Wednesday, December 18, 2024 - NOW THAT YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION

 

"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, December 18, 2024 - Day 352 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Jonah; Rev. 9)

NOW THAT YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION

Then Jonah prayed to the LORD his God from the belly of the fish, saying,

“I called out to the LORD, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice. For you cast me into the deep,

into the heart of the seas, and the flood surrounded me; all your waves and your billows passed over me. . . The waters closed in over me to take my life; the deep surrounded me; weeds were wrapped about my head. . . When my life was fainting away, I remembered the LORD, and my prayer came to you, into your holy temple. . . Salvation belongs to the LORD!”

And the LORD spoke to the fish, and it vomited Jonah out upon the dry land.  (Jonah 2, selected verses)

We are so much like Jonah. We refuse to follow God’s direction for our lives. And then, when He gets our undivided attention, we finally cry out to Him promising to do “it” His way.

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

Can you imaging Jonah’s great relief and joy when, at the Lord’s command, the fish spat him out? How would you respond? Would you do exactly whatever God would tell you to do from that day on?

We would like to say yes to that question. However, again we are like Jonah. We forget and soon are back to our own self-absorbed lifestyle. 

Thank God that the message God had Jonah declare to the Ninevites is meant for us too. God’s Law and judgment are meant to lead us to repent in spiritual sackcloth and ashes. Thank God His answer for us was given on Good Friday as we hear His Son pray on our behalf, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

Heavenly Father, please continue to get my attention. May I be open to the Holy  Spirit’s call to repent and turn to You for forgiveness. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 - TRUMPET BLASTS

 

"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, December 17, 2024 - Day 351 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Obadiah; Rev. 8)

TRUMPET BLASTS

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.  Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer, and he was given much incense to offer with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne, and the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, rose before God from the hand of the angel. Then the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and threw it on the earth, and there were peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.”   (Revelation 8:1-5 ESV)

“After finishing his vision of the seven seals being broken, John transitions to another vision, which depicts the end times with successive trumpet blasts. The visions are frightful since we all know in our hearts that we cannot stand before God in the judgment. Fortunately, we have One who stands beside us as our advocate–Jesus Christ–celebrated in chapters 4-5. His blood cleanses us from all sins.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 2213.)

Lord Jesus, our righteous Judge, thank You for also being my advocate. Thank You for doing this by clothing this repentant sinner with Your blood and righteousness. Please nurture my faith via Your Word and Sacraments so that I will be ready for the trumpet blasts. Amen.  

Pastor David Paape

Monday, December 16. 2024 - THE GREAT MULTITUDE

 

"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, December 16, 2024 - Day 350 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Amos 7-9; Rev. 7)

THE GREAT MULTITUDE

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, ‘salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!’”  (Revelation 7:9-10 ESV)

In today’s verses we are given a glimpse of the eternity that Christ’s Second Advent will usher in. By the grace of God, you and I will be part of the multitude of believers who spend forever praising God for His gracious gift of salvation. What an awesome scene is depicted here; people from every nation, all tribes, all peoples and languages. What a stark contrast to what we see on the news and read in the papers. How do we respond to the One who guarantees this awesome gift of eternal life? We start singing now...

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Worthy is Christ, the Lamb Who was slain, 

Whose blood set us free to be people of God.

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Power, riches, wisdom, and strength, and honor, blessing, and glory are His.

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Sing with all the people of God, and join in the hymn of all creation:

Blessing, honor, glory, and might be to God and the Lamb forever.  Amen.

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

For the Lamb Who was slain has begun His reign.  Alleluia.

This is the feast of victory for our God.  Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.

Almighty God, thank You for opportunity to practice for heaven every time we gather to worship You and join in the hymn of all creation. Please keep me close to You through faith in my Savior, Jesus, so that I may sing Your praises now and forever. Amen.  

Pastor David Paape

Sunday, December 15, 2024 - SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

"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, December 15, 2024 - Day 349 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Amos 4-6; Rev. 6)

SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

“-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-prepare to meet you God, O Israel!

