October 1, 2016 - THE PROMISE

Day 275 - Acts Saturday (chapters 1-2)

Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts  2:37-39 ESV)

Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Peter preaches a powerful sermon on Pentecost. The people are “cut to the heart” and ask “what shall we do?”  The answer is THE ANSWER for all sinners... for all people like you and me.

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”

Peter then assures us of the importance of infant Baptism by adding: “For the promise is for you and for your children.”

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your gracious plan to save sinners from eternal doom by granting completer forgiveness for all who repent and believe. Thank also for the assurance that infants are saved by Baptism.  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

September 30, 2016 - OBADIAH’S WARNING

Day 274 - Obadiah Friday

“For the day of the Lord is near upon all the nations.”  (Obadiah 15 ESV)

“Throughout history, God has used people like Obadiah to speak His words, and He used nations such as Edom and Israel as object lessons. Edom paid the price for spiritual arrogance and indifference; Israel was punished for unfaithfulness. However, God remained faithful to His people. He kept His promises and preserved a faithful remnant. 

There are times when we also are spiritually arrogant and deserve punishment. 

But God keeps calling us to repentance and to believe His promise of salvation. 

To all who listen to His Word, He has given the privilege of serving as witnesses to point others to His grace in the one Savior, Jesus Christ.”
  (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1477)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your word of warning. May Your Spirit keep keep me faithful. And may I know the joy of sharing Jesus with others. In His precious and 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

September 29, 2016 - TOMORROW?

Day 273 - Proverbs Thursday (chapters 26-27)

“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” (Proverbs 27:1 ESV)

It’s football season again, and the familiar chant is back: “We’re number one.” But what about tomorrow? Your quarterback goes down, or the other team gets much better than your team, and such boasting is shown to be empty and baseless. Paul gives us some practical advice about such boasting:

Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”  (James 4:13-15 ESV)

Instead of bragging about what we plan to do tomorrow, we get to brag about the Lord:

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17 ESV) 

The hymn writer amplified Paul’s words in this manner:

Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may
When I’ve no guilt to wash away;
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.

Till then - nor is my boasting vain - 
Till then I’ll boast a Savior slain,
And O may this my glory be,
That Christ is not ashamed of me!
(TLH 346, LW 393)

Lord, help me to not boast about myself. Instead, use me to boast about You. 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

September 28, 2016 - PRECIOUS DEATH

Day 272 - Psalm Wednesday (chapters 114-116)

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV) 

For many, death is something to be dreaded and feared. And while we Christians do a fare amount of that ourselves, the truth is that we do not have to fear death. The death of a saint (a repentant sinner declared righteous and holy by the Lord), is precious to the Lord and precious to us, since when we die trusting in Christ alone, the gates of heaven are opened. The hymn write put it this way:

Jesus lives!  The victory’s won!  
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives!  Death’s reign is done!  
From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence; 
This shall be my confidence.
(“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,” The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #490 stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the confidence You have given me in Jesus’ death and resurrection. May I not be appalled about the inevitable end of my life. Yes, remind me today that the best is yet to come for me and all Christians. 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

September 27, 2016 - A PROMISE AND A WARNING

Day 271 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 6-10)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

The promise of verse 14 is a popular Scriptural choice in attempting to help Americans return to the Lord on behalf of our country. The promise is clear. If we, God’s people, are serious about repenting, believing and following Jesus, we can have a positive impact on America.
A few verses later, God gave this warning to the children of Israel:

“But if you turn aside and forsake my statutes and my commandments that I have set before you, and go and serve other gods and worship them, then I will pluck you up from my land that I have given you, and this house that I have consecrated for my name, I will cast out of my sight.” (2 Chronicles 7:19-20 ESV)

With our national culture turning its back on God, we need to heed the warning. Far, far too many have turned away from the Lord and refuse to follow His commands. The warning says this leads to separation from God. Let’s hold onto the promise, and humbly pray for America, seek the Lord’s will and turn from our national sins. 

Lord, please hear from heaven, forgive our sin and heal our land. Yes, please have mercy and bless America.  Amen.

Pray for America today!

