Day 213 - Psalm 65-67 Romans 2
Shout for joy to God, all the earth;
sing the glory of his name;
give to him glorious praise!
Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!
So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.” (Psalm 66:1-3 ESV)
The Psalmist encourages his readers to “shout for joy to God.” The reason for this joy is the awesome deeds of God.
No Jesus, no joy. Know Jesus, know joy! Many people are looking for joy, peace and happiness without Jesus. But Jesus is the only One whose awesome deeds involve forgiveness of your sins and the promise of eternal life.
Lord God, thank You for the joy of knowing Your mercy, forgiveness and promise of heaven! Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 212 - Psalm 62-64 Romans 1
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)
The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing! For the Christian, the main thing is the Gospel, God’s powerful account of salvation won by Christ for sinners like you and me. It is all about saving faith. “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Iraqi Christians, facing persecution, losing everything, some even dying, are truly not ashamed of the Gospel. How about you?
5. Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may
When I’ve no guilt to wash away;
No tear to wipe, no good to crave,
No fears to quell, no soul to save.
6. Till then - nor is my boasting vain -
Till then I’ll boast a Savior slain,
And O may this my glory be,
That Christ not ashamed of me!
(“Jesus! and Shall It Ever Be,” The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #246, stanzas 5-6)
Heavenly Father, I, too, boast my Savior slain for me and for all sinners. Lord Jesus, please keep close to You and so strong in my faith that You will never be ashamed of me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 211 - Psalm 59-61 Acts 28:16-31
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
protect me from those who rise up against me;
deliver me from those who work evil,
and save me from bloodthirsty men.
(Psalm 59:1-2 ESV)
David’s cry for deliverance from his enemies could well be the cry of persecuted Christians around the world today. While our religious freedom is under attack in our country, it cannot be compared to what Christians in Muslim countries face if they do not convert to Islam.
The hymn writer followed the example of David’s prayer in this manner:
Preserve, O Lord, your Zion,
Bought dearly with your blood;
Protect what you have chosen
Against the hellish flood.
Be always our defender
When dangers gather round;
When all the earth is crumbling,
Safe may your Church be found.
(“Preserve Your Word, O Savior,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #658, stanza 3)
Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Deliverer from sin, death and the power of the devil. Please preserve Your Church and deliver my brothers and sisters in Christ from the dangers that are gathering around them. 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 210 - Psalm 56-58 Acts 28:1-15
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1 ESV)
What is mercy? Mercy is God’s undeserved blessing showered upon repentant sinners. Peter described God’s mercy this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)
Believers in Christ have been given what we do not deserve, hope. We deserve to be hopeless, to have nothing to look forward to, other than eternal damnation in hell. But, God the Father has been merciful to us.
● He sent Jesus to take our place and suffer the punishment we deserve.
● Jesus paid off you debt of sin.
● And now you have that living hope.
● Eternal life in heaven is yours for sure!
● Until then, God promises to lead and direct your life.
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy shown me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Your mercy with others. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 209 - Psalm 53-55 Acts 27:26-44
They have all fallen away;
together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
not even one. (Psalm 53:3 ESV)
The question took me by surprise. “What do you call a sin?” The questioner didn’t believe that she was a sinner. Perhaps she was comparing herself to others. Whatever methods we may employ to minimize our sins, we can do nothing to minimize our passage for today. “There is none that does good, not even one.”
We desperately need help, which is precisely why Jesus came down to earth in the first place.
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
We are great sinners. And Jesus is our great Savior!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the Savior of this sinner. Remind me daily of how important it is to repent and believe. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 208 - Psalm 50-52 Acts 27:1-25
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.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV)
The heart of the Christian faith is the gift of complete forgiveness showered freely upon all who repent and see God’s mercy.
John writes of God’s merciful promise this way:
“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.” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV)
On Sunday morning, right after you confess your sins, you hear these soul-freeing words spoken on God’s behalf by your pastor:
Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Thank You, Lord, for hearing my cry for mercy and for seeing my sincere confession. Your complete forgiveness of all of my sins is the greatest gift You could ever give. Please use me to share this treasure with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 207 - Psalm 47-49 Acts 26
And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words." (Acts 26:24-25 ESV)
Paul has just told Governor Festus and King Agrippa “that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” To which Festus replies, “Paul, you are out of your mind.”
