Blessed By The Lord: March 2022

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Friday, April 1, 2022 - WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IN CHURCH

"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)

Day 91 - (Today’s Bible readings 1 Samuel 18:8-33; Psalm 86; Titus 3:1-15 )

WHAT GOD HAS FOR YOU IN CHURCH

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by his grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” (Titus 3:4-7 ESV)

What do you find when you go to church? You find the goodness and kindness of God as He comes to You in His Word and Sacrament. His Word reminds you that you cannot be saved by what you do (works). Instead, it is God’s merciful washing away of your sins that makes you justified in God’s sight.

The focal point of many of our churches is the cross. It constantly reminds us that the Holy Spirit renews our relationship with God by means of Jesus and His cross. The cross is our constant reminder that eternal life is ours only through Jesus substitutionary death for sinners like you ane me.

Led on their way by this triumphant sign,

The hosts of God in conqu'ring ranks combine.

Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim

Till all the world adore His sacred name.

(Lift High the Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, # 837)

Heavenly Father, thank You for church, and Your promise to meet me there. Grant me a hunger for Your Word and the message of Christ’s cross. Please make me watchful for opportunities to lift high the cross, and proclaim Christ’s love. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Wednesday, March 30, 2022

Thursday, March 31, 2022 - PROTECT ME FROM MY ENEMIES

Day 90 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 17:15-18:7; Psalm 85; Titus 2:1-15)

PROTECT ME FROM MY ENEMIES

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;

protect me from those who rise up against me;

deliver me from those who work evil,

and save me from bloodthirsty men.

(Psalm 59:1-2 ESV)

David’s cry for deliverance from his enemies could well be the cry of persecuted Christians around the world today. While our religious freedom is under attack in our country, it cannot be compared to what Christians in countries face if they do not convert to Islam.

The hymn writer followed the example of David’s prayer in this manner:

Preserve, O Lord, your Zion,

Bought dearly with your blood;

Protect what you have chosen

Against the hellish flood.

Be always our defender

When dangers gather round;

When all the earth is crumbling,

Safe may your Church be found.

(“Preserve Your Word, O Savior,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #658, stanza 3)

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Protector and my Deliverer from sin, death and the power of the devil. Please protect Your Church and deliver my brothers and sisters in Christ from the dangers that are gathering around them. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Tuesday, March 29, 2022

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 - GOD’S HOUSE OR...

Day 89 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 16:15-17:14; Psalm 84; Titus 1:1-6)

GOD’S HOUSE OR...

For a day in your courts is better

than a thousand elsewhere.

I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God

than dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Psalm 84:10 ESV)

The Psalmist is making a clear comparison between being close to the Lord and spending time away from Him. There is no comparison, as Peter declared when he replied to Jesus with these words: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life, and we have believed, and have come to know, that you are the Holy One of God.” John 6:68-69)

Where else should you be on Sunday morning than God’s house, your church? The treasures God has there for you in His Word and sacraments are better than anything the world has to offer.

1. I love Your kingdom, Lord,

The house of Your abode,

The Church our blest Redeemer saved

With His own precious blood.

2. Beyond my highest joy

I prize its heav'nly ways,

Its sweet communion, solemn vows,

Its hymns of love and praise.

3. I love Your Church, O God,

Your saints in ev'ry land,

Dear as the apple of Your eye,

And graven on Your hand.

4. For them my tears shall fall;

For them my prayers ascend;

For them my cares and toils be giv'n,

Till toils and cares shall end.

5. Sure as Your truth shall last,

To Zion shall be giv'n

The brightest glories earth can yield

And brighter bliss of heav'n.

(“I love Your kingdom, Lord,” Lutheran Service Book #651)

Lord of my life and Lord of the Church, thank You for making me part of Your Church. Please grant me the desire to be close to You on weekly basis. Please use me to invite others to join me in Your house. Amen.

“See” you in church!

Pastor David Paape

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Monday, March 28, 2022

Tuesday, March 29, 2022 - THE PURE PROMISES OF GOD

Day 88 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 16:1-14; Psalm 83; 2 Timothy 4:9-22)

THE PURE PROMISES OF GOD

“The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure,

silver refined in a furnace on the ground,

purified seven times.” (Psalm 12:6 RSV)

There aren’t too many things in this world that are truly pure. Most of our foods have additives. Our water needs to be filtered. Even Ivory soap is only 99 and 44/100% pure.

But God’s promises are 100% pure. And that means that you can trust Him completely. Here are some of those pure gems:

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness..” (1 John 1:9ESV)

“Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:6 ESV)

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,

Through eternal ages let His praises ring,

Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,

Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,

Standing on the promises of God my Savior;

Standing, standing, I’m standing on the promises of God.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promises! They are truly pure blessings to me. May I always believe them and share them for the rest of my life! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Sunday, March 27, 2022

Monday, March 28, 2022 - ARE YOU READY?

Day 87 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 15:16-36; Psalm 82; 2 Timothy 4:1-18)

ARE YOU READY?

6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:6-8 ESV)

Paul is coming to the end of his life, and he knows it. Many face the end of their lives either with great fear and trembling or with a stoic acceptance of the end. But not Paul! Ever since the Lord came into his life and his heart on that road to Damascus, Paul was filled with the Spirit-given confidence that he would spend eternity in heaven. ‘Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day.”

What was the secret to his confidence? “I have kept the faith.”

Faith in Christ Jesus as the Savior of the souls of mankind is at the heart of what Paul was all about.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ... For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:1 & 6 ESV)

Because Paul had faith in Jesus as his Savior from sin, he was filled with a holy boldness and confidence in the Lord’s guidance, protection and promises. “But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me.” (1 Timothy 1:12 ESV) Yes, Paul was ready for his last day knowing that it would be his best day.

How about you?

Do you believe that Jesus died and rose for you?

Do you believe that He now offers you the complete forgiveness of all of your sins?

Do you believe that this gracious gift guarantees you eternal life in heaven?

My prayer is that you have a faith like Paul’s, a faith that trusts completely in Jesus!

One more thought - Paul gives us a stern warning not to let those around us rip off our faith.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4 ESV)

STAY CLOSE TO YOUR JESUS!

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Savior of my soul. Please grant me a faith like Paul’s that will sustain me and keep me close to You for the rest of my life. Then, in Your perfect time, grant me the crown of righteousness. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Saturday, March 26, 2022

Sunday, March 27, 2022 - PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE VICTORY

Day 86 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 15:1-16; Psalm 81; 2 Timothy 3:10-17)

PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE VICTORY

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,

“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;

the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.

The Lord is my strength and my song,

and he has become my salvation;

this is my God, and I will praise him,

my father's God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:1-2 ESV)

I wonder if Moses anticipated celebrating a divine victory when he got his first glimpse of Pharaoh’s entire army following the Israelites in hot pursuit. In short order, he and all of God’s people witnessed the astounding total annihilation of their enemies.

Similarly, I also wonder what was going through the minds of Jesus’ disciples that first Holy Week as they witnessed Jesus kicking the money changers out of the temple and foretelling His imminent suffering and death. Thoughts of a victory were surely the furthest thing from their minds as they witnessed Christ’s trial and crucifixion!

What goes through your mind when you experience the struggles, trials and fears of your life? How do you deal with your imperfections and weaknesses?

In a few weeks we will find ourselves in the upper room and the Garden of Gethsemane on Maundy Thursday, in the courtyard and on Mount Calvary on Good Friday, and waiting with the disciples on Holy Saturday. BUT SUNDAY IS COMING! Soon we will be celebrating Christ’s victory, which, by the grace of God, is also our victory.

Come to Calvary’s holy mountain,

Sinners, ruined by the Fall;

Here a pure and healing fountain

Flows to you, to me, to all,

In a full, perpetual tide,

Opened when our Savior died.

(“Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain,” Lutheran Service Book #435)

Lord Jesus, thank You for winning the victory for me over my enemies of sin, death and the devil. Bless my spiritual preparations for Holy Week and Easter. Amen.

"See" you in church this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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Friday, March 25, 2022

Saturday, March 26, 2022 - FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

Day 85 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 14:18–33; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 3:1-9)

FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV)

Are we living in “times of difficulty?” Are people on this planet “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive...”

Paul is directing us to respond by avoiding those who exhibit what we have just read. However, here are a few other things I think the Lord would have us do.

● Remain close to Christ by prayer, Bible study and faithful worship.

● Pray for the lost and look for ways to be God’s love to them, with the goal of developing relationships that can lead to sharing the Gospel message of Christ and His love.

● Keep our eyes on our heavenly inheritance, and help our loved ones to do the same.

