Sunday, May 15, 2022 - YOU ARE SPECIAL . . . IN CHRIST

"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 135 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 24:23-34, Psalm 119:57-64; 1 Peter 3:1-7)

YOU ARE SPECIAL . . . IN CHRIST 

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”  (1 Peter 2:9-10 ESV)

In our worship services we state, “I, a poor, miserable sinner, confess unto You all my sins and iniquities with which I have ever offended You and justly deserved Your temporal and eternal punishment.” That does not sounds like we are very special in God’s sight. Yet, right after we make our public confession of sin we get to hear these words: “Upon this your confession, I, by virtue of my office, as a called and ordained servant of the Word, announce the grace of God unto all of you, and in the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ, I forgive you all your sins in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

The words of Peter become true for us in confession and absolution. We are called out of the darkness of our sin into God’s marvelous light of forgiveness. We were lost and God found us. We have been made God’s people and are showered with His endless mercy. 

  I want to walk as a child of the light; 

  I want to follow Jesus. 

  God set the stars to give light to the world; 

  The star of my life is Jesus.

  In him there is no darkness at all; 

  The night and the day are both alike. 

  The Lamb is the light of the city of God. 

  Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus.

  ( “I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light,” Lutheran Service Book #411)

Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Yours. I rejoice in Your mercy and grace bestowed upon me through Jesus my Savior. In His name. Amen. 

“See” you in church this morning.

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 14, 2022 - SWEET WISDOM

"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 134 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 24:1-22, Psalm 119:49-56; 1 Peter 2:13-25)

SWEET WISDOM

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”  (Proverbs 24:13-14 ESV) 

What do comedian Jackie Gleason, Winnie the Pooh and King Solomon all have in common? They would all say of honey, “How sweet it is.” Gentlemen, remember the wisdom of saying the same thing of your honey, “How sweet she is.” In fact, wisdom is the focus of these verses, as well as the rest of the book of Proverbs.

“Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

The kind of wisdom Solomon is highlighting for us is...

● wisdom that listens to the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that trusts the Word of the Lord,

● wisdom that obeys the Word of the Lord, and ultimately

● wisdom that trusts in Jesus, and in Jesus alone, for forgiveness and heaven!

We sing about this kind of sweet wisdom in this hymn stanza:

How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds

In a believer’s ear!

It soothes our sorrow, heals our wounds,

And drives away our fear. 

(How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #524 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sweet Gospel message I find in Your Word. Please keep my faith strong so that my ears will continue to hear, and my life will honor, the sweet name of Jesus. 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 13, 2022 - DON’T GO BACK TO THE MIRE

 

"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 133 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 23, Psalm 119:41-48; 1 Peter 2:1-12 )

DON’T GO BACK TO THE MIRE

“For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.  What the true proverb says has happened to them: ‘The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire.’” (2 Peter 2:21-22 ESV)

The picture of the sow wallowing in the mire is meant to wake us up. Don’t go back to the mire!

Instead, stay close to Jesus. Attend church faithfully. Hear what the Lord wants to teach you. Hear His Word calling you to repent and His declaration of forgiveness. “Run” to the altar to receive Christ’s precious body and blood given and shed for you!

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near.

The waters of life are now flowing for you.

No price is demanded, the Savior is here,

Redemption is purchased, God’s promise is true. 

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come;

For mercy still lingers and calls you today.

Its voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;

Its message, unheeded, will soon pass away. 

Delay not, delay not! The Spirit of grace,

Long grieved and resisted, may take his sad flight

And leave you in darkness to finish your race,

To sink in the gloom of eternity’s night. 

Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;

The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.

The dead, small and great, in the judgment must stand.

What power, then, O sinner, can lend you its aid? 

Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse

The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?

A fountain is opened; how can you refuse

To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood? 

(“Delay Not, Delay Not, O Sinner, Draw Near,” Hymn # 349 from Lutheran Worship)

Heavenly Father, please keep me out of the mire by keeping me close to You. Feed me with Your precious Word and Sacraments and strengthen my faith. 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 12, 2022 - TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS

 

"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 132 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 22, Psalm 119:33-40; 1 Peter 1:13-25)

TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”   (Proverbs 22:6 ESV) 

I have often used this verse to encourage parents whose children have strayed from the Lord. Since they have imparted the truths of God’s Word to their children, these faithful parents can pray that their children will return to the Lord. 

My wife and I have been blessed in our efforts to “train up” our two children in the Christian faith. I remember those precious times of teaching them how to pray, how to sing hymns, how to worship, and how to trust in the promises of God. While both are involved in Christian education, we are most thankful that they are also training their children in the way of the Lord! 

Lord Jesus Christ, the children's friend,

To each of them Your presence send;

Call them by name and keep them true

In loving faith, dear Lord, to You.

(Lord Jesus Christ, the Children's Friend, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #866 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, please bless all Christian parents as they train their children in the Christian faith. We beg You to keep our children close to You forever. 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 11, 2022 - LOVE CONQUERS HATE

 

"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 131 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 21, Psalm 119:25-32; 1 Peter 1:1-12)

LOVE CONQUERS HATE 

“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13 ESV)

This proverb calls God’s people to help those less fortunate than themselves. The warning that “what goes around comes around” reminds us of a well-known fulfillment of these words from the last century.

“First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out--

Because I was not a Socialist. 

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out-- 

Because I was not a Trade Unionist. 

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out-- 

Because I was not a Jew. 

Then they came for me--and there was no one left to speak for me.”   Martin Niemöller (1892-1984)

Martin Niemöller was a Lutheran pastor in Nazi Germany who changed his mind about Hitler and opposed Nazism with such force that it landed him in a concentration camp.

May we not wait until no one is left to speak for us. Today is the day to serve Christ by helping the poor and the needy. By doing so, the Lord will give us the opportunity to share the motivation behind our care and concern – the care and concern God has lovingly lavished on us in Jesus. 

We may live in fearful times. Christians are being persecuted, it seems, like never before. Take heart as you take these words from St. John to heart:

We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. (1 John 4:19)

Lord, open my ears, my heart and my mouth for the sake of the poor and needy around me. Thank You for being my example and motivation for such service. Please use me to be Your love to others, even and especially those who hate Christians. In Jesus’ loving 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 10, 2022 - BE PATIENT!

 

"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 130 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 20, Psalm 119:17-24; James 5:1-19)

 BE PATIENT! 

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door.”  (James 5:7-9 ESV)

James is encouraging Christians to wait patiently for the Day of the Lord. “See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.” He is calling believers to have the patience of a farmer.

Next, he instructs us to prepare for the end of the world. “Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” Make sure you are ready for the Last Day and YOUR LAST DAY! How can you be ready?

● Talk to the Lord daily (prayer).

● Read His Word and develop the practice of daily devotions (like Portals of Prayer).

● Worship the Lord weekly so that He can come to You in His Word and Sacraments.

● Listen to Him.

● Follow Him.

● Trust Him.

● Share Him.

Be still, my soul; the Lord is on your side; 

Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;

Leave to your God to order and provide; 

In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.

Be still, my soul; your best, your heav’nly Friend 

Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

(Be Still, My Soul, Lutheran Service Book, CPH. 2006, #752, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, help me wait patiently for You to take me home. Until then, strengthen me with Your Word, Your presence and Your power, all through Jesus Christ, my Savior. 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 9, 2022 - LIAR, LIAR

"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 129 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 19, Psalm 119:9-16; James 4:1-13)

LIAR, LIAR 

“A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will not escape.” (Proverbs 19:5 ESV)

“Liar, liar, pants on fire” is a phrase that children like to scream at each other whenever they think another child is lying. They also like to scream it at adults who tell them things they don’t want to hear. It’s a foolish thing to say, since if your pants actually caught on fire when you lied, fire departments would be far too busy!

In this Proverb the Lord is warning us to watch what we say. He does the same thing in the Eighth Commandment.

 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 

What does this mean?  

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.

Jesus is our perfect example of always telling the truth.

“Grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 ESV)

Lord God, help me to resist the temptation to lie about or to others.  Instead, please us me to share the grace and truth found in Jesus. 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!