Day 279 - Isaiah 34-36 & Philippians 2
“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.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 278 - Isaiah 31-33 & Philippians 1
“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.
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.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 277 - Isaiah 29-30 & Ephesians 6
“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
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 276 - Isaiah 27-28 & Ephesians 5
“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)
The picture speaks volumes, reminding us that others may be looking to us as role models. 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.
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 witness to You. Amen.
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 275 - Isaiah 24-26 & Ephesians 4
“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, 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
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 274 - Isaiah 22-23 & Ephesians 3
“And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” (Isaiah 22:22 ESV)
“God’s own people would experience His wrath, for they had lived in ways indistinguishable from the nations. When we do not live lives of repentance, we are also indistinguishable from unbelievers. The living Christ, who descended from the house of David, holds the key of heaven, which He graciously opens for all who believe.” (The Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, 2009, page 1125)
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being the key to my salvation! Thank You for opening to me the rich blessings of Your Word and Sacraments. And thank You for promising to open the gates of heaven to me when my life on this earth comes to an end. Amen.
“See” you at the Communion table this morning!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
Day 273 - Isaiah 19-21 & Ephesians 2
“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 ESV)
Paul is giving us a picture of the Church, built on the truths of Holy Scripture. His reference to the “foundation of the apostles and prophets,” clearly means the New and Old Testaments of the Bible. And in what direction does the entire Bible point? It points us to Jesus, “the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord.”
The cornerstone of Paul’s day was not merely the symbolic container of historical documents. The weight of a building rested on the cornerstone. In fact, if you removed it, the entire building would collapse.
The same is true for Christianity. If you removed Jesus and His cross, it all collapses. The holy life, innocent death and triumphant resurrection of Jesus are at the heart of our faith. Oh how blessed is everyone whose life is built solidly on Jesus!
Christ is our cornerstone,
On Him alone we build;
With His true saints alone
The courts of heav'n are filled.
On His great love
Our hopes we place
Of present grace
And joys above.
(Christ Is Our Cornerstone, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #912 stanza 1)
Thank You, Heavenly Father, for making Jesus the cornerstone of Your Church.
May my life remain built solidly on Jesus so that I may always be blessed with Your love, hope, grace and joy. Amen.
“See” you in church tomorrow!
Pastor David Paape
Daily Bible Reading Chart
http://www.wholesomewords.org/family/bibleread/truth.pdf