There are those today who still call us Christians “crazy.” We are not out of our minds. We know the truth of new life in Jesus for all who repent and believe. We are not crazy. We are convinced, just like Paul:
“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” (2 Timothy 1:12 ESV)
Lord, please give me the courage to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel. May my life show that I am convinced of Your salvation for all who repent and believe. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 206 - Psalm 44-46 Acts 25
1 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
10 “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
11 The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah (Psalm 46 ESV)
Lord God, thank You for being my mighty fortress and my trusty shield and weapon. Please continue to protect this penitent sinner. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 205 - Psalm 41-43 Acts 24
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2 ESV)
What a wonderful gift God gave David! The repentant and forgiven sinner was given a deep desire to be as close to His Savior as possible.
Do you have a deep desire to be as close as possible to God?
● Read and meditate on His Word.
● Worship Him faithfully each week.
● Remember what God did for you on Mt. Calvary.
Lord, thank You for my salvation. Like David, may I thirst for Your presence in my life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 204 - Psalm 38-40 Acts 23:12-35
Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38:21-22 ESV)
In the Acts 23:12-35 reading for today, we see how God answered David’s prayer for the apostle Paul.
Paul’s nephew reports a plot to kidnap Paul. The tribune hustles him out of town to the governor who takes him into protective custody (to await trial). The Lord did not forsake Paul.
The Lord will not forsake you either. He has a plan for your life too.
Lord, please do not forsake me. Help me to stay close to You today through faith in Jesus. In His 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 203 - Psalm 36-37 Acts 23:1-11
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:5&7 ESV)
Not many people are good at waiting. Yet this is exactly what the Lord calls His people to do. So, instead of complaining about our circumstances, and even questioning God, we get to quietly and faithfully wait for Him.
I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,
Never let me fall.
I am trusting Thee forever
And for all.
(I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729 stanza 6)
Lord Jesus, I do trust You. Help me to patiently wait for You and Your will for my life. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 202 - Psalm 34-35 Acts 22
The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:18-19 ESV)
Have you ever been brokenhearted, crushed, and afflicted? If so, what did you do about it? The hymn writer gives us a clear and powerful answer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus ,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 2)
The Lord is as near to you as a prayer. Brokenhearted, crushed afflicted, Jesus will deliver you in His time. So, pray!
Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus ,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 3)
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my deliverer. Please hear my prayer for mercy, pardon and peace. Yes, may I find eternal solace in You. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 201 - Psalm 31-33 Acts 21:15-40
“My times are in your hand.” (Psalm 31:15 ESV)
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten as a dream
Dies at the op'ning day.
(“Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #733 stanza 5)
While the hymn stanza portrays a sober view of time, our verse for today clearly comforts us with the assurance that our time is in God’s almighty hand. The comfort comes from knowing that God’s timing is always perfect.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)
When you take a careful look at your life, you will become aware of what I see in my life, namely, that
● God puts us in the right place
● at the right time
● for His right purpose.
Almighty God, thank You for Your perfect timing in my life, starting with my Baptism. In Your perfect time, grant me the gift of heaven for Jesus’ sake. Until that time, may I use my time for You and Your purposes. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 200 - Psalm 28-30 Acts 21:1-14
Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes with the morning. (Psalm 30:5b ESV)
The Psalmist gives hope to anyone lost in life’s long night of weeping. Disappointment, disillusionment, despair, and disasters of life come to all of us at some time, resulting in weeping. But the morning also comes with its joy.
“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:4b)
“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18)
Lord Jesus, my Savior, thank You for being the joy of my life. Help me always remember this, especially when I find myself focusing on life’s long night of weeping. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 199 - Psalm 25-27 Acts 20:17-38
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 ESV)
You check the latest news and discover that, once again, it is not good. There is so much going on that could make us fearful about the future. Where will terrorists strike next time? What will the doctor say? Will I loose my job of keep it?
King David was not a stranger to fearful times. Yet he knew that the only answer for security and peace is the Lord. God shines the light of His love and His gift of salvation into the lives of His people. The Lord is our stronghold, our defense, and the One who drives all fear away.
