Day 245 - Proverbs Thursday (chapters 20-21)
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13 ESV)
This proverb calls God’s people to help those less fortunate than themselves. The warning that “what goes around comes around” reminds us of a well-known fulfillment of these words from the last century.
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.” Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)
Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany who changed his mind about Hitler and opposed Nazism with such force that it landed him in a concentration camp.
May we not wait until no one is left to speak for us. Today is the day to serve Christ by helping the poor and the needy. May we especially take the many opportunities that surround us to reach out to the spiritually poor and share with them the soul-saving story of our Savior.
Lord, open my ears, my heart and my mouth for the sake of the poor and needy around me. Thank You for being my example and motivation for such service. Amen.
Speak out for someone in need 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
Day 244 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 102-104)
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
(Psalm 103:2-5 ESV)
The psalmist is calling us to bless the Lord because He has first blessed us. And what is at the top of the list of His blessings (benefits)?
● Your sins (iniquities) are all forgiven.
● Your soul has been healed.
● Your life has been redeemed.
● And the Lord has crowned you with His love, mercy and goodness.
Sounds like blessings worth remembering, right?
Thank You, Lord, for all Your benefits to me. I do not deserve any of them. Yet You daily shower me with Your forgiveness, redemption and my daily life. My response is to bless You, O Lord. Please keep showering me with Your blessed benefits for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Don’t forget how blessed by the Lord you are!
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 243 - 1 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 15-19)
And David said, “I will deal kindly with Hanun the son of Nahash, for his father dealt kindly with me.” So David sent messengers to console him concerning his father. And David’s servants came to the land of the Ammonites to Hanun to console him. But the princes of the Ammonites said to Hanun, “Do you think, because David has sent comforters to you, that he is honoring your father? Have not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” So Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them and cut off their garments in the middle, at their hips, and sent them away; and they departed. When David was told concerning the men, he sent messengers to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown and then return.” (1 Chronicles 19:2-5 ESV)
David’s act of kindness was rewarded with humiliation meant to insult the king. Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever gone the extra mile in helping someone only to have them kick you in the teeth later on? I have, several times. And guess what? I still plan to go on helping people.
For every Hanun, there are plenty of others who truly appreciate Christian kindness expressed towards them. Paul encourages us in this same direction with these thoughts:
“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:9-10 ESV)
Perhaps your willingness to “take it” for Jesus’ sake will move the “humiliator” to listen to Jesus and become a forgiven sinner, too!
Lord Jesus, help me to understand that humiliation and disappointment are just a part of following You. I praise You and thank You for the humiliation of Your suffering on the cross that purchased my salvation. Amen.
Keep doing good deeds for Jesus 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
Day 242 - Numbers Monday (chapters 13-16)
“Oh that we had meat to eat. . . The people went about and gathered it (manna) and ground it in handmills or beat it in mortars and boiled it in pots and made cakes of it. . . When the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell with it.” (Numbers 11:4, 8-9 ESV)
God had miraculously set His people from their slavery in Egypt. Now He is feeding them with heavenly bread, and they are complaining. They wake up in the morning and harvest this wonder bread, and they grumble against God, their provider.
Do you see the miraculous works of God in your life? In Luther’s explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed, you have an overview God’s provision in your life.
“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.”
You loving heavenly Father provides all that you need for this body and life, and, through Jesus, for the next life as well!
Lord God heavenly Father, help me to see and appreciate all that You do for me every day. May my beating heart remind me of Your constant care. Thank You, above all, for sending Jesus to be my 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
Day 241 - 2 Timothy Sunday (chapters 1-2)
“23 Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels.24 And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil,25 correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth,26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” (2 Timothy 2:23-26 ESV)
Have you ever been so upset with someone who denied Jesus that you allowed your anger to show? Have you ever “argued religion” with a non-believer? I think we have all been there at some time. And, to tell you the truth, it’s like trying to convert a Viking fan into a Packer fan. Arguing just doesn’t work.
Our job as witnesses for Jesus, and that is what we are all called to do, must not get into quarrelsome encounters. Paul instructed Timothy and us to:
● be kind to everyone,
● teach (in winsome manner),
● patiently endure evil and
● correct with gentleness.
That is a very tall order. But, as Paul also put it, “I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)
Do you know someone who is living without Jesus and heading for hell? Pray for that person, and then put Paul’s directives into practice. That person’s eternal future is at stake. Besides, this is your Christian calling!
Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me from eternal death. Enable me to follow Paul’s advice as I attempt to share You with others. 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 240 - John Saturday (chapters 7-9)
“Unless you believe that I am he you will die in your sins.” (John 8:24 ESV)
Jesus is the One. He is the Savior promised long ago. He is the Messiah, the Christ, the Chosen One.
There have been many imitators... many who claim to be the answer to mankind’s need for divine help.
At a conference some years ago, we pastors were reminded that our task is not to talk Jesus. Instead, we are to preach Jesus. And that is what John 8:24 does. The message Jesus has for you is simply this:
● Repent and believe Jesus died in payment for all of your sins. Therefore,
● Your sins are forgiven.
● You will not die in your sins.
● Heaven is your eternal inheritance.
● Go, you are free.
Don’t fall for any imitators. Jesus is your only way to heaven!
Crown Him the Lord of Life,
Who triumphed o'er the grave
And rose victorious in the strife
For those He came to save.
His glories now we sing
Who died and rose on high,
Who died eternal life to bring
And lives that death may die.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #525, 4)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the One who died and rose for me. Bless my efforts to share You with others who need You just as desperately I do. 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 239 - Hosea Friday (chapters 1-7)
And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods.” (Hosea 3:1 ESV)
God commands Hosea to buy back his unfaithful wife and thus provides an example of how we are to treat those who have let us down.
How do you do in this area? Have you forgiven those who have let you down? You really have? OK then, what do you really think about that person that .... to/about you?
“In obedience to the Lord’s request, Hosea redeems Gomer and renews his commitment to her, despite her unfaithfulness. This prophesies God’s desire to restore Israel as a pure people after the exile.
We are sometimes challenged to swallow our pride and forgive others in similar difficult ways. At such times, we are strengthened by the knowledge that God gave His own Son to forgive and restore us.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1432)
Heavenly Father, You know how difficult it is for me to forgive others, especially... Remind me of Your limitless mercy and love for me that sent Jesus to the cross. As You have forgiven me, a poor miserable sinner, please help me to forgive others, especially... Amen.
Forgive that person 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
Day 238 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 19)
“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” (Proverbs 19:5 ESV)
“Liar, liar, pants on fire” is a phrase that children like to scream at each other whenever they think another child is lying. They also like to scream it at adults who tell them things they don’t want to hear. It’s a foolish thing to say, since if your pants actually caught on fire when you lied, fire departments would be far too busy!
In this Proverb, the Lord is warning us to watch what we say. He does the same thing in 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.
Jesus is our perfect example of always telling the truth.
“Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 ESV)
Lord God, help me to resist the temptation to lie about others. Instead, please us me to share the grace and truth found in 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 237 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 99-101)
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!... For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 100:1 & 5 ESV)
There is a lot of distracting noise surrounding us every day. The Psalmist is calling us to be sources of joyful noise. The contrast is striking. While the cacophony of worldly sound takes our attention away from the Lord, the joyful noise that emanates from the child of God points people to the Lord.
We want to heed this call because we know that the Lord has been good to us. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to the cross for us, showering us with His enduring love. Our joy is multiplied as we realize that, even though we are not faithful, He is!