 (Amos 4:6-12 ESV)

Five times the Lord attempted to bring His people to their senses so that they would return to Him. He withheld food and water. He sent blight, mildew and pestilence. He killed their young men and made their camp stink. He overthrew them as He did Sodom and Gomorrah. And they still refused to return to God! So they heard the stern warning that they would meet the judgement of God.

This shows us how serious God is about our rebellion and our sin. And yet, in chapter five He provides a way out for rebellious Israel, and for us as well:

“Seek me and live... Seek good, and not evil, that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.”  (Amos 5:4&14 ESV)

 

Almighty God, thank You for the reminder that You are absolutely serious about sin. Please grant more wisdom that the Israelites had in this lesson. May the Holy Spirit move me to continually seek You and Your mercy. “Let Your holy angel be with me that the evil foe may have not power over me.” Amen.  

“See’ you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, December 14, 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)

Saturday, December 14, 2024 - Day 348 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Amos 1-3; Rev. 5 )

GLORY BE TO JESUS 

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing! ... To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:12-13 ESV) 

In a little over a week, the following words will be sung in many of our churches...

   Come hither, ye children, O come one and all,

   To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small;

   God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this night

   To be your Redeemer, your joy and delight.

Jesus, the Lamb who came to be your Redeemer by taking away your sins, truly deserves to receive power / wealth / wisdom / might / honor / glory / blessing. 

There is a beautiful Lenten hymn that describes how we are to glorify and honor the Lamb. 

1. Glory be to Jesus, 

    Who in bitter pains

    Poured for me the life blood 

    From his sacred veins! 

3. Blest through endless ages 

    Be the precious stream

    Which from endless torment 

    Did the world redeem!

    (Lutheran Service Book, #433) 

Lord Jesus, I do honor and glorify You for shedding Your holy and precious blood for me and my salvation. May the Law of God remind me of my sins, and may Your precious and sin-forgiving Gospel daily renew my love for You.  And, thank you for being my joy and delight. Amen.  

“See’ you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

Friday, December 13, 2024 - GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

 

"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, December 13, 2024 - Day 347 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 4-6; Hebrews10:1-23)

GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)

Life can get tough. There are so many negative distractions that can drain us of hope. Perhaps the writer to the Hebrews was aware of these challenges to faith, so he encouraged his hearers:

   ● Keep the faith.

   ● Don’t loose hope.

   ● Don’t give up on Jesus.

   ● Remember that God always keeps His promises.

   ● Look for God’s faithfulness.

   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) 

Almighty God, when life gets difficult, please keep me faithful and full of hope as I remember Your faithfulness to sinners like me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Thursday, December 12, 2024 - AT THE DOOR

 

"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, December 12, 2024 - Day 346 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Hosea 12-14; Rev. 3)

AT THE DOOR

“Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut... Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:8 & 20 ESV)

The “open door” of verse 8 “symbolizes the Gospel invitation. Those who believe in Jesus enter into eternal life through their faith in Him.... (Verse 20) In this particular case, the image of Christ standing at the door may be related to the parable of the servants whose master is at the wedding feast [Luke 12:35-40]. They are expected to be ready and waiting for him when he appears, with the promise that those servants whom he finds ready will be blessed. “I will come...eat with him,” is best understood as referring to both the Church’s weekly celebrations of the Eucharist and the eternal, messianic banquet in heaven.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, pages 2206 and 2207)

The picture included here ties both of these verses together. Jesus is coming to us with His Gospel invitation. He wants to be part of our busy, everyday lives. The point is that we need to notice Him. We need the blessings He imparts in our weekly trips to the Communion table. We need His forgiveness and His gift of faith so that we will be ready when He comes to take us to heaven.

   Once He came in blessing,

   All our sins redressing;

   Came in likeness lowly,

   Son of God most holy;

   Bore the cross to save us;

   Hope and freedom gave us.

   (Lutheran Service Book 333)

 

Lord Jesus Christ, please keep knocking on the door of my life. May the Holy Spirit keep me in the faith so that my door will always be open to You. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, December 11, 2024 - REMAIN FAITHFUL

 

"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, December 11, 2024 - Day 345 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Hosea 9-11; Rev. 2 )

REMAIN FAITHFUL

“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10 ESV)

This well-known passage at first does not seem that difficult to follow. Remain close to Jesus until you die, and you will live with Him forever. In fact, this is what I encouraged Confirmation students to do when I reminded them to “always, always, always, always, always, always stay close to your Jesus.”

