Thursday, December 1, 2022 - THE PROPHECY FULFILLER

 

"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 335 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 21:1-11) 

THE PROPHECY FULFILLER

Now when they drew near to Jerusalem and came to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord needs them,’ and he will send them at once.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 

“Say to the daughter of Zion,

‘Behold, your king is coming to you,

humble, and mounted on a donkey,

on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’”   (Matthew 21:1-5 ESV)

Why do we believe the Bible? The Holy Spirit works faith in us through its sacred pages. It should not be surprising, since it is God’s Word, that it is in sync with what we know of the world around us. What is surprising is the fact that over 300 Old Testament prophecies have been fulfilled in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

“This took place to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet . . . “

The word fulfill / fulfilled occurs over fifty times in the New Testament.

This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:15 ESV)

Because all of the prophecies about our Savior are true, you can trust His prophecy for you and for all who repent and trust in Him!

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26 ESV)

Yes, because Jesus is THE prophecy fulfiller, you can sing / confess these words with complete confidence:

♬ Lord, let at last Thine angels come,

To Abr’ham’s bosom bear me home,

        That I may die unfearing;

        And in its narrow chamber keep

        My body safe in peaceful sleep

        Until Thy reappearing.

        And then from death awaken me,

        That these mine eyes with joy may see,

        O Son of God, Thy glorious face,

        My Savior and my fount of grace.

        Lord Jesus Christ, my prayer attend, my prayer attend,

        And I will praise Thee without end.

(Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, Lutheran Service Book, 

Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #708, stanza 3)

Lord Jesus, thank You for fulfilling every single prophecy of the Father’s long promised Messiah / Savior. May I remain faithful to You for the rest of my life so that Your prophecy of eternal life for all who trust in You will be fulfilled in me. Please use me to share this with other sinners, so that they, too, may see this prophecy fulfilled in them. 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, November 30, 2022 - ZION, THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF 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 334 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 123; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31) 

ZION, THE BEAUTIFUL CITY OF GOD

2 It shall come to pass in the latter days

    that the mountain of the house of the Lord

shall be established as the highest of the mountains,

    and shall be lifted up above the hills;

and all the nations shall flow to it,

3     and many peoples shall come, and say:

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,

    to the house of the God of Jacob,

that he may teach us his ways

    and that we may walk in his paths.”

For out of Zion shall go forth the law,

    and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. (Isaiah 2:2-3 ESV)

Jerusalem is a beautiful city filled with a rich past. Its holiest spots are sacred to Jews, Christians and Muslims, the spots where the temple once stood, and where Jesus was crucified and rose are all so close together.

In today’s picture, you can see the dome marking the Muslim spot and the Western Wall, where the Jews pray. You can also see the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre where Christians remember Christ’s death and resurrection. As Christians, this is the holiest aspect of Jerusalem!

“He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” (2 Corinthians 5:15 ESV)

The hymn writer captures the unique Christian importance of Jerusalem, also called Zion, with these words:

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.

(Come We That Love the Lord, LSB 669)

You can copy and paste this link to hear and see the lyrics to the hymn:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmbqN0yiT4I

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all Your Son, Jesus, accomplished for us sinners that holy weekend in Jerusalem. As we remember Jerusalem as Your beautiful city, may we also remember that we are marching to Your eternal Zion in heaven. Please keep us faithful until then, and use to invite others to experience the beautiful city of God. 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!

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 - JESUS IS MY 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 333 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 1:18-31; Psalm 122; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11) 

JESUS IS MY LORD

No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. (1 Corinthians 21:3b (NIV)

There are many things we cannot do on our own. Can you do your own heart surgery? Can you win a baseball game on your own? There are so many other things that we cannot do on our own. At the top of the list is coming to faith in Jesus Christ.

In today’s reading, Paul is reminding us of the crucial work of the Holy Spirit, namely creating saving faith in the hearts of God’s people. Because of His work we are Christians, and each one of us can declare that “Jesus is my Lord!”

The Holy Spirit is the key to your faith, as Luther wrote in his Small Catechism:

The Third Article: Sanctification  

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. 

