Day 306 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (Chapters 29-32)
Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah, and he did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God. And every work that he undertook in the service of the house of God and in accordance with the law and the commandments, seeking his God, he did with all his heart, and prospered. (2 Chronicles 31:20-21 ESV)
Hezekiah is an excellent example of faithfulness to God. “He did what was good and right and faithful before the Lord his God.” Hezekiah was faithful to the one true God. Are you faithful too?
“Free to be Faithful” is an LCMS initiative designed to defend religious freedom and confess the Christian faith. We have been freed in Christ from our sins and from the prospect of eternity in hell. Our response to this gracious gift is to be faithful to the giver of this gift, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, please grant me the same faithful insight You gave to Hezekiah so that I, too, may seek You with all of my heart. 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
Day 305 - Reformation Day
A TIME TO SPEAK
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: ... a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 7 ESV)
Today is Reformation Day, a very special day in Christendom. On October 31, 1517, Martin Luther spoke for the truths of God’s Word when he nailed 95 theses for debate on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany, sparking the Reformation.
In 1521, when his life was in danger, Luther was given safe haven in the Wartburg Castle, where he translated the New Testament during his time at the Wartburg. This was the first time that the Bible was translated into the language of people.
Luther could not keep silent about what he had discovered in his study of the Bible, especially the book of Romans that emphasizes the glorious Gospel truth that we are saved by faith in Christ Jesus and not by our own efforts.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16-17 ESV)
As it was in Luther’s day, so it is today. It is a time to speak about Jesus and His gifts of forgiveness and heaven that He freely offers to all who believe!
God's Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way,
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
throughout all generations.
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #582)
Heavenly Father, thank You for restoring the saving gospel to the Church. May I, like Luther, also speak of the promises You have for all people in Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 304 - James Sunday (Chapters 4-5)
“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.” (James 5:7-9 ESV)
James is encouraging Christians to wait patiently for the Day of the Lord. While the picture of the dogs obediently waiting for their treats is cute, there is nothing cute about James’s warning.
“Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Make sure you are ready for the Last Day and YOUR LAST DAY! How can you be ready?
● Talk to the Lord daily (prayer).
● Read His Word and develop the practice of daily devotions (like Portals of Prayer).
● Worship the Lord weekly so that He can come to You in His Word and Sacraments.
● Listen to Him.
● Follow Him.
● Trust Him.
Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to your God to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
(Be Still, My Soul, Lutheran Service Book, CPH. 2006, #752, stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, help me wait patiently for You to take me home. Until then, strengthen me with Your Word, Your presence and Your power, all through Jesus Christ, my Savior. 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
Day 303 - Acts Saturday (Chapters 9-10)
But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name?”(Acts 9:1-5, 19-21 ESV)
Do you know of a person whom you are sure will never become a follower of Jesus?
● Someone who may use His name, but never with faith and reverence?
● Someone who insists that there is no God?
● How about followers of false gods...Mormons...JWs...Muslims...Unitarians... etc.?
The conversion of St. Paul vividly teaches us that Jesus can change anyone. He changed Saul from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest Christian missionaries of all time.
Now, how about that person you were thinking about. Jesus can change him or her just as easily as He changed Saul. So, continue to pray. And do not be afraid to share Jesus as winsomely and lovingly as you can.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for changing Paul. Please have mercy on _________ and change _______ into one of Your followers too. In Your saving name, O Lord. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 302 - Habakkuk Friday
“What profit is an idol when its maker has shaped it, a metal image, a teacher of lies? For its maker trusts in his own creation when he makes speechless idols! Woe to him who says to a wooden thing, Awake; to a silent stone, Arise! Can this teach? Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in it.
But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Habakkuk 3:18-20)
Habakkuk is teaching Judah that idols have no power and that it is foolish to trust in them. While most of us don’t have idols of wood or stone, we do have idols of our own making. Luther’s Small Catechism defines an idol as “Anything that man worships, fears, loves, and trusts in instead of the one true God.”
Is there anything you put ahead of God? Whatever it may be, it cannot help you at all when it comes to your biggest need. And what is mankind’s biggest need? Our biggest need is to be reconciled to God. For this to happen, we need to get rid of our sin. And the only way to get rid of our sin is to trust in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for hearing my prayer for forgiveness for my sin of idolatry. Instead of turning to idols, may I keep silence before You. In Jesus’ precious name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 301 - Ecclesiastes Thursday (chapters 1-2)
“All things are full of weariness . . . What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun..” (Ecclesiastes 1:8-9 ESV)
The book of Ecclesiastes is known for its emphasis on the meaninglessness of life. This can lead to weariness. And weariness can wear us down.
Art thou weary, art thou troubled,
Art thou sore distrest?
