Day 32 - Exodus 27-28 & Matthew 21:23-46
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:28-31 ESV)
Jesus, the consummate teacher, is using one of His favorite teaching methods, the parable. This earthly story is very easy to understand, especially if you are a parent. It is not uncommon for our children to say that they will do what we expect them to do, only to never seem to get around to it. How precious are the rare occasions when the child refused to obey, but later relents and carries out what you had wanted him or her to do in the first place. Obviously, you are pleased with the obedient one, regardless of what the first response may have been.
The spiritual meaning is one that we church people need to listen to carefully. It is too easy to become complacent, to foolishly take comfort in having our names on a church membership roster, or relying on our feeble accomplishments to get us into heaven. The reality is that God is calling repentant sinners and not self-righteous pharisees.
The purpose of the parable is a call us to genuine Christianity, and that means faith in Christ, and repentance of sin, revealed in the attempt to amend our sin-filled lives.
Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse
The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?
A fountain is opened; how can you refuse
To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood?
(Delay Not, Delay Not, o Sinner, Draw Near,
The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, #349, stanza 5)
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit work genuine faith in me that is revealed in heartfelt repentance. May I never forget how desperately I need Your unmerited forgiveness. May I show my thankfulness by living the rest of my life for You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 31 - Exodus 25-26 & Matthew 21:1-22
Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying,
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
‘Behold, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” (Matthew 21:1-5 ESV)
Why do we believe the Bible? The Holy Spirit works faith in us through its sacred pages. It should not be surprising, since it is God’s Word, that it is in sync with what we know of the world around us. What is surprising is the fact that over 300 Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
“This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet . . . “
The word fulfill / fulfilled occurs over fifty times in the New Testament.
This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:15 ESV)
Because all of the prophecies about our Savior are true, you can trust His prophecy for you and for all who repent and trust in Him!
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)
Yes, because Jesus is THE prophecy fulfiller, you can sing / confess these words with complete confidence:
Lord, let at last Thine angels come,
To Abr’ham’s bosom bear me home,
That I may die unfearing;
And in its narrow chamber keep
My body safe in peaceful sleep
Until Thy reappearing.
And then from death awaken me,
That these mine eyes with joy may see,
O Son of God, Thy glorious face,
My Savior and my fount of grace.
Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend,
And I will praise Thee without end.
(Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #708, stanza 3)
Lord Jesus, thank You for fulfilling every single prophecy of the Father’s long promised Messiah / Savior. May I remain faithful to You for the rest of my life so that Your prophecy of eternal life for all who trust in You will be fulfilled in me. Please use me to share this with other sinners, so that they, too, may see this prophecy fulfilled in them. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 30 - Exodus 22-24 & Matthew 20:17-34
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV)
Why are we here? What is life all about? Many folks believe that since you only go around once, you had better look out for good old number one. Life is all about the person you see in the mirror. To a certain extent this describes everyone. It certainly was on the mind of the mother of James and John.
This is another teachable moment for you and me. Jesus’ words are clear: “It shall not be so among you.” Followers of Christ get to serve God by serving others. He goes so far as to say that we must be servants, even slaves of those in need among us. As Christians living for Him, we get to. . .
● feed the hungry (those both suffering from physical and spiritual hunger)
● clothe those in need
● visit the ill, the lonely, the imprisoned
● seek out the erring, the distressed, the hopeless
● bring Christian cheer to the broken-hearted
● and so many other opportunities.
♬ Forgive us, Lord, for selfish thanks and praise,
For words that speak at variance with deeds;
Forgive our thanks for walking pleasant ways
Unmindful of a broken brother’s needs.
(Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness, Lutheran Service Book,
Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #788, stanza 3)
So, we are saved by faith in Christ for eternal life in heaven. Until then, we have a job to do--serve Him by serving others. That means that we are wired to serve.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the undeserved gift of my salvation in Christ. Thank You also for wiring me for the joy of serving You by serving others. Please open my eyes and my heart to a world in need all around me. And then use me to meet as many needs as possible for You and Your kingdom. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 29 - Exodus 19-21 & Matthew 20:1-16
Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ So the last will be first, and the first last.” (Matthew 20:10-16 ESV)
1) Billy got a bigger piece of pie than I did. IT’S NOT FAIR.
2) The new guy got the promotion. IT’S NOT FAIR.
3) Supposedly he was converted to Christ just before he died. IT’S NOT FAIR.
A lot of things in life are not fair. That is just a reality of life. As for the third example, it is right. It is not fair that a person could be saved just before they die.
We need to remember that God is not fair with ANY OF US. Yes, God’s not fair, and that’s a good thing. If He dealt fairly with us, we would all be heading for hell. Instead, all believers in Christ have received what we do NOT deserve, the forgiveness of our many sins and the totally undeserved promise of heaven.
♬ By grace I'm saved, grace free and boundless;
My soul, believe and doubt it not.
Why stagger at this word of promise?
Hath Scripture ever falsehood taught?
No! Then this word must true remain;
By grace you too will life obtain.
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006 hymn #566, stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, thank You for not being fair to me and giving me what I deserve. I praise You for sending Jesus to suffer the torments of hell for sinners like me. Help me every day to remember, celebrate and share Your free and boundless grace. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 28 - Exodus 16-18 & Matthew 19:16-30
And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder, You shall not commit adultery, You shall not steal, You shall not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” The young man said to him, “All these I have kept. What do I still lack?” Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. (Matthew 19:16-22 ESV)
The normal sound on your television is replaced with the sound of an annoying buzzer and a note crawling across the bottom of the screen informing that this is test of the emergency broadcast system. THIS IS A TEST, IT IS ONLY A TEST.
A test is exactly what the Lord was giving on this day. Sadly, the rich young man failed the test. He refused to let go of his stuff and trust Jesus.
While Job had no say in the loss of his possessions and loved one, he still passed the test. After putting God first, God blessed him.
Solomon was tested when the Lord offered him a “blank check.” He chose wisdom instead of wealth and power. After he put God first, God blessed him.
The disciples were tested and responded by leaving everything and following Jesus. After they put God first, God blessed him.
The ultimate test is whether or not you are perfect. Since we are all sinners and therefore imperfect, we need some help. The answer is to rely only on Jesus and not on anything we have or anything we have done.
So let’s look to “Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
We look to Jesus who passed the test for us and purchased the forgiveness of our sins.
Lord Jesus, thank You for passing the perfection test for me on Mt. Calvary. Help me to put my complete trust in You and not in the things of this life. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 27 - Exodus 13-15 & Matthew 19:1-15
Then children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 19:13-14 ESV)
Today hundreds of thousands will take part in the annual March for Life in Washington D.C. Christians are walking for life “not because it is the moral thing to do, not because it is the right thing to do, but because it is the Christ thing to do.” Rev. James Lamb of Lutherans for Life shared these words in a sermon during the LCMS Life Conference worship service prior to the 2015 March for Life.
LCMS President Matthew Harrison will lead hundreds from our synod who will walk today (wearing green hats) because Jesus wants little children to come to Him. Unfortunately, since 1973, abortion has been legal in our country, preventing little ones from coming to Jesus. So we walk for life today.
Some of us get to walk with them in spirit. (I wish I were there in person.)
Together, we walk for the babies.
We walk for their mothers.
We walk for families.
We walk for our country.
We walk for Jesus!
We walk to share the life-affirming message of God’s love for all people of all ages and backgrounds.
“The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the most life-affirming message in the universe.” - Rev. James Lamb
Lord Jesus, thank You for the opportunity Your people have to walk for You and for Your precious gift of life. Please help me to believe and find comfort and direction in the fact that the message of Your dying love for sinners like me is the most life-affirming message in the universe. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 26 - Exodus 11-12 & Matthew 18:21-35
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
..... ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. (Matthew 18:21-35 ESV)
The parable of the unforgiving servant teaches us that God expects us to forgive one another just as He has forgiven us. Here are a couple of key thoughts:
● How great is the debt of sin that you owe to God?
