November 1, 2017 - THE MAKING OF SAINTS

Day 305 - Jeremiah 31-32 & Titus 2

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with (my people)... I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people... For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV) 

This is All Saints Day, a day set aside to remember our loved ones, and all, who have died in the faith and are now with the Lord. However, the believers in heaven are not the only saints. “Sainthood” does not require a long, drawn out human vetting process. 

“And I will be their God, and they shall be my people”

What it takes is God declaring we are His by means of a new covenant, one that fulfills the demands of the first covenant (be perfect and you will live forever with God).

“For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.”

The new covenant is all about Jesus and His cross. It is all about sinners made saints through Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is about God’s unconditional forgiveness of penitent sinners making them/us His saints. Therefore we can sing:

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, 
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

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

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

Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me to see the big picture on this day; the countless host, and being one with those are now with You in heaven. Thank You for forgiving my sin and making this sinner another one of Your saints. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 31, 2014 - IT’S STILL ALL ABOUT JESUS

Day 304 - Jeremiah 29-30 & Titus 1

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV) 

Today is the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. Reformation Day is a day set aside to celebrate the plan God has for the salvation of sinners, a plan that grants repentant sinners an eternal future with Him. God’s plan is not based on what we do, for we cannot save ourselves. Instead, we are saved by grace alone through faith alone on the basis of 
Scripture alone. 

Luther wrote: 

With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is, of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God; He holds the field forever.
(A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #656 stanza 2) 

Please watch this video. It gives an excellent overview of the Reformation and the fact that we stand IN CHRIST ALONE. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e_G8LKfGoo&feature=youtu.be 

Heavenly Father, remind me this day, and every day, that Your plan for my future is all about Jesus, my risen Savior. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

October 30, 2017 - MYTHS OR MIGHTY FORTRESS?

Day 303 - Jeremiah 27-28 & 2 Timothy

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” (2 Timothy 4:3-4) 

Become a Better You is a the title of book written by a famous televangelist designed to offer seven steps in becoming a better you. Sounds interesting.

“I am not a poor, miserable sinner,” are the words of another famous televangelist. Sounds liberating.

“Itching ears” buy the books, attend the rallies and send their money to these teachers who “suit their passions,” and thereby wander after the myth of humanism (the idea that man is in charge and not God).

Yes, there may well be good points shared by both of these popular preachers. However, in the words of an old TV commercial, “where’s the beef?”

What every person needs to hear, is that the only way to a “better you” is to repent and admit that you are, in fact, “a poor miserable sinner.” Only when we are aware of our lostness and our helplessness, can we approach God seeking the mercy and protection of the One who is our Mighty Fortress.
       
A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe  Now means deadly woe;  Deep guild and great might
Are his dread arms in fight;  On earth is not his equal.
             "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #656 (1)

Heavenly Father, please protect me from the deceptive myths of the day. To this end, grant me a continued hunger for Your mercy and forgiveness. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 29, 2017 - FAITHFULNESS IN THE LAST DAYS

Day 302 - Jeremiah 25-26 & 2 Timothy 3

“But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive,  disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,  heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5 ESV) 

Are we living in “times of difficulty?” Are people on this planet “lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive...”  

Paul is directing us to respond by avoiding those who exhibit what we have just read. However, here are a few other things I think the Lord would have us do.

● Remain close to Christ by prayer, Bible study and faithful worship.
● Pray for the lost and look for ways to be God’s love to them, with the goal of developing relationships that can lead to sharing the Gospel message of Christ and His love.
● Keep our eyes on our heavenly inheritance, and help our loved ones to do the same.

Lord Jesus, strengthen me for the end times. Use me to reach the lost and protect the weak before it is too late. And help all of Your people to remember that the best is yet to come. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 28, 2014 - CHRIST REMAINS FAITHFUL

Day 301 - Jeremiah 23-24 & 2 Timothy 2

“If we have died with him, we will also live with him;

if we endure, we will also reign with him;

if we deny him, he also will deny us;

if we are faithless, he remains faithful—

for he cannot deny himself.” (2 Timothy 2:11-13 ESV) 

Each phrase in these verses begins with “if.” It sounds like salvation is up to us.

“If we...,” then good things will follow. If we die with Jesus, that is die to sin, we will live with Him. If we “hang in there” when life gets rough, we will rule with Jesus. 