Lord, thank You for showing us the way of salvation in Jesus, my Savior. While world and national events may be fearful, assure me of Your presence and Your peace. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 198 - Psalm 22-24 Acts 20:1-16
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest... 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid... 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. (Psalm 22:1-22 ESV)
“Facing great opposition, the psalmist initially feels that God has forsaken him and is ignoring his prayers. After remembering God’s faithfulness and deliverance, he believes God will deliver him, and commits himself to telling that message to others. We, too, may feel alone and forsaken by God. Today we deserve to be forsaken by God because of our sinfulness. But, as the psalmist foretells, God Himself came to be our Redeemer. While many human beings have shared these feelings, the psalm finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus Christ... He was truly forsaken by His Father and died alone so that we could be reconciled to our God. We are never alone because our crucified, resurrected Savior is with us.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 865)
Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayer for deliverance by sending Jesus to experience the forsakenness of hell in my stead. Help me to remember this at those times when I feel all alone. Grant me the comfort of knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me . Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 198 - Psalm 22-24 Acts 20:1-16
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.
(Psalm 19:14 ESV)
Can people see that you are a follower of Jesus by the words you choose to utter? Do you say things that warn, encourage and strengthen others, as well as glorify God? What do you think God thinks of your words?
And here is a tougher question. Do the things you think about, and perhaps meditate on, glorify God? Remember, He knows everything. What do you think God thinks about what you think about?
More questions... Would you want God to be at your side when you carry out your daily activities? Does everything you think, do and say match up with His commandments?
Remember, God gave us His commandments to protect you, to guide you, and to show you how much you need your Savior, Jesus.
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Rock and my Redeemer. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct my speaking, my thinking and my doing, so that I may glorify You and point others to You with every waking moment of my life. And please have mercy on me and forgive me when I fail You in any way. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 196 - Psalm 17-18 & Acts 19:1-20
“For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.” (Psalm 18:27 ESV)
Humility is not the route many people want to follow on the road of life. Yet the Psalmist, and others, have mapped out humility as the way to go.
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)
“You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” (2 Samuel 22:28 ESV)
“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)
“The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:6 ESV)
Jesus: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 ESV)
Jesus: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 ESV)
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV)
Heavenly Father, remind me daily of Your graciousness to me in forgiving my sins for Jesus’ sake. May my response be a life of humble service to others in You name. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 195 - Psalm 13-16 & Acts 18
They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. (Psalm 14:3 ESV)
What is the reason for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and your baptism? These momentous events occurred because “no one does good, not even one.” All of us need a Savior from our sins.
Jesus was born on Christmas, died on Good Friday and rose on Easter Sunday so that sinners like you and me could be saved. And then there is your baptism when your personal lack of goodness was completely washed away.
Baptized into Your name most Holy, O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
I claim a place, though weak and lowly, Among Your saints, Your chosen host.
Buried with Christ and dead to sin, Your Spirit now shall live within.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #590 stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner. Thank you for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and my baptism. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 194 - Psalm 10-12 & Acts 17:16-34
The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6 ESV)
TV ads encourage investors to put their money into gold or silver in order to protect themselves from market fluctuations. The Psalmist is encouraging sinners to invest in something much more reliable and valuable, God’s Word. The Gospel message, the heart of the Bible, provides deliverance from sin, death and the devil. The picture included here has a cross of silver which reminds us that the message of the cross is our most priceless gift from the Lord.
Thank You, heavenly Father, for the priceless gift of Your Word. May I be well fed with its Christ-centered message today and everyday. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 193 - Psalm 7-9 & Acts 17:1-15
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens. Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength because of your foes, to still the enemy and the avenger. When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen, and also the beasts of the field, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, whatever passes along the paths of the seas.
O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 9 ESV)
It is so overwhelming to know that the Creator of the universe remembers us and cares for us. The greatest example of the Lord’s majestic activity in our lives is His mercy and grace showered upon us from the cross. We are redeemed, forgiven and heaven-bound because we Jesus came to save us
May we vigorously share this good news whenever we can and wherever we may be!
Almighty and majestic Lord of all that is, thank You for saving me from damnation. May I spend the rest of days praising and sharing Your name in my daily life so that many others may come to worship You too. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 192 - Psalm 4-6 & Acts 16:16-40
Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31 ESV)
In shock, the Philippian jailer realizes that Paul and Silas are men of God, so he asks them THE question.
“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
The answer is the one every person needs to hear. “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Believing in the Lord Jesus is the only way to be eternally set free from man’s enemies of sin, death and th devil.
Heavenly Father, please help me to answer life’s biggest question with faith in Jesus as my Savior. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 191 - Psalm 1-3 & Acts 16:1-15
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV)
Those who walk with Jesus, that is, those who are trusting in Jesus for forgiveness, will, in God’s perfect time, reach the ultimate destination of heaven. Until we get there...
Let us ever walk with Jesus, Follow His example pure,
Through the world that would deceive us And to sin our spirits lure.
Onward in His footsteps treading, Pilgrims here, our home above,
Full of faith and hope and love, Let us do the Father's bidding.
Faithful Lord, with me abide; I shall follow where You guide.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685 stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit lead me in Your ways, so that I may ever walk with Jesus and reach the destination of heaven. In His saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 190 - Job 40-42 & Acts 15:22-41
“Behold behemoth, which I made as I made you. Behold, his strength in his loins, and his power in the muscles of his belly. He makes his tail stiff like a cedar...” (Job 40:15-16 ESV)
Were dinosaurs real? The discovery of fossilized dinosaur remains answers that question, as does God here in Job 40. In impressing upon Job the fact of God’s creation, God points out His BIG job with the words: “Behold, behemoth.”
The amazing fact is that almighty God, who made the world and all that is in it simply by the power of His Word, loves you and has made a way for you to spend eternity with Him!
Heavenly Father, Creator of all that is, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to take my place on the cross. This gift is truly huge for me, and I humbly thank and praise You for it! Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 189 - Job 38-39 & Acts 15:1-21
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” (Job 38:1-4 ESV)
Job is showing the strain of losing everything, including the gift of good health. His extreme physical and emotional pain leads to doubt. Then the Lord questions him. “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge?”
The key to the Christian’s life is faith and not knowledge. Job’s message to us today is to remain faithful to the Lord NO MATTER WHAT our circumstances may be.
Heavenly Father, help me to rely on You and not on my knowledge. Please keep me faithful not matter may happen in my life. I ask this in Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 188 - Job 35-37 & Acts 14
But Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds, they stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead. But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and entered the city, and on the next day he went on with Barnabas to Derbe. When they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and to Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. And when they had appointed elders for them in every church, with prayer and fasting they committed them to the Lord in whom they had believed. (Acts 14:19-23 ESV)
What would you do if someone had attempted to kill you? Would you go right back to the activity that led to the attempt? That is exactly what Paul did after he was stoned and left for dead. He continued sharing the Gospel message encouraging believers to remain faithful.
Most of us don’t have to make the kind of choice presented to Paul. However, “through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” There are Christians today who are being stoned for their faith. In the face of persecution, they refuse to give up Jesus. The picture shows a Christian worshiping in his church in Allepo after ISIS radicals killed and destroyed. Yet he and his fellow believers know the truth.
“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)
Thank You, heavenly Father, for protecting Paul so that He could continue to serve You. Please watch over and protect my brothers and sisters in Christ who are facing extreme persecution. And please grant us the courage and trust in You so that all who bear your name can serve You faithfully. ln Your time, grant us all the gift of eternal life with You in heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 187 - Job 33-34 & Acts 13:24-52
The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. (Acts 13:44 ESV)
God sent Paul and Barnabas to Antioch, and great things happened. People then where like people today. They wanted to hear the good news that there is hope for sinners. The Gospel message of Jesus’ cross providing the gift of forgiveness was heavenly music to their ears. At the same time, the enemies of the Gospel were working to dissuade them. The same is happening today. We need to remember how the disciples responded to the option of leaving Jesus:
“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”(John 6 68 ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for the weekly opportunity I have to hear the good news of all that Jesus has done for my salvation. May the places where Your Word is taught in its truth and purity be filled with eager hearers. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