Lord Jesus, strengthen me for the end times. Use me to reach the lost and protect the weak before it is too late. And help all of Your people to remember that the best is yet to come. And, Lord, please have mercy on the people of Ukraine. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Thursday, March 24, 2022

Friday, March 25, 2022 - THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD

Day 84 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 14:1-17; Psalm 79; 2Timothy 2:14-26)

THE ANNUNCIATION OF OUR LORD

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you." But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" The angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God. And now, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month for her who was said to be barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." Then Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38)

March 25 has been set aside to remember the Annunciation of Our Lord. The Annunciation is when the Angel Gabriel visited the Virgin Mary announcing to her that she would be the mother of the Son of God. His announcement was made 9 months before December 25, Christmas.

The annunciation and the ensuing miraculous conception of Jesus marks the first step of our Lord’s humiliation. This is the moment he took on human flesh for “us men and for our salvation.”

In spite of the richness of this festival, it is really about Jesus, about the incarnation, about God becoming human. Mary’s remarkable faith, is but one feature in the story. Her status as most favored, chosen to be the birth-giver of God, are surpassed by the splendor of that event of which she was the chosen vessel, the entrance of God into the world.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Gabriel to announce the good news to Mary, and to all of mankind, that Your were about to send Your Son to earth. May our ultimate joy be found in Jesus’ completed mission on our behalf, namely, the salvation of the world by means of His substitutionary death on the cross. Keep us faithful and grateful. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Thursday, March 24, 2022 - CHRIST REMAINS FAITHFUL

Day 83 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 13:23-39; Psalm 78:36-79:2; 2Timothy 2:1-13)

CHRIST REMAINS FAITHFUL

“If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV)

Each phrase in these verses begins with “if.” It sounds like salvation is up to us.

“If we...,” then good things will follow. If we die with Jesus (that is, die to sin), we will live with Him. If we “hang in there” when life gets rough, we will rule with Jesus.

However, if we deny Jesus, He will deny us. But look at how Jesus responds to the times we are faithless. “He remains faithful.”

The conclusion is that our salvation depends on Jesus and not on us! What comforting news this is. There are no conditions! Our faithful Savior promises to always be with us, even to the end of time.

Salvation unto us has come

By God’s free grace and favor;

Good works cannot avert our doom,

They help and save us never.

Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,

Who did for all the world atone;

He is our one Redeemer.

“Salvation unto Us Has Come,” Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #555 (1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being faithful to me, especially because my sins make me unfaithful to You. May I continue to look to You alone for the redemption of my soul. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Wednesday, March 23, 2022 - TELL THE NEXT GENERATION

Day 82 - (Today’s Bible readings 1 Samuel 12:24-13:22; Psalm 78:1-35; 2 Timothy 1:1-18)

TELL THE NEXT GENERATION

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, 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, and the wonders that he has done. (Psalm 78:2-4 ESV)

Ruth was a faithful follow of her Lord Jesus. Her life with Jesus...

● started at the Baptismal font,

● continued with instruction in the truths of God which led to her Confirmation,

● and was nourished for the rest of her life by the Word of God and the Lord Supper during her weekly attendance in church.

As she came to the end of her life, she found herself in a nursing home, where she continued her life-long practice of sharing Jesus with all who would listen. On one occasion, as she was preparing to go on an outing with her daughter and son-in-law, she was given the opportunity to once again share Jesus. Her care giver had children, so Ruth asked: “Are you taking them to Sunday School every Sunday?” “Why no, I haven’t made time for that,” was the reply. Ruth declared: “If you don’t take them to Sunday School, how are they ever going to know their Jesus, and how will they ever get to heaven?”

Those were Ruth’s last words. After doing her part to tell of the glorious deeds of the Lord to the next generation, Ruth slumped over and went to be with her Jesus.

Ruth was a wise lady. She knew that if we don’t teach our children to believe in Jesus, the world will teach them not to. And if they do not believe in Jesus, we won’t see them in heaven.

Today too many parents are falling down on the job, their most important job... training their children in the things of God. Doesn’t it just break your heart to think of this? May we be like Ruth and encourage parents to tell the next generation the Good News that is found only in our Savior Jesus! Can’t you just hear our precious children singing this precious prayer?

1. Let me learn of Jesus, He is kind to me;

Once He died to save me, Nailed upon a tree.

2. When I go to Jesus, He will hear me pray,

Make me pure an holy, Take my sin away.

