Thursday, November 14, 2024 - GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

 

"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, November 14, 2024 - Day 319 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 4-6; Hebrews10:1-23)

GOD’S PROMISES ARE TRUE

“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23 ESV)

Life can get tough. There are so many negative distractions that can drain us of hope. Perhaps the writer to the Hebrews was aware of these challenges to faith, so he encouraged his hearers:

   ● Keep the faith.

   ● Don’t loose hope.

   ● Don’t give up on Jesus.

   ● Remember that God always keeps His promises.

   ● Look for God’s faithfulness.

Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

Morning by morning new mercies I see;

All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

Great is Thy faithfulness,  Lord, unto me!

(Lutheran Service Book # 809) 

Almighty God, when life gets difficult, please keep me faithful and full of hope as I remember Your faithfulness to sinners like me. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 -

 

"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, November 13, 2024 - Day 318 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Ezekiel 1-3; Hebrews 9)

THE BLOOD OF JESUS - PRICELESS

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Hebrews 9:22 ESV)

The Old Testament sacrificial system that required the blood sacrifice of animals pointed to shedding of Christ’s blood as a sacrifice for the sins of mankind. Do you understand what this means for you personally?

“The blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:7b ESV)

1. Not all the blood of beasts

   On Jewish altars slain

   Could give the guilty conscience peace

   Or wash away the stain.

2. But Christ, the heav'nly Lamb,

   Takes all our sins away;

   A sacrifice of nobler name

   And richer blood than they.

5. Believing, we rejoice

   To see the curse remove;

   We bless the Lamb with cheerful voice

   And sing His bleeding love.

   (Lutheran Service Book # 431) 

Thank You, Lord Jesus, for shedding Your blood in payment for my sins. Bless my regular reception of Your body and Your blood in remembrance of Your sacrifice. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 - GOD’S GREAT FAITHFULNESS

 

"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, November 12, 2024 - Day 317 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Lammentations 3-5; Hebrews 8)

GOD’S GREAT FAITHFULNESS

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22-23 ESV)

In the middle of his lamentations over the catastrophic results of his people’s rebellion and unfaithfulness, Jeremiah proclaims God’s faithfulness. Remember his words when you face the catastrophes of 21st century life. In spite of your sin...

• God sent His only Son to the cross for your forgiveness.

• His mercy is new for you every morning.

• God’s love for you never ends.

  Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,

  Thy own dear presence to cheer and to guide;

  Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,

  Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside! REFRAIN 

  Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!

  Morning by morning new mercies I see;

  All I have needed Thy hand hath provided;

  Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!

   (Lutheran Service Book  # 809) 

Lord, I thank You for Your faithfulness in pardoning my sin. Help me to see Your mercies every day, starting today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Monday, November 11, 2024 - BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS-VETERANS DAY 2024

 

"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, November 11, 2024 - Day 316 (Through the Bible in a year reading for today: Joshua 1)

BE STRONG AND COURAGEOUS-VETERANS DAY 2024

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9 ESV)

Today is Veterans Day 2024. The first chapter of Joshua contains three times when it the reader is encouraged to “be strong and courageous.” This truly defines those who serve in the United States military. We pause today to thank our veterans for their service to America and our freedom.

In John’s Gospel we find a verse that can apply to those who gave the highest measure of devotion and paid for our freedom with their lives. However, the following words apply first to what Jesus has done for us. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13 ESV) 

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, fellow believer, your sins are forgiven and you have been reconciled to almighty God! 

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, you are now part of His forever family, the holy Christian Church.

● Because Jesus laid down His life for you, you can now be strong and courageous no matter what you may face in this life.

1. Eternal Father, strong to save, 

    Whose arm has bound the restless wave,

    Who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep 

    Its own appointed limits keep:

    O hear us when we cry to Thee 

    For those in peril on the sea.

2. O Christ, the Lord of hill and plain, 

    O’er which our traffic runs amain

    By mountain pass or valley low, 

    Wherever, Lord, Thy people go,

    Protect them by Thy guarding hand 

    From every peril of the land.

3. O Spirit, whom the Father sent 

    To spread abroad the firmament,

    O wind of heaven, by Thy might 

    Save all who dare the eagles flight,

    And keep them by Thy watchful care 

    From every peril of the air.

4. O Trinity of love and pow’r, 

    Our people shield in danger’s hour,

    From rock and tempest, fire and foe, 

    Protect them wheresoe’er they go;

    Thus evermore shall rise to Thee 

    Glad hymns and praise from land and sea.

   (Lutheran Service Book #717)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the sacrifice of those who have served in the United States military. Please watch over those who are serving now. Above all, I thank You for Jesus sacrifice for me on Calvary’s cross. Help me to be strong and courageous as I remember all that You have done for me and are still doing today. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

Pastor David Paape

Sunday, November 10, 2024 - STANDING FOR 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, November 10, 2024 - Day 315 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Lammentations 1,2; Hebrews 7 )

STANDING FOR JESUS

“If you abide in my word you are truly my disciples.” (John 8:31 ESV)

Martin Luther, the major leader of the Reformation, was born on November 10, 1483. Few knew that the little baby baptized the next day would turn the world upside by pointing lost sinners to Jesus. How did the Lord work through Luther? The same way that He wants to work through you, by means of His Word, the Bible!

The graphic on this page depicts Luther standing before the great powers of his day, the emperor and representatives of the pope. He was able to make such a bold stand because He was totally convinced of the truthfulness and authority of the Bible.

Jesus encouraged Luther and you and me to abide in His word. How do we do this?

● Read the Bible every day.

● Attend church every week.

● Live the truth of God’s Word every second.

    God's Word is our great heritage

    And shall be ours forever;

    To spread its light from age to age

    Shall be our chief endeavor.

    Through life it guides our way,

    In death it is our stay.

    Lord, grant, while worlds endure,

    We keep its teachings pure

    throughout all generations.

    (Lutheran Service Book #582)

Heavenly Father, thank You for the example all who, like Luther, courageously and faithfully stand up for You even in the face of great opposition. Please help to keep Your Word in my everyday living too. In Jesus’ saving name. Amen.

“See” you at the Communion rail this morning!

Pastor David Paape

Saturday, November 9, 2024 - AN ANCHOR OF HOPE

 

"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, November 9, 2024 - Day 314 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Jeremiah 51,52; Hebrews 6)

AN ANCHOR OF HOPE

“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 football team to win. Instead, the hope that anchors our souls is a sure confidence in “the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.”

    My hope is build on nothing less 

    Than Jesus blood and righteousness.

    No merit of my own I claim 

    But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

    On Christ the solid Rock I stand; 

    All other ground is sinking sand.

     (Lutheran Service Book #575)

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.

“See” you in church tomorrow morning!

Pastor David Paape

Friday, November 8, 2024 - OUR HIGH PRIEST

"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, November 8, 2024 - Day 313 (Through the Bible in a year readings for today: Jeremiah 49,50; Hebrews 5)

OUR HIGH PRIEST

“So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’” (Hebrews 5:5-6 ESV) 

The role of the Old Testament high priest was to intercede for the people, offer sacrifices for their sins, and proclaim the Word and will of God.

Jesus came to be our Prophet, Priest and King. Our verses for today refer to His role as Priest. As our perfect High Priest...

● Jesus intercedes with God the Father on behalf of us sinners. In fact, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are the only intercessors the Bible identifies.

● Jesus sacrificed Himself in payment for our sins by dying on the cross in our place.

● Jesus, who is the Word, proclaimed the Word and will of His Father perfectly!

Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus to be my high priest. Thank You for His intercession, His sacrifice, and His word of comfort and direction! Lord Jesus, please continue to intercede for me. Amen.