Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - JESUS IS THE KEY

 

"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, October 01, 2024 - Day 275 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 43-44; Colossians 2)

JESUS IS THE KEY

“And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isaiah 22:22 ESV) 

“God’s own people would experience His wrath, for they had lived in ways indistinguishable from the nations. When we do not live lives of repentance, we are also indistinguishable from unbelievers. The living Christ, who descended from the house of David, holds the key of heaven, which He graciously opens for all who believe.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1125)

1. How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

    In a believer’s ear!

    It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

    And drives away our fear. 

2. It makes the wounded spirit whole,

    And calms the troubled breast;

    ’Tis manna to the hungry soul,

    And to the weary rest. 

3. Dear Name! The Rock on which I build;

    My shield and hiding-place;

    My never-failing treasury, filled

    With boundless stores of grace. 

4. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,

    My Prophet, Priest, and King;

    My Lord, my life, my way, my end,

    Accept the praise I bring. 

5. How weak the effort of my heart,

    How  cold my warmest thought!

    But when we see Thee as Thou art,

    I’ll praise Thee as I ought. 

6. Till then I would Thy love proclaim

    With every fleeting breath;

    And may the music of The name

    Refresh my soul in death!

    (Lutheran Service Book #524)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the key to my salvation! Thank You for opening to me the rich blessings of Your Word and Sacraments. And thank You for promising to open the gates of heaven to me when my life on this earth comes to an end. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Monday, September 30, 2024 - CHRIST IS YOUR CORNERSTONE

 

"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, September 30, 2024 - Day 274 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 19-21; Ephesians 2)

CHRIST IS YOUR CORNERSTONE

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV) 

Paul is giving us a picture of the Church, built on the truths of Holy Scripture. His reference to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets,” clearly means the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. And in what direction does the entire Bible point? It points us to Jesus, “the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”

The cornerstone of Paul’s day was not merely the symbolic container of historical documents. The weight of a building rested on the cornerstone. In fact, if you removed it, the entire building would collapse.

The same is true for Christianity. If you removed Jesus and His cross, it all collapses. The holy life, innocent death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of our faith. Oh how blessed is everyone whose life is built solidly on Jesus!

   Christ is our cornerstone,

   On Him alone we build;

   With His true saints alone

   The courts of heav'n are filled.

   On His great love 

   Our hopes we place

   Of present grace 

   And joys above.

   (Lutheran Service Book #912-1)

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for making Jesus the cornerstone of Your Church. 

May my life remain built solidly on Jesus so that I may always be blessed with Your love, hope, grace and joy. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, September 29, 2024 - YOU BELONG 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)

Sunday, September 29, 2024 - Day 273 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 16-18; Ephesians 1)

YOU BELONG TO GOD

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:3-4 ESV) 

It is a great comfort to us poor, miserable sinners to know that God has chosen us to be His children. Because of the faith He has worked in our hearts, we believe that Jesus died and rose as our Savior from sin, and that He is the way to eternal life.

Our comfort is magnified by the fact that God chose us before the foundation/creation of the world. Just think of it, you were on God’s mind before time even began. WOW! That must mean that you are very special to God. And you are. You belong to the family of God! You belong to God!

What comfort this gives us as we face the daunting challenges of daily life. The Creator of the universe loves you so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus, to be your substitute and to make you His! 

Thank You, Heavenly Father, for choosing me to be Your child from before the creation of the world. May I live this day with the comfort of what You done for me motivating my every thought and action. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, September 28, 2024 - BURDEN BEARERS

 

"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, September 28, 2024 - Day 272 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 13-15; Galatians 6)

BURDEN BEARERS 

“Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV) 

You and I have an unbearable burden that only Jesus could take off of our shoulders. We are sinners, lost and condemned by the righteous God of the universe. But in His great mercy, He sent His Son, Jesus, to be our burden-bearer, our one and only Savior.

When Paul wrote about bearing one another’s burdens, he was addressing this directive to those who have had their sin burden removed by Jesus. Because Christ bore your burden, you now get to help others in His name. Just how can you go about helping someone else with their burden?

● Pray for them.

● Be a friend to them.

● Help them with their physical and emotional burdens.

● Look for a chance to share all that your burden-bearing God means to you (forgiveness, salvation, comfort, protection, motivation, provider of all that you are, have and hope to be, and the bearer of you burden of sin)

● Be lovingly and politely persistent in sharing God’s love with them.

Heavenly Father, thank You for removing my burden of sin. Please use me to show others around me that You are their burden-bearer too. In Jesus’ saving and burden-bearing name. 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, September 27, 2024 - LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

 

"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, September 27, 2024 - Day 271 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 10-12; Galatians 5)

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR 

“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’” (Galatians 5:13-14 ESV) 

We who have been freed from the consequences of our sins by means of Christ’s forgiveness are called to love our neighbors by serving them. What would this kind of other-focused service look like? Paul answers that question a few verses later.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness,  faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23 ESV) 

I believe that the love of Christ, and only the love of Christ, is the answer to all of the name calling and outright hatred we are bombarded with every day in the news and social media by people of all stripes. As followers of Jesus Christ, you and are I are in a unique position whereby the Lord can use us to change things one person at a time. We get to do this by reflecting these Jesus traits...

   ● love

   ● joy

   ● peace

   ● patience

   ● kindness

   ● goodness

   ● faithfulness

   ● gentleness and

   ● self-control!

WE’RE ALL HUMAN. WE’RE ALL BROKEN. WE ALL NEED JESUS and His LOVE!

1. Love in Christ is strong and living, Binding faithful hearts in one;

Love in Christ is true and giving, May His will in us be done.

2. Love is patient and forbearing, Clothed in Christ’s humility,

Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, Reaching out in charity.

3. Love in Christ abides forever, Fainting not when ills attend;

Love, forgiving and forgiven, Shall endure until life’s end.

(Lutheran Service Book #706) 

Heavenly Father, please have mercy on our hate-filled world. Please use those who bear Your name to reach out to our neighbors in our communities, nation and around the world with the life-changing and soul-saving love of Jesus Christ. In His holy name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, September 26, 2024 - FROM DARKNESS TO 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)

Thursday, September 26, 2024 - Day 270 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 7-9; Galatians 4)

FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT 

“The people who walked in darkness

    have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

    on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2 ESV) 

Isaiah’s prophetic words point sinful humanity, struggling in our spiritual darkness, to Jesus - the Light of the world. Jesus lived a sinless life, died an innocent death, and rose in triumph from the grave for sinners like you and me, allowing us to see the light, His light.

It is a tragic fact that there are so many today who continue to walk in spiritual darkness. So many have no idea why Jesus came to this earth. They have no idea of what Jesus has to offer them... 

- peace

- forgiveness of their sins

- reconciliation with God the Father

- guarantee of eternity in heaven

- true love (God’s love) that changes EVERYTHING!

Perhaps you know someone like that. They may even be close to you, a relative, a coworker, a neighbor. If so...

- pray for them 

  (Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me. 

  And may I humbly do my part to win that soul for Thee. Amen.)

- model Christ’s love to / for them

- share God’s plan of salvation with them (Jesus died and rose for them)

- invite them to your house

- invite them to God’s house

And pray some more, so they might join you in walking in the light!

1. I want to walk as a child of the light; 

    I want to follow Jesus. 

    God set the stars to give light to the world; 

    The star of my life is Jesus.

    In him there is no darkness at all; 

    The night and the day are both alike. 

    The Lamb is the light of the city of God. 

    Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

   (Lutheran Service Book #411)

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Light that this sin-darkened worlds needs so desperately. May He continue to shine on me and through me for the rest of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS 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)

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 - Day 269 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 4-6; Galatians 3)

WHAT WONDROUS LOVE IS THIS 

“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree’” (Galatians 3:13 ESV) 

This is the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus took our place and redeemed us from the curse that should follow our breaking of God’s Law. We have disobeyed almighty God, and His response was to send His only begotten Son to redeem us. His death on the cross has bought us back from sin, death and the devil. What wondrous love this truly is!

  What wondrous love is this, 

  O my soul, O my soul! 

  What wondrous love is this, O my soul! 

  What wondrous love is this

  That caused the Lord of bliss 

  To bear the dreadful curse for my soul, for my soul, 

  To bear the dreadful curse for my soul!

  (Lutheran Service Book #543-1)  

  Click this link for this hymn:

  https://youtu.be/WQUti-HHuL4?si=Q8_qfZ_K0UMFMHfj

Lord Jesus, thank You for bearing the dreadful curse I deserve so the I could be redeemed. May I remember Your wondrous love every day of my life. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, September 24, 2024 - WHITE AS SNOW

"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, September 24, 2024 - Day 268 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 1-3; Galatians 2)

WHITE AS SNOW 

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord:

though your sins are like scarlet,

    they shall be as white as snow;

though they are red like crimson,

    they shall become like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 ESV) 

While we certainly are not ready to start thinking of snow, the first chapter of Isaiah contains the assurance that, in Christ, all repentant believers are declared righteous and white as snow and wool. I guess wool and snow do go together like wool gloves and winter!

Because of Jesus’ substitutionary death, now sinners and their Savior go together as well, and we are declared “white as snow.” 

   Lord Jesus, I long to be perfectly whole;

   I want Thee forever to live in my soul.

   Break down every idol, cast out every foe;

   Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

   Refrain

   Whiter than snow, yes, whiter than snow.

   Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

   (“Lord Jesus, I Long to Be Perfectly Whole,” words by James L. Nicholson, 1872)

Link to song: https://youtu.be/w9uQ2hRsMyc

Lord Jesus, thank You for making me whiter than snow by shedding Your precious blood on the cross of Calvary. Please strengthen my faith and keep me Yours forever. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, September 23, 2024 - NO OTHER GOSPEL

 

"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, September 23, 2024 - Day 267 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 6-8 Galatians 1)

NO OTHER GOSPEL 

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:6-9 ESV) 

Paul is warning us about one of the basic facts of life–there are different gospels. Of course, as he points out, there is only one TRUE Gospel? Any other religious idea does not offer forgiveness and eternal life. Every other approach to God is based on man’s attempt to curry favor by means of good works – what we attempt to do to please God. THE Gospel is based on what Christ has done on the cross for us, cleansing us of all sin. 

   The Law reveals the guilt of sin

   And makes us conscience-stricken;

   But then the Gospel enters in

   The sinful soul to quicken.

   Come to the cross, trust Christ, and live;

   The Law no peace can ever give,

   No comfort and no blessing.

   (Salvation Unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book #555-8)

Almighty God, thank You for using Paul to warn us against false gospels. Protect me from such harmful deceit by keeping me grounded in THE soul-saving Gospel of my Lord Jesus Christ. In His precious name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, September 22, 2024 - THE BRIDE OF CHRIST

 

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

Sunday, September 22, 2024 - Day 266 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 4,5 2 Cor. 13)

THE BRIDE OF CHRIST 

“Behold, you are beautiful, my love, behold, you are beautiful!” (Song of Solomon 4:1 ESV) 

“Like Solomon calling the Shulamite, our Lord calls us to come out of our worldliness and to reside in communion with Him. He calls us holy, beautiful, stainless, pure. He calls us forgiven in His Gospel.” (Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1072)

Rejoice, fellow Christian! As a member of the Christian Church, the Bride of Christ, you are under the eternal protection of Jesus, the Bridegroom. He died and rose for you. And all who repent and believe are declared holy, beautiful, stainless, pure and heaven-bound. The hymn writer put it this way:

   The Church’s one foundation 

   Is Jesus Christ her Lord;

   She is His new creation 

   By water and the Word:

   From heav’n He came and sought her 

   To be His holy bride;

   With His own blood He bought her, 

   And for her life He died.

