Sunday, September 1, 2024 - PRAISE THE LORD

"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, September 1, 2024 - Day 245 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 148-150 1 Cor. 11:16-34)

PRAISE THE LORD

“Praise the Lord!

Praise God in his sanctuary;

    praise him in his mighty heavens!

Praise him for his mighty deeds;

    praise him according to his excellent greatness!

Praise him with trumpet sound;

    praise him with lute and harp!

Praise him with tambourine and dance;

    praise him with strings and pipe!

Praise him with sounding cymbals;

    praise him with loud clashing cymbals!

Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!

Praise the Lord!”   (Psalm 150 ESV) 

There is so much in life that can leave you feeling flat, blue, or even despondent. Most of the time those feelings can come from our own personal failings. The antidote is to simply remember all that God has done for you and all that He has graciously given to you. And when you remember, you get to repeat David’s words of praise directed to the One from whom has from ALL blessings flow. 

 Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

 Praise Him, all creatures here below;

 Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;

 Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.  Amen.

(Lutheran Service Book #805)

Heavenly Father, I praise You for all that You have blessed me with. Above all, I praise You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. In Jesus’ saving name. 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, August 31, 2024 - THE LORD IS NEAR

"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, August 31, 2024 - Day 244 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 145-147; 1 Cor. 11:1-15)

THE LORD IS NEAR

“The Lord is near to all who call on him,

    to all who call on him in truth.”   (Psalm 145:18 ESV) 

They say that there are no atheists in foxholes. I would think that the same would be true with hurricanes and floods. Can you imagine the horror and paralyzing fear that overcame many who get caught in the aftermath of a hurricane? And can you imagine how may prayers for rescue get sent heavenward?

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)

Throughout history there have been accounts of people praying to be rescued during their days of trouble. In today’s verse, we reminded of one of the key components of effectual prayers.

“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.” 

Are you experiencing days of trouble? Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance? Are you doing so in truth, that is in faith?

The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:

1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, 

    All our sins and griefs to bear!  

    What a privilege to carry 

    Ev’rything to God in prayer!

    Oh, what peace we often forfeit, 

    Oh, what needless pain we bear,

    All because we do not carry 

    Everything to God in prayer.

2. Have we trials and temptations?  

    Is there trouble anywhere?

    We should never be discouraged, 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Can we find a Friend so faithful 

    Who will all our sorrows share?

    Jesus knows our every weakness - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

3. Are we weak and heavy laden, 

    Cumbered with a load of care?

    Precious Savior, still our Refuge - 

    Take it to the Lord in prayer.

    Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?  

    Take it to the Lord in prayer;

    In His arms He'll take and shield thee, 

    Thou wilt find a solace there.

      (Lutheran Service Book #770)

Heavenly Father, please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the storms of life, especially those in grave danger in our country and around the world. In Jesus’ saving name. 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, August 30, 2024 - GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING

 

"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, August 30, 2024 - Day 243 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 142-144; 1 Cor. 10:14-33)

GLORIFY GOD IN EVERYTHING

“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”   (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV) 

Paul is giving us some excellent advice when it comes to deciding what we should do, think or say. Negatively put, if you can’t do something, say something or even think something to the glory of God, you had better make another choice.

The Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and these words of Jesus, give us some pretty good guidelines on how to glorify God.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:34-35 ESV)

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

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

And we pray that all unity will 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 walk with each other, we will walk hand in hand;

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.

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

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

And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.

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

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

Almighty God, please help me to glorify You in everything. Remind me of all that You have done for me through Jesus’ death on the cross. Help me to show my love for You by loving others. 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

Thursday, August 29, 2024 - FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

"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, August 29, 2024 - Day 242 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 139-141; 1 Cor. 10:1-13)

FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE

“For you formed my inward parts;

    you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Wonderful are your works;

    my soul knows it very well.

My frame was not hidden from you,

when I was being made in secret,

    intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;

in your book were written, every one of them,

    the days that were formed for me,

    when as yet there was none of them.”   (Psalm 139:13-16 ESV) 

Life, what a precious gift from God! 

EVERY life, what a precious gift from God!

How precious? So precious that God the Father, the One who created life, sent His only begotten Son to redeem all who repent of their sins and believe their Savior.

   God loves me dearly, 

   Grants me salvation, 

   God loves me dearly, 

   Loves even me.

   Therefore I’ll say again: 

   God loves me dearly,  

   God loves me dearly, 

   Loves even me.

   (Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2009, #392)

Heavenly Father, thank You loving me and for giving me life. Please continue to bless me, body and soul. In Jesus’ 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, August 28, 2024 - WHATEVER IT TAKES

"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, August 28, 2024 - Day 241 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 132-135; 1 Cor. 8)

WHATEVER IT TAKES

“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.”   (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV) 

“As founder of the Corinthian church, and as an apostle, Paul is perceived to have more “rights” than anyone else. Yet he consistently set an example for the Corinthians, encouraging them to put off their own rights in order to serve one another. This is taught and modeled by Jesus Himself. His death and resurrection transform our lives so that we do not seek our own good but the good of others.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 1959)

Yes, we find our divine model of service in Jesus.

1. Lord, whose love in humble service

    Bore the weight of human need,

    Who upon the cross, forsaken,

    Worked Your mercy’s perfect deed:

    We, Your servants, bring the worship

    Not of voice alone, but heart;

    Consecrating to Your purpose

    Ev’ry gift which You impart.

2. Still Your children wander homeless;

    Still the hungry cry for bread;

    Still the captives long for freedom;

    Still in grief we mourn our dead.

    As you, Lord, in deep compassion

    Healed the sick and freed the soul,

    by your Spirit send Your power

    To our world to make it whole.

3. As we worship, grant us vision,

    Till your love’s revealing light

    In its height and depth and greatness

    Dawns upon our quickened sight,

    Making known the needs and burdens

    Your compassion bids us bear,

    Stirring us to ardent service,

    Your abundant life to share.

4. Called by worship to Your service

    Forth in Your dear name we go,

    To the child, the youth, the aged,

    Love in living deeds to show;

    Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,

    Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

    That Your servants, Lord in freedom

    May Your mercy know and live.

    (Lutheran Service Book,#848)

Heavenly Father, thank You for ransoming my soul through Jesus. Please use me to be like Paul, and do whatever it takes to reach others for You. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, August 28, 2024 - CHRISTIAN UNITY

"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, August 28, 2024 - Day 240 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 128-131; 1 Cor. 7:25-40)

CHRISTIAN UNITY 

“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.”   (Psalm 133 ESV) 

“Living in unity is as soothing as being anointed with oil, as refreshing as dew from the mountains on a parched desert... But we often experience discord, strife, and disunity instead. This is true of our families, our communities, and our churches. Yet Christ’s prayer (John 17:11) is “that they may be one, even as We are one.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 929)

While the plethora of Christian denominations doesn’t make it appear that we are one, our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord reveals our unity. In fact, it is our faith in Christ, and Christ alone, that makes us Christians in the first place!

  Elect from ev’ry nation, 

  Yet one o’er all the earth, 

  Her charter of salvation: 

  One Lord, one faith, one birth.  

  One holy name she blesses, 

  Partakes one holy food, 

  And to one hope she presses 

  With every grace endued.

  

  Through toil and tribulation, 

  And tumult of her war,

  She waits the consummation 

  Of peace for evermore

  Till, with the vision glorious 

  Her longing eyes are blest,

  And the great Church victorious 

  Shall be the Church at rest.

  Yet she on earth has union 

  With God the Three in One,

  And mystic sweet communion 

  With those whose rest is won.

  O blessed heav’nly chorus!  

  Lord, save us by Your grace,

  That we, like saints before us, 

  May see You face to face.

  (Lutheran Service Book, #644, stanzas 2,3,4)

Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one in Christ. Please keep me and all believers strong in the saving faith. I ask this especially for my Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering persecution. Lord have mercy! Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, August 27, 2024 - HOW TO BEGIN YOUR WEEK

 

"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, August 27, 2024 - Day 239 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 103,104; Romans 14)

HOW TO BEGIN YOUR WEEK

Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:1-4 ESV)

How do you plan to start this new week? The Psalmist gives an excellent reminder. God is God. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is in charge of everything, including time, and life itself. The hymn writer put it this way:

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.

Let each day begin with prayer, Praise, and adoration.

