Day 183 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 13-18)
“Repent and turn from all your transgressions, lest iniquity be your ruin.” (Ezekiel 18:30 ESV)
Through the prophet Ezekiel God is calling sinners to repent or face ruin. In this verse God teaches us to see repentance as more than merely saying we’re sorry for our sins. He is calling us to turn from our sin.
“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 4:17 ESV) The Greek word used for “repentance” (metanoia), has been misinterpreted for centuries, leading people to think that they must do something (penance) to make up for their sins. The correct interpretation is calling sinners to repent, to have heart-felt sorrow for their sins. Such sincere repentance naturally leads you to attempt to amend your sinful life.
“Do you promise that with the aid of the Holy Ghost you will henceforth amend your sinful life? Then declare so by saying: I do so promise. Verily, you should promise, for Christ, the Lord, says. ‘Let your light shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’” (The Order of the Confessional Service, The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, page 48)
And then we get to hear these words:
“Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Thank You, Lord God, for answering my heart-felt confession and for granting me the priceless gift of forgiveness for Christ’s sake. Strengthen me to amend my sinful life and to glorify You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 182 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 7)
“My son, keep my words and treasure up my commandments with you.” (Proverbs 7:1 ESV)
“Keeping God’s Law is not mere obedience to external commands; it is the matter of the heart. When we store God’s words with in us, God keeps us from sinning.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1010)
Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine;
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
("Take My Life and Let it Be,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #783 stanza 5)
Lord God, thank You for filling my heart with Your forgiveness and with the encouragement to be in Your Word. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 181 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 75-77)
2 “At the set time that I appoint
I will judge with equity.
3 When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants,
it is I who keep steady its pillars. Selah
4 I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’
and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up your horn;
5 do not lift up your horn on high,
or speak with haughty neck.’” (Psalm 75:2-5 ESV)
We live in a day when the boastful seem to be gaining the upper hand. A case in point would be the instances where Christians who are attempting to follow Biblical moral values are told that they need diversity training.
The wicked enjoy immense popularity and do, in fact, “speak with haughty neck.” Look at how a scientist who believes in creation is treated by the proponents of evolution.
The list from last Sunday’s Epistle lesson describes what the boastful and wicked are into: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." (Galatians 5:19-21 ESV)
David’s cry to the Lord is our prayer today as well. “Return, O Lord! How long? Have pity on your servants!” (Psalm 90:13 ESV)
Here is God’s assuring answer: “At the set time that I appoint I will judge with equity. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitants, it is I who keep steady its pillars.”
Lord God, thank You for Your promise to judge the wicked. Thank You for having pity on Your servants. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 180 - 1 Kings Tuesday (chapters 19-22)
“And when Ahab heard those words, he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his flesh and fasted and lay in sackcloth and went about dejectedly. And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring disaster in his days. . .’” (1 Kings 21:27-29 ESV)
King Ahab is guilty of listening to his wife Jezebel and disobeying God. In righteous anger, God condemns Ahab. When he hears about his doom, Ahab repents in very visible and genuine ways. God’s response gives us hope when we humbly and heartily repent of our sins. What good news this is!
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 ESV)
What good news for repentant sinners!
Lord God, thank You for Your great mercy in forgiving my sin. Please keep me humble and repentant. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 179 - Leviticus Monday (7-9)
“Then Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them.” (Leviticus 9:23 ESV)
Aaron blessed God’s people after sacrificing offerings for their sins. Almost 1,500 years later, the One promised by God the Father would also lift of His hands and bless all mankind from His cross of sacrifice.
“He (Jesus) himself bore our sins in his body on the tree (the cross), that we might die to sin... By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)
Just think of it - everything you have ever done that is wrong, even your wicked thoughts, have been paid for by Jesus' death on the cross. Just before He died, Jesus said, “It is finished.” This means that you don’t have to fear death. You don’t have to feel as if a big shoe is hanging over your head. Instead, anyone who repents and believes in Jesus is forgiven and guaranteed eternal life in heaven!
This truly makes believers in Jesus blessed people!
Thank You, heavenly Father, for blessing me with saving faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus. Remind today, and every day, how blessed by the Lord I really am. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 178 - Philippians Sunday (1-2)
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
“It’s hard to be humble when you’re perfect in every way.” So says Mac Davis. Not so says St. Paul. Instead a lack of conceit and the presence of humility are to be the mark of a Christian.
St. Peter agrees: “Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” (1 Peter 5:5 ESV)
It sounds like God is pretty serious about His people living humble lives!
“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Philippians 2:5-8 ESV)
It is not that hard to be humble when you remember that Jesus died for that “poor, miserable sinner” we each see in the mirror every morning!
Lord Jesus, thank You for humbling Yourself by going to the cross for me. May I humbly spend the rest of my life living for You and putting You and others ahead of myself. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 177 - Luke Saturday (13-14)
“Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.” (Luke 13:24 ESV)
I had someone tell me that “it doesn’t matter what name you use for God, we’re all trying to get to the same place.” However, Jesus is teaching us exactly the opposite.
Look at the picture. The narrow door is really narrow. Most folks would choose the wrong door, the nice and wide door. In fact, most folks couldn’t fit through that narrow door on their own. And this is precisely the point that Jesus is making. We will not get to heaven based on our own merits, good works, heritage, or desire. Left to our own efforts, the result is eternally disastrous! “Depart from me, all you workers of evil! In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth...” (Luke 13:27 ESV)
But then there is the narrow door. In tenderly encouraging believers to “let not your hearts be troubled,” Jesus promises that He is making room for us in heaven. He then clearly describes the narrow door for all who will listen:
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)
How do we strive to enter through this narrow door? You will find the answer tomorrow in the Divine Service where your Lord will come to you once again through His Word and through His body and blood!
Lord Jesus, thank You being the narrow door to my salvation. Mercifully continue to lovingly lead through that door day by day. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 176 - Ezekiel Friday (7-12)
“And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. . . And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.” (Ezekiel 11:19-20 ESV)
Ezekiel is given a vision of the just punishment God will render toward His unfaithful people. Yet God is planning to show mercy. Do you remember David’s prayer?
Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
(Psalm 51:9-12 ESV)
In Christ Jesus this prayer was answered for David and for us. His death on the cross has blotted out all of our sins and iniquities. The result is a clean heart and a right spirit. The second half of David’s prayer is for a renewed relationship with God. This we find answered directly by God’s declaration: “And they shall be my people, and I will be their God.”
Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayer for forgiveness and for a clean heart. I rejoice that, in spite of my sinful nature, I am still one of Your people and You are still my God. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 175 - Proverbs Thursday (5-6)
“There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” (Proverbs 6:16-19 ESV)
“God’s Law shows us not only our sins but also their motivations and consequences. Consider a thought, an action, or a word by asking,
● Why am I doing this?
● Where could it take me?
● Can I do this in the name of the Lord?
God hates sin so deeply that He sent His Son to take away sin’s power–its curses and its eternal consequences. In Christ, we are forgiven and empowered to overcome sin. Good-for-nothings are made into God’s precious and valuable sons and daughters.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1008)
Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for Your good and gracious choice of me to be one of Your precious children. Thank You for sending Jesus to pay for all of my bad choices. In the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 174 - Psalms Wednesday (72-74)
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” (Psalm 73:28 ESV)
“Being troubled by doubt and envy does not mean that we have lost our faith. We are called to struggle against doubt and envy. We find strength to do so in the certainty of the final outcome of God’s promises.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 918)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)
No wonder David calls God his refuge. Christ is our refuge too. It so important to always, always, always stay close to our Jesus! And how do we do this?
● Weekly Worship
● Bible Study
● Prayer
Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Lord, help me to fight doubt and envy by keeping me close to You. Bless me with a hunger for Your Word of promise. Amen.
Stay close to your Jesus today and always.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 173 - 1 Kings Monday (14-18)
“How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him; but if Baal, then follow him.” (1 Kings 18:21-22 ESV)
Are you limping along attempting to live in two worlds? While most folks aren’t worshiping Baal today, many are attempting to live as members of the family of God and the family of man. The sad thing about this is that, just like those who were tricked into Baal worship, when we divide our loyalties, our relationship with God loses out.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.” (Matthew 6:24 ESV)
The wisdom of following the One true God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is seen in the contest between the 450 prophets of Baal and Elijah, the prophet of God. The prophets of Baal could not prompt their non-existent god to respond to their prayers. But look at how God answered Elijah:
“Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt offering and the wood and the stones and the dust and licked up the water that was in the trench. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces and said, ‘the Lord, he is God; the Lord, he is God.’” (1 Kings 18:38-39 ESV)
Lord God, help me to follow You because You are the One true God who, alone, offers me forgiveness and heaven through Jesus! Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 172 - Leviticus Monday (4-6)
“... he shall restore it (that which he took that was not his) in full, and shall add a fifth to it.” (Leviticus 1:2 ESV)
The Lord describes the sacrifice and compensations of the guilt offering for mending relationships with God and with neighbor. While summing up the Law, Christ taught, ‘You shall love the Lord your God... You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ In the Law, the Lord calls us to something greater than self-interest. Praise God, His attitude toward us is merciful and self-giving. He desires our atonement.”
(Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 173)
Lord, have mercy on me for my mistreatment of my neighbor. Lead me to love others as you have loved me in Jesus. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 171 - Ephesians Sunday (4-6)
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’ 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV)
Our lesson for Father’s Day 2016 focuses on both children and fathers.
“1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 ‘Honor your father and mother’ (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 ‘that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.’”
While obeying parents is a commandment some would like to ignore, God does attach a couple of very special blessings to those who obey.
● ‘that it may go well with you’
● ‘and that you may live long in the land.’
And what does God expect of dads?
“4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
These are tall orders for both children and their fathers. We find much needed help in the concept of the discipline and the following instruction of the Lord.
● Our Lord Jesus died in payment for our sins.
● His forgiveness is freely bestowed upon all who repent and believe.
Oh, blest the parents who give heed
Unto their children's foremost need
And weary not of care or cost.
May none to them and heav'n be lost!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #862 stanza 3)
Heavenly Father, thank You for all fathers and their children on this day. Bless all of us with wisdom and instruction that points us to Your Son’s cross and Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morining.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 170 - Luke Saturday (11-12)
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on... And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?” (Luke 12:22 & 25 ESV)
When I was in grade school, I was a typical adolescent, into some weird things. One of those weird things was Mad Magazine. In today’s “visual” you can see what Alfred E, Neuman is known for... “What, Me Worry?”
While Alfie is by no means a positive role model, nor even close to being a source of wisdom, his non-anxious phrase is one Christ would have us parrot.
Because Jesus died and rose for us, no matter what the circumstances in our life may be, we can say, “What, me worry.”
Our Savior wants us to understand the futility of worry when He reminds us that we can’t add a single hour to our lives. In other words, He wants us to trust Him completely. And since He has taken care of our biggest need by dying on the cross and guaranteeing heaven for us, we can live our lives without fear!
Have no fear little flock;
Have no fear little flock,
For the Father has chosen
To give you the Kingdom;
Have no fear, little flock!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #735)
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for Your encouragement to not worry. When the fears and woes of this life get me down, remind me that You died so that heaven will be mine. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 169 - Ezekiel Friday (1-6)
“Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the House of Israel.... Then I ate it, and it was in mouth as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:1&3 ESV)
In preparing Ezekiel for his “uncomfortable” ministry, God commands him to eat a scroll and then talk to God’s rebellious people. He obeys, and is spiritually fortified for his tough assignment.
God wants to fortify us for our vocations in this sin-filled world. He does this through the simple means of water, bread, wine and His precious Word.
The Lord is still prescribing the Ezekiel diet today. He daily calls us to Read, Mark, Learn, and Inwardly Digest the Bible! How are you doing in this area? We are getting close to halfway in our 52 week Bible reading plan. If you have not been “keeping up,” now would be a good time to “jump in.”
We sing “How precious is the Book Divine.”
Should your Bible be catching dust or catching your interest?
How precious is the Book Divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine
To guide our souls to heaven.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, #285)
Lord, please bless me today with the desire to feast upon Your Word. May the Bible be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Amen.
Don’t be afraid to open THE Book today!
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Bible Reading Plan upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 168 - Proverbs Thursday (4)
“Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you... Do not swerve to the right or to the left; turn your foot away from evil.” (Proverbs 4:25&27 ESV)
When I was a boy growing up in Milwaukee there was a sound that got us kids all running toward it. The rag man would call out, “Rags, rags, rags.” Those words meant that we would get to see his horse. The main thing I remembered about his one-horse-powered rig was the blinders that kept the “engine” going in the right direction.
In the 4th chapter of Proverbs Solomon is giving advice for continuing in the right spiritual direction. “Focus on God and the things of God. It is not enough to have wisdom begun, it must be sustained.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1006)
The writer to the Hebrews sharpens our focus by telling us to put the “Jesus blinders” on.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)
Gracious heavenly Father, please keep my eyes focused on Jesus with the blinders of Your Word and Sacraments. Amen.
Keep your eyes on Jesus today!
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 167 - Psalms Wednesday (69-71)
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.” (Psalm 66:5 ESV)
David cries out to God for mercy and rescue from the enemies around him. Believers have that amazing right and perfect comfort. Remember Peter? He cried out to the Lord in similar fashion:
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him... (Matthew 14:29-31 ESV)
When the storms of life press in upon you, just as they did for David and Peter, remember that you have a God who reaches out to you with His glorious cross!
Lord, on the cross of Calvary You answered my prayer. May I live the rest of my life thanking you for saving me from the storms of sin, death and the devil. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 166 - 1 Kings Tuesday (10-13)
“And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years.” (1 Kings 11:42 ESV)
“The closing years of Solomon’s reign are troubled as the Lord foretells the division of the kingdom and raises up adversaries to Solomon.
● We dare never take God’s grace lightly, thinking we can sin without consequences.
● May God the Holy Spirit always keep us focused on our Savior through Word and Sacraments.
● Jesus did not take us for granted; He saved us with His precious grace.”
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 556)
You who think of sin but lightly
Nor suppose the evil great
Here may view its nature rightly,
Here its guilt may estimate.
Mark the sacrifice appointed;
See who bears the awful load;
Tis the Word, the Lord’s Anointed,
Son of Man and son of God.
(Lutheran Service Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #451)
Lord God, heavenly Father, help me to never downplay my sinfulness so that I may never take Your gracious gift of Jesus, my Savior, lightly! Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 165 - Leviticus Monday
“When any one of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offerings of livestock....” (Leviticus 1:2 ESV)
Leviticus opens with earthly, life and death detail about the sacrifices Israel was to offer at the tabernacle they had just built in the wilderness. Their cattle, which had traveled with them our of Egypt and southward to Sinai, would not only feed their eager bellies but also touch their hearts as living illustrations of God’s gracious provision for them. God would be honored with the fat, the kidneys, and the liver lobe that the priests would burn. The worshiper’s family would feast together on the meat the Lord had provided.
(Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 164)
The final and lasting bloody sacrifice was made on Mt. Calvary as Jesus hung between heaven and earth in payment for our sins. Now anyone who trusts in Jesus as their Savior and Lord is forgiven and declared fit for heaven. Talk about God’s gracious provision!
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood for me. May I always be thankful for Your gracious and overwhelming provision. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 164 - Ephesians Sunday
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV)
Paul is giving us a picture of the Church, built on the truths of Holy Scripture. His reference to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets,” clearly means the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. And in what direction does the entire Bible point? It points us to Jesus, “the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
The cornerstone of Paul’s day was not merely a symbolic container of historical documents. The weight of a building rested on the cornerstone. In fact, if you removed it, the entire building would collapse.
The same is true for Christianity. If you removed Jesus and His cross, it all collapses. The holy life, innocent death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of our faith. Oh how blessed is everyone whose life is built solidly on Jesus!
Christ is our cornerstone,
On Him alone we build;
With His true saints alone
The courts of heav'n are filled.
On His great love our hopes we place
Of present grace and joys above.
(Christ Is Our Cornerstone, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #912 stanza 1)
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for making Jesus the cornerstone of Your Church.
May my life remain built solidly on Jesus so that I may always be blessed with Your love, hope, grace and joy. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 163 - Luke Saturday
Jesus ... took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me.” (Luke 9:47-48 ESV)
Jesus is teaching us to serve Him by serving others. That is exactly what A Place of Refuge is all about, serving the Lord by helping mothers and their babies in need.
Please pray for us today. This is the day of our annual Life Walk, our major annual fund raiser. For 23 years God has greatly blessed our efforts to be His love to those we serve. What a joy to hold a little baby in your arms who is here because God’s people offered a helping hand in Jesus’ name.
Lord, thank You for blessing the ministry of A Place of Refuge and all of the many women and children served throughout the years. Please bless today’s Life Walk. In the name of Jesus, the Lord of Life. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 162 - Lamentations Friday
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
In the middle of his lamentations over the catastrophic results of his people’s rebellion and unfaithfulness, Jeremiah proclaims God’s faithfulness. Remember his words when you experience the just consequences of your sin and unfaithfulness. In spite of your sin...
• God’s love for you never ends.
• His mercy on you continues.
• His mercy is new every morning.
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! REFRAIN
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!
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 809)
Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness in pardoning my sin. Help me to see Your new mercies every day, starting today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 161 - Job Thursday (chapters 2-3)
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Proverbs 2:6 ESV)
“Two roads exist for every person–the way of righteousness and the way of evil. The way of evil is populated with those who reject God and His good and gracious will. The way of evil leads to certain and eternal death. The way of righteousness is traveled by God’s forgiven children through faith in Christ Jesus, kept on the narrow path by the working of the Holy Spirit through the means of grace. The path of righteousness leads to certain and eternal life.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1002)
Gracious heavenly Father, please keep me on the narrow path today that I may be part of Your eternal family. In the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 160 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 66-68)
Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.” (Psalm 66:1-3 ESV)
The Psalmist encourages his readers to “shout for joy to God.” The reason for this joy is the awesome deeds of God.
No Jesus, no joy.
Know Jesus, know joy!
Many people are looking for joy, peace and happiness without Jesus. But Jesus is the only One whose awesome deeds involve forgiveness of your sins and the promise of eternal life.
Lord God, thank You for the joy of knowing Your mercy, forgiveness and promise of heaven! In Jesus' saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
