Day 182 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 8; Psalm 1; 2 Corinthians 11:1–15)
Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1 ESV)
Those who walk with Jesus, that is, those who are trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and heaven, are truly blessed. The chief blessing is that we are known by the Lord. So...
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.
(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685 stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit lead me in Your ways, so that I may ever walk with Jesus. In His saving name, Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail 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 181 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 7:24-59; Psalm 149; 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
“Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds;
praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound;
praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance;
praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals;
praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150 ESV)
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.
(Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #805)
Heavenly Father, I praise You for all that You have blessed me with. Above all, I praise You for sending Your Son to be my Savior. 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 179 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 7:24-59; Psalm 149; 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17 ESV)
Boasting is very common human expression. It is done in order to impress one person’s importance to another person. It is based on human pride.
Paul encourages us to not boast about ourselves. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast
Save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain thinks that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #425 stanza 2)
Lord Jesus Christ, help me to boast about You, that is, to share Your soul-saving love with everyone I can. Keep me focused on Your cross and Your command to share Your love 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 179 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 7:24-59; Psalm 149; 2 Corinthians 10:1-6)
And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. And Jesus sternly warned them, “See that no one knows about it.” But they went away and spread his fame through all that district. (Matthew 9:27-31 ESV)
The blind men receive the mercy they seek and they can see again. Can you imagine the overwhelming joy they must have experienced? There was only one thing Jesus expected of them in return; ‘Don’t tell anyone.’ Of course, we can understand how difficult that stern warning was. They couldn’t keep quiet about what the Lord had done for them.
We, too, have had our sight restored, our spiritual sight that is. The Holy Spirit has caused us to see that Jesus is our Savior and Lord. The result is that we poor miserable sinners have had all of our sins washed away and are promised eternal life in heaven. While Jesus told the formerly blind men not to tell anyone what He had done, He tells us just the opposite.
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)
The sad fact is that while many have been given the sight of faith, they are still blind to Christ’s command to share His story with others. May the Lord bless you today as you look for opportunities to share His love and His loving story with others.
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for healing my spiritual blindness and making me part of Your family. Please help me today to share You in some way with others. In Your 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 178 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 6:1-21; Psalm 147; 2 Corinthians 8:16-9:5)
“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18 ESV)
Life can be hard. There are many challenges that face us in daily life. But God promises us a way out.
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15 ESV)
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Are you experiencing days of trouble? Are you calling on the Lord for deliverance?
The writer of that great “prayer hymn” certainly had this truth in mind when he penned these precious words:
1. What a Friend we have in Jesus, All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry Ev’rything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit, Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry Everything to God in prayer.
2. Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy laden, Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our Refuge - Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer;
In His arms He'll take and shield thee, Thou wilt find a solace there.
(“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Concordia Publishing House 2006, #770)
Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing us from sin, death and the devil. Please watch over and protect all who may be in peril of the storms of life as well. 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 177 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 5; Psalm 146; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15)
“Put not your trust in princes... The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” (Psalm 146:3-9 ESV)
A 21st century way to look at the beginning of this text would be something like this: “Don’t trust politicians.” And the reason to be cautious is simply that all leaders are like the rest of us, fallible humans. We all make mistakes. None of us are infallible.
Instead we get to put our trust in the Lord. He alone is always infallible, totally perfect and 100% trustworthy. Just look at the list of reasons to trust the Father, Son and Holy Spirit:
● The LORD sets the prisoners free.
● The LORD opens the eyes of the blind.
● The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down.
● The LORD loves the righteous.
● The LORD watches over the sojourners.
● The LORD upholds the widow and the fatherless.
And how precisely does God do all of these things?
“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31 ESV)
Heavenly Father, I trust You for heaven, even though I do not deserve it. Help me to also trust You for life on this earth as well. Please help all leaders to be more trustworthy as they fulfill Your will for the welfare and benefit of those they serve. 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 176 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 4:21-49; Psalm 145; 2 Corinthians 7:2-15 )
“The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.” (Psalm 145:15-16 ESV)
These verses are often used as part of meal prayers, meant to remind us from Whom all blessings flow. As you begin this new week, take time to note the blessings you will enjoy. Martin Luther’s explanation to the Apostles’ Creed is a great place to start:
I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them. He also gives me clothing and shoes, food and drink, house and home, wife and children, land, animals, and all I have. He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life. He defends me against all danger and guards and protects me from all evil. All this He does only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. This is most certainly true.
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the blessings of body and soul that You so graciously shower upon me every day. Above all, I thank You for Jesus, my Savior. Please accept my response of thanks, praise, service and obedience. 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 175 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 4:1-20; Psalm 144; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1)
“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says,
‘In a favorable time I listened to you,
and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’
Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV)
What time is it? When some of us were kids, we sang along with that black and white TV show. It’s Howdy Doody time... But it sure isn’t Howdy Doody time any more! That show has been off the air for decades.
Paul is encouraging his hearers to realize what time it is. It is time to trust in Jesus.
“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
He is encouraging you to take seriously God’s call to repent and trust in Jesus’ death as payment for your sins. It is an urgent call. Since none of us knows if we will see tomorrow, today is the day to listen, believe, repent and be saved!
This hymn is calling us to remember what time it is:
Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near.
The waters of life are now flowing for you.
No price is demanded, the Savior is here,
Redemption is purchased, God’s promise is true.
Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come;
For mercy still lingers and calls you today.
Its voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;
Its message, unheeded, will soon pass away.
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, Lutheran Worship, CPH, 1982 #349 stanzas 1,2,5)
Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me to repent today and trust in Jesus before it is too late. Please use me to share this message with 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 174 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 3:27-51; Psalm 143; 2 Corinthians 5:14-6:13)
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV)
What controls your life? For Paul the answer was “the love of Christ.” He then makes the following inspiring points:
● Jesus died for you.
● You no longer live for yourself.
● You now live for Jesus, who died and rose for you.
What Paul has outlined is the secret to a full and meaningful life. It begins with trusting that in the life and death of Jesus you are given forgiveness, peace, and the assurance of heaven. You are also given a reason to live – for Him!
Lord Jesus, teach me to live for You by reminding me of what You accomplished for me on the cross. And then open my eyes for opportunities today to share You with others so that they, too, can live for You now, and then live with You forever. In Your saving name, O Lord. 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 173 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 3:1-26; Psalm 142; 2 Corinthians 5:1-15)
“And he said to him, “Please, Lord, how can I save Israel? Behold, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.” And the Lord said to him, “But I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.”” (Judges 6:15-16 ESV)
“Gideon’s first call to be a judge reveals his demoralized spirit and weak character, yet with the assurance of the Lord’s presence, he makes a first assault on the Baal worship in his own community.
Unchecked, sin takes an ever greater hold on individuals and entire communities. Instead of speaking God’s words and promises from generation to generation, parents may leave a legacy of unbelief and false worship (cf Deuteronomy 5:9).
Gideon seems an unlikely figure to become a future champion of Israel. Yet the Lord of surprising, unearned grace seeks sinners and equips them to accomplish great things.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 393)
Help us, Lord, to believe Your promises, seek Your will, and act in the courage You alone give. 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 172 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 3:1-26; Psalm 142; 2 Corinthians 5:1-15)
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth;
keep watch over the door of my lips!” (Psalm 141:3 ESV)
The picture displays the universal tool (duct tape) being used to correct a universal problem.
Jesus identifies this problem in Matthew 15, “Hear and understand: it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.”
We have all heard someone taking the name of the Lord in vain. That is a blasphemous use of the mouth. But there are many other misuses. Lying, gossiping, cursing, misleading, griping, and the like are all misuses of God’s gift of speaking. David knew that he was prone to sin, just like the rest of us, so he cried out to God.
“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!”
The Eighth Commandment
You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
What does this mean?
We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation,
but defend him,
speak well of him, and
explain everything in the kindest possible way.
And if you can't say something nice about another person, cover your mouth with duct tape! (Figuratively speaking, of course! Or is it figuratively non-speaking?)
Heavenly Father, like David, I ask You to guard over my mouth. May all that I say bring glory to Your name and benefit those around me. In Jesus’ 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 171 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 1:32-54; Psalm 140; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18)
“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13 ESV)
This proverb calls God’s people to help those less fortunate than themselves. The warning that “what goes around comes around” reminds us of a well-known fulfillment of these words from the last century.
“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out--
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.”
- Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)
Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany who changed his mind about Hitler and opposed Nazism with such force that it landed him in a concentration camp.
May we not wait until no one is left to speak for us. Today is the day to serve Christ by helping the poor and the needy. May we especially take the many opportunities that surround us to reach out to the spiritually poor and share with them the soul-saving story of our Savior.
Lord, open my ears, my heart and my mouth for the sake of the poor and needy around me. Thank You for being my example and motivation for such service. Amen.
Reach out to someone in need 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 170 - (Today’s Bible readings: Numbers 1:1-31; Psalm 139; 2 Corinthians 1:23-2:17)
“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret, intricately woven in the depths of the earth.” (Psalm 139:13-15 ESV)
When does life begin? The answer was pretty obvious to David. Life begins in the womb, where God fearfully and wonderfully knits us together.
How does God want His people to respond? We get to remember that God has a plan for every life. That makes you very special. In fact, God even knows your name. Please take time to watch this video clip all the way through. The moving song begins about 2 minutes into the clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KM3ndNE-Fo
Yes, life is a precious gift from God.
Heavenly Father, the Creator of all, thank You for the gift of life. Please help all of us to value life. In the name of Jesus, the Lord of 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 169 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 27:16-34; Psalm 138; 2 Corinthians 1:12-22)
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV)
Paul is giving us some excellent advice when it comes to deciding what we should do, think or say. Negatively put, if you can’t do something, say something or even think something to the glory of God, you had better make another choice.
The Ten Commandments, the Golden Rule, and these words of Jesus, give us some pretty good guidelines on how to glorify God.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Almighty God, please help me to glorify You in everything. Remind me of all that You have done for me through Jesus’ death on the cross. Help me to show my love for You by loving others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
“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 168 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 27:1-15; Psalm 137; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11)
“For there our captors
required of us songs,
and our tormentors, mirth, saying,
‘Sing us one of the songs of Zion!’
How shall we sing the Lord's song
in a foreign land?” (Psalm 137:3-4 ESV)
The Children of Israel, held captive in a foreign land, are asked to sing one of their old songs, one from their homeland, Zion. Their reluctance is understandable.
In a sense, we are living in a foreign land as well. Sin, death and the devil, our three great tormentors are all around us. Our comfort comes from the faith the Holy Spirit has given us in Christ, which results in us knowing that we are on our way home to heaven, the beautiful city of God.
Over a decade ago, I received a Call to return to serve I church where I had previously served. The church’s name was Zion. It was during that time that I came upon a hymn with a rather interesting refrain: “We’re marching to Zion...”
While I declined that Call, I am still marching to Zion. And so are you, fellow believer. We are marching to the eternal Zion, heaven, the beautiful city of God.
Come we that love the Lord, and let our joys be known,
Join in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet accord.
And thus surround the throne, and thus surround the throne.
We're marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We're marching upward to Zion; the beautiful city of God.
Then let our songs a bound and every tear be dry;
We're marching through Immanuel's ground; we're marching through Immanuel's ground,
To fairer worlds on high, to fairer worlds on high.
We're marching to Zion, beautiful, beautiful Zion;
We're marching upward to Zion; the beautiful city of God.
(Come, We that love the Lord, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #669 stanzas 1&4)
Heavenly Father, thank You for promising me that life in this foreign land is only temporary, and that I marching to Your heavenly Zion. Until I reach my final destination, please use me to invite others to join in the journey of faith. 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!
Day 167 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 26:23-46; Psalm 136; 1 Corinthians 16:5-24)
“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever... 4 to him who alone does great wonders, for his steadfast love endures forever; 5 to him who by understanding made the heavens, for his steadfast love endures forever... 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136 ESV)
“This great psalm of thanksgiving praises God for His acts of creation and redemption, both in history and in the lives of His people. Every detail at every stage is a sign of God’s steadfast love, which throughout human history, endures forever. The psalm is about God’s action, not ours.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 981)
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me and sending Jesus to be my Savior from sin. And now, because Your steadfast love endures forever, so will I. Until then, use me to share Your steadfast love with others. 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-readingshttps://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 166 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 26:1-22; Psalm 135; 1 Corinthians 15:50-16:4)
“A false witness will not go unpunished,
and he who breathes out lies will perish.” (Proverbs 19:9 ESV)
Honesty is not the best policy, it’s the only policy. Besides that, it is God’s will. Dishonesty brings His punishment. So...
If you lips would keep from slips,
these things observe with care,
to whom you speak, of whom you speak,
and how and when and where.
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving all of my sins, including the times I have not been honest. Please keep my words true, especially when I am attempting to point others to You. 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 165 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 25:32-55; Psalm 134; 1 Corinthians 15:35-49)
“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:56-57 ESV)
Mankind’s fiercest enemies are sin, death and the devil. Paul assures us that we are winners in Christ. The symbol of our victory is the cross of Christ. The power behind our victory over sin, death and the devil is God’s love for us. The hymn writer highlights these biblical points this way:
Led on their way by this triumphant sign,
The hosts of God in conqu'ring ranks combine.
Lift high the cross, the love of Christ proclaim
Till all the world adore His sacred name.
(Lift High the Cross, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #837 stanza 2)
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your victorious cross. Please use me to proclaim Your saving love to our dying world. 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 164 - (Today’s Bible readings: Leviticus 25:8-31; Psalm 133; 1 Corinthians 15:12-34)
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head, running down on the beard, running down on Aaron’s beard, down on the collar of his robe. It is as if the dew of Hermon were falling on Mount Zion. For there the Lord bestows his blessing, even life forevermore.” (Psalm 133 ESV)
“Living in unity is as soothing as being anointed with oil, as refreshing as dew from the mountains on a parched desert... But we often experience discord, strife, and disunity instead. This is true of our families, our communities, and our churches. Yet Christ’s prayer (John 17:11) is “that they may be one, even as we are one.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 929)
While the plethora of Christian denominations doesn’t make it appear that we are one, our faith in Christ as Savior and Lord reveals our unity. In fact, it is our faith in Christ, and Christ alone, that makes us Christians in the first place!
Elect from ev’ry nation, Yet one o’er all the earth,
Her charter of salvation: One Lord, one faith, one birth.
One holy name she blesses, Partakes one holy food,
And to one hope she presses With every grace endued.
Through toil and tribulation, And tumult of her war,
She waits the consummation Of peace for evermore
Till, with the vision glorious Her longing eyes are blest,
And the great Church victorious Shall be the Church at rest.
Yet she on earth has union With God the Three in One,
And mystic sweet communion With those whose rest is won.
O blessed heav’nly chorus! Lord, save us by Your grace,
That we, like saints before us, May see You face to face.
(“The Church’s One Foundation,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #644, stanzas 2,3,4)
Heavenly Father, thank You for making us one in Christ. Please keep me and all believers strong in the saving faith. I ask this especially for my Christian brothers and sisters around the world who are suffering persecution. Lord have mercy! Amen.
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!
