Day 103 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 25:1–22; Psalm 94; Mark 2:13–28)
16 And the scribes of the Pharisees, when they saw that he was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Mark 2:16–17 ESV)
Jesus turns the judgmentalism of the His critics into an opportunity to share the best of good news!
“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.”
These words remind me of the opening words of the children’s message on Sundays: “Calling all kiddos.” Jesus is calling all sinners.
Jesus sinners doth receive;
Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin's delusions live
And from God and heaven wander!
Here is hope for all who grieve:
Jesus sinners doth receive.
(“Jesus Sinners Doth Receive," Lutheran Service Book #609)
Lord Jesus, thank You for calling all sinners, including me. I do repent of my sins. Please have mercy on me and grant me forgiveness. 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 102 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 23:27–24:17; Psalm 93; Mark 1:35–2:1-12)
And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. (Mark 1:40-42 ESV)
In today’s reading from Mark, Jesus teaches us several important lessons.
1) How to properly pray for earthly blessings (“If it is Your will”): And a leper came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.”
2) Jesus cares about sinners in need. He has compassion on them:
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him...
Compassion, Greek splagchnizomai. Literally “his gut moved.” Jesus experienced the same gut reaction as we sometimes do in sad situations. (Concordia Study Bible, CPS, 2009, page 722)
This is good news for us sinners living in an imperfect world. Jesus truly cares about us and our human condition. The ultimate assurance that this is true is found on the cross. Jesus cared so much about us and our lostness that He died as payment for our sins.
3) Jesus is God: ... and said to him, “I will; be clean.” And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
Lord Jesus, thank You for having gut-wrenching pity on me and my condition. Thank You also for acting on that pity and love by obediently going to the cross and redeeming me from sin, death and the devil. Please use me to share Your great love with other lost sinners. 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 101 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 23:10–26; Psalm 92; Mark 1:16-34)
1 It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to your name, O Most High;
2 to declare your steadfast love in the morning,
and your faithfulness by night,
3 to the music of the lute and the harp,
to the melody of the lyre.
4 For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work;
at the works of your hands I sing for joy. (Psalm 92:1-4 ESV)
The Psalmist calls God’s people to thank and praise God and to do so with songs of joy. This is precisely what this hymn is all about. Notice how it clearly focuses our attention on our Savior, Jesus, who is the ultimate source of our joyful thanks.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.
Give thanks with a grateful heart,
Give thanks to the Holy One.
Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son.
And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"
Let the poor say, "I am rich,”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
And now let the weak say, "I am strong,"
Let the poor say, "I am rich,”
Because of what the Lord has done for us.
Give thanks, give thanks.
(Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart, Lutheran Service Book #806)
Heavenly Father, remind me everyday that You have made me strong and rich in what really counts, all because of Jesus and His cross. For this undeserved blessing, I humbly and joyfully give thanks. 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 100 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 22:16–23:9; Psalm 91; Mark 1:1–15)
“The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him.” (Mark 1:12-13 ESV)
Mark reports the temptation of Jesus in two short verses, while Matthew uses 11 verses to fill in the details.
Many prefer to take the short version when it comes to temptation. They do this by ignoring God’s Law or by simply denying that there are any rules at all. These same folks even deny the existence of God. And since, they reason, there is no right or wrong, there can be no temptation.
This is so dangerous! God is real. His Law is in force. We also need to know that the devil is on the job, tempting us to break God’s Law.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV)
What we really miss in the sort version is the antidote to temptation proclaimed by Jesus:
But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4 ESV)
Jesus said to him, “Again it is written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:7 ESV)
Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” (Matthew 4:10 ESV)
Lord Jesus, thank You for teaching me how to withstand the temptations of Satan. Remind me of what is written in the Bible about my personal weaknesses and sinful inclinations. Please bless me again this day with a truly penitent heart and with Your gracious gift of forgiveness. 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 99 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 22:17–27; Psalm 90; Romans 16:17-27
“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations. Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. You return man to dust and say, “Return, O children of man!” For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:1-4 ESV)
No man-made structure, philosophy or ability can compare to the everlasting nature of God. The Apostles’ Creed begins, “I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth,” reflecting that nature.
This hymn by Isaac Watts seems fitting as we witness time rolling on under the watchful eye of our everlasting God.
1 Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home:
2 Under the shadow of Thy throne Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
3 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
4 A thousand ages in Thy sight Are like an evening gone,
Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun.
5 Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Soon bears us all away;
We fly forgotten as a dream Dies at the op'ning day.
6 O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while life shall last And our eternal home!
(Lutheran Service Book, Concordia Publishing House, 2006, #733)
Thank You, everlasting God, for being our help in ages past and our hope for years to come. Keep my faith in Jesus strong so that I may live eternally with 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 98 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 21:12–36; Psalm 89; Romans 16:1-16)
“I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever;
with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.” (Psalm 89:1 ESV)
Back in 1973 the Carpenters sang these words:
Sing, sing a song,
Sing out loud, sing out strong
Sing of good things not bad
Sing of happy not sad
Sing, sing a song,
Make it simple, to last your whole life long
Don't worry that it's not good enough for anyone else to hear
Just sing, sing a song.
David is also encouraging his hearers to sing a song, a song praising God for two of His awesome attributes:
● His steadfast love for sinners like David and us.
● His faithfulness to all generations - offering the fruits of His Good Friday sacrifice to all who repent and believe.
This Brazilian hymn found in our hymnal offers further encouragement to sing to the Lord:
O, Sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song,
O, sing to the Lord, O sing God a new song.
O, sing to our God, O sing to our God.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
For God is the Lord! And God has done wonders.
O sing to our God, O sing to our God.
(“O Sing to the Lord,” Lutheran Service Book, #808)
Thank You, heavenly Father, for the wonders You have done in sending Jesus to the cross in payment for all of my sins. Please help me to sing a song of faith and praise for the rest of my life. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.
“See” you at the Lord’s Supper 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
Day 97 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 20:18–21:11; Psalm 88; Romans 15:22-33)
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 ESV)
Today’s devotion in Portals of Prayer is entitled “It’s All In the Preparation,” based on the Bible passage highlighted in this devotion. It has particular meaning to me today as I mark another year of God’s grace and blessing in my life.
It is good for us to look back and remember the Lord’s guiding and protecting hand. It is also good to remember what Paul was teaching the Ephesian Christians. God created us for a purpose – to serve Him. God made us to do works that match His will, works that are therefore good.
As I look back at my last year, I must admit that I have not “walked in them” as I should. The greatest blessing in my last year has been the mercy of my forgiving God. The undeserved forgiveness of my sins is the greatest blessing in my life.
It is precisely because of this blessing that we Chrisians now want to walk the walk of faith and good works.
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.
(“Let Us Ever Walk with Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book, #685)
Thank You, Lord, for the gift of physical life and for the gift of eternal life through the faith You have given me in Jesus, my Savior. Please help me to walk the walk of faith and serve You by doing the good works You have planned for me to do. 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 form 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://blogs.lcms.org/2017/lcms-lcc-and-nalc-compile-three-year-schedule-of-daily-bible-readings
Then scroll down to 2018 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 you meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!