This command becomes much more difficult to keep when opposition to Jesus appears and God’s people are subjected to harassment and abuse. The early church, the original hearers of the book of Revelation, knew persecution first-hand. Many had their faith put to the test. Would they remain faithful and face death, or would they deny Jesus and live? What would your answer be?

Paul gives us his answer in Romans 8:18:

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

Remain faithful and you will live in eternal glory with Him.

  1. Savior, thy dying love Thou gavest me;

Nor should I aught withhold, Dear Lord, from thee.

In love my soul would bow, My heart fulfill its vow,

Some of-f'ring bring thee now, Something for thee.

  2. Give me a faithful heart, Likeness to thee,

That each departing day Henceforth may see

Some work of love begun, Some deed of kindness done,

Some wand'rer sought and won, Something for thee.

  4. All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,

In joy, in grief, through life, Dear Lord, for thee!

And when thy face I see, My ransomed soul shall be

Through all eternity Something for thee.

(Lutheran Worship #374)

Lord Jesus Christ, please keep me faithful until the day I die. Protect me from all temptations to deny You. Instead, use me to help others see the importance of faithfully trusting in Jesus as Savior and Lord. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, December 10, 2024 - JESUS IS COMING

"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, December 10, 2024 - Day 344 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 1)

JESUS IS COMING

“Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even so. Amen.” (Revelation 1:7 ESV)

Just as surely as December 25th is 15 days away from today, the day of Christ’s Second Coming is getting closer. Many will be filled with terror on that day. Many will wail. What will you do?

Today we begin reading the book of Revelation. The focus on the Second Coming of Christ causes many to be confused and frightened. While the end of the world is no trifling matter, you, fellow Christian, do not need to be afraid. 

   Soon will come that hour

   When with mighty power

   Christ will come in splendor

   And will judgment render,

   With the faithful sharing

   Joy beyond comparing.

   (“Once He Came in Blessing,” LSB 333 st 3)

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place... Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”  (Revelation 1:1 & 3 ESV)

Lord Jesus, help me to look forward to Your Second Coming with peace and anticipation as I live my life trusting in You for forgiveness and eternal life. Please open my eyes to the opportunities You will place before me today to share my Christian hope and confidence with others. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Monday, December 9, 2024 - WAIT FOR THE MERCY OF 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)

Monday, December 9, 2024 - Day 343 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Hosea 1-4; Jude)

WAIT FOR THE MERCY OF THE LORD

“17 But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.” 19 It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit. 20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life. 22 And have mercy on those who doubt; 23 save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” (Jude 18-23 ESV)

It is the season of Advent when we remember Christ’s first coming and look forward to His promised second coming. Jude gives us a picture of “the last time” and what you should do in preparation:

   ● There will be scoffers, mockers of the Christian faith.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● These worldly people will cause divisions.

         REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Build yourself in faith through prayer, as well as through the Word and the Lord’s Supper.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Keep yourself in the love of God.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Wait for the mercy of the Lord

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Have mercy on doubters.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Share Christ with those who are living without Jesus and are in danger of hell-fire.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

   ● Show mercy and hate sin.

        REMAIN FAITHFUL!

Lord Jesus, I praise You and thank You for Your first Advent. Please strengthen my faith and grant me Your peace and comfort so that I may patiently and confidently wait for Your Second Coming. Please use me to share Your mercy and grace wherever and whenever You wish. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Sunday, December 8, 2024 - WHY ADVENT PREPARATIONS?

"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, December 8, 2024 - Day 342 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Daniel 11,12; 3 John)

WHY ADVENT PREPARATIONS?

“And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.” (Daniel 12:2 ESV)

Daniel isn’t mincing any words here. There are only two eternal options, eternal life or everlasting contempt, heaven or hell.

Therefore, as you look forward to Christmas and the birth of Jesus your Savior, don’t forget your Advent preparations. Repent and believe that the Babe of Bethlehem came to purchase your salvation. You can now face your eternal future with peace, confidence and eager anticipation because you know that everlasting life is yours in Christ Jesus.

