Day 67 - Deuteronomy 5-7 & Mark 12:1-27
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” (Deuteronomy 5:11 ESV)
The Second Commandment is far too easily broken by far too many people.
Swearing by His name and using His name frivolously and carelessly is all around us. I once overheard two older men talking in a gas station. One of them was using the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every other sentence, and he was not praising Jesus. I prayed for the right words--winsome words that would defend the name of our Lord.
“Hey guys, isn’t it great that the One whose name you’re using so carelessly, loves you more than you’ll ever know? May our Lord Jesus bless you both in every way! Have a great day.”
They looked at me in silence, with a quizzical expression on their faces. I don’t know what happened after that, but I continue to pray for their souls.
Perhaps you know of someone who is in the sinful habit of misusing the name of Jesus.
● Pray for them.
● Encourage them.
● Be a positive example for them.
On the last point, we all need to practice godly responses to adversity. NEVER should we respond to adverse circumstances with expressions calling for the damnation of people or even inanimate objects. Instead...
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)
This takes discipline. But even more importantly, it takes faith in almighty God. It takes remembering what Christ did for you on His cross. It takes a desire to honor Him and thank Him with our words, thoughts and actions. Yes, thank God, He forgives us all of our sins.
Heavenly Father, may I honor Your name and the name of Jesus Christ in all that I think, do and say. As I remember Your great love for me shown in Jesus, may I serve You for the rest of my life. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 66 - Deuteronomy 3-4 & Mark 11:20-33
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. (Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV)
The invention of the smart phone has created a very popular and narcissistic past time... taking your own picture, or as it is more commonly known, taking a selfie.
The ultimate “selfie” is when we replace God on the throne of our hearts with ourselves.
In the Old Testament reading for today from the book of Deuteronomy, Moses commands obedience.
You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you.
The problem we have with this is the fact that we like the ultimate “selfie.” We like taking control of our lives. Oh, how we need the Lenten emphasis upon serious introspection and repentance! When we recognize our sinfulness, we are ready to take these words to heart:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
It is all about proper focus and direction - focusing our attention on Jesus and not on the person we see in the mirror, or on our phones!
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to the cross to pay for my sin of self-centeredness. Help me to keep my eyes focused on Jesus and His cross. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 65 - Deuteronomy 1-2 & Mark 11:1-19
On the following day, when they came from Bethany, he was hungry. And seeing in the distance a fig tree in leaf, he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. And he said to it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” (Mark 11:12-14 ESV)
“The curse and destruction of the fig tree warns Jesus’ disciples of impending judgement against the temple and the unfaithful people. Works without faith are truly fruitless. True faith, and the life that flows from it, cannot be separated. They are the good and gracious gifts of our heavenly Father.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1682)
James put it this way:
“So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:17 ESV)
Paul Speratus got it right back in the 1500's when he wrote:
Faith clings to Jesus’ cross alone
And rests in Him unceasing;
And by its fruits true faith is known,
With love and hope increasing.
For faith alone can justify;
Works serve our neighbor and supply
The proof that faith is living.
(Salvation unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #555, stanza 9)
Lord, may my life show the fruit of my faith in You. Yes, may I live my life for Jesus who died and rose for me. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 64
And Jesus went on with his disciples to the villages of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?” And they told him, “John the Baptist; and others say, Elijah; and others, one of the prophets.” And he asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Christ.” (Mark 8:27-29 ESV)
The most important question of all time is this: “Who is Jesus to you?” Some answer merely a prophet, a good man, a spiritual leader.
It is crucial that you have the right answer, and there is only one right answer, Peter’s answer:
“You are the Christ.” Matthew’s version adds, “the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:17 ESV)
Who do you say Jesus is? Jesus is the Son of God, you Savior and Lord, your only hope for forgiveness and heaven.
Beautiful Savior, King of creation,
Son of God and Son of Man!
Truly I'd love thee, Truly I'd serve thee,
Light of my soul, my joy, my crown.
(Beautiful Savior, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #357, stanza 1)
Heavenly Father, thank You for granting me the faith to confess with Peter that Jesus is Your Son and my Savior. In His saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 63 - Numbers 31-32 & Mark 10:1-31
And they were bringing children to him that he might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. (Mark 10:13-16 ESV)
For some adults, children are unimportant and should be as unobtrusive as possible. The disciples didn't want Jesus to “waste” His time on children. But Jesus did not agree. “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Jesus is talking about all children. No matter how old we get, Jesus is telling us that we need to have the simple, trusting faith of a child. What does Jesus do with “children” who trust Him with so completely? He takes them in His arms and blesses them now and forever.
I am Jesus' little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need and well provides me,
Loves me ev'ry day the same,
Even calls me by my name.
(I Am Jesus' Little Lamb , Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #740, stanza 1)
Lord, thank You for calling me by name on the day of my Baptism. What a blessing it is to be one of Your children. Since You love all children of all ages, please use me to help others to know how precious they are to You. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 62 - Numbers 29-30 & Mark 9:30-50
... he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill him. And when he is killed, after three days he will rise.” But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask him. (Mark 9:31-32 ESV)
Another timely text. Two days after Ash Wednesday, these words of Jesus remind us of the season of Lent. The destination of Lent is precisely what Jesus was attempting to prepare His disciples for.
Many today, like the disciples, do not understand the crucial importance of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter. Maybe you are little confused too. Please take time for the next 40-plus days to prepare for the Lenten destination. Lutheran Hour Ministries has an excellent Lenten devotional booklet you can either download or read on-line on a daily basis. Here is the link: http://www.lhm.org/lent/
Go to dark Gethsemane,
All who feel the tempter’s pow’r;
Your Redeemer’s conflict see.
Watch with Him one bitter hour;
Turn not from His griefs away;
Learn from Jesus Christ to pray.
(When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #436, stanza 1)
Lord, please bless my annual Lenten journey to Mt. Calvary. Grant that I may be blessed as I focus my eyes on Jesus and His cross. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 61
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:43-45 ESV)
● Jesus puts our welfare and needs ahead of His own as He conducts His ministry, showing us what real leadership is.
● Jesus shows that those who lead in the kingdom of God serve others in humility.
● He leads by laying down His life as the sacrifice for our sins and calls us to similar sacrifice.
Dear Father, You have sent Christ to serve us, although He has the right to demand our service. Forgive us Father. Lead us to give ourselves for the sake of others, that we, being last, may truly be first with Jesus in His kingdom. Amen.
(From - The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1681)
Look for opportunities to put Christ first today by helping others!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
