Day 335- Ezekiel 45-46 & 2 Peter 3
“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed.” (2 Peter 3:9-10 ESV)
As time continues to go on, the inhabitants of our planet have an extremely difficult time believing in Judgment Day. The verses for today contain both a clear warning about the impending end of all we see around us, and a glimpse into the compassionate heart of God. While He is planning to expose the sins of all members of the human race, He fervently desires that all repent and turn to Him for salvation.
Peter then shares what should be your personal response to the impending end:
“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God!” (2 Peter 3:11-12a ESV)
Wake up and take seriously God’s call to repentance, and know the peace that flows from a soul made pure in the blood of the Lamb.
Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me and calling me to the holiness and godliness that comes from repentance and absolution. Lord Jesus, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good as I keep my eyes focused on You in these last days. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 334- Ezekiel 43-44 & 2 Peter 2
“For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them. What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” (2 Peter 2:21-22 ESV)
The picture, as well as the verse, don’t seem to fit with the beginning of Advent (this coming Sunday). Yet this is a crucial reminder of the importance of being prepared for Christ’s Second Advent, His coming on Judgement Day. I often remind the children to: Always, always, always, always, always, always, stay close to your Jesus.
The picture of the sow wallowing in the mire is meant to wake you up. Don’t go back to the mire!
Instead, go to church this Advent and Christmas season. Hear what the Lord wants to teach you. Hear His Word calling you to repent and His declaration of forgiveness. “Run” to the altar to receive Christ’s precious body and blood given and shed for you!
Heavenly Father, please keep me out of the mire by keeping me close to You. Feed me with Your precious Word and Sacraments and strengthen my faith. 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 333- Ezekiel 41-42 & 2 Peter 1
“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.” (2 Peter 1:16 ESV)
Peter is referring to the fact that what he and the other apostles recorded about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus were facts. This means that Christianity is not the product of man’s imagination, not merely a series of myths. They were reporting what they saw with their own eyes.
While we are not eye witnesses of Jesus’ 33 years on this earth, we are “faith witnesses” of the truths of Christianity. We see Jesus clearly through eyes of faith.
There is a time when we are in the physical presence of Jesus. When you kneel at the Communion table, you are receiving the true body and blood of the Savior given and shed for you.
Heavenly Father, thank You for opening my eyes to see Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Remind me of His presence in my daily life, especially when I am faced with challenges and difficulties. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 332- Ezekiel 40 & I Peter 5
Cast “all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (
1 Peter 5:7 ESV)
Everyone can find something to worry about from time to time. How about you? How do you handle those anxious moments?
Peter’s advice to turn your worries over to God. And this makes lots of sense. Since He has taken care of your biggest worry by promising you eternal life, He certainly can help you through whatever challenges you may face in this life!
Yes, God really does care for you.
So don’t worry.
Simply trust in Jesus, your Savior,
and be at peace no matter what your circumstances may be.
Heavenly Father, I cast all my cares on You, because are my only hope and my only Savior. Please keep me close to, and surrounded by Your peace no matter what life may throw at me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 331- Ezekiel 38-39 & I Peter 4
“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)
How are your investments? What kind of retirement will you have? Do you expect to receive an inheritance? These verses from Peter assure the child of God that the spiritual answers to these questions are all in the affirmative.
In Christ, you do have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” because of Christ’s resurrection!
Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal inheritance You have waiting for me because of the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live this day in Easter hope, joy and anticipation. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 330- Ezekiel 36-37 & I Peter 3
“You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people and I will be your God.” (Ezekiel 36:28 ESV)
In promising to graciously return His people to their homeland, God assured them of this most important fact, “you shall be my people and I will be your God.”
Those words are also God’s baptismal promise to you. Just think of it. On the day the Lord came into your life, He made you His precious child, a child of almighty God!
For Israel, God’s promise meant restoration and the return to the promised land. For us, God’s promise means that we sinners have been reconciled to our holy God and that the eternal promised land of heaven is ours.
Here is another way to express God’s promise: Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are gathered around His cross and... You are a precious, blood-bought, baptized, forgiven, heaven-bound, gifted child of God!
Thank You, heavenly Father, for reconciling me to Yourself through the death of Your Son, Jesus. May my daily life reflect the fact that I am Your child and You are my God. 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 329- Ezekiel 34-35 & I Peter 2
"For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21 ESV)
1. 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.
2. Let us suffer here with Jesus,
And with patience bear our cross.
Joy will follow all our sadness;
Where He is, there is no loss,
Though today we sow no laughter,
We shall reap celestial joy;
And discomforts that annoy
Shall give way to mirth here after.
Jesus, here I share Your woe;
Help me there Your joy to know.
(Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685)
Holy Spirit, please keep my eyes focused on Jesus so that I can follow in His steps. Heaven Father, please forgive me when I don’t. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that cleanses me from all sin. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 328- Ezekiel 32-33 & I Peter 1
"Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.” (1 Peter 5:8-9a ESV)
Ever since he tricked mankind into falling into sin in the garden of Eden, the devil has been stalking us. Peter describes him as a roaring lion ready to devour us. This is an accurate picture. His goal has not changed in over 6,000 years. He wants to deceive people into rebelling against God and becoming condemned to eternal damnation.
But there is hope . . . in Christ!
In Christ we can resist the devil.
In Christ we can be firm in the faith.
In Christ we can endure the predicted persecution of the end times.
More specifically, in Christ there is forgiveness of sins, freedom from the guilt of sin. In Christ there is also freedom from the power of sin. In Christ the devil has become a toothless and powerless foe who can only roar in an attempt to make us fearfully run from God. In Christ, our response to the roaring is, “What lion?”
Heavenly Father, thank You that, in Christ, You have given me all I need to fend off the devil, the world and my flesh. Please keep me strong in my faith in Christ so that I may remain Your child today, tomorrow and forever. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
A HOSPITABLE THANKSGIVING
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9 ESV)
Today is Thanksgiving Day, a day for turkey, a day for football, and a day for family. Even though Thanksgiving has the potential of being a special day filled with warmth and kindness, for many it can be just the opposite. For a variety of negative reasons (excuses), families endure friction and dysfunction. This is true for individual families as well as the entire family of man.
Peter’s words are fitting encouragement for this day, and everyday. Practice hospitality, the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers, AND family too. And do it without complaining!
Paul gives us similar encouragement: “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10 ESV)
Heavenly Father, on this Thanksgiving Day, I thank You for my family and all other blessings You have granted to me. Above all, I thank You for Jesus my Savior. Please help me to be hospitable to everyone, so that they will see You in me. Amen.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving Day!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 326 - Ezekiel 27-28 & James 4
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— 14 yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” (James 4:13-15 ESV)
It is good to plan ahead. However, we need to remember that we may have our ideas of what tomorrow will bring, but only God really knows what will happen. James makes the point by reminding us that our lives are extremely brief, like a morning mist on a Wisconsin lake.
Jesus got very specific as He attempted to wake up a rich young man who was planning to enjoy his accumulated wealth. “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20 ESV)
A sign on a barn on US 41 heading toward Fond du Lac used to remind us that: “MAN PROPOSES, GOD DISPOSES.”
Let’s remember Who is in charge, and trust Him completely. After all, since we can trust Him for forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, we can certainly trust Him for the time we have on this earth.
Heavenly Father, help me to trust You for all of my tomorrows. Above all, I thank You for guaranteeing my eternal tomorrow through Jesus Christ, my Savior. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 325 - Ezekiel 24-26 & James 3
“How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell... but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (James 3:5-10 ESV)
Over 20 years I ago I shared a Sunday message based on a text similar to this section from James. On their way home from church that morning, one of our moms asked her five year old son, “What did the pastor say this morning?” His answer was priceless: “I should keep my mouth shut.”
Have there ever been times when you could not believe what came out of your mouth? James is telling us that our words are too often not pleasing to God. Wishing others God’s blessings is surely God-pleasing. But too often, we do just the opposite.
Thank God that Jesus came to pay for all of our sins, including the sin of unholy talk and untamed tongues. And thank God for the example of Jesus. “When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:23 ESV)
Lord Jesus, please help me to follow Your lead and keep my mouth shut when my silence would be golden. At the same time, I ask You to give me the courage to open my mouth when I have the opportunity to share You with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 324 - Ezekiel 22-23 & James 2
“For whoever keeps the whole law but fails in one point has become accountable for all of it.” (James 2:10 ESV)
People have a tendency to excuse their sinful activities by comparing themselves to “big” sinners (murders, rapists, drunk drivers and bank robbers). James reminds us that all sin is rebellion against God, and results in each one of us being judged 100% guilty. YOU AND I ARE LAW BREAKERS.
The good news is that there is hope for us. It comes from the One who kept God’s entire Law perfectly. Jesus was 100% innocent, yet He suffered as one who was 100% guilty when He died on Calvary’s cross for us. And now anyone who trusts in Him for forgiveness is also declared 100% innocent and fit for heaven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for You amazing plan to change me from 100% guilty to 100% innocent. Please remind me to humbly admit my guilt and trust in Your gift of forgiveness every day. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 323 - Ezekiel 20-21 & James 1
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5 ESV)
Many people think that they are pretty smart. However, if they are living their lives without God, they are actually foolish.
James encourages us to ask God for wisdom. And what will He give you? The wisdom He gives leads you to look to Jesus, and Jesus alone, for hope and peace. Godly wisdom is found in putting God first and trusting in His gift of forgiveness and heaven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the wisdom to believe in Jesus as my one and only Savior and Lord. 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 322 - Ezekiel 17-19 Hebrews 13
“Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?” (Ezekiel 18:23 ESV)
There are people who look at all of the evil in the world, and decide that they want nothing to do with a God would allow it to continue. There are others, sometimes the same ones, who reject the idea of a God who would sentence unbelieving sinners to hell. The tragic thing is that they have never looked into the heart of God.
Ezekiel gives us a glimpse into God’s heart in today’s verse. God doesn’t want sinners to die without Jesus. His great desire is for sinners, like you and me, to repent of our sins and live with Him eternally. In other words, God wants us to turn from living for ourselves to living for Him by trusting in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus in order to make it possible for me to turn away from myself and live with You. May the Holy Spirit continue His work of turning me to You for the rest of my life. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 321 - Ezekiel 16 Hebrews 12
“You bear the penalty of your lewdness and your abominations, declares the Lord.” (Ezekiel 16:58 ESV)
“In a long allegorical satire, Ezekiel equates idolatry with adultery. The underlying theme is one of base ingratitude. Forgetting God’s unmerited gratitude, Jerusalem chases after the favors of idolatrous nations. God has no alternative but to punish her severely. If the Lord can restore someone who has fallen as far as Jerusalem, He can restore anyone. His grace is broad enough to cover even your greatest sin.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1334)
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! REFRAIN
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
(“Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” Lutheran Service Book #809 stanza 3)
Heavenly Father, as You forgave Jerusalem, even so forgive me. At the same time, preserve my faith when I must endure the consequences of my sin. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 320 - Ezekiel 13-15 & Hebrews 11:20-40
“Precisely because they have misled my people, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace...” (Hebrews 13:10 ESV)
Ezekiel is warning God’s people against false prophets who proclaim peace when there is no peace.
The truth is precisely the way C.S. Lewis put it:
“God cannot give us happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”
Here is another way to look at peace:
“No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace.”
Jesus offers real peace to all who trust in Him:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)
Lord Jesus, please fill me with Your everlasting peace that comes from trusting You for forgiveness and everything. Amen.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 319 - Ezekiel 10-12 & Hebrews 11:1-19
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1a ESV)
What the unbelieving world needs to see in followers of Jesus is vibrant faith. Our verse for today reminds us of the assurance and conviction that we have in Jesus.
● He did innocently die on the cross in payment for our sins.
● Sinners who sincerely repent and have faith in Jesus are forgiven.
● Because Jesus rose from the dead, we too will rise to eternal life.
When doubt and uncertainty arise, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we need to doubt our doubts and believe, believe, believe.
Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me saving faith in Jesus, my Savior. May He keep my faith strong and certain. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 318 - Ezekiel 7-9 & Hebrews 10:24-39
“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:24-25 ESV)
The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that the Day is drawing near. Judgement Day is coming soon. His advice is that we spend our remaining time encouraging, or stirring up one another to love and good works.
Such love and good works have to flow from a close relationship with God, hence he calls to “not neglect to meet together, as is the habit of some.” When God comes to us in worship, He strengthens our faith and prepares for lives of faithful service.
Almighty God, may I find in the cross of my Savior, Jesus, the motivation to live a life of love and good works, all to Your glory. Please grant me a strong desire to meet with my brothers and sisters in Your house on a weekly basis, so that You can feed my soul with Your precious Word and Sacraments. As You encourage me, may I also encourage others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 317 - Ezekiel 4-6 & Hebrews 10:1-23
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)
Life can get tough. There are so many negative distractions that can drain us of hope. Perhaps the writer to the Hebrews was aware of these challenges to faith, so he encouraged his hearers:
● Keep the faith.
● Don’t loose hope.
● Don’t give up on Jesus.
● Remember that God always keeps His promises.
● Look for God’s faithfulness.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
(Great is Thy Faithfulness, The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 809)
Almighty God, when life gets difficult, please keep me faithful and full of hope as I remember Your faithfulness to sinners like me. In Jesus' saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 317 - Ezekiel 4-6 & Hebrews 10:1-23
“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)
The Old Testament sacrificial system that required the blood sacrifice of animals, pointed to shedding of Christ’s blood as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Do you understand what this means for you personally?
“The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7b ESV)
1. Not all the blood of beasts
On Jewish altars slain
Could give the guilty conscience peace
Or wash away the stain.
2. But Christ, the heav'nly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away;
A sacrifice of nobler name
And richer blood than they.
5. Believing, we rejoice
To see the curse remove;
We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice
And sing His bleeding love.