1. The advent of our King

    Our prayers must now employ,

    And we must hymns of welcome sing

    In strains of holy joy.

2. The everlasting Son

    Incarnate deigns to be,

    Himself a servant's form puts on

    To set His servants free.

3. O Zion's daughter, rise

    To meet your lowly King,

    Nor let your faithless heart despise

   The peace He comes to bring.

4. As judge, on clouds of light,

    He soon will come again

    And His true members all unite

    With Him in heav'n to reign.

5. Before the dawning day

    Let sin's dark deeds be gone,

    The sinful self be put away,

    The new self now put on.

6. All glory to the Son,

    Who comes to set us free,

    With Father, Spirit, ever one

    Through all eternity.

    (Lutheran Service Book #331)

Lord God, heavenly Father, graciously keep me close to You through saving faith in Jesus, my Advent King, so that I may spend eternity with You. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, December 7, 2024 - GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE

"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, December 7, 2024 - Day 341 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Daniel 9,10; 2 John)

GRACE, MERCY AND PEACE 

“Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.” (2 John 1:3 ESV) 

Advent is the time in the church year when we prepare to celebrate the coming (advent) of the Christ Child that first Christmas. 

The words from John’s second letter reveal the blessings Jesus brings to all who, like the shepherds, worship and adore Him. “Grace, mercy, and peace will be with us, from God the Father and from Jesus Christ the Father's Son, in truth and love.” 

God showers all who trust in His Son as their Savior and Lord with His grace, mercy and peace. In fact, these are the treasures you find every time you attend church and He comes to you through His Word and Sacraments. How do we get to respond?

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.

Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing all repentant sinners, including me, with Your grace, mercy and peace. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

Friday, December 6, 2024 - PERFECT LOVE

"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, December 6, 2024 - Day 340 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Daniel 5,6; 1 John 4)

PERFECT LOVE

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear.” (1 John 4:18 ESV)

John’s first letter is jam-packed with spiritual gems that are extremely practical and applicable to the Christian’s daily life. Of course this is true of the rest of the Bible as well. Here are a couple of examples from 1 John.

v 4 “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” 

v 10 “In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 

v 12 “No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.”

v 15 “Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.”

v 19 “We love because he first loved us.”

When it comes to the daily pressures we all face, it is certainly assuring to know that “perfect love casts out fear.” 

So, don’t worry, the perfect love of Christ...

● sent Him to the cross for sinners like you,.  

● will see you through your daily struggles,

● will show itself in us as we live for Him,

● will lead others to Him as we model His love.

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your perfect love lavished upon this sinful world. As You comfort me with the eternal promises Your love imparts, please use me to share Your love with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Thursday, December 5, 2024 - LOVE IN ACTION

 

"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, December 5, 2024 - Day 339 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Daniel 3,4; 1 John 3)

LOVE IN ACTION

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18 ESV)

Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross is the ultimate display of love in action. John tells us to be willing to lay down our lives for others. Then he gets specific: “But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?” 

The picture shows a man putting his love into action by giving a cup of something warm to what appears to be a homeless man. 

We all have opportunities to share the love of God with people in need. The person is helped, and we get to serve Jesus.

1. Love in Christ is strong and living, 

    Binding faithful hearts in one;

    Love in Christ is true and giving, 

    May His will in us be done.

2. Love is patient and forbearing, 

    Clothed in Christ’s humility,

    Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, 

    Reaching out in charity.

3. Love in Christ abides forever, 

    Fainting not when ills attend;

    Love, forgiving and forgiven, 

    Shall endure until life’s end.

    (Lutheran Service Book #706) 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your overwhelming love for me. May I reflect Your love in my life by caring for others and pointing them to You.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - BLIND HATE or DIVINE LOVE

"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, December 4, 2024 - Day 338 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: 

Daniel 1,2; 1 John 2)

BLIND HATE or DIVINE LOVE 

“Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in the darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:10-11 ESV)

Activity contrary to John’s clear intent in these verses is rampant in this hate-filled world of ours. We see this in our homes. We see this on the job. We see this in our families. Unfortunately, we see hatred being fueled by many who should know much better.

