Sunday, August 1, 2021 - SHOUT FOR JOY

Day 213 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 65-67; Romans 2)

SHOUT FOR JOY 

Shout for joy to God, all the earth;

sing the glory of his name;

give to him glorious praise!

Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds!

So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you.” (Psalm 66:1-3 ESV) 

The Psalmist encourages his readers to “shout for joy to God.” The reason for this joy is the awesome deeds of God. 

No Jesus, no joy. Know Jesus, know joy! Many people are looking for joy, peace and happiness without Jesus. But Jesus is the only One whose awesome deeds involve forgiveness of your sins and the promise of eternal life giving us real joy. 

1. Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,

    God of glory, Lord of love!

    Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,

    Praising Thee, their sun above.

    Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

    Drive the gloom of doubt away.

    Giver of immortal gladness,

    Fill us with the light of day.

2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

    Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,

    Stars and angels sing around Thee,

    Center of unbroken praise.

    Field and forest, vale and mountain,

    Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,

    Chanting bird, and flowing fountain

    Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3. Thou art giving and forgiving,

    Ever blessing, ever blest,

    Well-spring of the joy of living,

    Ocean-depth of happy rest!

    Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

    Fountainhead of love divine:

    Joyful, we Thy heav'n inherit!

    Joyful, we by grace are Thine!

    (“Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee,” Lutheran Service Bool #803)

Lord God, thank You for the joy of knowing Your mercy, forgiveness and promise of heaven! Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, July 31, 2021 - NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

Day 212 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 62-64; Romans 1)

NOT ASHAMED OF THE GOSPEL

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”   (Romans 1:16-17 ESV) 

The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing! For the Christian, the main thing is the Gospel, God’s powerful account of salvation won by Christ for sinners like you and me.  It is all about saving faith. “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Those Christians around the world who are facing persecution, losing everything, some even dying, are truly not ashamed of the Gospel. How about you?

5. Ashamed of Jesus! yes, I may

    When I’ve no guilt to wash away;

    No tear to wipe, no good to crave,

    No fears to quell, no soul to save.

6. Till then - nor is my boasting vain - 

    Till then I’ll boast a Savior slain,

    And O may this my glory be,

   That Christ not ashamed of me!

   (“Jesus! and Shall It Ever Be,” The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #246, stanzas 5-6)

Heavenly Father, I, too, boast my Savior slain for me and for all sinners. Lord Jesus, please keep close to You and so strong in my faith that You will never be ashamed of me. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Friday, July 30, 2021 - DELIVER ME FROM MY ENEMIES

 

Day 211 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 59-61; Acts 28:16-31)

DELIVER ME FROM MY ENEMIES

Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;

    protect me from those who rise up against me;

deliver me from those who work evil,

    and save me from bloodthirsty men.

(Psalm 59:1-2 ESV) 

David’s cry for deliverance from his enemies could well be the cry of persecuted Christians around the world today. While our religious freedom is under attack in our country, it cannot be compared to what Christians in Muslim countries face if they do not convert to Islam.

The hymn writer followed the example of David’s prayer in this manner:

  Preserve, O Lord, your Zion,

  Bought dearly with your blood;

  Protect what you have chosen

  Against the hellish flood.

  Be always our defender

  When dangers gather round;

  When all the earth is crumbling,

  Safe may your Church be found.

   (“Preserve Your Word, O Savior,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #658, stanza 3)

Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Deliverer from sin, death and the power of the devil. Please preserve Your Church and deliver my brothers and sisters in Christ from the dangers that are gathering around them. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, July 29, 2021 - LORD HAVE MERCY

Day 210 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 56-58; Acts 28:1-15)

LORD HAVE MERCY

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1 ESV) 

What is mercy? Mercy is God’s undeserved blessing showered upon repentant sinners. Peter described God’s mercy this way: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.”  (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

Believers in Christ have been given what we do not deserve, hope. We deserve to be hopeless, to have nothing to look forward to other than eternal damnation in hell. But, God the Father has been merciful to us.

● He sent Jesus to take our place and suffer the punishment we deserve.

● Jesus paid off your debt of sin.

● And now you have that living hope.

● Eternal life in heaven is yours for sure!

● Until then, God promises to lead and direct your life.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy shown me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Your mercy with others. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Wednesday, July 28, 2021 - WE DESPERATELY NEED HELP

Day 209 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 53-55; Acts 27:26-44)

WE DESPERATELY NEED HELP

They have all fallen away;

    together they have become corrupt;

there is none who does good,

    not even one. (Psalm 53:3 ESV) 

Decades ago this question took me by surprise. “What do you call a sin?” The questioner didn’t believe that she was a sinner. Perhaps she was comparing herself to others. Whatever methods we may employ to minimize our sins, we can do nothing to minimize our passage for today. “There is none that does good, not even one.”

We desperately need help, which is precisely why Jesus came down to earth in the first place.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)

We are great sinners. And Jesus is our great Savior!

1. O Savior, Precious savior, 

Whom yet unseen we love;

O name of might and favor, 

All other names above;

We worship Thee; we praise Thee; 

To Thee alone we sing;

We praise Thee and confess Thee, 

Our holy Lord and King.

(“O Savior, Precious Savior,” Lutheran Service Book #527)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the Savior of this sinner. Remind me daily of how important it is to repent and believe. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, July 27, 2021 - THE HEART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Day 208 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 50-52; Acts 27:1-25)

THE HEART OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH

Create in me a clean heart, O God,

    and renew a right spirit within me.

Cast me not away from your presence,

    and take not your Holy Spirit from me.

Restore to me the joy of your salvation,

    and uphold me with a willing spirit. (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV) 

The heart of the Christian faith is the gift of complete forgiveness showered freely upon all who repent and see God’s mercy.

John writes of God’s merciful promise this way: 

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:8-9 ESV) This cleansing means that we are guaranteed eternal life in heaven.

On Sunday morning, right after you confess your sins, you hear these soul-freeing words spoken on God’s behalf by your pastor:

Upon this your confession, I, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. 

Thank You, Lord, for hearing my cry for mercy and for seeing my sincere confession. Your complete forgiveness of all of my sins is the greatest gift You could ever give. Please use me to share this treasure with others. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Monday, July 26, 2021 - CONVINCED

Day 207 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 47-49; Acts 26)

CONVINCED

 

And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” But Paul said, “I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words.  (Acts 26:24-25 ESV)  

Paul has just told Governor Festus and King Agrippa “that the Christ must suffer and that, by being the first to rise from the dead, he would proclaim light both to our people and to the Gentiles.” To which Festus replies, “Paul, you are out of your mind.”

There are those today who still call us Christians “crazy.” We are not out of our minds. We know the truth of new life in Jesus for all who repent and believe. We are not crazy. We are convinced, just like Paul:

“But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to me.” (2 Timothy 1:12 ESV)

Lord, please give me the courage to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel. May my life show that I am convinced of Your salvation for all who repent and believe. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, July 25, 2021 - A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

Day 206 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 44-46; Acts 25 )

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD

 

1 God is our refuge and strength,

    a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,

    though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,

3 though its waters roar and foam,

    though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,

    the holy habitation of the Most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;

    God will help her when morning dawns.

6 The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;

    he utters his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord,

    how he has brought desolations on the earth.

9 He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;

    he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;

    he burns the chariots with fire.

10 “Be still, and know that I am God.

    I will be exalted among the nations,

    I will be exalted in the earth!”

11 The Lord of hosts is with us;

    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah  (Psalm 46 ESV)  

Lord God, thank You for being my mighty fortress and my trusty shield and weapon. Please continue to protect this penitent sinner. In Jesus’ name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, July 24, 2021 - THIRSTING FOR GOD

Day 205 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 41-43; Acts 24)

THIRSTING FOR GOD

 

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  (Psalm 42:1-2 ESV)  

  

What a wonderful gift God gave David! The repentant and forgiven sinner was given a deep desire to be as close to His Savior as possible. 

Do you have a deep desire to be as close as possible to God? 

● Read and meditate on His Word. 

● Worship Him faithfully each week. 

● Remember that God loves you with a love than never ends.

This is precisely what David is getting at in Psalm 63:

1 O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you;

    my soul thirsts for you;

my flesh faints for you,

    as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.

2 So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary,

    beholding your power and glory.

3 Because your steadfast love is better than life,

    my lips will praise you.

Lord, thank You for my salvation. Like David, may I thirst for Your presence in my life. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Friday, July 23, 2021 - DAVID’S PRAYER ANSWERED

Day 204 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 38-40; Acts 23:12-35 )

DAVID’S PRAYER ANSWERED

 

Do not forsake me, O Lord! O my God, be not far from me! Make haste to help me, O Lord, my salvation! (Psalm 38:21-22 ESV)  

In the Acts 23:12-35 reading for today, we see how God answered David’s prayer for the apostle Paul.

Paul’s nephew reports a plot to kidnap Paul, and the tribune hustles him safely out of town.

The Lord will not forsake you either. He has a plan for your life too. 

1. O God, forsake me not! 

    Your gracious presence lend me; 

    Lord, lead Your helpless child;

    Your Holy Spirit send me

    That I my course may run.

    O be my light, my lot, 

    My staff, my rock, my shield--

    O God, forsake me not!

2. O God, forsake me not!

    Take not Your Spirit from me;

    Do not permit the might

    Of sin to overcome me.

    Increase my feeble faith,

    Which You alone have wrought.

    O be my strength and pow'r--

    O God, forsake me not!

3. O God, forsake me not!

    Lord, hear my supplication! 

    In ev'ry evil hour 

    Help me resist temptation;

    And when the prince of hell

    My conscience seeks to blot,

    Be then not far from me--

    O God, forsake me not!

4. O God, forsake me not!

    Lord, I am Yours forever.

    O keep me strong in faith

    That I may leave You never.

    Grant me a blessed end

    When my good fight is fought;

    Help me in life and death--

    O God, forsake me not!

    (“O God, Forsake Me Not,” Lutheran Service Book #731)

Lord, please do not forsake me. Help me to stay close to You today through faith in Jesus. In His saving name.  Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, July 22, 2021 - TRUST AND WAIT

Day 203 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 36,37; Acts 23:1-11)

TRUST AND WAIT 

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act... Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psalm 37:5&7 ESV)  

Not many people are good at waiting. Yet this is exactly what the Lord calls His people to do. So, instead of complaining about our circumstances, and even questioning God, we get to quietly and faithfully wait for Him.

  I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 

  Never let me fall.

  I am trusting Thee forever 

  And for all.

  (I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729 stanza 6)

Lord Jesus, I do trust You. Help me to patiently wait for You and Your will for my life. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Wednesday, July 21, 2021 - DELIVERANCE

Day 202 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 34,35; Acts 22)

DELIVERANCE

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. (Psalm 34:18-19 ESV)  

Have you ever been brokenhearted, crushed, and afflicted? If so, what did you do about it? The hymn writer gives us a clear and powerful answer.

  Have we trials and temptations?  

  Is there trouble anywhere?

  We should never be discouraged, 

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

  Can we find a Friend so faithful 

  Who will all our sorrows share?

  Jesus knows our every weakness - 

  Take it to the Lord in prayer.

  (“What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 2)

The Lord is as near to you as a prayer. Brokenhearted, crushed, afflicted, Jesus will deliver you in His time. So, pray!

  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,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #770 stanza 3)

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my deliverer. Please hear my prayer for mercy, pardon and peace. Yes, may I find eternal solace in You. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

Day 201 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 31-33; Acts 21:15-40)

GOD’S PERFECT TIMING

“My times are in your hand.” (Psalm 31:15 ESV)  

Time, like an ever-rolling stream,

Soon bears us all away;

We fly forgotten as a dream

Dies at the op'ning day.

(“Our God, Our Help in Ages Past,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #733 stanza 5)

While the hymn stanza portrays a sober view of time, our verse for today clearly comforts us with the assurance that our time is in God’s almighty hand. The comfort comes from knowing that God’s timing is always perfect.

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” (Galatians 4:4-5 ESV)  

When you take a careful look at your life, you will become aware of what I see in my life, namely, that 

● God puts us in the right place 

● at the right time 

● for His right purpose.

Almighty God, thank You for Your perfect timing in my life, starting with my Baptism. In Your perfect time, grant me the gift of heaven for Jesus’ sake. Until that time, may I use my time for You and Your purposes. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Monday, July 19, 2021 - LOOK FORWARD TO JOY

Day 200 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 28-30; Acts 21:1-14)

LOOK FORWARD TO JOY

"Weeping may tarry for the night but joy comes with the morning." (Psalm 30:5b ESV)  

The Psalmist gives hope to anyone lost in life’s long night of weeping. Disappointment, disillusionment, despair, and disasters of life come to all of us at some time, resulting in weeping. But the morning also comes with its joy.

“And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”  (Nehemiah 8:4b)

“Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” (Psalm 51:12)

“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)

   All the earth with joy is sounding:

   Christ has risen from the dead!

   He, the greater Jonah bounding

   From the grave, His three-day bed,

   Wins the prize:

   Death's demise -

   Songs of triumph fill the skies!

   (“All the Earth With Joy Is Sounding,” Lutheran Service Book #462)

Lord Jesus, my Savior, thank You for being the joy of my life. Help me always remember this, especially when I find myself focusing on life’s long night of weeping. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, July 18, 2021 - WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

Day 199 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 25-27; Acts 20:17-38)

WHOM SHALL I FEAR?

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 ESV) 

You check the latest news and discover that, once again, it is not good. There is so much going on that could make us fearful about the future. Where will terrorists strike next time? What will the doctor say? Will I loose my job of keep it? 

King David was not a stranger to fearful times. Yet he knew that the only answer for security and peace is the Lord. God shines the light of His love and His gift of salvation into the lives of His people. The Lord is our stronghold, our defense, and the One who drives all fear away.

Surely, it is God who saves me;

I will trust in him and not be afraid.

For the Lord is my stronghold

and my sure defense,

and he will be my Savior.

(“The First Song of Isaiah,” 1982)

Link to Youtube recording of "The First Song of Isaiah"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bcjzhZwOIE

Lord, thank You for showing us the way of salvation in Jesus, my Savior. While world and national events may be fearful, assure me of Your presence and Your peace. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Saturday, July 17, 2021 - GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU!

Day 198 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 22-24; Acts 20:1-16)

GOD WILL NOT FORSAKE YOU! 

1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest... 16 For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet— 17 I can count all my bones— they stare and gloat over me; 18 they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots. 19 But you, O Lord, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid... 22 I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you. (Psalm 22:1-22 ESV) 

“Facing great opposition, the psalmist initially feels that God has forsaken him and is ignoring his prayers. After remembering God’s faithfulness and deliverance, he believes God will deliver him, and commits himself to telling that message to others. We, too, may feel alone and forsaken by God. Today we deserve to be forsaken by God because of our sinfulness. But, as the psalmist foretells, God Himself came to be our Redeemer. While many human beings have shared these feelings, the psalm finds its greatest fulfillment in Jesus Christ... He was truly forsaken by His Father and died alone so that we could be reconciled to our God. We are never alone because our crucified, resurrected Savior is with us.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 865) 

1. O God, forsake me not! 

    Your gracious presence lend me; 

    Lord, lead Your helpless child;

    Your Holy Spirit send me

    That I my course may run.

    O be my light, my lot, 

    My staff, my rock, my shield--

    O God, forsake me not!

2. O God, forsake me not!

    Take not Your Spirit from me;

    Do not permit the might

    Of sin to overcome me.

    Increase my feeble faith,

    Which You alone have wrought.

    O be my strength and pow'r--

    O God, forsake me not!

3. O God, forsake me not!

    Lord, hear my supplication! 

    In ev'ry evil hour 

    Help me resist temptation;

    And when the prince of hell

    My conscience seeks to blot,

    Be then not far from me--

    O God, forsake me not!

4. O God, forsake me not!

    Lord, I am Yours forever.

    O keep me strong in faith

    That I may leave You never.

    Grant me a blessed end

    When my good fight is fought;

    Help me in life and death--

    O God, forsake me not!

    (“O God, Forsake Me Not,” Lutheran Service Book #731)

Heavenly Father, thank You for answering my prayer for deliverance by sending Jesus to experience the forsakenness of hell in my stead. Help me to remember this at those times when I feel all alone. Grant me the comfort of knowing that You will never leave me nor forsake me . Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Friday, July 16, 2021 - ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ACCEPTABLE?

Day 197 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 19-21; Acts 19:21-41)

ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ACCEPTABLE? 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart

    be acceptable in your sight,

    O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

(Psalm 19:14 ESV) 

Can people see that you are a follower of Jesus by the words you choose to utter? Do you say things that warn, encourage and strengthen others, as well as glorify God? What do you think God thinks of your words? 

And here is a tougher question. Do the things you think about, and perhaps meditate on, glorify God? Remember, He knows everything. What do you think God thinks about what you think about? 

More questions... Would you want God to be at your side when you carry out your daily activities? Does everything you think, do and say match up with His commandments? 

Remember, God gave us His commandments to protect you, to guide you, and to show you how much you need your Savior, Jesus. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Rock and my Redeemer. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct my speaking, my thinking and my doing, so that I may glorify You and point others to You with every waking moment of my life. And please have mercy on me and forgive me when I fail You in any way. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Thursday, July 15, 2021 - HUMBLE OR HAUGHTY?

Day 196 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 17,18; Acts 19:1-20)

HUMBLE OR HAUGHTY?