3. Let me think of Jesus, He is full of love,

Looking down upon me, From His throne above.

4.Oh, how good is Jesus, May He hold my hand

And at last receive me To a better land.

(“Let Me Learn of Jesus,” All God’s People Sing #156)

Almighty God, please help me to be like Ruth and look for opportunities to let the next generation learn about Your loving plan for them, Yes, please bless children with truth of You love and mercy in sending Jesus to be the Savior of all and any who repent and believe. Amen.

“See” you at a midweek worship service today!

Pastor David Paape

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Monday, March 21, 2022

Tuesday, March 22, 2022 - YOU’RE THE MAN

Day 81 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 12:1-23; Psalm 77; 1 Timothy 6:11-21)

YOU’RE THE MAN

Nathan said to David, “You are the man!”

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

“You’re the man” is a phrase “used to praise a person who has done something well.” (Cambridge Dictionary) A ball player hits the winning run, and his teammates may exclaim, “You’re the man.” Or a guy helps an elderly lady pick up her groceries when her bag brakes in the parking lot, and a passerby declares, “You’re the man.” When you hear these words, it is generally for something good.

“You are the man,” declares Nathan the prophet. And there was not anything good in his words at all. David had committed the sins of idleness, lust, adultery, cover-up, and murder. Nathan tells David a story portraying a huge miscarriage of justice, and David reacts with just indignation and condemnation. Nathan looks his king in the eyes and with godly accusation declares... “You are the man.”

After Nathan outlines the consequences of his sin, David admits his guilt. “I have sinned against the Lord.”

And now the good news: And Nathan said to David, “The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.”

What sins would be behind “you are the man” if these words were directed at you? Whatever they may be, you can rest assured that God wants to forgive you just as He forgave David.

The hymn writer provides this perfect prayer as you respond to being declared “the man.”

With my burden I begin:

Lord, remove this load of sin;

Let Thy blood, for sinners spilt,

Set my conscience free from guilt.

In Jesus’ saving name. Amen (“Come, My Soul, with Ev'ry Care,” LSB 779)

Pastor David Paape

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Sunday, March 20, 2022

Monday, March 21, 2022 - MURDER AND “COVER-UP”

Day 80 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 11:14-27; Psalm 76; 1Timothy 6:3-10)

MURDER AND “COVER-UP”

And when the mourning was over, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord. (2 Samuel 11:27)

David had lusted after Bathsheba. He acted on his lust. She became pregnant. So David tried to get her husband, a faithful soldier name Uriah, to cover up his sin. But Uriah was too faithful to his men and to his God to enjoy the comforts of home while they were at war. David thinks he has only one recourse. So he gives the order - “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hardest fighting, and then draw back from him, that he may be struck down, and die.” (Verse 15) His order is obeyed. Now with Uriah out of the way, David takes Bathsheba to be another one of his wives. (Note: Some sources believe the king could have had up to 18 wives, or even more.)

It looked like the king had gotten away with lust, adultery and murder. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.

Substitute your name for David’s, and you will have an accurate picture of your position before our holy and just God. You may try to cover up your sin too. You may even try to deny its reality in your own head. But the fact remains - YOU ARE A SINNER!

1 John 8 verses 8 and 10 are meant to lead you to admit this fact and confess the truth.

8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us...10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.

Now look at the good news tucked in between those two verses of Law.

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

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, Draw Near,” Lutheran Worship #349)

Merciful heavenly Father, I won’t delay. I confess right now that I am a sinner. The sin(s) that bother me the most is/are ______________. Please grant forgiveness for all of my many sins, even the ones I don’t remember. I ask this of You for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Saturday, March 19, 2022

Sunday, March 20, 2022 - MISTAKE AFTER MISTAKE

Day 79 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 11:1-13; Psalm 75; 1Timothy 5:17-6:2)

MISTAKE AFTER MISTAKE

“It happened, late one afternoon...” (2 Samuel 11:1-13)

King David certainly did not do what he should have done. Instead, he did exactly what he should not have done. Does this sound familiar? King David was guilty of making mistake after mistake.

MISTAKE #1 - Neglect of duty

In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle... David stayed home.

MISTAKE #2 - Idleness led to lust

It happened, late one afternoon... David watched Bathsheba bathing.

MISTAKE #3 - Lust led to sin

David sent for her. Led her into sin... And the woman conceived.

MISTAKE #4 - Sin led to an attempted coverup

“Send me Uriah the Hittite.” David calls Bethsheba’s husband home from war.

GREAT FAITHFULNESS - Uriah’s displays something lacking in his king, moral character.

Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah dwell in booths, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camping in the open field. Shall I then go to my house, to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.”

What a contrast between the lustful, conniving king and the faithful soldier. While our mistakes (OUR SINS) may differ, all of us are guilty before God of sin and attempts to cover them up. Just how serious is our sinful condition? The hymn writer answers that question with these sobering words as we gaze upon the cross of Christ:

Ye who think of sin but lightly

Nor suppose the evil great

Here may view its nature rightly,

Here its guilt may estimate.

Mark the sacrifice appointed;

See who bears the awful load;

‘Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,

Son of Man and son of God.

(“Stricken, Smitten, and Afflicted,” Lutheran Service Book #451)

The downward spiral of sin is a reality in our self absorbed lives. But there is hope, as we will see on Friday - hope in the One whose sacrifice we are to “mark.”

Lord God almighty, I confess that my sins are not merely mistakes, but transgressions of You holy will and Law. As I gaze upon Your Son’s cross, I am broken in spirit because of my guilt. Have mercy on me and grant me forgiveness for the sake of the One who hung on that cross. In the precious and saving name of Jesus I pray. Amen.

“See” you in church this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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Friday, March 18, 2022

Saturday, March 19, 2022 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

Day 78 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 10; Psalm 74; 1Timothy 5:1-16)

ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV)

Encouragement, what a positive word. Encouragement is what an older person needs as they see their bodies showing signs of age. Encouragement is what younger people need as they try to find their way in this life. Encouragement to follow Christ is what all people need.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV)

Encouraging one another is what a Christian is to do naturally because we have the greatest encouragement of all in Jesus. What encouraging words we hear from His lips... “Your sins are forgiven.” His encouragement is lavished upon us by means of His loving sacrifice on Calvary’s cross.

We who have received this soul-saving gift now get to share this treasure with others. As Christ has loved us, we now get to love another.

We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord

And we pray that all unity may one day be restored

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love

We will work with each other, we will work side by side

And we'll guard each one's dignity and save each one's pride

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

They will know we are Christians by our love...

We will walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand

And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land

And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love

Yes, they’ll know we are Christians by our love.

Lord Jesus, help me to encourage others by reminding them of Your great love for them. May we never forget the eternally encouraging message of Your forgiveness and grace for all who repent and believe. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Thursday, March 17, 2022

Friday, March 18, 2022 - STAY CLOSE TO JESUS!

Day 77 - (Today’s Bible readings 1 Samuel 9; Psalm 73; 1Timothy 3:14-4:16)

STAY CLOSE TO JESUS!

“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)

David is sharing a most important fact for Christian living. It is good to be close to God. Stay close to Jesus. Make Him your refuge, your place of safety and protection. So remember to always, always, always stay close to your Jesus! And how do you go about staying close to Jesus?

● Weekly Worship

● Bible Study

● Prayer

● Witnessing

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, thank You for being my refuge. Help me to keep close to You for the rest of my life. Please use me to tell others of Your work of salvation for all who repent and believe. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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Wednesday, March 16, 2022

Thursday, March 17, 2022 - GO AND TELL BECAUSE...

Day 76 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 8; Psalm 72; 1Timothy 3:1-13)

GO AND TELL BECAUSE...

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16 ESV)

Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century, a time when that country knew only paganism. His efforts were greatly blessed as the Lord led many Druids to Christianity. Patrick died on March 17, 461, making today St. Patrick’s Day. However, I am sure that he would not be pleased with how the day has become a day for merely the wearing of the green and drinking.

Patrick was concerned with the souls of a people that had kidnaped him at the age of 16 and dragged him from Great Britain to Ireland. Several years later he escaped and began preparing for the priesthood and his eventual role as a missionary to the Irish

In our verse for today, Jesus says “go and tell,” which is what Patrick did.

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”

The Lord then gives us the ultimate motivation for such service.

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Heaven and hell are in the balance. People either are saved through faith in Christ, or they are lost and damned for not believing in Christ.

How do we respond when we hear God’s command to “go and tell” today? My prayer is that we also obey.

Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to saving faith in You. Please use me to go and tell others so that they can also be saved and not condemned. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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