On the Lord cast ev’ry care; He is your salvation.

Morning, evening, and at night Jesus will be near you,

Save you from the tempter’s might, With His presence cheer you.

With your Savior at your side, Foes need not alarm you;

In His promises confide, And no ill can harm you.

All your trust and hope repose In the mighty Master,

Who in wisdom truly knows How to stem disaster.

If your task be thus begun With the Savior’s blessing,

Safely then your course will run, Toward the promise pressing.

Good will follow ev’rywhere While you here must wander;

You at last the joy will share In the mansions yonder.

Thus, Lord Jesus, ev’ry task Be to You commended;

May Your will be done, I ask, Until life is ended.

Jesus, in Your name begun Be the day’s endeavor;

Grant that it may well be done To Your praise forever

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #869)

Click here to hear the hymn,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkjXyqzZgQg

Lord, please help me to remember this week that You are in charge. Please guide me in Your way this week and always. 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, August 26, 2024 - WAIT FOR THE LORD

 

"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, August 26, 2024 - Day 238 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 128-131; 1 Cor. 7:25-40)

WAIT FOR THE LORD

Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice!

Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.

 I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

 O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.    (Psalm 130 ESV) 

One thing all people have to deal with at one time or another is being down in the dumps. There can be may causes for feeling forlorn, for being depressed. David put his finger on the most common cause. He knew his sin. He knew he had betrayed almighty God. He knew he was hopeless on his own. Yet, look at the confidence he exudes, even in the middle of his despair:

Let your ears be attentive...to my pleas for mercy!

But with you there is forgiveness...

My soul waits for the Lord... and in his word I hope

With the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.

Fellow sinner, wait for the Lord’s plentiful redemption today as you trust in the Lamb of Calvary for forgiveness and heaven.

   My faith looks up to Thee, 

   Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine.

   Now hear me while I pray; 

   Take all my guilt away;

   Oh, let me from this day 

   Be wholly Thine!

   (Lutheran Service Book #702-1)

Lord Jesus, I look to You, and to You alone, for the forgiveness of my sin. I praise You and thank You for taking all of my guilt away when You died in my place on the cross. Thank You for Your steadfast love. 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, August 24, 2024 - SURROUNDED BY THE LORD

 

"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, August 24, 2024 - Day 237 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 124-127; 1 Cor. 7:1-24)

SURROUNDED BY THE LORD

“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2 ESV)

The hills encompassing Jerusalem are like sentinels, reminders of God’s watchfulness.

The Lord is watching over you. You are surrounded by His protection, along with His mercy and grace. 2 Kings 6 records an event that powerfully illustrates this fact:

“And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 King 6:15-17 ESV)

Open your eyes of faith and see that God is with you too, protecting you from evil  through the death and resurrection of Jesus. This means that you can rest in the protecting arms of Jesus not matter what.

    5. Lord Jesus, who dost love me, 

Oh, spread Thy wings above me 

And shield me from alarm!  

Though evil would assail me, 

Thy mercy will not fail me: 

I rest in Thy protecting arm.

("Now Rest Beneath Night's Shadow,” The Lutheran Hymnal #554)

Almighty God, thank You for surrounding me with Your protection and salvation.  Amen.

 

Pastor David Paape

“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

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - ARE YOU LOOKING UP?

 Tuesday, August 24, 2021 - Day 236 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 120-123; 1 Corinthians 6)

ARE YOU LOOKING UP?

“I lift up my eyes to the hills.

    From where does my help come?

 My help comes from the Lord,

    who made heaven and earth.

 He will not let your foot be moved;

    he who keeps you will not slumber.

 Behold, he who keeps Israel

    will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)

When a person is ill, perhaps hospitalized, and lying in a bed, there is only one direction to look–up. Whenever we find ourselves incapacitated for whatever reason, there is only one direction to look for comfort and deliverance.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” 

Just think. The Creator of everything wants you to turn to Him in your need. He promises to always hear your fervent prayer and to answer you in a way that is best for you.

Almighty God, please hear my prayer as I look up to You for deliverance from the woes of life. Above all, please deliver me from sin, death and the devil, that I may be Your child today, tomorrow and forever.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, August 22, 2024 - ARE YOU WALKING IN THE LIGHT?