“For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.” (Psalm 18:27  ESV)

Humility is not the route many people want to follow on the road of life. Yet the Psalmist, and others, have mapped out humility as the way to go.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)

“You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” (2 Samuel 22:28 ESV)

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

“The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:6 ESV)

Jesus: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 ESV)

Jesus: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you.” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV)

Heavenly Father, remind me daily of Your graciousness to me in forgiving my sins for Jesus’ sake. May my response be a life of humble service to others in You name. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

 THE REASON FOR...

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. (Psalm 14:3  ESV)

What is the reason for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and your baptism? These momentous events occurred because “no one does good, not even one.”  All of us need a Savior from our sins.

Jesus was born on Christmas, died on Good Friday and rose on Easter Sunday so that sinners like you and me could be saved. And then there is your baptism when your personal lack of goodness was completely washed away.

Baptized into Your name most Holy, 

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

I claim a place, though weak and lowly, 

Among Your saints, Your chosen host.

Buried with Christ and dead to sin, 

Your Spirit now shall live within.

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #590 stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner. Thank you for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and my baptism. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Tuesday, July 13, 2021 - INVEST IN THE WORD

Day 194 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 10-12 ;Acts 17:16-34)

INVEST IN THE WORD

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6  ESV)

TV ads encourage investors to put their money into gold or silver in order to protect themselves from market fluctuations. The Psalmist is encouraging sinners to invest in something much more reliable and valuable, God’s Word. The Gospel message, the heart of the Bible, provides deliverance from sin, death and the devil. The picture included here has a cross of silver which reminds us that the message of the cross is our most priceless gift from the Lord.

1. How precious is the Book Divine,

    By inspiration given!

    Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

   To guide our souls to heaven. 

2. It's light, descending from above

   Our gloomy world to cheer,

   Displays a Savior's boundless love

   And brings his glories near. 

3. It shows to man his wandering ways

    And where his feet have trod,

    And brings to view the matchless grace

    Of a forgiving God. 

4. O'er all the straight and narrow way

    Its radiant beams are cast;

    A light whose never weary ray

    Grows brightest at the last. 

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts

    In this dark vale of tears,

    Life, light, and joy it still imparts

    And quells our rising fears. 

6. This lamp through all the tedious night

    Of life shall guide our way

    Till we behold the clearer light

    Of an eternal day. 

    (How Precious Is the Book Divine, The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #285)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the priceless gift of Your Word. May I be well fed with its Christ-centered message today and everyday. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Monday, July 12, 2021 - OUR MAJESTIC LORD CARES FOR US

Day 193 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 7-9; Acts 17:1-15)

OUR MAJESTIC LORD CARES FOR US

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens...  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor... O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 9  ESV)

It is so overwhelming to know that the Creator of the universe remembers us and cares for us. The greatest example of the Lord’s majestic activity in our lives is His mercy and grace showered upon us from the cross. We are redeemed, forgiven and heaven-bound because we Jesus came to save us

May we vigorously share this good news whenever we can and wherever we may be!

1. O Lord my God, when I in awe-some wonder  

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, 

Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

REFRAIN:

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, 

How Great Thou art!  How Great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, 

How Great Thou art!  How Great Thou art!

2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, 

I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur 

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;

REFRAIN:

3. But when I think that God, His Son not sparing,  

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing  

He bled and died to take away my sin:

REFRAIN

4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation  

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration  

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

REFRAIN

(“How Great Thou Art,” Lutheran Service Book #801)

Almighty and majestic Lord of all that is, thank You for saving me from damnation. May I spend the rest of days praising and sharing Your name in my daily life so that many others may come to worship You too. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf

Sunday, July 11, 2021 - LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTION

Day 192 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 4-6; Acts 16:16-40)

LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTION

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31  ESV)

In shock, the Philippian jailer realizes that Paul and Silas are men of God, so he asks them THE question.

 “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 

The answer is the one every person needs to hear.  “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

Believing in the Lord Jesus is the only way to be eternally set free from man’s enemies of sin, death and th devil.

  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! The Spirit of grace,

  Long grieved and resisted, may take his sad flight

  And leave you in darkness to finish your race,

  To sink in the gloom of eternity’s night. 

  Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;

  The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.

  The dead, small and great, in the judgment must stand.

  What power, then, O sinner, can lend you its aid? 

  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, #349)

Heavenly Father, please help me to answer life’s biggest question with faith in Jesus as my Savior.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf