Day 244 - Psalm 148-150 & 1 Corinthians 11:16-34
“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!"
Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150 ESV)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
(Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #805)
Heavenly Father, I praise You for all that You have blessed me with. Above all, I praise You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 243 - Psalm 145-147 & 1 Corinthians 11:1-15
“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV)
They say that there are no atheists in foxholes. I would think that the same would be true with hurricanes and floods. Can you imagine the horror and paralyzing fear that overcame many who were caught in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey? And can you imagine how may prayers for rescue were sent heavenward?
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
There are countless touching accounts of flood victims praying to be rescued who are now thanking the Lord for answering their prayers. In today’s verse, we reminded of one of the key components of effectual prayers.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Are you experiencing days of trouble?
Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance?
Are you doing so in truth, that is in faith?
The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:
1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
2. 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.
3. 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,” Concordia Publishing House 2006, #770)
Heavenly Father, thank You for answering prayers for rescue from so many caught in the post hurricane flooding. Please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the other storms of life as well. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 242 - Psalm 142-144 & 1 Corinthians 10:14-33
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Paul is giving us some excellent advice when it comes to deciding what we should do, think or say. Negatively put, if you can’t do something, say something or even think something to the glory of God, you had better make another choice.
The Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and these words of Jesus, give us some pretty good guidelines on how to glorify God.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Almighty God, please help me to glorify You in everything. Remind me of all that You have done for me through Jesus’ death on the cross. Help me to show my love for You by loving others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 241 - Psalm 139-141 & 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
“For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.” (Psalm 139:13-16 ESV)
Life, what a precious gift from God!
EVERY life, what a precious gift from God!
How precious? So precious that God the Father, the One who created life, sent His only begotten Son to redeem all who repent of their sins and believe their Savior.
God loves me dearly, Grants me salvation,
God loves me dearly, Loves even me.
Therefore I’ll say again: God loves me dearly,
God loves me dearly, Loves even me.
(“God Loves Me Dearly,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2009, #392)
Heavenly Father, thank You loving me and for giving me life. Please continue to bless me, body and soul. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 240 - Psalm 136-138 & 1 Corinthians 9
“To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22 ESV)
“As founder of the Corinthian church, and as an apostle, Paul is perceived to have more “rights” than anyone else. Yet he consistently set an example for the Corinthians, encouraging them to put off their own rights in order to serve one another. This is taught and modeled by Jesus Himself. His death and resurrection transform our lives so that we do not seek our own good but the good of others.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 1959)
Yes, we find our divine model of service in Jesus.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45 ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for ransoming my soul through Jesus. Please use me to be like Paul, and do whatever it takes to reach others for You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 239 - Psalm 132-1351 & 1 Corinthians 8
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133 ESV)
“Living in unity is as soothing as being anointed with oil, as refreshing as dew from the mountains on a parched desert... But we often experience discord, strife, and disunity instead. This is true of our families, our communities, and our churches. Yet Christ’s prayer (John 17:11) is “that they may be one, even as We are one.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 929)
There are two pictures attached to this devotion. The first reminds us that Christian unity is found only IN CHRIST, the only One who gave His life to redeem this sinful world.
The second picture represents Christian unity today, as we stand with our persecuted
brothers and sisters in Iraq. It is an Arabic “N,” which stands for the Nazareen. In Mosul, Iraq, it has been painted on doors to identify the homes of Christians who are then brutally beaten and often executed for not denying Christ.
Many Christians have taken to displaying this symbol to show their unity with, and prayerful support of, persecuted Christians.
While the plethora of Christian denominations doesn’t make it appear that we are one, our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord reveals our unity. In fact, it is our faith in Christ, and Christ alone, that makes us Christians in the first place!
Elect from ev’ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses With every grace endued.
Through toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation Of peace for evermore
Till, with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heav’nly chorus! Lord, save us by Your grace,
That we, like saints before us, May see You face to face.