However, if we deny Jesus, He will deny us. But look at how Jesus responds to the times we are faithless. “He remains faithful.”

The conclusion is that our salvation depends on Jesus and not on us! What comforting news that is. There are no conditions! Our faithful Savior promises to always be with us, even to the end of time.

Salvation unto us has come

By God’s free grace and favor;

Good works cannot avert our doom,

They help and save us never.

Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,

Who did for all the world atone;

He is our one Redeemer.

“Salvation unto Us Has Come,” Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #555 (1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being faithful to me, especially because my sins make me unfaithful to You. May I continue to look to You alone for the redemption of my soul. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

October 27, 2017 - GUARD THE GOOD, READ...

Day 300 - Jeremiah 20-22 & 2 Timothy 1

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” (2 Timothy 1:13-14 ESV) 

When promoting the safety of their depositors money, banks will often display signs announcing that funds in that bank are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). Paul is encouraging the young pastor, Timothy, to guard a much more valuable deposit, namely, his faith and love in Christ. 

Instead of armed guards and bank vaults to guard this spiritual deposit, all we need is the Holy Spirit. He does this by guiding us to follow the pattern of sound words found in the Bible. So guard the good deposit of faith God has given you by spending time in His Word every day. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith You have given me in Jesus, my Savior. May Your Holy Spirit guide and protect me so that this gift may be kept safely in my heart. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 26, 2017 - GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT

Day 299 - Jeremiah 17-19 & 1 Timothy 6

“But godliness with contentment is great gain, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.” (1 Timothy 6:6-8 ESV) 

Being content is not how most people live. All of the TV ads are meant to make us not be content. Their goal is to create a desire to have more of whatever product they are pushing.

The picture attached here reveals a man who could well be very content. Bible study, prayer and meditation can go a long way towards contentment. Ultimately, true contentment comes from sins forgiven and heaven promised to sinners who repent and trust in Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Lord Jesus, fill me with godly contentment as I trust you to lead me and watch over me today. Please use me to share You and Your love with others.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 25, 2017 - ENCOURAGE ONE ANOTHER

Day 298 - Jeremiah 14-16 & 1 Timothy 5

“Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers, older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, in all purity.” (1 Timothy 5:1-2 ESV) 

Encouragement, what a positive word. Encouragement is what an older person needs as they see their bodies showing signs of age. Encouragement is what younger people need as they try to find their way in this life. Encouragement to follow Christ is what all people need.

“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 ESV) 

Lord Jesus, help me to encourage others by reminding them of Your great love for them. May we never forget the eternally encouraging message of Your forgiveness and grace for all who repent and believe.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 24, 2017 - GODLINESS NOT SILLINESS

Day 297 - Jeremiah 11-13 & 1 Timothy 4

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” (1 Timothy 4:7-8 ESV) 

“Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths.” Irreverent silliness aptly describes most of what passes for entertainment these days. Much of what is on social media, a good portion of late night television and the vast majority of sitcoms are certainly irreverent. The social engineers do know what they are doing, and so does God. The big difference is that His way “holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” 

You and I have been called to train ourselves for godliness. The training process starts with God’s training manual, the Bible. It is in these sacred pages that we find the antidote to irreverence and silliness. “For to this end we toil and strive, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. ” (1 Timothy 4:10 ESV) 

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to godliness. Mercifully protect me from the irreverence and silliness that surrounds me everyday. And then use me to help others find their hope in You. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 23, 2017 - ONE GOD FITS ALL

Day 296 - Jeremiah 9-10 & 1 Timothy 3

“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6 ESV) 

Certain clothing items carry the label “one size fits all.” Sometimes that is true, and other times it is not. Paul is teaching us that there is only one God. 

The Bible teaches us about the Trinity--One God, three distinct persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the text before us, Paul is emphasizing Jesus. Jesus is our one and only Savior who gave Himself as a ransom for us sinners. He is also our go-between with God the Father, our mediator.

While there are many who would find this claim to exclusivity to be troubling, we find it most comforting. Other supposed gods are different from Christ. In fact, they are the opposite. While every one of them requires their followers to earn that god’s favor, only Christ calls sinners to trust in Him and His gift of complete and unmerited  forgiveness.

