August 1, 2016 - CARING FOR ONE ANOTHER

Day 214 - Leviticus Monday (chapters 22-24)

“Speak to Aaron and his sons so that they abstain from the holy things of the people of Israel, which they dedicate to me, so that they do not profane my holy name: I am the Lord. Say to them, ‘If any one of all your offspring throughout your generations approaches the holy things that the people of Israel dedicate to the Lord, while he has an uncleanness, that person shall be cut off from my presence: I am the Lord.” (Leviticus 22:2-3 ESV)

"God sets His priests apart. They determine what is holy and what is common (10:10). Such an important responsibility requires rules to protect their consecration before God so that they would not die as did Nadab and Abihu. All the people are responsible for helping priests maintain the sacred things of God. Today, Christ’s atoning death makes us members of His royal priesthood.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”  (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

As members of His royal priesthood, God separates us from every defilement (2 Corinthians 7:1) and God calls us to care for one another.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 197)

Heavenly Father, thank You for setting me apart to be Your child and for calling me to live a life that glorifies You. Bless me as I do my best to support all to whom You have given Your name so that, together, we may be used by You to reach many others with the Good News of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Practice caring for one another today.

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

July 31, 2016 - CALLED TO PURITY

Day 213 - 1 Thessalonians Sunday (chapters 4-5) 

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in the passion of lust like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one transgress and wrong his brother in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as we told you beforehand and solemnly warned you. For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” (Thessalonians 4:3-7 ESV)

Impurity is one of the devil’s great tools designed to pull people away from Christ. That is why the Lord gave us the Sixth Commandment, “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” and why there are so many Bible passages encouraging purity.

The purity prayer included here is an excellent tool to help our young remain pure and chaste.

Lord, thank You for the forgiveness of all of my sins through the innocent death of Jesus on the cross. Please help me and my loved ones to follow Your plan for purity.  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

July 30, 2016 - RELATIONSHIPS RESTORED

Day 212 - Luke Saturday (chapters 23-24)

“And Herod and Pilate became friends with each other that very day, for before this they had been at enmity with each other.” (Luke 23:12 ESV)

Broken relationships have been mankind’s curse ever since the Fall. Adam and Eve’s relationship was broken because of sin. Cain and Able’s relationship was broken because of sin. And worst of all, mankind’s relationship with God was broken because of sin.

I had never made the connection between Luke 23:12 and our broken relationships until this morning. Herod and Pilate had a broken relationship with each other before Jesus came on the scene. Before their mutual “negative” contact with Jesus, they had been at enmity with each other. After meeting Jesus, they became friends. 

Tragically, they do not benefit spiritually from their contact with Jesus. And yet their experience is what Christianity is all about...restoring relationships between sinners and their Savior. Look at the first of Christ’s words from the cross recorded in Luke:

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:12 ESV)

God’s priceless and gracious gift of forgiveness is how we are reconciled and made right with God. And this is what guarantees our ultimate and eternal reconciliation with Him, as we see in this comforting and thrilling word from the cross:

“Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” (Luke 23:43 ESV)

Jesus first post-resurrection words to His disciples are His words of reconciliation to all who repent and believe to day. Therefore, these are His words to you today too:

“Peace to you!” (Luke 24:36 ESV)

Thank You, dearest Lord Jesus, for reconciling me to almighty God by Your death on the cross. Thank You for Your gift of forgiveness, Your guarantee of heaven and Your proclamation of peace. Please keep my faith strong in You this day and always!  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

July 29, 2016 - HOPE FOR DEAD BONES

Day 211 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 37-42)

“Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3 ESV)

The Lord asks this question of the prophet Ezekiel at the beginning of a dream. This divine communication calls on the prophet to inform God’s people that there is hope for dead bones. 

What good news for Ezekiel’s hearers! New life will be breathed into them by almighty God and the two kingdoms will be united under David. They were as good as dead in their relationship to God. But...

“Behold, I will open your graves and raise you from your graves.” (Ezekiel 37:12 ESV)

Again, what comfort this must have given to the children of God.

We baptized believers read verse 12 and immediately remember Resurrection Sunday and the Easter promises that assure us of the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.  

●  Death is not the end for the believer in Christ!
●  Our dead bones will come back to life.
●  Breath will return to us, and we will rise again. 
●  Remember what Jesus said:

“Because I live, you also will live!”  (John 14:19 ESV)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your plan to raise Your people back to life through the death of Jesus. Please sustain my faith in Him today so that my dead bones will be raised to eternal life on the last day! In the name of Jesus, my risen Savior. 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

July 27, 2016 - GLORIOUS THINGS

Day 209 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 87-89)

“Glorious things of you are spoken, O city of God.”  (Psalm 87:3 ESV) 

“God includes people of all nations among His believers, all of whom may claim to be born in Zion. Your true identity before God is not rooted in your nationality, your language, your family ties, your wealth, or any other earthly thing. God claims you to be His own in Baptism, through which you become His own child, no matter who you are or from where you came.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 931)

Glorious things of you are spoken, 

Zion, city of our God; 

He whose word cannot be broken 

Formed you for His own abode. 

On the Rock of Ages founded, 

What can shake your sure repose? 

With salvation's walls surrounded, 

You may smile at all your foes. 

(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Pub. House, 2006, #648 - 1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the glorious future You have in store for me in Your heaven. Keep me strong in my faith that my future may be guaranteed to be glorious. In Your saving name I pray. 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

July 28, 2016 - DON’T DESPISE GOD’S WORD

Day 210 - Proverbs Thursday (Chapter 13)

“Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13 ESV) 

The book of Proverbs contains the God-given wisdom of Solomon. Many people have a problem with the idea of any wisdom that does not come from the person they see in the mirror! And the result, according to Solomon, is a messed up life.

We Christians know better than to despise God’s Word, for, as David put it:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Jesus makes it even more clear: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

And what makes the Word of God so special? It points us to Jesus, our only hope, our only Savior, and our only way to heaven!

The Bible is where we learn the greatest wisdom of all time: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 2:38)

The forgiveness of sins and the guarantee of heaven are what you receive when you despise not the Word of God, but rather hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Lord, please forgive me for the times I have despised Your Word by not reading the Bible and/or by not regularly attending church. Help me to not put my soul at risk by allowing me to see the blessings that You have for me in Your precious Word.  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

July 26, 2016 - NO COMPROMISE

Day 208 - 2 Kings Tuesday (chapters 16-20)

“And he did what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (2 Kings 18:3 ESV)

Ahaz and Hoshea did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but Hezekiah did. Captured and settled in foreign lands, the northern tribes are lost to history. Hezekiah, king of Judah, does what is right and blessings follow.

“The Lord raises up Hezekiah to guide Judah through its most challenging moment, facing the great Assyrian Empire. Like Hezekiah, you are to trust and serve the one true God without compromise, presenting a positive testimony of grace. The Lord will support you in the face of every obstacle, equipping you through His Word.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 611)

I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead,
Ev’ry day and hour supplying all I need.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #729)

Heavenly Father, strengthen me via Your Word and the encouragement of others to never compromise in faithfulness to You. To this end, strengthen my faith in Jesus, and protect me from the deceit and lies of the devil so that I, like Hezekiah, may do what is right in Your eyes.  Amen. 

No compromising today... the Lord is watching!

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

July 25, 2016 - BE HOLY

Day 207 - Leviticus Monday (chapters 19-21)

“You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2 ESV)

God reveals His desire for the crown of His creation. Since He made us and gave us our lives, He has every right to set this extremely high expectation.

How did you feel when you read today’s verse?

● Confident?
● Afraid?
● Self-assured?
● Doubtful?

In these three chapters of Leviticus, God details what He expects of us in the Ten Commandments. Even though much of what we read certainly isn’t “politically correct” today, still we must believe it,  respond to it with repentance, and share this warning with others.

However, what we need to share above all else is the fact that, while we cannot even come close to being holy, Jesus was and ever shall be the holy Son of God. And this is precisely what makes His death on Calvary’s cross the greatest event of all history!

Yes, holy Jesus died like a guilty sinner in your place and mine so that we who believe in Him can be declared holy and fit for heaven!

How does that make you feel?

It makes me want to remember all that His has done for me and to daily beg for Him to continue to have such mercy on me. How about you?

Lamb of God, pure and holy, who on the cross didst suffer,
Ever patient and lowly, Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us, Else had despair reigned o’er us:
Have mercy on us, O Jesus! O Jesus. Amen.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #434)

Thank your merciful God for making you holy and fit for heaven!

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

July 24, 2016 - PASTOR AND PEOPLE

Day 206 - 1 Thessalonians Sunday (chapters 1-3) 

“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.” (Thessalonians 1:2-2 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!

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.
      (Blest Be the Tie That Binds, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #649 stanzas 1-3)

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

“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 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

July 23, 2016 - WATCH YOURSELF

Day 205 - Luke Sunday (chapters 21-22)

“But watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life, and that day come upon you suddenly like a trap. For it will come upon all who dwell on the face of the whole earth. But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are going to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36 ESV)

It is so very easy to get sidetracked, to lose oneself in the distractions and cares of every day life. The Lord tells to pray for alertness and spiritual strength for the days that are to come. The hymn writer put it this way:

"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"
The watchmen on the heights are crying;
"Awake, Jerusalem, arise!"
Midnight hears the welcome voices
And at the thrilling cry rejoices;
"Oh, where are ye, ye virgins wise?
The Bridegroom comes, awake!
Your lamps with gladness take!  Allelujah!
With bridal care Yourselves prepare
To meet the Bridegroom, who is near.".
(Lutheran Service Book, #516 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, please keep me spiritually alert and ready for Your return. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape 

"See" you in church tomorrow!

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

July 22, 2016 - CHILD OF GOD

Day 204 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 31-36) 

“You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:28 ESV)

In promising to graciously return His people to their homeland, God assured them of the most important fact, “you shall be my people and I will be your God.” 

Those words are also God’s baptismal promise to you. Just think of it. On the day the Lord came into your life, He made you His precious child, a child of almighty God.

For Israel, God’s promise meant restoration and the return to the promised land. For us, God’s promise means that we sinners have been reconciled to our holy God and that the eternal promised land of heaven is ours.

Here is another way to express God’s promise: Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are gathered around His cross and... You are a precious, blood-bought, baptized, forgiven, heaven-bound, gifted child of God! 

Thank You, heavenly Father, for reconciling me to Yourself through the death of Your Son, Jesus. May my daily life reflect the fact that I am Your child and You are 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

July 21, 2016 - SILENCE IS GOLDEN

Day 203 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 11-12)

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense, but a man of understanding remains silent. Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets, but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.” (Proverbs 11:12-13 ESV) 

In the catechism’s explanation of the Eighth Commandment, we are encouraged to “defend our neighbor, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest way.” How are you doing in this area? Can others trust you to keep a confidence? 

This old quote gives us some advice in combating loose tongues:
"If your lips would keep from slips,
Five things observe with care:
Of whom you speak, to whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where."
--from the 19th Century book THE RULES OF CIVILITY

After a sermon on this topic, a mother asked her five year old son “what did the pastor talk about today?” The youngster responded, “I should keep my mouth shut.” May the Lord help you and me to learn that lesson as well!

Lord, please forgive me for the times my words have hurt others. Help me to choose my words wisely, to put the best construction on everything, and to keep my mouth shut when You want me to.  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

July 20, 2016 - TEACH ME LORD

Day 202 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 84-86)

"For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you. Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer; listen to my plea for grace. In the day of my trouble I call upon you,  for you answer me... Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” (Psalm 86:5-7, 11 ESV)

As we get older, we sometimes get the mistaken notion that learning is over. However, due to our sinful nature, learning is never over. We don’t seem to get it. His command is perfection, not even one sinful thought. This is why David is pleading for mercy. He knew well personal days of trouble. He knew his sin. He admitted his sin. He called on the Lord for help. And he prayed: “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” 

And what is the Lord’s way? Listen to Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV)

The truth we get to “walk in” is the forgiveness of sins and the promise of heaven. However, this “walk” starts with a serious assessment of ones sinful condition. It continues as we learn and relearn of the good news that Jesus died on the cross for us, paying for every one of our many, many sins.

Christ be my Teacher in age as in youth,
Drifting or doubting, for He is the truth.
Grant me to trust Him; though shifting as sand,
Doubt cannot daunt me; in Jesus I stand.
 (Christ Be My Leader, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #861 stanza 2)

Heavenly Father, thank You for teaching me about my sin and my Savior. Please help me to walk in Your truth. 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

July 19, 2016 - PROTECTING FAMILY

Day 201 - 2 Kings Tuesday (chapters 11-15)

“But Jehosheba... took Joash, the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death. And he remained with her six years, hidden in the house of the Lord, while Athaliah reigned over the land.” (2 Kings 11:2-4 ESV)

“The bloody dynastic practices of pagan nations and of the Northern Kingdom of Israel erupt in Judah through Athaliah. Amid this vicious purge, the Lord preserves the house of David and the renewal of faithful worship by protecting Joash through his aunt Jehosheba. As an aunt or uncle, commend your nieces and nephews to the Lord’s care by looking out for their welfare, praying for them, and turning them over to the security of the Lord’s house. As the Lord preserved the house of David, from which Jesus would be born, so He will through the Word preserve and nurture the treasured members of your family.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 598)

1. Oh, blest the house, whate'er befall,
    Where Jesus Christ is all in all!
    A home that is not wholly His--
    How sad and poor and dark it is!
2. Oh, blest that house where faith is found
    And all in hope and love abound;
    They trust their God and serve Him still
    And do in all His holy will!
     (Oh, Blest the House, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #862)

Heavenly Father, watch over my loved ones. Open my eyes to opportunities to encourage them in their walk with You. May my example of weekly worship, Bible study, prayer and daily Christian living be used by You to motivate them to do the same. Grant that all of my family members may remain close to You and to each other in this world and in the next. In the Savior’s name I pray. 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

July 18, 2016 - FASTING

Day 200 - Leviticus Monday (chapters 16-18)

“It is a Sabbath of solemn rest to you, and you shall afflict yourselves.” (Leviticus 16:31 ESV)

In the Old Testament God commanded only one annual fast on the Day of Atonement. While we are not commanded to fast today, it is still a great way to stay close to Him. However, we do not have to follow Jesus’ example of 40 days.

HOW YOU MIGHT FAST

“Consider fasting for a meal or two before partaking in the Lord’s Supper. Spend your extra time studying God’s word and singing Communion hymns.

Fasting during Lent can be a wonderful way to remember the perfect obedience of Christ and His sacrifice for your salvation. Money spent on food may be donated to the poor.

You might follow this routine for a daylong fast: 
(1) rise before dawn and eat breakfast; 
(2) examine yourself as you would prior to partaking in the Lord’s Supper; 
(3) offer your life to God in penitent prayer; 
(4) go about your day, breaking your fast at evening.

If you are diabetic, fasting could be hazardous. Check with your doctor. Do not consider fasting as a dieting program.

If abstaining from food is not possible, consider abstaining from something else. For example, turn off your television and spend time in prayer and study of God’s Word.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 185)

Lord God, help me to learn to spend time with you in prayer and the study of Your Word. And if fasting is something You want me to do, bless me in that endeavor too. Amen. 

May the Lord be with you today and always!

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

July 17, 2016 - LIFE TOGETHER

Day 199 - Ephesians Sunday (chapters 4-6) 

“There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 ESV)

The life God’s people live together is the focus of the verses above. It is also the focus of the Greek word “koinonia.”

● The oneness that we have as Christians is. 

● Christian unity simply exists. 

● Christian unity is not something we develop. 

● Christian unity is a gift of God.

● Christian unity is our gift IN CHRIST.

