January 30, 2018 - THE TABLE IS SET

Day 30 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 23, Psalm 28, Matthew 14:1-21)

16 But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” 17 They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.” 18 And he said, “Bring them here to me.” 19 Then he ordered the crowds to sit down on the grass, and taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 20 And they all ate and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces left over. 21 And those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children.  (Matthew 14:16-21 ESV)

“They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” Jesus said those words in preparation for His miraculous feeding of the 5,000. It was truly a miracle! Five loaves and two fish actually fed all of those people, with twelve baskets full left over.

Would you like to have been there to witness that amazing event?

You do have the opportunity to witness another amazing event. In Holy Communion Jesus provides an even more miraculous meal for us. In, with and under simple bread and wine, Jesus serves us His true body and blood, given and shed for the forgiveness of our sins.

♬ Draw near and take the body of the Lord,
And drink the holy blood for you outpoured;
Offered was He for greatest and for least,
Himself the victim and Himself the priest.
(The Lutheran Service Book, CPH, # 637, stanza 1)

Dearest Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me to Your table today. I believe that You died in payment for my sins. I sincerely repent of them. Lord, may Your body and Your blood be for my soul the highest good. 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 29, 2018 - PATIENCE AND FAITH

Day 28 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 22, Psalm 27, Matthew 13:44-58)

“And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac.” (Genesis 21:2-3 ESV)

“Twenty-five years after the promise was given, a child is born to Abraham and Sarah. His name is Isaac, ‘he laughs,’ calling to mind the past laughter of his parents and describing their joy upon his birth.  The parents needed patience and faith as those 25 years came and went.  

How impatient we can become when things do not go as we think they should, even over short periods of time, even when God has clearly promised that all things work together for good.  But God is faithful, even when our patience and faith fall short.  He has delivered the greatest of His promises, to give salvation and everlasting life to all who believe in the Lord Jesus.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 46)

Heavenly Father, keep me patient and faithful while You carry out Your plan for my life and my salvation.  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 28, 2018 - BLESS MY WORSHIP TODAY

Day 28 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 21:22-32, Psalm 26, Matthew 13:31-43)

 O Lord, I love the habitation of your house

    and the place where your glory dwells.

  (Psalm 26:8 ESV)

David’s words are most fitting for this morning. He loved worshiping in God’s house. How do you feel about God’s house? How do you feel about church? Are you planning to worship this morning?

In worship, God promises to meet you and serve you with His gifts of the Word and the sacraments (Baptism and Holy Communion). Here He grants us the blessings we all desperately need...

● The forgiveness of all of your sins.

● The opportunity to thank the Lord for all that He does for you.

● Teaching that sustains and grows your faith. 

● Encouragement to face the challenges of the day. 

● The assurance that, through faith in Jesus, you are going to heaven.

I love Your kingdom, Lord,

The house of Your abode,

The Church our blest Redeemer saved

With His own precious blood.

(“I love Your kingdom, Lord,” Lutheran Service Book, #651)

Heavenly Father, thank You for promising to meet me in worship this morning. Please give me a hunger for the blessings of forgiveness, faith and peace You promise to give me this morning. In Jesus’ saving name. 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 27, 2018 - REMEMBER ME, O LORD

Day 27 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 21:1-21, Psalm 25, Matthew 13:18-30)

“6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,
    for they have been from of old.
7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;
    according to your steadfast love remember me,
    for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!”  (Psalm 25:6-7 ESV)

What is a perfect prayer? 

  -  A prayer of thanks?

  - A prayer of supplication?

  - A prayer of praise?

All are part of our prayer life; however, David here gives us a perfect prayer--a prayer for mercy and forgiveness.

  - “Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love.”
We desperately all need God’s mercy and love because we all deserve His judgment.

  - “Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions.”
Rejoice in the fact that, in Jesus, repentant sinners are forgiven and are showered with the goodness of the Lord!

On Good Friday, as Jesus was purchasing your forgiveness, the thief on cross prayed similar words:
“Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” (Luke 23:42) And Jesus had mercy on him and promised him paradise.

O Lord, remember me and forgive my sins, for I sincerely repent. In the name of Jesus, my Savior. 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 26, 2018 - GOOD SOIL?

Day 26 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 20, Psalm 24, Matthew 13:1-17)

“As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty.”  (Matthew 13:23 ESV)

In the 13th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us via the parable of the sower. There is seed that does not live up to its potential. It falls on bad ground, on a path, or is overcome by weeds. Yet there is also seed that does live up to its potential. This seed has fallen on good soil.

The picture provides a great outline for understanding verse 23.

● The SEED is the Word of God, the means by which the Lord teaches us His Law and Gospel.

● The SOIL refers to all in whom the Word takes root. By the grace of God, this means you and me.

● The SOWER is the One who plants His Word in our hearts, souls and minds.

1. Almighty God, Your Word is cast
Like seed into the ground;
Now let the dew of heav'n descend
And righteous fruits abound.

2. Let not the sly satanic foe
This holy seed remove,
But give it root in ev'ry heart
To bring forth fruits of love.

3. Let not the world's deceitful cares
The rising plant destroy,
But let it yield a hundredfold
The fruits of peace and joy.

4. So when the precious seed is sown,
Life-giving grace bestow
That all whose souls the truth receive
Its saving pow'r may know.
(Almighty God, Your Word Is Cast, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #577)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your divine Word. Thank You for the Law that shows me my sins and my desperate need for Your forgiveness. And thank You for the Gospel that shows me Your great love in sending Jesus to be my Savior. May my life now bear abundant fruit as I live for You. 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 25, 2018 - THE SIGN OF JONAH

Day 25 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 19:29-38, Psalm 23, Matthew 12:38-50)

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. ”   (Matthew 12:40)

The Scribes and Pharisees had just asked Jesus for a sign. Jesus said that the only sign they would get would come only after He had accomplished His mission. The Jewish leaders would know that He is the Son of God after His death and resurrection.

Jesus’ resurrection is the proof and guarantee of our salvation. The Catechism has a question that underscores the importance of the resurrection.

Why is Christ's resurrection so important and comforting?
Christ's resurrection proves that
A. Christ is the Son of God;
B. His doctrine is the truth;
C. The Father accepted Christ's sacrifice for the reconciliation of the world;
D. all believers in Christ will rise to eternal life.

He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;
He opened death’s prison, incarnate, true Word.
Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song
While earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong.
(He’s Risen, He’s Risen, by C.F.W. Walther, Lutheran Service Book, #480)

Lord Jesus, thank You for giving us the ultimate sign of Your deity. And thank You for giving me faith in Your death and resurrection as my source of salvation. 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 24, 2018 - ESCAPE FOR YOUR LIFE

Day 24 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 19:1-28, Psalm 22, Matthew 12:15-37)

15 As morning dawned, the angels urged Lot, saying, “Up! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, lest you be swept away in the punishment of the city.”.... “Escape for your life.”   (Genesis 19:15-17)

Abraham’s “negotiations” for the preservation of Sodom for the sake of those who believe ended at 10 faithful needing to be present. However, we can infer that there were only four. Yet, in His divine mercy, God wanted to preserve the lives of Lot and his wife and daughters. So He sent angelic messengers to tell Lot to “Escape for your life.” 

And then it happened: 
24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and Gomorrah sulfur and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the valley, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground. 26 But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt. (Genesis 19:24-26)

“Escape for your life.” This is the Lord’s call to you too. No, He most likely is not calling you to leave “town.. But He is calling you to escape punishment by 
●  listening to,
●  believing in, and
●  following Jesus.
Jesus made this call crystal clear when He proclaimed: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”  (Mark 1:15)

“Escape for your life” by repenting of your sins and trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord!

Heavenly Father, thank You for warning me to escape from sin and damnation by repenting and believing the Gospel. 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!