May the joyful noise that comes from us forgiven sinners honor You, O Lord. And may Your goodness, love, and faithfulness remain with us forever. Amen.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord 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
Day 236 - 1 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 10-14)
“And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.” (2 Chronicles 11:3b ESV)
“The Chronicler announces and celebrates David’s enthronement, overlooking David’s struggles. Critics may fault the Chronicler’s omission of the graphic details about David’s ascent. Yet all of us, like the Chronicler, tend to look back on the past with nostalgia and celebrate the good rather than the bad. In fact, the record of God’s blessings to David was what the Chronicler’s readers needed to remember most. When failures and trials would overwhelm us, the Lord focuses us on His mercy, which can carry us through.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 646)
Yes, no matter what is going on in your life, there is goodness because Jesus promises to be right there with you. And here is the ultimate example of focusing on the Lord’s goodness:
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 ESV)
Lord Jesus, my Savior, help me to keep focused on the ultimate good of Your sacrifice on the cross for me. And then remind me of the daily goodness that is mine in Your continual presence with me. Amen.
Stay focused on the good by staying focused on God!
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 235 - Numbers Monday (chapters 5-8)
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to Aaron and his sons, saying, Thus you shall bless the people of Israel: you shall say to them,
“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:22-26 ESV)
“The Aaronic benediction is still repeated in Christian worship. The divine name Yahweh is used three times in reference to the triune nature of God. What a blessing it is to know that God the Father blesses all aspects of our lives, that God the Son has redeemed us poor, miserable sinners, and the God the Holy Spirit calls us by the Gospel. He gives us His name, applied to us in Holy Baptism and invoked by us throughout our lives.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 225)
As you begin this new week, “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.” 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 234 - 1 Timothy Sunday (chapters 4-6)
"But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content... For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8,10 ESV)
“Rather than being content with what we have, we by nature covet the things we do not have. Those who covet often see money as a wonderful solution to all of life’s problems. But those who love money are in grave danger; they risk losing their faith in Christ. Our Savior has blessed us with the richness of His priceless salvation. Nothing can separate us from His love. As He tenderly cares for us through His word of promise, we are able to enjoy lives of godliness and contentment. All that we can take with us when we leave this world is the life and immortality that Jesus has given us through faith–and that is more than enough!” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 2077)
Hymn writer Johann Franck put these priceless thoughts to music:
4. Hence, all earthly treasure!
Jesus is my Pleasure, Jesus is my Choice.
Hence, all empty glory!
Naught to me thy story
Told with tempting voice.
Pain or loss, Or shame or cross,
Shall not from my Savior move me
Since He deigns to love me.
6. Hence, all fear and sadness!
For the Lord of gladness, Jesus, enters in.
Those who love the Father,
Though the storms may gather,
Still have peace within.
Yea, whate'er I here must bear,
Thou art still my purest Pleasure,
Jesus, priceless Treasure!
(Jesus, Priceless Treasure, Luther Service Book, CPH, 2006, #743)
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being my truest Friend and my priceless treasure. Please help me to always remember this comforting truth, especially when the shiny bobbles of this world seem so alluring. 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 233 - John Saturday (chapters 5-6)
Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” (John 6:68 ESV)
Peter is speaking an eternal truth here. In the book of Acts, Peter reiterated this truth: “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
Take a look at some of Jesus’ words of eternal life:
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
“Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11)
“I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.”(Matthew 19:14)
“The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Spending time in the Bible will fill you with more of Jesus’ words of eternal life.
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for Your words of eternal life. Please continue to feed me with Your words. And use me to share Your words with others so they, too, can have eternal life. 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 232 - Daniel Friday (chapters 7-12)
“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’s vision focuses on the end of time. This is a topic most people don’t want to consider. They would rather mimic an ostrich and bury their heads in the sand. And what is the result of such foolishness?
While the popular notion about ostriches is a myth, the results of burying our heads in the sand when it comes to the things of God is extremely foolish. The facts are these:
● Either you trust in Jesus for forgiveness and heaven, or you don’t.
● Either you will die and go to heaven (Luke 6:23; Philippians 3:20),
or you will wind up in hell (Matthew 10:28) .