● How do your sins of thought, word and deed compare with whatever someone else has done to you?
● Isn’t it true that the parable accurately describes how we tend to minimize our sin and maximize the sins of others?
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.
● Where do we find the power to forgive when someone “sins” against us?
And you, who were dead in your trespasses ..., God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. (Colossians 2:13-14 ESV)
● Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, paying for all of our sins, we can now forgive others.
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your unending forgiveness granted to this penitent sinner. Help me to forgive others just as You have forgiven me. In Your saving name, O Lord. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 25 - Exodus 9-18 & Matthew 18:1-20
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 11:1-4 ESV)
“I am the greatest.” Many of us immediately think of Mohammad Ali and his declaration of his dominance of heavyweight boxing. He backed up those words impressively in the boxing ring.
Jesus provides us a different picture of greatest, one that is the opposite of earthly greatness. His intension is to engender humility in His followers. His disciples then and now are in great need of this reminder.
A dispute also arose among them, as to which of them was to be regarded as the greatest. (Luke 22:24 ESV)
Jesus hits them with the clear message that a simple trusting child is greater than they are.
“Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus is calling us to turn from our narcissistic notions of grandeur and live our lives humbly for Him. It is in genuine Christian humility that God sees “greatness.” In other words, greatness comes from humbly and sincerely repenting of our sins and relying entirely on the Lord for forgiveness, eternal life, and life on this earth as well.
♬ Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to Thy cross I cling.
Naked come to Thee for dress; Helpless look to Thee for grace;
Foul I to the fountain fly; Wash me Savior, or I die.
(The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #761 v. 3)
Christian humility comes from knowing that almighty God has chosen you to be His precious, blood-bought, baptized, forgiven, heaven-bound and gifted child.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your great love that has accepted the death of Jesus as payment for my sins. You truly are the greatest! Please help me to humbly live a life that will help others also repent and believe in Jesus as their Savior. In His saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 24 - Exodus 1-3 & Matthew 15:21-39
And behold, a Canaanite woman from that region came out and was crying, “Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David; my daughter is severely oppressed by a demon.” But he did not answer her a word. And his disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away, for she is crying out after us.” He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” But she came and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, help me.” And he answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.” She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” Then Jesus answered her, “O woman, great is your faith! Be it done for you as you desire.” And her daughter was healed instantly. (Matthew 15:22-28 ESV)
The Canaanite woman gives us an excellent example of persistent and humble prayer. She asks Jesus to have mercy and respond to her daughter’s desperate need. Even though she receives no answer, she continues to cry out for healing. When reminded that she was not of the house of Israel, she responds with a humble analogy. “Even the dogs eat the crumbs from their masters’ table.” Her persistence pays off and her daughter is healed.
● What do you do when the Lord doesn’t seem to answer your prayers?
● Are your prayers peppered with humility? “I don’t deserve _____, but please have mercy on me too.”
Remember God’s promise to you: “Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
Lord, may I, like the Canaanite woman, be blessed with a great faith that trusts in You not only for this life, but even more so, for the life that is to come. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 23 - Exodus 4-6 & Matthew 16
“Who do you say that the Son of Man is?” (Matthew 16:13 ESV)
The disciples answered Jesus’ question, but not to His satisfaction.
14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter gives THE answer.
16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
How about you? How do you answer this question?
Martha was asked a similar question in John chapter 11:
25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, 26 and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
27 She said to him, “Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.”
Who is Jesus to you?
“I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord. Who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.” (The Explanation to the Second Article of The Apostles’ Creed)
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the Savior of my soul. Please use me to introduce many others to You so that they, too, may know who You are and may come to faith in You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 22 - Exodus 1-3 & Matthew 15:21-39
Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank. And his sister stood at a distance to know what would be done to him. Now the daughter of Pharaoh came down to bathe at the river, while her young women walked beside the river. She saw the basket among the reeds and sent her servant woman, and she took it. When she opened it, she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews' children.” Then his sister said to Pharaoh's daughter, “Shall I go and call you a nurse from the Hebrew women to nurse the child for you?” And Pharaoh's daughter said to her, “Go.” So the girl went and called the child's mother. (Exodus 2:1-8 ESV)
The account of Moses’ rescue from sure death is most appropriate for this day. On January 22, 1973, 44 years ago today, the Supreme Court did the opposite for innocent little ones in the womb. Since that date, 60 million babies have lost their lives to abortion.
Moses’ rescue is the model for us to follow. We get to rescue the innocent. And that is exactly what A Place of Refuge has been doing for the last 24 years, helping mothers to give life to their little ones.
The ultimate rescue took place when Jesus dies in payment for our sins and rescued us from sin, death and the devil.
Lord of life, as you rescued Moses, so rescue all others in peril this day. Above all, I thank You and praise You for rescuing me and making me Your forgiven and heaven-bound child. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 21 - Genesis 49-50 & Matthew 15:1-22
“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” (Matthew 15:19 ESV)
Over 600,000 people die from heart disease in America every year. That’s one out of every four deaths.
But there is another form of heart disease that is far more deadly. It kills 100% of its victims. This is what Jesus is referring to in today’s verse. There are some who would say that people are basically good. That is not what Jesus says. Nor is what we know from first hand experience.
David identifies the only cure for this kind of heart disease:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” (Psalm 51: 10-11 ESV)
God answered this prayer for mercy with the cross of Christ. Our spiritual heart disease was cured on Good Friday.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for healing my spiritual heart disease by means of Your bitter suffering and death on the cross. Please keep me safe in that saving faith. In His saving name. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 20 - Genesis 46-48 & Matthew 14:22-36
But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Matthew 14:27-33 ESV)
The familiar account has much that applies to our everyday lives.
1. How should we respond to fear?
Listen to Jesus: “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
2. How should we respond to His advice?
Obey Jesus: So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.
3. What should we do when we are in over our heads?
Cry out to Jesus: “Lord, save me.”
4. What should we do when He does save us?
Worship Jesus: “Truly you are the Son of God.”
So, believe and be saved.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me by dying on the cross in payment for my sins. Grant me faith to trust You, even when You call me to get out of the boat. Please use me to help others know that You are the Son of God and the Savior of our souls. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
January 19, 2017 - Day 19 - MISSING TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS
Readers of this blog have been asking me what happened to the last six days of Christmas. The answer is that we began the new year with the beginning lessons assigned in the annual Bible reading guide we are using this year. http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
So, in response to those who are missing the conclusion of the TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS, here they are, all in one day, and two weeks after the Twelfth Day of Christmas...
THE SEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
THE SONG
♬ On the seventh day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Seven Swans a-Swimming
Six Geese a-Laying
Five Golden Rings
Four Calling Birds
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree.
Why Seven Swans a-swimming on the 7th Day of Christmas?
Seven Swans a-Swimming represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit:
For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:4-9 ESV)
As you can see in these verses from Romans, we Christians all have a role to play in God’s plan, a role for which He has provided you with just the right gift(s). We are all in this together. As we begin this new year, may we do so with a determination to make better use of our God-given gifts for His glory and in His service.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your undeserved mercy in this past year. Yes, thank You for forgiving my sins and setting my feet upon Your path. In 2017, please help me to better use my God-given gifts and abilities. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________
THE EIGHTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
♬ Eight Maids a-Milking
Why maids a-milking on the Eighth Day of Christmas?
On this day we remember the eight Beatitudes found in Matthew 5:3-12.
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3-10)
This looks like a pretty good list of New Year’s resolutions. May you be blessed as you “work” at these by prayer, meditation on the Word, and by helping others in the name of the Lord.
Dear Holy Spirit, please work in my life in this new year so that I may be blessed by the Lord. Please make my heart pure as I hunger and thirst after Your righteous ways. Above all, remind me of sin and of my need for Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
0 Lord Christ, our Savior dear,
Be Thou ever near us.
Grant us now a glad new year.
Amen, Jesus, hear us! (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #390)
_________________________________________________________________________
THE NINTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
♬ Nine Ladies Dancing
Why ladies dancing on the Ninth Day of Christmas?
On this day we remember the nine fruits of the spirit found in Galatians 5.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:22-23)
This also looks like a pretty good list of New Year’s resolutions. May you be blessed as you “work” at these by prayer, meditation on the Word, and by helping others in the name of the Lord. Above all, stay close to Jesus – repent and believe.
Dear Holy Spirit, please work in my life in this new year so that I may be blessed by the Lord. Please make my heart pure as I hunger and thirst after Your righteous ways. Above all, remind me of sin and of my need for Jesus my Savior. Amen.
________________________________________________________________________
THE TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
♬ Ten Lords a Leaping
Why Ten Lords a leaping on the Tenth Day of Christmas?
The ten lords represent the Ten Commandments.
1. You shall have no other gods.
2. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
3. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
4. Honor your father and your mother.
5. You shall not murder.
6. You shall not commit adultery.
7. You shall not steal.
8. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
9. You shall not covet your neighbor's house.
10. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant, or maidservant,
his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the Ten Commandments that show me my sins, show me Your way, and protect me as well. Thank You even more for Jesus, Your Son and my Savior. Amen.
Have a blessed New Year!
_______________________________________________________________________
THE ELEVENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
♬ Eleven Pipers Piping
The Eleven Pipers Piping stood for the eleven faithful disciples.
1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James bar Alphaeus, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) Judas bar James. The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans, nor does it include Matthias, the replacement for Judas.
Dearest Lord Jesus, may I be faithful to You, just like the disciples. To this end, please give me a hunger to read and learn more from Your Word this year. Amen.
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THE TWELFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
♬ Twelve Drummers Drumming
Why 12 Drummers Drumming on the Twelfth Day of Christmas?
The 12 drummers are said to represent twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles’ Creed.
• God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
• Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...
• Conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary...
• Suffered... was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell.
• He rose again from the dead.
• He ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of God and will come to judge.
• The Holy Spirit.
• The holy Christian church.
• The communion of saints.
• The forgiveness of sins.
• The resurrection of the body.
• The life everlasting.
Almighty God, thank You for the Twelve Days of Christmas and the lessons about the Christian faith revealed each day. May my celebration of the incarnation of Christ continue throughout the entire year. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for coming to this earth with the mission of saving sinners like me. Amen.
Day 18 - Genesis 42-43 & Matthew 13:33-58
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50 ESV)
There are two definitions to the word “dragnet.”
1) A series of actions that are done by the police in order to catch criminals.
2) A net that is pulled along the bottom of a river, lake, pond, etc., to search for or collect something.
The old Dragnet TV series from the 50's and 60's was based on the first definition. Our text is based on both definitions. When, at the end of the age (Judgement Day) all people have been “apprehended,” there will be a separation of the evil from the righteous. All people will be in either one or the other category. What changes evil sinners into righteous saints?”
“The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:7b-9 ESV)
How are people to respond to the impending dragnet?
First... Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;
The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.
The dead, small and great, in the judgment must stand.
What power, then, O sinner, can lend you its aid?
Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse
The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?
A fountain is opened; how can you refuse
To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood?
(The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, # 349, stanzas 4-5)
Second... “Do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.” (2 Thessalonians 3;15 ESV)
Heavenly Father, help me to continue to repent of my sins and believe in my Savior. Until You call me home to heaven, please use me to warn others so that they, too, can be Yours forever. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