What does this mean?  I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith. In the same way He calls, gathers, enlightens, and sanctifies the whole Christian church on earth, and keeps it with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. In this Christian church He daily and richly forgives all my sins and the sins of all believers. On the Last Day He will raise me and all the dead, and give eternal life to me and all believers in Christ. This is most certainly true. 

Holy Spirit, thank You for enlightening me with Your gifts and working saving faith in my heart. Please help me to keep Jesus first in my life and not to be distracted by the things of this life. 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!

Monday, November 28, 2022 - DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF 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 332 - (Today’s Bible readings: Isaiah 1:1–17; Psalm 120; 1 Cor. 10:23–11:16)

DO ALL TO THE GLORY OF GOD

31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved.  (1 Corinthians 10:31-33 ESV)

In this section, Paul is teaching us to put others first by not do anything that might offend them. The example from Paul’s day was eating meat offered to idols which could confuse a weak Christian and lead them astray. 

While we cannot control whether or not someone takes offense at something we may say of do, we should not do or say anything that would intentionally lead someone away from Jesus. Instead, “whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. 32 Give no offense...” Paul talks about using his Christian freedom to glorify God and help others so “that they may be saved.”

Our motivation is found in Jesus' sacrifice for us. Because died and rose for the salvation of sinners like you and me, we now get to live for Him and to the glory of God.

14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. (2 Corinthians 5:14-15 ESV)

In other words, we get to share the love of Jesus with others.

Love divine, all loves excelling, 

Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!

Fix in us Thy humble dwelling,

All Thy faithful mercies crown.

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

Pure, unbounded love Thou art;

Visit us with Thy salvation;

Enter ev'ry trembling heart!

(Love Divine, All Love Excelling, Lutheran Service Book #700 stanzas 1 and 4)

We pray:

Finish then Thy new creation,

Pure and spotless let us be;

Let us see Thy great salvation

Perfectly restored in Thee,

Changed from glory into glory,

Till in heav'n we take our place,

Till we cast our crowns before Thee,

Lost in wonder, love, and praise! 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, November 27, 2022 - FATHERLY ADVICE

"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 331 - (Today’s Bible readings:1 Chronicles 29:1-30; Psalm 120; 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:16) 

FATHERLY ADVICE

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” (1 Chronicles 28:9-10 ESV)

The picture looks like Theodore Cleaver (A.K.A. the Beaver) is getting a little fatherly advice from Ward Cleaver, his dad, in the old TV show “Leave It To Beaver.”

In our reading highlight for today, Solomon is getting fatherly advice from his dad, King David. And what advice it is!

● Know the God of your father 

● serve Him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, 

● seek Him and you will find Him

● Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; 

● be strong and do it.

Your heavenly Father has the same advice for you, with one modification. Of course you are not building a temple for the Lord.

● Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to...

May the Lord bless and guide you as you obediently seek His plan for your life.

Heavenly Father, please equip and motivate me to live the life that You have planned for me. Thank You for providing the motivation and example for a life of service that You have revealed to me in the life of Jesus, my Savior, in whose precious name I pray. 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, November 26, 2022 - REGRETS?

"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 330 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 28:1-21; Psalm 119:161-168; 1 Corinthians 10:14-22) 

REGRETS?

“Then Uzziah was angry. Now he had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and when he became angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead in the presence of the priests in the house of the LORD, by the altar of incense.”    (2 Chronicles 26:19 ESV)

Today’s blog is entitled “Regrets,” because I am sure that Uzziah had plenty of them. Like so many kings of Judah and Israel, Uzziah had started out well doing “what was right in the eyes of the Lord.” (26:4) “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction.” (26:16)

In his pride, Uzziah attempted to offer incense to the Lord, something only the priests were allowed to do. He disobeyed God, and then got angry when his sin was confronted. Have you ever reacted in anger when you were called on the carpet for some wrong that you did? 

God swiftly reacted to Uzziah’s stubborn pride in a manner that he could not miss - leprosy! Regret must have flooded Uzziah the moment he noticed that creepy death upon his forehead.

All thanksgiving be to God that He does not react that way to our disobedience. While we do regret our transgressions of God’s Law, we have God-given hope. Thank God He sent His Son to take the blame for us and to receive the punish we deserve in His body on the cross!

Regrets? No, because: ‘We know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”  (Romans 8:28 ESV)

Almighty God, You take sin seriously, all sin. Please keep me in Your ways, obedient to Your will. And when I fail, when I too rebel, have mercy on me and grant me forgiveness for Jesus’ sake. 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, November 25, 2022 - FACE LIFE’S BATTLES WITH FAITH

 

"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)

Friday, November 25, 2022 - Day 329 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 27:1-34; Psalm 119:153-160; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 

FACE LIFE’S BATTLES WITH FAITH

20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa. And when they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem! Believe in the LORD your God, and you will be established; believe his prophets, and you will succeed.” 21 And when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.”    (2 Chronicles 20:20-21 ESV)

“By promise, prayer and praise, the Lord accomplishes Judah’s deliverance. The people are saved by faith. Faith in God’s promises is still how we relate to and rely on our gracious Lord. Above all blessings, He gives us saving faith in the cross of His beloved Son.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 693)

What are your personal battles? 

  Addictions? 

  Fears? 

  Terrible circumstances? 

  Health concerns?

  Disappointments?

The Lord urges you onward in faith with your eyes on Jesus and His victorious cross..

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, 

With the cross of Jesus Going on before. 

Christ, the royal master, Leads against the foe; 

Forward into battle See His banners go! 

Onward, Christian soldiers, Marching as to war, 

With the cross of Jesus Going on before. 

  (Lutheran Service Book,  Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #662)

Almighty God, strengthen my faith in You so that I may face the battles of my life confident in You mercy, grace and presence. Thank You for granting success to Jesus when He fought the battle for my soul on the cross. In His 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!

Thursday, November 24, 2022 - THANKSGIVING 2022 - WHY THANK 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 328 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 26:1-32; Psalm 119:145-152; 1 Corinthians 9:15-27)

THANKSGIVING 2022 - WHY THANK GOD?

The answer to this question in found in all that God has done for you.

“I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ears, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still preserves them.  Also clothing and shoes, meat and drink, house and home, wife and children, fields, cattle, and all my goods; that He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life; That He defends me against all danger, and guards and protects me from all evil; And all this purely out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me; for all which it is my duty to thank and praise, to serve and obey Him.  This is most certainly true”   (Luther’s explanation to the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed) 

And how do we get to respond to all of these blessings?

Thank the Lord and sing His praise; 

tell ev'ryone 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. 

(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House 2006)

Heavenly Father, thank You showering me with so many earthly blessings. Above all, I thank You for forgiving my sins and saving my soul. 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, November 23, 2022 - MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME

 

"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 327 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 25:1-31; Psalm 119:137-144; 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)

MAKE THE BEST USE OF YOUR TIME

Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. (Colossians 4:5-6 ESV) 

Paul is encouraging the members of the church in Colossae to make the best use of their time. He does the same for you and me. 

How do you use your time? I imagine you spend it like many folks do--work, sleep, recreation, volunteering, etc. What Paul is getting at is the focus of your life. Perhaps the better questions would be: “Why are you here? What is it that God wants you to do with your time?” The Bible provides answers to these questions:

“Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” (Psalm 107:2 KJV)

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:8 ESV)

So be wise and do all that you can to share the love of Jesus with others every day. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Lord, please guide my speech today so that You can reach others through me. 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!

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 - WHERE DO YOU TURN?

"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 326 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 24:20-31; Psalm 119:129-136; 1 Corinthians 8:7-13)

WHERE DO YOU TURN?

My soul longs for your salvation;

    I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81 ESV)

David longed for deliverance from his enemies. When the going gets rough, he turned to God. His hope and confidence were placed in the Word of the Lord.

