Day 246 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 16:1-17; Psalm 63; Galatians 6:6-18)
"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18 ESV)
Life can really be rough sometimes. What we need to remember at those times is simply that our problems and struggles are only temporary. Paul is reminding us that nothing we experience now can compare with the glories of heaven.
“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 ESV)
Heavenly Father, remind me when things are rough that this life is only temporary and that the best is yet to come. 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 245 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 15; Psalm 62; Galatians 5:16-6:5)
Let all that I am wait quietly before God,
for my hope is in him. (Psalm 62:5 NLT)
How patient are you? I don’t know about you, but this is something I have trouble with, as did King David and many biblical “heros.”
● Abraham and Sarah couldn’t wait for the Lord to keep His promise to grant them a child, so they took matters into their own hands and began a chain of heart ache that we still see today.
One of the big problems we self-centered sinners have is that we think that we know what is best for our lives, and we refuse to wait for the Lord to lead and bless us in His way.
● David’s impatience led to lust, adultery, murder and a failed cover-up.
By the time David wrote this Psalm, he had learned to wait patiently and quietly before and for the Lord. How are you doing in this area?
Are you trusting the Lord to know what is best for your life? Can you trust God to take care of your health, your wealth, your family and every other aspect of your life in ways that He determines are best for you?
Listen to David’s words again: Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. (Psalm 62:5 NLT)
David’s hope was in God and His plan for this life and the next. Take a moment to let this thought in.
● Since God promises eternal life in heaven to all (including you) who repent and believe, you certainly can trust Him to do what is best (His best) for your life right now.
I am trusting Thee to guide me;
Thou alone shalt lead,
Ev'ry day and hour supplying
All my need.
(“I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #729-4)
Heavenly Father, please help me to wait quietly before You and to place my hope for life today and tomorrow in You and Your mercy and grace. In Jesus’ saving name. 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 244 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 14; Psalm 61; Galatians 5:1-15 )
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2 ESV)
Do you like to help other folks? What if they have some really nasty problems? Paul is telling the church in Galatia and the church today to fulfill the law of Christ. In other words, He is telling us to be God’s love in real and tangible ways to those who are struggling under life’s heavy burdens. Later in this chapter, Paul will instruct to “do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” This means that we get to love others as, in Christ, God has loved us.
1. Love in Christ is strong and living,
Binding faithful hearts in one;
Love in Christ is true and giving,
May His will in us be done.
2. Love is patient and forbearing,
Clothed in Christ’s humility,
Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring,
Reaching out in charity.
3. Love in Christ abides forever,
Fainting not when ills attend;
Love, forgiving and forgiven,
Shall endure until life’s end.
(“Love in Christ Is Strong and Living,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #706)
Lord, please help me to respond to Your awesome gift of forgiveness by loving others. 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 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 243 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 13; Psalm 60; Galatians 4:21-31)
“The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,
on them has light shone.” (Isaiah 9:2 ESV)
Isaiah’s prophetic words point sinful humanity struggling in our spiritual darkness to Jesus - the Light of the world. Jesus lived a sinless life, died an innocent death, and rose in triumph from the grave for sinners like you and me, allowing us to see the light, His light.
It is a tragic fact that so many today continue to walk in spiritual darkness. So many have no idea why Jesus came to this earth. They have no idea of what Jesus has to offer them...
- peace
- forgiveness of their sins
- reconciliation with God the Father
- guarantee of eternity in heaven
- true love (God’s love) that changes EVERYTHING!
Perhaps you know someone like that. They may even be close to you, a relative, a coworker, a neighbor. If so...
- pray for them
Lord, lay some soul upon my heart, and love that soul through me.
And may I humbly do my part to win that soul for Thee. Amen.
- model Christ’s love to / for them
- share God’s plan of salvation with them (Jesus died and rose for them)
- invite them to your house
- invite them to God’s house
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be the Light that this sin-darkened worlds needs so desperately. May He continue to shine on me and through me for the rest of my life. 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 242 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 12:15-32; Psalm 59; Galatians 4:1-20)
Deliver me from my enemies, O my God;
protect me from those who rise up against me;
deliver me from those who work evil,
and save me from bloodthirsty men.
(Psalm 59:1-2 ESV)
David’s cry for deliverance from his enemies could well be the cry of persecuted Christians around the world today. While our religious freedom is under attack in our country, it cannot be compared to what Christians in Muslim countries face if they do not convert to Islam.
The hymn writer followed the example of David’s prayer in this manner:
Preserve, O Lord, your Zion,
Bought dearly with your blood;
Protect what you have chosen
Against the hellish flood.
Be always our defender
When dangers gather round;
When all the earth is crumbling,
Safe may your Church be found.
(“Preserve Your Word, O Savior,” Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #658, stanza 3)
Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, thank You for being my Deliverer from sin, death and the power of the devil. Please preserve Your Church and deliver my brothers and sisters in Christ from the dangers that are gathering around them. 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 241 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 11:22-12:14; Psalm 58; Galatians 3:10-29)
“You shall therefore keep the whole commandment that I command you today, that you may be strong, and go in and take possession of the land that you are going over to possess, and that you may live long in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give to them and to their offspring, a land flowing with milk and honey.” (Deuteronomy 11:8-9 ESV)
“Soon the Israelites will cross the Jordan River to the land God had promised to Abraham so many years before. We can almost hear the cries of thanksgiving. Yet Moses’ warning is stern. Even today, though we have the Bible and know its teaching, we fail to heed it.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1030)
We do have so many blessings showered upon us from the hand of the Lord. Above all, He has promised us our own land flowing with milk and honey, our eternal home in heaven.
May we listen to God’s Word and follow its teaching as we rejoice in His mercy and grace.
Heavenly Father, thank You for guaranteeing me a land of eternal milk and honey with You in heaven. Please keep me faithful to You and active in Your service until them. 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 240 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 11:1-21; Psalm 57; Galatians 2:15-3:9)
“We know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:16 ESV)
Work is a part of God’s plan for life. After his fall into sin, God told Adam that he would have to toil and work hard. However, our text for today reminds us that we are made right with God (justified), not by our works. Instead, we are made right with God by faith in the work of Christ Jesus on Calvary’s cross.
No, we are not justified by the works of our hands.
♬ Not the labors of my hands, Can fulfill Thy law’s demands;
Could my zeal no respite know, Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone; Thou must save, and Thou alone.
(Rock of Ages, Cleft for Me, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #761 stanza 2)
Lord Jesus, thank Your for doing the impossible work or saving me, and all of sinful mankind. Please give me wisdom and a deep and abiding faith in You as my only Savior and 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 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!