“Come to Me,” saith One, “and coming, be at rest.”
(The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, #513)
“Life is fleeting and has no meaning apart from God’s love in Christ Jesus. Faith worked in us by the power of the Gospel brings meaning to life and the certainty of forgiveness, life, and salvation.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1051)
Heavenly Father, thank You for relieving my weariness and giving meaning to my life by making me a winner in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 300 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 121 -122)
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber.” (Psalm 121:3 ESV)
Have you ever wondered if God has forgotten you, or perhaps is too busy to be concerned with you and the daily challenges you are facing? The Psalmist reminds us in Psalm 121 that when we are feeling down, we need to look to Him comfort and strength.
I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
2 My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. (Psalm 121:1-2)
He goes on to offer the added peace that comes from the promise that God is watching over us 24/7.
God doesn’t even take a coffee break.
What we need to remember, above all, is the fact that our help comes only in the name of the Lord (Psalm 121:2).
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds
In a believer’s ear!
It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,
And drives away our fear.
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #524)
Heavenly Father, thank You watching over me continually. I do trust You. Therefore, 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.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 299 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 25-28)
"Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:19 ESV)
Last Tuesday’s post from 2 Chronicles was entitled “No Regrets.” Today’s is “Regrets,” because I am sure that Uzziah had plenty of them. Like so many kings of Judah and Israel, Uzziah had started out well doing “what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (26:4) “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.” (26:16)
In his pride, Uzziah attempted to offer incense to the Lord, something only the priests were allowed to do. He disobeyed God, and then got angry when his sin was confronted.
Have you ever reacted in anger when you were called on the carpet for some wrong that you did?
God swiftly reacted to Uzziah’s stubborn pride in a manner that he could not miss - leprosy! Regret must have flooded Uzziah the moment he noticed that creepy death upon his forehead.
All thanksgiving be to God that He does not react that way to our disobedience. While we do regret our transgressions of God’s Law, we have God-given hope. Thank God He sent His Son to take the blame for us and to receive the punish we deserve in His body on the cross!
Almighty God, You take sin seriously, all sin. Please keep me in Your ways, obedient to Your will. And when I fail, when I too rebel, have mercy on me and grant me forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 298 - Deuteronomy Monday (4-6)
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Deuteronomy 5:11 ESV)
The Second Commandment is far too easily broken by far too many people.
Swearing by His name and using His name frivolously and carelessly is all around us. I once overheard two older men talking in a gas station. One of them was using the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every other sentence, and he was not praising Jesus. I prayed for the right words--winsome words that would defend the name of our Lord.
“Hey guys, isn’t it great that the One whose name you’re using so carelessly, loves you more than you’ll ever know? May our Lord Jesus bless you both in every way! Have a great day.”
They looked at me in silence, with a quizzical expression on their faces. I don’t know what happened after that, but I continue to pray for their souls.
Perhaps you know of someone who is in the sinful habit of misusing the name of Jesus.
● Pray for them.
● Encourage them.
● Be a positive example for them.
On the last point, we all need to practice godly responses to adversity. NEVER should we respond to adverse circumstances with expressions calling for the damnation of people or even inanimate objects. Instead...
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)
This takes discipline. But even more importantly, it takes faith in almighty God. It takes remembering what Christ did for you on His cross. It takes a desire to honor Him and thank Him with our words, thoughts and actions. Yes. thank God, He forgives us all of our sins.
Heavenly Father, may I honor Your name and the name of Jesus Christ in all that I think, do and say. As I remember Your great love for me shown in Jesus, may I serve You for the rest of 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
Day 297 - James Sunday (1-3)
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)
Many people think that they are pretty smart. However, if they are living their lives without God, they are actually foolish.
James encourages us to ask God for wisdom. And what will He give you? The wisdom He gives leads you to look to Jesus, and Jesus alone, for hope and peace. Godly wisdom is found in putting God first and trusting in His gift of forgiveness and heaven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the wisdom to believe in Jesus as my one and only Savior and Lord. 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
Day 296 - Acts Saturday (chapters 7-8)
Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8 ESV)
“There was much joy in that city.” Demons were cast out and people were healed physically. Naturally, people would be joyful.
However, were does true and lasting joy come from? We find it our churches as we gather around God’s Word and the precious body and blood of Jesus. Real joy comes from our believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” (Last sentence of the Apostles’ Creed)
Lord, please keep filling me with Your joy when I go to Your house every week and find You there with Your joy-instilling gifts of forgiveness, peace and promise. And please let Your love and mercy show in my life so that others can come to know the joy of being Your child too. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 295 - Nahum Friday (entire book)
“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” (Nahum 1:7 ESV)
Do any of us need a refuge from trouble? The answer is yes, because...
We are fearful of more terrorist attacks.