(Not All the Blood of Beasts, The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 431)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for shedding Your blood in payment for my sins. Bless my regular reception of Your body and Your blood in remembrance of Your sacrifice. 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 315 - Lamentations 3-5 & Hebrews 5
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)
In the middle of his lamentations over the catastrophic results of his people’s rebellion and unfaithfulness, Jeremiah proclaims God’s faithfulness. Remember his words when you face the catastrophes of 21st century life. In spite of your sin...
• God sent His only Son to the cross for your forgiveness.
• His mercy is new for you every morning.
• God’s love for you never ends.
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! REFRAIN
Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
(The Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 809)
Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness in pardoning my sin. Help me to see Your mercies every day, starting today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Celebrate God’s faithfulness tomorrow as you attend church.
Pastor Dave Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 314 - Lamentations 1-2 & Hebrews 7
“If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples.” (John 8:31 ESV)
Martin Luther, the major leader of the Reformation, was born on November 10, 1483. Few knew that the little baby baptized the next day would turn the world upside by pointing lost sinners to Jesus. How did the Lord work through Luther? The same way that He wants to work through you and me, by means of His Word, the Bible!
The graphic on this page depicts Luther standing before the great powers of his day, the emperor and representatives of the pope. He was able to make such a bold stand because He was totally convinced of the truthfulness and authority of the Bible.
Jesus encouraged Luther and you and me to abide in His word. How do we do this?
● Read the Bible every day.
● Attend church every week.
● Live the truth of God’s Word every second.
Heavenly Father, thank You the example all who, like Luther, courageously and faithfully stand up for you even in the face of great opposition. Please help to keep You word in my every day living too. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 313 - Jeremiah 51-52 & Hebrews 6
“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV)
The writer of Hebrews continues the high priest theme in chapter 8. He reminds us that since Jesus, our high priest, was the last and fulfilling sacrifice, we have the hope of forgiveness and heaven.
The reference to “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,” shows us that this hope is not the kind of hope we have for our favorite football team to win. Instead, the hope that anchors our souls is a sure confidence in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”
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 Build on Nothing Less, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #575)
Heavenly Father, thank You the gift of Jesus, the anchor for my soul. Please keep me anchored in Him for the rest of my life so that I may spend eternity in the safe harbor of heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 312 - Jeremiah 49-50 & Hebrews 5
“So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’” (Hebrews 5:5-6 ESV)
The role of the Old Testament high priest was to intercede for the people, offer sacrifices for their sins, and proclaim the Word and will of God.
Jesus came to be our Prophet, Priest and King. Our verses for today refer to His role as Priest. As our perfect High Priest...
● Jesus intercedes with God the Father on behalf of us sinners. In fact, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the only intercessors the Bible identifies.
● Jesus sacrificed Himself in payment for our sins by dying on the cross in our place.
● Jesus, who is the Word, proclaimed the Word and will of His Father perfectly!
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be my high priest. Thank You for His intercession, His sacrifice, and His word of comfort and direction! Lord Jesus, please continue to intercede for me. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
November 7, 2017 - Day 311 - Jeremiah 46-48 & Hebrews 4
THE TWO-EDGED SWORD
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV)
The sword was a common weapon in The Bible. The Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Greek words for sword refer to both swords and daggers. Some were short, others were long, some were straight, others were curved, but regardless of their differences, they were always very deadly at close range.
In our verse for today, God’s Word, the Bible, is called a double-edged sword. Double-edged swords were useful for both offense and defense. What we find in the Bible are two basic messages, Law and Gospel. Both messages touch our souls and spirits. God uses the Law to wake us up to our sinful and lost condition. He then uses the Gospel to pick us up with the good news that Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. The hymn writer beautifully lays out both sides in this stanza:
The Law reveals the guilt of sin
And makes us conscience-stricken;
But then the Gospel enters in
The sinful soul to quicken.
Come to the cross, trust Christ, and live;
The Law no peace can ever give,
No comfort and no blessing.
(Salvation unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #555 stanza 8)
Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible, Your spiritual sword that directs me to repent and believe, and then motivates me to live. Give me a hunger for Your word, that I may daily read, mark, learn and inwardly digest this precious gift. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 310 - Jeremiah 43-45 & Hebrews 3
“For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4 ESV)
When it comes to the origin of the world, many Bible doubters say that God didn’t create the world by the power of His word. However, we do believe what the Bible has to say:
“The builder of all things is God.”
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
We Christians take great comfort in the fact that we are not the result of random happenstance. Instead, we are part of God’s plan.
1. Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is your health and salvation!
Let all who hear Now to his temple draw near,
Joining in glad adoration!
"Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006 #790 (1)
Lord Jesus, thank You for creating the world and everything and everyone in it. Help us to always remember that You, the King of creation, are in charge of everything. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
