good news is that Jesus died to pay for our sinful words and other misdeeds.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Wednesday, September 8, 2021 - REAL MEN LOVE JESUS

Day 251 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 13,14 1 Cor. 16)

REAL MEN LOVE JESUS

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.”   (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV) 

“Paul likely addressed his letter to congregational leaders who were men; they needed to display manly virtues...in love. The virtue of strength does not conflict with the virtue of love.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, page 2168) 

According to former NFL player, Rosey Grier, real men do needlepoint. They also love Jesus. Here are some famous men who do love the Lord.

Phil Robinson

Denzel Washington

Tim Tebow

Steve Carrel

Usain Bolt 

Will Smith

Josh Hader

Sylvester Stallone

Dennis Quaid

Mr. T

Tim Allen

Tyler Perry

Chuck Norris

and many, many more.

Their stories can encourage other men to do the same. So can the story of your walk with Jesus.

God wants His people, men and women, to stand firm in the faith, in the love of Jesus.

Heavenly Father, help me to be a real Christian, trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins, and living for You every day. I do love You Jesus. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, September 7, 2021 - KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

Day 250 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 11,12 1 Cor. 15:33-58)

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

    but a man of understanding remains silent.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

    but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”   (Proverbs 11:12-13 ESV) 

Years ago I shared a sermon on this topic. When one of our members was driving home from church, she asked her five year old what the pastor had said that morning. He answered: “I should keep my mouth shut.”

The Eighth Commandment  You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 

What does this mean?  

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.

Heavenly Father, help me to keep my mouth shut when it comes to gossip and lies. And, when the time is right, open my mouth to defend my neighbor and share Your love. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf