April 1, 2018 - FACT - CHRIST IS RISEN!

Day 91 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 15:1–11; Psalm 118; 1 Corinthians 5:6–8; John 20:1–18)

“16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins... 19 If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.
20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Corinthians 15:16-22 ESV) 

Today is both Easter Sunday and April Fools’ Day. The truth is that the real fool is the one who does not believe that CHRIST IS RISEN!

I know that my Redeemer lives; 
What comfort this sweet sentence gives!
He lives, He lives, who once was dead;  
He lives, my ever-living head.

He lives, all glory to His name!  
He lives, my Jesus, still the same.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives, 
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"
(I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #461 stanzas 1+8)

Almighty God, my Heavenly Father, I thank You and praise You for raising Jesus from the dead and thereby proving that His death has paid for my sin and guarantees my life forever with You! As I sing Your praise and remember Your story this day, remind me to share it this week with others who also desperately need my risen Savior. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this Easter 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!

March 31, 2018 - WHAT REALLY HAPPENED YESTERDAY?

Day 90 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 15:22–16:16; Psalm 82; Romans 11:25–36)

4 Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 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.
6 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 53:4-6 ESV)

On this Holy Saturday, the day Jesus lay in the tomb, it is good to ask ourselves what really happened yesterday, on Good Friday? The answer is simple: Jesus did it all FOR YOU.

● Jesus carried your griefs and sorrows to the cross.
● Jesus was pierced and crushed for your sins.
● His chastisement purchased your peace with His heavenly Father.
● His wounds (bitter suffering and death) have healed your souls and made you fit for heaven.
● All of the sins of all people of all time (including yours) were laid on Jesus.

O sacred Head, now wounded,
With grief and shame bowed down,
Now scornfully surrounded
With thorns, Thine only crown.
O sacred Head, what glory,
What bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory,
I joy to call Thee mine.
(“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded,” Lutheran Service Book #450)

Lord Jesus, on this Holy Saturday, I thank You for what You accomplished on my behalf yesterday. Amen. 

“See” you in church on Easter Sunday!

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!

March 30, 2018 - ONE FINAL SACRIFICE

Day 89 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Hebrews 4:14–16, 5:7-9; John 19:17-30)

And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. (Matthew 27:50-51 ESV)

This is Good Friday, the day that Jesus died on the cross in payment for our sins. Matthew records what happened at that moment. There was an earthquake. But even more earthshaking was what happened in the temple.

The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. 

This was a graphic message for Israel. No longer was the curtain necessary. Its purpose was to separate the people from the Holy of Holies where the High Priest would sacrifice for the sins of the people by sprinkling the blood of animals on the Ark of the Covenant. The death of Jesus was the sacrifice to which all of the centuries of animal sacrifices pointed. The hymn writer put it this way:

Not all the blood of beasts
On Jewish altars slain
Could give the guilty conscience peace
Or wash away the stain.

But Christ, the heav'nly Lamb,
Takes all our sins away;
A sacrifice of nobler name
And richer blood than they.
(“Not All the Blood of Beasts,”  Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, # 431, vv 1-2)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for shedding Your blood in payment for my sins. Amen. 

“See” you at the Communion rail 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!

March 29, 2018 - A FORETASTE OF THE FEAST TO COME

Day 88 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 24:3–11; Psalm 116; 1 Corinthians. 10:16–17; Mark 14:12–26)

And as they were eating, he took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to them, and said, “Take; this is my body.” And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it. And he said to them, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many. Truly, I say to you, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” (Mark 14:12-25 ESV)

Today is Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus instituted the Sacrament of the Altar, the Lord’s Supper. What a blessing this gift is to God’s people! 

A perfect prayer for those receiving these precious gifts is this: “Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood be for my soul the highest good.” (LSB 618)

In, with and under the simple elements of bread and wine, our Lord feeds us His actual body and blood, granting us forgiveness, strengthening our faith, and assuring us that He is with us. 

“Let the vineyards be fruitful, Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown, that we may be fed with the bread of life... Grace our table with Your presence, and give us a foretaste of the feast to come. Amen.” (LSB 955)

“See” you at the Communion table this Maundy Thursday.

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!

March 28, 2018 - PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE VICTORY

Day 87 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 15:1-21; Psalm 81; Romans 11:11–24)

Then Moses and the people of Israel sang this song to the Lord, saying,
“I will sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously;
    the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea.
The Lord is my strength and my song,
    and he has become my salvation;
this is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father's God, and I will exalt him.” (Exodus 15:1-2 ESV)

I wonder if Moses anticipated celebrating a divine victory when he got his first glimpse of Pharaoh’s entire army following the Israelites in hot pursuit. In short order, he and all of God’s people witnessed the astounding total annihilation of their enemies.

Similarly, I also wonder what was going through the minds of Jesus’ disciples that first Holy Week as they witnessed Jesus kicking the money changers out of the temple and foretelling His imminent suffering and death. Thoughts of a victory were surely the furthest thing from their minds as they witnessed Christ’s trial and crucifixion!

What goes through your mind when you experience the struggles, trials and fears of your life? How do you deal with your imperfections and weaknesses? 

We know where Holy Week is leading us. We will soon find ourselves in the upper room and the Garden of Gethsemane on Maundy Thursday, in the courtyard and on Mount Calvary on Good Friday, and waiting with the disciples on Holy Saturday. BUT SUNDAY IS COMING! Soon we will be celebrating Christ’s victory, which, by the grace of God, is also our victory.

Come to Calvary’s holy mountain,
Sinners, ruined by the Fall;
Here a pure and healing fountain
Flows to you, to me, to all,
In a full, perpetual tide,
Opened when our Savior died.
(“Come to Calvary’s Holy Mountain,” Lutheran Service Book #435)

Lord Jesus, thank You for winning the victory for me over my enemies of sin, death and the devil. Bless my spiritual preparations during the rest of this Holy Week.  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!

March 27, 2018 - THE ENEMY HAS BEEN DESTROYED

Day 86 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 14; Psalm 80; Romans 11:1–10)

“The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.” (Exodus 14:28 ESV)

God has promised Moses and the children of Israel that He would utterly defeat Pharaoh’s forces. He did so in dramatic fashion and “not one of them remained.” The enemy had been totally destroyed.

This coming Friday the world remembers the greatest victory of all time, a victory that totally destroyed mankind’s fiercest enemy, namely death. Death was destroyed on Good Friday, a victory assured on Resurrection Sunday.

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead... The last enemy to be destroyed is death.” (1 Corinthians 15:21 & 26 ESV)

Jesus lives! The victory’s won!  
Death no longer can appall me;
Jesus lives! Death’s reign is done!  
From the grave Christ will recall me.
Brighter scenes will then commence; 
This shall be my confidence.
(“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,”  Lutheran Service Book, #490)

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Son’s victory over death on behalf of sinners like me. Please bless my meditation this week on Your wondrous love revealed in Christ’s passion and bitter suffering and death.  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!

March 25, 2018 - GOD HAS YOUR BACK

Day 84 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 13; Psalm 79; Romans 10:5–21)

“21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of cloud to lead them along the way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, that they might travel by day and by night. 22 The pillar of cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night did not depart from before the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22 ESV)

The Lord led the children of Israel out of captivity in such a dramatic fashion - pillars of cloud and fire. But this was just the beginning of their dramatic exodus.

“Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus 14:13b ESV)

What excellent advice for you and me as we begin another week in this fear-filled world!  But can we really trust God to be there for us when the going gets rough?  Does He really have your back?

The Israelites were protected by a cloud and darkness separating them from Pharaoh’s army.  And once they were safely on the opposite shore, and the enemy army was pursuing them on the same miraculously dry path through the middle of the Red Sea....  “The waters returned and covered the chariots and the horsemen; of all the host of Pharaoh that had followed them into the sea, not one of them remained.”  (Exodus 14:13b ESV) 

God has your back too! This coming Friday, Good Friday, the ultimate proof will be displayed on the cross. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for assuring me that, just as you protected Your children in the reading for today, so You also have my back today.  Grant me faith to believe that Jesus died for me on Calvary’s cross for the forgiveness of my sins.  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!

March 25, 2018 - HOSANNA

Day 84 - (Today’s Bible readings: Zechariah. 9:9–12; Psalm 31; Philippians 2:5–11; John 12:12–19)

The next day the large crowd that had come to the feast heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!” (John 12:12-13 ESV)

As Jesus entered Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday, the jubilant people were crying out 
“Hosanna!” This is a word of praise, and it is a prayer: “Please save.”

Later this week we will witness the ultimate reason to praise Jesus as He answers our prayer for salvation by taking our place on Good Friday’s cross.

Lord Jesus, I do celebrate You as my King. Thank You for answering my prayer for salvation. May my reception of Your body and blood this morning remind me of the price You paid for me. Hosanna! 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!

March 24, 2018 - LORD, HAVE MERCY

Day 83 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 12:31-51; Psalm 78:36-72; Romans 9:27–10:4)

 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  (Romans 10:13 ESV)

What good news for sinners caught in an evil world! God invites us to call on Him for forgiveness and salvation. In fact, this is what we get to do this morning as we gather around God’s Word and Sacraments tomorrow morning.

In peace let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace from above and for our salvation, let us pray to the Lord. 
Lord, have mercy.
For the peace of the whole world, for the well-being of the Church of God, and for the unity of all, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
For this holy house and for all who offer here their worship and praise, let us pray to the Lord.
Lord, have mercy.
Help, save, comfort, and defend us, gracious Lord. 
Amen. (The Kyrie, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, Divine Service One)

Lord, thank You for promising forgiveness and salvation to me when I call on You. Lord, have mercy on me, a poor, miserable sinner. Amen. 

“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!

March 23, 2018 - DELIVERANCE THROUGH BLOOD

Day 82 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 12:1-30; Psalm 78:1-35; Romans 9:1–26)

Then Moses called all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Go and select lambs for yourselves according to your clans, and kill the Passover lamb. Take a bunch of hyssop and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and touch the  lintel and the two doorposts with the blood that is in the basin.  (Exodus 12:21-22 ESV)

Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, has resisted the first nine plagues sent by almighty God in order to encourage the freedom of the Israelites. The tenth plague is about to come upon the land of Egypt. But first God must protect His chosen people. He tells them to slaughter a perfect lamb, one per household. They are to make it their source of protein in the meal of haste. (There would not even be enough time to allow bread to rise.) But first they must use the blood of these lambs as a sign for the death angel to pass over their dwellings.

Every house in the entire land of Egypt that did not have lamb’s blood on their doors would lose their firstborn child that night, along with the firstborn of their livestock.

While there was wailing and mourning throughout the land because of so much death, in the homes covered with lamb’s blood, there was instead peace and a sense that God was working powerfully among His people. The blood had delivered them. The same is true for you and me today. The Lord delivers us from our enemies of sin, death and the devil by means of Jesus, the Lamb of God who shed His blood for us that first Good Friday.

Lord, I believe Thy precious blood,
Which at the mercy seat of God
Pleads for the captives' liberty,
Was also shed in love for me.
(Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #563-3)

Dear Lord Jesus, the precious Lamb of God, thank You for covering me in Your blood and thereby redeeming me, buying me back from sin, death and the devil. Please use me to share the story of Your love and mercy with someone else. 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!

March 22, 2018- THE BEST IS YET TO COME

Day 81 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 10:19-11:10; Psalm 77; Romans 8:18–39)
`
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18 ESV)

Life can really be rough sometimes. What we need to remember at those times is simply that our problems and struggles are only temporary. Paul is reminding us that nothing we experience now can compare with the glories of heaven.

 “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9 ESV)

Surrounded by your glory
What will my heart feel?
Will I dance for you, Jesus,
Or in awe of you be still?
Will I stand in your presence
Or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine
I can only imagine
("I Can Only Imagine," by Mercy Me)

Heavenly Father, remind me when things are rough, that this life is only temporary and that the best is yet to come. 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!

March 19, 2018 - NOT CONDEMNED

Day 77 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 10:1-18; Psalm 76; Romans 8:1–17

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1 ESV) 

Ever since Adam and Eve gave into temptation and fell into sin, guilt and fear of condemnation have been our human lot. In spite of those who try to cover up and deny their sins, we all stand condemned on our own. Any attempt to correct our condition on our own is futile. 

Jesus offers us the solution with His invitation to “repent and believe,” (Mark 1:5) leading Paul to conclude: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 

Fellow sinner, redeemed in the blood of Jesus, rejoice in this glorious thought.

    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!

    It is well (it is well),

    with my soul (with my soul),

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

    (“When Peace, Like a River,” Lutheran Service Book, #762)

Holy Spirit, thank You for calling me to faith in my Savior, Jesus. Help me to share the good news that there is no condemnation for anyone who trusts in Jesus. 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!

March 20, 2018 - HOPE FOR WRETCHED PEOPLE

Day 77 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 9:8-35; Psalm 75; Romans 7:7–25)

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  (Romans 7:24-25: ESV) 

In this section of Romans, Paul is expressing our common human conundrum.

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. (Romans 7:15, 18-19: ESV) 

He was struggling with his sinful condition, his war within his own heart. We also have a war within, a war that leads to death.

This fellow wretched human being concludes with these words of victory:  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!  

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.
(“Chief of Sinners Though I Be,” The Lutheran Service Book, 2006, #611 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your victory over my sinful nature. Please use me to help other wretched sinners know of the victory You won for all of us.  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!

March 18, 2018 - BE NEAR ME LORD JESUS

(Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 8:20–9:7; Psalm 74; Romans 7:1–6)

“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.”  (Psalm 73:28 ESV) 

The tragedy for of Adam and Eve’s fall into sin was their resulting separation from God. Yet He still wants us to be near to Him. “It is good to be near God.” David’s knows that only God can be his refuge. Christ is our refuge too. 

For us it is also so important to be near to the Lord.

So, always, always, always stay close to our Jesus!  And how do we do this?

● Weekly Worship
● Bible Study
● Prayer

     Be near me, Lord Jesus! I ask thee to stay 
    Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
    Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care, 
    And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

Lord, help me to fight doubt and envy by keeping me close to You. Bless me with a hunger for Your Word of promise.  Amen.

Stay close to your Jesus today and always.

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!

March 18, 2018 - WANTED DEAD AND ALIVE

Day 77 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 8:1-19; Psalm 73; Romans 6:15–23)

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 6:8-11 ESV)

“Wanted Dead or Alive,” read the old West poster. A reward would be given if a criminal was brought in “dead or alive.”

The Lord wants us both dead and alive. He wants us to be dead to sin and alive to God. He is calling us to repent of our sins and trust in Christ for life today and in eternity.

Almighty God, hear my prayer for forgiveness and my plea for strength to die to self and live for You. In Jesus’ saving name. 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!

March 17, 2018 - THE CALL TO NEW LIFE IN CHRIST JESUS

Day 76 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 6:28-7:24; Psalm 72; Romans 6:1–14)

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 6:8-11 ESV)

Patrick was a missionary in Ireland during the second half of the fifth century, a time when that country knew only paganism. His efforts were greatly blessed as the Lord led many Druids to new life in Christ Jesus. Patrick died on March 17, 461, making today St. Patrick’s Day. However, I am sure that he would not be pleased with how the day has become a day for merely the wearing of the green and drinking.

Patrick was concerned with the souls of a people that had kidnapped him at the age of 16 and dragged him from Great Britain to Ireland. Several years later he escaped and began preparing for the priesthood and his eventual role as a missionary to the Irish.

In our verse for today, Paul reminds repentant sinners that they have new life in Christ Jesus. Patrick’s ministry had the same focus based on these words from Jesus: 

“Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.” 

The Lord then gives us the ultimate motivation for such service.

“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”

Heaven and hell are in the balance. People either are saved through faith in Christ, or they are lost and damned for not believing in Christ.

How do we respond when we hear God’s command to “go and tell” today? My prayer is that we also obey.

Dear Jesus, thank You for calling me to saving faith in You. Please use me to go and tell others so that they can also be saved and not condemned. 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!

March 16, 2018 - WHAT WONDROUS LOVE

Day 75 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 5:22-6:27; Psalm 71; Romans 5:1–21)

6 For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— 8 but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)

Do you understand how wonderful God’s love for you truly is?

You have sinned against almighty God, yet, just at the right time, He sent His holy and innocent Son to die for you. His love for you led Him to suffer and die in payment for your sins.

1. What wondrous love is this, 
    O my soul, O my soul! 
    What wondrous love is this, O my soul! 
    What wondrous love is this
    That caused the Lord of bliss 
    To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, 
    To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

2. When I was sinking down, sinking down, sinking down, 
    When I was sinking down, sinking down, 
    When I was sinking down 
    Beneath God's righteous frown, 
    Christ laid aside his crown for my soul, for my soul, 
    Christ laid aside his crown for my soul! 
(“What Wondrous Love Is This,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #543, stanzas 1&2)

Thank You Lord Jesus for loving me so much that You died for me. May I spend the rest of my life sharing Your awesome love with other. 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!

March 14, 2018 - RESCUE ME

Day 74 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 4:18-5:21; Psalm 70; Romans 4:13–25)

Make haste, O God, to deliver me!

    O Lord, make haste to help me!      (Psalm 70:1 ESV)

The Lord answers this prayer for us when He comes to us in His Word and Sacraments. 

Rescue me quickly! This is exactly what Jesus does for us when He comes to us in His true body and blood in, with, and under the bread and wine in the Lord’s Supper.

“Make haste to help me!” You hear His answer as your pastor pronounces the absolution upon you: “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.” 

Lord Jesus Christ, be present now;

Our hearts in true devotion bow,

Your Spirit send with light divine,

And let Your truth within us shine. Amen. 

(“Lord Jesus Christ, Be Present Now,” Lutheran Service Book, 2006, #902, stanza 1)

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!

March 14, 2018 - YOU MAY NOT BE ELOQUENT, BUT GOD IS

Day 73 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 4:1-17; Psalm 69; Romans 3:21–4:12

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:10-12 ESV)

Moses responded to God’s call to lead His people with a litany of inadequacy. “I am not eloquent... I am slow of speech and of tongue.” In other words, he was telling God to find someone else. 

God patiently explains that He will give Moses the words to speak. Aaron is recruited to assist Moses in his new duties.

Do you ever feel inadequate, that you’re not up to the Lord’s plan for your life? Do the challenges you face in life keep you from fully serving the Lord? Then listen to these words of confidence from the mouth of Paul:

“I can do all things through him (Christ) who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13 ESV)

If thou but suffer God to guide thee,
And hope in Him through all thy ways,
He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,
And bear thee through the evil days.
Who trusts in God’s unchanging love
Builds on the rock that nought can move.
(If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee, Lutheran Service Book, #750)

Dear heavenly Father, whenever I feel inadequate in my service to You, remind me of how You used imperfect Moses. Help me to focus on serving You by helping others in Your 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!