Monday, July 15, 2024 - ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ACCEPTABLE?

"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, July 15, 2024 - Day 197 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 19-21; Acts 19:21-41)

ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ACCEPTABLE? 

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. (Psalm 19:14 ESV) 

Can people see that you are a follower of Jesus by the words you choose to utter? Do you say things that warn, encourage and strengthen others, as well as glorify God? What do you think God thinks of your words? 

And here is a tougher question. Do the things you think about, and perhaps meditate on, glorify God? Remember, He knows everything. What do you think God thinks about what you think about? 

More questions... Would you want God to be at your side when you carry out your daily activities? Does everything you think, do and say match up with His commandments? 

Remember, God gave us His commandments to protect you, to guide you, and to show you how much you need your Savior, Jesus. 

Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Rock and my Redeemer. May the Holy Spirit guide and direct my speaking, my thinking and my doing, so that I may glorify You and point others to You with every waking moment of my life. And please have mercy on me and forgive me when I fail You in any way. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, July 14, 2024 - HUMBLE OR HAUGHTY?

 

"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, July 14, 2024 - Day 196 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 17,18; Acts 19:1-20)

HUMBLE OR HAUGHTY?

“For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down.” (Psalm 18:27  ESV)

Humility is not the route many people want to follow on the road of life. Yet the Psalmist, and others, have mapped out humility as the way to go.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)

“You save a humble people, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them down.” (2 Samuel 22:28 ESV)

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV)

“The Lord lifts up the humble; he casts the wicked to the ground.” (Psalm 147:6 ESV)

Jesus: “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:4 ESV)

Jesus: “Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:12 ESV)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,” (1 Peter 5:6 ESV)

Heavenly Father, remind me daily of Your graciousness to me in forgiving my sins for Jesus’ sake. May my response be a life of humble service to others in You name. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Saturday, July 13, 2024 - THE REASON FOR...

"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, July 13, 2024 - Day 195 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 13-16; Acts 18)

THE REASON FOR...

They have all turned aside; together they have become corrupt; there is none who does good, not even one. (Psalm 14:3  ESV)

What is the reason for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter and your baptism? These momentous events occurred because “no one does good, not even one.”  All of us need a Savior from our sins.

Jesus was born on Christmas, died on Good Friday and rose on Easter Sunday so that sinners like you and me could be saved. And then there is your baptism when your personal lack of goodness was completely washed away.

Baptized into Your name most Holy, 

O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,

I claim a place, though weak and lowly, 

Among Your saints, Your chosen host.

Buried with Christ and dead to sin, 

Your Spirit now shall live within.

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #590-1)

Heavenly Father, I admit that I am a sinner. Thank you for Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, and my baptism. As ever, THY WILL BE DONE. Amen.

“See” you in church tomorrow!

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Friday, July 12, 2024 - INVEST IN THE WORD

"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, July 12, 2024 - Day 194 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 10-12 ;Acts 17:16-34)

INVEST IN THE WORD

The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver refined in a furnace on the ground, purified seven times. (Psalm 12:6  ESV)

TV ads encourage investors to put their money into gold or silver in order to protect themselves from market fluctuations. The Psalmist is encouraging sinners to invest in something much more reliable and valuable, God’s Word. The Gospel message, the heart of the Bible, provides deliverance from sin, death and the devil. The picture included here has a cross of silver which reminds us that the message of the cross is our most priceless gift from the Lord.

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, CPH 1941, #285)

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the priceless gift of Your Word. May I be well fed with its Christ-centered message today and everyday. 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, July 11, 2024 - OUR MAJESTIC LORD CARES FOR US

"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, July 11, 2024 - Day 193 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 7-9; Acts 17:1-15)

OUR MAJESTIC LORD CARES FOR US

O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens...  When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him? Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor... O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 9  ESV)

It is so overwhelming to know that the Creator of the universe remembers us and cares for us. The greatest example of the Lord’s majestic activity in our lives is His mercy and grace showered upon us from the cross. We are redeemed, forgiven and heaven-bound because Jesus came to save us

May we vigorously share this good news whenever we can and wherever we may be!

1. O Lord my God, when I in awe-some wonder  

Consider all the works Thy hands have made,

I see the stars, I hear the mighty thunder, 

Thy power throughout the universe displayed;

REFRAIN:

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, 

How Great Thou art!  How Great Thou art!

Then sings my soul, My Savior God, to Thee, 

How Great Thou art!  How Great Thou art!

2. When through the woods and forest glades I wander, 

I hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees;

When I look down from lofty mountain grandeur 

And hear the brook and feel the gentle breeze;

REFRAIN:

3. But when I think that God, His Son not sparing,  

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in,

That on the cross my burden gladly bearing  

He bled and died to take away my sin:

REFRAIN

4. When Christ shall come with shout of acclamation  

And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart!

Then I shall bow in humble adoration  

And then proclaim: "My God, how great Thou art!"

REFRAIN

(Lutheran Service Book #801)

Almighty and majestic Lord of all that is, thank You for saving me from damnation. May I spend the rest of days praising and sharing Your name in my daily life so that many others may come to worship You too. 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, July 10, 2024 - LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTION

"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, July 10, 2024 - Day 192 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 4-6; Acts 16:16-40)

LIFE’S BIGGEST QUESTION

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:30-31  ESV)

In shock, the Philippian jailer realizes that Paul and Silas are men of God, so he asks them THE question.

 “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 

The answer is the one every person needs to hear.  “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 

Believing in the Lord Jesus is the only way to be eternally set free from man’s enemies of sin, death and the devil.

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, draw near.

The waters of life are now flowing for you.

No price is demanded, the Savior is here,

Redemption is purchased, God’s promise is true. 

Delay not, delay not, O sinner, to come;

For mercy still lingers and calls you today.

Its voice is not heard in the vale of the tomb;

Its message, unheeded, will soon pass away. 

Delay not, delay not! The Spirit of grace,

Long grieved and resisted, may take his sad flight

And leave you in darkness to finish your race,

To sink in the gloom of eternity’s night. 

Delay not, delay not! The hour is at hand;

The earth will dissolve, and the heavens will fade.

The dead, small and great, in the judgment must stand.

What power, then, O sinner, can lend you its aid? 

Delay not, delay not! Why longer abuse

The love and compassion of Jesus, your God?

A fountain is opened; how can you refuse

To wash and be cleansed in his pardoning blood? 

(Lutheran Worship #349)

Heavenly Father, please help me to answer life’s biggest question with faith in Jesus as my Savior. 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, July 09, 2024 - ARE YOU WALKING WITH JESUS?

 

"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, July 09, 2024 - Day 191 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Psalm 1-3; Acts 16:1-15)

ARE YOU WALKING WITH JESUS?

Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish. (Psalm 1  ESV)

Those who walk with Jesus, that is, those who are trusting in Jesus for forgiveness, will, in God’s perfect time, reach the ultimate destination of heaven. Until we get there...

   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.

   (Lutheran Service Book, CPH 2006, #685 stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, may the Holy Spirit lead me in Your ways, so that I may ever walk with Jesus along the paths you have planned for me on this earth until that glorious day when I reach my eternal destination in heaven. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

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

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