Day 364 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 19; Psalm 1; Acts 15:22-35)
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; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. (Psalm 1:1-2)
Psalm 1 is David’s encouragement to be in the Word of God. The great blessing of taking his advice is being able to spend more time with Jesus. What a great New Year’s resolution, read the Bible and learn more about your Jesus. Today we begin day 1 in our Bible reading calendar. Resolve to begin today.
The hymn writer has similar thoughts:
♬ With the Lord begin your task; Jesus will direct it.
For His aid and counsel ask; Jesus will perfect it.
Ev’ry morn with Jesus rise, And when day is ended,
In His name then close your eyes; Be to Him commended.
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #869)
Heavenly Father, bless my time in Your Word this year. Thank You for giving mankind this precious book that focuses on Jesus and His cross. Bless my efforts to lift high the cross and proclaim the love of Christ this entire year. Amen.
0 Lord Christ, our Savior dear,
Be Thou ever near us.
Grant us now a glad new year.
Amen, Jesus, hear us!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #390)
May the Lord bless each day of this new year as you spend time in His precious Word!
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 from 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 2019 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 365 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 9:33-47, Psalm 150; Acts 15:1-21)
Tonight we will have the chance to gather in our churches to end the old year properly, at the foot of the cross. We will have the chance to repent of our sins and begin the new year aright. May the following hymn be your prayer this New Year’s Eve.
1. Across the sky the shades of night
This New Year’s Eve are fleeting,
We deck Your altar, Lord, with light,
In solemn worship meeting;
And as the year’s last hours go by,
We raise to You our earnest cry,
Once more You love entreating.
2. Before the cross subdued we bow,
To You our prayers addressing,
Recounting all Your mercies now,
And all our sins confessing;
Beseeching You this coming year
To keep us in Your faith and fear
And crown us with Your blessing.
3. We gather up in this brief hour
The memory of Your mercies;
Your wondrous goodness, love and power
Our grateful song rehearses;
For You have been our strength and stay
In many a dark and dreary day
Of sorrow and reverses.
5 Then, gracious God, in years to come,
We pray Your hand may guide us,
And, onward through our journey home,
Your mercy walk beside us
Until at last our ransomed life
Is safe from peril, toil, and strife
When heav'n itself shall hide us. Amen.
(Across the Sky the Shades of Night, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, LSB #899)
May you be blessed by the Lord as you end 2018 and begin 2019!
“See” you at the Communion table tonight (6:00 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 364 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 9:22-33, Psalm 149; Acts 14:19-28)
THE SONG
♬ On the sixth day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Six Geese a Laying (Six days of Creation)
Five Golden Rings (The Pentateuch... first 5 books of the Bible)
Four Calling Birds (The 4 Gospels... Matthew, Mark, Luke and John)
Three French Hens (The Holy Trinity... Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
Two Turtle Doves (The Old and New Testaments)
and a Partridge in a Pear Tree. (JESUS)
Why Six Geese a-laying on the Sixth Day of Christmas? Six Geese a-Laying represent the six days of creation: “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
Thank You, heavenly Father, for creating the world and all that is in it. Thank You even more for making it possible to live with You forever in heaven because Jesus, You Son and our Lord. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail this morning.
NOTE: Why don’t you make plans to attend Communion this morning and/or tomorrow evening (New Year’s Eve). How good and proper it is to end the old year confessing our sins and receiving God’s priceless gift of forgiveness. If you don't have a church home, you can join us at St. Paul’s in Brown Deer at 9 am this morning and 6 pm tomorrow evening.
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 363 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 9:1-21; Psalm 148; Acts 14:8-18)
1 Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord from the heavens;
praise him in the heights!
2 Praise him, all his angels;
praise him, all his hosts!
3 Praise him, sun and moon,
praise him, all you shining stars!
4 Praise him, you highest heavens,
and you waters above the heavens!
5 Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created.
6 And he established them forever and ever;
he gave a decree, and it shall not pass away. (Psalm 148:1-6)
Why five golden rings on the Fifth Day of Christmas? Five golden rings are symbolic of the Pentateuch, the first five Books of the Old Testament: Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, Leviticus, and Deuteronomy.
On this Fifth Day of Christmas, we praise the Lord for His creation, as recorded in Genesis, the first of the books represented by the five golden rings. David put his example of such praise this way:
Let them praise the name of the Lord!
For he commanded and they were created. (Psalm 148:5)
Lord God almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, I praise You for creating the world, and for sending Jesus to save that world from sin. In Jesus’ precious 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 362 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 8:22-35; Psalm 147; Acts 13:48-14:7)
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3 ESV)
Today is the Fourth Day of Christmas, Four Calling Birds (The Four Gospels... Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). Today’s verse from Psalm 147 reminds of why we can celebrate the account of Christ’s birth every day.
Jesus came to be our Savior from sin, talk about healing the brokenhearted! His ultimate mission was to bind up and completely heal our spiritual wounds, making us fit for heaven.
He comes the broken heart to bind,
The bleeding soul to cure,
And with the treasures of His grace
To enrich the humble poor.
(“Hark the glad sound,” Lutheran Service Book #349)
Lord, thank You for healing my sin-broken heart with Your forgiveness, presence and peace. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 361 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 8:1-21; Psalm 146; Acts 13:42-47)
THE SONG
♬ On the third day of Christmas
my true love sent to me:
Three French Hens
Two Turtle Doves
and a Partridge in Pear Tree.
Why Three French Hens on the third day of Christmas? The three hens represent the three theological virtues of Faith, Hope and Charity. These were given by God and poured into our hearts. The three hens are also symbolic of the Holy Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
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 #805)
Almighty God, holy blessed Trinity, thank You for being my Creator, Redeemer and Sanctifier. Holy God, I praise Your name. Amen.
Have a blessed Third Day of Christmas!
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 360 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 7; Psalm 145; Acts 13:13-41)
Today is a day when many are responding to Christmas by standing in the return lines to get rid of unwanted presents. And, sadly, some Christmas trees are actually being set on the curb. For these folks, Christmas is over. How sad this is. Epiphany, the coming of the Wise Men isn’t until January 6th. Many don’t appear to get what Christmas is really all about.
Psalm 145 begins with a perfect response to what brought many of us to our churches over the last two days.
“I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.
One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.” (Psalm 145:1-4 ESV)
Great is the Lord who sent His only begotten Son that first Christmas to be our Savior from sin. Because of this, like David, we get praise Him forever and ever.
David then directs us to share our faith with the next generation, so they may also know the Lord’s mighty acts. “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.”
Go, tell it on the mountain
Over the hills and everywhere
Go, tell it on the mountain
That Jesus Christ is born!
Lord Jesus, thank You for coming to earth that first Christmas to be my Savior. I am glad that this celebration continues. Please use me to pass the Christmas message on to the next generation. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 359 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 2; Hebrews 1:1-6; John 1:1-14)
“And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)
How exciting when a baby is born! Parents, grandparents and other relatives are thrilled when a baby comes into the world. It’s a girl, or it’s a boy is printed on banners and cards announcing the happy event.
There were no banners over the stable where Jesus was born on the first Christmas. If there had been, it would have said IT’S A BOY. Actually it could have read IT’S THE BOY, the One long promised, Who would save the world. Look at how some of our dearest Christmas carols capture this fact:
♬ Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!
♬ No more let sins and sorrows grow nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
♬ Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing;
Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
Gloria in excelsis Deo; Gloria in excelsis Deo.
♬ Mild He leaves His throne on high, born that man no more may die;
Born to raise the sons of earth; born to give them second birth.
Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King!"
♬ God's Son for a gift has been sent you this night.
To be your Redeemer, your Joy and Delight.
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. Amen.
“See” you in church this morning (9:00 am, St. Paul’s, Brown Deer).
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 358 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 7:10-14; Psalm 110:1-4; 1 John 4:7-16; Matthew 1:18-25)
Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).
Tonight we will once again experience that silent and holy night when a son was born to a virgin named Mary. What made that night so special is that His name prophesied hundreds of years earlier is fulfilled. On that holy night God came to be with us. This is the point of Christmas. And because Jesus came to be with us, to live a holy life without even one sin, and then to die innocently in our place, we who believe Him, are forgiven and guaranteed heaven.
Tonight's Christmas services will mark a special anniversary. 200 years ago, on Christmas Eve 1818, the beloved Christmas carol, Silent Night, made its debut in the St. Nicholas Church in Oberndorf, Austria. How dear these words are to us!
1. Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child, holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace.
2. Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight;
Glories stream from heaven afar, heav'nly hosts sing, Alleluia!
Christ, the Savior, is born! Christ, the Savior, is born!
3. Silent night, holy night! Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus that first Christmas Eve. Bless my worship of Him tonight. Help me to never forget that Christ, my Savior, is born. Amen.
"See" you at church tonight (6 pm at St. Paul's in Brown Deer)
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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 357 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 6:19-40; Psalm 144; Acts 13:1-12)
“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 words are often used as a meal prayer, and rightly so. As we prepare to eat, it is God-pleasing to remember the One who provides our food.
Do you remember where your daily blessings come from? He opens His hand, and all you need is yours and you are satisfied. Are you satisfied? The key is to remember that His greatest blessings are found at the baptismal font, the Communion table and in the Word! The hymn writer well expresses this satisfaction.
All that I am and have, Thy gifts so free,
In joy, in grief, through life, Dear Lord, for Thee!
And when thy face I see, My ransomed soul shall be
Through all eternity Something for Thee.
Heavenly Father, thank You for satisfying my needs. As I look to You, may I remember Your blessings of forgiveness and heaven. In Jesus’ 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 356 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 6:1-18; Psalm 143; Acts 12:18-25)
And he (John the Baptist) went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” (Luke 3:3-4)
John the Baptist was sent to prepare the way for Jesus, to let people know that the promised One, the Messiah, was coming.
In Advent we sing hymns like the one below reminding us that Jesus did come to bless all who repent and believe.
Once He came in blessing,
All our sins redressing;
Came in likeness lowly,
Son of God most holy;
Bore the cross to save us;
Hope and freedom gave us.
Come, then, O Lord Jesus,
From our sins release us.
Keep our hearts believing,
That we, grace receiving,
Ever may confess You
Till in heav'n we bless You. Amen.
(“Once He Came in Blessing,” Lutheran Service Book #333, 1&4)
“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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 355 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 5:16-31; Psalm 142; Acts 12:1-17)
Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! (Psalm 142:7 ESV)
David cries out to the Lord, His refuge, and pleads for release from the prison of persecution. In the reading from Acts, Peter is miraculously delivered from an actual prison.
And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his hands. (Acts 12:7 ESV)
Similarly, Jesus proclaimed the reason He came down to earth that first Christmas with these prophetic words:
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound. (Isaiah 61:1 ESV)
You can rejoice that Jesus has released you from the prison of sin, death and the devil!
He comes the prisoners to release,
In Satan's bondage held.
The gates of brass before Him burst,
The iron fetters yield.
(Hark the glad sound! Lutheran Service Book #349 - 2)
Thank You Lord Jesus for releasing me from my self made prison of sin. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 354 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 5:1-15; Psalm 141; Acts 11:19-30)
“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 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 353 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 4; Psalm 140; Acts 11:1-18)
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord. 22 The report of this came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast purpose, 24 for he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And a great many people were added to the Lord...26(b) For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:21-26 ESV)
The challenges facing the Early Church were many, including persecution and martyrdom. However, the Lord was working, and people were coming to saving faith in Jesus.
21 And the hand of the Lord was with them,
and a great number who believed turned to the Lord.
Barnabas encouraged God’s people to remain faithful to the Lord.
How are you doing?
Are you faithful to the Lord?
If so, does you life show it?
And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.
The name Christian means little Christ, follower of Jesus.
Fellow Christian, are you living up to your name?
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of saving faith in Jesus, my Savior. Help me to remain faithful and to follow 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 352 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 3:7-31; Psalm 139; Acts 10:34-48)
“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 moving video clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KM3ndNE-Fo
Yes, life is a precious gift from God. YOUR 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 351 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 2:6-30; Psalm 138; Acts 10:24-33)
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul. For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 2-4 ESV)
John is writing to Gaius, a faithful leader and worker in the church. The example of prayer for fellow Christians and fellow workers is one worth emulating. And look at what we learn from John’s prayer. Gaius is walking in the truth, God’s truth, the Gospel truth. So John prays that all may go well for Gaius and that God would grant him good health. But look at his point of comparison: “as it goes well with your soul.”
Could someone pray that prayer for you? Are things going well for your soul? If you are a repentant sinner who is trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and salvation, then things are going well for your soul.
Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You saving me by dying on the cross for me. May it be Your will to watch over me so that things may go well for me, including good health. As I pray this prayer for myself, I ask You to grant these same blessings for _____________. Please help Your people to continue to walk in Your truth. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 350 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 1:22-2:5; Psalm 137; Acts 10:9-23)
“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.
Around a decade ago, I received a Call to return to serve a 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 am 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 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 349 - (Today’s Bible readings: Judges 1:1-21; Psalm 136; Acts 9:32-10:8)
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
2 Give thanks to the God of gods,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
3 Give thanks to the Lord of lords,
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;
6 to him who spread out the earth above the waters,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
7 to him who made the great lights,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
8 the sun to rule over the day,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
9 the moon and stars to rule over the night,
for his steadfast love endures forever...
23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
24 and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
25 he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
(Psalm 136:1-9, 23-25 ESV)
We are about to celebrate the birth of Christ, the amazing proof that the Creator of everything has remembered the low estate of us sinners. He sent His one and only Son to rescue us from our foes of sin, death and the devil by dying on the cross in our place. The truly amazing thing is that His love is unlimited.
David put it this way.... His love endures forever.
Lord, I give You thanks for Your love for me that endures forever. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
