Sunday, September 18, 2022 - TEACHING CHILDREN

"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 261 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 13; Psalm 78:1-35; Romans 9:27-10:4)

TEACHING CHILDREN

I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old, things that we have heard and known, that our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, but tell the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. (Psalm 78:2-4 ESV)

If we don’t teach our children to believe in Jesus, the world will teach them not to. Let us not fall down on the job and fail to teach children the things of God. How precious when little ones can sing/pray these word:

1. Let me learn of Jesus, He is kind to me;

Once He died to save me, Nailed upon a tree.

2. When I go to Jesus, He will hear me pray,

Make me pure an holy, Take my sin away.

3. Let me think of Jesus, He is full of love,

Looking down upon me, From His throne above.

4. Oh, how good is Jesus, May He hold my hand

And at last receive me To a better land.

(“Let Me Learn of Jesus,” All God’s People Sing, #156)

Almighty God, please bless children with truth of You love and mercy in sending Jesus to be the Savior of all and any who repent and believe. 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!

Friday, September 16, 2022 - THE BEST IS YET TO COME

 

"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 259 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 11; Psalm 76; Romans 8:18-39)

THE BEST IS YET TO COME

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)

The glories of heaven are far beyond what we are able to comprehend now.

I can only imagine

What it would be like

When I walk by your side

I can only imagine

What my eyes would see

When your face is before me

I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Surrounded by your glory

What will my heart feel

Will I dance for you Jesus

Or in awe of You be still

Will I stand in your presence

To my knees will I fall

Will I sing hallelujah

Will I be able to speak at all

(“I Can Only Imagine” MercyMe)

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 ), 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, September 15, 2022 - NOT CONDEMNED

 "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 258 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 19; Psalm 75; Romans 8:1-17)

NOT CONDEMNED

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1 ESV) 

Ever since Adam and Eve gave into temptation and fell into sin, guilt and fear of condemnation have been our human lot. In spite of those who try to cover up and deny their sins, we all stand condemned on our own. Any attempt to correct our condition on our own is futile. 

Jesus offers us the solution with His invitation to “repent and believe,” (Mark 1:5) leading Paul to conclude: “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” 

Fellow sinner, redeemed in the blood of Jesus, rejoice in this glorious thought.

My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin, not in part but the whole,

Is nailed to His cross, and I bear it no more,

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

It is well (it is well),

with my soul (with my soul),

It is well, it is well with my soul.

(“When Peace, Like a River,” Lutheran Service Book, #762)

Holy Spirit, thank You for calling me to faith in my Savior, Jesus. Help me to share the good news that there is no condemnation for anyone who trusts 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!

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 - DON’T REAP THE WHIRLWIND

 

"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 257 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 9; Psalm 74; Romans 7:7-25)

DON’T REAP THE WHIRLWIND

“For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind”  (Hosea 8:7 ESV)

“Topping the list of Israel’s misdeeds is idolatry–their rejection of the Creator and their devotion to calves made of gold. Verse 7 stresses the futility of turning away from God and trusting in idols . One sowing the wind can hardly expect any harvest but a whirlwind. Sadly, we too, begin to fall into idolatry whenever we fear, love, and trust anything or any person more than the true God. Admitting that, we should also remember that the same God threatening to punish idolatry is also the One whose forgiving love and sustaining Spirit never fails.”   (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1438)

Lord, Thee I love with all my heart;

I pray Thee, ne’er from me depart,

With tender mercy cheer me.

Earth has no pleasure I would share.

Yea, heav’n itself were void and bare

If Thou, Lord, wert not near me.

And should my heart for sorrow break,

My trust in Thee can nothing shake.

Thou art the portion I have sought;

Thy precious blood my soul has bought.

Lord Jesus Christ, my God and Lord, my God and Lord,

Forsake me not! I trust Thy Word.

(“Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart,” Lutheran Service Book #708)

Heavenly Father, keep me faithful to You so that I do not live an aimless and Christless life, thereby reaping the eternal whirlwind of damnation. I beg this of You for Jesus’ sake.  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, September 13, 2022 - BE NEAR ME LORD 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 256 - (Today’s Bible: Hosea 8; Psalm 73; Romans 7:1-6)

BE NEAR ME LORD JESUS!

“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 envy 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 ), 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, September 12, 2022 - DEAD AND ALIVE

"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 255 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 7; Psalm 72; Romans 6:15-23)

DEAD AND ALIVE

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 6:8-11 ESV)

“Wanted Dead or Alive,” read the old West poster. A reward would be given if a criminal was brought in “dead or alive.”

The Lord wants us both dead and alive. He wants us to be dead to sin and alive to God. He is calling us to repent of our sins and trust in Christ for life today and in eternity.

Since it is the Lord who grants us new life in Christ, the words of the hymn writer form the prayer we need to pray every day.

1 O God, forsake me not! 

Your gracious presence lend me; 

Lord, lead Your helpless child;

Your Holy Spirit send me

That I my course may run.

O be my light, my lot, 

My staff, my rock, my shield--

O God, forsake me not!

2 O God, forsake me not!

Take not Your Spirit from me;

Do not permit the might

Of sin to overcome me.

Increase my feeble faith,

Which You alone have wrought.

O be my strength and pow'r--

O God, forsake me not!

4 O God, forsake me not!

Lord, I am Yours forever.

O keep me strong in faith

That I may leave You never.

Grant me a blessed end

When my good fight is fought;

Help me in life and death--

O God, forsake me not! Amen. 

(“O God, forsake me not!” Lutheran Service Book, #731) 

 

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!

Sunday, September 11, 2022 - WE MUST NEVER FORGET

 

Day 254 - (Today’s Bible readings: Hosea 6; Psalm 71; Romans 6:1-14)

WE MUST NEVER FORGET

“Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked... For you, O Lord, are my hope.”  (Psalm 71:4-5 ESV) 

Today is the twenty-first anniversary of September 11, 2001. Most of us, I am sure, remember exactly what we were doing when we first heard the news that our country was under attack. It was a day that filled us with fear, foreboding, sadness and anger.

That evening, like many other congregations around our country and the world, we gathered in church for a special service of the Word and prayer. On the way to church, I passed a gas station with a long line of cars. While our first reaction to the tragedies of 9/11 was to turn to God, others could only think of running out of gas.

What a striking contrast between God’s people and those who do not know Him. Our Bible verse for today is a prayer for help in time of fear, tragedy and uncertainty. “Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked.”  

In the past twenty-one years our world has not gotten safer. We continue to have to deal with terrorism, hatred, war, and all other forms of evil. But Christ is still our Redeemer and our hope. We can still trust in His steadfast love to deliver us. So, on this September 11th, let’s start the day right:

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) 

 

“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 ), 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!