Tuesday, October 08, 2024 - WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

"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, October 08, 2024 - Day 282 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 39,40; Philippians 4)

WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?

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) 

“What are you thinking?” Have you ever asked that question? Has anyone ever asked that of you? This question is asked of someone who has just done something foolish or dangerous.

Paul is telling Christians, who have been forgiven and are heading to heaven, to practice Christ-centered thinking. What a list he provides. You may want to memorize this and recall it regularly. 

TRUE

NOBLE

RIGHT

PURE

LOVELY

ADMIRABLE

EXCELLENT

PRAISEWORTHY

Heavenly Father, help me to think in the way Paul has outlined. Above all, remind me that each of these words describes my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Monday, October 07, 2024 - RUBBISH OR 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)

Monday, October 07, 2024 - Day 281 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 37,38; Philippians 3)

RUBBISH OR CHRIST? 

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Philippians 3:8-9 ESV) 

“To be or not to be” is not THE question. THE question, the most important question anyone can ever consider is: “Rubbish or Christ?” 

Paul considered the things of this world, that is, everything other than Jesus, to be rubbish. In fact, he had lost everything, in order to gain everything in Christ. 

The everything he lost was made up of the things people prize so highly...money, health, freedom and the like. 

The everything he gained with Jesus was the forgiveness of his sins and the promise of eternal life in heaven. 

A cousin of mine died a number of years ago. He was a life-long follower of Jesus who knew the importance of what he had confessed his entire life: 

● Faith in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.

● The great and undeserved gift of the forgiveness of his sins.

● The comforting promises of the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. 

In the second stanza of the hymn “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross,” the hymn writer echoes St. Paul and cousin Ted’s answer to THE question: 

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast 

Save in the death of Christ, my God;

All the vain thinks that charm me most, 

I sacrifice them to His blood. 

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #425) 

Heavenly Father, help me to be like Paul and sacrifice all the vain things of this life so that I can have Your everything in Jesus. When I fall and find myself placing anything else ahead of Jesus, please bring me back to reality and to You. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

Sunday, October 06, 2024 - EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

 

"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, October 06, 2024 - Day 280 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today:  Isaiah 34-36; Philippians 2)

EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

“And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:8-11 ESV) 

Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords because He is the Son of God, Who came in the flesh to save sinners from eternal death. Therefore, His name is to be honored by all people. 

While Paul’s words direct us to the day when every single person will bow and confess Christ as Lord, we Christians willingly and gladly do so now. Every time we gather in our churches we confess that Jesus is our Savior, and we bow at the Communion rail as we receive His body and blood.

“Every knee shall bow...and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” is also a warning call to those who are not believers. Unless they repent and believe in Jesus as their Savior, even though on Judgment Day they will acknowledge Jesus is Lord, it will be too late. “Now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2 ESV)

Lord Jesus, I confess that You are my Lord and Savior. Bowing before You at the Communion rail each week is a true blessing to my soul. Please have mercy on those who do not yet know You, and move Your people to witness to these lost ones before it is too late. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, October 05, 2024 - GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

"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, October 05, 2024 - Day 279 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 31-33; Philippians 1)

GROW IN KNOWLEDGE AND DISCERNMENT

“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” (Philippians 1:9-10 ESV) 

Paul’s wants Christian love to grow in the lives of God’s people to such an extent that we will be able to distinguish between what is from God (that which is excellent) and what is from the devil. What can we do to grow in this manner? The answer is so simple. God wants us to read, mark, learn and inwardly digest His Word, the Bible. 

The picture clearly reminds us that we grow in Christ by spending time in His Word. When we invest time in reading the Bible, our love for God and for people grows. The knowledge imparted to us from the sacred pages teaches us what is excellent and pure. It shows us Christ’s cross, our forgiveness, and our calling to live for Him. 

 1. Speak, O Lord, Your servant listens,

Let Your Word to me come near;

Newborn life and spirit give me,

Let each promise still my fear.

Death's dread pow'r, its inward strife;

Wars against Your Word of life;

Fill me, Lord, with love's strong fervor

That I cling to You forever!

  2. Oh, what blessing to be near You

And to listen to Your voice;

Let me ever love and hear You,

Let Your Word be now my choice!

Many hardened sinners, Lord,

Flee in terror at Your Word;

But to all who feel sin's burden

You give words of peace and pardon.

 3. Lord, Your words are waters living

When my thirsting spirit pleads.

Lord, Your words are bread life-giving

On Your words my spirit feeds.

Lord, Your words will be my light

through death's cold and dreary night;

Yes, they are my sword prevailing

And my cup of joy unfailing!

 4. As I pray, dear Jesus, hear me;

Let Your words in me take root.

May Your Spirit e'er be near me

That I bear abundant fruit.

May I daily sing Your praise,

From my heart glad anthems raise,

Till my highest praise is given

In the endless joy of heaven.

(“Speak, O Lord, Your Servant Listens,” LSB 589)

Blessed Lord, You have caused all Holy Scriptures to be written for our learning. Grant that we may so hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them that, by patience and comfort of Your holy Word, we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

Friday, October 04, 2024 - DELIVER US FROM EVIL

"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, October 04, 2024 - Day 278 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 29,30; Ephesians 6)

DELIVER US FROM EVIL

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:11-13 ESV) 

“Deliver us from evil,” is the Seventh Petition of the Lord’s Prayer. Paul states the case for the necessity of such delivery. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” 

Our enemy, the devil, is scheming our destruction. But there is hope. God provides armor for our protection, as Paul outlines for us next:

●  the belt of truth

●  the breastplate of righteousness

●  put on (shoes) the gospel of peace. 

●  the shield of faith, (extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one)

●  the helmet of salvation

●  the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God)

Gracious Lord, please protect me and all believers by means of Your armor. Remind me that the sword of the Spirit (Your Word) is designed for both defense and offense. In Jesus’ protecting name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Thursday, October 03, 2024 - 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)

Thursday, October 03, 2024 - Day 277 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 27,28; Ephesians 5)

WALK WITH JESUS

“Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2 ESV) 

LET US EVER WALK WITH JESUS! Paul encourages us to follow the best role model of all, God Himself! He then gives us two examples of how this kind of imitation looks, one positive and one negative.

What God wants us to do: “And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” 

What God does not want us to do: “But sexual immorality and all impurity or covetousness must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints. Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”  (Ephesians 5:3-4 ESV)

May we be positive role models as we walk in Christ-like love.

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.

3. Let us gladly die with Jesus.  

    Since by death He conquered death, 

    He will free us from destruction, 

    Give to us immortal breath.

    Let us mortify all passion 

    That would lead us into sin;

    And the grave that shuts us in 

    Shall but prove the gate to heaven.

    Jesus, here with You I die, 

    There to live with You on high.

4. Let us also live with Jesus; 

    He has risen from the dead

    That to life we may awaken. 

    Jesus, You are now our head!

    We are Your own living members; 

    Where You live, there we shall be

    In Your presence constantly, 

    Living there with You forever.

    Jesus, let me faithful be, 

    Life eternal grant to me.

    (Lutheran Service Book #685)

Almighty God, please forgive me for the many times that I fail to imitate You. May I walk in the love of Jesus and be a positive Christian witness to others. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, October 02, 2024 - DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY

"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, October 02, 2024 - Day 276 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Isaiah 24-26; Ephesians 4)

DON’T GO TO BED ANGRY

“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.” (Ephesians 4:26-27 ESV) 

Paul is sharing with us one of the most difficult things to do, yet also one of the wisest. He is calling the child of God to let go of anger and forgive. The person you could choose to be angry with may not accept your apology, but you will be all the better for letting go. Besides, the One who has the right to be angry with you for all eternity sent His only Son to a cruel cross so that He could forgive you!

Paul’s words, which are actually God’s Words to and for you, can really help you and your family. When we don’t follow God’s plan, the devil is right there attempting to destroy all that we hold dear. For the sake of your family, your relationship with coworkers, your life at church, your community, and your own inner peace, FORGIVE. 

Yes, “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”  (Colossians 3:13 ESV)

Lord, please help me to forgive ________. Remind me constantly of what it cost You to forgive me, so that I will be ready to forgive others, in Your name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Daily Bible Reading Chart covering the entire Bible in one year. 

http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf