Friday, October 18, 2024 - PEACE LIKE A RIVER

 

"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, October 18, 2024 - Day 292 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 65,66; 2 Thess. 1)

PEACE LIKE A RIVER

“For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.” (Isaiah 66:1 ESV) 

The Lord gives us a most comforting and peaceful picture of heaven. “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.”

While this peace will be complete and eternal in the presence of God, His angels, and all believers, we can have a divine measure of peace right now, here on earth.

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

    When sorrows like sea billows roll;

    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

    (Refrain:) It is well (it is well),

    with my soul (with my soul),

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,

    Let this blest assurance control,

    That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,

    And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

3. My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

    My sin, not in part but the whole,

    Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

4. And, Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,

    The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;

    The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,

    Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)

    (Lutheran Service Book #776)

Click this link to hear this comforting hymn:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe_qmo3gX4

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal peace. Please grant me peace here on earth as Your Spirit reminds me of the wondrous thought that I bear my sin no more because Your Son bore it for me on the cross. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Thursday, October 17, 2024 - WRAPPED UP IN GRACE

"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, October 17, 2024 - Day 291 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 62-64; 1 Thess. 5)

WRAPPED UP IN GRACE

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 ESV) 

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians the same way he began it, making this epistle “wrapped up in grace.”

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 ESV) 

What follows in between the first and last verses, is the good news of God’s undeserved blessings (grace) bestowed upon sinners like you and me. 

1. By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;

    My soul, believe and doubt it not.

    Why stagger at this word of promise?

    Hath Scripture ever falsehood taught?

    No! Then this word must true remain;

    By grace you too will life obtain.

3. By grace God's Son, our only Savior,

    Came down to earth to bear our sin.

    Was it because of thine own merit

    That Jesus died your soul to win?

    No, it was grace, and grace alone,

    That brought Him from His heav'nly throne.

4  By grace! This ground of faith is certain;

    So long as God is true, it stands.

    What saints have penned by inspiration,

    What in His Word our God commands,

    Our faith in what our God has done

    Depends on grace--grace through His Son.

6  By grace! On this I'll rest when dying;

    In Jesus' promise I rejoice;

    For though I know my heart's condition,

    I also know my Savior's voice.

    My heart is glad, all grief has flown

    Since I am saved by grace alone.

    (Lutheran Service Book #566)

Lord God heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me, even though I do not deserve such divine kindness. Please continue to keep me wrapped up in Your grace and mercy for the rest of my life. In Jesus' saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, October 16, 2024 - HOPE-FILLED GRIEVING

 

"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, October 16, 2024 - Day 290 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 59-61; 1 Thess. 4)

HOPE-FILLED GRIEVING

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV) 

What comfort grieving Christians find in these words of Paul! It is ok to cry when we lose a loved one because we still have hope:

”that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 

We miss our loved one, but we also have the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that they are in heaven:

“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

1. Jesus lives!  The victory’s won!  

    Death no longer can appall me;

    Jesus lives!  Death’s reign is done!  

    From the grave Christ will recall me.

    Brighter scenes will then commence; 

    This shall be my confidence.

2. Jesus lives!  To him the throne 

    There above all things is given.

    I shall go where He is gone, 

    Live and reign with Him in heaven.

    God is faithful; doubtings, hence! 

    This shall be my confidence.

3. Jesus lives!  For me He died, 

    Hence will I, to Jesus living,

    Pure in heart and act abide, 

    Praise to Him and glory giving.

    All I need God will dispense; 

    This shall be my confidence.

4. Jesus lives!  And I am sure 

    Neither life nor death shall sever

    Me from Him. 

    I shall endure In His love, through death, forever.

    God will be my sure defense; 

    This shall be my confidence.

5. Jesus lives!  And now is death 

    But the gate of life immortal;

    This shall calm my trembling breath 

    When I pass its gloomy portal.

    Faith shall cry, as fails each sense: 

    Jesus is my confidence!

    (Lutheran Service Book #490)

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your physical resurrection, and Your promise that all who trust in You for forgiveness will also rise again to eternal life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - INCREASE IN 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)

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 - Day 289 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 56-58; 1 Thess. 3)

INCREASE IN LOVE

“Now may ... the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV) 

Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and the life. So, what is His way? His way is the way of the cross, the way of sacrificial love. Paul is encouraging us to follow the loving way of our Savior: “increase and abound in love for one another and for all.”

The hymn writer expanded on Christ’s way of love when he wrote:

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.