Where do you turn when life gets rough for you? It is wise to follow David’s example. Perhaps you will not be delivered from trouble in this life. But with Jesus, you are guaranteed eternal salvation. Long for His salvation, put your hope in His Word, and trust, repent and rejoice!

  Let us ever walk with Jesus, 

  Follow His example pure,

  Through the world that would deceive us  

  And to sin our spirits lure.

  Onward in His footsteps treading, 

  Pilgrims here, our home above,

  Full of faith and hope and love, 

  Let us do the Father's bidding.

  Faithful Lord, with me abide; 

  I shall follow where You guide.

  (“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book 685 -1)

Almighty God, I long for Your salvation.  My hope is in the promises of Your Word. Please use me to share this hope with others. In Jesus’ saving name.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), 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, November 21, 2022 - COURAGEOUS FAITH

 

"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 325 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 24:1-19; Psalm 119:121-128; 1 Corinthians 8:1-6)

COURAGEOUS FAITH

“King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” And Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time would you persuade me to be a Christian?”  And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.””  (Acts 26:27-29 ESV)

 

Paul appealed to Caesar for a trial in Rome rather than be subject to the treacherous lies of the Jewish leaders. But first he is questioned by Roman rulers Festus and Agrippa. Paul’s defense is a clear proclamation of the saving Gospel of Jesus the Christ. King Agrippa’s familiarity with the Jewish prophecies prompted Paul’s direct and challenging statement: “I know that you believe.” Agrippa gave a disappointing and tragic answer. “Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.” (King James Version) But almost doesn’t it make it when it comes to faith. 

Next, we get a revealing glimpse into the focus of Paul’s life and ministry.

“Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.”

Paul was filled with confident faith in the Babe of Bethlehem, the Christ of Calvary and the Savior of his soul, as his letter to the church in Rome reveals.

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:37-39)

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of courageous faith revealed in St. Paul. Lord, please give that same kind of faith so that You can use me to reach others for heaven too. 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, November 20, 2022 - GOD’S TIMING

 

"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)

Sunday, November 20, 2022 - Day 324 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40)

GOD’S 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. 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, November 19, 2022 - WALKING IN THE LIGHT

"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 323 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 23:1-23; Psalm 119:105-112; 1 Corinthians 7:17-24)

WALKING IN THE LIGHT

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)

Are you walking in the light? If so, that means that you are taking seriously the directions God’s gives us for such a walk. Listen to what David says a few verses later in chapter 119.

“Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.” (Psalm 119:165 ESV)

Paul was forced to address those in the Corinthian church who were not walking in the light.

“But now I am writing to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler—not even to eat with such a one. For what have I to do with judging outsiders? Is it not those inside the church whom you are to judge?  God judges those outside. “Purge the evil person from among you.” (1 Corinthians 5:11-13 ESV). 

In our permissive anything-goes culture, his pronouncement seems rather harsh. The expulsion of the man living in sexual sin was meant to wake him up and save his soul. It was also meant to encourage the rest of God’s people to take seriously the call to walk in the light and not hide in the dark.

 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

 When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, still You’re there right beside me,

 And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.  Please be near me to the end.

 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

  Now I will not forget Your love for me and yet My heart forever is wandering.

 Jesus, be my guide and hold me to Your side, and I will love You to the end.

 Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

 (Thy Word, Text, Amy grant, Tune, Michael W. Smith)

Almighty God, may the light of Your Word be my guiding light. May I daily walk in the light of the cross and so glorify You and be used to draw others to Jesus.  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, November 18, 2022 - SWEETER THAN HONEY

"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 322 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16)

SWEETER THAN HONEY

 

“How sweet are your words to my taste,

    sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Psalm 119:103 ESV)

King David and the prophet Ezekiel have much in common, including the way that the describe the Word of God.

“Eat this scroll, and go, speak to the House of Israel.... Then I ate it, and it was in mouth as sweet as honey.” (Ezekiel 3:1&3 ESV)

In preparing Ezekiel for his “uncomfortable” ministry, God commands him to eat a scroll and then talk to God’s rebellious people. He obeys, and is spiritually fortified for his tough assignment. While David’s reference was rhetorical, Ezekiel’s was literal.