There are numerous passages that declare this oneness IN CHRIST. This morning many of us will express our unity as we gather for worship with these words:

    I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
   And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried.  He descended into hell.  The third day He rose again from the dead.  He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.  From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead. 
    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.

Lord, thank You for making us one IN CHRIST. Help us to practice that oneness in ways that bring glory to Your name and lost souls to their Savior. Amen.

Celebrate Christian oneness as you worship today!

“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

July 16, 2016 - THE LOST ARE FOUND

Day 198 - Luke Saturday (chapters 19-20)

“For the Son of Man came to seek and  to save the lost.” (Luke 19:12 ESV)

These words of Jesus immediately follow the account of His calling Zacchaeus out of the sycamore tree. Zacchaeus comes down, invites Jesus to his house, and becomes a changed man. Such is the effect Jesus has on sinners who repent and believe.

When confronted by jealous onlookers, Jesus gives us this glorious Gospel declaration:
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:12 ESV)

These words are truly good news for us sinners, as John Newton put it:

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!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your amazing grace in sending Jesus to seek and to save lost sinners like me. Please keep me ever faithful to You that I may know Your forgiveness and reconciliation.  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

July 15, 2016 - GOD PROTECTS HIS OWN

Day 197 - Ezekiel Friday (chapters 25-30)

“The word of the Lord came to me: Son of man... prophecy against them.” (Ezekiel 25:1 ESV)

Ezekiel pronounces the first of seven prophecies against nations surrounding Israel.  God directs world events by faithfully protecting those whom He loves and punishing those who disobey Him. God continues to do the same today. He will not allow nations or individuals to mock Him. He will call straying people to repentance, that He might forgive them and restore blessings to them so that others may come to know the Lord.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1350)  

Thank You, Lord, for protecting Your own people. Grant me the comfort of knowing that I am a precious, blood-bought, baptized, forgiven, heaven-bound, gifted child of God. Amen.

Celebrate God’s protection today.

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

July 14, 2016 - CHOOSE YOUR WORDS WISELY

Day 196 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 10)

“The wise heart will receive commands, but a babbling fool will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:8 ESV) 

“The words we speak can be either a source of life and comfort, edifying those around us, or a source of strife and wickedness, stirring up hatred and division. Always choose your words prudently, being careful never to speak gossip, lies, or slander about another person. Defend those whose reputation is under assault and forgive those who sin against you. Jesus was a victim of false accusations; the blood He shed on the cross covers all our offenses.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1017)

Luther’s Small Catechism puts it this way:

The Eighth Commandment  You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 
What does this mean?  We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about   our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak  well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way (put the best  construction on everything).

Lord, please forgive me for the times my words have hurt others. Help me to choose my words wisely and to put the best construction on everything. 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

July 13, 2016 - SALVATION AND ENDURANCE

Day 195 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 81-83) 

“Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” (Psalm 82:14 ESV)

“Our Father in heaven certainly looks after each believer. No believer who suffers injustice in the world will be overlooked by God. Injustice, weakness, exploitation, continued trial and suffering–and afflictions can make the believer feel isolated and forgotten by God. Your heavenly Father has already judged you impartially by laying all of your sins on Jesus. This provided you salvation and endurance even in the face of worldly injustice.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 928)

Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Please empower me to endure, even in the midst of trouble and trial. 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

July 12, 2016 - GOD’S PROTECTION

 

Day 194 - 2 Kings Tuesday (chapters 6-10)

“‘Don’t 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 Kings 6:16-17 ESV)

The Syrian king has surrounded the city in an effort to get Elisha. His servant responds with fear. “Alas master, what shall we do?” 

What shall we do when evil surrounds us? 

How do you respond when everything seems to be going wrong for you, when others seem to have it in for you? 

Are you filled with fear? 

In commenting on this section of 2 Kings, Luther said, “It is a great comfort for all Christians to learn from these and other passages of Holy Scripture that they are not forsaken... For they have the dear angels with them as protectors and guards.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 589)

Even though we cannot see them, we have guardian angels watching over us too! In fact, we pray for a protecting angel when we pray Luther’s Morning Prayer.

I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen. 

What a great way to start today and every day!

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