We are coming to the end of another nasty political season.
We wonder about our financial security.
The persecution Christians around the world, including here in America, is troubling.
The destruction of God’s plan for marriage and the family fills us with sadness and a sense of foreboding.
Individuals know trouble that comes in health difficulties and interpersonal relationships.
In a world that can be so bad, what comfort to know that the Lord is so good. When we take our refuge in Him, He assures us that He knows us.
Jesus put it this way: “I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” (John 10:14-15 ESV)
Good Lord, thank You for being my stronghold in days of trouble and for knowing me as Your own. Lord Jesus, my Good Shepherd, thank You for laying Your life down for me on Calvary’s cross. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 294 - Proverbs Thursday (chapter 31)
“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels... Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:10 & 30 KJV)
Gentlemen, is your wife a gem? Ladies, does your husband call you excellent? Proverbs 31 describes a godly woman, one who is a blessing to her husband and to her family.
In verse 30 God sets the priorities for the gentle sex. It’s not about charm and beauty. It is about character. And the heart of Christian character is ones relationship with the Lord.
Ladies, may others be able to say that you fear the Lord! Gentlemen, that goes for you too.
We should fear, love and trust in God above all things. (Explanation to the First Commandment)
Heavenly Father, may all of us, men and women, fear, love and trust in You above all things. In Jesus’s 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
Day 293 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 121-122)
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)
When a person is ill, perhaps hospitalized, and lying in a bed, there is only one direction to look–up. Whenever we find ourselves incapacitated for whatever reason, there is only one direction to look for comfort and deliverance.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Just think. The Creator of everything wants you to turn to Him in your need. He promises to always hear your fervent prayer and to answer you in a way that is best for you.
Almighty God, please hear my prayer as I look up to You for deliverance from the woes of life. Above all, please deliver me from sin, death and the devil, that I may be Your child today, tomorrow and forever. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 292 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 21-24)
“And he departed with no one’s regret.” (2 Chronicles 21:20 ESV)
In the history of God’s people, we find repeated accounts of kings who started out well only to finish poorly. In 2 Chronicles 24, Joash shines brightly as he repairs the temple and leads the people back to God, only to fall away from the Lord in the end.
Jehoram started out badly and ended badly. As soon as he became king, he had his brothers and some of the other leaders killed. “He did what was evil in the sight of the Lord,” (21:6) “and made Judah go astray.” (21:11) God did not take kindly to this evil king. When Jehoram died, he wasn’t missed for “he departed with no one’s regret.”
The term “no regrets” is often used for someone who has lived their life their own way. They feel that they don’t have to apologize for how they lived. Had Joash or Jehoram repented, they would have found the mercy and forgiveness of God.
The good news is that God is patient with us. He wants us to live and die with no regrets because we have been forgiven of all our sins.
Paul put it this way: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
All that we could have regrets over has been paid for on the cross. REJOICE!
All that could keep us out of heaven has been removed from us. CELEBRATE!
We are heaven bound. BE AT PEACE!
Almighty God, thank You for sending Jesus so that I may have no regrets as Your forgiven child. Please help me to remain faithful to You for the rest of my life. 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
Day 291 - Deuteronomy Monday (chapters 1-3)
“See, I have set the land before you. Go in and take possession of the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give to them and their offspring after them.” (Deuteronomy 1:8 ESV)
“Through many trials, God raises a generation in Israel and brings them to the planes of Moab just east of the Jordan River. The Promised Land is in their sight. God’s covenant promise is sure. He keeps His word to His people, including His word to you. Rejoice in the Lord’s faithfulness as you share His testimonies with others. The Gospel is fresh and precious for every new generation.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 277)
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.
(The Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, Divine Service One, Post Communion Canticle)
Heavenly Father, thank You for recalling Your promise to all of Your people, including me. Help me to tell everyone what You have done, for Your glory and for their salvation. 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
Day 290 - Hebrews Sunday (chapters 11-13)
“Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace...” (Hebrews 13:10 ESV)
Ezekiel is warning God’s people against false prophets who proclaim peace when there is no peace.
The truth is precisely the way C.S. Lewis put it: “God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
“No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.”
Jesus offers real peace to all who trust in Him:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
Lord Jesus, please fill me with Your everlasting peace that comes from trusting You for forgiveness and 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
Day 289 - Acts Saturday (chapters 5-6)
Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (Acts 6:1-5 ESV)
The choosing of the first seven deacons shows us how God does things. He gives His people various vocations designed to serve Him by serving others.
