August 27, 2018 - IN GOD I TRUST

Day 239 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 10; Psalm 56; Galatians 2:1-14)

“When I was afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.”   (Psalm 56:3-4 ESV) 

“Even in the midst of danger, David rejoices in God’s love and His certain deliverance from death. 

When we face trials, we may be tempted to worry about our own welfare or feel like giving up in hopelessness. 

Instead, we can remember that our problems are nothing new and that God is able to help in every situation. 

Through these experiences, He strengthens our faith and draws us closer to Jesus, our Savior.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 901)

I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, never let me fall.
I am trusting Thee forever and for all.
(“I Am Trusting, Thee, Lord Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #729)

Heavenly Father, please help me to trust You, especially during those times that make me doubt. May the Holy Spirit strengthen me to doubt my doubts and believe, believe, believe!  In Jesus’ saving name I pray. Amen.

Trust in God today no matter what!

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!

August 26, 2018 - PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

Day 238 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 9; Psalm 55; Galatians 1:1-24)

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”  (Jeremiah 29:11-13 ESV)

Everyone would like to have a future filled with good things and hope. In these verses God is promising that His children, held captive in Babylon, will return to their homeland ... in seventy years! 

The point for us is this: be patient. God has your welfare in mind. We see that clearly displayed on Jesus’ cross where He paid the price for all of your sins and thereby guarantees a future in heaven for all believers. 

We are also encouraged to reach out to God in the middle of the circumstances in our own lives that hold us captive (addictions, suffering, fear, disappointment and failure). God promises to hear and to be there for all who look to Him.

“Fulfill Your plans for us, O Lord, and guide us to make plans that agree with Your will. Teach us to trust Your decisions for our lives; through Jesus Christ. Amen.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1253)

“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!

August 25, 2018 - LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

Day 237 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 8; Psalm 54; John 21:20-25)

They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained... Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”... And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other... Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.  (Judges 16:25-30 ESV)

Samson was known for his great strength. At one time, he killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Of course, we all remember how he lost his strength. Delilah tricked him into revealing the secret to his vulnerability. She cut his hair, and his strength was gone. The result was that his enemies easily took him prisoner. The Philistines decided to mock Samson and his God. However, they didn’t know how dangerous it is to mock God...

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Samson prayed: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”

Samson had blown it, yet God answered his prayer and allowed Samson to glorify Him.

Almighty God, I too am a sinner. Yet because of the faith You have given me in Jesus my Savior, I do want to glorify You. Please strengthen me for the daily opportunities You give me to honor You and point others to You. 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!

August 24, 2018 - FOOLS ALL

Day 236 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 7; Psalm 53; John 21:1-19)

1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
    They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity;
    there is none who does good.
3 They have all fallen away;
    together they have become corrupt;
there is none who does good,
    not even one.  (Psalm 53:1&3 ESV)

No one likes to called a fool. Yet this is exactly what the Lord thinks of those who deny that He exists. He then describes what such foolishness produces in one’s life.
● All are corrupt.
● All have fallen away.
● All have become corrupt.
● No one does good.

Now we who believe would like to not be included in that list. However, every time we do things, say things, or even think things that do not measure up to God’s commands, we are acting as if we are a god. And that is truly foolish! The sad fact is that ALL people find themselves in this state of rebellion against God. 

Is there any hope for us fools?

Listen to Paul:
18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing... 24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 
25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! (Romans 7:18-19, 24-25 ESV)

Yes, thanks and glory be to Jesus, your Savior, your only hope!

Glory be to Jesus, 
Who in bitter pains
        Poured for me the life blood 
From his sacred veins!
(“Glory be to Jesus,”  Lutheran Service Book #433)

Heavenly Father, in sinful foolishness I daily attempt to take Your place and live a life filled with sin. Thank You for mercifully sending Jesus to die on the cross in my place and shed His blood in payment for my sins. Help me to show my thanks and praise by sharing You with someone today. 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!

August 23, 2018 - YES, JESUS LOVES YOU!

Day 235 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 6:4-25; Psalm 52; John 20:19-31)

“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned and said to him in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni,’ which means teacher.” (John 20:16 ESV)

The risen Lord Jesus reveals Himself to a very confused and grieving Mary by simply speaking her name. 

That is exactly what He did for you on the day of your baptism.    (Your Name)    I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

God loves you as an individual. You are special to Him! Isaiah put it this way:

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”  (Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

Yes, do not be afraid, God has chosen you through your baptism, redeemed by the death of His Son on Calvary’s cross, and calls you by your name!

Jesus loves me!  This I know, for the Bible tells me so;

Little ones to Him belong; They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!  Yes, Jesus loves me!

Yes, Jesus loves me!  The Bible tells me so.

My dear Savior, just as You called Mary by name, You have called me by my name. Thank You for loving me personally and redeeming me from eternal death.  Amen.

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!

August 22, 2018 - LORD HAVE MERCY

Day 234 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 5:22-6:3; Psalm 51; John 20:1-18)

“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression.” (Psalm 51:1 ESV) 

Self-reliant Americans aren’t too keen on needing mercy. We like to think we can make it on our own. However, when it comes to life’s biggest challenge, we can’t even come close to making it on our own. We can’t even begin to pay for one sin on our own. “Nobody’s perfect” we like to say. This is so true. All of us need help. We all need Jesus! 

In Psalm 51 King David shows us where to find the solution to our sin problem. His words of confession, pleading with God for forgiveness, are to be our words too. You see, this is precisely why Jesus went to the cross... to pay for our sins and make us whiter than snow...to fill us with joy and gladness. And what is our response to be? 

“O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise.” (Psalm 51:18 ESV) 

We pray:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” Amen. (Psalm 51:10-12 ESV) 

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!

August 21, 2018 - IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, JUST GIVE ME A CALL

Day 233 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 5:1-21; Psalm 50; John 19:28-42)

 IF YOU NEED ANYTHING, JUST GIVE ME A CALL.
Have you ever heard these words before?  Perhaps you shared them yourself. They are meant to show our care and concern for another person with some sort of need.  What comforting words God has for us sinners who so often find ourselves in trouble: 

“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.”   (Psalm 50:15 ESV) 

Just think of it.  When you get in a jam, God Himself is on call for you! You don’t have to go through an endless series of phone prompts. You don’t have to be frustrated by being put on hold. God simply says: When the going gets rough, just give me a call. 

Have we trials and temptations? 
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged, 
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a Friend so faithful 
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness - 
Take it to the Lord in prayer. 
(What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #770 vs 2)

Lord, I have many earthly needs that I bring before You today. Please grant them according to Your will. But I have far greater needs. Please grant the needs of my soul (forgiveness, peace, and heaven) as I repent of my sin and seek Your strength for the day. 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!