● Either you will believe the truths of God or the myths of man.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to the cruel cross as payment for my sins. Help me to live the rest of my with an eye on the future. Help me to not ignore and deny Your gracious gift of heaven for all who believe. Have mercy on me, and take me to heaven in Your time, 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 231 - Proverbs Thursday (chapters 17-18)
“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)
One of the great blessings of getting older is the gift of your children’s children. Being a grandparent is a cause of great joy and happiness, as you can see in this picture of my mother taken with her grandchildren one year ago today on her 100th birthday. By the grace of God, we are planning to celebrate her 101st birthday tonight at that same restaurant!
“Godly parents and grandparents are likewise God’s precious gifts to children. Timothy had both Eunice and Lois to teach him the faith.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1025)
Are you doing your best to encourage your children and grandchildren in their walk with the Lord? Do they know how important Christ is to you? Do you pray for your family every day?
Lord God, thank you for the blessing of my family. Please help me to encourage them in their faith life. Please keep each one of them close to You through faith in Jesus, our Savior, so that we can all be together with You in heaven. 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 230 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 96-98)
“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation every day.” (Psalm 96:1-2 ESV)
“Proclaim the marvelous deeds of God’s salvation to all nations! In our world, too many people see faith in God as a relic of the past with little to say about life today. People turn away from the true God in idolatrous pursuits of money and success; they trust in technology or revel in pleasure. Do we give up? No! First, sing to the Lord. Join with others in worshiping the splendor and majesty of the Creator. Then, speak of His salvation in Jesus day after day, until the resurrected Savior returns to judge all nations in faithfulness.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 941)
Thank the Lord and sing His praise;
tell everyone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice
and proudly bear His name.
He recalls His promises
and leads His people forth in joy
with shouts of thanksgiving.
Alleluia, alleluia.
Lord Jesus, I sing Your praise for forgiving my sins and granting me the gift of eternal life. Please bless my efforts to tell others of Your marvelous plan of salvation today. 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 229 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 5-8)
“The sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s couch, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son of Israel, so that he could not be enrolled as the oldest son).” (2 Chronicles 5:1 ESV)
“The Chronicler recounts Reuben’s weakness and relationship to Judah, which illustrates why Judah came to lead Israel. Leadership and inheritance are not blessings one can simply take for granted, because they come with responsibility. God has given you responsibility in his kingdom, no matter what your standing in life. He has also equipped and blessed you with gifts, including the blessings of life and salvation through Christ, our Head.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 638)
You and I are equipped for service to the Lord. The two questions are... What are my gifts? And how does God intend for me to use them? Reuben’s sin prevented him from leadership, while Judah’s obedience led to serving by leading. By the way, the opposite is also true. We lead by serving!
Heavenly Father, thank You for equipping me to serve You. Help me to be responsible in using those gifts to Your glory and for the welfare of others. May I continue to find the motivation for such serving in Jesus, who came to serve and offer Himself as a sacrifice for my sins. 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 228 - Numbers Monday (chapters 1-4)
“Take a census of the congregations of the people of Israel...” (Numbers 1:2 ESV)
“Through a census, the Lord shows Moses that Israel has grown mightily. However, the strength of God’s people does not depend on size and military strength but on His Word and grace. How good it is to know that God counts you righteous in His sight through His Son, who lived perfectly for you and died as the atoning sacrifice for your sins.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 216)
The good news is that you count with Jesus. He loves you so much that He died on the cross in payment for your sins. Yes, no matter what is going on in your life, you can count on Jesus.
Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so.”
Little ones to Him belong; They are weak but He is strong.
Yes, Jesus loves me! . . . The Bible tells me so.
Lord Jesus, thank loving me and paying for my sins on Your cross. Please use me this week to share You and Your love with others. 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 227 - 1 Timothy Sunday (chapters 1-3)
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV)
This verse gives everlasting hope and comfort to sinners like you and me. In the King James Version of the Bible, the last word is “chief.” Paul is describing himself as any sincere believer does--the foremost of sinners, the chief of sinners.