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

September 26, 2016 - CALLED OUT BY GOD

Day 270 - Numbers Monday (chapters 25-28)

“And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and he laid his hands on him and commissioned him as the Lord directed through Moses.” (Numbers 27:22-23 ESV)

As Moses nears the end of his life, “God raises up Joshua, one of the two spies who returned from the Promised Land with a favorable report. Today pray that the Lord would bless leaders. . . Pray that He will raise up a new and faithful generation focused on the Word of life. He is always ready to provide for His beloved flock through our Good Shepherd, Jesus.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 261)

Just as God chose Joshua to serve in his day, so He chooses us to serve Him today. We may not all be courageous leaders like Joshua. Yet the Lord has “called you out” to be His child and His servant. Your work, your vocation, your retirement, your leisure--all are opportunities to serve the One who died and rose for you.

Lord of my life, as You graciously led Joshua to serve You, so lead me to serve You with the unique gifts and circumstances of my life. Thank You for the example of such service that I see in Jesus, my Savior, who came to earth to serve You by dying on the cross for all of us sinners. 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

☻

September 25, 2016 - GOD DID BUILD THAT

Day 269 - Hebrews (chapters 1-4)

“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4 ESV) 

“You didn’t build that.” So said a politician of business owners who actually did build their businesses, and with a lot of hard work.

When it comes to the origin of the world, many Bible doubters say that God didn’t build that. However, they are totally wrong. 

“The builder of all things is God.” 

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”   (Genesis 1:1)

We Christians take great comfort in the fact that we are not the result of random happenstance. Instead, we are part of God’s plan.

Lord Jesus, thank You for building everything. Help us to always remember that You, the master builder, are in charge of everything.  Amen.

“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

September 24, 2016 - JESUS LOVES US ... ONE AT A TIME

Day 268 - John Saturday (chapters 19-21)

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni,’ which means teacher.” (John 20:16 ESV)

The risen Lord Jesus reveals Himself to a very confused and grieving Mary by simply speaking her name. 

That is exactly what He did for you on the day of your baptism.    (Your Name)  I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

God loves you as an individual. You are special to Him! Isaiah put it this way:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  (Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

Yes, do not be afraid, God has chosen you through your baptism, redeemed by the death of His Son on Calvary’s cross, and calls you by your name!

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!  Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

My dear Savior, just as You called Mary by name, You have called me by my name. Thank You for loving me personally and redeeming me from eternal death.  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

September 23, 2016 - SEEK GOOD – SEEK GOD

Day 267 - Amos Friday (chapters 5-9)

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

“Many in Israel made pampering themselves a full-time occupation, smugly imagining that material wealth was clear-cut proof that they were right with God. People today make the same mistake, interpreting their material prosperity as a sign that they need not humble themselves and turn away from complacency. However, God desires to give Himself to us. This is why His Son became incarnate for us and for our salvation.”  (The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2009, page 1466)

Amos told the people to seek good so that the Lord would be with them. 

Here is another thought related to this verse: Seek good by seeking God. 

● Open your Bible. 
● Take a look at your Catechism.
● Take Sunday’s sermon to heart.
● Think about the words of the hymns you’ll be singing.
IN SHORT
● Seek God and His plan for you.

Heavenly Father, grant me the wisdom to seek You by taking time to meditate on Your Word and Your goodness. 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

September 22, 2016 - AN ENCOURAGING WORD

Day 266 - Proverbs Thursday (chapters 25)

“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.” (Proverbs 25:11 ESV) 

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” While this idiom is well known, it not always true. Negative and hateful words can hurt their target and do great emotional damage.

However, positive words can do much good. “A word fitly spoken” can greatly encourage their recipient. 

There is hope!
You can do it!
I believe in you!
I’ve always liked ________ about you!

The best encouragement is spiritual encouragement. And the best spiritual encourager is Jesus:

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 ESV)

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 ESV)

Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  (John 11:5 ESV)

And He loves YOU, TOO! Now that is a truly encouraging word!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your encouraging Word of forgiveness given to me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Christ’s encouragement with others so they can know Him, too. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Encourage someone today.

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

September 21, 2016 - BLESSED IS THE NAME OF THE LORD

Day 265 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 111-113)

“Blessed is the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.”   (Ps 113:2 ESV)

Names of famous people are remembered for a long time. Abraham Lincoln, Bob Hope, Ty Cobb, Amelia Earhart and Albert Einstein are a few of the multitude of famous people. Mention one of the names, and that persons life comes to mind. However, there is one name that is above all other names.

“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 ESV)

The name of Jesus means everything to us. 
●  He paid for our sins and secured our eternal salvation by means of His death on the cross.
●  He is with you now, watching over you and guiding you.
●  He guarantees you an eternal future with Him in heaven.

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,
And drives away our fear. 

It makes the wounded spirit whole,
And calms the troubled breast;
’Tis manna to the hungry soul,
And to the weary rest. 

O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King;
My Lord, my life, my way, my end, Accept the praise I bring. Amen.
     (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 524)

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

September 20, 2016 - THE LORD IS WITH YOU TOO

Day 264 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 1-5)

“Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.” (2 Chronicles 1:1 ESV)

Solomon was truly “blessed by the Lord.” (Psalm 115:15)  His father, King David, planned the temple, Solomon got to build it. David was a man of war; Solomon enjoyed a peace-filled reign. He took hold of his role as king with humility and dedication to God. “And the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.”

How about you? Are you attempting to humbly follow the Lord’s plan for your life? No, you will most likely not be as wise, not nearly as well-known, and not as rich as Solomon. Yet, the Lord has a plan for you. Whatever your vocation, God is calling you to live your life fully for Him.

The good news is that even when you fail in living fully for the Lord, God is with you. He is with you with His redemption, reconciliation, and renewal.

1 Renew me, O eternal Light,
   And let my heart and soul be bright,
   Illumined with the light of grace
   That issues from Your holy face.

4 Grant that I only You may love
   And seek those things which are above
   Till I behold You face to face,
   O Light eternal, through Your grace.
     (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 704)

Lord, heavenly Father, thank You for Your plan for my life. May I be faithful to You. And may You remain with me always! 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

September 19, 2016 - LOOK TO CHRIST AND LIVE

Day 263 - Numbers Monday (chapters 21-24)

7 And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people.8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.”9 So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. (Numbers 21:7-9 ESV)

God’s people did what we still do today. They complained about the way God was taking care of them. This displeased God. He sent serpents to bring them to their senses. Seeing the punishment of death slithering around them, they confessed their sin and cried for mercy. 

God’s answer was to have them trust Him enough to simply look at a bronze serpent, and they would survive the snake bites.

What about the snake bites we are subject to? God is just as displeased with you and me when we rebel against Him and complain about His care. Is there a way out for us? Listen to Jesus’ answer:

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14 ESV)

Heavenly Father, I have rebelled against You in thought, word and deed. I confess my sin and seek Your mercy. Thank You for answering my pleas by sending Jesus to the cross to pay for my sins. Yes, thank You for forgiving my sins for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

Look to Christ and live!

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

September 18, 2016 - THANK GOD FOR OTHERS

Day 262 - Philemon Sunday

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 4-6 ESV)

Paul’s words of  thanksgiving for Philemon is a model for us. He thanks God for Philemon’s love and faith. May others say that of us too! And may we be blessed with folks around us of whom we can say the same! Paul then focuses on faith that is effective in pointing others to Jesus.

This is to be our focus. In order for this to happen we get to focus on God’s grace, His undeserved blessings in Christ.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for Your grace in my life. Thank You for forgiving my sins. Thank You for the opportunity to share my faith with others. Bless my worship this day as You come to me in the Word and in the Lord’s Supper. Amen.

“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

September 17, 2016 - THE TRUTH IS

Day 261 - John Saturday (chapters 16-18)

“I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth.” (John 18:37b-38 ESV)

What is truth? Pilate’s question is the world’s question. People are in a constant quest for the truth. The problem is that there is no agreement on the definition of truth. For example, what answer would you get from a Bear fan, a Viking fan and a Packer fan? There is only one true definition of NFL truth, however not everyone is in agreement with me.

While great diversity exists on worldly definitions of truth, when it comes to spiritual things, there is only basic truth! Jesus points us to that in His high priestly prayer:

“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  (John 17:17 ESV)

The reason that “God’s Word is our great heritage” is that it is God’s truth for us. And what is the truth? 

●  We are great sinners, and Christ is our great Savior!
● Jesus is the way, the truth and the life for you, for me, for all! 

My Savior, keep me close to You and the truth of my salvation in You. Use me to help other sinners see that You are their only truth as well.  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

September 16, 2016 - RETURN TO GOD TODAY

Day 260 - Amos Friday (1-4)

“...yet you did not return to me... Prepare to meet your God.”  (Amos 4:6... ESV)

“Amos intersperses vivid descriptions of divine judgment with the divine lament ‘yet you did not return to me.’ God’s reasons for allowing calamities to enter our lives are ultimately good, but people nonetheless refuse to respond with humility and faith. True repentance is always His work, wrought through the Law. Forgiveness is His greatest work. Praise God that all sins, including our slowness to repent, are fully forgiven by Christ’s sacrificial death.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1464)


Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit’s work in me lead me to readily repent of my sins and receive Your merciful gift of forgiveness, and thus return to you. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Repent and return to the Lord today!

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

September 15, 2016 - SWEET WISDOM

Day 259 - Proverbs Thursday

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”  (Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV) 

What do comedian Jackie Gleason, Winnie the Pooh and King Solomon all have in common? They would all say of honey, “How sweet it is.” Gentlemen, remember the wisdom of saying the same thing of your honey, “How sweet she is.” Wisdom is the focus of these verses, as well as the rest of the book of Proverbs.

“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

The kind of wisdom Solomon is highlighting for us is...

● wisdom that listens to the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that trusts the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that obeys the Word of the Lord, and ultimately

● wisdom that trusts in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, for forgiveness and heaven!

We sing about this kind of sweet wisdom in this hymn stanza:

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,
And drives away our fear. 
(How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #524 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sweet Gospel message I find in Your Word. Please keep my faith strong so that my ears will continue to hear and my life will honor the sweet name of 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

September 14, 2016 - THANK THE LORD AND SING HIS PRAISE

Day 258 - Psalms Wednesday

Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. (Psalm 107:2 ESV)

Why are you alive? What does the Lord expect of you? He has called those He has redeemed from sin, death and the devil to say so, to be His witnesses. May we joyfully tell everyone what He has done.

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone 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.   
(Divine Service One, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006)

Lord Jesus, thank You for my salvation. May my life be filled with daily thanksgiving as I tell others of all that You have done. Please lead us forth in Your joy. 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

September 13, 2016 - FATHERLY ADVICE

Day 257 - 1 Chronicles Tuesday (25-29)

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10 ESV)

The picture looks like Theodore Cleaver (A.K.A. the Beaver) is getting a little fatherly advice from Ward Cleaver, his dad.

In our reading highlight for today, Solomon is getting fatherly advice from his dad, King David. And what advice it is!

● Know the God of your father 

● serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, 

● seek Him and you will find Him

● Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; 

● be strong and do it.

Your heavenly Father has similar advice for you.

● Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to...

May the Lord bless and guide you as you obediently seek His plan for your life.

Heavenly Father, please equip and motivate me to live the life that You have planned for me. Thank You for providing the motivation and example for a life of service that You have revealed to me in the life of Jesus, my Savior, in whose precious name I pray. 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

September 12, 2016 - IT’S ALL ABOUT...

Day 256 - Numbers Monday (17-20)

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Take the staff, and assemble the congregation, you and Aaron your brother, and tell the rock before their eyes to yield its water. So you shall bring water out of the rock for them and give drink to the congregation and their cattle.” And Moses took the staff from before the Lord, as he commanded him. Then Moses and Aaron gathered the assembly together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels: shall we bring water for you out of this rock?” And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.” (Numbers 20:7-12 ESV)

“Instead of letting the Word of the Lord reveal its power (v.8), Moses sought to make his contribution to the miracle by striking the rock twice. Thereby he failed to sanctify God before the eyes of the people. The Lord was forgiving toward Moses, but Moses’ actions had consequences. Moses could not exalt himself before God. (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 247)

For Moses, it was all about Moses. “Shall we bring water for you out of this rock?...struck the rock...twice”

Sadly, Moses’ problem is also our problem. We, too, want to put ourselves ahead of God. This is exactly what all sin is about. However, the First Commandment is still in force.

“You shall have no other gods. 
What does this mean? We should fear, love and trust in God above all things.
When do people have other gods? When they fear, love or trust in any person or thing as they should fear, love and trust in God alone.” (Luther’‘s Small Catechism, CPH, 1986)

Thank the Lord He has good news for sinners like you and me.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (John 1:9 ESV)

Heavenly Father, please forgive me for the many times I have put myself ahead of You. Continually remind me of all that Your Son has done to make me Your child. May I respond to Your gift of forgiveness by keeping You first in my life. 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

September 11, 2016 - WE MUST NEVER FORGET

Day 255 - Titus Sunday

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority.”  (Titus 2:15 ESV) 

Today is the fifteenth anniversary of September 11, 2001. Most of us, I am sure, remember exactly what we were doing when we first heard the news that our country was under attack. It was a day that filled us with fear, foreboding, sadness and anger.