(“The Church’s One Foundation” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #644, stanzas 2,3,4)
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one in Christ. Please keep me and all believers strong in the saving faith. I ask this especially for my Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering persecution. Lord have mercy! 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 238 - Psalm 128-131 & 1 Corinthians 7:25-40
Out of the depths I cry to you, O Lord! O Lord, hear my voice!
Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!
If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?
But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared.
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.
O Israel, hope in the Lord! For with the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption. And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities. (Psalm 130 ESV)
One thing all people have to deal with at one time or another is being down in the dumps. There can be may causes for feeling forlorn, for being depressed. David put his finger on the most common cause. He knew his sin. He knew he had betrayed almighty God. He knew he was hopeless on his own. Yet, look at the confidence he exudes, even in the middle of his despair:
Let your ears be attentive...to my pleas for mercy!
But with you there is forgiveness...
My soul waits for the Lord... and in his word I hope
With the Lord there is steadfast love, and with him is plentiful redemption.
Fellow sinner, wait for the Lord’s plentiful redemption today as you trust in the Lamb of Calvary for forgiveness and heaven.
My faith looks up to Thee, Thou Lamb of Calvary, Savior divine.
Now hear me while I pray; Take all my guilt away;
Oh, let me from this day Be wholly Thine!
(“My Faith Looks Up to Thee” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #702, stanza 1)
Lord Jesus, I look to You, and to You alone, for the forgiveness of my sin. I praise You and thank You for taking all of my guilt away when You died in my place on the cross. Thank You for Your steadfast love. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 237 - Psalm 124-127 & 1 Corinthians 7:1-24
“As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 125:2 ESV)
“The hills encompassing Jerusalem are like sentinels, reminders of God’s watchfulness.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 975)
The Lord is watching over you. You are surrounded by His protection, along with His mercy and grace. 2 Kings 6 records an event that powerfully illustrates this fact:
“And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 King 6:15-17 ESV)
Open your eyes of faith and see that God is with you too, protecting you from evil through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Almighty God, thank You for surrounding me with Your protection and salvation. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 236 - Psalm 120-123 & 1 Corinthians 6
“I lift up my eyes to the hills.
From where does my help come?
My help comes from the Lord,
who made heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot be moved;
he who keeps you will not slumber.
Behold, he who keeps Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121:1-4 ESV)
When a person is ill, perhaps hospitalized, and lying in a bed, there is only one direction to look–up. Whenever we find ourselves incapacitated for whatever reason, there is only one direction to look for comfort and deliverance.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Just think. The Creator of everything wants you to turn to Him in your need. He promises to always hear your fervent prayer and to answer you in a way that is best for you.
Almighty God, please hear my prayer as I look up to You for deliverance from the woes of life. Above all, please deliver me from sin, death and the devil, that I may be Your child today, tomorrow and forever. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 235 - Psalm 119:105-176 & 1 Corinthians 5
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Are you walking in the light? If so, that means that you are taking seriously the directions God gives us for such a walk. Listen to what David says a few verses later in chapter 119.
“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.”
In the second reading for today, Paul was forced to address those who were not walking in the light. In our permissive, anything-goes culture, his pronouncement seems rather harsh. Yet, the expulsion of the man living in sexual sin was meant to wake him up and save his soul. It was also meant to encourage the rest of God’s people to take seriously the call to walk in the light.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still You’re there right beside me,
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near. Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
Now I will not forget Your love for me and yet My heart forever is wandering.
Jesus, be my guide and hold me to Your side, and I will love You to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.
(Thy Word, Text, Amy grant, Tune, Michael W. Smith)
Almighty God, may the light of Your Word be my guiding light. May I daily walk in the light of the cross and so glorify You and be used to draw others to Jesus. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 234 - Psalm 119:49-104 & 1 Corinthians 4
My soul longs for your salvation;
I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81 ESV)
David longed for deliverance from his enemies. When the going gets rough, he turned to God. His hope and confidence were placed in the Word of the Lord.