(Lutheran Service Book #706 stanza 1) 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love. Please bless me with greater love for You and for others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Monday, October 14, 2024 - THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

 

"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, October 14, 2024 - Day 288 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 53-55; 1 Thess. 2 )

THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

“All we like sheep have gone astray;

    we have turned—every one—to his own way;

and the Lord has laid on him

    the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) 

What is the heart of the Christian faith? In the movie “Amazing Grace,” John Newton shared the answer with these words: “I’m a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”

Isaiah had just proclaimed the reason Christ is our great Savior as he penned these words of prophecy:

“Surely he has borne our griefs

    and carried our sorrows;

yet we esteemed him stricken,

    smitten by God, and afflicted.

But he was pierced for our transgressions;

    he was crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,

    and with his wounds we are healed.” (vv.4-5) 

Every one of us is a sinner. We have failed to live up to God’s righteous expectations. We have disobeyed Him in thought, word and deed. We have all turned to our own way. We deserved to be stricken, smitten and afflicted for all eternity. INSTEAD, Jesus took our place and bore the load of our sin.

1. Amazing grace! How sweet the sound 

    That saved a wretch like me!

    I once was lost but now am found, 

    Was blind but now I see!

2. The Lord has promised good to me, 

    His Word my hope secures; 

    He will my shield and portion be 

    As long as life endures.

3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares 

    I have already come;

    His grace has brought me safe so far, 

    His grace will see me home.

4. Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail 

    And mortal life shall cease, 

    Amazing grace shall then prevail 

    In heaven's joy and peace.

5. When we’ve been there ten thousand years, 

    Bright shining as the sun,

    We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise 

    Than when we’d first begun.

    (Lutheran Service Book #744)

Heavenly Father, I, too, am a great sinner. Thank You for making Jesus my great Savior through His bitter suffering and death. Your grace is truly amazing. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Sunday, October 13, 2024 - PASTOR AND PEOPLE

"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, October 13, 2024 - Day 287 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 50-52; 1 Thessalonians 1)

PASTOR AND PEOPLE

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Thessalonians 1:2 ESV)

Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica is very much a love letter, a love letter from a pastor to his people. He commends them for their faithfulness to the Lord, warns them about danger, and again celebrates their faithfulness. 

This sounds very much like what God does through His faithful pastors today. What a special bond exists between the one who brings the good news of Christ and those who receive it!

Of course, what is at the heart of the relationship between God’s people and their pastor is the One he points them to, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

May we continue to celebrate our oneness and closeness in Christ!

1. Blest be the tie that binds

    Our hearts in Christian love;

    The fellowship of kindred minds

    Is like to that above.

2. Before our Father’s throne

    We pour our ardent prayers;

    Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

    Our comforts and our cares.

3. We share our mutual woes,

    Our mutual burdens bear,

    And often for each other flows

    The sympathizing tear.

4. When here our pathways part,

    We suffer bitter pain;

    Yet, one in Christ and one in heart,

    We hope to meet again.

5. From sorrow, toil, and pain,

    And sin we shall be free

    And perfect love and friendship reign

    Through all eternity.

    (Lutheran Service Book 649)

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to him, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (Thessalonians 3:11-12 ESV) Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, October 12, 2024 - KNOW 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, October 12, 2024 - Day 286 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 48,49; Colossians 4 )

KNOW JESUS

“21 They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock;  he split the rock and the water gushed out. 22 ‘There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.’” (Isaiah 48:21-22 ESV) 

Verse 21 reveals the provision and peace that God provided His people as He led them through their 40-year wilderness journey. Verse 22 shows the opposite for the wicked, those who reject Christ and remain in their sins.

Ultimate peace comes only from sins forgiven and eternal life with the Lord guaranteed. 

So which is it for you? NO JESUS or KNOW JESUS? Listen carefully in church, and you will hear of the peace that passes all understanding, peace that only Jesus can provide you.

The hymn writer expresses well the long-lasting blessing of God-given peace...

1. Lord, dismiss us with Your blessing;

    Fill our hearts with joy and peace;

    Let us each, Your love possessing,

    Triumph in redeeming grace.

    O refresh us, O refresh us,

    Trav'ling through this wilderness.

2.Thanks we give and adoration

    For Your Gospel's joyful sound.

    May the fruits of Your salvation

    In our hearts and lives abound.

    Ever faithful, ever faithful

    To Your truth may we be found.

3. Savior, when Your love shall call us

    From our struggling pilgrim way,

    Let not fear of death appall us,

    Glad Your summons to obey.

    May we ever, may we ever

    Reign with You in endless day.

     (Lutheran Service Book #924)

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be my Savior. Grant that I may always know and believe in the Prince of Peace. In His saving name. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape