Monday, October 31, 2022 - GOD’S WORD IS OUR GREAT HERITAGE

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 304 - (Today’s Bible readings: Revelation 14:6-7; Psalm 46; Romans 3:19-28; John 8:31-36)

GOD’S WORD IS OUR GREAT HERITAGE

So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32 ESV)

Today is Reformation Day, the day we commemorate Martin Luther’s nailing of the 95 theses on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. This also marks the 500th anniversary of the publication of  his translation of the New Testament into the language of the people. The picture included today is of his room in the Wartburg Castle where he worked on the translation from Greek into German.

Why is this so important? Jesus Himself answers that question for us:  “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” 

 THE truth is that...

● Only Jesus can free you from your sin.

● He accomplished this by dying in your place on the cross of Calvary.

● You can now have real peace when you think about your future.

● Heave is yours for sure by virtue of you faith in your Savior, Jesus!

● Relent, believe and abide in Jesus’ freeing truth!

God's Word is our great heritage

And shall be ours forever;

To spread its light from age to age

Shall be our chief endeavor.

Through life it guides our way,

In death it is our stay.

Lord, grant, while worlds endure,

We keep its teachings pure

Throughout all generations.

(“God's Word Is Our Great Heritage,” Lutheran Service Book, # 582)

Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the truth of Your soul-freeing death on my behalf. Please help me, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to remain in Your truth today so that I can dwell with you in eternity. Until then, please use me to, like Luther, spread Your truth to all who will listen. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Saturday, October 15, 2022 - GREAT IS OUR GOD

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 288 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 2:1-24; Psalm 104:1-18; Mark 7:1-13)

GREAT IS OUR GOD

“Bless the Lord, O my soul!

    O Lord my God, you are very great!” (Psalm 104:1 ff)

David declares that God is great. What an understatement! He goes on to defend this truth by highlighting God’s creation of nature.

5 “He set the earth on its foundations,

    so that it should never be moved.”

David then reminds us of the flood that covered the entire earth at the Lord’s direction followed by His command (rebuke) that the waters recede. 

5 He set the earth on its foundations,

    so that it should never be moved.

6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

    the waters stood above the mountains.

7 At your rebuke they fled;

    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down

    to the place that you appointed for them.

9 You set a boundary that they may not pass,

    so that they might not again cover the earth.

The most moving example of God’s greatness is found in John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Michael W. Smith sings about God’s greatness with these words:

Great is the Lord He is holy and just

By His power we trust In His love

Great is the Lord He is faithful and true

By His mercy He proves He is love

Great is the Lord And worthy of glory

Great is the Lord And worthy of praise

Great is the Lord Now lift up your voice

Now lift up your voice Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdqfAkHCZnA

Lord God almighty, thank You for Your creating and saving greatness! Mercifully keep me close to You and bless my efforts to live for You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting tomorrow, October 16, for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Tuesday, November 1, 2022 - ALL SAINTS DAY

 

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 305 - (Today’s Bible readings: Revelation7:9-17; Psalm 149; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 )

ALL SAINTS DAY

15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,

    and serve him day and night in his temple;

    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;

    the sun shall not strike them,

    nor any scorching heat.

17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,

    and he will guide them to springs of living water,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17 ESV) 

This is All Saints Day, a day set aside to remember our loved ones and all who have died in the faith and are now with the Lord. However, the believers in heaven are not the only saints. “Sainthood” does not require a long, drawn out human vetting process. 

“They will be My people, and I will be their God.” (Jeremiah 32:28)

What it takes is God declaring we are His by means of a new covenant, one that fulfills the demands of the first covenant (be perfect and you will live forever with God).

“For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV)

The new covenant is all about Jesus and His cross. It is all about sinners made saints through Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is about God’s unconditional forgiveness of penitent sinners making them/us His saints. Therefore we can sing:

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, 

    Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

    Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!  

    We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

    Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!

8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, 

    Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

    Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!

    (For All the Saints, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, # 677)

Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me to see the big picture on this day; the countless host, and being one with those are now with You in heaven. Thank You for forgiving my sin and making this sinner another one of Your saints. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Friday, October 14, 2022 - BLESS THE LORD

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 287 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 1:25-53; Psalm 103; Mark 6:45-56)

BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit...

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-4, 10-12 ESV)

Fellow repentant sinner, God has made you holy and fit for heaven. All of your sins are gone, separated from you as far as the east is from the west. WHAT A WONDERFUL REASON TO BLESS THE LORD!

1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

   To His feet your tribute bring;

   Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

   Evermore His praises sing:

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Praise the everlasting King.

2 Praise Him for His grace and favor

   To His people in distress;

   Praise Him still the same as ever,

   Slow to chide, and swift to bless:

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Glorious in His faithfulness.

3 Fatherlike He tends and spares us;

   Well our feeble frame He knows;

   In His hands He gently bears us,

   Rescues us from all our foes.

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Widely yet His mercy flows.

4 Angels, help us to adore Him;

   You behold Him face to face;

   Sun and moon, bow down before Him,

   All who dwell in time and space.   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Praise with us the God of grace.

(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book #793)

Gracious heavenly Father, I do bless You holy name for all of Your benefits showered upon me every day. Above all, I thank you for not repaying me according to my iniquities. Please continue to sustain me with Your steadfast love.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Thursday, October 13, 2022 - NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would  me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 286 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 1:1-24; Psalm 102; Mark 6:30-44)

NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6:32 ESV)

Jesus shows His concern for His disciples as He invites them to seek a meal and some rest.

Physical food and rest are necessary to recharge our bodies. Likewise, spiritual food and rest are necessary to recharge our souls. While the disciples went off to a desolate place for refreshment, we are called to spiritual places that are anything but desolate.

In our churches we find nourishment and rest for our souls as we listen to the One who said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew1:29 ESV)

David echoed the blessings of our houses of worship when he wrote: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 121:1 ESV)

What makes the house of the Lord so special is that He meets us there and feeds our souls with His Word and with His Body and Blood. What blessed rest comes to those who hear His words of reconciliation and forgiveness: “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

I love Your kingdom, Lord,

The house of Your abode,

The Church our blest Redeemer saved

With His own precious blood.

(I Love Your  Kingdom, Lord, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #651 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the nourishment and rest You provide my soul in Your house. Let nothing keep me from the weekly treasures You serve me there in the form of Your holy Word and the Lord’s Supper. Please grant that many more people may join us in Your house this coming Lord’s day.  Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 - LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 285 - (Today’s Bible readings: Obadiah 1:15-21; Psalm 101; Mark 6:14-29)

LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained... Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”... And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other... Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.  (Judges 16:25-30 ESV)

Samson was known for his great strength. At one time, he killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Of course, we all remember how he lost his strength. Delilah tricked him into revealing the secret to his vulnerability. She cut his hair, and his strength was gone. The result was that his enemies easily took him prisoner. The Philistines decided to mock Samson and his God. However, they didn’t know how dangerous it is to mock God...

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Samson prayed: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”

Samson had blown it, yet God answered his prayer and allowed Samson to glorify Him.

Almighty God, I too am a sinner. Yet because of the faith You have given me in Jesus my Savior, I do want to glorify You. Please strengthen me for the daily opportunities You give me to honor You and point others to You. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Tuesday, October 11, 2022 - A JOYFUL NOISE

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 284 - (Today’s Bible readings: Obadiah 1:1-14; Psalm 100; Mark 6:1-13)

A JOYFUL NOISE 

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!... For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”  (Psalm 100:1 & 5 ESV) 

There is a lot of distracting noise surrounding us every day. The Psalmist is calling us to be sources of joyful noise. The contrast is striking. While the cacophony of worldly sound takes our attention away from the Lord, the joyful noise that emanates from the child of God points people to the Lord. 

We want to heed this call because we know that the Lord has been good to us. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to the cross for us, showering us with His enduring love. Our joy is multiplied as we realize that, even though we are not faithful, He is!

 

May the joyful noise that comes from us forgiven sinners honor You, O Lord. And may Your goodness, love, and faithfulness remain with us forever. Amen.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord today!

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!  

