Day 262 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 4:32-49; Psalm 79; Luke 5:22-26)
Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.” (Isaiah 35:3-4 ESV)
“Be strong, and don’t be afraid.” That sounds good advice, doesn’t it? It sounds like the kind of advice a football coach would give to one of his players, or the kind of advice that might be given to someone attempting to meet a personal challenge. The implication in that advice is that the person being encouraged can find strength in themselves. Isaiah’s advice directs his hearers elsewhere.
God will come and defend you. He will save you. In fact, He has already come and has already saved you. He did this by sending Jesus, the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). Jesus has saved you by taking on Himself the punishment for your sins. Therefore you no longer need to fear sin, death and the devil because nothing in all creation can separate you from the love of God that is yours in Christ Jesus, your Lord (Romans 8:39)!
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for saving me and for driving fear out of my life. Please keep me close to you today, tomorrow and forever. 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 261 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 29:9-29; Psalm 78:1-35; Luke 4:42-5:11)
“I will utter ... things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might.” (Psalm 78:2-4 ESV)
One of the distressing, and far too often spoken comments from parents who are desperately attempting to “go with the flow” is this: “I am not going to force my religious beliefs on my children. Instead, I will let them decide for themselves when they are older.”
There are two tragic facts that go along with this statement. First, their offspring could well wind up like some children I have met who have no understanding of even the basics of Biblical knowledge, to say nothing about faith in Christ. Second, those parents themselves are most likely not true believers and are therefore also lost.
Like David, who directed God’s people to “say so” (Psalm 107:2), we are to tell the next generation about all that God has done for us in sending Jesus to be our one and only Savior from sin.
Are you doing this? Thank the Lord for the help He gives us in the catechism, our Sunday Schools, Vacation Bible Schools, and our Christian Day Schools!
Thank You, Lord, for the wonderful gift of family. We humbly pray that You would use us to help the generations that follow us to also be close to You through saving faith in Jesus. 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 260 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:58-29:8; Psalm 77; Luke 4:31-41)
“Save me, O God! For the waters have come up to my neck. I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold.” (Psalm 66:5 ESV)
David cries out to God for mercy and rescue from the enemies around him. Believers have that amazing right and perfect comfort. Remember Peter? He cried out to the Lord in similar fashion:
So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him... (Matthew 14:29-31 ESV)
When the storms of life press in upon you, just as they did for David and Peter, remember that you have a God who reaches out to you with His glorious cross!
Lord, on the cross of Calvary You answered my prayer. May I live the rest of my life thanking you for saving me from sin, death and the devil. Amen.
Thank God for His saving hand in your life.
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 259 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:30-57, Psalm 76; Luke 4:14-41)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me
to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
and recovering of sight to the blind,
to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.”
And he rolled up the scroll (Isaiah) and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” (Luke 4:18-21 ESV)
When Jesus returned home to Nazareth, His first stop was the local synagogue where He shared the words of today’s devotion. His concluding words let His hearers know that He is the One, the promised Messiah. Look again at what the Messiah came to do.
● Proclaim good news to the poor.
● Proclaim liberty to the captives.
● Provide recovery of sight to the blind.
● Set at liberty those who are oppressed.
● Proclaim the year of the Lord's favor.
Jesus did come to proclaim the mercy of His Father to the poor, captive, blind and oppressed. However, the ultimate mission His Father sent Him on involved a cross, and bitter suffering and death as our substitute. We now receive the Lord’s favor through faith in Jesus who has set us free, liberating us from sin, death and the devil.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the promised One, the Messiah, my Lord and Savior. May all that I do and say today glorify Your name and be used by the Holy Spirit to witness to others. 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 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 258 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 28:1-29; Psalm 75; Luke 4:1-13)
If you want to navigate through life successfully, you would do well to do so “by the book.” When I was a boy I enjoyed putting models of ships, planes and cars together. I soon learned that the end result was far better if I assembled them “by the book” ( following the instructions).
Jesus gives us some clear and practical examples of living “by the book.”
It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone.” (Luke 4:4 ESV)
It is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.” (Luke 4:8 ESV)
“It is said, You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.” (Luke 4:12 ESV)
How does the Lord want us to respond to the temptations of life? Jesus has given us the perfect example.... “by the book.” Yes, THE book, the Bible, is the place to go for strength, encouragement, and examples when you are facing temptation, when you are having to make decisions, and when you are looking for God’s answers.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 ESV)
Lord Jesus, thank You for showing me how to respond to temptation and trials. Fill me with the desire for the treasures You have for me in the Bible. May I be prepared to face life with Your words: “It is written.” When I fall, reassure me of Your forgiveness for me and for all who repent and believe. 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 257 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 27; Psalm 74; Luke 3:18-38)
“Have regard for the covenant,
for the dark places of the land are full of the habitations of violence.
Let not the downtrodden turn back in shame;
let the poor and needy praise your name.
Arise, O God, defend your cause...” (Psalm 74;20-22 ESV)
“When calamity strikes, we ought to see God calling us to repentance...”
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:1-5 ESV)
... “In repentance, we flee to God for mercy, not because of anything in us but by what He has done for our redemption.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, page 919)
What God the Father has done for our redemption is to defend from sin, death and the devil by sending Jesus to the cross in our place.
Thank You Heavenly Father for defending me against all danger and guarding and protecting me from all evil. Remind today that this is all because of Your divine goodness and mercy, without any merit or worthiness in me. It truly is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him. May the Holy Spirit empower to do my duty to You who have done it all for 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 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 255 - (Today’s Bible readings: Deuteronomy 26; Psalm 73; Luke 3:15-17)
“But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.” (Psalm 73:28 ESV)
“Being troubled by doubt and envy does not mean that we have lost our faith. We are called to struggle against doubt and envy. We find strength to do so in the certainty of the final outcome of God’s promises.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 918)
“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ.” (2 Corinthians 1:20 NIV)
No wonder David calls God his refuge. Christ is our refuge too. It so important to always, always, always stay close to our Jesus And how do we do this?
Weekly Worship
Bible Study
Prayer
Be near me, Lord Jesus I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.
Lord, help me to fight doubt and fear by keeping me close to You. Bless me with a hunger for Your Word of promise. Amen.
Stay close to your Jesus today and always.
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!
