Thursday, April 14, 2022 - NOT MY WILL, BUT...

 

"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)

Day 104 - (Today’s Bible readings: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; John 13:1-17)

NOT MY WILL, BUT...

And going a little farther, he fell on the ground and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Remove this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.”  (Mark 14:35-36 ESV)

Jesus was in agony that first Maundy Thursday. His bitter suffering that would lead to His innocent and cruel death had begun. His sweat was like drops of blood. The emotional and spiritual burden was almost unbearable. So Jesus prayed for relief. There are several important truths revealed here.

● Jesus truly suffered for us!

● God the Father’s plan for the salvation of sinful mankind would be fulfilled.

● We learn how to pray, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.”

 

This is exactly what He teaches us in the Lord’s prayer: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

It goes against our selfish human nature to submit our will to someone other than ourselves. But look at how it turned out for Jesus,“who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)

The Father’s will is your salvation. Follow Him. Obey Him. Trust Him. Love Him.

Lord Jesus, thank You for drinking the bitter cup of suffering for my sake. Please help me to see the wisdom of yielding to the Father’s will in my life as well. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail today.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Wednesday, April 13, 2022 - FOLLOW THE RIGHT PATH

"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)

Day 103 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 2; Psalm 98; Hebrews 7:1-10)

FOLLOW THE RIGHT PATH

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (Proverbs 2:6  ESV)

“Two roads exist for every person–the way of righteousness and the way of evil. The way of evil is populated with those who reject God and His good and gracious will. The way of evil leads to certain and eternal death. The way of righteousness is traveled by God’s forgiven children through faith in Christ Jesus, kept on the narrow path by the working of the Holy Spirit through the means of grace. The path of righteousness leads to certain and eternal life.”  (The Lutheran Study Bible, Concordia Publishing House, 2009, page 1002) 

Lord, take my hand and lead me Upon life's way;

Direct, protect, and feed me From day to day.

Without your grace and favor I go astray,

So take my hand, O Savior, and lead the way.

(“Lord, Take My Hand and Lead Me.”  Lutheran Service Book #722)

Please click on this link to sing along with this great hymn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY__1J3Y7zM

Gracious heavenly Father, please keep me on the narrow path today that I may be part of Your eternal family. In the name of my Savior, Jesus.  Amen.

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Tuesday, April 12, 2022 - THE ANCHOR OF YOUR SOUL

 

"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)

Day 102 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 97; Hebrews 6:9-20)

THE ANCHOR OF YOUR SOUL

“We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV) 

The writer of Hebrews continues the high priest theme in chapter 8. He reminds us that since Jesus, our high priest, was the last and fulfilling sacrifice, we have the hope of forgiveness and heaven.

The reference to “a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul,” shows us that this hope is not the kind of hope we have for our favorite baseball team to win. Instead, the hope that anchors our souls is a sure confidence in Jesus and the blessings He showers upon all who repent and believe in Him, namely, “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the  body and the life everlasting.” (The conclusion of The Apostles’ Creed)

   We have an anchor that keeps the soul

   Steadfast and sure while the billows roll,

   Fastened to the Rock which cannot move,

   Grounded firm and deep in the Savior’s love.

   Click for youtube version:

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UQQO8v-0VBo

Heavenly Father, thank You the gift of Jesus, the anchor for my soul. Please keep me anchored in Him for the rest of my life so that I may spend eternity in the safe harbor of heaven.  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 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Monday, April 11, 2022 - ABOVE ALL THINGS

 

"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)

Day 101 - (Today’s Bible readings: Proverbs 1:1-19; Psalm 96; Hebrews 5:11-6:8 )

ABOVE ALL THINGS

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”   (Proverbs 1:7 ESV) 

“The First Commandment teaches that ‘we should fear, love and trust in God ABOVE ALL THINGS... He desires for His people to regard Him in awe, respect, and love... Such wisdom–given by God through Word and Sacrament, making us His children, is the theme for the book of Proverbs. True wisdom begins with an individual’s apprehension in knowledge and trust in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Savior. Fools are those who reject God and the wisdom and instruction He freely offers through faith.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 999)

  Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;

  To His feet your tribute bring;

  Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,

  Evermore His praises sing:

  Alleluia, alleluia!

  Praise the everlasting King.

  (“Praise, My Soul, the King of Heaven,” Lutheran Service Book 793 -1)

Lord God heavenly Father, I truly want to fear, love and trust in You above all things. Please forgive me for the many times I have foolishly disobeyed Your holy will. 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 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Sunday, April 10, 2022 - SING TO 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)

Day 100 - (Today’s Bible readings: 2 Samuel 24; Psalm 95; Hebrews 4:14-5:10)

SING TO THE LORD

Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his also. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. (Psalm 95:1-5 ESV)

God’s children can truly sing to the Lord because He is the “great King above all gods.” He is the God of creation who made the sea and the land. He is the God of salvation through Christ’s sacrificial death on the cross. This makes Him “the rock of our salvation.”

Any attempts to earn forgiveness and salvation are like sinking sand, offering empty promises with no reason to sing. But we believe in the free and gracious gifts of “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” Therefore, we sing!  

  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, CPH 2006, #808 stanzas 1&2)

Heavenly Father, because of Your overwhelming love in sending Jesus to save sinners like me, I will sing Your praises for the rest of my and beyond. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen. 

"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 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Saturday, April 9, 2022 - THE TWO-EDGED SWORD

"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)

Day 99 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 23:13-38; Psalm 94; Hebrews 4:1-13)

THE TWO-EDGED SWORD

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 ESV) 

The sword was a common weapon in The Bible. The Old Testament Hebrew and New Testament Greek words for sword refer to both swords and daggers. Some were short, others were long, some were straight, others were curved, but regardless of their differences, they were always very deadly at close range.

In our verse for today, God’s Word, the Bible, is called a double-edged sword. Double-edged swords were useful for both offense and defense. What we find in the Bible are two basic messages, Law and Gospel. Both messages touch our souls and spirits. God uses the Law to wake us up to our sinful and lost condition. He then uses the Gospel to pick us up with the good news that Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. The hymn writer beautifully lays out both sides in this stanza:

The Law reveals the guilt of sin

And makes us conscience-stricken;

But then the Gospel enters in

The sinful soul to quicken.

Come to the cross, trust Christ, and live;

The Law no peace can ever give,

No comfort and no blessing.

(Salvation unto Us Has Come, Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #555 stanza 8)

Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the Bible, Your spiritual sword that directs me to repent and believe, and then motivates me to live. Give me a hunger for Your word, that I may daily read, mark, learn and inwardly digest this precious gift. 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 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!

Friday, April 8, 2022 - LORD HAVE MERCY

 

"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)

Day 98 - (Today’s Bible readings 2 Samuel 23:1-12; Psalm 93; Hebrews 3:12-19)

LORD HAVE MERCY

Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. (Psalm 57:1 ESV) 

What is mercy? Mercy is God’s undeserved blessing showered upon repentant sinners. Peter described God’s mercy this way: “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)

Today Your mercy calls us

To wash away our sin.

However great our trespass,

Whatever we have been,

However long from mercy

Our hearts have turned away,

Your precious blood can wash us

And make us clean today.

(“Today Your Mercy Calls Us,” Lutheran Service Book #915)

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy shown me in Jesus, my Savior. Please use me to share Your mercy with others. Amen.  

Pastor David Paape

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105 ), undergirds 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/JyxxRfAT2Eg7JfDCXaPP99G4y4rJrZQO?

Then scroll down to 2022 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 your meditation upon His precious life-giving Word!