Tuesday, August 15, 2023 - LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

"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, August 15, 2023 - Day 227  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 52:24-33; Psalm 44; Philippians 2:12-30)

LORD, STRENGTHEN ME

They made him stand between the pillars. And Samson said to the young man who held him by the hand, “Let me feel the pillars on which the house rests, that I may lean against them.” Now the house was full of men and women. All the lords of the Philistines were there, and on the roof there were about 3,000 men and women, who looked on while Samson entertained... Then Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”... And Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and he leaned his weight against them, his right hand on the one and his left hand on the other... Then he bowed with all his strength, and the house fell upon the lords and upon all the people who were in it.  (Judges 16:25-30 ESV)

Samson was known for his great strength. At one time, he killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey. Of course, we all remember how he lost his strength. Delilah tricked him into revealing the secret to his vulnerability. She cut his hair, and his strength was gone. The result was that his enemies easily took him prisoner. The Philistines decided to mock Samson and his God. However, they didn’t know how dangerous it is to mock God...

“Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” (Galatians 6:7 ESV)

Samson prayed: “O Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once.”

Samson had blown it, yet God answered his prayer and allowed Samson to glorify Him.

Almighty God, I too am a sinner. Yet because of the faith You have given me in Jesus my Savior, I do want to glorify You. Please strengthen me for the daily opportunities You give me to honor You and point others to You. 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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, August 14, 2023 - EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You havMonday, August 14, 2023 - e 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, August 14, 2023 - Day 226  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 52:12-33; Psalm 43; Philippians 2:1-11)

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. 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 

“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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, August 13, 2023 - THIRSTING FOR GOD

"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, August 13, 2023 - Day 225  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 52:1-11; Psalm 42; Philippians 1:12-30)

THIRSTING FOR GOD

 

As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.  (Psalm 42:1-2 ESV)  

  

What a wonderful gift God gave David (and the woman at the well)! The repentant and forgiven sinner is given a deep desire to be as close to the Savior as possible. 

Do you have a deep desire to be as close as possible to God? 

● Read and meditate on His Word. 

● Worship Him faithfully each week. 

● Remember what God did for you on Mt. Calvary.

1. Like the woman at the well, I was seeking

    For things that could not satisfy.

    And then I heard my Savior speaking—

    “Draw from My well that never shall run dry.”

        Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord;

        Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.

        Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.

        Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

2. There are millions in this world who are seeking

    For pleasures earthly goods afford.

    But none can match the wondrous treasure

    That I find in Jesus Christ my Lord.

        Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord;

        Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.

        Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.

        Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

3. So my brother if the things that this world gives you

    Leave hungers that won’t pass away,

    My blessed Lord will come and save you

    If you kneel to Him and humbly pray—

        Fill my cup, Lord; I lift it up Lord;

        Come and quench this thirsting of my soul.

        Bread of Heaven, feed me till I want no more.

        Fill my cup, fill it up and make me whole.

   (Fill My Cup, Lord)

Link for video of this precious song:

https://youtu.be/M37eRA8OMS4

Lord, thank You for quenching the thirsting of my soul with the love and forgiveness of Jesus.  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 ), 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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, August 12, 2023 - GROW 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

Saturday, August 12, 2023 - Day 224  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:59-64; Psalm 41; Philippians 1:1-11)

GROW IN CHRIST

“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. How precious is the Book Divine,

   By inspiration given!

   Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine

   To guide our souls to heaven. 

2. It's light, descending from above

   Our gloomy world to cheer,

   Displays a Savior's boundless love

   And brings his glories near. 

3. It shows to man his wandering ways

   And where his feet have trod,

   And brings to view the matchless grace

   Of a forgiving God. 

4. O'er all the straight and narrow way

   Its radiant beams are cast;

   A light whose never weary ray

   Grows brightest at the last. 

5. It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts

   In this dark vale of tears,

   Life, light, and joy it still imparts

   And quells our rising fears. 

6. This lamp through all the tedious night

   Of life shall guide our way

   Till we behold the clearer light

   Of an eternal day. 

   (The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, #285)

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!

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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, August 11, 2023 - 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, August 11, 2023 - Day 223  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:24-58; Psalm 40; Ephesians 6:5-23)

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 

“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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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!

Thursday, August 10, 2023 - FAITH AND OBEDIENCE

 

"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, August 10, 2023 - Day 222  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:11-23; Psalm 39; Ephesians 5:22-6:4)

FAITH AND OBEDIENCE 

“So he (Naaman) went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God (Elisha), and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” (2 Kings 5:14 ESV)

In this account of a miraculous healing performed by almighty God through His spokesman Elisha, we find several examples of faith. First we encounter the Israelite servant girl whose faith in her God showed when she encouraged Naaman to seek out the great prophet of God.  Next we hear Elisha’s faithful words as he directed Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Finally we witness Naaman’s faith as he, after a little coaching, trusts God enough to follow His prescription.

How do you do when faced with God’s improbable directions for life in His family? Faithfulness and obedience would be the wise answer!

Above all, faithfully obey these words of Jesus: 

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life.”  (John 5:24 ESV)

Lord God, help me to trust You and Your provision for my life today and Your plan for my eternal life. I ask this 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 ), 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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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, August 9, 2023 - IMITATE GOD

"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, August 9, 2023 - Day 221  - (Today’s Bible readings: Jeremiah 51:1-11; Psalm 38; Ephesians 5:1-21)

IMITATE GOD

“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.

  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,” LSB 685-1)

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 

“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 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/XxtyVfFAq1AnLS1gOHvLxvC7AGJ1D4w3?

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!