Day 53 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 37:13-36; Psalm 49; Matthew 23:23-36)
Then Midianite traders passed by. And they drew Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. They took Joseph to Egypt... (Genesis 37:28 ESV)
Joseph’s brothers, filled with jealousy and hatred, attack Joseph, strip him if his coat of many colors, through him in a well, and finally spare his life by selling him into slavery. Talk about being betrayed by those closest to him! Yet through all of this and what was still in store for him, Joseph remained faithful.
What would you do if you found yourself betrayed by those closest to you? Jesus warns that this could be a possibility:
Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. (Matthew 10:21-22 ESV)
These prophetic words sound like what Joseph endured hundreds of years before Jesus spoke them. Jesus meant them to prepare His followers, including you and me, for the persecution Christians are apt to face. The key is to remain faithful, trusting that the Lord does have a plan for our lives now and in eternity
Joseph would not see his brothers again until he had been led by the Lord to achieve the honor of serving as second only to Pharaoh in the land of Egypt. He would comfort his apprehensive brothers with these words:
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive... (Genesis 5:;20 ESV)
Like Joseph, you may one day experience betrayal. But, also like Joseph, remain faithful to God, and He will lead and guide and bless you in a way that is best for you.
Heavenly Father, thank You this account of Your faithfulness to Joseph even though he had been betrayed by his brothers. I pray that You would protect me from betrayal. However, if I ever find myself betrayed, please keep me faithful to You. 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!
Day 52 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 37:1-12; Psalm 48; Matthew 23:1-22)
5 Now Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers they hated him even more. 6 He said to them, “Hear this dream that I have dreamed: 7 Behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and stood upright. And behold, your sheaves gathered around it and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 His brothers said to him, “Are you indeed to reign over us? Or are you indeed to rule over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. (Genesis 37:5-8 ESV)
God is planning to save His chosen people be providing them a safe haven from a severe drought by leading them to the land of Egypt. The plan begins with Joseph’s dream of his future role in that plan, a role in which his brothers will bow to him.
A key ingredient in this story playing out according to plan is the faithfulness of Joseph. In this initial episode we find Joseph faithfully revealing his dream to his brothers. Their hate-filled response will lead to his being sold into slavery and a test of his faithfulness.
Our takeaway from this account today is simply this: Trust the Lord to lead you through the adversity of the day, firmly believing that God has a plan for your life too. Above all, trust the Lord to keep His promise to grant you forgiveness and the eternal gift of heaven.
Heavenly Father, thank You for having a plan for my life. Please make me faithful like Joseph even though I may not understand what is going on around me. 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!
Day 51 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 36:10-43; Psalm 47; Matthew 22:34-46)
35 And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-39 Ps ESV)
Do you love God?..... Really?.... He commands and demands that we love Him completely. And then He gives us the big test and perhaps the toughest command of all. Love others just like you love yourself. While this is difficult for the imperfect person we each see looking back at us in the mirror, love for others is perfectly reflected in Jesus’ earthly life.
Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;
I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,
With tender mercy cheer me.
Earth has no pleasure I would share.
Yea, heav’n itself were void and bare
If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.
And should my heart for sorrow break,
My trust in Thee can nothing shake.
Thou art the portion I have sought;
Thy precious blood my soul has bought.
Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord,
Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.
(Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #708 stanza 1)
Dear heavenly Father, You have sent Christ to be our perfect example of how You want us to live and love. May the Holy Spirit lead me to better love You and to do the same for those around me. Amen.
Look for opportunities to love God by loving others today.
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!
Day 50 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 35:16-36:9; Psalm 46; Matthew 22:15-33)
“God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling.” (Psalm 46:1-3 ESV)
What are you facing this week... joy, sadness, fear, loss, success, pain, sorrow?
Last November, I took today’s video clip while visiting the Wartburg Castle in Eisenach Germany. Psalm 46 always reminds me of this historic site where Martin Luther was held in protective custody in 1521.
We all need a refuge from the storms that come in life. And almighty God is just that refuge. He is our very present help in trouble, whatever kind of trouble that might be.
1. A mighty Fortress is our God, A trusty Shield and Weapon;
He helps us free from ev'ry need That hath us now o'ertaken.
The old evil Foe Now means deadly woe; Deep guild and great might
Are his dread arms in fight; On earth is not his equal.
2. With might of ours can naught be done, Soon were our loss effected;
But for us fights the valiant One, Whom God Himself elected.
Ask ye, Who is this? Jesus Christ it is, of Sabaoth Lord,
And there's none other God; He holds the field forever.
Heavenly Father, thank You for driving all fear away by being my mighty fortress. Please keep me faithful to You this week and always. 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!
Day 49 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 35:1-15; Psalm 45; Matthew 21:44-22:14)
“But when the king came in to look at the guests, he saw there a man who had no wedding garment. And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:11-14 ESV)
The Lord has just described those who refused to repent and believe in Him. They were invited, but they refused to come to Him.
And again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. (Matthew 22:1-3 ESV)
Among those who eventually attend the wedding banquet, which is a Biblical picture of heaven, is a man not wearing the right clothes or wedding garment. This is a reference to a person who is not baptized and therefore is without faith in the Savior.
With or without faith is the only thing that will matter on our last day. Those with faith in Jesus as their Savior from sin, death and the devil with be welcomed to the eternal wedding feast in heaven. Those without faith will spend eternity in the our darkness of hell’s everlasting suffering.
The good news, fellow believer, is that your faith is the proof that God has chosen you to be His guest at the eternal wedding feast. And what about those who do not believe? There is good news for them too – THERE STILL IS TIME TO REPENT AND BELIEVE THE GOOD NEWS!
Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me to be Your guest in heaven. Please use me to extend Your gracious invitation to others so that they too can joy in that everlasting celebration. 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!
Day 48 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 34; Psalm 44; Matthew 21:28-44)
“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.” (Matthew 21:28-31 ESV)
Jesus, the consummate teacher, is using one of His favorite teaching methods, the parable. Which son are you like?
This earthly story is very easy to understand, especially if you are a parent. It is not uncommon for our children to say that they will do what we expect them to do, only to never seem to get around to it. How precious are the rare occasions when the child refused to obey, but later relents and carries out what you had wanted him or her to do in the first place. Obviously, you are pleased with the obedient one, regardless of what the first response may have been.
The spiritual meaning is one that we church people need to listen to carefully. It is too easy to become complacent, to foolishly take comfort in having our names on a church membership roster, or relying on our feeble accomplishments to get us into heaven. The reality is that God is calling repentant sinners and not self-righteous pharisees.
The purpose of the parable is a call us to genuine Christianity, and that means faith in Christ and repentance of sin.
♬ 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?
(Delay Not, Delay Not, o Sinner, Draw Near, The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH, 1941, #349, stanza 5)
Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit work genuine faith in me that is revealed in heartfelt repentance. May I never forget how desperately I need Your unmerited forgiveness. May I show my thankfulness by living the rest of my life for You. In Jesus’ saving name. 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!
Day 47 - (Today’s Bible readings: Genesis 33; Psalm 43; Matthew 21:18-27)
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God. (Psalm 43:5 ESV)
Have you ever found yourself in turmoil on the inside, like David did? You are not alone. Inner turmoil and discontent come to most people at some time, especially when we are honest about our failures, our inconsistencies, and our disobedience to God’s will.
David’s answer to inner turmoil is to look to God. We get to do the same as we sinners trust in Jesus for forgiveness, peace and contentment. And Christ-centered hope leads us to praise Him for our salvation.
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness.
No merit of my own I claim
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid Rock I stand;
All other ground is sinking sand.
Lord Jesus, thank You for giving me hope in the middle of turmoil. May I spend the rest of my life praising You as I share Your hope with others. 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!