 

"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, August 22, 2024 - Day 235 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 119:105-176; 1 Corinthians 5)

ARE YOU WALKING IN THE LIGHT?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Are you walking in the light? If so, that means that you are taking seriously the directions God’s gives us for such a walk. Listen to what David says a few verses later in chapter 119.

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”

In the second reading for today, Paul was forced to address those who were not walking in the light. In our permissive, anything-goes culture, his pronouncement seems rather harsh. Yet, the expulsion of the man living in sexual sin was meant to wake him up and save his soul. It was also meant to encourage the rest of God’s people to take seriously the call to walk in the light.

   Thy Word is a lamp unto my 

   feet and a light unto my path.

   When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, 

   still You’re there right beside me,

   And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.  

   Please be near me to the end.

   Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 

   and a light unto my path.

   Now I will not forget Your love for me 

   and yet My heart forever is wandering.

   Jesus, be my guide and hold me to Your side, 

   and I will love You to the end.

   Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 

   and a light unto my path.

   (Thy Word, Text, Amy grant, Tune, Michael W. Smith)

Almighty God, may the light of Your Word be my guiding light. May I daily walk in the light of the cross and so glorify You and be used to draw others to Jesus.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - THE ONLY FOUNDATION IS 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)

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - Day 234 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 119:1-48; 1 Corinthians 3)

THE ONLY FOUNDATION IS JESUS

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it (1 Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV)

What is the foundation of your life? Just as a solid foundation is  crucial to a well built house, so a solid spiritual foundation is crucial to a well built life. 

Paul warns us against building on anything or any other person than Jesus Christ. A building with a poor foundation may look fine at first, but the day will come when all comes crashing down. So it is with your life, unless Jesus is your foundation. The hymn writer put it this way:

My hope is build on nothing less 

Than Jesus blood and righteousness.

No merit of my own I claim 

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

On Christ the solid Rock I stand; 

All other ground is sinking sand.

When He shall come with trumpet sound, 

Oh may I them in Him be found,

Clothed in His righteousness alone, 

Redeemed to stand before the throne!

On Christ the solid Rock I stand; 

All other ground is sinking sand.

(Lutheran Service Book #575, stanzas 1&4)

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the solid foundation for all who believe in You. Please keep my feet safely planted on You so that I may stand redeemed before Your throne. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, August 20, 2024 - O GOD FORSAKE ME NOT

 

"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, August 20, 2024 - Day 233 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ps. 119:49-104; Acts 23:12-35)

O GOD FORSAKE ME NOT

 

Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38:21-22 ESV)  

In the Acts 23:12-35 reading for today, we see how God answered David’s prayer for the apostle Paul. Paul’s nephew reports a plot to kidnap Paul, and the tribune hustles him safely out of town.

The Lord will not forsake you either. He has a plan for your life too. 

I am personally clinging to this promise today as I undergo a heart valve replacement procedure. When members of the medial staff ask how I’m doing, my answer will be:

BLESSED BY THE LORD, FAR BETTER THAN I DESERVE.  Why do I answer that way? Because of my Baptism and the faith in Jesus the Holy Spirit has worked in me, I am convinced that God will not forsake me. It is all about trusting in our loving and saving God!

  1. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee;

Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.

  2. I am trusting Thee for pardon; At Thy feet I bow,

For Thy grace and tender mercy Trusting now.

  3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing In the crimson flood;

Trusting Thee to make me holy By Thy blood.

  4. I am trusting Thee to guide me; Thou alone shalt lead,

Ev'ry day and hour supplying All my need.

  5. I am trusting Thee for power; Thine can never fail.

Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me Must prevail.

  6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Never let me fall.

I am trusting Thee forever And for all.

       (Lutheran Service Book #729)

Lord, please do not forsake me. Help me to stay close to You today through faith in Jesus. In His saving name.  Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Monday, August 19, 2024 - WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

 

"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, August 19, 2024 - Day 232 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 116-118; 1 Corinthians 2)

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117 NIV)

The news sure isn’t very uplifting these days, is it? War in the Middle East and in Ukraine... The boarder crisis... The poor economy... Social upheaval... And too many people who still aren’t being very kind.

