Monday, May 8, 2023 - TRUSTING 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

Monday, May 8, 2023 - Day 128 - (Today’s Bible readings: Habakkuk 2:2-20; Psalm 118; Luke 20:41-21:9)

 

TRUSTING GOD

Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box, and he saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. And he said, “Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” (Luke 21:1-4 ESV)

Trusting God is what the widow teaches us here. In so doing, the Lord judged her gift greater than the gifts of those who gave out of their abundance.

Most of us would have a difficult time trusting God enough to give away all that we have. I do remember one shut-in, though, who gave the church almost all of the monthly stipend he received. He was living in a nursing home and decided that he would rather give all he could to his church. Earlier he had given the church a very special gift. Every time the congregation listens to the bell choir, they can rejoice in the generosity of this man. He was following the example of the widow and trusting God. 

How about you? No, it is not simply financial giving that is involved in trusting God. Above all, learning to trust God involves a sinner’s heartfelt repentance and an abiding dependence on God’s provision in his/her daily life. The hymn writer put it this way:

  

  If thou but suffer God to guide thee,

  And hope in Him through all thy ways,

  He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,

  And bear thee through the evil days.

  Who trusts in God’s unchanging love

  Builds on the rock that nought can move.

   (Lutheran Service Book, #759 stanza 1)

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for teaching us what it means to trust in You. May I follow the example of the widow and put my entire life into Your caring, saving and protecting arms.  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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, May 7, 2023 - WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

"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

Sunday, May 7, 2023 - Day 127 - (Today’s Bible readings: Habakkuk 1:12-2:1; Psalm 117; Luke 20:27-40)

WHAT THE WORLD NEEDS NOW

Praise the Lord, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord! (Psalm 117 NIV)

These are such uncertain days. Will we ever we get back to “normal?” 

Back in 1965, Jackie DeShannon had a hit song that resonated with a lot of people. “What the World Needs Now Is Love Sweet Love.” Yes, love is the answer to our war-torn and sin-sick world. The Psalmist knew this when he wrote: “For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.”

It is the enduring and saving love of Jesus that is needed by every breathing soul on the face of the earth. So, “praise the Lord, all nations! Extol (honor and glorify) him, all peoples.”

The whole world needs to repent and trust in Jesus. He is the ultimate answer to the evil we see all around us and in us! 

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, CPH, 2006, #793, stanza 2)

Lord, thank You for giving me what I really need in Jesus. Please reach those who do not know You yet, because what the world really needs is You.

“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 ), 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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 6, 2023 - GOVERNMENT AND 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

Saturday, May 6, 2023 - Day 126 - (Today’s Bible readings:  Habakkuk 1:1-11 Psalm 117; Luke 20:8-26)

GOVERNMENT AND GOD

“Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Show me a denarius. Whose likeness and inscription does it have?” They said, “Caesar's.” He said to them, “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” (Luke 20:22-25 ESV)

The scribes and chief priests attempted to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him into big trouble with the Roman authorities. They hoped Jesus would say that paying “taxes” to an occupying army was wrong. Instead, Jesus gave them, and us, clear insight into the believer’s relationship with government. “Then render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's.” His answer stymied them in their treacherous attempt. 

We obey man-made rules as long as they do not disagree with the Word of God. Where there is conflict, we must follow what God says instead, as we read in Acts 5.

But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)

Heavenly Father, please help me to be a good citizen and a faithful Christian.  To this end, make me ever thankful for my country and my God.  In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

“See” you in church tomorrow!

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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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 5, 2023 - BLESSED BY 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

Friday, May 5, 2023 - Day 125 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nahum 3; Psalm 115; Luke 19:45-20:8)

BLESSED BY THE LORD

“May you be blessed by the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Psalm 115:15 NIV)

How are you today? For years, the answer from members of the congregations I have been privileged to serve has been: “blessed by the Lord.” We regularly express these blessings when we confess our Christian faith on Sunday mornings...

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord...

I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.  (The Apostles’ Creed)

The greatest blessing from the Lord is the gift of being included in His family, the Christian Church. Through faith in Jesus you are promised the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. 

Lord, thank You for the gift of family. Above all, thank You for making a part of Your forever family, the Christian Church. In the saving name of Jesus. Amen.

 

May YOU always be blessed by the Lord!

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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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 4, 2023 - HOPE ON THE ROAD OF LIFE

"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

Thursday, May 4, 2023 - Day 124 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nahum 2; Psalm 114; Luke 19:28-44)

 

HOPE ON THE ROAD OF LIFE

22 And David spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day when the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. 2 He said,

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,

3 my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield, and the horn of my salvation,

    my stronghold and my refuge,

    my savior; you save me from violence.

4 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,

    and I am saved from my enemies. (2 Samuel 22:1-4 ESV)

David’s faith-filled confession reveals his utter dependence on God. 

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.... and I am saved from my enemies.” 

These words can give you real hope as you travel down the road of life. Jesus has saved you from your enemies too – your enemies of sin, death, the devil, your own sinful nature, and whatever else may be ruining your life. No, God does not promise you a perfect life on this earth, but He does guarantee the perfect peace that comes from sins forgiven, heaven guaranteed, and His constant presence in your life right now.

Dearest Lord Jesus, my rock, my fortress and my deliverer, thank You for the peace You have given me by cleansing me of my sin. Please continue to fill me with Your hope as you lead me down the road of life . 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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 3, 2023 - WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

"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

Wednesday, May 3, 2023 - Day 123 - (Today’s Bible readings: Nahum 1; Psalm 113; Luke 19:11-27)

WHICH ONE ARE YOU?

“What do you think? A man had two sons. And he went to the first and said, ‘Son, go and work in the vineyard today.’ And he answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he changed his mind and went. And he went to the other son and said the same. And he answered, ‘I go, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.”   (Matthew 21:28-31 ESV)

Jesus, the consummate teacher, is using one of His favorite teaching methods, the parable. Which son are you like?

This earthly story is very easy to understand, especially if you are a parent. It is not uncommon for our children to say that they will do what we expect them to do, only to never seem to get around to it. How precious are the rare occasions when the child refused to obey, but later relents and carries out what you had wanted him or her to do in the first place. Obviously, you are pleased with the obedient one, regardless of what the first response may have been.

The spiritual meaning is one that we church people need to listen to carefully. It is too easy to become complacent, to foolishly take comfort in having our names on a church membership roster, or relying on our feeble accomplishments to get us into heaven. The reality is that God is calling repentant sinners and not self-righteous pharisees.  

The purpose of the parable is a call us to genuine Christianity, and that means faith in Christ and repentance of sin.

  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, The Lutheran Hymnal, CPH 1941, #349, stanza 5)

Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit work genuine faith in me that is revealed in heartfelt repentance. May I never forget how desperately I need Your unmerited forgiveness. May I show my thankfulness by living the rest of my life for You. 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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 2, 2023 - LITTLE MAN, BIG FAITH

"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 2, 2023 - Day 122 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Chronicles 36:1-23; Psalm 112; Luke 19:1-10)

 

LITTLE MAN, BIG FAITH 

Zacchaeus... was a chief tax collector and was rich. And he was seeking to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was small in stature. So he ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was about to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for I must stay at your house today.”... Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”  (Luke 19:2-10 ESV)

The religious leaders thought little of Zacchaeus, and they weren’t just talking about his height. They saw him as a lost soul, someone to be shunned. Jesus also saw Zacchaeus as a sinner, but not as someone to be shunned.

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” 

This is good news for us, for we also come up short when it comes to living the perfect life God requires of all. The good news for Zacchaeus was that Jesus invited him into His presence. And that is really big!

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Please grant me a hunger for Your Word and for Your Supper that drives me to Your house each Sunday. 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://files.lcms.org/file/preview/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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!