   (Lutheran Service Book #644-1)

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for saving me by means of Your cross. Thank You for making me a part of the Church, Your bride. May I never forget how much you have blessed me with Your mercy and grace. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, September 21, 2024 - WEAK BUT STRONG

"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, September 21, 2024 - Day 265 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Song of Sol. 1-3 2 Cor. 12)

WEAK BUT STRONG 

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ESV) 

Are you content with “weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities?” Paul was! He had learned to contentedly rely on the Lord at all times and in all circumstances. 

Paul got it. It happened to him on the road to Damascus, when the Lord appeared to him and changed him from a fire-breathing persecutor of Christians to a faithful follower and proclaimer of Christ. Yes, Paul got it. He knew that since He could trust God to take care of his soul, he could also trust the Lord to work through his human weaknesses. He knew what you and I need to know. God’s grace is sufficient for us too, since His power is made perfect in our weaknesses.

What comfort for imperfect, error-prone sinners like us. God still uses us. He used stuttering Moses, doubting Thomas, and Paul the convert. So, give thanks, God has a plan for imperfect you as well.

   Give thanks with a grateful heart,

   Give thanks to the Holy One.

   Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

   Give thanks with a grateful heart,

   Give thanks to the Holy One.

   Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.

   And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"

   Let the poor say, "I am rich,”

   Because of what the Lord has done for us.

   And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"

   Let the poor say, "I am rich,”

   Because of what the Lord has done for us.

   Give thanks, give thanks.

   (Lutheran Service Book # 806)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your power in my imperfect life. Above all, I thank and praise You for the words of forgiveness my pastor proclaims every Sunday. In Jesus’ saving name. 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, September 20, 2024 - FOOLS FAIL

 

"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, September 20, 2024 - Day 264 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 10-12 2 Cor. 11:16-33)

FOOLS FAIL 

“Dead flies make the perfumer's ointment give off a stench; so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor.

A wise man's heart inclines him to the right,

    but a fool's heart to the left.

Even when the fool walks on the road, he lacks sense,

    and he says to everyone that he is a fool.” (Ecclesiastes 10:1-3 ESV) 

Foolishness abounds in this world. There are so many examples. Here’s one Jesus gives us:

“And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:26-27)

Solomon warns us against being foolish because fools lack sense. David warned against being the worst of fools: 

“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’” (Psalm 53:1 ESV) 

   The wise man built his house upon the rock,

   The wise man built his house upon the rock,

   The wise man built his house upon the rock,

   And the rains came tumbling down! 

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   And the house on the rock stood firm. 

   The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

   The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

   The foolish man built his house upon the sand,

   And the rains came tumbling down! 

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   The rains came down and the floods came up,

   And the house on the sand went SPLAT! 

   So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ,

   So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ,

   So build your life on the Lord Jesus Christ,

   And the blessings will come tumbling down. 

   The blessings will come down as the prayers go up,

   The blessings will come down as the prayers go up,

   The blessings will come down as the prayers go up,

   So build your life on the Lord! 

   (“The Wise Man built His House Upon The Rock")

Trust in the Lord. Look for opportunities to share His wisdom, mercy and grace, all found in Jesus!

Heavenly Father, please help me to speak and act wisely on Your behalf. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, September 19, 2024 - WE’RE ALL SINNERS

 

"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, September 19, 2024 - Day 263 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 7-9 2 Cor. 11:1-15)

WE’RE ALL SINNERS

“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 ESV) 

“What do you call a sin?” That was the response I received from a lady many years ago when I stated that all people are sinners. 

