January 1, 2017 - 2017 With Jesus

January 1, 2017 - Day 1

Happy New Year! 

One of the great blessings God grants us year in and year out is the opportunity to spend time in His Word, the Bible. Clicking on http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
will give you a chart for reading the entire Bible in one year. This year's chart will suggest one reading from the Old Testament and one reading from the New Testament each day. 

Day 1 - Genesis 1-2 & Matthew 1

How best to begin 2017 - "In the beginning God..." (Genesis 1:1a ESV) 

     ♬ With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it. 
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it. 
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended, 
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended. 
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #869) 

Heavenly Father, bless my time in Your Word this year. Thank You for giving mankind this precious book that focuses on Jesus and His cross. Bless my efforts to lift high the cross and proclaim the love of Christ this entire year. Amen.

May the Lord bless each day of this new year as you spend time in His precious Word!

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor Dave Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

December 31, 2016 - THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

December 31, 2016 - Day 366

THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

THE SONG

♬ On the sixth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Six Geese a Laying

Five Golden Rings

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Why Six Geese a-laying on the Sixth Day of Christmas? 

Six Geese a-Laying represent the six days of creation:

In the very beginning of the Bible we read:

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth...  And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness. God called the light Day, and the darkness he called Night. And there was evening and there was morning, the first day. (Genesis 1:1, 3-5 ESV)

God continued to create during the next 5 days. On day 6 He created the crown of His creation:

Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness... So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. (Genesis 1:26-27 ESV)

And how did He do?

And God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. (Genesis 1:31 ESV)

Heavenly Father, help me to take comfort in the fact that You created everything, 

including me. May I celebrate and defend Your precious gift of life! In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

HAPPY AND BLESSED NEW YEAR to you and your family! 

“See” you in church... 

Tonight at 5:30 pm and tomorrow morning at 9 am (St. Paul’s - Brown Deer).

Pastor David Paape

December 30, 2016 - THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

December 30, 2016 - Day 365

THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

THE SONG

♬ On the fifth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Why four Five Golden Rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five Golden Rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.

What makes these books special is that, while they were written by Moses, they were inspired by the Holy Spirit and, therefore, are the very Word of God, as are the other 34 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament. Jesus Himself often referred to Moses:

“And as for the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?”  (Mark 12:26 ESV)

Heavenly Father, thank You for revealing the history of Your people and Your plan of salvation on the pages of the Pentateuch. Holy Spirit, please guide me and direct my faith as I read the Bible. Grant me the desire and the discipline to read Your Word on a daily basis in 2017. Amen.

Have a blessed Fifth Day of Christmas!

Pastor David Paape

December 29, 2016 - THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

December 29, 2016 - Day 364

THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

♬ On the fourth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

Four Calling Birds

Three French Hens

Two Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

Why four Calling Birds on the Fourth Day of Christmas? Four Calling Birds represent the four Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The beginning of John’s Gospel captures the focus of all four Gospels, namely Jesus our Savior. 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”  (John 1:1-5 ESV)

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me by means of the first four books of the New Testament. Thank You for shining the light of forgiveness into my life of darkness. Amen.

Have a blessed Fourth Day of Christmas!

Pastor David Paape

December 28, 2016 - THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS

December 28, 2016 - Day 363

THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS

THE SONG

♬ On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in Pear Tree.

Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given by God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Almighty God, holy blessed Trinity, thank You for being my Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. Holy God, I praise Your name. Amen.

Have a blessed Third Day of Christmas!

Pastor David Paape

December 27, 2016 - The Second Day of Christmas

December 27, 2016 - Day 362 The Second Day of Christmas

Today’s devotion continues our focus on the Twelve Days of Christmas. Today is the second day of Christmas of Christmas. 

THE SONG

    ♬ On the second day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.

THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Why Two Turtle Doves on the second day of Christmas? The two doves represent the two parts of the Bible: Old Testament and New Testament.

From Old Testament to New Testament, the Gospel is central focus throughout the entire Bible. Thus the Bible is Gospel-centered, focusing on the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus and the salvation of all and any who trust in Him.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”  (John 3:16 ESV)

Almighty God, I thank You for revealing Yourself to the world in both parts of the Bible, the Old and New Testaments. What blessings You have given sinners like me in the love of Jesus that comes to us from His cross! Be with me and guide me today and always. Amen.

Have a blessed Second Day of Christmas!

Pastor David Paape

December 26, 2016 - CHRISTMAS ISN’T JUST ONE DAY

December 26, 2016 - Day 361 The First Day of Christmas

In a previous article in The Lutheran Witness, Terence Maher wrote the following:

CHRISTMAS ISN’T JUST ONE DAY

The Church’s celebration of Christmas does not begin with December and end on Christmas, with New Year’s Day tacked on the end. In the Western Church, it begins on Christmas and continues until Epiphany. That day—Jan. 6—is when we celebrate the arrival of the Wise Men to worship Jesus. By tradition, these twelve days from Christmas through Epiphany comprise the Twelve Days of Christmas.

THE SONG

What in world do leaping lords, French hens, swimming swans, & especially the partridge who won't come out of the pear tree have to do with Christmas? 

From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. Someone during that era wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics. 

DAY ONE

 ♬ On the first day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
A Partridge in a Pear Tree

Tradition has it that the partridge is Jesus. This seems fitting to me since Jesus is reason for the Christmas season.

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2:11 ESV)

Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth to be my Savior. Please bless my continued celebration of You nativity for the next 12 days. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

December 25, 2016 - CHRIST YOUR SAVIOR IS BORN

December 25, 2016 - Day 360

CHRIST YOUR SAVIOR IS BORN

“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11 KJV)

MERRY CHRISTMAS! What a glorious day this is. 

Christ your Savior is born. And this changes everything!

● Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!

● No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.

● Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King. 
Gloria in excelsis Deo;  Gloria in excelsis Deo. 

● Mild He leaves His throne on high, born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth.
  Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

● God's Son for a gift has been sent you this night. 
        To be your Redeemer, your Joy and Delight.

Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, And take us to heaven to live with Thee there. Amen.

Pastor Dave Paape

“See” you in church this morning (9:00 am).

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

December 24, 2016 - GOD IS IN YOUR MIDST

December 24, 2016 - Day 359

GOD IS IN YOUR MIDST

“The Lord your God is in your midst,
    a mighty one who will save;
he will rejoice over you with gladness;
    he will quiet you by his love;
he will exult over you with loud singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17 ESV)

The prophet Zephaniah wrote words descriptive of what the birth we are about to celebrate brought to this sin-darkened world of ours. The prophet Isaiah put it this way: “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 ESV)

The name Immanuel means “God with us.” Zephaniah’s words truly express our joy as we gather to worship tonight and tomorrow morning:
“The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save...”

I hope and pray that you can join God’s people in loudly singing the praises of Christ the newborn king!

Christ, by highest heav'n adored, Christ, the everlasting Lord.
Late in time behold Him come, Offspring of a virgin's womb.
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,  Hail the incarnate Deity! 
Please as Man with man to dwell; Jesus, our Immanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for tonight. Please fill me with Your peace and joy this night and always. Amen.

“See” you in church tonight (5:30 pm at St. Paul’s - Brown Deer ... 9 am on Christmas Day).

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

December 23, 2016 - WINNERS ONLY IN CHRIST

Day 358 - Revelation Friday (12-17)  

“And they have conquered him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, for they loved not their lives even unto death.  Therefore, rejoice, O heavens and you who dwell in them! But woe to you, O earth and sea, for the devil has come down to you in great wrath, because he knows that his time is short!”  (Revelation 12:11-12 ESV)

These words of prophecy, like the rest of the book of Revelation, are meant to warn us to be prepared and to give us comfort and hope.

The devil is like a ravenous roaring lion searching for a meal. As we look at our world today, it appears that he is feasting sumptuously. Every day it seems that we see more evidence that our culture is turning more and more ungodly. A Christian celebrity is asked about sin. When he responds with clear words of Scriptures, the politically “correct” thought police go into high gear. This shouldn’t surprise us at all. The devil knows his time is short. So he is attacking Bible-believing followers of Jesus. 

The comfort comes from knowing that Christians are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” (Romans 8:37) The focus of our lives is on sharing the Gospel! Everyone needs to know that forgiveness comes only through the blood of the Lamb, Jesus, shed on the cross as payment for our sins. But first, we need to know that we are sinners. 

May we, in obedient faith, let others know both about sin and about our Savior. 

♬ O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
that takest away the sin of the world, 
have mercy upon us.
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
that takest away the sin of the world, 
have mercy upon us.
O Christ, Thou Lamb of God, 
that takest away the sin of the world, 
grant us Thy peace.  Amen
(Lutheran Service Book, Devine Service 3, Concordia Publishing House, 2006)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the warning and the comfort You gave me in these words. Strengthen my faith for the days ahead. Use me to witness to Your eternal truths NO MATTER WHAT others may say. 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

December 22, 2016 - LOVE AND LIFE CAN BE ELUSIVE

Day 357 - Song of Solomon Thursday (Chapters 5-6) 

“I adjure you, O daughters of Jerusalem,
if you find my beloved, that you tell him
I am sick with love.”  (Song of Solomon 5:8 ESV)

Her love is elusive. She can’t find him. She is confused.

“Life is often confusing. When our Lord comes to us, we may be slow to hear and to believe. We may look for Him and not find Him where or as we want. In such times of confusion, call on the Lord in prayer and seek Him in His Word. He promises to hear and to comfort you. 

O Lord, we need You. Do not forsake us, for if we are left to ourselves, we will surely perish. Amen” 

(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1073)

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

December 21, 2016 - TRUST THE LORD, NOT . . .

Day 356 - Psalms Wednesday (146 -148)

“Put not your trust in princes... The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” (Psalm 146:3-9 ESV) 

A 21st century way to look at the beginning of this text would be something like this: “Don’t trust politicians.” I don’t think we need much encouragement in this area! 

Instead we get to put our trust in the Lord. Just look at the list of reasons to trust Him: 

● The LORD sets the prisoners free; 
● The LORD opens the eyes of the blind. 
● The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; 
● The LORD loves the righteous. 
● The LORD watches over the sojourners; 
● He upholds the widow and the fatherless. 

And how precisely does God do all of these things? 

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 ESV) 

Lord, I trust You for heaven, even though I do not deserve it. Help me to also trust You for life on this earth as well. 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

December 20, 2016 - FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

Day 355 - Esther Tuesday (1-5)

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” ... “Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”  (Esther 4:14-16 ESV)

Esther was the Jewish queen of King Ahasuerus of Persia. His second hand man, Haman, has it in for the Jews and is planning to have them eliminated. Esther’s uncle, Mordecai, talks her into approaching the king unannounced in an effort to intercede for her people. 

Mordecai’s famous words motivated Esther to dangerous action, for approaching the king unannounced could have fatal consequences. But, as Mordecai said, perhaps Esther was living at that time, in that place, to fulfill this special purpose for God.

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”  What plans does God have for your life? What is His timing for your life? Answers to questions like these are found in studying the Bible, attending church, seeking advice from fellow Christians (maybe even your pastor) and reading devotional booklets like Portals of Prayer.

And how are we to respond if we are sure that the Lord would have us do something dangerous for Him? Look at Esther’s response to Mordecai again. “If I perish, I perish.”

Esther knew an important truth for God’s people. We can’t lose. As a friend once said before undergoing surgery, “If I make it, I serve Him. If I don’t make it, I see Him.”

Heavenly Father, help me to see Your perfect timing in my life. May I, like Esther, follow Your plan no matter what the consequences may be. Above all, sustain my faith in Your promise of heaven through faith 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

December 19, 2016 - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS

Day 354 - Deuteronomy Monday ( 29-31)

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV)

 Moses, who is about to be retired, encouraged the Israelites to face their future with strength and courage. Strength and courage are traits that many would like to have. If you are one of these folks, listen to how this can come about. Number one, don’t worry, the Lord will go with you wherever you go. Number two, He will never turn His back on you.

At St. Paul’s, there is a phrase that many members know well:
Always, always, always, always, always, always, always STAY CLOSE TO YOUR JESUS. 

Our text for today offers us another version:
Never, never, never, never, never, never, never WILL GOD LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU! 

Lord, what comfort I find in Your promise to never leave my side. I know that I do not deserve this. Thank You for Your mercy and grace showered upon me through 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

December 18, 2016 - WALKING IN THE TRUTH

Day 353 - 3 John Sunday

“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”  (3 John 2-4 ESV)

John is writing to Gaius, a faithful leader and worker in the church. The example of prayer for fellow Christians and fellow workers is one worth emulating. And look at what we learn from John’s prayer.  Gaius is walking in the truth, God’s truth, the Gospel truth. So John prays that all may go well for Gaius and that God would grant him good health. 

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You saving me by dying on the cross for me. May it be Your will to watch over me so that I may continue to walk in Your truth. In Jesus’ saving name. 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

December 17, 2016 - JESUS IS THE WAY

Day 352 - Acts Saturday (23-24) 

Neither can they prove to you what they now bring up against me. But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust.  (Acts 23:13-15 ESV)

Paul defends himself against his Jewish accusers. He states his loyalty to the Law and the Prophets while also proclaiming hope in Jesus. This former Pharisee is now following the Way. He is following Jesus.

Whom are you following?

You are the way; through You alone
Can we the Father find;
In You, O Christ, has God revealed
His heart and will and mind.
(Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #526)

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being my way to God the Father. Thank You for being my way out of sin. Please help me to follow Your way. 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

December 16, 2016 - THE GREAT MULTITUDE

Day 351 - Revelation Friday (7-11) 

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.”  (Revelation 7:9 ESV)

This heavenly multitude is made of people from every conceivable background. These are the ones declared holy and fit for heaven because they have been cleansed in the blood of the blood of the Lamb. John describes further how their / our eternal existence will differ from what we experience now:

“Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17 ESV)

At church we often say, “the best is yet to come.” For the residents of heaven, the best truly has come! The hymn writer captures this contrast in stanza 4 of “For All the Saints.”

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!  
We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;
Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. 
Alleluia, Alleluia!

And then he captures a glimpse of heaven’s countless host with the final stanza.

8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, 
Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,
Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost:  
Alleluia, Alleluia!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #677)

Heavenly Father, thank You for including me in the great multitude because of the faith You have given me in my Savior, Jesus. Please accept my eternal alleluias and praise to You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. 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

December 15, 2016 - THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

Day 350 - Song of Solomon 4-5

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!” (Song of Solomon 4:1 ESV) 

“Like Solomon calling the Shulamite, our Lord calls us to come out of our worldliness and to reside in communion with Him. He calls us holy, beautiful, stainless, pure. He calls us forgiven in His Gospel.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1072)

Rejoice, fellow Christian! As a member of the Christian Church, the Bride of Christ, you are under the eternal protection of Jesus, the Bridegroom. He died and rose for you. And all who repent and believe are declared holy, beautiful, stainless, pure and heaven-bound. 

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me by means of Your cross. Thank You for making me a part of the Church, Your bride. May I never forget how much you have blessed me with Your mercy and grace. 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

December 14, 2016 - LOOK TO THE LORD

Day 349 - Psalms Wednesday (chapters 143 -145)

“The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16 ESV) 

These words are often used as a meal prayer, and rightly so. As we prepare to eat, it is God-pleasing to remember the One who provides our food.

Do you remember where your daily blessings come from? He opens His hand, and all you need is yours and you are satisfied. Are you satisfied? The key is to remember that His greatest blessings are found at the baptismal font, the Communion table and in the Word! The hymn writer well expresses this satisfaction.

All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,
In joy, in grief, through life, Dear Lord, for Thee!
And when thy face I see, My ransomed soul shall be
Through all eternity Something for Thee.

Heavenly Father, thank You for satisfying my needs. As I look to You, may I remember Your blessings of forgiveness and heaven. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

December 13, 2016 - REMEMBER ME, LORD

Day 348 - Nehemiah Tuesday (chapters 10-13)

“Remember me, O my God, for good.”    (Nehemiah 13:31 ESV)

When the Israelites returned from their Babylonian Captivity, there was much work to be done in restoring Jerusalem. The Lord has chosen Nehemiah to rebuild the wall. The task is done. The city is be repopulated. The wall is dedicated. Nehemiah now speaks his last words recorded in Scripture. “Remember me, O my God.”

He did not ask for a statue or even a plaque to be erected in his honor. He simply asked the Lord to remember him.

This reminds me of what Jesus said about our service: “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” (Luke 17:10 ESV)

Since Jesus died in our place and paid for our sins, we are free to pray that He will remember us too!

Almighty God, thank You for the privilege of serving You with the life, abilities and opportunities You have blessed me with. May I faithfully do my duty for You today. And please remember me, O my God, and take me to heaven in Your perfect time, 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

December 12, 2016 - THANK GOD FOR HIS BLESSINGS

Day 347 - Deuteronomy Monday (Chapters 26-28) 

“When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you for an inheritance and have taken possession of it and live in it, you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the ground, which you harvest from your land that the LORD your God is giving you, and you shall put it in a basket, and you shall go to the place that the LORD your God will choose, to make his name to dwell there.” (Deuteronomy 26:1-2 ESV)

“God’s grace to Israel is celebrated as they are reminded of deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the gift of land, and being holy people chosen as the Lord’s treasured possession. Also described is Israel’s response in the offering of firstfruits, the payment of the tithe for the sake of the needy, and a promise to keep the Lord’s command. Like Israel, our joyful response is to serve the Lord with good works. Baptism celebrates God’s grace given to us; deliverance from the slavery of sin, the promise of an inheritance in God’s heavenly land, and being declared a saint even now.”  (Concordia Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 318)

Thank You, almighty God, for delivering me from the slavery of sin, the punishment of eternal death, and the power of the devil. May I show my gratitude by my Christian living and giving. I ask this in the name of my Savior, Jesus. Amen.


Pastor David Paape

The following link is to the 52 Week Reading Plan Bible upon which these devotions are based. http://www.bible-reading.com/bible-plan.pdf

December 11, 2016 - LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Day 346 - 2 John Sunday

“4 I rejoiced greatly to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we were commanded by the Father. 5 And now I ask you, dear lady—not as though I were writing you a new commandment, but the one we have had from the beginning—that we love one another.”  (2 John 1:4-5 ESV)

As we prepare to begin a new week, what a perfect reminder of how God wants us to go through these next 7 days. As Paul says, God is not giving us a new commandment, even though each day is a new opportunity to “get it right.”

What can motivate us to love one another?

“We love because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19 ESV)

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for first loving me. Please work Your love for others through me. In Your comforting and saving name. 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

December 10, 2016 - THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE

Day 345 - Acts Saturday (chapters 21-22) 

When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”  (Acts 21:12-14 ESV)

A prophet named Agabus prophesies that Paul will be tied up and handed over to the Gentiles. His companions urge him to not put himself in harm’s way. But Paul is convinced that the Lord knows best. Therefore he will not shrink from serving the Lord in Jerusalem. In fact, He is so ready to obey the Lord, that he is willing to die for Him.

How willing are you to sacrifice for the Lord? Do you put the Lord first in the way you use your time, abilities and money? Does this hymn stanza indicate your Paul-like desire to serve God?

Take my life and let it be 
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, 
Let them flow in ceaseless praise.

As we look down the road of our lives, do we acquiesce to divine prompting and say,  “Let the will of the Lord be done?” 

Heavenly Father, empower me to face my future with the same confidence in You that Paul displayed. Above all, keep me strong in the faith as I trust in Your will to be done in my life. In Jesus’ saving name. 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