Have you ever asked: “What does the Lord want me to do with my life?” Reading the Bible, praying and seeking the input of other Christians are the ways that God lets you know what He has planned for you
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the choosing of the first deacons. Help me to know what You have chosen for me to do for You. Above all, keeping me mindful of what You have done for me by redeeming me with Your holy and precious blood. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 288 - Micah Friday (Entire book)
“Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because he delights in steadfast love. He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.” (Micah 7:18-19 ESV)
What do you expect to find when you attend church this Sunday? The prophet Micah gives us the best answer: God “will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”
Yes, God hates sin, yet He loves the sinner. The reason that Jesus was born was so that He could die in payment for our sins.
So what do we find in church? We find God coming to us with His Word of Law, through which we become aware of our sins. He also comes to us with His Word of Gospel, through which He proclaims the message of Christ’s cross, and offers forgiveness.
What you find in church is God’s forgiveness and the good news that He casts all of your sins into the depths of the sea to be remembered no more.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for being my forgiving God. Please make me a regular visitor to Your house where Your blessings are so freely given to all who listen to You, repent, and believe. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 287 - Proverbs Thursday (chapters 29-30)
“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV)
Part of taking care of your body is having your vision tested. How did it go the last time? Do you need assistance with your vision?
We sinners all have a vision problem. Our sinful nature blinds us to the truths of God. However, God’s Word corrects our vision by focusing our spiritual vision on the cross of Christ and God’s message and method of reconciliation.
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
The hymn writer reminds us of another aspect of the Christian’s cross-centered vision:
1. The vision of a dying world is vast before our eyes;
We feel the heart-beat of its need, we hear its feeble cries:
Lord Jesus Christ, revive Thy church in this, her crucial hour!
Lord Jesus Christ, awake Thy church with Spirit-given power.
2. The savage hugs his god of stone and fears descent of night;
The city dweller cringes lone amid the garish light:
Lord Jesus Christ, arouse Thy church to see their mute distress!
Lord Jesus Christ, equip Thy church with love and tenderness.
4. The warning bell of judgement tolls, above us looms the cross;
Around are ever-dying souls - How great, how great the loss!
O Lord, constrain and move Thy church, the glad news to impart!
And Lord, as Thou dost stir Thy church, begin within my heart.
Heavenly Father, keep my vision focused on Jesus and His cross. May that vision also include those in this world who are dying without Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf
Day 286 - Psalms Wednesday (chapter 119)
My soul longs for your salvation; I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81 ESV)
David longed for deliverance from his enemies. When the going gets rough, he turned to God. His hope and confidence were placed in the Word of the Lord.
Where do you turn when life gets rough for you?
It is wise to follow David’s example. Perhaps you will not be delivered from trouble in this life. But with Jesus, you are guaranteed eternal salvation. Long for His salvation, put your hope in His Word, and trust, repent and rejoice!
Almighty God, I long for Your salvation. My hope is in the promises of Your Word. Please use me to share this hope with others. 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
Day 285 - 2 Chronicles Tuesday (chapters 16-20)
20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:20-21 ESV)
“By promise, prayer and praise, the Lord accomplishes Judah’s deliverance. The people are saved by faith. Faith in God’s promises is still how we relate to and rely on our gracious Lord. Above all blessings, He gives us saving faith in the cross of His beloved Son.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 693)
What are your personal battles? Addictions? Fears? Terrible circumstances? The Lord urges us onward in faith.
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
Christ, the royal master, Leads against the foe;
Forward into battle See His banners go!
Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war,
With the cross of Jesus Going on before.
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #662)
Almighty God, strengthen my faith in You so that I may face the battles of my life confident in You mercy, grace and presence. Thank You for granting success to Jesus when He fought the battle for my soul on the cross. In His 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
Day 284 - Numbers Monday (33-36)
“These six cities shall be for refuge for the people of Israel, and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, that anyone who kills any person without intent may flee there.” (Numbers 35:15 ESV)
Many would focus on the clear call for the death penalty stated numerous times in this chapter. And while God does state that if you shed blood, by man shall your blood be shed, He also made a way out for those who accidentally took the life of another. The ten references to cities of refuge in Numbers 35 display God’s desire to protect the “innocent.”
We all need a place of refuge from that which would take our spiritual lives. God has provided just such a refuge in His Church and in His Son. When we gather around His means of grace, we find the spiritual protection of His merciful gift of forgiveness. The hymn writer reveals the source of this refuge with these words:
Jesus refuge of the weary,
Blest Redeemer whom we love,
Fountain in life’s desert dreary,
Savior from the world above:
Often have Your eyes, offended,
Gazed upon the sinner’s fall;
Yet upon the cross extended,
You have borne the pain of all.
(Jesus, Refuge of the Weary, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, # 422)
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing us a place of refuge in Your Church and in Your Son. Please keep me strong in the faith so that I may be safely Yours forever. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
P.S. For information on another Place of Refuge, please check this website: www.aplaceofrefuge.org/
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