Lord Jesus, thank You for ransoming my soul when You died on the cross. Thank You also for being my mediator with the Father. Open my eyes for opportunities to witness for You so that others may know the You are their only hope. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 22, 2017 - FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT

Day 295 - Jeremiah 7-8 & 1 Timothy 2

“Fight the good fight of faith. Take hold of eternal life to which you were called...” 
(1 Timothy 6:12 ESV)

Remaining faithful to Christ in our godless world can be a struggle. Paul encouraged the young pastor, Timothy, to fight the good fight of faith. You and I are encouraged to do the same,

The picture reminds of Moses and his good fight of faith. God granted victory as long as faithful Moses held up his hand.  But Moses needed the help of Aaron and Hur in order to remain faithful. 

So Joshua did as Moses told him, and fought with Amalek... Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands grew weary, so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it, while Aaron and Hur held up his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side. So his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. And Joshua overwhelmed Amalek and his people with the sword. (Exodus 17:10-13 ESV)

Who is your Aaron and Hur? 
Who is helping you to remain faithful? 
Who needs you to be an Aaron or Hur so that you can remain faithful?

Today the Lord wants to uphold your hands with His Word and with Holy Communion. In these treasures we find the faith-strengthening good news of Jesus’ sacrifice in payment for your sins. Talk about an uplifting message! 

Lord Jesus, thank You for holding up my hands so that I remain faithful  to You. And thank You for those around me whom You are using to bless me. May I be a blessing to others too.  Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 21, 2017 - CHIEF OF SINNERS

Day 294 - Jeremiah 5-6 & 1 Timothy 1

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15 KJV) 

1. Chief of sinners though I be,  Jesus shed His blood for me;
Died that I might live on high, Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine, I am His and He is mine.

2. Oh the height of Jesus' love!  Higher than the heav'ns above,
Deeper than the depths of sea, Lasting as eternity.
Love that found me -  wondrous thought!  Found me when I sought Him not.

3. Only Jesus can impart Balm to heal the wounded heart;
Peace that flows from sin forgiv'n, Joy that lifts the soul to heav'n;
Faith and hope to walk with God In the way that Enoch trod.

4. Chief of sinners though I be, Christ is all in all to me;
All my wants to Him are known, All my sorrows are His own.
He sustains the hidden life  Safe with Him from earthly strife.

O my Savior, help afford by Your Spirit and Your Word! When my wayward heart would stray, keep me in the narrow way; Grace in time of need supply while I live and when I die. Amen.
(“Chief of Sinners Though I Be,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #611)

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

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

October 20, 2017 - GOD WANTS YOU TO WORK

Day 293 - Jeremiah 3-4 & 2 Thessalonians 3

“If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” (2 Thessalonians 3:10b ESV) 


We have all seen individuals standing at the side of the road with signs similar to the one attached here. While we react with some degree of skepticism, the basic message is in line with our verse for today. Work is a godly thing, something God has designed for us  to engage in.

As you perhaps conclude another week of work this Friday, do so knowing that you are operating within the will of God. And remember to do your work to the glory of God and for the good of those around you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of work. Above all, thank You for the work of redemption that Jesus undertook on Calvary’s cross for me. May all that I do bring glory to You in thanksgiving for Jesus’ good work for me. 

Pastor David Paape

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

October 19, 2017 - DOING GOOD IN RESPONSE

Day 293 - Jeremiah 3-4 & 2 Thessalonians 3

“As for you, brothers, do not grow weary in doing good.” (2 Thessalonians 3:13 ESV) 

Do you ever get tired of doing good? This can happen, especially if others don’t appreciate what you are doing. Yet, doing what is right, obeying the golden rule, putting others first, obeying the Lord, is what God wants you to do.

In response to all that Jesus has done for you by paying for all of the times you have not done good, you get to thank Him by doing good for God and for others.

May we Thy precepts, Lord, fulfill
And do on earth our Father's will
As angels do above;
Still walk in Christ, the living way,
With all Thy children and obey
The law of Christian love.
(May We Thy Precepts, Lord, Fulfill, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #698)

Heavenly Father, thank you for granting me forgiveness and salvation through Jesus death and resurrection. Please help to respond to Your mercy and grace by never tiring of doing good to others in Your name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

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

October 18, 2017 - PEACE LIKE A RIVER

Day 291 - Isaiah 65-66 & 2 Thessalonians 1

“For thus says the Lord: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.” (Isaiah 66:1 ESV) 

The Lord gives us a most comforting and peaceful picture of heaven. “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river.”

