Thursday, September 12, 2024 - TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT 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)

Thursday, September 12, 2024 - Day 256 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 21,22; 2 Cor. 4)

TEACH CHILDREN ABOUT JESUS

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”   (Proverbs 22:6 ESV) 

I have often used this verse to encourage parents whose children have strayed from the Lord. Since they have imparted the truths of God’s Word to their children, these faithful parents can pray that their children will return to the Lord. 

My wife and I have been blessed in our efforts to “train up” our two children in the Christian faith. I remember those precious times of teaching them how to pray, how to sing hymns, how to worship, and how to trust in the promises of God. While both are involved in Christian education, we are most thankful that they are also training their children in the way of the Lord! 

Lord Jesus Christ, the children's friend,

To each of them Your presence send;

Call them by name and keep them true

In loving faith, dear Lord, to You.

(Lutheran Service Book, CPH, #866 stz 1)

Heavenly Father, please bless all Christian parents as they train their children in the Christian faith. We beg You to keep our children and grandchildren close to You forever. 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

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - WE MUST NEVER FORGET

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - Day 255 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 19,20 2 Cor. 3)

WE MUST NEVER FORGET

“Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked... For you, O Lord, are my hope.”  (Psalm 71:4-5 ESV) 

Today is the 23rd anniversary of September 11, 2001. Most of us, I am sure, remember exactly what we were doing when we first heard the news that our country was under attack. It was a day that filled us with fear, foreboding, sadness and anger.

That evening, like many other congregations around our country and the world, we gathered in church for a special service of the Word and prayer. On the way to church, I passed a gas station with a long line of cars. While our first reaction to the tragedies of 9/11 was to turn to God, others could only think of running out of gas. I heard something even worse on the radio this week. The host said that all he could do was get drunk!

What a striking contrast between God’s people and those who do not know Him, or at best don’t possess Christian coping skills. Our Bible verse for today is a prayer for help in time of fear, tragedy and uncertainty. “Rescue me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked.” We especially pray this prayer for those we have deserted in Afghanistan. 

In the past 23 years our world has not gotten safer, even more so in the last month! We continue to have to deal with terrorism, hatred, war, and all other forms of evil. But Christ is still our Redeemer and our hope. We can still trust in His steadfast love to deliver us. 

    If thou but suffer God to guide thee,

    And hope in Him through all thy ways,

    He’ll give thee strength whate’er betide thee,

    And bear thee through the evil days.

    Who trusts in God’s unchanging love

    Builds on the rock that nought can move.

    (Lutheran Service Book 750-1)

So, on this September 11th, let’s start the day right:

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) 

Pastor David Paape

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

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

 

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 - A GRAND BLESSING

 

"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, September 10, 2024 - Day 254 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 17,18 2 Cor. 2)

A GRAND BLESSING

“Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,

    and the glory of children is their fathers.”   (Proverbs 17:6 ESV) 

When I was a child I certainly thought like a child. Many of the things I thought were so important turned out only to be foolish “dreams.” The blessings in my life are all from the Lord...

● Baptism

● Forgiveness and salvation

● Family

David knew this when he wrote: “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged.” I agree with him, even though I don’t see the term “aged” apply to me!

One of the great joys of life is when the members of your family are also members of the family of God. 

  Children of the heav’nly Father

  Safely in His bosom gather;

  Nestling bird nor star in Heaven

  Such a refuge e’er was given.

  (Lutheran Service Book, #725, stanza 1)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family, especially grandchildren. Please keep all of faithful to You so that families can be together 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

Monday, September 9, 2024 - WHAT WISDOM!

"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, September 9, 2024 - Day 253 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 15,16 2 Cor. 1)

WHAT WISDOM!

“A soft answer turns away wrath,

    but a harsh word stirs up anger.”   (Proverbs 15:1 ESV) 

Have you ever found yourself in an argument?

Have you ever gotten someone mad at you because of your harsh words?

This proverb gives you some very wise words... “soft answers” and no “harsh words.”

As sinners, we know that we need help in this area. The good news is that Jesus died to pay for our sinful words and other misdeeds.

    I am trusting Thee for power; 

    Thine can never fail.

    Words which Thou Thyself shalt give me 

    Must prevail.

    (“I Am Trusting Thee, Lord Jesus,” Lutheran Service Book #729-5)

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

Pastor David Paape

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

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

Sunday, September 8, 2024 - REAL MEN LOVE 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)

Sunday, September 8, 2024 - Day 252 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 13,14 1 Cor. 16)

REAL MEN LOVE JESUS

“Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.”   (1 Corinthians 16:13-14 ESV) 

“Paul likely addressed his letter to congregational leaders who were men; they needed to display manly virtues...in love. The virtue of strength does not conflict with the virtue of love.” (Lutheran Study Bible, CPH, page 2168) 

According to former NFL player, Rosey Grier, real men do needlepoint. They also love Jesus. Here are some famous men who do love the Lord.

Phil Robinson

Denzel Washington

Tim Tebow

Steve Carrel

Usain Bolt 

Will Smith

Josh Hader

Sylvester Stallone

Dennis Quaid

Mr. T

Tim Allen

Tyler Perry

Chuck Norris

and many, many more.

Their stories can encourage other men to do the same. So can the story of your walk with Jesus.

God wants His people, men and women, to stand firm in the faith, in the love of Jesus.

1. Love in Christ is strong and living, 

    Binding faithful hearts in one;

    Love in Christ is true and giving, 

    May His will in us be done.

2. Love is patient and forbearing, 

    Clothed in Christ’s humility,

    Gentle, selfless, kind, and caring, 

    Reaching out in charity.

3. Love in Christ abides forever, 

    Fainting not when ills attend;

    Love, forgiving and forgiven, 

    Shall endure until life’s end.

    (Lutheran Service Book, CPH, 2006, #706) 

Heavenly Father, help me to be a real Christian, trusting in Jesus for the forgiveness of my sins, and living for You every day. I do love You Jesus. 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, September 7, 2024 - KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

 

"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, September 7, 2024 - Day 251 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 11,12 1 Cor. 15:33-58)

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

“Whoever belittles his neighbor lacks sense,

    but a man of understanding remains silent.

Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets,

    but he who is trustworthy in spirit keeps a thing covered.”   (Proverbs 11:12-13 ESV) 

Years ago I shared a sermon on this topic. When one of our members was driving home from church, she asked her five year old what the pastor had said that morning. He answered: “I should keep my mouth shut.”

The Eighth Commandment  You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. 

What does this mean?  

We should fear and love God so that we do not tell lies about our neighbor, betray him, slander him, or hurt his reputation, but defend him, speak well of him, and explain everything in the kindest possible way.

If you lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care...

... to whom you speak,

......of whom you speak,

..........and how and when and where!

   Keep me from saying words

   That later need recalling;

   Guard me lest idle speech

   May from my lips be falling;

   But when within my place

   I must and ought to speak,

   Then to my words give grace

   Lest I offend the weak.

   (“O God, My Faithful God,”  LSB 696-3)

Heavenly Father, help me to keep my mouth shut when it comes to gossip and lies. And, when the time is right, open my mouth to defend my neighbor and share Your love. 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

Friday, September 6, 2024 - RESURRECTION DAY IS COMING

"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, September 6, 2024 - Day 250 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Proverbs 9,10 1 Cor. 15:1-32)

RESURRECTION DAY IS COMING

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.”   (1 Corinthians 15:20-22 ESV) 

This is your guarantee that the best is yet to come. Because Christ has been raised from the dead, you will all be raised from the dead on Judgment Day. “In Christ shall all be made alive,” refers to all who believe, all who are trusting in Jesus for forgiveness of their sins.

He’s risen, He’s risen, Christ Jesus, the Lord;

He opened death’s prison, incarnate, true Word.

Break forth, hosts of heaven, in jubilant song

While earth, sea, and mountain their praises prolong. 

The foe was triumphant when on Calvary

The Lord of creation was nailed to the tree.

n Satan’s domain his hosts shouted and jeered,

For Jesus was slain, whom the evil ones feared. 

But short was their triumph, the Savior arose,

And death, hell, and Satan He vanquished, His foes;

The conquering Lord lifts His banner on high.

He lives, yes, He lives, and will nevermore die.

Oh, where is your sting, death? We fear you no more;

Christ rose, and now open is fair Eden’s door.

For all our transgressions His blood does atone;

Redeemed and forgiven, we now are His own. 

▲Then sing your hosannas and raise your glad voice;

Proclaim the blest tidings that all may rejoice.

Laud, honor, and praise to the Lamb that was slain;

With Father and Spirit, He ever shall reign. 

(Lutheran Service Book #480)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that all who believe in You will be raised from the dead. What comfort to know that death is not the end for all who are in Christ! Please use me to reach others with this good news. Amen. 

Pastor David Paape

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

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