Saturday, June 15, 2024 - FAITHFULNESS TO GOD’S WILL

 

"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, June 15, 2024 - Day 167 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Nehemiah 1-3; Acts 2:1-13)

FAITHFULNESS TO GOD’S WILL

Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. (Nehemiah 2:17-19 ESV)

“The Word moves Nehemiah’s heart to begin plans for rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. As you read God’s Word, recognized that He will move you as well to serve Him and His people. Studying the Word is never an end in itself, because the purpose of the Word is to console you in Christ and equip you by the Holy Spirit.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 742) 

1. Lord, keep us steadfast in your Word,

   Curb those who by deceit or sword

   Would wrest the kingdom from your Son

   And bring to naught all he has done.

2. Lord Jesus Christ, your pow’r make known,

   For you are Lord of lords alone;

   Defend your holy Church that we

   May sing your praise triumphantly.

3. O Comforter of priceless worth,

   Send peace and unity on earth;

   Support us in our final strife

   And lead us out of death to life.

   (“Lord, Keep Us Steadfast in Your Word,” LSB #655)

Console and equip me via Your Word this day, dear Savior, to overcome all obstacles to Your good and gracious will. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, June 14, 2024 - GOD MAKES THE CHOICE

"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, June 14, 2024 - Day 166 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ezra 9,10; Acts 1)

GOD MAKES THE CHOICE

So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles. (Acts 1:21-26 ESV)

As God chose Matthias to be the twelfth man, the disciple who replaced Judas, so God has chosen you to be His disciple. You can take great comfort in this fact.

God puts you in the right place, at the right time, for His right purpose.

“He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him.” (Ephesians 1:4 ESV)

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide...” (John 15:16 ESV)

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.” (Isaiah 43:1 ESV)

1 The gifts Christ freely gives He gives to you and me

   To be His Church, His bride, His chosen, saved and free!

   Saints blest with these rich gifts Are children who proclaim

   That they were won by Christ And cling to His strong name.

   (“The Gifts Christ Freely Gives,” LSB 602)

Heavenly Father, thank You choosing me to be one of Your followers. Please use me powerfully in Your service. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Thursday, June 13, 2024 - PRAY FOR GOVERNMENT

"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, June 13, 2024 - Day 165 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ezra 6-8; John 21)

PRAY FOR GOVERNMENT

Then Darius the king made a decree, and search was made in Babylonia, in the house of the archives where the documents were stored. And in Ecbatana, the citadel that is in the province of Media, a scroll was found on which this was written: “A record. In the first year of Cyrus the king, Cyrus the king issued a decree: Concerning the house of God at Jerusalem, let the house be rebuilt, the place where sacrifices were offered, and let its foundations be. (Ezra 6:1-3)

“The emperor Darius approves the building of the temple, sponsors it sacrifices, and curses those who would interfere. The God of heaven has so radically changed the circumstances that the government that opposed the project became its sponsor. Today, do not fail to offer prayers for your officials. Who knows what changes God may bring? Above all, offer thanks to Him for your salvation by Jesus’ sacrifice.”  (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH 2009, page 729)

Lord, we trust You to lead the nations of this world to serve Your purposes, especially America. May it be Your will to grant peace in America and to quell all evil and remove all hatred. May all come to know the peace that is found only in Jesus. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME

 

"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, June 12, 2024 - Day 164 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ezra 3-5; John 20)

GOD KNOWS YOUR NAME

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (John 20:11-16 ESV)

In the midst of her sorrow over the death of Jesus, Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize her risen Savior. Do the sorrows, disappointments and challenges of life get in the way of seeing Jesus in your life? As Jesus revealed Himself to Mary by simply speaking her name, so He reveals Himself to you by calling out your name on the day of your Baptism. Since then, He continues to call you by name at the Communion table and in His holy Word.

   I am Jesus' little lamb, 

   Ever glad at heart I am;

   For my Shepherd gently guides me, 

   Knows my need and well provides me,

   Loves me ev'ry day the same, 

   Even calls me by my name. 

Click on this link for another song that reminds you that “God Knows Your Name.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KM3ndNE-Fo

Lord Jesus, as You connected with Mary be calling her name, please do the same for me. Remind me every day that You know my name. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - SANCTIFIED GRAVES

 

"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, June 11, 2024 - Day 163 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Ezra 1,2 John 19:23-42)

SANCTIFIED GRAVES

Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. (John 19:41-42 ESV)

The committal service refers to the graves of God’s people being sanctified by Christ’s three days in the tomb. In other words, since He spent a short time in the grave and then rose to life again, we, His followers, do not have to fear the grave. The resurrection of Jesus proves that the grave is not the end. 

Almighty God, by the death of Your Son Jesus Christ, You destroyed death, by His rest in the tomb You sanctified the graves of Your saints, and by His glorious resurrection You brought life and immortality to light so that all who die in Him abide in peace and hope.  Receive our thanks for the victory over death and the grave which He won for us.  Keep us in everlasting fellowship with all that wait for Him on earth and with all in heaven who are with Him who is the resurrection and the life, Jesus Christ our Lord.  And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Monday, June 10, 2024 - BEHOLD THE MAN

"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, June 10, 2024 - Day 162 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Chron. 34-36; John 19:1-22)

BEHOLD THE MAN

So Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said to them, “Behold the man!” (John 19:5 ESV)

“Behold the man,” Pilate prompts the crowd. As horrific as the beaten and berated Lamb of God looks now, they have not seen anything yet. Soon Jesus would be hanging between heaven and earth on Calvary’s cruel cross atoning for the sins of the world.

“Behold the man,” the Holy Spirit prompts us in Word and Sacrament. But we have not seen anything yet either. One day we will see the Righteous Judge return to take us to our heavenly home with Him. For now, the key is to keep on beholding Jesus in our weekly worship and regular attendance at His Communion table.

1 Renew me, O eternal Light,

   And let my heart and soul be bright,

   Illumined with the light of grace

   That issues from Your holy face.

2 Remove the pow'r of sin from me

   And cleanse all my impurity

   That I may have the strength and will

   Temptations of the flesh to still.

3 Create in me a new heart, Lord,

   That gladly I obey Your Word.

   Let what You will be my desire,

   And with new life my soul inspire.

4 Grant that I only You may love

   And seek those things which are above

   Till I behold You face to face,

   O Light eternal, through Your grace.

   (“Renew Me, O Eternal Light,” LSB 704)

Lord Jesus, keep my eyes focused on You so that I may gaze upon Your glory and beauty in eternity.  And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, June 9, 2024 - WHAT IS TRUTH?

 

"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, June 9, 2024 - Day 161 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: 2 Chron. 32,33; John 18:24-40)

WHAT IS TRUTH?

37 Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” 38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 18:37-38 ESV)

So much of what the advertising world values never lives up to the hype. In fact, in many of areas of life, it is difficult to identify what is true - especially when it comes to what is reported as news these days. Jesus is just the opposite. Earlier in John’s Gospel, Jesus reminded us that He the way, the truth and the life. It is so comforting to know that you can trust everything Jesus says and does on your behalf! May the Lord bless you as you trust in Jesus as your Savior and your Lord.

   1. Christ be my Leader by night as by day;

Safe through the darkness, for He is the way.

        Gladly I follow, my future His care;

Darkness is daylight when Jesus is there.

   2. Christ be my Teacher in age as in youth,

        Drifting or doubting, for He is the truth.

        Grant me to trust Him; though shifting as sand,

        Doubt cannot daunt me; in Jesus I stand.

   3. Christ be my Savior in calm as in strife;

Death cannot hold me, for He is the life.

Nor darkness nor doubting nor sin and its stain

Can touch my salvation: with Jesus I reign.

("Christ Be My Leader," LSB 861)

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the One that I can truly trust and believe in. Please us me to share this truth with others so they too can know the truth about You. And as ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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