The good news is that we can trust these precious words. Jesus was born in Bethlehem so that He could die on Calvary for you and me.
Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am His and He is mine.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 611)
Lord Jesus, thank You for shedding Your blood for sinners like me. May I be Yours forever. 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 226 - John Saturday (chapters 3-4)
“I who speak to you am he.” John 4:26 ESV)
The Samaritan woman at the well tells the One who promised her living water that she was looking for the Messiah, the Christ. And then her special visitor tells her the glorious truth.
Jesus is the Messiah. He is the Christ. What does that mean to you? It means that Jesus is your living water. He is the only One who can fill the longing in your soul. He is your source of forgiveness and your hope for heaven. His is God the Father’s promised One sent for you!
Like the woman at the well I was seeking
For things that could not satisfy:
And then I heard my Savior speaking:
"Draw from my well that never shall run dry".
Chorus
Fill my cup Lord, I lift it up, Lord!
Come and quench this thirsting of my soul;
Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more
Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole!
Thank You, dearest Lord Jesus, for being the living water that I so desperately need. Please keep my faith in You strong so that I may be Yours forever. 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 225 - Daniel Friday (chapters 1-6)
“So Daniel prospered during the reign of Darius and the reign of Cyrus the Persian.” (Daniel 6:28 ESV)
There is so much packed into these first six chapters of Daniel. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego find themselves captive in Babylon. King Nebuchadnezzar’s fiery furnace provides the opportunity for us to witness God’s miraculous protection of those who honor Him. The handwriting on the wall is interpreted by Daniel, and the king, who was found wanting, dies. Darius, who assumes the throne of Babylon and Persia, is tricked into sending Daniel into a den of lions, and also gets to witness God’s amazing protection of one of His faithful servants.
The lesson is the same for us us today. Remain faithful to the one true God in the middle of a culture that wants us to do just the opposite. Listen to Jesus’ words of encouragement:
“In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for the examples of faithfulness to You in the middle of very trying circumstances. Please strengthen my faith in You and my desire to serve only You. 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
Day 224 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 16)
“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)
Pride is a big problem with tragic consequences. The best personal example I have comes from my wresting days at Concordia - Milwaukee. Prior to one particular meet, I noticed my opponent warming up. In an expression of over-confidence, I told my coach that he was going to see the fastest pin of the day. I was right; however, I was the one who got pinned. My pride went before my loss.
Spiritually, the results of our stubborn pride are far worse. It can lead to falling away from the Lord and heading for hell. I heard of a well-known TV evangelist’s comment that reflects this: “I am not a poor, miserable sinner.” Talk about pride that can lead to a big fall! In humble confession of our sins, we are granted the one gift we all desperately need--absolution.
Lord, please keep me humble so that I can hear Your words of forgiveness, and fill me with the extreme joy of being Your forgiven child. 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 223 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 93-95)
“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” (Psalm 95:1 ESV)
“The opening verses have been sung in the Church for centuries as the Venite (Latin for ‘O Come’). Some days we struggle to come into God’s presence with such exuberance and humility. Thankfully, the psalmist directs us not to self-generated emotions, but to remember the God we worship. He is our Creator, who has formed and protected us by His strong hands. And wonderfully more–He is our Good Shepherd who has made us the sheep of His loving hand.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 940)
O come let us sing to the Lord
Let us make a joyful noise to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come into His presence with thanksgiving;
And make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise.
For the Lord is a great God
And a great king above all gods.
The deep places of the earth are in His hand;
The strength of the hills is His also.
The sea is His, for He made it;
And His hands formed the dry land.
O come, let us worship and bow down,
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.
For He is our God
And we are the people of His pasture
And the sheep of His hand.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son
And to the Holy Spirit
As it was in the beginning,
Is now, and will be forever. Amen.
(Matins, The Venite, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, pages 220-221)
Lord Jesus, I do remember that You are my Good Shepherd. And I sing You praise for saving me and granting me the gift of eternal salvation. 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