That evening, like many other congregations around our country and the world, we gathered in church for a special service of the Word and prayer. On the way to church, I passed a gas station with a long line of cars. While our first reaction to the tragedies of 9/11 was to turn to God, others could only think of running out of gas.

What a striking contrast between God’s people and those who do not know Him. Our Bible verse for today was written to encourage Titus to never forget the truth that Jesus “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness.” (verse 14) May you and I never forget either as we attempt to be His love to the hurting people we see all around us. 

In the past fifteen years our world has not gotten safer. We continue to have to deal with terrorism, hatred, war, and all other forms of evil. But Christ is still our Redeemer. We can still trust in His steadfast love to deliver us. So, on this September 11th, let’s start the day right:

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

“See” you in church this morning... Outdoor Service (9 am) and Picnic at St. Paul’s

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

September 10, 2016 - WHY?

Day 254 - John Friday (chapters 13-15)

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” (John 13:7 ESV)

Life’s biggest question is “why.” There are many times in life when we cannot figure why certain things happen in our lives. Simon Peter could not understand why Jesus would want to wash his feet. Jesus’ answer was, in effect, just wait and see.

“What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” When you are faced with circumstances in your life that you cannot understand, remember Jesus’ words to Peter. While you may be grieving the loss of a loved one, or have come to realize that your dreams will not materialize, or whatever other heartaches and disappointments of life you may find yourself dealing with, remember that God is in control.

Benjamin Malachi Franklin’s poem, “The Weaver,” captures well how we Christians can deal with life’s “whys”:

My life is but a weaving between my Lord and me;
I cannot choose the colors He worketh steadily.

Oft times He weaveth sorrow and I, in foolish pride,
Forget He sees the upper, and I the under side.

Not till the loom is silent and the shuttles cease to fly,
Shall God unroll the canvass and explain the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful in the Weaver’s skillful hand,
As the threads of gold and silver in the pattern He has planned.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your skillful hand weaving the varied strands in my life. Help me to face the “why” in my life with faith in Your perfect will. In Jesus’ saving name.  Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow... Outside Service (9 am) and Picnic at St. Paul’s

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

September 9, 2016 - A PERFECT PROPHECY

Day 253 - Joel Friday (chapters 1-3)

“And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”  (Joel 2:32 ESV)

This Holy Spirit-inspired sentence forms a perfect prophecy. A prophet was one who would both foretell the future and speak forth the Word. Joel is doing both here.

These prophetic words were fulfilled perfectly in Christ Jesus whose death on the cross is the guarantee that these words are true. A perfect prophecy is one that is fulfilled.

This prophecy is also perfectly fulfilled in all true Christians. Anyone who, in faith, calls on the name of Jesus for forgiveness and heaven will receive those treasures and will be saved. That is the prophecy and the promise.

Peter quotes this promise in His Pentecost sermon, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. Talk about a perfect prophecy!

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise that anyone who calls on the name of Your Son will be saved. Thank You, Holy Spirit, for leading me to call on Jesus.  And thank You, Jesus, for saving me!  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

September 8, 2016 - CHRISTIAN PARENTING 101

 Day 252 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 22)

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 ESV)

One of the greatest joys my wife and I share is that our children are fulfilling this proverb well. I am so thankful that their life in the parsonage was positive and that they are continuing in their regular and committed lives in the Church!

What saddens me are the faithful Christian parents for whom this is not the case. It is for them that this proverb provides immense comfort and great motivation for their prayers. 

What God is saying is that when we teach our children well, even if they stray for awhile, He will bring them back.

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!

3 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!

4 Oh, blest that house; it prospers well. In peace and joy the parents dwell,
   And in their children's lot is shown How richly God can bless His own.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 862)

Lord, please watch over my children and keep them close to You through a strong faith in our Savior, Jesus.  Please lead those who have strayed from You to return to Your mercy and grace. Amen. 

May the Lord bless your family today and forever.

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