If you were to ask people if they would rather abide in the light instead of stumbling around in the darkness, a good number would choose the light. However the One who does the choosing is not us, it is Jesus. And since He has chosen to make us His own by showering us with His soul-cleansing love, how can we not share His love with others? Yet too many choose to live their lives in the blindness of hate.

So, what is the answer to blind hate? The answer is the love of Christ Jesus, the Lord of all!

     Love divine, all loves excelling,\

     Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!

     Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,

     All Thy faithful mercies crown.

     Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

     Pure, unbounded love Thou art;

     Visit us with Thy salvation;

     Enter ev'ry trembling heart!

     (Lutheran Service Book #700)

Heavenly Father, thank You for delivering us from blind hate by means of the hate-conquering love of Jesus. As He has showered His love upon me, may I learn to love others - in His name. Please grant Your peace in all places on this earth where hatred is destroying relationships among people. In Jesus’ loving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, December 3, 2024 - CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

 

"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, December 3, 2024 - Day 336 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 47,48; 1 John 1 )

CONFESSION IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV)

In today’s verses, John is calling us to be honest with ourselves and with God. Don’t deny your sins; instead, confess them to God. This is difficult, yet necessary. It is a natural tendency for us proud human beings to deny that we have done anything wrong. Yet God’s Law rings out clearly, “They have all fallen away; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one.” (Psalm 53:3 ESV)

There are great emotional benefits to confessing our wrongs, our misdeeds, our sins. A child who has done something wrong is filled with a gnawing guilt until he or she tells mom or dad. Their relationship is restored. Yes, confession is good for that child.

Look at the second sentence in today’s Biblical selection. Confession is good for the soul of the child of God because God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

While it is important to be reconciled to one’s parents, it is far more crucial to be reconciled to the One who controls eternity. Because God the Father accepted His Son’s sacrificial death on the cross as payment for our sins, He now mercifully forgives us and washes all of our sins away. Confession truly is good for the soul of the believer!

Rejoice every time you hear your pastor proclaim Christ’s words over you and to you: Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God to all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

1 "Comfort, comfort ye My people,

   Speak ye peace," thus saith our God;

   "Comfort those who sit in darkness,

   Mourning 'neath their sorrows' load. 

   Speak ye to Jerusalem 

   Of the peace that waits for them;

   Tell her that her sins I cover

   And her warfare now is over."

2 Yea, her sins our God will pardon,

   Blotting out each dark misdeed;

   All that well deserved His anger

   He no more will see or heed.

   She hath suffered many a day,

   Now her griefs have passed away;

   God will change her pining sadness

   Into ever-springing gladness.

3 Hark, the herald's voice is crying

   In the desert far and near,

   Calling sinners to repentance,

   Since the Kingdom now is here.

   O that warning cry obey!

   Now prepare for God a way;

   Let the valley rise to meet Him

   And the hills bow down to greet Him.

   (“Comfort, Comfort Ye My People,” LSB #347)

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to forgive me when I repent. Help me to resist the foolish attempt to cover up and deny my sins, so that I may know the joy of Your forgiveness and reconciliation. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Monday, December 2, 2024 - JESUS IS COMING SOON!

"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, December 2, 2024 - Day 336 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 45,46 2 Peter 3)

JESUS IS COMING SOON!

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:9-10 ESV)

As time continues to go on, the inhabitants of our planet have an extremely difficult time believing in Judgment Day. The verses for today contain both a clear warning about the impending end of all we see around us, and a glimpse into the compassionate heart of God. While He is planning to expose the sins of all members of the human race, He fervently desires that all repent and turn to Him for salvation.

Peter then shares what should be your personal response to the impending end:

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God!” (2 Peter 3:11-12a ESV)

Wake up and take seriously God’s call to repentance, and know the peace that flows from a soul made pure in the blood of the Lamb.

   1. The King shall come when morning dawns

And light triumphant breaks,

When beauty gilds the eastern hills

And life to joy awakes.

   5. The King shall come when morning dawns

And light and beauty brings.

Hail, Christ the Lord! Your people pray:

Come quickly, King of kings!

(Lutheran Service Book #348)

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me and calling me to the holiness and godliness that comes from repentance and absolution. Lord Jesus, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good as I keep my eyes focused on You in these last days. Amen.

Pastor David Paape