Monday, October 10, 2022 - PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 283 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 9:11-15; Psalm 99; Mark 5:21-43)

PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion;

    he is exalted over all the peoples. (Psalm 99:1-2 ESV)

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

To His feet your tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Evermore His praises sing:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor

To His people in distress;

Praise Him still the same as ever,

Slow to chide, and swift to bless:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Glorious in His faithfulness

(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book, #793)

Almighty God, I praise and thank You for being the Lord of my life and the Savior of my soul. May the way I live my life bring glory to Your name and other sinners to Your cross. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Sunday, October 9, 2022 - GO AND TELL

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 282 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 9:1-10; Psalm 98; Mark 5:1-20)

GO AND TELL

As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And he did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” And he went away and began to proclaim in the Decapolis how much Jesus had done for him, and everyone marveled. (Mark 5:18-20 ESV)

Can you imagine the sense of joy and thanksgiving that overwhelmed the formerly demon possessed man? His horrible nightmare was over. Jesus had freed him from a doomed life. And, naturally, he wanted to stay with Jesus. Instead, Jesus had a better idea. He gave his life a divine purpose:

“Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” 

There is a parallel between the formerly demon-possessed man and us. When we realize what Jesus has done for us, we too are filled with joy and thanksgiving. Luther’s explanation of Baptism helps us understand this blessing.

“What does such baptizing with water indicate?

It indicates that the Old Adam in us should by daily contrition and repentance be drowned and die with all sins and evil desires, and that a new man should daily emerge and arise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever.”  (Luther’s Small Catechism)

Our response to Jesus freeing us from sin, death and the devil is joy and thanksgiving. So...

“Go... and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.” 

Lord Jesus, thank You for freeing me from sin, death and the devil. Help me to remember what this means. Empower me to live for You today by telling others what you have done for me. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Saturday, October 8, 2022 - PEACE, BE STILL

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 281 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 8; Psalm 97 Mark 4:26-41)

PEACE, BE STILL

And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? (Mark 4:3-41 ESV)

“Hush, little baby, don’t you cry...” So starts a lullaby intended to comfort an infant into peaceful and quiet sleep. “Peace, be still” are the words of our Savior Jesus intended in this text to quiet both the raging storm and the anxious hearts of His disciples.

“Peace! Be Still!” Do you ever find yourself in need of the Savior’s word of comfort in your life? If you are human, like the rest of us, you desperately need such assurance. Whatever storms come into your life, Jesus is able to grant you His peace. That is the message of the cross where He secured the perfect peace of sins forgiven and heaven promised!

♬ When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,

    When sorrows like sea billows roll;

    Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

It is well with my soul,

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

    My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

    My sin, not in part but the whole,

    Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

    Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well with my soul,

    It is well, it is well with my soul.

   (“When Peace, Like a River,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #762 stanzas1&3)

Lord Jesus, thank You for calming the storms in my life and granting me the peace of sins forgiven and the promise of heaven. Help me to remember Your peace-giving presence today and always. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Friday, October 7, 2022 - A NEW SONG

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 280 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 7; Psalm 96; Mark 4:1-25)

A NEW SONG

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation every day.”  (Ps 96:1-2 ESV) 

“Proclaim the marvelous deeds of God’s salvation to all nations! In our world, too many people see faith in God as a relic of the past with little to say about life today. People turn away from the true God in idolatrous pursuits of money and success; they trust in technology or revel in pleasure. Do we give up? No! First, sing to the Lord. Join with others in worshiping the splendor and majesty of the Creator. Then, speak of His salvation in Jesus day after day, until the resurrected Savior returns to judge all nations in faithfulness.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009,page 941)

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; tell everyone what He has done.

Let all who seek the Lord rejoice and proudly bear His name.  

He recalls His promises and leads His people forth in joy with shouts of thanksgiving.  

Alleluia, alleluia. 

Lord Jesus, I sing Your praise for saving me and granting me the gift of eternal life. Please bless my efforts to tell others of Your marvelous plan of salvation today. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Thursday, October 6, 2022 - SING TO THE LORD

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 279 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 6; Psalm 95; Mark 3:22-35)

SING TO THE LORD

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV)

God’s children can truly sing to the Lord because He is the “great King above all gods.” He is the God of creation who made the sea and the land. He is the God of salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. This makes Him “the rock of our salvation.”

Any attempts to earn forgiveness and salvation are like sinking sand, offering empty promises with no reason to sing. But we believe in the free and gracious gifts of “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Therefore, we sing!  

O, Sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,

O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,

O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.

O, sing to our God, O sing to our God.

For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.

For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.

For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.

O sing to our God, O sing to our God.

(“O Sing to the Lord”, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #808 stanzas 1&2)

Heavenly Father, because of Your overwhelming love in sending Jesus to save sinners like me, I will sing Your praises for the rest of my and beyond. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Wednesday, October 5, 2022 - DOING WHAT’S RIGHT, EVEN WHEN...

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 278 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 5:16-27; Psalm 94; Mark 3:1-21)

DOING WHAT’S RIGHT, EVEN WHEN...

Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there with a withered hand. And they watched Jesus, to see whether he would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come here.” And he said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored. The Pharisees went out and immediately held counsel with the Herodians against him, how to destroy him. (Mark 3:1-6 ESV)

The artist captured well the drama in these short six verses. 

 ● A man in need.

 ● A judgmental crowd.

 ● A question put forth.

 ● Silence.

 ● Righteous anger and hardened hearts.

 ● A hand restored.

 ● Hatred eagerly unleashed.

Why did Jesus go ahead and miraculously restore the man’s hand on the Sabbath? He knew what the Pharisees were up to. Why didn’t He just wait until the next day?

Have you ever seen a police officer directing cars to go through a red light? He has the authority to override the traffic laws if the situation demands it. Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath (Matthew 12:8). He is God, the One who gave the Sabbath laws in the first place. He had the right to help the man in need. Healing on the Sabbath was the right thing for Jesus to do!

There may be times when it is not popular to obey the will of God. At times like that, Peter’s words echo in our ears: “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29 ESV)

Yea, Lord, ’twas Thy rich bounty gave

My body, soul, and all I haveIn this poor life of labor.

Lord, grant that I in ev’ry place

May glorify Thy lavish grace

And help and serve my neighbor.

Let no false doctrine me beguile;

Let Satan not my soul defile.

Give strength and patience unto me

To bear my cross and follow Thee.

Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord,

In death Thy comfort still afford. 

Amen. 

(“Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart,”  Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #708 v 2)

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Tuesday, October 4, 2022 - NEWNESS IN CHRIST

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 277 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 5:1-15; Psalm 93; Mark 2:13-28)

NEWNESS IN CHRIST

Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. And people came and said to him, “Why do John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?” And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in that day. No one sews a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the patch tears away from it, the new from the old, and a worse tear is made. And no one puts new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins—and the wine is destroyed, and so are the skins. But new wine is for fresh wineskins.” (Mark 2:18-22 ESV)

“Jesus stresses that the time of fulfillment has arrived, and thus totally new ways of thinking and acting are in order. In our own lives, the same dynamic is at work. It will not do simply to patch some little bit of the Gospel on our existing lifestyle and expect it all to hold together. Thankfully, the Lord offers such surpassingly great promises that the old is made obsolete. That is what Paul meant when he said in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1659)

How can such life changes and such newness come about?

●  Prayer - for God’s guidance and insight into His will.

●  Study of the Word of God - where we are shown the will of God.

●  Weekly worship - where God comes to us in His Word and Sacraments.

●  Regular reception of the Lord’s Supper (weekly?) - given and shed for you.

●  Consolation of the brethren - sharing life’s challenges and joys with fellow Christians.

Children of God, 

Dying and rising, 

Sing to the Lord a new song! 

Heaven and earth, 

Hosts everlasting, 

Sing to the Lord a new song! 

He has done marvelous things. 

I too will praise Him with a new song! 

Amen. 

("Earth and All Stars,”“ Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #817 stanza 7)

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Monday, October 3, 2022 - SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 276 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 4:6-13; Psalm 92; Mark 1:35-2:12)

SEEK THE LORD AND LIVE

“-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-yet you did not return to me...

-prepare to meet you God, O Israel!

 (Amos 4:6-12 ESV)

Five times the Lord attempted to bring His people to their senses so that they would return to Him. He withheld food and water. He sent blight, mildew and pestilence. He killed their young men and made their camp stink. He overthrew them as He did Sodom and Gomorrah. And they still refused to return to God! So they heard the stern warning that they would meet the judgement of God.

This shows us how serious God is about our rebellion and our sin. And yet, in chapter five He provides a way out for rebellious Israel, and for us as well:

“Seek me and live... Seek good, and not evil, that you may live, and so the Lord, the God of hosts, will be with you.”  (Amos 5:4&14 ESV)

 

Almighty God, thank You for the reminder that You are absolutely serious about sin. Please grant more wisdom that the Israelites had in this lesson. May the Holy Spirit move me to continually seek You and Your mercy. “Let Your holy angel be with me that the evil foe may have not power over me.” Amen.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!