Day 232 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-49; Psalm 49; John 19:16-27)
“Come and see what God has done:
he is awesome in his deeds toward the children of man.” (Psalm 66:5 ESV)
The picture directs our attention to the beauty of the world God created. And, yes, it is awesome. However, our attention needs to focus elsewhere if we are going to view His most awesome deed done on behalf of mankind.
The subject of such attention is actually the destination of our annual Lenten pilgrimage. The most awesome deed God has worked on our behalf took place on Mt. Calvary.
"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 ESV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have done for my salvation. Holy Spirit, please keep my eyes fixed on Jesus. Lord Jesus, thank you for taking my place on the cross. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 231 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-14; Psalm 47; John 18:19-40)
“I have come into the world – to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth.” (John 18:37b-38 ESV)
What is truth? Pilate’s question is the world’s question. People are in a constant quest for the truth. The problem is that there is no agreement on the definition of truth. For example, what answer would you get from a Bear fan, a Viking fan and a Packer fan? There is only one true definition of NFL truth; not all are in agreement with me.
While great diversity exists on worldly definitions of truth, when it comes to spiritual things, there is only basic truth! Jesus points us to that in His high priestly prayer:
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” (John 17:17 ESV)
And what is God’s word of the truth?
● We are great sinners, and Christ is our great Savior!
● Jesus is the way, the truth and the life for you, for me, for all!
My Savior, keep me close to You and the truth of my salvation in You. Use me to help other sinners see that You are their only truth as well. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion rail 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 230 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 4:1-14; Psalm 47; John 18:19-40)
Clap your hands, all peoples!
Shout to God with loud songs of joy! (Psalm 47:1 ESV)
Today marks two special reasons for my family to celebrate God’s goodness and blessings. Today is my mother’s 103rd birthday and our 45th wedding anniversary. The picture is from last year’s celebration.
My mother is doing amazingly well as we prepare to celebrate 103 years of God’s blessings. When Barb and I look back at our 45 years, we wonder where the time has gone, while at the same time we see God’s hand leading us throughout all of them.
What blessings do you see in your life? Do you recognize God’s goodness and blessings in your life? It may be difficult, especially if you are dealing with a loss, or perhaps a serious medical condition. But the truth is that “all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Now thank we all our God,
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom His world rejoices;
Who from our mother's arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.
(“Now Thank We All Our God,” Lutheran Service Book #895)
Heavenly Father, thank You for the blessings you have showered upon me throughout my life. Remind me everyday how blessed by the Lord I am. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 229 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 3:12-29; Psalm 46; John 18:1-18)
You Are NOT Alone!
What comforting chapters we have in front of us today. Many people feel alone and vulnerable. But look at how the opposite is clearly laid out for the followers of Christ!
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear thought the earth give way...” (Psalm 46:1 ESV)
May you find your personal refuge and strength in Jesus, who has redeemed you from all that would hold you down, and who has guaranteed you a place in heaven. And as you practice the next verse from Psalm 46, may you find comfort and peace in the awesome grace and mercy of God that He has freely bestowed on you.
“Be still and know that I am God... The Lord of host is with us.” (Psalm 46:10-11)
You are NOT alone, God IS with YOU!
May you joyfully and thankfully go through this day knowing the truth....you are NOT alone!
Thank You, O God, for being my refuge and strength. Remind today and everyday that You are with me no matter what the day may bring. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 228 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 2:24-3:11; Psalm 45; John 17:1-26)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.” (John 17:20-23 ESV)
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus is asking God the Father to grant unity to His disciples. The same prayer fits for His disciples today, the Christian Church. The reason for this prayer is for the sake of Christ’s followers themselves, so that we may witness well to the world around us. Jesus’ ultimate desire is that all may come to believe that the Father sent Jesus to be the Savior of mankind.
The Holy Spirit works through the Word and the sacraments to unite us in our common Christian faith. The devil also works hard to divide us. However, we who have been given faith in the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting, do not have to listen to the enemy. Instead, we repeat Christ’s prayer, and sing other prayers, like this one:
As we gather together in Your Son,
Let us know the joy of being one!
Let the time we share in this place
Be a time of love and friendship in Your grace.
By Your Spirit help us be One in faith and unity.
Bless us here as we gather in Your Son.
Give us joy, Grant us peace, Make us one!
(By Tim Frusti)
Lord, make Your people one so that we can speak of Your love with a united voice. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 227 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 2:1-23; Psalm 44; John 16:25-33)
“All this has come upon us, though we have not forgotten you.” (Psalm 44:17 ESV)
In Psalm 44 “the psalmist recounts God’s past faithfulness but complains that God is now against His people, letting them suffer defeat despite their faithfulness to Him. They petition Him to help them once more.
● As we undergo affliction, we are tempted to believe that God has deserted us or is unfairly punishing us.
● But God is always ‘for you’ despite everything you see, feel, or think to the contrary.
● God is not sleeping but helps, redeems, and loves - indeed ‘He ... did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all’ (Romans 8:32).”
(The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 889)
Paul encourages you to focus your heart and your mind on Jesus:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
You can make it through life’s toughest times with the peace that only Jesus, your Savior can give you. He died for your sins, rose from the dead, and promises to always be with you – no matter what!
Always remind me, O Lord, that You are with me, even when I have my doubts. Grant me the peace that comes only through faith in my Savior. 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 226 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 1:26-46; Psalm 43; John 16:5-24)
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 been discouraged?
Have you ever felt like you were cast down?
Have you ever had to deal with inner turmoil?
In the reading for today, David is pointing us in the upward direction. More in a moment.
God does have your back. He has provided some very crucial tools for those stuck in the turmoil of depression. Get professional help. Ask your doctor. Ask your pastor. Ask a friend. Then follow the professional advice and prescription for success.
Now back to David. The are many who need professional help. And there are many who do not. But all need to follow David.
HOPE IN GOD! He has done it all for you. He paid the debt you owe by dying in your place on the cross. He rose from the grave so that you can look forward to heaven. Until then, He promises to lead and guide and bless you! Listen to Jesus:
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)
“Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22 ESV)
“Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)
Art thou weary, art thou troubled,
Art thou sore distressed?
“Come to Me,” saith One,
“and , coming, Be at rest.”
(“Art Thou Weary, Art Thou Trouble,” The Lutheran Hymnal #513 -1)
Almighty God, thank You for being my hope in times of turmoil. Thank You above all for saving my soul and promising me heaven. For this and all of Your other blessings I praise 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 from 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
