Monday, July 01, 2024 - EVERYONE AND ANYONE

"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)

Monday, July 01, 2024 - Day 183 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 23-25; Acts 10:24-48)

EVERYONE AND ANYONE

“To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.” (Acts 10:43 ESV)

What GOOD NEWS! Jesus offers forgiveness to everyone and anyone who believes in Him. And what is that we are to believe? Simply this... Jesus died for all, and that includes you.

● No matter who you are, JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

● No matter what you have done, JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

● No matter what is going on in your life today, JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

● No matter how you feel about yourself, JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

● No matter what you may be afraid of today, JESUS DIED FOR YOU!

 

So, believe, repent and be at peace - Jesus died for you and paid for all of your sins!

  1. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 

Trusting only Thee;

Trusting Thee for full salvation, 

Great and free.

  2. I am trusting Thee for pardon; 

At Thy feet I bow,

For Thy grace and tender mercy 

Trusting now.

  3. I am trusting Thee for cleansing 

In the crimson flood;

Trusting Thee to make me holy 

By Thy blood.

  4. I am trusting Thee to guide me; 

Thou alone shalt lead,

Ev'ry day and hour supplying 

All my need.

  5. I am trusting Thee for power; 

Thine can never fail.

Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me 

Must prevail.

  6. I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, 

I am trusting Thee forever 

And for all.

(Lutheran Service Book #729)

Father, thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Make me a faithful witness of Your love. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, June 30, 2024 - WHAT IS CLEAN IS NOT IMPURE

"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, June 30, 2024 - Day 182 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 21,22; Acts 10:1-23)

WHAT IS CLEAN IS NOT IMPURE

9 The next day, as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became hungry and wanted something to eat, but while they were preparing it, he fell into a trance 11 and saw the heavens opened and something like a great sheet descending, being let down by its four corners upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of animals and reptiles and birds of the air. 13 And there came a voice to him: “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “By no means, Lord; for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” .... 22 And they said, “Cornelius, a centurion, an upright and God-fearing man, who is well spoken of by the whole Jewish nation, was directed by a holy angel to send for you to come to his house and to hear what you have to say.” 23 So he invited them in to be his guests. (Acts 10:9-15, 22-23 ESV)

“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.” (Verse 15 NIV)

This special vision given Peter has two messages. One is that Peter was no longer subject to the Old Testament dietary laws. However, as we see in verses 22-23, there is also a far more important message. Cornelius, a non-Jew, is now a candidate for the Gospel. How monumental this was for him and for us! JESUS DIED FOR THE SINS OF ALL PEOPLE, Jews and non-Jews (Gentiles). 

34 So Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.” (vv. 34-35 ESV)

1. Salvation unto us has come

    By God’s free grace and favor;

    Good works cannot avert our doom,

    They help and save us never.

    Faith looks to Jesus Christ alone,

    Who did for all the world atone;

    He is our one Redeemer.

    (Lutheran Service Book #555)

 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for offering salvation to all who repent and believe. Help me to remember this when You call on me to witness to someone who is different than me. 

And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Day 181 A PROMISE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

"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)

Saturday, June 29, 2024 - Day 181 A PROMISE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts  2:37-39 ESV)

The promise of forgiveness and new life in Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith. It is also at the heart of an annual gathering that took place one week ago. Life Walk 2024 was an enjoyable morning spent in support of our efforts to help mothers chose life for their babies. The good people of Immanuel Lutheran Church and School in Brookfield were our hosts. Pastor Steve Henderson from Immanuel led an inspiring opening service in preparation of the actual walk.

One of the emphases we gently make at Refuge House (APOR’s shelter) is the encouragement for our moms to have their babies baptized. This is one of the wonderful tasks this pastor has been privileged to carry out over the last three decades. 

You see, the promises of Jesus are meant for all of us:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins”

Peter then assures us of the importance of infant Baptism by adding: “For the promise is for you and for your children.” 

1.Children of the heav’nly Father

   Safely in His bosom gather;

   Nestling bird nor star in Heaven

   Such a refuge e’er was given.

2.God His own doth tend and nourish;

   In His holy courts they flourish;

   From all evil things He spares them;

   In His mighty arms He bears them.

3.Neither life nor death shall ever

   From the Lord His children sever;

   Unto them His grace He showeth,

   And their sorrows all He knoweth.

4.Though He giveth or He taketh,

   God His children ne’er forsaketh;

   His the loving purpose solely

   To preserve them pure and holy.

