Wednesday, November 8, 2023 - HE CARES FOR 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, November 8, 2023 - Day 312  - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 2:46-3:30; Psalm 119:17-24; 1 Peter 5:1-14)

HE CARES FOR YOU...

"Cast all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 ESV)

Everyone can find something to worry about from time to time, especially these days as we deal with radical Islam and social unrest. How about you? How do you handle those anxious moments? 

Peter’s advice to turn your worries over to God. And this makes lots of sense. Since He has taken care of your biggest worry by promising you eternal life, He certainly can help you through whatever challenges you may face in this life!

Yes, God really does care for you. So don’t worry. Simply trust in Jesus, your Savior, and be at peace no matter what your circumstances may be.

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.

What can these anxious cares avail thee,

These never-ceasing moans and sighs?

What can it help, if thou bewail thee

O’er each dark moment as it flies?

Our cross and trials do but press

The heavier for our bitterness.

Only be still and wait His leisure

In cheerful hope, with heart content

To take whate’er thy Father’s pleasure

And all-deserving love hath sent,

Nor doubt our inmost wants are known

To Him who chose us for His own.

He knows the time for joy, and truly

Will send it when He sees it meet,

When He has tried and purged thee throughly

And finds thee free from all deceit,

He comes to thee all unaware

And makes thee own His loving care.

Nor think amid the heat of trial

That God hath cast thee off unheard,

That he whose hopes meet no denial

Must surely be of God preferred;

Time passes and much change doth bring,

And sets a bound to everything.

All are alike before the Highest.

‘Tis easy to our God, we know,

To raise thee up though low thou liest,

To make the rich man poor and low;

True wonders still by Him are wrought

Who setteth up and brings to nought.

Sing, pray, and keep His ways unswerving,

So do thine own part faithfully,

And trust His Word, though undeserving,

Thou yet shalt find it true for thee!

God never yet forsook at need

The soul that trusted Him indeed.

(Lutheran Service Book #750)

Heavenly Father, I cast all my cares on You, because are my only hope and my only Savior. Please keep me close to, and surrounded by Your peace no matter what life may throw at me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - A LIVING HOPE

"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, November 7, 2023 - Day 311  - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 2:17-45; Psalm 119:9-16; 1 Peter 4:1-19)

A LIVING HOPE

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” (1 Peter 1:3-4 ESV)

How are your investments? What kind of retirement will you have? Do you expect to receive an inheritance? These verses from Peter assure the child of God that the spiritual answers to these questions are all in the affirmative.

You do have “an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you” because of Christ’s resurrection!

1 Jerusalem the golden,

   With milk and honey blest--

   The promise of salvation,

   The place of peace and rest--

   We know not, oh, we know not

   What joys await us there;

   The radiancy of glory,

   The bliss beyond compare!

2 Within those halls of Zion

   Sounds forth the joyful song,

   As saints join with the angels

   and all the martyr throng.

   The Prince is ever with them;

   The daylight is serene;

   The city of the blessed

   Shines bright with glorious sheen.

3 Around the throne of David,

   The saints, from care released,

   Raise loud their songs of triumph

   To celebrate the feast.

   They sing to Christ their leader,

   Who conquered in the fight,

   Who won for them forever

   Their gleaming robes of white.

4 O sweet and blessèd country,

   The home of God's elect!

   O sweet and blessed country

   That faithful hearts expect!

   In mercy, Jesus, bring us

   To that eternal rest

   With You and God the Father

   And Spirit, ever blest.

   (Jerusalem the Golden, Lutheran Service Book #672)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the eternal inheritance You have waiting for me because of the death and resurrection of Your Son, Jesus. Help me to live this day in Easter hope, joy and anticipation. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Monday, November 6, 2023 - THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

 

"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, November 6, 2023 - Day 310  - (Today’s Bible readings: Daniel 1:1-2:16; Psalm 19:1-8; 1 Peter 3:8-22)

THE HOPE OF THE WORLD

“Look, the world has gone after him.” (John 12:19 ESV)

The crowds have just followed Jesus into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, prompting the Pharisees to complain that the world had gone after Jesus. And it was true. Some followed because they were convinced He was the Messiah, the Savior of their souls. Others followed the one they hoped He would free them from the tyranny of Rome. And still others followed the great miracle worker. 

Sad to say, the same is true today. Not all of the world is going after Jesus. Millions upon millions do not believe that He is the Savior of the world. Tragically, not all who claim to follow Him see Him as their only hope and their only Savior from sin.

Are you following the Savior of your soul? Is Jesus your only hope for eternity? My prayer for you is that you are “going after” Jesus. May you be able to sing and pray this stanza with your whole heart!

Beautiful Savior, King of creation, 

Son of God and Son of Man!

Truly I'd love thee, Truly I'd serve thee, 

Light of my soul, my joy, my crown. (LSB 537)

Lord Jesus, even though the entire world is not following You, I want to. Please keep my faith in You strong so that I can share You with those who are not following You. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Sunday, November 5, 2023 - 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)

Sunday, November 5, 2023 - Day 309  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 10:28-44; Psalm 118; 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 sound 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. 

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 at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape 

Saturday, November 4, 2023 - LET US EVER WALK WITH 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)

Saturday, November 4, 2023 - Day 308  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 10:1-17; Psalm 117; 1 Peter 2:13-25)

LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS

“For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps.”  (1 Peter 2:21 ESV)

Who are you following? You have many choices, but only one right choice... Jesus...the One who said: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)

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.

2. Let us suffer here with Jesus, 

And with patience bear our cross. 

Joy will follow all our sadness; 

Where He is, there is no loss,

Though today we sow no laughter, 

We shall reap celestial joy;

And discomforts that annoy 

Shall give way to mirth here after.

Jesus, here I share Your woe; 

Help me there Your joy to know.

(Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus, Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685)

Holy Spirit, please keep my eyes focused on Jesus so that I can follow in His steps. Heaven Father, please forgive me when I don’t. Lord Jesus, thank You for Your sacrifice that cleanses me from all sin. Amen. 

"See" you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape 

Wednesday, November 3, 2023 - WHAT DO PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT 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, November 3, 2023 - Day 307 - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 9:1-15; Psalm 116; 1 Peter 2:1-12)

WHAT DO PEOPLE HEAR ABOUT YOU?

“I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints, and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.” (Philemon 1:4-6 ESV) 

What do people hear about you? Paul apparently had heard good things about Philemon. 

If, like Philemon, you have love and faith for Jesus and His people, others will soon hear about it. 

Paul gave the Philippians an outline of the mind-set God’s people need to display if they are going to share their faith and love with others:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”  (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

  Love is patient and forbearing, 

  Clothed in Christ’s humility,

  Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, 

  Reaching out in charity.

  (Love in Christ Is Strong and Living, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, # 706 stanza 2)

Heavenly Father, thank You for my salvation. Please help me to share Your love with others so that they may see You in me. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape 

Thursday, November 2, 2023 - CALLED AND RANSOMED

 

"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, November 2, 2023 - Day 306  - (Today’s Bible readings: Ezra 8:24-36; Psalm 115; 1 Peter 1:13-25)

CALLED AND RANSOMED

... it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” ... 18 knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. (1 Peter 1:16-19

Peter is reminding of two of life’s most crucial facts...

1) We have been called to be holy, something none of us comes even close to fulfilling.

2) Jesus has ransomed (bought back) from the consequences of our sin.

The Small Catechism’s explanation to the Second Article of the Apostles’ Creed puts is so clearly:

I believe that Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, and also true man, born of the Virgin Mary, is my Lord, who has redeemed me, a lost and condemned person, purchased and won me from all sins, from death, and from the power of the devil; not with gold or silver, but with His holy, precious blood and with His innocent suffering and death, that I may be His own and live under Him in His kingdom and serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness, just as He is risen from the dead, lives and reigns to all eternity. This is most certainly true.

(From Luther’s Small Catechism © 1986 Concordia Publishing House)

1. Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness

My beauty are, my glorious dress;

Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,

With joy shall I lift up my head.

(Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness, Lutheran Service Book 563)

6. Jesus, be endless praise to Thee,

Whose boundless mercy hath for me,

For me, and all Thy hands have made,

An everlasting ransom paid. Amen.

Pastor David Paape