Day 60 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 42, Psalms 56, Matthew 26:1-16 )
Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?” And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him. (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV)
What will you give me for Jesus? What a horrid thought! What a treacherous question! Judas, what a scoundrel!
You and I would never ask that question, not for anything. But wait, that is exactly what sin is – trading loyalty to Jesus for ...
wealth
possessions
fame
power
control
hatred
fear
greed
pride
lewdness
immorality
self-centeredness
unbelief
How does Jesus respond when we sell him out? We find the answer in Paul’s second letter to Timothy.
The saying is trustworthy, for: 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 EV)
Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for being faithful to me even when, by virtue of my sin, I have not been faithful to You. Thank You for not turning Your back on me when I have sold you out to my sinful inclinations. Please continue to shower me with Your amazing grace, forgiving my sins and promising me what I do not deserve--heaven. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 59 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 41:41-57; Psalm 55; Matthew 25:31-46)
PLAN AHEAD
53 The seven years of plenty that occurred in the land of Egypt came to an end, 54 and the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. There was famine in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 When all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.”
56 So when the famine had spread over all the land, Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians, for the famine was severe in the land of Egypt. 57 Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth. (Genesis 41:53-57 ESV)
“Your failure to plan is not my emergency.” So said the mother when her 4th grader informed her, at 8:30 pm, that his science project is due tomorrow, and he needs some supplies.
Joseph’s interpretation of Pharaoh’s dream, and his subsequent appointment as “food czar,” allowed him to guide Egypt in planning for the impending famine. However, many others were caught off guard, causing them to turn to Egypt and Joseph. Moreover, all the earth came to Egypt to Joseph to buy grain, because the famine was severe over all the earth.
God had blessed Joseph with knowledge of the coming drought and with the wisdom to deal with it in a manner that blessed countless souls.
In a similar way, God has blessed us with knowledge, not of a mere seven-year drought, but with the warning of the imminent doom of hell that awaits unrepentant and unbelieving sinners at the end of their lives.
Like Joseph, we need to prepare. And we do this by simply repenting of our sins and believing in Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me of eternal damnation. Please keep me in the faith, trusting in my Jesus for forgiveness and heaven. Help me to be faithful in worship. Strengthen my faith as I regularly receive Christ’s body and blood in Holy Communion. And make me hungry for the blessings You have for me in the Bible. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 58 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 41:1-40; Psalm 54; Matthew 25:14-30)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour. (Matthew 25:1-13 ESV)
The motto of the Boy Scouts is “Be prepared.” And that is what Jesus is saying to us in chapter 25. The children of St. Paul’s are often reminded to always, always, always, always, always stay close to your Jesus. By staying close to Jesus you will be prepared for the return of Jesus, the bridegroom, when He comes to usher you into the eternal marriage feast of heaven. And how do you go about staying close to Jesus?
● Daily prayer, Bible reading and meditation.
● Daily confession and repentance.
● Weekly hearing of the words – “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
● Weekly fellowship in God’s house where His Word is heard.
● Weekly visits to the Communion table.
● Departing from God’s house in peace to serve the Lord.
Heavenly Father, please help me, in the midst of all of the distractions of life, to be prepared for the return of Your Son. Yes, keep me prepared as You feed my soul with Your means of grace. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 57 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 40; Psalm 53; Matthew 24:36-25:13)
“But concerning that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father only... Therefore, stay awake, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. (Matthew 24:36-44 ESV)
Jesus is warning us to be ready, to be prepared for our last day. His words pack an even greater impact when he emphasizes that not even He knows when the end of time will come. o much for those who make predictions of an actual date.
I know of a strong believer in Jesus who has the “blessing” of knowing that the end is near. Such is the nature of a terminal illness and the blessing of faith.
Whether your death looks imminent or not, how can you be ready? Listen to and heed Jesus’ words:
“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” (Mark 1:15 ESV)
So, take these words with you today:
1. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Trusting only Thee;
Trusting Thee for full salvation, Great and free.
2. I am trusting Thee for pardon; At Thy feet I bow,
For Thy grace and tender mercy Trusting now.
(I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729)
Heavenly Father, make me ready for whatever day You have chosen to be my last day. Help me to repent and believe in Jesus as my Savior and Lord. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 56 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 38:13-30; Psalm 51; Matthew 24:3-14)
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers,[f] you did it to me.’ (Matthew 25:34-40 ESV)
Who inherits the kingdom of heaven? Jesus teaches us that saving faith shows itself in service to God that takes the form of feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, welcoming the stranger and visiting those who are ill or in prison. In other words, we serve Jesus by helping people in need.
Helping people (mothers and their babies) is exactly what we have done for the past 25 years through A Place of Refuge. I thank God for His blessings, especially for all of the people He has moved to be part of this ministry for the past quarter century!
Heavenly Father, Lord of Life, thank You for the many blessings You have abundantly showered upon A Place of Refuge for the past 25 years. Please continue to bless this ministry, and all of us, as we attempt to serve You by serving others! Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 55 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 38:13-30; Psalm 51; Matthew 24:3-14)
“Be faithful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by.” (Psalm 57:1 ESV)
“David turns to God for help. Chased by Saul, his king and father-in-law, David flees for his life and hides in a cave to avoid discovery. He confidently asks God for deliverance and praises God for rescuing him even before it happens (cf 2 Samuel 22). We often pray with uncertainty and hesitation, doubting God’s love and interest in our lives. Trusting in Jesus, we have confidence that God listens to us as a loving father listens to his beloved children.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 902)
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.” (1 John 5:14 ESV)
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.
(O Lord, Hear My Prayer, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #780)
Heavenly Father, please grant me the confidence of David when I pray to You. Please lead me through whatever challenges the day may bring. In Jesus’ saving name I pray. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 54 - (Today’s Bible readings: Psalm 50; Matthew 23:37-24:2)
Have you ever heard these words before? Perhaps you shared them yourself. They are meant to show our care and concern for another person with some sort of need. What comforting words God has for us sinners who so often find ourselves in trouble:
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
Just think of it. When you get in a jam, God Himself is on call for you! You don’t have to go through an endless series of phone prompts. You don’t have to be frustrated by being put on hold. God simply says: When the going gets rough, just give Me a call.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
(What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #770 vs 2)
Lord, I have many earthly needs that I bring before You today. Please grant them according to Your will. But I have far greater needs. Please grant the needs of my soul (forgiveness, peace, and heaven) as I repent of my sin and seek Your strength for the day. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 53 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 37:13-36; Psalm 49; Matthew 23:23-36)
Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt... (Genesis 37:28 ESV)
Joseph’s brothers, filled with jealousy and hatred, attack Joseph, strip him if his coat of many colors, through him in a well, and finally spare his life by selling him into slavery. Talk about being betrayed by those closest to him! Yet through all of this and what was still in store for him, Joseph remained faithful.
What would you do if you found yourself betrayed by those closest to you? Jesus warns that this could be a possibility:
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:21-22 ESV)
These prophetic words sound like what Joseph endured hundreds of years before Jesus spoke them. Jesus meant them to prepare His followers, including you and me, for the persecution Christians are apt to face. The key is to remain faithful, trusting that the Lord does have a plan for our lives now and in eternity
Joseph would not see his brothers again until he had been led by the Lord to achieve the honor of serving as second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt. He would comfort his apprehensive brothers with these words:
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive... (Genesis 5:;20 ESV)
Like Joseph, you may one day experience betrayal. But, also like Joseph, remain faithful to God, and He will lead and guide and bless you in a way that is best for you.
Heavenly Father, thank You this account of Your faithfulness to Joseph even though he had been betrayed by his brothers. I pray that You would protect me from betrayal. However, if I ever find myself betrayed, please keep me faithful to You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 52 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 37:1-12; Psalm 48; Matthew 23:1-22)
5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. (Genesis 37:5-8 ESV)
God is planning to save His chosen people be providing them a safe haven from a severe drought by leading them to the land of Egypt. The plan begins with Joseph’s dream of his future role in that plan, a role in which his brothers will bow to him.
A key ingredient in this story playing out according to plan is the faithfulness of Joseph. In this initial episode we find Joseph faithfully revealing his dream to his brothers. Their hate-filled response will lead to his being sold into slavery and a test of his faithfulness.
Our takeaway from this account today is simply this: Trust the Lord to lead you through the adversity of the day, firmly believing that God has a plan for your life too. Above all, trust the Lord to keep His promise to grant you forgiveness and the eternal gift of heaven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for having a plan for my life. Please make me faithful like Joseph even though I may not understand what is going on around me. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 51 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 36:10-43; Psalm 47; Matthew 22:34-46)
35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39 Ps ESV)
Do you love God?..... Really?.... He commands and demands that we love Him completely. And then He gives us the big test and perhaps the toughest command of all. Love others just like you love yourself. While this is difficult for the imperfect person we each see looking back at us in the mirror, love for others is perfectly reflected in Jesus’ earthly life.
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,
With tender mercy cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share.
Yea, heav’n itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
And should my heart for sorrow break,
My trust in Thee can nothing shake.
Thou art the portion I have sought;
Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord,
Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.
(Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #708 stanza 1)
Dear heavenly Father, You have sent Christ to be our perfect example of how You want us to live and love. May the Holy Spirit lead me to better love You and to do the same for those around me. Amen.
Look for opportunities to love God by loving others today.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 50 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 35:16-36:9; Psalm 46; Matthew 22:15-33)
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)
What are you facing this week... joy, sadness, fear, loss, success, pain, sorrow?
Last November, I took today’s video clip while visiting the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach Germany. Psalm 46 always reminds me of this historic site where Martin Luther was held in protective custody in 1521.
We all need a refuge from the storms that come in life. And almighty God is just that refuge. He is our very present help in trouble, whatever kind of trouble that might be.
1. 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.
2. 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.
Heavenly Father, thank You for driving all fear away by being my mighty fortress. Please keep me faithful to You this week and always. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 49 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 35:1-15; Psalm 45; Matthew 21:44-22:14)
“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14 ESV)
The Lord has just described those who refused to repent and believe in Him. They were invited, but they refused to come to Him.
And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. (Matthew 22:1-3 ESV)
Among those who eventually attend the wedding banquet, which is a Biblical picture of heaven, is a man not wearing the right clothes or wedding garment. This is a reference to a person who is not baptized and therefore is without faith in the Savior.
With or without faith is the only thing that will matter on our last day. Those with faith in Jesus as their Savior from sin, death and the devil with be welcomed to the eternal wedding feast in heaven. Those without faith will spend eternity in the our darkness of hell’s everlasting suffering.
The good news, fellow believer, is that your faith is the proof that God has chosen you to be His guest at the eternal wedding feast. And what about those who do not believe? There is good news for them too – THERE STILL IS TIME TO REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS!
Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me to be Your guest in heaven. Please use me to extend Your gracious invitation to others so that they too can joy in that everlasting celebration. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 48 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 34; Psalm 44; Matthew 21:28-44)
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:28-31 ESV)
Jesus, the consummate teacher, is using one of His favorite teaching methods, the parable. Which son are you like?
This earthly story is very easy to understand, especially if you are a parent. It is not uncommon for our children to say that they will do what we expect them to do, only to never seem to get around to it. How precious are the rare occasions when the child refused to obey, but later relents and carries out what you had wanted him or her to do in the first place. Obviously, you are pleased with the obedient one, regardless of what the first response may have been.
The spiritual meaning is one that we church people need to listen to carefully. It is too easy to become complacent, to foolishly take comfort in having our names on a church membership roster, or relying on our feeble accomplishments to get us into heaven. The reality is that God is calling repentant sinners and not self-righteous pharisees.
The purpose of the parable is a call us to genuine Christianity, and that means faith in Christ and repentance of sin.
♬ Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse
The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?
A fountain is opened; how can you refuse
To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood?
(Delay Not, Delay Not, o Sinner, Draw Near, The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH, 1941, #349, stanza 5)
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit work genuine faith in me that is revealed in heartfelt repentance. May I never forget how desperately I need Your unmerited forgiveness. May I show my thankfulness by living the rest of my life for You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 47 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 33; Psalm 43; Matthew 21:18-27)
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. (Psalm 43:5 ESV)
Have you ever found yourself in turmoil on the inside, like David did? You are not alone. Inner turmoil and discontent come to most people at some time, especially when we are honest about our failures, our inconsistencies, and our disobedience to God’s will.
David’s answer to inner turmoil is to look to God. We get to do the same as we sinners trust in Jesus for forgiveness, peace and contentment. And Christ-centered hope leads us to praise Him for our salvation.
My hope is built 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.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me hope in the middle of turmoil. May I spend the rest of my life praising You as I share Your hope with others. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 46 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 32; Psalm 42; Matthew 21:1-17)
As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. (Psalm 42:1-2 ESV)
What a wonderful gift God gave David! The repentant and forgiven sinner was given a deep desire to be as close to His Savior as possible.
Do you have a deep desire to be as close as possible to God?
● Read and meditate on His Word.
● Worship Him faithfully each week.
● Attend midweek Lenten services.
● Spend some time in daily devotions.
● Remember what Jesus did for you on Mt. Calvary.
Lord, thank You for my salvation. Like David, may I thirst for Your presence in my life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 45 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ash Wednesday Joel 2:12-19; Psalm 51; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6)
ASH WEDNESDAY
May the words of Psalm 51 help you prepare for worship this Ash Wednesday as we gather in our churches to begin the annual journey of Lent:
1 Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your steadfast love;
according to your abundant mercy
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
and cleanse me from my sin!
3 For I know my transgressions,
and my sin is ever before me.
4 Against you, you only, have I sinned
and done what is evil in your sight,
so that you may be justified in your words
and blameless in your judgment.
5 Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity,
and in sin did my mother conceive me.
6 Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being,
and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart.
7 Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
8 Let me hear joy and gladness;
let the bones that you have broken rejoice.
9 Hide your face from my sins,
and blot out all my iniquities.
10 Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
11 Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation,
and uphold me with a willing spirit.
13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways,
and sinners will return to you.
14 Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God,
O God of my salvation,
and my tongue will sing aloud of your righteousness.
15 O Lord, open my lips,
and my mouth will declare your praise.
16 For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table today (10:30 am and 7 pm at St. Paul’s).
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 44 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 31:25-55; Psalm 41; Matthew 20:17-34)
But Jesus called them to him and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25-28 ESV)
One of the best tools the devil uses to divide people and set them at odds with one another is the sin of pride. Would you rather be a waiter or be waited on? Would you rather make breakfast for your family, or have your spouse bring you breakfast in bed?
Jesus is clearly teaching us in this section that we are called to serve and not to be served. The picture gets at the heart of our problem. We think that it is all about us!
However, “the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus lived what He is talking about. Actually He died what He is talking about. How can you and I presume to have it any better than Jesus? In fact, what Jesus is teaching us is the secret to real joy and purpose in our lives on this earth. We GET to serve Jesus by serving the needs of others. May the Lord bless you as you joyfully find ways to lend someone else a helping hand in Jesus’ name.
Lord Jesus, as I remember Your death for me on Calvary’s cross, may I be led to remember that life is not about me and my comfort. Instead, grant me the joy of serving You by serving others. In Your merciful and saving name, O Lord. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow (Ash Wednesday... 10:30 am and 7 pm at St. Paul’s).
Pastor David Paape
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