   (Lutheran Service Book #725)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your gracious plan to save sinners from eternal doom by granting complete forgiveness for all who repent and believe. Thank You also for the assurance that infants are saved by Baptism. Thank You for blessing Life Walk once again, and all that we do to help these mothers and their children. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, June 28, 2024 - GOD CAN CHANGE HIM

"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, June 28, 2024 - Day 180 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 16-18; Acts 9:1-22)

GOD CAN CHANGE HIM

But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. Now as he went on his way, he approached Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone around him. And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting... For some days he was with the disciples at Damascus. And immediately he proclaimed Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is the Son of God.” And all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is not this the man who made havoc in Jerusalem of those who called upon this name?” (Acts 9:1-5, 19-21 ESV)

 

Do you know of a person whom you are sure will never become a follower of Jesus? 

● Someone who may use His name, but never with faith and reverence? 

● Someone who insists that there is no God?

● How about followers of false gods?

The conversion of St. Paul vividly teaches us that Jesus, who came to seek the lost, can change anyone. He changed Saul from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to one of the greatest Christian missionaries of all time.

Now, how about that person you were thinking about. Jesus can change him or her just as easily as He changed Saul. So, continue to pray. And do not be afraid to share Jesus as winsomely and lovingly as you can.

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near.

The waters of life are now flowing for you.

No price is demanded, the Savior is here,

Redemption is purchased, God’s promise is true. 

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come;

For mercy still lingers and calls you today.

Its voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;

Its message, unheeded, will soon pass away. 

Delay not, delay not! The Spirit of grace,

Long grieved and resisted, may take his sad flight

And leave you in darkness to finish your race,

To sink in the gloom of eternity’s night. 

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

The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.

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

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

Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse

The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?

A fountain is opened; how can you refuse

To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood? 

(Hymn # 349 from Lutheran Worship)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for changing Paul. Please have mercy on _________ and change _______ into one of Your followers too. In Your saving name, O Lord. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, June 27, 2024 - IS THIS ALL THERE IS?

"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)

Thursday, June 27, 2024 - Day 179 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 13-15; Acts 8:26-40)

IS THIS ALL THERE IS?

“Man who is born of a woman is few of days and full of trouble. He comes out like a flower and withers;  he flees like a shadow and continues not...If a man dies, shall he live again?” (Job 14:1-2, 14 ESV)

 

Job’s suffering causes him to share some harsh sounding thoughts. Life is short. Is there life after death? Paul gives us the answer in Romans 7:24-25:

“Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!”

Jesus did, in fact, deliver us from death by His death and resurrection. And we are guaranteed eternal life with Jesus.

    1. Christ, the life of all the living, 

Christ, the death of death, our foe,

Christ yourself for me once giving 

To the darkest depths of woe:

Through Thy suff'ring, death, and merit 

Life eternal I inherit.

Thousand, thousand thanks shall be, 

Dearest Jesus, unto Thee.

(Lutheran Service Book #420)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for promising me eternal life with You. Use me to share Your promises with others so they, too, may be saved. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - MUCH JOY!

 

"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)

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 - Day 178 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 10-12 Acts 8:1-25)

MUCH JOY!

4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them, and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-8 ESV)

 

“There was much joy in that city.”  Demons were cast out and people were healed physically. Naturally, people would be joyful.

However, were does true and lasting joy come from? We find it in our churches as we gather around God’s Word and the precious body and blood of Jesus. Real joy comes from our believe in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” (Last sentence of the Apostles’ Creed)

1 Joyful, joyful we adore Thee,

God of glory, Lord of love!

Hearts unfold like flow'rs before Thee,

Praising Thee, their sun above.

Melt the clouds of sin and sadness,

Drive the gloom of doubt away.

Giver of immortal gladness,

Fill us with the light of day.

2 All Thy works with joy surround Thee,

Earth and heav'n reflect Thy rays,

Stars and angels sing around Thee,

Center of unbroken praise.

Field and forest, vale and mountain,

Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,

Chanting bird, and flowing fountain

Call us to rejoice in Thee.

3 Thou art giving and forgiving,

Ever blessing, ever blest,

Well-spring of the joy of living,

Ocean-depth of happy rest!

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,

Fountainhead of love divine:

Joyful, we Thy heav'n inherit!

Joyful, we by grace are Thine!

(Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee, LSB 803)

Lord, please keep filling me with Your joy as I go to Your house every week and find You there with Your joy-instilling gifts of forgiveness, peace and promise. And please let Your love and mercy show in my life so that others can come to know the joy of being Your child too. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - STAND UP FOR JESUS, EVEN IF...

"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)

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 - Day 177 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 7-9 Acts 7:44-60)

STAND UP FOR JESUS, EVEN IF...

51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.” ... 54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. 55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. 58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. (Acts 7:51-58 ESV)

What courage displayed by Stephen! He confronts the sins of his hearers and is stoned to death for it. Was it worth it? Stephen’s answer would be a loud “yes.”

Stand up for Jesus not matter what opposition we face, even death. Don’t worry about what others may think about you and your faith. As Jesus said: “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew 10:28 ESV) So, fellow believer...

Stand up, stand up for Jesus;

The strife will not be long;

This day the din of battle,

The next the victor's song.

The soldiers overcoming,

Their crown of life shall see

And with the King of Glory

Shall reign eternally.

(Lutheran Service Book  #660 v.4)

Lord, please protect me from those who would take my life. At the same time, grant me courage to stand up for You no matter what the circumstances may be.   And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, June 24, 2024 - NO PLATITUDES

"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)

Monday, June 24, 2024 - Day 176 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 4-6 Acts 7:20-43)

NO PLATITUDES

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said: “If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking?” (Job 4:1-2 ESV)

In chapters 4 and 5. “Eliphaz, the best friend who tries to comfort Job, only adds to Job’s misery. His ‘encouragement’ discourages Job because Eliphaz never really connects with Job or his pain. He only offers platitudes. When you reach out to a friend or family member, do not give answers that simply bandage deep hurts. Listen carefully to the sufferer and learn to share the pain. God does use adversity to discipline His people... In the midst of trial, we might doubt God’s love for us. But the cross shows us the measure of God’s love.”  (Lutheran Study Bibe. CPH. 2009, page 789)

   1. Blest be the tie that binds

        Our hearts in Christian love;

The fellowship of kindred minds

Is like to that above.

   2. Before our Father’s throne

We pour our ardent prayers;

Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one,

Our comforts and our cares.

   3. We share our mutual woes,

Our mutual burdens bear,

And often for each other flows

The sympathizing tear.

   4. When here our pathways part,

We suffer bitter pain;

Yet, one in Christ and one in heart,

We hope to meet again.

   5. From sorrow, toil, and pain,

And sin we shall be free

And perfect love and friendship reign

Through all eternity.

(Lutheran Service Book #649)

Lord, please make me sensitive to the pain of others, that You may use me to share Your comfort and peace with them. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - BLESSED BE THE NAME OF 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)

Sunday, June 23, 2024 - Day 175 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Job 1-3 Acts 7:1-19 )

BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD

There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil. There were born to him seven sons and three daughters. He possessed 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, and 500 female donkeys, and very many servants, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the east. (Job 1:1-3 ESV)

Faithful Job had been blessed by the Lord. Then Satan was unleashed and Job was severely tested. He lost everything--his children, his property and his servants. What was Job’s response to this calamity?

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” (Job 1:20-22)

Job displayed his distress and anguish, but he also proclaimed his faith in God. He came into the world with nothing, and he knew he would leave with nothing. He would still bless the name of God.

“Blessed be the name of the Lord.” Would that be your response to losing everything? A child of God can sincerely bless the name of the Lord during life’s darkest moments because we know what Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Because Jesus is the most important part of our lives, we know that we have everything even when we lose it all. I have known Christians on their death beds who confess, “When you have Christ, you have everything.”

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for giving me peace and comfort no matter what my circumstances may be. Help me to be like Job and bless Your name even when I face life’s darkest hours. Use me to let others know that  when you have Christ, you have everything. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - CHOSEN TO SERVE

"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)

Saturday, June 22, 2024 - Day 174 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Esther 7-10 Acts 6)

CHOSEN TO SERVE

Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution. And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables. Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty. But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. (Acts 6:1-5 ESV)

The choosing of the first seven deacons shows us how God does things. He gives His people various vocations designed to serve Him by serving others.

Have you ever asked: “What does the Lord want me to do with my life?” Reading the Bible, praying and seeking the input of other Christians are the ways that God lets you know what He has planned for you.

Lord, help us walk Your servant way

Wherever love may lead

And bending low, forgetting self,

Each serve the other’s need.

(LSB 857 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of the choosing of the first deacons. Help me to know what You have chosen for me to do for You. Above all, keeping me mindful of what You have done for me by redeeming me with Your holy and precious blood. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, June 21, 2024 - FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

 

"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, June 21, 2024 - Day 173 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Esther 4-6 Acts 5:17-42)

FOR SUCH A TIME AS THIS

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14b ESV)

God puts His people in just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purposes. This certainly was true for Esther. God has placed her in the palace of King Ahasuerus at just the time when Haman was plotting to influence the king to destroy the Jews living among them. But God’s ultimate purpose, the coming promised Messiah, the Savior of the world who would come from Esther’s people, would not be thwarted by Haman’s twisted plan.

What is God’s plan for your life? Are you here for such a time as this? No, maybe your life will not be as influential to as many as was Esther’s life, but it is to those closest around you. God places you in the just the right place, at just the right time, for His right purpose today!

1. Lord, whose love in humble service

    Bore the weight of human need,

    Who upon the cross, forsaken,

    Worked Your mercy’s perfect deed:

    We, Your servants, bring the worship

    Not of voice alone, but heart;

    Consecrating to Your purpose

    Ev’ry gift which You impart.

2. Still Your children wander homeless;

    Still the hungry cry for bread;

    Still the captives long for freedom;

    Still in grief we mourn our dead.

    As you, Lord, in deep compassion

    Healed the sick and freed the soul,

    by your Spirit send Your power

    To our world to make it whole.

3. As we worship, grant us vision,

    Till your love’s revealing light

    In its height and depth and greatness

    Dawns upon our quickened sight,

    Making known the needs and burdens

    Your compassion bids us bear,

    Stirring us to ardent service,

    Your abundant life to share.

4. Called by worship to Your service

    Forth in Your dear name we go,

    To the child, the youth, the aged,

    Love in living deeds to show;

    Hope and health, goodwill and comfort,

    Counsel, aid, and peace we give,

    That Your servants, Lord in freedom

    May Your mercy know and live.

    (Lutheran Service Book #848)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your impeccable timing in Esther’s life and in mine. Even though I may not see Your plan for my life right now, keep me aware that You know what You are doing with my life, and that You have me here for such a time as this. Above all, keep my faith strong in my Savior. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, June 20, 2024 - IT IS NOT SMART TO LIE TO 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)

Thursday, June 20, 2024 - Day 172 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Esther 1-3 Acts 5:1-16 172)

IT IS NOT SMART TO LIE TO GOD

But a man named Ananias, with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property, and with his wife's knowledge he kept back for himself some of the proceeds and brought only a part of it and laid it at the apostles' feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? ... Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” When Ananias heard these words, he fell down and breathed his last. .... After an interval of about three hours his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. And Peter said to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” But Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out.” Immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. When the young men came in they found her dead, and they carried her out and buried her beside her husband. And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things. (Acts 5:1-11 ESV)

If you lie to God, expect dire consequences. How foolish could they be? God knows everything. How could they possibly think that God would bless their lack of veracity? What they received for their foolish lying was God’s justice.

Have you ever tried to hide the truth from God? It does not work. What does work is confessing our wrongdoing and asking for forgiveness. What repentant sinners receive is God’s mercy.

   Today Your mercy calls us

   To wash away our sin.

   However great my trespass,

   Whatever we have been,

   However long from mercy

   Our hearts have turned away,

   Your precious blood can wash us

   And make us clean today.

(Lutheran Service Book #915)

Lord God, may I learn from Ananias and Sapphira the importance of not attempting to cover up my sins. I confess all of my sins and humbly ask for Your mercy and forgiveness. In the name of Jesus, who is my only hope of mercy. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - ENCOURAGING ACTION

"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)

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 - Day 171 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Nehemiah 12,13; Acts 4:23-37)

ENCOURAGING ACTION

There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet. (Acts 4:34-37 ESV)

“Son of encouragement,” what a great title for a follower of Jesus! We will see this title lived out in the ministry of Barnabas in later chapters.

The concept of encouragement is most often evident in encouraging words, words that build up the person they are directed toward. However, in the lesson for today, we find Barnabas encouraging His fellow believers by his actions. He sold a field and donated the proceeds to the church. 

How encouraging it is when Christians extend a helping hand to others in need! Help for  victims of natural disasters, donations to food pantries, mission trips, and support of A Place of Refuge are all examples of encouraging action.

The greatest encouraging action of all time took place on Mt. Calvary when Jesus died in our place and purchased heaven for sinners like you and me.

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the encouraging example of Barnabas. Thank You for the many Christians who are following that example. Thank You, above all, for Your death in my place and for granting me the encouragement of my eternal home.  And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - ONLY JESUS

 

"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)

Tuesday, June 18, 2024 - Day 170 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Nehemiah 9-11; Acts 4:1-22)

ONLY JESUS

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 ESV)

This verse clearly proclaims the exclusive claims of Christianity. Salvation is found in no one else since only Jesus died in payment for your sins. There is no one else.

All other religious ideas involve man’s attempt to save himself by his own effort. Only Jesus guarantees forgives to anyone who repents and believes in what He accomplished on the cross.

The hymn writer expressed the exclusivity of Jesus this way:

   Jesus, Jesus, only Jesus,

   Can my heartfelt longing still.

   Lo, I pledge myself to Jesus

   What He wills alone to will.

   For my heart, which He hath filled,

   Ever cries, Lord, as Thou wilt.  

   (The Lutheran Hymnal, #348, stanza 1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for dying for me on the cross, paying for my sins, and promising me a place with You in eternity. Please use me today to share Your love with others. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, June 17, 2024 - WALKING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING 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)

Monday, June 17, 2024 - Day 169 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Nehemiah 7,8; Acts 3)

WALKING AND LEAPING AND PRAISING GOD

 But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. (Acts  3:6-8 ESV)

Can you imagine never being able to walk for your entire life? Then Peter and John appear. You ask for some money, and Peter is used by the Lord to give you something you thought could never be. The lame man’s response is not surprising.... walking and leaping and praising God. 

You and I were born lame too. We were not able walk with the Lord. But Jesus came to us with His forgiveness, presence and promise of heaven. And now we get to walk with Him for the rest of our days. May we remember this blessed privilege every day.

   1. Oh, that the Lord would guide my ways

To keep His statutes still!

Oh, that my God would grant me grace

To know and do His will!

   2. Order my footsteps by Thy Word

And make my heart sincere;

Let sin have no dominion, Lord,

But keep my conscience clear.

   3. Assist my soul, too apt to stray,

A stricter watch to keep;

And should I e'er forget Thy way,

Restore Thy wand'ring sheep.

   4. Make me to walk in Thy commands--

'Tis a delightful road--

Nor let my head or heart or hands

Offend against my God.

("Oh, That the Lord Would Guide My Ways,"    LSB 707)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for granting spiritual healing and strength by means of Your death on the cross. May I spend the rest of my life walking and leaping and praising You, o blessed Trinity.  To this end, please guide my walking. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, June 16, 2024 - A PROMISE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

"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, June 16, 2024 - Day 168 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Nehemiah 4-6; Acts 2:14-47)

A PROMISE FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN

37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” 38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” (Acts  2:37-39 ESV)

The promise of forgiveness and new life in Jesus is at the heart of the Christian faith. These promises of Jesus are meant for all of us:

“Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.”

Peter then assures us of the importance of infant Baptism by adding: “For the promise is for you and for your children.”

  1. God's own child, I gladly say it: 

I am baptized into Christ!

He, because I could not pay it, 

Gave my full redemption price.

Do I need earth's treasures many? 

I have one worth more than any

That brought me salvation free 

Lasting to eternity!

  2. Sin, disturb my soul no longer: 

I am baptized into Christ!

I have comfort even stronger: 

Jesus' cleansing sacrifice.

Should a guilty conscience seize me 

Since my Baptism did release me

In a dear forgiving flood, 

Sprinkling me with Jesus' blood!

  3. Satan, hear this proclamation: 

I am baptized into Christ!

Drop your ugly accusation, 

I am not so soon enticed.

Now that to the font I've traveled, 

All your might has come unraveled,

And, against your tyranny, 

God, my Lord, unites with me!

  4. Death, you cannot end my gladness: 

I am baptized into Christ!

When I die, I leave all sadness 

To inherit paradise!

Though I lie in dust and ashes 

Faith's assurance brightly flashes:

Baptism has the strength divine 

To make life immortal mine. 

  5. There is nothing worth comparing 

To this lifelong comfort sure!

Open-eyed my grave is staring: 

Even there I'll sleep secure.

Though my flesh awaits its raising, 

Still my soul continues praising:

I am baptized into Christ; 

I'm a child of paradise! 

("God's Own Child I Gladly Say It,"  LSB 594)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for Your gracious plan to save sinners from eternal doom by granting complete forgiveness for all who repent and believe. Thank also for the assurance that infants are saved by Baptism. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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