January 23, 2018 - PRAYING FOR OTHERS

Day 23 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 18:16-30, Psalm 21, Matthew 12:1-14)

“Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked?”  (Genesis 18:23)

Abraham’s fervent prayer for Sodom shows his great concern for others, while his manner of prayer shows his great respect for God.

23 Then Abraham drew near and said, “Will you indeed sweep away the righteous with the wicked? 24 Suppose there are fifty righteous within the city. Will you then sweep away the place and not spare it for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” 26 And the Lord said, “If I find at Sodom fifty righteous in the city, I will spare the whole place for their sake.”

Abraham continues his prayerful negotiations until he gets down to God agreeing to spare Sodom from destruction if 10 believers can be found in the city. Tomorrow’s reading will reveal the conclusion of this episode in Abraham’s life. 

What we learn today is the importance of praying for others, even unbelievers. Abraham’s concern was for the city of Sodom, the object of God’s impending destruction because “their sin was very grave.” (v 17)

Do you pray for others?
Do you pray for those who are different than you?
Do you pray for those who are giving you are a hard time?
Listen to Jesus:
“But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  (Matthew 5:44)

So, pray....

Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
When I call answer me.
O Lord, hear my prayer,
O Lord, hear my prayer;
Come and listen to me.
(O Lord, Hear My Prayer, Lutheran Service Book, CPH #780)

O Lord, hear my prayer for all who are not walking with You. As You have made me Your child by the power of the Holy Spirit, so reach others by the same means of grace. Yes, please have mercy on all of us poor miserable sinners. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 22, 2018 - REST WITH JESUS

Day 22 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 18:1-15, Psalm 20, Matthew 11:20-30)

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus invites all who struggle with life’s challenges and burdens to find real and lasting rest in Him. He specifically calls us to follow His example of humility and faithful service. Whatever others may say about any negative aspects of following Jesus, He assures us that it is really easy for those who trust in Him.

In this hymn stanza we are reminded of how Jesus removes our burden of sin as He comes to us in His precious meal. 

♬ Weary am I and heavy laden,
With sin my soul is sore oppressed;
Receive me graciously, and gladden
My heart, for I am now Thy guest.
Lord, may Thy body and Thy blood
Be for my soul the highest good! 
(I Come, O Savior, To Thy Table, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #618, Stanza 4)

Holy Spirit, thank You for enabling me to accept Jesus’s gracious invitation to come to Him for rest for my mind and my soul. This day, and every day, remind me that it is far wiser and more blessed to follow Jesus. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 21, 2018 - WHOM DO YOU TRUST

Day 21 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 17, Psalm 19, Matthew 11:1-19)

“The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul;
the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple;
the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart;
the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.”
(Psalm 19:7-8 ESV) 

Whom do you trust? The sad fact is that many people aren’t worth trusting; they let us down. We even know that trusting in ourselves isn’t a wise choice either. But look at the words chosen for today.

It is important to search the Scriptures where the Lord proclaims His word of direction, encouragement and salvation to us. Look at the benefits of listening to and trusting the Lord?

● “Reviving the soul.”

● “Making wise the simple.”

● “Rejoicing the heart.”

● “Enlightening the eyes.”

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 
    and a light unto my path.
When I feel afraid, think I’ve lost my way, 
    still You’re there right beside me,
And nothing will I fear as long as You are near.  
    Please be near me to the end.
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet 
    and a light unto my path.

Heavenly Father, thank You for feeding my soul with Your Word. Please help me to believe what I read in the Bible so that I may always trust in the Lord .  Amen.

“See” you at the Communion table this morning!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 20, 2018 - STAND UP FOR JESUS

Day 20 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 16, Psalm 18:31-50, Matthew 10:26-42)

29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. 30 But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.   (Matthew 10:29-33 ESV) 

● Your value to God is best seen in Jesus’ sacrifice for you 
    when He paid for your sins on the cross!

● Jesus then advises us to acknowledge Him before others 
    with the warning of separation from God the Father if we do not.

32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, 33 but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.

Today’s illustration is a group of men who take these words seriously. The Robinson family, of the TV series “Duck Dynasty,” have allowed the show to end rather than tone down their clear Christian witness. They are an example of standing up for Jesus.

●  Are you standing up for Jesus? 
●  Does your Christian faith show in your everyday life? 
●  Do you treat others with kindness and consideration? 
●  Do you pray for others in need? 
●  Do you attend church weekly?  
●  Do you share the good news of Jesus with others? 

Listen to these encouraging words:

1. Stand up, stand up for Jesus, Ye soldiers of the cross.
Lift high His royal banner; It must not suffer loss.
From vict'ry unto vict'ry His army He shall lead
Till ev'ry foe is vanquished And Christ is Lord indeed.

4. 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.
(Stand Up, Stand up for Jesus, The Lutheran Service Book, CPH #660)

Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me so much that You sent Jesus to be my Savior. Please help me to acknowledge Jesus in my daily life.  Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 19, 2018 - ENDURE TO THE END

Day 19 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 15, Psalm 18:1-30, Matthew 10:5-25)

17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:17-22 ESV) 

Jesus is warning us of what is to come. It does not sound very pleasant at all. Believers will...

● stand trial and endure torture,
● be dragged before authorities because of their faith in Jesus,
● face the heartbreak of family members turning against them,
● and be recipients of hatred for the sake of the Gospel.

Yet, Jesus does offer words of comfort in the midst of these impending trials:

● Don’t worry about how you will respond, the Holy Spirit
                will provide the right words at the right time for His right purpose.
● This horrific time will not last forever.
● God promises that You will not be alone: 
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

You can take enduring comfort in Jesus’ most important message spoken to penitent sinners:
“But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”

● Don’t EVER give up on Jesus - NO MATTER WHAT!
● Don’t let the rough times weaken your faith in Jesus - NO MATTER WHAT!
● Do trust Jesus to lead you through the impending trials - NO MATTER WHAT!
● Do encourage other believers to endure the end - NO MATTER WHAT!
● Do look forward to all that God has waiting for you - NO MATTER WHAT!

“What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, 

what God has prepared for those who love him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Lord Jesus, thank You for letting me know of what is coming. Mercifully keep me faithful to You NO MATTER what comes my way. Use me to share Your comforting message of forgiveness and heaven with others so that they too may endure to the end and be saved.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 18, 2018 - FREED FROM HARASSMENT

Day 18 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 14, Psalm 17, Matthew 9:32-10:4)

And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  (Matthew 9:35-36 ESV) 

Today’s focus is on a trait of Jesus that has profound implications for you and for all who find themselves harassed and helpless. This Includes all of us at some time or other. But what is the cause of such harassment and helplessness? Look at Peter’s answer:

Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8) And how does the devil harass us?

● He constantly tempts us to disobey God.
● He tells us that we will be better off without God in our lives.
● He then fills us with the hopelessness that comes from living without God.
● He tries to get us to believe that God doesn’t care about us.

But there is good news. God does care. We have a compassionate Savior. 

                 When he saw the crowds, 
                 he had compassion for them, 
                 because they were harassed and helpless, 
                 like sheep without a shepherd. 

Because Jesus showed His compassion by dying in payment for the times we give into temptation, we don’t need to be harassed and helpless any longer, for we are not without a shepherd. Jesus compassionately declared:

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. (John 10:11)
  
Now we have forgiveness and a real hope for our future in this life and the next.

Lord Jesus, thank You for having compassion on me and freeing me from the harassment of the devil.  Please help me to remember all that You have done for me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

January 16, 2018 -YES, LORD

Day 17 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 13, Psalm 16, Matthew 9:14-31)

And as Jesus passed on from there, two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” When he entered the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” And their eyes were opened. (Matthew 9:27-30 ESV) 

This account has clear parallels for all of us. Whether we have good eyesight or not, we are all blind-- spiritually blind. This spiritual blindness shows up in lives filled with hopelessness, despair, and an attempt to fill these voids with self-indulgence and endless distractions.

However, whenever someone gets to the point where they want to be delivered from such blindness, there is hope. This is what this account teaches us. The blind men cry out, “Have mercy on us,” words that the spiritually blind need to also plead to Jesus. 

● Lord, have mercy on us, and save us from ourselves.

He then says to us what he said to the blind men: “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” 

● Do YOU believe that Jesus can save you? 

May their answer be your answer: “Yes, Lord.”

“Yes Lord,” what a perfect answer to whatever the Lord asks of us, especially His call to repent and believe. With such faith, we truly get to “see” Jesus, our precious Savior and Lord.

Lord Jesus, thank You for healing my spiritual blindness. Please help me to always answer You with these words: “Yes, Lord.” Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), is the theme for this three-year journey through the entire Old Testament once (the Psalms - twice yearly), and the New Testament twice. There will be daily readings form the O.T., Psalms and the N.T. Special days on the church calendar will be highlighted with appropriate readings. This calendar has been compiled by representatives of the Lutheran Church of Canada, the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Please click this link for the daily reading calendar:
https://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings  
Then scroll down to 2018 Bible Reading Calendar and download it if you so wish. The “assigned” daily readings will appear on a daily basis in this blog. May the Lord bless you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!