Thursday, May 16, 2024 - BECAUSE YOU ARE FORGIVEN, BE NICE

 

"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)

Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Day 137 

BECAUSE YOU ARE FORGIVEN, BE NICE 

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV) 

Paul is encouraging those who have received the most fantastic gift of all to act like it! That means that those who have been washed clean of their sins in the blood of Jesus, are to let go of anything someone else may have done to them. 

Because you are forgiven, no longer let bitterness or anger have any place in your life. Don’t slander others either. Instead, be kind-hearted and forgive. In other words, follow the example of Jesus. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me. Please help me to treat others the way You have treated me. And as usual, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - AN ENCOURAGING WORD

"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)

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 - Day 136 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 15-17 John 6:1-21)

AN ENCOURAGING WORD 

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While this idiom is well known, it not always true. Negative and hateful words can hurt their target and do great emotional damage.

However, positive words can do much good. “A word fitly spoken” can greatly encourage their recipient. 

There is hope!

You can do it!

I believe in you!

I’ve always liked ________ about you!

The best encouragement is spiritual encouragement. And the best spiritual encourager is Jesus:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 ESV)

I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.  (John 10:10-11 ESV)

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  (John 11:5 ESV)

And He loves YOU, TOO! Now that is a truly encouraging word!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your encouraging Word of forgiveness given to me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Christ’s encouragement with others so they can know Him, too. And as usual, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - NOTHING ON MY OWN

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Day 135 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 12-14 John 5:25-47)

 

NOTHING ON MY OWN

30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me... 36b For the works that the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I am doing, bear witness about me that the Father has sent me.” (John 5:30&36b ESV)

Jesus is teaching us that He is all about seeking the will of His heavenly Father - “him who sent me.” For Jesus, it was all about doing works that fulfill God the Father’s plan for His life and for ours. 

Jesus said: “I can do nothing on my own.” We would all like to have everything go perfectly well every day. But the Lord does not guarantee that. David records what the Lord does guarantee: “My times are in His hands.” (Psalm 31:15). 

3. Nothing in my hand I bring, 

    Simply to Thy cross I cling.

    Naked come to Thee for dress; 

    Helpless look to Thee for grace;

    Foul I to the fountain fly; 

    Wash me Savior, or I die.

   (Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, LSB 761)

Since Jesus died for our sins and therefore guarantees forgiveness and heaven to all and any who repent and believe, He certainly can lead us through any of the challenges that life may throw our way.

So let’s begin this new day with this prayer of faith and submission to the God who loves us with an unending and peace-instilling love (Luther’s Morning Prayer).

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.” And as usual, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

 

Monday, May 13, 2024 - FROM DEATH TO LIFE

"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)

Monday, May 13, 2024 - Day 134 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 9-11 John 5:1-24)

 

FROM DEATH TO LIFE

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life. (John 5:24 ESV)

“From death to life,” what a promise. The world thinks this is the opposite of how life really is, from life to death. But God’s plan to redeem us takes us from death to life!

Yes, God’s plan for the salvation of souls is simple. Listen to Jesus and believe God the Father’s offer of complete forgiveness and reconciliation through the cross of Christ.

1. Christ, the life of all the living, 

    Christ, the death of death, our foe,

    Christ yourself for me once giving 

    To the darkest depths of woe:

    Through Thy suff'ring, death, and merit 

    Life eternal I inherit.

    Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, 

    Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

6. Thou hast suffered great affliction 

    And have borne it patiently,

    Even death by crucifixion, 

    Fully to atone for me;

    Thou didst chose to be tormented 

    That my doom should be prevented.

    Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, 

    Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

7. Then, for all that wrought my pardon, 

    For Thy sorrows deep and sore,

    For Thine anguish in the garden, 

    I will thank Thee evermore,

    Thank Thee for the groaning sighing, 

    For the bleeding and the dying,

    For that last triumphant cry, 

    And shall praise Thee, Lord, on high.

    (Lutheran Service Bool 420)

Lord Jesus, please help me to always listen to You and to trust in the Father’s merciful and amazing plan of salvation. Thank You, Lord, for dying on the cross for me and leading me from death to life with You.  And as usual, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - MOTHER’S PRAYER

"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)

Sunday, May 12, 2024 - Day 133 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 23-25 John 7:1-31)

MOTHER’S PRAYER

“(My) hope is that ... your faith increases.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV)

This adaptation of Paul’s encouragement to the Corinthians aptly describes the greatest prayer a Christian mother can have for her child/children. I share this from first-hand experience. Of all the things my dear mother taught me, the most important has been the supreme importance of faith in our Savior, a treasure she fervently prayed for on my behalf for my entire life until she went to heaven  5 years ago. What a blessing!

Proverbs 31 is the description of a godly wife. Verses 25 and 26 apply perfectly on Mothers’ Day 2023.

Strength and dignity are her clothing,

    and she laughs at the time to come.

She opens her mouth with wisdom,

    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. (Proverbs 31:25-26 ESV)

As you think of your mother, what is at the top of the list of things you thank her for?

The answer is her faithful prayer on your behalf!

“(My) hope is that ... your faith increases.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV)

  Oh, blest the parents who give heed

  Unto their children's foremost need

  And weary not of care or cost.

  May none to them and heav'n be lost!

  (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, # 862 St. 3)

Dear heavenly Father, thank You for the prayers of my faithful Mother. Keep all of Your children in Your tender care today and always!  And as always, Thy will be done. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

Thank God for your mother today.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, May 11, 2024 -

 

"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)

Saturday, May 11, 2024 - Day 132 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 4,5 John 4:1-30)

THE WATER OF LIFE

Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to him, “Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water?” ... Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I will not be thirsty or have to come here to draw water.” (John 4:10-15 ESV)

Water is basic need of life. The woman at the well was searching for H20. Jesus offered her something much more precious and necessary. The forgiveness of sins that He purchased for us all, quenches our spiritual thirst. 

1. Like the woman at the well I was seeking

    For things that could not satisfy:

    And then I heard my Savior speaking:

    "Draw from my well that never shall run dry". 

    Chorus

    Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!

    Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;

    Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more

    Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole! 

2. There are millions in this world who are craving

    The pleasures earthly things afford;

    But none can match the wondrous treasure

    That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord. Chorus

3. So, my brother, if the things this world gave you 

    Leave hunger that won't pass away,

    My blessed Jesus will come and save you, 

    If you heed to Him and humbly pray; Chorus

Lord Jesus, please quench this thirsting of my soul with the call to repentance and Your gift of saving faith. Thank You for being the water of life. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, May 10, 2024 - PASSING ON THE MANTLE

 

"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)

Friday, May 10, 2024 - Day 131 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Kings 1-3 John 3:22-36)

 

PASSING ON THE MANTLE

Then Elijah took his cloak and rolled it up and struck the water, and the water was parted to the one side and to the other, till the two of them could go over on dry ground.

When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.”  And Elisha said, “Please let there be a double portion of your spirit on me.”... And as they still went on and talked, behold, chariots of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them. And Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. And Elisha saw it and he cried, “My father, my father! The chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” And he saw him no more....

Then he took the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and struck the water, saying, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” And when he had struck the water, the water was parted to the one side and to the other, and Elisha went over. (2 Kings 2:8-14 ESV)

This section of Scripture draws our attention to what is happening to Elijah--chariots and horses of fire and a whirlwind trip to heaven. However, this morning, my thoughts are drawn to what the Holy Spirit is doing in Elishah’s life. The mantle, or cloak, of Elijah is being passed on to his successor, Elisha.

This is what happens when pastors are ordained. They are ready to begin serving. While there is no passing on of spiritual power, there is a sense of following in the steps of another. Three of the pastors present at my ordination 47 years ago (June 19, 1977) had great influence on me, Pastor Harvey Wangerin and Professors Wangerin and Jenne. Pastors Sallach and Lewis and Professor Royal Natzke also were influential in my years of preparation for the ministry. I thank the Lord for them and for the passing on of the mantle that took place!

   God of the prophets, bless the prophet's sons;

   Elijah's mantle o'er Elisha cast.

   Each age its solemn task may claim but once;

   Make each one nobler, stronger than the last.

   (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #682, stanza 1)

Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for the office of the holy ministry. Please keep all pastors faithful to You and the people we are called to serve. Use all of us, professional church workers and lay members, in the joyful task of sharing the love of Jesus with our sin-darkened world. Amen. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

"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)

Thursday, May 9, 2024 - Day 130 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 21,22 John 3:1-21)

 

YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN

Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” (John 3:5-8 ESV)

“‘Water’ and ‘spirit’ belong together and point to Christian Baptism.”

Augustine wrote: “In spirit we are born by the water and sacrament.”

Large Catechism: “We take up Baptism, by which we are first received into the Christian Church.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 1782)

“You must be born again.” For most of us that happened when we were baptized as infants. God alone gives faith.  We cannot even cooperate in that event. Even the act of sincerely confessing our faith is something we cannot do on our own. 

“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”  (1 Corinthians 2:14 ESV)

   .

  Baptized into Your name most holy,

  O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

  I claim a place, though weak and lowly,

  Among Your saints, Your chosen host.

  Buried with Christ and dead to sin,

  Your Spirit now shall live within.

  My loving Father, here You take me

  To be henceforth Your child and heir.

  My faithful Savior, here You make me

  The fruit of all Your sorrows share.

  O Holy Spirit, comfort me

  When threat'ning clouds around I see.

  (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #590, stanzas 1-2)

So, if a well-meaning Christian of a “different stripe” asks you if you were born again, tell him, “Of course, on the day of my Baptism, when I was a baby.” And then, when the devil tries to make you doubt your salvation, remember that your Baptism means that you are God’s child today, tomorrow and forever.

Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for the comfort of my Baptism. Thank You for granting me saving faith through water and Your Word. Help me to always remember that You came into my life that day and made me Your own.  And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - THE STILL SMALL VOICE

"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)

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 - Day 129 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 19,20 John 2)

 

THE STILL SMALL VOICE

And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” (1 Kings 19:11-13 ESV)

“Elijah found no comfort and no assurance in God’s power manifested in nature through the wind. Rather, when God’s Word came to instruct him in a quiet voice, then the prophet found truth and strength. What the Lord whispers is a mystery. Luther: ‘The Law is a hammer that crushes rocks, a fire, a wind, and a great and mighty earthquake that overturns mountains. When Elijah cold not bear the terrors of the Law that were signified in these events, he wrapped his head in his mantel, and after the storm was over, there came a still small voice, in which the Lord was present. But the storm and the earthquake had to come first, before the Lord Himself followed in the still small voice.’” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 571)

So, dear reader, when the storms of life engulf you, get ready to listen for the still small voice of God shortly after the storm is stilled. In fact, this is precisely why you attend church on a weekly basis. You come in from the tumult of the previous week and are met with the Word and the meal that God has prepared just for you.

  God Himself is present:

  Let us now adore Him

  And with awe appear before Him.

  God is in His temple;

  All within keep silence;

  Humbly kneel in deepest rev'rence.

  He alone

  On His throne

  Is our God and Savior;

  Praise His Name forever!

  (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #907, stanza 1)

Almighty God, thank You for coming to me in Your still small voice in weekly worship. Help me to listen to and heed Your guiding and saving voice.  And, as ever, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - GOD VS. BAAL...NO CONTEST

 

"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)

Tuesday, May 7, 2024 - Day 128 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 16-18 John 1:29-51)

 

GOD VS. BAAL...NO CONTEST

Elijah the prophet came near and said, “O Lord, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that you are God in Israel.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:36-39 ESV)

“O Baal, answer us,” was the cry of 450 priests of Baal in their challenge match with the prophet Elijah and the Almighty. They limped around their altar, cut themselves and cried out to Baal, but there was no answer and no fire for their offering.

Elijah’s faith in God’s answer to his prayer was so strong that he “put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood. And he said, “Fill four jars with water and pour it on the burnt offering and on the wood.” And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. And the water ran around the altar and filled the trench also with water.  (1 Kings 18:33-35 ESV)

None of today’s Baals can compete with the Triune God either,

● Only Jesus can provide us with what we desperately all need. 

● Only Jesus forgives sins. 

● Only Jesus offers us reconciliation with God the Father.

● Only Jesus has defeated sin, death and the devil on our behalf. 

● Only Jesus is in heaven preparing a place for all who believe.

“Answer me, O Lord, answer me, that this people may know that you, O Lord, are God, and that you have turned their hearts back.” Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, “The Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.” (1 Kings 18:37-39 ESV)

Almighty God, thank You for defeating all of the Baals (false gods) of all time. When my faith wavers, remind of the water-drenched offering aflame by means of Your all-consuming fire. Above all, remind me that because Jesus lives, the victory’s won. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, May 6, 2024 - FIRST THINGS FIRST

"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)

Monday, May 6, 2024 - Day 127 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 14,15 John 1:1-28)

 

FIRST THINGS FIRST

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. (John 1:1-5 ESV)

John 1 begins just like Genesis1. The Bible begins, “in the beginning, God.” John begins, “in the beginning...'Jesus.'" Just as God created light to separate the darkness, so He sent His Son to be the life and the light of sinners like you and me. 

“First things first” is a way of emphasizing the importance of keeping your priorities straight. And this is exactly what this section from John is all about.

  With the Lord begin your task; 

  Jesus will direct it. 

  For His aid and counsel ask; 

  Jesus will perfect it. 

  Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, 

  And when day is ended, 

  In His name then close your eyes; 

  Be to Him commended. (LSB 869) 

Lord, may Your light continually shine into this sin-darkened life of mine. Help me to keep You first in all that I think, do and say.  And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, May 5, 2024 - TRUSTING GOD

"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)

Sunday, May 5, 2024 - Day 126 ((Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 12,13 Luke 24:36-53)

 

TRUSTING GOD

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4 ESV)

Trusting God is what the widow teaches us here. In so doing, the Lord judged her gift greater than the gifts of those who gave out of their abundance.

Most of us would have a most difficult time trusting God enough to give away all that we have. I do remember one shut-in, though, who gave the church almost all of the monthly stipend he received. He was living in a nursing home and decided that he would rather give all he could to his church. Earlier he had given the church a very special gift. Every time the congregation listens to the bell choir, they can rejoice in the generosity of this man. He was following the example of the widow and trusting God. 

How about you? No, it is not simply financial giving that is involved in trusting God. Above all, learning to trust God involves a sinner’s heartfelt repentance and an abiding dependence on God’s provision in his daily life. The hymn writer put it this way:

  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, #759 stanza 1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for teaching us what it means to trust in You. May I follow the example of the widow and put my entire life into Your caring, saving and protecting arms. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, May 4, 2024 - REMAIN FAITHFUL YOUR WHOLE LIFE

 

"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)

Saturday, May 4, 2024 - Day 125 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today:  1 Kings 10,11 Luke 24:1-35)

 

REMAIN FAITHFUL YOUR WHOLE LIFE

“For when Solomon was old his wives turned away his heart after other gods, and his heart was not wholly true to the Lord his God.” (1 Kings 11:4 ESV)

Solomon’s gift of wisdom did not last his entire life. In his old age he fell away from God. Jeroboam, one of Solomon’s servants, was sent to declare God’s judgment on Solomon. His kingdom would be ripped from his hands.

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The message is clear. Listen to Jesus: “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 ESV) Chase after other gods, and you will lose far more than an earthly kingdom. For Jesus is the only way, truth and light. No one can get to heaven without trusting in Him as Lord and Savior.

God has graciously given us antidotes to “turning away our hearts after other gods.” We find them in church where He comes to us in His Word and Sacrament. We find them in daily study of God’s Word and in daily prayer.

Lord, please protect me from the fate of Solomon. Keep me faithful by weekly worship and daily devotion to You. Use me to help others, especially those who are older, to be ready for heaven. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, May 3, 2024 - THE PROMISE

 

"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)

Friday, May 3, 2024 - Day 124 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 8,9 Luke 23:39-56)

THE PROMISE

One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:39-43 ESV) 

You and I receive many promises in life, but none is more important to us personally than the promise we read in today’s scripture. Because died in your place, paying for all of your sins, you will one day receive the same promise Jesus gave the second criminal, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”

Because you believe that Jesus died and rose for you, the best is yet to come. Heaven is yours for sure! Jesus promises!

Jesus, pitying the sighs

Of the thief, who near you dies,

Promising him paradise:

Hear us, holy Jesus.  (LSB 447)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for taking my place on the cross, forgiving my sins, and promising me heaven. Please keep me faithful so that I will be blessed with paradise on my last day. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, MAY 2, 2024 - GLORY BE TO JESUS

"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)

Thursday, May 2, 2024 - Day 123 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 1 Kings 6,7 Luke 23:27-38)

GLORY BE TO JESUS

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21 ESV)

Do you understand how momentous this first line is? Jesus can do abundantly more than all you ask or think! His presence in your life means that you are blessed beyond human capacity to comprehend. One day, all will be made clear. One day, because of Jesus, you will be in heaven with Him. And this is truly beyond our comprehension! What we do know is that this is all possible because Jesus died and rose for us. He truly deserves to be glorified.

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Glory be to Jesus, 

Who in bitter pains

Poured for me the life blood 

From his sacred veins!

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006 #433)

Lord Jesus, I thank You and praise You for all that You have done for me and in me. May the rest of my life glorify You as I live for you. And, as always, THY WILL BE DONE! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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