Sunday, May 8, 2022 - A SOFT ANSWER

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 128 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 18, Psalm 119:1-8; James 3:1-18)

A SOFT ANSWER

“A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.”   (Proverbs 15:1 ESV) 

Have you ever found yourself in an argument?

Have you ever gotten someone mad at you because of your harsh words?

This proverb gives you some very wise words... “soft answers” and no “harsh words.”

As sinners, we know that we need help in this area. The good news is that Jesus died to pay for our sinful words and other misdeeds.

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. Amen. (Psalm 19:14 ESV)

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Saturday, May 7, 2022 - BECAUSE YOU ARE FORGIVEN, BE NICE

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 127 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 17, Psalm 118; James 2:14-26)

BECAUSE YOU ARE FORGIVEN, BE NICE 

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:31-32 ESV) 

Paul is encouraging those who have received the most fantastic gift of all to act like it! That means that those who have been washed clean of their sins in the blood of Jesus, are to let go of anything someone else may have done to them. 

Because you are forgiven, no longer let bitterness or anger have any place in your life. Don’t slander others either. Instead, be kind-hearted and forgive. In other words, follow the example of Jesus. 

1. Let us ever walk with Jesus

    Follow His example pure,

    Through the world that would deceive us  

    And to sin our spirits lure.

    Onward in His footsteps treading, 

    Pilgrims here, our home above,

    Full of faith and hope and love, 

    Let us do the Father's bidding.

    Faithful Lord, with me abide; 

    I shall follow where You guide.

   (“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #685)

Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me. Please help me to treat others the way You have treated me. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Friday, May 6, 2022 - PRIDE

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 126 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 16, Psalm 117; James 2:1-13)

PRIDE 

“Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18 ESV)

Pride is a big problem with tragic consequences. The best personal example I have comes from my wresting days at Concordia - Milwaukee. Prior to one particular meet, I noticed my opponent warming up. In an expression of over-confidence, I told my coach that he was going to see the fastest pin of the day. I was right; however, I was the one who got pinned. My pride went before my loss.

Spiritually, the results of our stubborn pride are far worse. It can lead to falling away from the Lord and heading for hell. I heard of a well-known TV evangelist’s comment that reflects this: “I am not a poor, miserable sinner.” Talk about pride that can lead to a big fall! In humble confession of our sins, we are granted the one gift we all desperately need–the forgiveness of all of our sins and reconciliation with almighty God.

Lord, please keep me humble so that I can hear Your words of forgiveness, and fill me with the extreme joy of being Your forgiven child. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Thursday, May 5, 2022 - PRECIOUS DEATH

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 125 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 15; Psalm 116; James 1:19-27)

PRECIOUS DEATH

“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” (Psalm 116:15 ESV) 

For many, death is something to be dreaded and feared. And while we Christians do a fare amount of that ourselves, the truth is that we do not have to fear death. The death of a saint (a repentant sinner declared righteous and holy by the Lord), is precious to the Lord and precious to us, since when we die trusting in Christ alone, the gates of heaven are opened. The hymn write put it this way:

Jesus lives!  The victory’s won!  

Death no longer can appall me;

Jesus lives!  Death’s reign is done!  

From the grave Christ will recall me.

Brighter scenes will then commence; 

This shall be my confidence.

(“Jesus Lives! The Victory’s Won,” The Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #490 stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the confidence You have given me in Jesus’ death and resurrection. May I not be appalled about the inevitable end of my life. Yes, remind me today that the best is yet to come for me and all Christians. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Wednesday, May 4, 2022 - LIVE SLOWLY AND CALMLY

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 124 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 14; Psalm 115; James 1:1-18)

LIVE SLOWLY AND CALMLY 

“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” (Proverbs 14:29 ESV) 

What practical wisdom - wisdom you and I can begin using this very day! 

We find this same advice in some other places too showing up in the form of “count to ten before you respond.” Sometimes it might be necessary to count to 100!

If you are not slow to anger, the Bible calls it folly or foolishness. Anyone want to show others how foolish you are? 

And what do you do when anger is directed at you? “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)

And what is our motivation to live slowly and softly? “He (Jesus) died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.”  (2 Corinthians 5:15)

Lord, please forgive me for the times I have foolishly been quick to get angry and shared harsh words fueling anger. Help me to live for my Savior by responding to others slowly and softly. 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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - DON’T DESPISE GOD’S WORD

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Tuesday, May 3, 2022 - Day 123 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 13; Psalm 114; Hebrews 13:17-24)

DON’T DESPISE GOD’S WORD 

“Whoever despises the word brings destruction on himself, but he who reveres the commandment will be rewarded.” (Proverbs 13:13 ESV)

The book of Proverbs contains the God-given wisdom of Solomon. Many people have a problem with the idea of any wisdom that does not come from the person they see in the mirror! And the result, according to Solomon, is a messed up life.

We Christians know better than to despise God’s Word, for, as David put it:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Jesus makes it even more clear: “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” (Luke 11:28)

And what makes the Word of God so special? It points us to Jesus, our only hope, our only Savior, and our only way to heaven!

The Bible is where we learn the greatest wisdom of all time: “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 2:38)

The forgiveness of sins and the guarantee of heaven are what you receive when you despise not the Word of God, but rather hold it sacred and gladly hear and learn it.

Lord, please forgive me for the times I have despised Your Word by not reading the Bible and/or by not regularly attending church. Help me to not put my soul at risk by allowing me to see the blessings that You have for me in Your precious Word.  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 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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! 

Monday, May 2, 2022 - BLESSED IS THE NAME OF THE LORD

 

"I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen." (Luther's Morning Prayer)

Day 122 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 12; Psalm 113; Hebrews 13:1-16 )

BLESSED IS THE NAME OF THE LORD

“Blessed is the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore.” (Psalm 113:2 ESV)

Names of famous people are remembered for a long time. Abraham Lincoln, Bob Hope, Ty Cobb, Amelia Earhart and Albert Einstein are a few of the multitude of famous people. Mention one of the names, and that person’s life comes to mind. However, there is one name that is above all other names.

“And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”  (Acts 4:12 ESV)

 

The name of Jesus means everything to us. 

●  He paid for our sins and secured our eternal salvation by means of His death on the cross.

●  He is with you now, watching over you and guiding you.

●  He guarantees you an eternal future with Him in heaven.

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

And drives away our fear. 

It makes the wounded spirit whole,

And calms the troubled breast;

’Tis manna to the hungry soul,

And to the weary rest. 

O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend, My Prophet, Priest, and King;

My Lord, my life, my way, my end, Accept the praise I bring. Amen.

     (Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, # 524)

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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!