Saturday, October 15, 2022 - GREAT IS OUR GOD

 

"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 288 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 2:1-24; Psalm 104:1-18; Mark 7:1-13)

GREAT IS OUR GOD

“Bless the Lord, O my soul!

    O Lord my God, you are very great!” (Psalm 104:1 ff)

David declares that God is great. What an understatement! He goes on to defend this truth by highlighting God’s creation of nature.

5 “He set the earth on its foundations,

    so that it should never be moved.”

David then reminds us of the flood that covered the entire earth at the Lord’s direction followed by His command (rebuke) that the waters recede. 

5 He set the earth on its foundations,

    so that it should never be moved.

6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment;

    the waters stood above the mountains.

7 At your rebuke they fled;

    at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.

8 The mountains rose, the valleys sank down

    to the place that you appointed for them.

9 You set a boundary that they may not pass,

    so that they might not again cover the earth.

The most moving example of God’s greatness is found in John 3:16.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Michael W. Smith sings about God’s greatness with these words:

Great is the Lord He is holy and just

By His power we trust In His love

Great is the Lord He is faithful and true

By His mercy He proves He is love

Great is the Lord And worthy of glory

Great is the Lord And worthy of praise

Great is the Lord Now lift up your voice

Now lift up your voice Great is the Lord

Great is the Lord

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdqfAkHCZnA

Lord God almighty, thank You for Your creating and saving greatness! Mercifully keep me close to You and bless my efforts to live for You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting tomorrow, October 16, for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

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, November 1, 2022 - ALL SAINTS DAY

 

"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 305 - (Today’s Bible readings: Revelation7:9-17; Psalm 149; 1 John 3:1-3; Matthew 5:1-12 )

ALL SAINTS DAY

15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God,

    and serve him day and night in his temple;

    and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence.

16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore;

    the sun shall not strike them,

    nor any scorching heat.

17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,

    and he will guide them to springs of living water,

and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:15-17 ESV) 

This is All Saints Day, a day set aside to remember our loved ones and all who have died in the faith and are now with the Lord. However, the believers in heaven are not the only saints. “Sainthood” does not require a long, drawn out human vetting process. 

“They will be My people, and I will be their God.” (Jeremiah 32:28)

What it takes is God declaring we are His by means of a new covenant, one that fulfills the demands of the first covenant (be perfect and you will live forever with God).

“For I will forgive their wickedness, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Hebrews 8:12 NIV)

The new covenant is all about Jesus and His cross. It is all about sinners made saints through Jesus’ blood and righteousness. It is about God’s unconditional forgiveness of penitent sinners making them/us His saints. Therefore we can sing:

1. For all the saints, who from their labors rest, 

    Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,

    Thy Name, O Jesus, be forever blessed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

4. O blest communion, fellowship divine!  

    We feebly struggle, they in glory shine;

    Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia, Alleluia!

8. From earth’s wide bounds, from ocean’s farthest coast, 

    Through gates of pearl streams in the countless host,

    Singing to Father, Son and Holy Ghost: Alleluia, Alleluia!

    (For All the Saints, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, # 677)

Heavenly Father, thank You for leading me to see the big picture on this day; the countless host, and being one with those are now with You in heaven. Thank You for forgiving my sin and making this sinner another one of Your saints. 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, October 14, 2022 - BLESS 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 287 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 1:25-53; Psalm 103; Mark 6:45-56)

BLESS THE LORD

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit...

He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;  as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:1-4, 10-12 ESV)

Fellow repentant sinner, God has made you holy and fit for heaven. All of your sins are gone, separated from you as far as the east is from the west. WHAT A WONDERFUL REASON TO BLESS THE LORD!

1 Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

   To His feet your tribute bring;

   Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

   Evermore His praises sing:

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Praise the everlasting King.

2 Praise Him for His grace and favor

   To His people in distress;

   Praise Him still the same as ever,

   Slow to chide, and swift to bless:

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Glorious in His faithfulness.

3 Fatherlike He tends and spares us;

   Well our feeble frame He knows;

   In His hands He gently bears us,

   Rescues us from all our foes.

   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Widely yet His mercy flows.

4 Angels, help us to adore Him;

   You behold Him face to face;

   Sun and moon, bow down before Him,

   All who dwell in time and space.   Alleluia, alleluia!

   Praise with us the God of grace.

(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book #793)

Gracious heavenly Father, I do bless You holy name for all of Your benefits showered upon me every day. Above all, I thank you for not repaying me according to my iniquities. Please continue to sustain me with Your steadfast love.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

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, October 13, 2022 - NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

"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  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 286 - (Today’s Bible readings: 1 Chronicles 1:1-24; Psalm 102; Mark 6:30-44)

NOURISHMENT AND REST FOR YOUR SOUL

And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. And they went away in the boat to a desolate place by themselves. (Mark 6:32 ESV)

Jesus shows His concern for His disciples as He invites them to seek a meal and some rest.

Physical food and rest are necessary to recharge our bodies. Likewise, spiritual food and rest are necessary to recharge our souls. While the disciples went off to a desolate place for refreshment, we are called to spiritual places that are anything but desolate.

In our churches we find nourishment and rest for our souls as we listen to the One who said: “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew1:29 ESV)

David echoed the blessings of our houses of worship when he wrote: I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord!” (Psalm 121:1 ESV)

What makes the house of the Lord so special is that He meets us there and feeds our souls with His Word and with His Body and Blood. What blessed rest comes to those who hear His words of reconciliation and forgiveness: “Your sins are forgiven in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”

I love Your kingdom, Lord,

The house of Your abode,

The Church our blest Redeemer saved

With His own precious blood.

(I Love Your  Kingdom, Lord, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #651 stanza 1)

Lord Jesus, thank You for the nourishment and rest You provide my soul in Your house. Let nothing keep me from the weekly treasures You serve me there in the form of Your holy Word and the Lord’s Supper. Please grant that many more people may join us in Your house this coming Lord’s day.  Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

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, October 12, 2022 - LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

"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 285 - (Today’s Bible readings: Obadiah 1:15-21; Psalm 101; Mark 6:14-29)

LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained... Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”... And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other... Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.  (Judges 16:25-30 ESV)

Samson was known for his great strength. At one time, he killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Of course, we all remember how he lost his strength. Delilah tricked him into revealing the secret to his vulnerability. She cut his hair, and his strength was gone. The result was that his enemies easily took him prisoner. The Philistines decided to mock Samson and his God. However, they didn’t know how dangerous it is to mock God...

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Samson prayed: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”

Samson had blown it, yet God answered his prayer and allowed Samson to glorify Him.

Almighty God, I too am a sinner. Yet because of the faith You have given me in Jesus my Savior, I do want to glorify You. Please strengthen me for the daily opportunities You give me to honor You and point others to You. Amen.

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

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, October 11, 2022 - A JOYFUL NOISE

"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 284 - (Today’s Bible readings: Obadiah 1:1-14; Psalm 100; Mark 6:1-13)

A JOYFUL NOISE 

“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!... For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”  (Psalm 100:1 & 5 ESV) 

There is a lot of distracting noise surrounding us every day. The Psalmist is calling us to be sources of joyful noise. The contrast is striking. While the cacophony of worldly sound takes our attention away from the Lord, the joyful noise that emanates from the child of God points people to the Lord. 

We want to heed this call because we know that the Lord has been good to us. God the Father sent His Son, Jesus, to the cross for us, showering us with His enduring love. Our joy is multiplied as we realize that, even though we are not faithful, He is!

 

May the joyful noise that comes from us forgiven sinners honor You, O Lord. And may Your goodness, love, and faithfulness remain with us forever. Amen.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord today!

NOTE: This blog will take a hiatus starting Sunday, October 16 for about two weeks. Sorry for any convenience this may cause.  

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, October 10, 2022 - PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN

"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 283 - (Today’s Bible readings: Amos 9:11-15; Psalm 99; Mark 5:21-43)

PRAISE, MY SOUL, THE KING OF HEAVEN

The Lord reigns; let the peoples tremble!

    He sits enthroned upon the cherubim; let the earth quake!

The Lord is great in Zion;

    he is exalted over all the peoples. (Psalm 99:1-2 ESV)

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

To His feet your tribute bring;

Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

Evermore His praises sing:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Praise the everlasting King.

Praise Him for His grace and favor

To His people in distress;

Praise Him still the same as ever,

Slow to chide, and swift to bless:

Alleluia, alleluia!

Glorious in His faithfulness

(“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book, #793)

Almighty God, I praise and thank You for being the Lord of my life and the Savior of my soul. May the way I live my life bring glory to Your name and other sinners to Your cross. 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!