While this peace will be complete and eternal in the presence of God, His angels, and all believers, we can have a divine measure of peace right now, here on earth.

1. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
    When sorrows like sea billows roll;
    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
    It is well, it is well with my soul.

(Refrain:) It is well (it is well),
                with my soul (with my soul),
                It is well, it is well with my soul.

2. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
    Let this blest assurance control,
    That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
    And hath shed His own blood for my soul. (Refrain)

3. My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
    My sin, not in part but the whole,
    Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,
    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! (Refrain)

4. And, Lord haste the day, when my faith shall be sight,
    The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
    The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
    Even so, it is well with my soul. (Refrain)
      (When Peace, Like a River, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #776)

Click this link to hear this comforting hymn:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHe_qmo3gX4

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of eternal peace. Please grant me peace here on earth as Your Spirit reminds me of the wondrous thought that I bear my sin no more because Your Son bore it for me on the cross. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 17, 2017 - WRAPPED UP IN GRACE

Day 290 - Isaiah 62-64 & 1 Thessalonians 5

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:28 ESV) 

Paul concludes his first letter to the Thessalonians the same way he began it, making this epistle “wrapped up in grace.”

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” (1 Thessalonians 1:1 ESV) 

What follows in between the first and last verses, is the good news of God’s undeserved blessings (grace) bestowed upon sinners like you and me. 

Lord God heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me, even though I do not deserve such divine kindness. Please continue to keep me wrapped up in Your grace and mercy for the rest of my life. In Jesus' saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 16, 2017 - HOPE-FILLED GRIEVING

Day 289 - Isaiah 59-61 & 1 Thessalonians 4

“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14 ESV) 

What comfort grieving Christians find in these words of Paul! It is ok to cry when we lose a loved one because we still have hope:
”that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.” 

We miss our loved one, but we also have the peace and comfort that comes from knowing that they are in heaven:
“For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.”

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your physical resurrection, and Your promise that all who trust in You for forgiveness will also rise again to eternal life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 15, 2017 - MAY THE LORD DIRECT YOU IN HIS WAY

Day 288 - Isaiah 55-58 & 1 Thessalonians 3

“Now may ... the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” (1 Thessalonians 3:12 ESV) 

Jesus says that He is the way, the truth and the life. So, what is His way? His way is the way of the cross, the way of sacrificial love. Paul is encouraging us to follow the loving way of our Savior: “increase and abound in love for one another and for all.”

The hymn writer expanded on Christ’s way of love when he wrote:

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.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #706 stanza 1) 

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrificial love. Please bless me with greater love for You and for 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

October 14, 2017 - THE HEART OF OUR FAITH

Day 287 - Isaiah 53-54 & 1 Thessalonians 2

“All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.” (Isaiah 53:6 ESV) 

What is the heart of the Christian faith? In the movie “Amazing Grace,” John Newton shared the answer with these words: “I’m a great sinner, and Christ is a great Savior.”

Isaiah had just proclaimed the reason Christ is our great Savior as he penned these words of prophecy:

“Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.” (vv.4-5) 

Every one of us is a sinner. We have failed to live up to God’s righteous expectations. We have disobeyed Him in thought, word and deed. We have all turned to our own way. We deserved to be stricken, smitten and afflicted for all eternity. INSTEAD, Jesus took our place and bore the load of our sin.

Heavenly Father, I, too, am a great sinner. Thank You for making Jesus my great Savior through His bitter suffering and death. Your grace is truly amazing. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

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

October 13, 2017 - PASTOR AND PEOPLE

Day 286 - Isaiah 50-51 & 1 Thessalonians 1

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Thessalonians 1:2-2 ESV)

Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica is very much a love letter, a love letter from a pastor to his people. He commends them for their faithfulness to the Lord, warns them about danger, and again celebrates their faithfulness. 

This sounds very much like what God does through His faithful pastors today. What a special bond exists between the one who brings the good news of Christ and those who receive it!

Of course, what is at the heart of the relationship between God’s people and their pastor is the One he points them to, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

May we continue to celebrate our oneness and closeness in Christ!

“Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to him, and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (Thessalonians 3:11-12 ESV) Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 12, 2017 - PROVISION AND PEACE FOR THE FAITHFUL

Day 285 - Isaiah 48-49 & Colossians 4

“21 They did not thirst when he led them through the deserts; he made water flow for them from the rock;    he split the rock and the water gushed out. 22 ‘There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.’” (Isaiah 48:21-22 ESV) 

Verse 21 reveals the provision and peace that God provided His people as He led them through their 40-year wilderness journey. Verse 22 shows the opposite for the wicked, those who reject Christ and remain in their sins.

Ultimate peace comes only from sins forgiven and eternal life with the Lord guaranteed. 

So which is it for you? NO JESUS or KNOW JESUS? Listen carefully in church, and you will hear of the peace that passes all understanding, peace that only Jesus can provide you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be my Savior. Grant that I may always know and believe in the Prince of Peace. In His saving name. Amen.

Pastor Dave Paape

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

October 11, 2017 - KEEP LOOKING UP

Day 284 - Isaiah 45-47 & Colossians 3

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (Colossians 3:2 ESV) 


Paul is encouraging us to keep focused on Christ, to keep looking up. The writer to the Hebrews directs our focus upward as well: “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 NIV)

And how does one go about “looking up?” Later in Colossians 3, Paul answers that question: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16 ESV) 

Heavenly Father, help me to set my mind on Jesus, my Savior. To this end, please grant me a hunger for Your Word and a desire to spend time reading the Bible. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 10, 2017 - DON’T BE DECEIVED

Day 283 - Isaiah 43-44 & Colossians 2

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2:8 ESV) 

No one wants to be deceived. No one wants to be led in the wrong direction. That’s why Paul wrote these words. He is warning us about listening to the lies of Satan that come to us in the form of human opinion. 

For us Christians, God’s Word is the guiding light that illuminates the truth of Christ Jesus: “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV) 

Heavenly Father, protect me from the deceptive thinking of this world. Please lead me in the way of truth through faith in Jesus, my Savior. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 9, 2017 - FEAR NOT, YOU ARE BAPTIZED

Day 282 - Isaiah 41-42 & Colossians 1

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1b ESV) 

“Fear not,” what a comforting word of encouragement from God the Creator! He who made it all, and knows it all, tells you not to be afraid.  

Look at the reason He tells you not to fear: “For I have redeemed you.” Christ the Redeemer has bought you back from sin, death and the devil.

When did He do this? It was on the day He “called you by name,” the day of your Baptism, when the Holy Spirit gave you faith and made you a child of God. 

Now, because God the Creator, Christ the Redeemer, and the Giver of faith (the Holy Spirit) have made this clear declaration, you can take comfort in His promise that “you are mine.” 

Heavenly Father, thank You for my Baptism and for the fact that You have redeemed me and made me Your own. Please keep me close to You forever.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

October 8, 2017 - WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

Day 281 - Isaiah 39-40 & Philippians 4

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” (Philippians 4:8 ESV) 

“What are you thinking?” Have you ever asked that question? Has anyone ever asked that of you? This question is asked of someone who has just done something foolish or dangerous.

Paul is telling Christians, who have been forgiven and are heading to heaven, to practice Christ-centered thinking. What a list he provides: 

TRUE
HONORABLE
JUST
PURE
LOVELY
COMMENDABLE
EXCELLENT
WORTHY OF PRAISE

Heavenly Father, help me to think in the way Paul has outlined. Above all, remind me that each of these words describes my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

“See: you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

October 7, 2017 - NOTHING OR EVERYTHING?

Day 280 - Isaiah 37-38 & Philippians 3

“But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” (Philippians 3:7-8 ESV) 

What’s greater than God,
worse than the devil,
poor people have it
rich people need it 
and if you eat it you will die?

This riddle is tied into the two verses from Philippians. Paul counts everything as loss, or NOTHING, because he had come to learn that when You have Christ you have everything.

What the world has to offer really is nothing compared to eternal life promised to all who believe in Christ!

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me everything in Christ Jesus. Please keep me from being tricked into relying on the nothingness of this world instead of Jesus. Amen.

"See" you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

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