What is sin? “Sin is every thought, desire, word and deed which is contrary to God’s Law.” (Luther’s Small Catechism, CPH, 1986, page 98)

While that lady needed to hear that she was a sinner, she also needed to hear of the glorious hope that God has for all sinners who repent and believe.

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Corinthians 5:21 ESV) 

Jesus, the holy, innocent Son of God, took your sins and mine to the cross and paid for every one of them!

The hymn write wrote a perfect prayer for all who acknowledge their sinfulness and there desperate need for a Savior, our dear Lord Jesus. Each stanza begins with the prayer that Jesus would remember you (Lord Jesus, think on me). 

1. Lord Jesus, think on me

   And purge away my sin;

   From worldly passions set me free

   And make me pure within.

2. Lord Jesus, think on me,

   By anxious thoughts oppressed;

   Let me Your loving servant be

   And taste Your promised rest.

3. Lord Jesus, think on me

   Amid the battle's strife;

   In all my pain and misery

   O be my health and life.

4. Lord Jesus, think on me

   Nor let me go astray;

   Through darkness and perplexity

   Point out Your chosen way.

5. Lord Jesus, think on me

   That, when this life is past,

   I may th'eternal brightness see

   And share Your joy at last.

   (“Lord Jesus, Think on me,” LSB 910)

O almighty God, merciful Father, I know that I am a poor, miserable sinner. I heartily repent of my sins. Thank You for sending Jesus to shed His holy, precious blood to redeem me and make me Yours forever. Lord Jesus, please remember me today and in eternity. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, September 18, 2024 - GODLY BOASTING

 

"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, September 18, 2024 - Day 262 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Eccles. 4-6 2 Cor. 10)

GODLY BOASTING

“Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 10:17 ESV) 

Boasting is very common human expression. It is done in order to impress one person’s importance to another person. It is based on human pride. 

In 1 Corinthians 13, we are encouraged to avoid sinful boasting out of Christian love:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant...”

Therefore, Paul encourages us to not boast about ourselves. “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast 

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain thinks that charm me most, 

I sacrifice them to His blood. 

(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, LSB #425 stanza 2)

Lord Jesus Christ, help me to boast about You, that is, to share Your soul-saving love with everyone I can. Keep me focused on Your cross and Your command to share Your love with others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 - CHEERFUL LIVING

 

"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, September 17, 2024 - Day 261 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ecclesiastes 1-3 2 Cor. 9)

CHEERFUL LIVING

“The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:6-7 ESV) 

Paul is giving us a partial description of cheerful Christian living. We who have been given everything by means of the death and resurrection of Christ, now get to respond in cheerful thanksgiving. He who gave us His best, now expects us to return our best to Him, and to do it joyfully. And what is it that He expects us to give? The best of our time, talent (abilities), treasure and testimony.

   Lord of Glory, You have bought us

   With Your life-blood as the price,

   Never grudging for the lost ones

   That tremendous sacrifice;

   And with that have freely given

   Blessings countless as the sand

   To th' unthankful and the evil

   With Your own unsparing hand.

   Grant us hearts, dear Lord, to give You

   Gladly, freely, of Your own.

   With the sunshine of Your goodness

   Melt our thankless hearts of stone

   Till our cold and selfish natures,

   Warmed by You, at length believe

   That more happy and more blessed

   'Tis to give than to receive.

   (Lutheran Service Book #851 stanzas 1&2)

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for giving Your best to me. Please help me to thankfully give my best back, and to do it cheerfully. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, September 16, 2024 - GODLY WOMEN

 

"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, September 16, 2024 - Day 260 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 30,31 2 Cor. 8)

GODLY WOMEN

“An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels...

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” (Proverbs 31:10 & 30 ESV) 

Young men thinking of marriage would do well to use Proverbs 31 as a “shopping list.” 

Above all, he should be looking for a Christian woman who loves and honors the Lord.

While many husbands are as blessed as I am, and are able to say that they are married to a Proverbs 31 wife, every wife would say that she is far from the perfect mate pictured in this chapter. The fact is that none of us measure up to God’s expectations for our roles in life. But there is good news for us imperfect husbands and wives.

“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 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) 

Lord Jesus Christ, thank You for dying for me. Now help me to live for You by being the best wife/husband/parent/friend/neighbor/Christian I can be. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, September 15, 2024 - HOW’S YOUR VISION?

"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, September 15, 2024 - Day 259 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 28,29 2 Cor. 7 )

HOW’S YOUR VISION?

“Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18 ESV) 

Part of taking care of your body is having your vision tested. How did it go the last time? Do you need assistance with your vision?

We sinners all have a vision problem. Our sinful nature blinds us to the truths of God. However, God’s Word corrects our vision by focusing our spiritual vision on the cross of Christ and God’s message and method of reconciliation.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV) 

The hymn writer reminds us of another aspect of the Christian’s cross-centered vision:

1. The vision of a dying world is vast before our eyes; 

    We feel the heart-beat of its need, we hear its feeble cries:

    Lord Jesus Christ, revive Thy church in this, her crucial hour!  

    Lord Jesus Christ, awake Thy church with Spirit-given power.

2. The savage hugs his god of stone and fears descent of night; 

    The city dweller cringes lone amid the garish light:

    Lord Jesus Christ, arouse Thy church to see their mute distress! 

    Lord Jesus Christ, equip Thy church with love and tenderness.

4. The warning bell of judgement tolls, above us looms the cross;

    Around are ever-dying souls - How great, how great the loss!

    O Lord, constrain and move Thy church, the glad news to impart!

    And Lord, as Thou dost stir Thy church, begin within my heart.

Heavenly Father, keep my vision focused on Jesus and His cross. May that vision also include those in this world who are dying without Jesus. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, September 14, 2024 - WHAT TIME IS IT?

"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, September 14, 2024 - Day 258 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 25-27 2 Cor. 6)

WHAT TIME IS IT?

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, 

‘In a favorable time I listened to you, 

    and in a day of salvation I have helped you.’

Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-2 ESV) 

What time is it? When some of us were kids, we sang along with that black and white TV show. It’s Howdy Doody time... But it sure isn’t Howdy Doody time any more! That show has been off the air for over 60 years.

Paul is encouraging his hearers to realize what time it is. It is time to trust in Jesus. 

“Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”

He is encouraging you to take seriously God’s call to repent and trust in Jesus’ death as payment for your sins. It is an urgent call. Since none of us knows if we will see tomorrow, today is the day to listen, believe, repent and be saved!

This hymn is calling us to remember what time it is:

   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! 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? 

   (Lutheran Worship, CPH, 1982  #349 stanzas 1,2,5)

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me to repent today and trust in Jesus before it is too late. Please use me to share this message with others. 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, September 13, 2024 - SWEET WISDOM

 

"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, September 13, 2024 - Day 257 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 23,24 2 Cor. 5 )

SWEET WISDOM

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”  (Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV) 

What do comedian Jackie Gleason, Winnie the Pooh and King Solomon all have in common? They would all say of honey, “How sweet it is.” Gentlemen, remember the wisdom of saying the same thing of your honey, “How sweet she is.” In fact, wisdom is the focus of these verses, as well as the rest of the book of Proverbs.

“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

The kind of wisdom Solomon is highlighting for us is...

● wisdom that listens to the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that trusts the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that obeys the Word of the Lord, and ultimately

● wisdom that trusts in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, for forgiveness and heaven!

We sing about this kind of sweet wisdom in this hymn stanza:

    How sweet the name of Jesus sounds

    In a believer’s ear!

    It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

    And drives away our fear. 

    (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #524 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sweet Gospel message I find in Your Word. Please keep my faith strong so that my ears will continue to hear and my life will honor the sweet name of Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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