Where do you turn when life gets rough for you? It is wise to follow David’s example. Perhaps you will not be delivered from trouble in this life. But with Jesus, you are guaranteed eternal salvation. Long for His salvation, put your hope in His Word, and trust, repent and rejoice!
Almighty God, I long for Your salvation. My hope is in the promises of Your Word. Please use me to share this hope with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 233 - Psalm 119:1-48 & 1 Corinthians 3
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13 ESV)
What is the foundation of your life? Just as a solid foundation is crucial to a well built house, so a solid spiritual foundation is crucial to a well built life.
Paul warns us against building on anything or any other person than Jesus Christ. A building with a poor foundation may look fine at first, but the day will come when all comes crashing down. So it is with your life, unless Jesus is your foundation. The hymn writer put it this way:
My hope is build on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness.
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh may I them in Him be found,
Clothed in His righteousness alone,
Redeemed to stand before the throne!
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
("My Hope Is Build on Nothing Less," Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #575, stanzas 1&4)
Lord Jesus, thank You for being the solid foundation of all who believe in You. Please keep my feet safely planted on You so that I may stand redeemed before Your throne. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 232 - Psalm 116-118 & 1 Corinthians 2
Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117 NIV)
The news sure isn’t very uplifting these days, is it? Every week there are more terrorist attacks on innocent civilians. Every week we read about someone else acting in an unkind way toward another person... and more violent attacks on our police.
Back in 1965, Jackie DeShannon had a hit song that resonated with a lot of people. “What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love.” Yes, love is the answer to our war-torn and sin-sick world. The Psalmist knew this when he wrote: “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”
It is the enduring and saving love of Jesus that is needed by every breathing soul on the face of the earth. So, “praise the Lord, all nations! Extol (honor and glorify) him, all peoples.”
The whole world needs to repent and trust in Jesus. He is the answer to the evil we see all around us and in us!
Praise Him for His grace and favor
To His people in distress;
Praise Him still the same as ever,
Slow to chide, and swift to bless:
Alleluia, alleluia!
Glorious in His faithfulness.
("Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven," Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #793, stanza 2)
Lord, thank You for giving me what I really need in Jesus. Please reach those who do not know You yet, because what the world really needs is You. 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 231 - Psalm 112-115 & 1Corinthians 1
“May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:15 NIV)
How are you today? For years, the answer from members of the congregations I have been privileged to serve has been: “blessed by the Lord.” We regularly express these blessings when we confess our Christian faith on Sunday mornings...
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
(The Apostles’ Creed)
The greatest blessing from the Lord is the gift of being included in His family, the Christian Church. Through faith in Jesus you are promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
Lord, thank You for the gift of family. Above all, thank You for making a part of Your forever family, the Christian Church. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.
May YOU always be blessed by the Lord! “See” you in church tomorrow.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 230 - Psalm 109-111 & Romans 16
14 “Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. 15 When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16 ESV)
Today is a very special day for our family, my mother’s 102nd birthday. The picture shows her on her 101st birthday surrounded by her great grandchildren.
When you ask her what her secret to long life is, she’ll say: “Eating ice cream every day.” And then she will add: “Trusting the Lord and praying every day.”
The Psalmist is recording how the Lord deals with those who “hold fast to Me in love.” He delivers, protects, rescues and grants long life. Mom gives the Lord all of the credit for her long life.
Of course not all of God’s faithful people live to be 102. God’s ultimate promise to those who repent of their sins and believe in Jesus as their Savior is that He will “show him My salvation.” He promises eternal life in heaven to all who “hold fast to me in love.”
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing Mom with 102 years of life. Thank you even more for promising her and all who repent and believe eternal life. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 229 - Psalm 107-108 & Romans 15:21-33
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. (Psalm 107:2 ESV)
Why are you alive? What does the Lord expect of you? He has called those He has redeemed from sin, death and the devil to say so, to be His witnesses. Many sing about the Christian’s calling with these words:
Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell ev'ryone what He has done.
Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.
He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.
Alleluia, alleluia.
(Divine Service One, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006)
Lord Jesus, thank You for my salvation. May my life be filled with daily thanksgiving as I tell others of all that You have done. Please lead us forth in Your joy. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 228 - Psalm 105-106 & Romans 15:1-20
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13 ESV)
The US Constitution does not promise happiness, it simply promises the pursuit of happiness. The Bible does promise joy, genuine, deep down and lasting joy and peace to all who trust in Jesus!
Do you realize how blessed you are to be a child of God? Do you recognize the glorious hope / guarantee of sins forgiven, you relationship with God restored, and heaven promised that you have in Jesus?
My hope is build on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness.
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
(“My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less,” The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #575 stanza 1)
Lord Jesus, thank You for filling me with hope, joy and peace by taking my place on the cross and covering all of my sins. Help me to not rely on my own deeds but wholly lean on Your precious name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 227 - Psalm 103-104 & Romans 14
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit...
He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-4, 10-12 ESV)
Fellow repentant sinner, God has made you holy and fit for heaven. All of your sins are gone, separated from you as far as the east is from the west. WHAT A WONDERFUL REASON TO BLESS THE LORD!
Gracious heavenly Father, I do bless You holy name for all of Your benefits showered upon me every day. Above all, I thank you for not repaying me according to my iniquities. Please continue to sustain me with Your steadfast love. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 226 - Psalm 90-92 & Romans 11:1-21
Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:1-4 ESV)
How do you plan to start this new work week? The Psalmist gives an excellent reminder. God is God. He is from everlasting to everlasting. He is in charge of everything, including time, and life itself. The hymn writer put it this way:
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.
(“With the Lord Begin Your Task”, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #869)
Click here to hear the hymn,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KkjXyqzZgQg
Lord, please help me to remember this week that You are in charge. Please guide me in Your way this week and always. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 225 - Psalm 96-98 & Romans 12
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor... Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-10, 21 ESV)
How do you measure up? Need help? Then focus on this godly definition of love: “This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:10 NIV)
Love in Christ is strong and living,
Binding faithful hearts in one;
Love in Christ is true and giving,
May His will in us be done.
(“Love in Christ is Strong and Living”, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #706 stanza 1)
Lord Jesus, may Your dying love for mankind motivate me to return Your love by loving others. 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 224 - Psalm 93-95 & Romans 11:22-36
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV)
God’s children can truly sing to the Lord because He is the “great King above all gods.” He is the God of creation who made the sea and the land. He is the God of salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. This makes Him “the rock of our salvation.”
Any attempts to earn forgiveness and salvation are like sinking sand, offering empty promises with no reason to sing. But we believe in the free and gracious gifts of “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Therefore, we sing!
O, Sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.
O, sing to our God, O sing to our God.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
O sing to our God, O sing to our God.
(“O Sing to the Lord”, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #808 stanzas 1&2)
Heavenly Father, because of Your overwhelming love in sending Jesus to save sinners like me, I will sing Your praises for the rest of my and beyond. 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 223 - Psalm 99-102 & Romans 13
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!
Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. (Psalm 100 ESV)
Sins forgiven...
Relationship with God restored...
Strength for today provided...
Heaven promised...
That is pretty impressive list of the treasures that are yours as a believer in Christ. May your response to these undeserved blessings reflect Psalm 100!
Gracious heavenly Father, please accept my joyful noise of praise and thanksgiving for all that You have freely bestowed upon me in Jesus. May my life reflect this in all that I do and say this day. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 222 - Psalm 88-89 & Romans 10
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 ESV)
What good news for sinners caught in an evil world! God invites us to call on Him for forgiveness and salvation. In fact, this is what we get to do every time we gather around God’s Word and Sacraments on Sunday morning. We cry out to the Lord for peace and mercy. And He grants these treasures in great abundance to all who repent and believe!
In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord.
Amen.
(The Kyrie, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, Divine Service One)
Lord, thank You for promising forgiveness and salvation to me when I call on You. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor, miserable sinner. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