Back in 1965, Jackie DeShannon had a hit song that resonated with a lot of people. “What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love.” Yes, love is the answer to our war-torn and sin-sick world. The Psalmist knew this when he wrote: “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”

It is the enduring and saving love of Jesus that is needed by every breathing soul on the face of the earth. So, “praise the Lord, all nations! Extol (honor and glorify) him, all peoples.”

The whole world needs to repent and trust in Jesus. He is the answer to the evil we see all around us and in us! 

Praise Him for His grace and favor

To His people in distress;

Praise Him still the same as ever,

Slow to chide, and swift to bless:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Glorious in His faithfulness.

(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven," LSB #793-2)

Lord, thank You for giving me what I really need in Jesus. Please reach those who do not know You yet, because what the world really needs is You.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, August 18, 2024 - LONG 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)

Sunday, August 18, 2024 - Day 231 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 109-111; Romans 16)

LONG LIFE

14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16 ESV)

Today is a very special day for our family. Barb and I are celebrating our 51st wedding anniversary. It would also have been my mother’s 109th birthday. The picture shows her on her 101st birthday surrounded by her great grandchildren. The Lord called her home 

five years ago and the ripe old age of 103!

When you asked her what her secret to long life was, she said: “Eating ice cream every day.” And then she would add: “Trusting the Lord and praying every day.”

The Psalmist is recording how the Lord deals with those who “hold fast to me in love.” He delivers, protects, rescues and grants long life. Mom gave the Lord all of the credit for her long life. Barb and I thank the Lord for our 51 years together as well.

Of course not all of God’s faithful people live to be 103. God’s ultimate promise to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus as their Savior is that He will “show him My salvation.” He promises eternal life in heaven to all who “hold fast to Me in love.”

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing Mom with 103 years of life and for blessing Barb and me with 51 years of marriage. Thank you even more for promising all who repent and believe eternal life. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, August 17, 2024 - BLESSED BY THE LORD

"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, August 17, 2024 - Day 230 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 112-115; 1 Corinthians 1)

BLESSED BY THE LORD

“May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:15 NIV)

How are you today? For years, the answer from members of the congregations I have been privileged to serve has been: “blessed by the Lord.” We regularly express these blessings when we confess our Christian faith on Sunday mornings...

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth... 

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  (The Apostles’ Creed)

The greatest blessing from the Lord is the gift of being included in His family, the Christian Church. Through faith in Jesus you are promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. 

While highlighting the faithfulness of the Lord, the hymn writer recaps our blessings...

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

(Lutheran Service Book #809-3)

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing me way beyond what I deserve. Please use me today to share Your blessings with others. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

 

May YOU always be blessed by the Lord!

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

Friday, August 16, 2024 - THANK THE LORD AND SING HIS PRAISE

 

"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, August 16, 2024 - Day 229 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 107,108; Rom. 15:21-33 )

THANK THE LORD AND SING HIS PRAISE

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

Why are you alive? What does the Lord expect of you? He has called those He has redeemed from sin, death and the devil to say so, to be His witnesses. Many sing about the Christian’s calling with these words:

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; 

  tell ev'ryone what He has done.

Let all who seek the Lord rejoice 

  and proudly bear His name.  

He recalls His promises 

 and leads His people forth in joy 

  with shouts of thanksgiving.  

Alleluia, alleluia.   

  (Divine Service One, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006)

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

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, August 15, 2024 - HOPE BUILT ON 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, August 15, 2024 - Day 228 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 105,106; Romans 15:1-20)

HOPE BUILT ON JESUS

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)

The US Constitution does not promise happiness, it simply promises the pursuit of happiness. The Bible does promise joy, genuine, deep down and lasting joy and peace to all who trust in Jesus!

Do you realize how blessed you are to be a child of God? Do you recognize the glorious hope / guarantee of sins forgiven, you relationship with God restored, and heaven promised that you have in Jesus?  

   My hope is build on nothing less 

   Than Jesus blood and righteousness.

   No merit of my own I claim 

   But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

   On Christ the solid Rock I stand; 

   All other ground is sinking sand.

   (Lutheran Service Book, #575 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for filling me with hope, joy and peace by taking my place on the cross and covering all of my sins. Help me to not rely on my own deeds but wholly lean on Your 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