God wants to fortify us for our vocations in this sin-filled world. He does this through the simple means of water, bread, wine and His precious Word.

The Lord is still prescribing the Ezekiel/David diet today. He daily calls us to Read, Mark, Learn, and Inwardly Digest the Bible! How are you doing in this area? 

We sing “How precious is the Book Divine.” Should your Bible be catching dust or catching your interest?

  How precious is the Book Divine,

  By inspiration given!

  Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

  To guide our souls to heaven. 

   (The Lutheran Hymnal, Concordia Publishing House, 1941, #285)

Lord, please bless me today with the desire to feast upon Your Word. May the Bible be a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105). Amen.

Don’t be afraid to open THE Book today!

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, November 17, 2022 - GLORIFY GOD IN YOU BODY

"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 321 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 21:18-22:5; Psalm 119:89-96; 1 Corinthians 6)

GLORIFY GOD IN YOU BODY

“The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body... Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” (1 Corinthians 6:13b; 19-20 ESV)

The devil has one goal, to mess up our lives here on earth and in eternity. We are far too familiar with hatred, jealousy, materialism, prejudice, and immorality of all sorts. In today’s reading, Paul is warning us of one of the most damning tools Satan has in his arsenal - sexual sin. So many have allowed this sin to lead them away from God.

Paul’s message is clear, since you do not belong to yourself, don’t sin sexually. He then attempts to help us get the point:

Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? Never! Or do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute becomes one body with her? For, as it is written, “The two will become one flesh.” But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him. Flee from sexual immorality. Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:15-18 ESV)

In the past, some have given the impression that sexual sin to the unforgivable sin. But that cannot be so since Jesus Himself forgave a woman caught in adultery with theses words: “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” (John 8:11 ESV)

And yet, we have this strong warning from Paul, and for good reason: “Every other sin a person commits is outside the body, but the sexually immoral person sins against his own body.” 

There are many who find themselves ensnared in Satan’s sexual trap. Where can they turn? Listen to Paul’s response: “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25 ESV) This leads us back to end of today’s verse:

 “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price.” 

We find ourselves at the cross of Jesus where we find both the motivation to walk the life of purity and the strength to do so. Since Jesus died in payment for all of your sins, and promises to walk with you every day, you, like Paul, can be thankful and empowered to glorify the Lord in your body.

Lord God almighty, I am truly sorry for all of my sins. Thanks you for Lord Jesus for purchasing the forgiveness I so desperately need by dying in my place. Remind me of Your loving sacrifice every day so that I may glorify You in my entire life, body and soul. 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, November 16, 2022 - LONG FOR SALVATION

 

"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 320 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 21:1-17; Psalm 119:81-88; 1 Corinthians 5)

LONG FOR SALVATION

My soul longs for your salvation;

    I hope in your word. (Psalm 119:81 ESV)

David longed for deliverance from his enemies. When the going gets rough, he turned to God. His hope and confidence were placed in the Word of the Lord.

Where do you turn when life gets rough for you? It is wise to follow David’s example. Perhaps you will not be delivered from trouble in this life. But with Jesus, you are guaranteed eternal salvation. Long for His salvation, put your hope in His Word, and trust, repent and rejoice!

1  If thou but suffer God to guide thee, 

   And hope in Him through all thy ways,

   He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,

   And bear thee through the evil days.

   Who trusts in God’s unchanging love

   Builds on the rock that nought can move.

3  Be patient and await His leisure

   In cheerful hope, with heart content

   To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure

   And all-deserving love hath sent,

   Nor doubt our inmost wants are known

   To Him who chose us for His own.

7  Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,

   Perform thy duties faithfully,

   And trust His Word, though undeserving,

   Thou yet shalt find it true for thee!

   God never yet forsook at need

   The soul that trusted Him indeed.

   ("If Thou But Suffer God to Guide Thee,” Lutheran Service Book 750)

Almighty God, I long for Your salvation.  My hope is in the promises of Your Word. Please use me to share this hope with others. In Jesus’ saving name.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), 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!